Patents Issued in February 12, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040026166
    Abstract: A marine engine muffler is provided having a silencing element with an inclined surface defining an array of elongate slotted apertures generally disposed in circumferential alignment. The slotted apertures are preferably defined by angled sidewalls such that exhaust gas flowing therethrough is forced to travel in a path that forms a reverse angle relative to the overall exhaust flow path thus conducting exhaust gases and entrained water to reverse direction while flowing through the silencing element. The conical silencing element is specifically sized to avoid resonant vibration within the operational RPM range of the engine and is further sized relative to the combined displacement of the engine and/or cylinder bank in fluid communication therewith to avoid resonant vibrations caused by reflected exhaust gas pressure waves generated by the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Woodrow E. Woods
  • Publication number: 20040026167
    Abstract: The invention concerns a suction apparatus with noise reduction means (7, 8) in one or more airflow passages (2, 3, 4) for reducing noise emission from an airflow generator (1) or the like, wherein at least one airflow passage (2, 3, 4) is provided with at least one indentation (7) with a predetermined depth (D) extending substantially perpendicularly to the general direction of the noise in the passage. By the invention, a suction apparatus with noise reduction means is provided which is simple and efficient at reducing noise and also inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Nohr Larsen
  • Publication number: 20040026168
    Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew E. Buchanan, Joseph T. Penaloza
  • Publication number: 20040026169
    Abstract: A portable elevated observation chair apparatus comprises a rope ladder releasably attached on each side of a top end thereof to laterally separated elevated support locations and releasably attached on each side of a bottom portion to laterally separated bottom support locations. The attachments cause the rope ladder to resist twisting away from the forward facing direction. A bottom end of the rope ladder is located forward of the top end thereof such that lower rungs of the rope ladder are forward of higher rungs. A flexible chair is attached between upper and lower adjacent rungs located in proximity to the top end of the rope such that a seat is provided by the flexible chair between the rungs. Conveniently the support locations are provided by trees, and the apparatus may be rolled up in a compact bundle and readily carried through treed areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Dean LePage
  • Publication number: 20040026170
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus to facilitate lifting and maneuvering of a scaffold or the like by a forklift is provided. The lifting apparatus includes two identical portions, each portion including two end structure portions and a backbone portion. The end structure portions removably secure the lifting apparatus to the scaffold. The backbone portion is adapted to accommodate the width of the working platform of a scaffold, to link the end structure portions together, and to provide locations for a forklift to attach to the lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus is adapted to allow the forklift to align perpendicular or parallel to the length of the scaffold. Furthermore, the lifting apparatus aligns the lifting structure of the scaffold with the center of mass of the scaffold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: David Rudolph
  • Publication number: 20040026171
    Abstract: A multifunctional highrise escaping device capable of moving up and down, left and right as well as forward and rearward mainly includes a machine base disposed with a rotary disk on the bottom portion thereof to connect an expansion steel rack; two winding machines are disposed at the upper aspect of the machine base; one side of the machine base is disposed with two wire reels coiled by wire ropes. The winded wire ropes on the winding machine extend along the expansion steel rack to suspend a tank body at the front end of the steel rack. The machine base is disposed on the top of the highrise and rotates via the rotary disk turning at 360 degree. The winding machine pulls the tank body to ascend and descend as well as to move left and right, so as to descend slowly for escaping in a fire accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hsing-San Chang
  • Publication number: 20040026172
    Abstract: A step apparatus (10) is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly (12) which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly (18) includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members (28) are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies (30) are connected to the rear bracket portion. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Steve L. Ehnes
  • Publication number: 20040026173
    Abstract: A ladder includes a frame and a plurality of folding steps. The ladder includes a step mover coupled to the steps to allow pivotable movement of the step sections relative to the left and right legs as the ladder is moved between opened and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Luke Hillebrecht, Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20040026174
    Abstract: Kindly consider the abstract on the cover sheet of published PCT Application WO 02/35068 A1 (attached hereto).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Sven Lauritsen
  • Publication number: 20040026175
    Abstract: A manual override mechanism is presented for a motor-driven linear actuator that allows the output rack and pinion of the actuator to be manually positioned. Once positioned, the output may be locked by a locking mechanism to prevent this output from translating to its quiescent position. When incorporated in a spring-return linear actuator, the manual override may be used to apply a preload on the spring before the driven device is connected. When the actuator is used to drive a valve or damper, the preload applies a positive closing force on the valve or damper in its zero position to ensure a tight closure of the valve or damper. The locking mechanism engages the gear train and opposes the closing force applied by the spring return of the actuator. To disengage the locking mechanism automatically, the motor applies a forward kick to the gear train. Manual disengagement is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Invensys Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hung-Sun Oh, Gerald R. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20040026176
    Abstract: An advertising system for encouraging impulse purchases of non-prescription products or services at a drive-thru window. The system comprises a drive-thru window, having an interior and an exterior, where customers pick-up prescription products. One or more advertising signs with changeable advertising copy promoting one or more non-prescription products or services are visible from a vehicle waiting in line at or approaching the exterior of the drive-thru window. A set of storage devices is positioned in close proximity to the interior of the drive-thru window and readily accessible by an operator of the drive-thru window. Each storage device contains one of the non-prescription products or items related to one of the non-prescription services corresponding to the changeable advertising copy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Chris Quinlan
  • Publication number: 20040026177
    Abstract: An elevator is capable of transmitting signals between an elevator control unit and a car control unit without using tail cords. Resin-coated ropes for suspending an elevator car and a counterweight comprise conductive metal wires. Transmitter-receivers use the conductive metal wires of the ropes for contactless signal transmission. The conductive metal wires of the two ropes are connected in rope-anchoring parts to form an electrical closed loop for signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hideki Ayano, Hiromi Inaba, Ikuo Yamato, Shota Iwakura, Taichi Maeda, Akihiro Omiya, Shinichirou Kawano
  • Publication number: 20040026178
    Abstract: An inner layer rope has a plurality of inner layer strands, in which a plurality of steel wires are twisted together, with an elevator rope for suspending a car of an elevator apparatus. An inner layer cladding made of a resin covers a periphery of the inner layer rope. An outer layer is formed on a peripheral portion of the inner layer cladding. The outer layer has a plurality of outer layer strands in which a plurality of steel wires are twisted together. An outer layer cladding made of a high-friction resin material covers the periphery of the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Takenobu Honda
  • Publication number: 20040026179
    Abstract: In a cable lift, with a single compartment or shaft (1) for housing a movable cage (2) and an apparatus (3), comprising at least one fixed winch (4) and a counterweight (5), for displacement of the cage (2), the counterweight (5) performs travel movements shorter than those of the cage (2) so that a part (1a) of the shaft (1) is always free to house the winch (4) therein. The latter, in particular, comprises a traction pulley (4c) with its axis (4a) parallel to a wall (1b) of the shaft (1), next to which it is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Eros Assirelli
  • Publication number: 20040026180
    Abstract: A lift system that coordinates the raising and lowering of a vehicle relative to a surface by using wireless communications is provided. The lift system includes at least two lift mechanisms each having a post, a carriage, an actuating device and a control device. The carriage is slidably coupled to the post and is adapted to support a portion of the vehicle. The actuating device is coupled with the carriage and is capable of moving the carriage relative to the post. The control device is coupled with the actuating device and is capable of communicating by wireless signals with the other control device. The control devices communicate by wireless signals to coordinate the movement of the carriages relative to the posts to raise or lower the vehicle. Further, a rechargeable battery may provide power to the control device to allow for increased mobility of the lift system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Gray Automotive Products, Inc.,
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20040026181
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disk brake, in particularly for utility vehicles, comprising a brake caliper, which extends over a brake disk, an application device located in the brake caliper for applying brake pads on both sides of the brake disk in the direction of the latter, in addition to at least one adjusting system located in the brake caliper for compensating wear and tear on the brake pad and/or disk, by adjusting the distance between the brake pad and the brake disk. Said disk brake is characterized in that at least one or several adjusting rotative devices are provided on each side of the brake disk for adjusting the axial distances between the two brake pads and the brake disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Dieter Bieker, Wolfgang Pahle
  • Publication number: 20040026182
    Abstract: An actuating device for a brake unit of a vehicle EBS includes a tappet positioned in a housing of the brake unit for actuating a piston to operate a brake valve. A displacement sensor slide measures axial movement of the tappet. So that moving parts of the actuating device are guided with minimal friction and that torque acting on the tappet is compensated for, the tappet includes a base plate disposed non-rotatably in a receiver of a guide ring having spaced-apart oblong holes, a spacer ring disposed in the guide ring having angled edges which extend into the oblong holes, and a window on the guide ring protruding radially outwardly into a slit on the housing to receive the displacement sensor slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Olaf Leske, Bernd Christoffers
  • Publication number: 20040026183
    Abstract: 25A brake assembly (10) which provides a controllably varying amount of self-energization by the dynamic adjustment of the position of a wedge member (22) which is based upon a measured amount of friction which exists between a pad assembly (14) and a rotor (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Minh Trac Trinh
  • Publication number: 20040026184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel brake device (10), which in particular is actuatable electromechanically, for a motor vehicle. The invention proposes embodying the wheel brake device (10) with a pivotable lever (22), one end of which is engaged by an energy-storing spring element (26) and which with its other end presses against a wheel brake lining (18). According to the invention, the lever (22) is pivotably supported by a support means (32, 34) that is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the lever. By displacement of the support means (32, 34) in the longitudinal direction of the lever (22), a lever arm with which the energy-storing spring element (26) engages the lever (22) lengthens, and a lever arm with which the lever (22) presses against the wheel brake lining (18) shortens. By displacement of the support means (32, 34), a pressure force with which the energy-storing spring element (26), via the lever (22), presses the wheel brake lining (18) against a brake disk (14) can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Dietmar Baumann, Hanniel Schmidt, Herbert Vollert, Frieder Keller
  • Publication number: 20040026185
    Abstract: A wedge-operated brake apparatus includes a piston for generating a braking force when axially driven, an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input, and a wedge transmission mechanism for converting the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston. The brake-actuating output is transmitted to the piston so as to drive the piston to thereby generate a braking force. The wedge transmission mechanism includes a first plate member which moves together with the piston, a second plate member disposed in opposition to the first plate member and fixedly secured to a housing, a wedge member disposed between the first and second plate members and engaging respective engaging surfaces of the first and second plate members via rollers, and a holder for rotatably holding the rollers and holding the wedge member while allowing linear movement of the wedge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Murayama, Daizo Oba
  • Publication number: 20040026186
    Abstract: A wedge-operated disc brake apparatus includes a piston for pushing a brake pad toward a brake rotor when driven, an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input, a wedge transmission mechanism for converting the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston, and an automatic gap adjusting mechanism for automatically adjusting a gap between the brake pad and the brake rotor during a non-braking state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Murayama
  • Publication number: 20040026187
    Abstract: A wedge-operated disc brake apparatus includes a piston accommodated within a cylinder portion to be slidable along an axial direction of the piston and adapted to push a brake pad toward a brake rotor, an actuator for generating a linear brake-actuating input, and a wedge transmission mechanism for converting the linear brake-actuating input into a brake-actuating output in the axial direction of the piston. The brake-actuating output is transmitted to the piston so as to cause the piston to push the brake pad toward the brake rotor. A resilient member is provided in order to axially urge the piston toward a direction away from the brake pad. A bearing may be provided between the piston and the cylinder portion in order to enable smooth axial movement of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Murayama
  • Publication number: 20040026188
    Abstract: Brake linings for a disk brake with a brake disk, a brake caliper, and brake linings. The brake caliper features a lining well for the brake linings. The brake linings feature at least one friction lining and further feature on the side of the brake caliper at least one lip, which is disposed on the brake lining such that it extends beyond the friction face of the friction lining at the face of the brake disk, so that when installed it covers a gap formed between the brake disk and the friction face to protect it from infiltration of dirt from outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert A. Emmett, Wilfried Strauss
  • Publication number: 20040026189
    Abstract: A brake drum for a wet-type band brake has a large number of grooves substantially along the circumferential direction on a slide contact surface with the brake band. Each adjacent grooves are smoothly linked to each other through a substantially convex arcuate cross sectional-portion. A method for manufacturing the brake drum comprises the steps of forming the grooves by cutting work, and forming a border portion between each adjacent grooves in a substantially convex arcuate cross section by plastic working using a forming roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Koike, Nobuhiro Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20040026190
    Abstract: An electric brake apparatus includes an electric motor which generates a rotational drive force. A gear train is driven by the electric motor and generates a rotational drive force. A screw feed mechanism is driven by the gear train and converts the rotational drive force from the gear train into a linear drive force. A wedge transmission mechanism is driven by the screw feed mechanism and converts the linear drive force from the screw feed mechanism into a linear drive force transverse to the linear drive force from the screw feed mechanism. A piston is driven by the wedge transmission mechanism in an axial direction of the piston and generates a braking force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Murayama, Daizo Oba
  • Publication number: 20040026191
    Abstract: A retarder (16), as a braking device or auxiliary braking device for vehicles or the like, in particular rail vehicles, is described, having a stator (3), comprising at least two axially spaced-apart stator halves (3a, 3b), which each have magnetic field coils, and a rotor which is disposed between the at least two stator halves (3a, 3b), the rotor being coupled in a manner fixed against relative rotation to an axle (5) or shaft of the vehicle and the stator being coupled with the vehicle, or a undercarriage (19) of the vehicle. The rotor is formed by at least one rotor disk (1) divided into two parts, comprising two adjacent rotor halves (1a, 1b), which are joined to one another in a radially inner annular region, oriented toward the axle (5) or shaft, and are disposed in a radially outer annular section (7a, 7b), with axial clearance from one another (FIG. 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Lothar Kloft, Pablo Carballo Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20040026192
    Abstract: A brake adjustment mechanism maintains a brake actuating piston (17) stroke within a preferred range compensating for brake wear by repositioning the piston along a deformable adjustment tube (33). The tube is deformed when excessive piston travel draws the tube along a tube expanding member (51). Adjustment mechanism stresses are minimized by insuring the annular regions of contact between the outer surface (59) of the expanding member (51) and the tube (33) as well as between the inner surface (57) of the expanding member (51) and an expanding member retaining groove (55) in a cantilevered pin (49) are smooth lacking both sharp corners and flat regions. The expanding member (typically a split ring) engaging the deformable tube along an annular surface (59) of the tube and also engages the annular groove along an annular surface (55) of the pin groove. Normals (63) to the deformable tube surface are more nearly orthogonal to the pin axis (43) than normals (61) to the pin groove annular surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph J. Pajot
  • Publication number: 20040026193
    Abstract: A slack adjuster for a brake system is provided that includes a housing with a gear disposed in the housing. The gear has outer circumferential teeth. An adjustment assembly is disposed within the housing and includes first and second members adjacent and rotatable relative to one another. The first member has a worm portion engaging the teeth of the gear. The second member includes an end portion, which typically extends through the housing for receiving manual adjustment from a technician using a tool. The technician applies a rotational adjustment input on the end portion for adjusting the position of the gear, which adjusts the length of a brake actuator push rod to within a desired range. A clutch assembly interconnects the first and second members to limit torque transfer from the second member to the first member produced in response to the rotational adjustment input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel J. Philpott
  • Publication number: 20040026194
    Abstract: A flexible boot for protecting a cylinder-piston unit of a disk brake including a piston slidable in a cylinder in order to act on a brake pad, the flexible boot having a surface comprising a portion which can face a wall of the pad. The flexible boot comprises at least one spacer element which is associated with the surface and is intended to come into contact with the wall of the pad in order to keep the said portion of the surface spaced from the wall of the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Gianpaolo Cortinovis
  • Publication number: 20040026195
    Abstract: A parking brake is disclosed, comprising a brake-actuating electric motor (1), a brake actuating output shaft (2) driven by said electric motor and extending along a second axis (A2), a brake-actuating linkage (4) that is adjustably arranged parallel to a first axis (A1) that substantially extends perpendicularly to the second axis (A2), and a drive connection from the brake-actuating output shaft (2) to the brake-actuating linkage (4). The drive connection is configured in the form of a cam-type cam disk or gate guide (3) that translates the rotation of the brake-actuating output shaft (2) into a translational movement of the brake-actuating linkage (4) through an adjusting element (5) that is guided along a surface (F) of the cam disk or gate guide 93) forming a radial profile. The motor axis (A3) of the brake-actuating electric motor (1) extends substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Christian Baier-Welt, Stephan Roos
  • Publication number: 20040026196
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved shock absorber with guiding system for, for example, racing and Formula cars and such, due to which larger horizontal bend powers F can be taken without considerable wear and further problems, in which the shock absorber consists of a telescopic first or upper tube (15) and second or bottom tube. (16) with a damping, for oil bored piston (17), in which the sliding into each other of the mentioned tube parts is executed by means of roller bearings (22, 23), which are adjusted to the radius of the concerned tube, through which in a surprisingly inventive way a very high-quality spring and shock absorber is created for the Formula cars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Marius Jacobus Huisman
  • Publication number: 20040026197
    Abstract: A shock absorber preferably used for an automobile aims at inhibition of noise caused by self-induced vibration. The shock absorber includes a piston, a working cylinder for housing the piston; and a rod one end of which is attached to the piston and the other end of which projects from the working cylinder; wherein a friction coefficient &mgr; between the piston and the working cylinder is represented by the formula &mgr;≦3h2/rl (where, r is the radius of the piston; 2h is the height of the piston; and l is the length of a portion of the rod, which portion is stored in the working cylinder when the piston is neutral).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamauchi, Nakaaki Himeki, Toshihiko Sugahara, Akiyoshi Yanagita, Yuzo Niina
  • Publication number: 20040026198
    Abstract: This invention mainly relates to a reaction-disk device, to its manufacturing process and to a pneumatic servomotor for an assisted braking, including such reaction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Juan Simon Bacardit
  • Publication number: 20040026199
    Abstract: A carrying case device includes a casing having a zipper member attached to the front portion, a wheel device attached to the bottom portion, and a retractable handle secured in the inner portion of the casing and extendible outwardly through the upper portion of the casing. A bag includes a rear portion having a zipper member engageable with the zipper member of the casing, for detachably securing the bag to the casing. The bag is engageable onto the casing and attachable to the retractable handle when the bag is disengaged from the front portion of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Lien Ti Chen
  • Publication number: 20040026200
    Abstract: In a stator in which a damper mechanism is provided between a ratchet one-way clutch mechanism and a vane wheel, the damper mechanism is provided with a friction element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: NSK-WARNER K.K.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20040026201
    Abstract: In a torque converter in which a radial bearing and a one-way clutch are disposed adjacent and concentrically with each other between a hub of a side cover and a turbine shaft extending through the hub, and a hub of an output gear is coupled to an outer end of the turbine shaft, an inner peripheral surface of the hub of the side cover is comprised of a larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion located on the side of its base end, and a smaller-diameter inner peripheral surface portion located on the side of its tip end and connected to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion through an annular step, and an outer race of the radial bearing fitted to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion is clamped by the annular step and a retaining ring locked to the larger-diameter inner peripheral surface portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Masafumi Imasaka, Seiji Makita
  • Publication number: 20040026202
    Abstract: A torque converter is provided with an impeller and a cover, fixed to one another and configured for attachment to a drive member. A turbine is rotationally mounted between the impeller and the cover and is configured for attachment to a driven member. A lockup clutch is provided to lock the impeller and cover to the turbine when a fluid pressure applied to the lockup clutch increases above a torque converter lockup pressure. The lockup clutch may include a clutch-pack having rings that are splined to the piston or to the cover via tabs. The flanks of the tabs and their corresponding lugs may be substantially radial, or the flanks of the tabs or lugs may be parallel to one another. The cover may be formed from a base plate and a cylindrical wall piece. A plurality of lugs may be formed around the periphery of the base plate, and ones of the tabs may be splined thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Clint D. Cannon, Raymond Lewis Elder
  • Publication number: 20040026203
    Abstract: A device for guiding torque of one drive shaft (3) connected with a driving appliance (2) onto a first or a second output shaft (4, 5). A torque fed via the drive shaft (3) can be applied, respectively, to one of the two output shafts (4, 5) depending on a control of a changeover device (6). The changeover device (6) comprises one electromagnetic clutch (7) which can produce a power flow between the drive shaft (3) and the first or the second output shaft (4 or 5). The electromagnetic clutch (7) comprises a coupling element (8) which is guided and displaced in an axially and rotatable manner and is fixedly connected with the drive shaft (3) and depending on a current supply of the electromagnetic clutch (7) produces the power flow between the drive shaft (3) and the first or the second output shaft (4 or 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Rudolf Schneider, Unal Gazyakan, Detlef Baasch, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Michael Erenhoch, Barbara Schmohl
  • Publication number: 20040026204
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a synchro-spring to be used in a synchronizing mechanism having insert-shifting keys. Said synchro-spring is characterized by shaping convex forms in the portions which come into contact with said insert-shifting keys, and when this synchronizing mechanism is used for an automobile transmission, an enough capacity of the synchronizer ring can be ensured without increasing the size of the synchronizing mechanism, and smooth gear shifting is attained, and then excellent operability can be acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Yasunari Shimura
  • Publication number: 20040026205
    Abstract: A torque disconnect mechanism controls transmission of torque from a first shaft to a second shaft in a transmission. The mechanism includes a housing which rotatably supports the first and second shafts, and which has an opening formed therein. A coupling member is movable from an engaged position wherein the coupling member couples the first shaft with the second shaft to a disengaged position wherein the first and second shafts are uncoupled from each other. A plug member is mountable in the opening and is engagable with the coupling member. The plug member is movable from a first position holding the coupling member in its engaged position to a second position holding the coupling member in its disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Deere Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Ore, Paul W. Johnson, John C. Gogola
  • Publication number: 20040026206
    Abstract: A pressure plate assembly includes a housing arrangement; a pressure plate mounted to move axially in the housing arrangement; a force-exerting arrangement supported against the housing arrangement and the pressure plate; and a wear take-up device in the path of force transmission between the pressure plate and the force-exerting arrangement. This device includes at least one take-up element, which can be shifted to compensate for wear; a blocking element with a detection section which can come to rest against a stop fixed to the housing upon the occurrence of wear and which can move with respect to the pressure plate; and a wedge-like arresting element, which arrests the detection section and thus prevents it from returning to its previous position to which it has moved with respect to the pressure plate. The arresting element is pretensioned by a pretensioning arrangement in the direction toward a state in which the detection section is arrested and thus prevented from returning to its previous position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Joachim Lindner, Reinhold Weidinger
  • Publication number: 20040026207
    Abstract: A clutch release bearing includes a housing, a first bearing ring having a skirt for fixed rotative securement of the first bearing ring to the housing, a revolving second bearing ring connected to the separating clutch via a spring element, and a plurality of rolling elements guided between the first and second bearing rings. Seals are provided on both sides of the rolling elements at a distance thereto and involve a sealing arrangement which is securely fixed to the housing and comprised of at least two components to establish two sealing zones for sealing an annular gap between the first and second bearing rings. The sealing arrangement cooperates with a planar surface of the revolving bearing ring and assumes a desired position, when the revolving bearing ring is installed with the assistance of a press-fit tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: INA-SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Steffen Dittmer, Bernhard Klopfer, Ludwig Winkelmann
  • Publication number: 20040026208
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch actuator system having a vibration damper provided in the system between a master cylinder and a slave cylinder of the system. The damper includes an elastomeric diaphragm and a spring steel diaphragm. One face of the elastomeric diaphragm is in fluid communication with hydraulic fluid in the system so that the elastomeric diaphragm may deflect in response to low frequency vibrations transmitted through hydraulic fluid in the system to effect damping of the low frequency vibrations. The spring steel diaphragm is positioned in the system generally parallel to and proximate the other face of the elastomeric diaphragm so as to form a back-up for the elastomeric diaphragm so that the elastomeric diaphragm may deform against the spring steel diaphragm in response to high frequency vibrations transmitted through the hydraulic fluid to cause deflection of the spring steel diaphragm to effect damping of the high frequency vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Richard A. Nix, Michael James Woodard, Tim M. Dangel
  • Publication number: 20040026209
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a chamber containing a roller that moves in response to changes in the angular position of a component relative to an axis, such as in response to the slope of a surface on which a wheel is supported, to engage and disengage alternately a one-way drive connection between a non-rotating component and a component that rotates with the wheel. The wheel is prevented from rolling backward on an inclined surface due to this engagement and is free to ascend the inclined surface due to the disengagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Tianfu Li
  • Publication number: 20040026210
    Abstract: An expandable flexible conveyor with a conveyor wheel axle and yoke support. The support includes an upper sleeve adapted to receive an axle. The support includes a lower sleeve adapted to receive a span member. A support body connects between the upper sleeve and lower sleeve. The support body includes a bend adapted to receive a portion of a downward load placed upon the plurality of rollers and axle. The upper sleeve and axle are adapted to distribute a downward load placed on the plurality of rollers across the width of the support. The bend receives the downward load and stiffens the support body to support the downward load. The lower sleeve and span member maintain the support body in a substantially vertical orientation while the downward load is on the plurality of rollers, and supported by the support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Bobby K. Flippo, John W. Best
  • Publication number: 20040026211
    Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein upstanding supports on the base are provided with resting surface to support the case and container in a secure resting condition thereby providing access to the base and any coin tray therein and to permit easy coin removal, and incorporating a substantially maximized coin tray footprint, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Richard K. Bolen
  • Publication number: 20040026212
    Abstract: Method and device to regulate the spacing and speed of objects being conveyed randomly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Rene Maingonnat, Andre Le Biannic, Gerard Negrier, Daniel Brulard, Eric Imbert
  • Publication number: 20040026213
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a particulate material conveyor comprises a sprocket (22) having one or more radial through-channels (25a, 25b, 25c). This or these channels connect with an inlet for a cleaning fluid supply and each has one or more fluid outlets exiting from the surface of the sprocket, whereby when the sprocket rotates, fluid provided through the inlet is distributed through the radial channel and out of the fluid outlets. The fluid is dispersed in a turbulent manner about the cavity (29) surrounding the sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew John Blue
  • Publication number: 20040026214
    Abstract: A cleaning doctor (1) for conveyor belts (N) is disclosed, comprising a fixed casing (2) supporting one or more frames (3; 21), each frame being provided with a doctor blade (5) in contact with the surface (S) to be scraped of the conveyor belt (N). The doctor blade (5) is arranged in a groove (6) which is made in a blade holder (7; 20) associated to said frame (3; 21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Dal Ferro Bortolo Giulio
  • Publication number: 20040026215
    Abstract: A bucket elevator or conveyor comprises a plurality of removable buckets 10 each pivotally supported between two drive chains 11. The buckets 10 are shaped such that their lips 26 overlap when they are traveling horizontally. In this manner, the buckets 10 can be filled without the risk of spillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Malcolm Robert Snowball