Patents Issued in January 29, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040016286
    Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Shiva Prakash
  • Publication number: 20040016287
    Abstract: The artificial olfactory system is an ultra-sensitive and selective odor sensing system for the detection of odorant molecules down to the part per trillion level. The system includes multiple ultra sensitive frequency sensors, such as sensors based on piezoelectric substrates or micro-machined resonators, capable of detecting frequency changes resulting from the interaction of odorant molecules with the sensor. A coating applied to the sensor greatly increases the surface of interaction between the odorant molecules or biological agents and the sensor. An array of these sensors, each responding to the interaction of an odorant molecule species but in a different manner, results in different frequency shifts. An ultra sensitive frequency measurement device measures as small as part per billion shift in frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Chi Yung Fu
  • Publication number: 20040016288
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a source gas for detection of phosgene and/or chlorine dioxide therein, in which the source gas is filtered for removal of hydrogen sulfide and/or chlorine and/or hydrogen chloride prior to monitoring of the source gas by a gas sensor specific for phosgene or chlorine dioxide detection. The filter includes a support having Ag2O thereon, and when the source gas contains chlorine dioxide, chlorine also is present in the source gas prior to its filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Elena Nikolskaya
  • Publication number: 20040016289
    Abstract: Formation drilling cuttings are centrifuged and a sediment sample is extracted and heated to burn off surface hydrocarbons. A non-fluorescing diluant is added to the sediment. The sediment is then subjected to UV excitation. Depending upon the permeability of the sediment, the speed at which emitted fluorescence brightens is found to vary. The time and brightness of the emission are measured. The time/brightness relationship is proportional to the permeability of the cuttings and can be used to calculate a relative permeability index for comparison to other know parameters to determine the presence of hydrocarbon and the likelihood of being able to produce the hydrocarbon from a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Konstandinos S. Zamfes
  • Publication number: 20040016290
    Abstract: A tool for conducting localized testing of the integrity of a pressure seal on an aircraft. The tool comprises a body having an exterior surface and an interior cavity. A peripheral edge on the body defines an opening to the interior cavity. The tool is positioned on an aircraft over the pressure seal to be tested with the interior cavity communicating with the pressure seal. A sealing member is positioned between the aircraft and the peripheral edge so that a fluid tight seal is formed between the tool and the aircraft. A vacuum is created in the interior cavity. After a predetermined length of time the amount of vacuum in the interior cavity is observed and the integrity of the pressure seal is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel D. Poblete
  • Publication number: 20040016291
    Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Shiva Prakash
  • Publication number: 20040016292
    Abstract: In a failure diagnosis apparatus of a position control system (variable valve operating system) wherein a target position of a control object (camshaft) changes and an actual position of the control object is feedback-controlled to the target position. A failure of the position control system is detected based upon a difference (&Sgr;C=&Sgr;A−&rgr;B) or a ratio (&Sgr;B/&Sgr;A) between an integral value &Sgr;A of the target position and an integral value &Sgr;B of the actual position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kawamura, Yoichiro Nakahara, Makoto Kuroki
  • Publication number: 20040016293
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a tire for testing wherein the tire need not be physically removed from a conveyor. A roller coupled with a drive device is supported adjacent the conveyor by a support structure. The roller is selectively positionable in a testing position, wherein the roller engages the beads of the tire and the tire is supported on the roller. In this testing position, the drive is used to selectively rotate the roller, thereby rotating the tire about a rotational axis. The detector head of a testing device disposed in the tire rolls or slides on the inside surface of the tire as it rotates to detect any flaws in the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Arnold A. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20040016294
    Abstract: A non-linear region controller 45 calculates a standard yaw rate from an actual steering angle &thgr;r of steerable wheels detected by a steering angle sensor 10, a deviation from the standard yaw rate, of a yaw rate &ggr;r detected by a yaw rate sensor 23, and a rate of change of the yaw rate deviation. Based upon calculated results, the non-linear region controller 45 determines whether tires of a traveling vehicle are in a non-linear region of tire characteristic, and if determining so, exercises a steering amount reduction control to reduce an actual steering angle &thgr;r of the steerable wheels. The determination of linearity of tire characteristic can be made with comparative ease utilizing a commonly available sensor, and the vehicle is controlled using the determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobuo Sugitani, Masaaki Kawano, Osamu Tsurumiya
  • Publication number: 20040016295
    Abstract: A well pressure and temperature measurement system and method are provided. In a described embodiment, a sensor system includes multiple strain sensors attached to a structure which changes dimensionally in response to well pressure and temperature changes. The strain sensors may be fiber optic sensors. The structure may be tubular and the strain sensors may detect axial and hoop strains in the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, John R. Dennis, Michel Leblanc, Gregg Johnson, Michael D. Todd
  • Publication number: 20040016296
    Abstract: A level meter for motor vehicle fuel tanks comprises a float element (26). With the float element (26), a lever (18) is connected that is adapted to be pivoted about a pivot axis (28). Further, the level meter comprises a position sensor (10) as well as a position transmitter (16) connected with the lever (18). At the level of the position sensor (10), the position transmitter (16) is connected with the lever (18). According to the invention, the position transmitter (16) cooperates with the position sensor (10) in a contactless manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Weisse
  • Publication number: 20040016297
    Abstract: A quartz crystal sensor cell in which the sensor is secured to the base of a well defining a test sample space by a layer of adhesive between the respective peripheral surfaces. Also a quartz crystal sensor cell is provided in which the quartz sensor crystal is inclined relative to the opposite surface of the test sample space. These constructions respectively improve distinctness of the “Q” peak and problems from reflected waves in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Paul, Karl Pavey, Richard C. Payne
  • Publication number: 20040016298
    Abstract: Methods for obtaining biometric identification data for an individual using a sensor and a processor coupled to the sensor are presented. In an embodiment, the present invention involves placing a portion of a biological object such as a finger, thumb, palm or foot of the individual proximate to piezo ceramic elements of the sensor and generating an output signal with the sensor that is representative of at least one feature of the biological object. The output signal is processed using the processor to produce biological data useful for identifying the individual. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor includes at least fifty thousand piezo ceramic elements arranged in an array. These piezo ceramic elements are spaced on a pitch equal to or less than approximately two hundred microns. A multiplexer couples the output of the sensor to the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Walter G. Scott
  • Publication number: 20040016299
    Abstract: One or more phased array ultrasonic probes in the shape of conical section arcs, or an entire conical section ring, emit beams at a fixed incident angle with respect to the outer surface of a tube or pipe under inspection. At any given moment, these beams strike the tube at a single small entry zone from number of different directions. After being refracted at the inspection angle corresponding to the fixed angle of incidence, defects having longitudinal, transverse and oblique orientations are detected in the three-dimensional volume of the tube wall. The number of entry zones required for complete coverage of the outer surface of the tube is a function of the size of the tube, the speed at which it passes through the inspection station and the rate of rotation of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: David Glascock, Noel Dube, Vincent Pasquer, Laurent Butin
  • Publication number: 20040016300
    Abstract: A mechanical stress detection and characterization sensor (14) includes multiple test layers (32) that overlap each other. Multiple electrodes (36) are electrically coupled to the test layers (32). Electrical properties of one or more of the test layers (32) changes in response to loading of the mechanical stress detection and characterization sensor (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Markus Hugenschmidt
  • Publication number: 20040016301
    Abstract: A vascular prosthesis tester (10) for inducing stresses upon a vascular prosthesis (22) having a channel extending through the vascular prosthesis is disclosed. The tester includes a pump (18) adaptable to pressurize a fluid disposed within the channel to induce a radial stress upon the vascular prosthesis. The tester may further include a bend applicator (16) operable to induce a bending stress, a torque applicator (12) operable to induce a torque, a linear force applicator (52) operable to induce a linear force, and/or a stop (28) for inducing a lateral push stress upon the vascular prosthesis. A method of fatigue testing a vascular prosthesis contained within a fluid conduit is also disclosed. The method includes injecting a fluid within the inner channel and inducing a torque, bending stress, linear stress, and/or later push stress upon the vascular prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Michael R. Moreno, James E. Moore
  • Publication number: 20040016302
    Abstract: A differential-pressure flow sensor for airflow measurement in the presence of water condensation, for use with mechanical ventilators. The pressure-sensing ports at either end of the interfering body are displaced from the inner surface of the surrounding tubing, so as to prevent obstruction of the pressure-sensing ports by free flowing condensed water. The leading edge of the interfering body is angulated so as to deflect airflow towards the pressure-sensing port on the trailing edge of the interfering body, thereby flushing water droplets away from the port. The sides of the interfering body are sloped so as to generate turbulent boundary layer airflow at areas distant from the pressure-sensing ports, thereby encouraging water condensation away from the ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Boaz Misholi, Mark Shahar, Sajed Haj-Yahya
  • Publication number: 20040016303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear actuator that maximizes the flux density in the air gap where work is to be done by increasing the lines of flux that are captured while keeping the cost of production and mass relatively low. This is achieved by an improved linear actuator, which is characterized by a keeper comprised of a cross-shaped piece of ferromagnetic material bent such that the four ends of the cross are located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Scott Loving, Anthony William Pankratz
  • Publication number: 20040016304
    Abstract: A hall effect seat belt tension sensor for a vehicle. The sensor has a housing mounted to a seat belt. An anchor plate is mounted between the seat belt and a fixed point on a vehicle. The anchor plate is partially mounted in housing. A spring is mounted between the housing and the anchor plate. Tension on the seat belt causes the anchor plate to move relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator is mounted to the anchor plate. The magnetic field generator moves as the anchor plate moves. A magnetic field sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to movement of the magnetic field generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Murray Kaijala, Dale Teeters
  • Publication number: 20040016305
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes input and output axes coupled through a torsion bar, magnetic media attached to the input and output axes and having magnetic tracks magnetized at a predetermined pitch and magnetic detection elements disposed opposite to the magnetic media to be sensitive to the magnetic tracks. At least two magnetic tracks for detection of torque are formed with a magnetic phase difference in each of the magnetic media attached to the input and output axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Masahiro Matsumoto, Masamichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040016306
    Abstract: A torque detecting device includes an elastic member disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft of a torque transmitting apparatus, first and second resolvers detecting rotational angles of the elastic member at sides of the input shaft and the output shaft. The first resolver includes a first excitation winding coil and a first output winding coil, and the second resolver includes a second excitation winding coil and a second output winding coil. The first and second excitation winding coils are connected to a ground, and the first and second output winding coils are connected to the other ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Fujiwara, Mitsunori Naruse, Yuji Yoshizawa, Mikihiko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20040016307
    Abstract: A force sensor apparatus includes a vibrating beam and first and second isolator mass members that supports ends of the vibrating beam. The first and second isolator mass members are configured symmetrically relative to an axis that intersects the vibrating beam at an angle other than 90 degrees. First and second end mounts connect respectively to the first and second isolator mass members. Each isolator mass member has a center of gravity. Each isolator mass member is shaped so that it can be massive (e.g., along the x-axis direction) while at the same time having its center of gravity at an optimal location so that undesirable beam forces and moments that would otherwise transfer vibrating beam energy to the end mounts are cancelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Albert
  • Publication number: 20040016308
    Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Rupprecht & Patashnick Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Rogers, Adam C. Bailey, Michael S. Cummings, Lauren R. Basch
  • Publication number: 20040016309
    Abstract: Device for the dynamic measurement of an object's relative position, with respect to a mobile reference system, which comprises an articulated mechanical arm with five degrees of freedom and with five angular position sensors that allow the measurement of the three spatial coordinates of a point on the object and the two inclination angles (&agr; (convergence) and &ggr; (descent)) that define a plane of symmetry for the measuring object with respect to a reference point, said device being particularly applicable to the dynamic measurement of the relative position of a vehicle's wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: IDIADA AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY, S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Catala Garcia, Sebastien Hoppenot
  • Publication number: 20040016310
    Abstract: An explosive detection system includes an X-ray inspection apparatus, a mover for moving an object to be inspected to the X-ray inspection apparatus, a sample introduction probe for sampling a gas sample from the object to be inspected, a pipe for introducing the sampled gas into a corona discharge region and for subjecting the sampled gas to negative corona discharge to ionize the sampled gas and to generate negative ions. A mass spectrometer is provided to analyze the mass of the negative ions of the sampled gas and to provide results thereof. Inspection by the X-ray inspection apparatus is performed in relation to sampling of the gas sample, and explosive detection system inspects whether or not an explosive is present in the object to be inspected, from the analysis results of the sampled gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Minoru Sakairi, Masao Suga, Yuichiro Hashimoto, Masuyoshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040016311
    Abstract: A recoil starter enabling a power-driven device to be coupled to a crankshaft of an engine in a state where the recoil starter is mounted to the crankshaft on the same side of the engine as the crankshaft is disposed on. A starter housing is provided on an inside thereof with a reel support shaft which projects coaxially with the crankshaft. A rope reel having a recoil rope wound thereon and a cam, which transmits rotation via centrifugal ratchets to the crankshaft, are rotatably mounted on the reel support shaft while they are rotatingly coupled to each other via a damper spring. An opening is formed in the reel support shaft so as to extend from a distal end thereof near the crankshaft to the outside of the starter housing. A drive shaft of the device is coupled to the crankshaft inside the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hideki Hashiba
  • Publication number: 20040016312
    Abstract: A ball screw has a screw shaft including a screw groove formed in an outer peripheral surface thereof; a nut including a screw groove formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof and screwed together with the screw shaft through a large number of balls rollably disposed in a spiral-shaped ball rolling passage formed by the two screw grooves; and, two seals respectively disposed on the two end portions of the nut for sealing the opening of a clearance between the screw shaft and the nut, wherein two annular grooves are respectively formed in the inner peripheral surfaces of the two end portions of the nut, each of the seals is formed in a substantially annular-ring shape having an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the nut and the seals are mounted into the nut by fitting the outer edge portions of the seals into the annular grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Yabe, Masato Katou
  • Publication number: 20040016313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved electrical rolling door transmission including one door controller with one pair of transmission gears, two cams, one position cover and two adjustable shafts, all contained in the FixDisc, allowing the user to adjust manually and directly in the limited maintenance space, keeping the limiting position steady after adjustment, thus facilitates the maintenance. One positioning board is installed between the wheel and the driving motor for the user to dismantle the driving motor directly while eases maintenance and assemblage. Furthermore, several sockets on one side of the clutch disc of the FixDisc allow the inserting shaft to insert into any of these sockets for reposition, instead of waiting for reposition by revolving for a big circle, providing better reposition mechanism. While no replacement for a new clutch is needed in case of any socket being damaged, the maintenance cost generates more economic benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Curtis Liu
  • Publication number: 20040016314
    Abstract: An automatic transmission apparatus is provided with a compact shifting mechanism. The apparatus includes an automatic transmission, the shifting mechanism arranged inside the vehicle cabin to have a shift lever to be manipulated by a driver and also adapted to allow a desired driving range of the vehicle to be selected by the driver's manipulating of the shift lever, a link mechanism to transmit a movement of the shift lever to the shifting mechanism and a manipulating-force assisting device acting on a connecting part between the shifting mechanism and the link mechanism to assist a driver's force to manipulate the shift lever, the manipulating-force assisting device having a motor as a driving source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Satoh, Thoshio Ohashi, Takeshi Ogasawara, Toyotoshi Katou
  • Publication number: 20040016315
    Abstract: A backlash clutch comprising first rotation member (3) and a second rotation member (4), each of which are provided rotatably on an identical axis, and are engaged together in a rotating direction of the members by contacting each radial extension surface (3a, 4a). A gap d exists between said radial extension surface of the first and the second rotation members (3a, 4a) at the rotating direction of the members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nakamura, Masafumi Okada, Tatsuya Goto
  • Publication number: 20040016316
    Abstract: A device that provides the means to allow the operator of any handlebar-operated vehicle, craft or other device to quickly and easily change the handlebar position. It is installed between the original riser and the handlebar. It consists of: a) A structure that is shaped like a portion of the original handlebars. This mounts in the original riser or other mounting hardware. b) A structure that secures the handlebars in place. c) A structure that connects “a” and “b”. The operator can adjust the handlebar position by loosening the securing hardware on the original riser, moving the handlebar to the desired position by swiveling, the adjustable extended riser, then re-tightening the securing hardware on the original riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Bechler
  • Publication number: 20040016317
    Abstract: A torsional-vibration damper includes at least one primary element and a secondary element that can be coupled to each other by a spring device, are limited in movement in relation to each other about a rotational axis, and can be brought into frictional contact with each other by a friction device. The friction device has at least two friction-surface-carrying elements rubbing against each other to which a contact-pressure force, generated by a force-generating device, can be applied to produce a frictional engagement between the two elements. The force-generating device has a mechanical actuating mechanism for generating an actuating force and a hydraulic actuating mechanism for generating a counterforce, wherein the contact-pressure force is a vector sum of the actuating force and the counterforce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bauer, Michael Schafer, Hans-Jurgen Hauck, Johannes Heinrich
  • Publication number: 20040016318
    Abstract: A method for forming a nanocomposite material and articles made with the nanocomposite material are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Martin Angeliu
  • Publication number: 20040016319
    Abstract: A metallic article is produced by furnishing one or more nonmetallic precursor compound comprising the metallic constituent element(s), and chemically reducing the nonmetallic precursor compound(s) to produce an initial metallic particle, preferably having a size of no greater than about 0.070 inch, without melting the initial metallic particle. The initial metallic particle is thereafter melted and solidified to produce the metallic article. By this approach, the incidence of chemical defects in the metal article is minimized. The melted-and-solidified metal may be used in the as-cast form, or it may be converted to billet and further worked to the final form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Philip Woodfield, Clifford Earl Shamblen, Eric Allen Ott
  • Publication number: 20040016320
    Abstract: A ratchet pipe wrench a C-shaped head including two jaws and a ratchet mechanism is received in the head so as to engage with a C-shaped engaging member rotatably engaged with the space between the two jaws of the head. A C-shaped positioning ring is securely engaged with a groove defined in an inside of the two jaws of the head so that only the engaging member is rotatable relative to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20040016321
    Abstract: A pipe wrench includes a C-shaped head including two jaws and a space is partially enclosed by the two jaws. A passage is defined in an inside of the head and communicates with the space. A spring and an end member is received in the passage. A C-shaped engaging member is rotatably engaged with the space between the two jaws and has a toothed outer surface which is engaged with the pawl. When the opening of the head and the engaging member is in alignment with each other, the wrench is able to remove from the object to be tightened or loosened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20040016322
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes a handle and a head with a compartment. A drive member includes a first end extended beyond the compartment, a second end extended beyond the compartment, and a gear wheel formed between the first end and the second end. The gear wheel is rotatably mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed outer periphery. A pawl is mounted in the compartment and includes a toothed side facing the gear wheel teeth. The toothed side of the pawl includes a first teeth portion having a first center of curvature and a second teeth portion having a second center of curvature located at a position different from the first center of curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20040016323
    Abstract: Open wrenches retain fasteners fully seated in the jaws of the wrench. The jaws have fastener-engaging surfaces with substantially planar and parallel sections that extend past the front side corners of the fastener when it is fully seated in the wrench, and serrated diverging sections extending outwardly and rearwardly from these planar sections. The serrated diverging section may be arcuate or a slightly inclined. Both types of diverging section are designed to reduce slipping, and are connected to rear corners of the fastener-engaging cavity that are designed and positioned to avoid contact with the rear side corners of the fastener. Arcuate rear side corners of the wrench cavity avoid contact with the rear side corners of the fastener, and avoids stress concentration points. The throat that connects the corners has two gentle curves or flat surfaces leading to a central arc. This modified “U” design provide more metal in the throat of the wrench, which stiffens the jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Richard B. Wright, Kenneth R. Milligan
  • Publication number: 20040016324
    Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040016325
    Abstract: Adjustable pliers comprising a round jaw and teeth on every gripping surface of the jaw. The teeth extend down the body of the pliers to the extent that the jaws, when fully opened are able to grip an object from every surface of the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jesse Giang Smith
  • Publication number: 20040016326
    Abstract: A method of determining expected fatigue life of machined bearing races or other components wherein a hardened surface of each bearing race is machined to provide a machined surface including the steps of determining hardness distribution and residual stress distribution along a depth into the machined surface as a function of cutting parameters, determining a relationship of expected fatigue life of the machined bearing races as a function of the hardness distribution and the residual stress distribution using a fracture mechanics model, and determining expected fatigue life from the relationship using actual cutting parameters employed in machining the hardened surface of the bearing races. Cutting conditions to optimize fatigue life can be selected based on the expected fatigue life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Chunghorng R. Liu, Salah Ramadan Agha
  • Publication number: 20040016327
    Abstract: A rack including at least one substantially horizontally oriented hanger member. The hanger member defines a cross-sectional profile dimensioned and shaped to fit within the mounting keyway of a standard tool holder thus enabling the tool holder to be suspended, or hung form the hanger member. The rack includes a retention means for inhibiting translational movement of the tool holder along the hanger member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ricky D. Huntington
  • Publication number: 20040016328
    Abstract: A cutting tool includes a base made of metal having a plurality to cutting teeth along an edge of the base, wherein at least one cutting tooth has at least one notch in the cutting edge of the at least one cutting tooth. A tool is prepared by introducing a notch running longitudinally along the length of the tool in the cutting edge of the cutting teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: L. S. Starrett Company
    Inventors: Paul Armand Dion, John Thomas Caron
  • Publication number: 20040016329
    Abstract: A TiBN layer is provided as a coating, in particular for cutter bodies, which is a mixed phase consisting of TiN and TiB2. The boron content is 6 At.≧weight -%. The deposition rate is higher than that of a TiN layer and also higher than that of a TiB2 layer. Hardnesses between 3500 HV to 5000 KV are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: WALTER AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Helga Holzschuh
  • Publication number: 20040016330
    Abstract: The invention is a tool to be struck, or a striking tool, (collectively referred to as an “impact tool”), or alternatively, a cap, that will not suffer metal spall and the attendant dangers of spalling and flying or cutting metal slivers. The preferred mode is on a chisel (wood or cold) or repeated impact tool. The chisel would have a striking end cut square to the shaft. The striking end would be opposite the working end. Other tools such as impact wrenches, jackhammers, wedges, spikes, hammers, mallets or other tools being struck or striking forcibly benefit from the invention by use of a disk insert of polymeric material to alter ergonomic and noise characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: H. Downman McCarty, Brooke Schumm, Peter Popper
  • Publication number: 20040016331
    Abstract: A slicing and conveying system forms a three or more flavor-combined draft. A first slicing machine slices a succession of first slices. A first output conveyor beneath the first slicing machine receives the first slices in a first draft. A second slicing machine slices a succession of second slices. A second output conveyor beneath the second slicing machine receives the second slices in a second draft. A pass-through conveyor transfers the first draft to the second output conveyor, wherein the second draft is added to the first draft to form a first combined draft. The first slicing machine also slices a succession of third slices in a third draft. An overlap conveyor receives the first combined draft and merges the first combined draft with the third draft on the overlap conveyor to form an elongated combined draft. A first optical sensor determines a length of the first draft. A second length sensor determines a length of the second draft. A third length sensor determines a length of the third draft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Formax, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Wolcott, Glenn Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20040016332
    Abstract: A blade holder for a mat board cutting machine, the blade holder including an open sided recess for receiving a blade, a screw for adjusting the extension of the blade from the recess and a magnet for releasably holding the blade within the recess. A cutter head for use with a mat board cutting machine, the cutter head including a blade carrier pivotably mounted to the cutter head for holding a blade holder. The blade holder includes an open sided recess for receiving a blade, a screw for adjusting the extension of the blade from the recess and a magnet for releasably holding the blade within the recess. A mat board cutting machine including a clamp for holding mat boards against a deck and a cutter head mounted to the clamp for cutting the mat board. The clamp is held between clamp hinges which include screws to exert a compressive force against the end of the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas David Price, James F. Stewart, David L. Heinz, William C. Tigner
  • Publication number: 20040016333
    Abstract: The miter saw includes a base, a table rotatably attached to the base, a support housing connected to the table, at least one rail slidably connected to the support housing, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the at least one rail and movable between a front position and a rear position, the saw assembly including a trunnion disposed on the at least one rail, a pivot arm pivotally attached to the trunnion, an upper blade guard connected to the pivot arm, a motor attached to the upper blade guard, and a blade driven by the motor, and a carrying handle provided on the at least one rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Steven A. Shull, Brian P. Wattenbach, Warren A. Ceroll
  • Publication number: 20040016334
    Abstract: A log merchandising apparatus includes feeding and staging feeders and a plurality of pivoting overhead truss-mounted saws. The saws are travelling saws, reversibly and independently movable along the longitudinal axis of the log by means of a rack and pinion drive and lineal bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Bruno Lindenblatt
  • Publication number: 20040016335
    Abstract: For the notching of a book block spine, formed with compressed signatures, a notching tool is provided that rotates around a pivoting axis, approximately perpendicular to the book block spine, and which comprises cutting teeth for cutting into the book block spine while the book block is passing by along the conveying path for a perfect binder. The cutting teeth are attached to a disc-shaped carrier on the notching tool, so as to protrude on the front. The carrier of the notching tool is provided with at least two opposite-arranged cutting teeth, which are oriented at an acute angle to a circular cutting plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Muller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Horst Knoetig