Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6691559
    Abstract: A viscometer for measuring liquid viscosities based upon rotational deflections of a suspended bob. The viscometer comprises a deflection indicator, a deflection reader located at a spaced relative position with respect to the indicator, a rotating element which rotates in unison with the bob and includes either the deflection indicator or the deflection reader, and a magnetic bearing assembly which prevents any substantial change in the spaced, relative position of the deflection reader with respect to the deflection indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chandler Engineering Company, LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey Robinson
  • Patent number: 6691560
    Abstract: A rotary viscometer is described where there is no mechanical linkage between a rotor that is rotated in a test fluid to measure viscosity and the rotor drive source. A rotor is disposed in a test fluid within a test chamber. The rotor is mounted on low friction bearings. Electromagnets disposed around the test chamber impose a constant torque on the rotor. Rotor rotation rate corresponding to fluid viscosity is measured. The viscometer may have a sealed test chamber for measuring viscosity of hazardous or corrosive test fluids without exposing the operator to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Albert C. Abnett
  • Patent number: 6691561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the rheological properties of a polymer melt includes flowing the polymer melt from a first reactor to a device through a conduit at a predetermined flow rate, measuring a first pressure of the polymer melt at a first location in the conduit, measuring a second pressure at a second location downstream from the first location, measuring a temperature at a third location in the conduit, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location, and calculating the rheological property of the polymer melt as it flows through the conduit. The method and apparatus do not require diversion of the polymer melt from the main process stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Gerneral Electric Company
    Inventors: Ye-Gang Lin, Vijaykumar Hanagandi, Ana Isabel Diaz Calderon, Rafael Hierro Martin
  • Patent number: 6691562
    Abstract: A correlation is derived between a variable, defined as “virtual age,” indicative of brake fluid's service age and/or mileage and the concentration of copper in the fluid. Virtual age is utilized to estimate the degree of degradation of the fluid. A reactive test strip is used to measure the concentration of copper ions in the brake fluid in terms of a readily visible color change. The strip is immersed in the fluid and any resulting color change is compared to a color chart and a standard representative of the maximum concentration determined empirically to correspond to the desirable “virtual-age” threshold for fluid replacement. An automated embodiment of the invention includes an optical instrument to compare the color obtained from the test to a predetermined standard and determine whether a fluid change is recommended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jon A. Petty
  • Patent number: 6691563
    Abstract: A universal calibration method and apparatus for nondestructive real time determination of moisture content in particulate or granular materials by radio-frequency sensors is described which is bulk-density and material-independent and remains valid across instruments of different designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Agriculture
    Inventors: Samir Trabelsi, Stuart O. Nelson, Andrzej W. Kraszewski
  • Patent number: 6691564
    Abstract: A hardness tester generally comprises a tester assembly is supported on a frame assembly. The tester assembly has a tester housing that supports a motor drivingly connected to a load cell and an indentor. The frame assembly includes a vertically oriented plate having a general C-shape defined by upper and lower arms connected by a main body. The plate is fabricated from a unitary sheet of metal to provide rigidity in the vertical direction. The tester assembly is selectively attachable to the frame assembly, and may be remotely employed as a stand-alone unit. A unique ball screw assembly is also provided for applying the testing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rams Rockford Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Anderberg
  • Patent number: 6691565
    Abstract: A steering angle sensor arrangement for determining the steering angle of a steering wheel arrangement has an incremental code track and a sensing device. The code track is assigned to either of a rotatable portion of the steering wheel or a fixed portion. The sensing device for sensing the code track can be assigned to the other assembly. The sensing device generates an incremental signal from which the steering angle can be determined. At the incremental track has at least one reference mark, which modifies the incremental signal for determining the absolute position of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Joachim Font
  • Patent number: 6691566
    Abstract: A method of making a finite element model of a pneumatic tire comprises: dividing a pneumatic tire into a plurality of modeling units each of which is to be modeled by one or more finite elements so that the modeling units include modeling units each of which is a layered complex of at least one cord layer and at least one rubber layer; and modeling each modeling unit which is a layered complex by a single shell element provided with a plurality of integral points corresponding to the cord and rubber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., The Japan Research Institute, Limited
    Inventors: Naoaki Iwasaki, Kimihiro Hayashi, Sturt Richard
  • Patent number: 6691567
    Abstract: In a system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure, a system and method for automatically identifying tire location. A tire pressure monitor mounted in each tire includes a sensor for sensing tire pressure, a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure, and a magnetic switch for actuating the transmitter. An electromagnets is mounted on the vehicle in proximity to each tire location and generates a magnetic field causing the magnetic switch to actuate the transmitter of the associated tire pressure monitor. A controller mounted on the vehicle is provided in communication with the electromagnets, processes the tire pressure signals from the transmitters, and conveys tire pressure and location information to a user. The controller energizes the electromagnets so that each received tire pressure signal is automatically associated with a specific tire location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Walker, John S. Nantz, Thomas Bejster, Bruce Conner
  • Patent number: 6691568
    Abstract: An air meter is provided which enables the improvement of accuracy of internal reference voltages with few IC terminals. A band gap reference power supply circuit 6 supplies an internal reference voltage to a characteristic adjusting circuit 4 and an internal reference voltage VINT to a multiplier circuit 5. the band gap reference power supply circuit 6 comprises a temperature current generating circuit 21 for generating a current proportional to a temperature, a current mirror circuit for duplicating the current of the temperature current generating circuit 21, a reference voltage generating circuit 23 through which the current duplicated by the current mirror circuit 22 is caused to be flowed to generate the internal reference voltage ES, and a reference voltage generating circuit 24 through which the current duplicated by the current mirror circuit 22 is caused to be flowed to generate the internal reference voltage VINT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masuo Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 6691569
    Abstract: An extensional rheometer comprises a rotatable primary wind up drum and one or more secondary rotatable windup drums wherein a sample is attached to the primary windup drum and each secondary windup drum. Counter rotation of the primary windup drum and each secondary drum causes each affixed sample to stretch until rupture. The load response on each primary and secondary windup drum set caused by a stretching sample is measured with a load sensing device. Environmental control may be provided for testing samples under different conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Martin Lamar Sentmanat
  • Patent number: 6691570
    Abstract: A level measurement device for measuring the level of material inside of a vessel which includes a conductive element, a signal generating unit, and a receiving unit. The conductive element does not come into direct contact with the material being measured. The signal generating unit generates measurement signals which are transmitted along the conductive element. Each of the measurement signals produces an electromagnetic field which travels along the conductive element and is reflected when it reaches the surface of material in the vessel. The reflected electromagnetic field produces an echo signal which travels along said conductive element to the receiving unit. The receiving unit receives the echo signal and determines the level of material in the vessel. The conductive element can be located outside of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Endress & Hauser GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Joachim Neuhaus, Werner Thoren, Wolfram Lütke, Ralf Reimelt
  • Patent number: 6691571
    Abstract: An rate-of-rotation sensor having a Coriolis element, which is arranged over a surface of a substrate, is described. The Coriolis element is induced to oscillate in parallel to a first axis. In response to a Coriolis force, the Coriolis element is deflected in a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. A proof element is provided to prove the deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Willig, Andreas Thomae, Burkhard Kuhlmann, Joerg Hauer, Udo-Martin Gomez, Siegbert Goetz, Christian Doering, Michael Fehrenbach, Wolfram Bauer, Udo Bischof, Reinhard Neul, Karsten Funk, Markus Lutz, Gerhard Wucher, Jochen Franz
  • Patent number: 6691572
    Abstract: An accelerometer having a micromechanical pendulum, a capacitive pick off and a control loop reset by electrostatic forces and, in a time sequence, applies a resetting voltage between the pendulum and two electrodes spaced apart on opposite sides of the pendulum. The control loop is designed such that, firstly, no charge difference flows via the pendulum and a force of identical magnitude thus acts on both sides of the pendulum. Secondly, when a pendulum deflection occurs in response to a voltage difference, the time durations of the respectively applied voltage pulses are impeded in accordance with the acceleration. The simultaneous control of two components results in the control bias tending essentially to zero. The capability of temporarily switching to detection of the total charge as the control variable also allows control of the scale factor of the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Litef GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Handrich
  • Patent number: 6691573
    Abstract: A mobile testing environment is adapted for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle and includes an enclosed trailer for providing insulation from ambient weather, temperature and noise. The trailer also has a hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle for transport. An angular position and speed sensor is adapted to generate a signal responsive to speed and angular position of a drive shaft. Vibration sensors are adapted to detect drive line vibration and generate a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer is adapted to receive signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor and the vibration sensors to calculate any imbalance in the drive line system and present counterbalance weight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance. The angular sensor comprises a pair of perceptron cameras adapted to send a pair of signals to the signal analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Silvagi, Jeffrey Peters, Robert Shiloff
  • Patent number: 6691574
    Abstract: On measurement of a component Ay of the amplitude of the oscillations of the tip of a capillary which is clamped to a horn to which ultrasonics can be applied from an ultrasonic transducer, whereby measurement is based on the shading of a light beam by the capillary and whereby the intensity of the light beam is measured by means of an opto-receiver, the capillary is placed at one side of the light beam without it shading the light beam and ultrasonics is applied to it. The capillary is then moved in steps through the light beam whereby, for each of the i=1 to n steps, the direct voltage portion UDC(yi) and the alternating voltage portion UAC(yi) of the output signal of the opto-receiver are determined as well as a co-ordinate yi whereby the co-ordinate yi designates the position of the capillary in relation to a co-ordinate axis y running perpendicularly to the light beam. The amplitude Ay is then calculated from the values measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ESEC Trading SA
    Inventors: Peter Hess, Alexander Greber, Markus Michler, Nicolino Onda
  • Patent number: 6691575
    Abstract: All independent acoustical physical constants (elastic constants, piezoelectric constants, dielectric constants and density) of a material are predetermined as a function of its chemical composition, and the calibration line between the acoustic velocity for each of the substrate crystal plane, the propagation direction and the propagation mode, and other chemical and physical properties is numerically calculated with ease without making any experiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Kushibiki, Izumi Watanabe, Yuji Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6691576
    Abstract: Plural auxiliary carts 18 and 19 are connected to a measuring cart 11 in the width direction thereof which travels on a tank bottom plate 31 through universal joint mechanisms 26 and 27. Reflection type ultrasonic probes 22, 23 and coating film thickness gauges 24, 25 are provided with the respective auxiliary carts 18 and 19, and also a rotary encoder 32 which measures a traveling distance of the measuring cart 11 is attached to the measuring cart 11. Based on the outputs of the ultrasonic probes 22, 23, the outputs of the coating film thickness gauges 24, 25 and the outputs of the rotary encoder 32, the actual thickness of the tank bottom plate 31, that is obtained by subtracting the thickness of the coating film at a specific position of the tank bottom plate 31 measured by the rotary encoder, is measured and stored, and the thickness of every portion of the tank bottom plate 31 is displayed on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd., Shin Nippon Nondestructive Inspection Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Sato, Kazuhiro Nojiri, Tatsuya Fukunaga, Fuminori Kiyota, Ryota Kajiki, Yuji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6691577
    Abstract: An ultrasonic moving-speed measuring system comprises a piezoelectric substrate, a thickness-vibration mode transducer, an interdigital transducer, and a signal analyzer. The piezoelectric substrate, the thickness-vibration mode transducer, and the interdigital transducer form a transducing assembly. When an input electric signal with a carrier frequency is applied to the thickness-vibration mode transducer, a longitudinal wave is radiated into a medium that is in touch with the bottom of the transducing assembly. If the longitudinal wave is reflected at a material in the medium, a delayed electric signal with a Doppler frequency is detected at the interdigital transducer via a mode conversion from a reflected longitudinal wave to a leaky Lamb wave. The moving speed of the material is sensed at the signal analyzer in terms of a difference between the carrier- and Doppler frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Kohji Toda
  • Patent number: 6691578
    Abstract: The invention produces a change to the acoustic input power applied to a liquid in a vessel. The magnitude and shape of the resulting change in the ultrasonic field in the vessel is measured and this data is used to determine the ultrasonic activity in the vessel. This measured ultrasonic activity is displayed as a measure of the performance of the system and/or it is fed back to the ultrasonic transmitter to control or maintain the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: William L. Puskas
  • Patent number: 6691579
    Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Orr, Scott A. Kofoed, Kevin Durst
  • Patent number: 6691580
    Abstract: A testing fixture assembly induces a compound bend deflection in a test panel upon relative movement of opposing pressure applying parts. A panel holder has restraint members for receiving the edges of a test panel and a measuring device has an element for measuring the compound deflection induced in the panel. A liquid filled bladder formed of a pair of opposed pliant membranes is partitioned by a non-pliant plate and a bladder frame structure sandwiches the perimeter edge portions of the plate and membranes in tightly clamped relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Gougeon Brothers
    Inventor: William D. Bertelsen
  • Patent number: 6691581
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a dielectrically isolated silicon carbide high temperature pressure transducer which is capable of operating at temperatures above 600° C. The method comprises applying a layer of beta silicon carbide of a first conductivity, on a first substrate of silicon. A layer of beta silicon carbide of a second conductivity is then applied on a second substrate. A layer of silicon is sputtered, evaporated or otherwise formed on the silicon carbide surfaces of each of the substrates of the beta silicon carbide. The sputtered silicon layer on each substrate is then completely oxidized forming a layer of SiO2 from the silicon. The first and second substrates are subsequently fusion bonded together along the oxide layers of the first and second substrate with the oxide layer providing dielectric isolation between the first and second wafers. This oxide layer, which is formed from the Si layer, has a much lower defect density than SiO2 formed directly from SiC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Alexander A. Ned
  • Patent number: 6691582
    Abstract: A gas type identification system includes: a flow path; an ultrasonic measurement section disposed in the flow path, the ultrasonic measurement section including a pair of ultrasonic transducers; a sound velocity calculation section for calculating a sound velocity of a gas flowing through the flow path based on a signal from the ultrasonic measurement section; a sound velocity memory section for previously storing a predetermined sound velocity; and a comparison section for comparing the sound velocity calculated by the sound velocity calculation section with the predetermined sound velocity previously stored in the sound velocity memory section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyuki Nawa, Yukio Nagaoka, Mitsuo Nanba
  • Patent number: 6691583
    Abstract: To conduct a fluid, the transducer has a flow tube which in use is vibrated by an excitation system and whose inlet-side and outlet-side vibrations are detected by means of a sensor system. In response to transverse forces produced in the vibrating flow tube, the latter is, at least temporarily, laterally displaced from an assigned static rest position. To improve the dynamic balance of the transducer, a first cantilever and a second cantilever are rigidly fixed to an inlet-side tube section and an outlet-side tube section, respectively. By means of the cantilevers, the inlet-side and outlet-side tube sections are deformed as a result of lateral displacements of the flow tube. This produces counterforces which at least partially counterbalance the transverse forces produced in the vibrating flow tube. One advantage of the proposed transducer is that it is well balanced even during variations in fluid density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm
  • Patent number: 6691584
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a first filter for measuring a pressure field at a first axial location along the pipe and providing a first pressure signal indicative of the vortical pressure field. The apparatus further comprises a second filter for measuring the vortical pressure field at a second axial location along the pipe and providing a second pressure signal indicative of the vortical pressure field. The apparatus further comprises a signal processor, responsive to the first and the second pressure signals, which provides a velocity signal indicative of a velocity of the vortical pressure field moving in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Rebecca S. Bryant, Charles R. Winston
  • Patent number: 6691585
    Abstract: An anthropomorphic dummy head for use in a vehicle crash test is provided that includes a skull member forming a shape of the dummy head and an eye damage measuring part for estimating damage to an eye, wherein the eye damage measuring part comprises a housing disposed inside the skull member, the housing being closed and filled with compressible gas; a one-side-open cylinder that is fixed to a circumference of the housing; a piston that is slidably inserted into the one-side-open cylinder, one end of which is provided with a plate onto which an impact from an outside of the housing is transmitted; and a pressure sensor detecting pressure inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang-Nam Ahn
  • Patent number: 6691586
    Abstract: A micro actuator including: a translationally driving section having a moving portion which is incorporated in a case 14 and moves translationally; and a displacement enlarging member 1 having one end portion 1g connected to the moving portion of the translationally driving section and another end portion 1h connected to the case, wherein as the one end portion 1g is pulled on the basis of the translational movement, the amount of displacement of its distal end 1a is enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6691587
    Abstract: Actuators for subsea downhole chokes have tended to include hydraulic pistons which are prone to failure and crude in accuracy. The invention provides an actuator (1) having first and second rotary motors (2, 16) and an output region (3) arranged to engage a load, such as a choke sleeve. In a first mode of operation, the first rotary motor (2) imparts linear motion to the output in a first screw connection (4, 5). In a second mode of operation, the second rotary motor (16) imparts linear motion to the output via a second screw connection (12, 14). The provision of screw connections permits gradual linear motion of the output to be achieved. The provision of two motors permits continuing performance in the event of failure of one of the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Offshore Systems Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Richard King
  • Patent number: 6691588
    Abstract: In a shifting device which changes the gear ratio of a synchromesh-type transmission by using an electrically operated or controlled actuator, the actuator is controlled to stabilize or equalize the time durations required for effecting respective synchronizations. A driving signal for each of the synchronization controls is decided in accordance with a relationship between the driving signal to be applied to the actuator and a relative rotation number between an idle gear and a sleeve when the synchronization control is initiated. Prior to each synchronization control, the above relation is corrected based on four variables obtained at the latest synchronization control, including (i) an input rotation number deviation summation &Sgr;&Dgr;Nin, (ii) a synchronization time duration deviation &Dgr;TSYN, (iii) an elapse-time input rotation number deviation &Dgr;dNinP, and (iv) a change grade deviation &Dgr;dNin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin AI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshige Miyazaki, Ryuji Choshi, Yoshiyuki Aoyama, Mitsutoshi Kamiya, Yoshihiro Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6691589
    Abstract: A control handle (10) for operating a machine, includes a largely vertical shaft (12) that can be grasped by a person's hand and a hand rest assembly (20) that supports a lower end of the hand opposite the thumb. The hand rest assembly is slidable along the shaft and includes a clamp that clamps against the shaft to fix the position of the hand rest assembly at substantially continuously variable positions along the shaft. The hand rest assembly has front and rear sections (26, 27) that are pivotally connected together, with the rear section being pivotable between a clamping position (27) wherein it draws the front section firmly against the front of the shaft to fix the hand rest position, and a release position (27A) wherein it allows the hand rest assembly to slide to a desired position. The shaft has recesses (36) on laterally opposite sides, that form vertically-extending fixing edges (41) that face largely rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Gillman, Rainer Maurer, Stoffers Michael, Lamm Klaus, Jost Hans-Georg
  • Patent number: 6691590
    Abstract: The single-rod shifting device for a motor vehicle manual transmission, in particular for a six-speed transmission, has a central shifting shaft, fork-shaped shifting elements that engage into sliding bushings, and a locking device. The locking device is equipped with a lever (3, 11) whose rotation point lies on the rotation axis of the axially displaceably mounted central shifting shaft (1) and which is joined to it via a radial entrainment arrangement. Also provided is a blocking part (5) that is arranged immovably in the housing in the shifting direction, as well as a coupling drive that converts the rotation of the lever into a linear motion of the blocking elements (15, 15′ . . . ) on the shifting elements and on the blocking part (5) ensure that upon superposition of the blocking elements in the shifting direction, a shifting of the shifting elements is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jens Patzner, Uwe Beer
  • Patent number: 6691591
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is disclosed having a control lever that is operable in a first direction to operate the brake control mechanism, a second direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the pulling direction and a third direction to operate the shift control mechanism in the release direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when viewed from the perspective of a rider on the bicycle, the first direction is the direction of movement of the lever toward the handlebar. The second direction is the direction of movement of the control lever downward and the third direction is the direction of movement of the control lever upward. In a more preferred embodiment, the second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Tsumiyama, Nobukatsu Hara
  • Patent number: 6691592
    Abstract: A portable device may be carried by the user, in one preferred embodiment thereof, and motorizes the task of opening beverage containers having a screw cap. The mechanism that couples to the bottle cap consists of a generally circular band having a distal end bent inwardly in the direction of the cap. The bend of the band is sized and configured to permit receipt of the bottle cap with the bent tang of the band engaging the periphery of the bottle cap at one location. The band is mechanically coupled to the drive shaft of a drive motor with the drive shaft extending axially of the band. The drive motor is mounted on a plate carrying a strap designed to receive fingers of the user so that the user may grasp the plate. An activation switch is conveniently located on the plate so that it may be operated by a knuckle or finger of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Perry Hahn
  • Patent number: 6691593
    Abstract: A retainer ring includes at least two holding sections and at least one engaging section. Each holding section has a radius of curvature equal to half of a diameter of a reduced section of a first object, e.g., an adaptor. The engaging section has a radius of curvature greater than that of the holding sections. The holding sections securely clamp the reduced section of the first object with the engaging section partially protruding out of the reduced section of the first object for engaging with a second object e.g., a box end of a wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 6691594
    Abstract: A wrench structure includes a wrench handle, a drive body, two directional blocks, and a direction control member. The wrench handle has a drive head formed with a receiving chamber for mounting the drive body and a guide slot for mounting each of the two directional blocks. The drive head has an end face formed with a direction control recess and a spacing portion located between the receiving chamber and the direction control recess, for enhancing the structural strength of the wrench handle. The direction control recess is formed with a limit portion for limiting and guiding each of the two directional blocks, so that each of the two directional blocks may be moved to a determined position exactly, thereby changing the direction of operation of the wrench handle and the drive body actually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Patent number: 6691595
    Abstract: A retractable/folding collapsible wrench is constructed to include a hollow handle, which can be made folding collapsible, two driving devices respectively moved in and out of the ends of the hollow handle between the extended position and the received position, and positioning means respectively mounted in the ends of the handle and adapted for securing the driving devices in one of a series of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6691596
    Abstract: A rotary saw blade for cutting fiber cement board materials. In one embodiment, a rotary saw blade is provided having a main body plate and a central opening with respect to an axis of rotation. A plurality of cutting teeth are disposed about the periphery of the plate. Arcuate tooth support portions extend rearwardly from the cutting teeth and have a center of curvature offset from the axis of rotation. Peaked shoulders having a forwardly sloping portion, a peak and a rearwardly sloping portion extend from the tooth support portions. The peaked shoulders partially define hook-shaped gullets between the shoulders and the cutting teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Iqbal Singh, Fabrice Malard
  • Patent number: 6691597
    Abstract: A dispensing machine includes a housing, a cover, a drum, a cutting blade built into the drum, and a cam and a start and return spring for starting and returning the drum. Lateral end shields of the housing support the reel of material. A pressing roller pushes against the strip of material at a specific point and a second pressure area where the strip of material is cut at the level of the drum. The pressure roller is articulated and pivoted by two swivelling levers so that it presses against the reel of material, thereby defining a distance between the tensioning areas defined by reel/pressure roller contact and drum/cutting blade ejection of about 25 to 50 cm. The two levers are not joined together and pivot independently so that the pressure roller swivels with variations of each of said levers to match the profile of the reel of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 6691598
    Abstract: A lightweight, dimensionally stable steel rule die for cutting and scoring carton blanks having a die board containing cutting and scoring rules which is formed of a laminated plastic construction adapted to register and coact with a steel counterplate over prolonged production runs and maintain registration within a tolerance range of about ±0.002 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Atlas Die, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell S. Brayton, Michael Kush, Robert McArtan
  • Patent number: 6691599
    Abstract: A cutter guard device is adapted for use in a belt saw machine, and includes a stationary hinge leaf formed with a first knuckle unit, a movable hinge leaf formed with a second knuckle unit, and a hinge pin extending through the first and second knuckle units, thereby permitting rotation of the movable hinge leaf between cutter concealing and cutter exposing positions. The movable hinge leaf is further slidable along the hinge pin between retaining and pivoting positions. The movable hinge leaf is movable between the cutter concealing and cutter exposing positions when disposed in the pivoting position on the hinge pin. A retention unit retains releasably the movable hinge leaf in the cutter concealing position when the latter is further disposed in the retaining position on the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: P & F Brother Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Mei-Lan Kao
  • Patent number: 6691600
    Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The multi-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: United Defense, L.P.
    Inventors: David R. Boudreau, Stan Bovee, Philip Matteson, Bruce Gaedke, Dennis Borgwarth
  • Patent number: 6691601
    Abstract: A personal protective shield, which comprises a central panel; at least two lateral panels; and hinged connections between the central panel and the lateral panels. The protective shield has a folded configuration for carrying it and for attaching to it other equipment, in which the aforementioned lateral panels are folded against the central panel, and an expanded configuration for carrying out its protective function, in which the aforementioned lateral panels are angularly set off from the central panel. The central panel and the lateral panels are made of bulletproof plate materials. The central panel may have a curved configuration adapted to fit the back of the user, and the lateral panels may have curved configurations matching that of the central panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.
    Inventors: Avi Cohen, Baruch Shahar, Baruch Trattner
  • Patent number: 6691602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction force transmission mechanism for a pneumatic brake booster including a largely incompressible reaction plate that is interposed between an input member and an output member and encased at the peripheral side and has lateral abutment surfaces for the input member and the output member, wherein the abutment surface close to the input member can be acted upon by a pressure member which is adapted to be fixed to a control housing and, consequently, can be excepted from the transmission of the reaction force to a vehicle driver. To improve its service life, the reaction plate includes a recess in the area of the abutment of a valve piston extension, in which recess a substantially incompressible, elastic insert is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Ralf Harth, Holger von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Wolfgang Ritter, Steffen Linkenbach
  • Patent number: 6691603
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic system may include receiving an input command from an input device, generating a desired working pressure value relating to a working chamber of an actuator based on the input command, and generating a desired pressure value relating to a non-working chamber of the actuator based on the input command. The method may also include operating a valve assembly to control a fluid flow condition of the working chamber and to control fluid flow from the non-working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc, Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd
    Inventors: James D. Linerode, Aleksandar M. Egelja
  • Patent number: 6691604
    Abstract: A fluid circuit is provided to independently control the flow of fluid into and out of each end of an actuator. This is accomplished by having two different independently controlled valves controlling the flow of fluid into and out of one end of the actuator and by having two other independently controlled valves controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the other end of the actuator. Regeneration of the fluid flow from one end of the actuator to the other end of the actuator is provided by blocking the exhaust flow of fluid to the reservoir by one of the independently controlled valves and redirecting the flow across the other of the independently controlled valves to join with the flow of the pump that is being directed to the other end of the actuator. This arrangement permits a portion or all of the fluid from one end of the actuator to be regenerated to the other end of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Vincent Triffaux
  • Patent number: 6691605
    Abstract: A pressure medium actuated piston-cylinder device comprises at least one magnetically activated sensor (20) for detecting the piston position and which is adjustably attached to the cylinder (10) for indicating, both optically and electrically any desired piston position, wherein the sensor or sensors (20) are mounted in at least one longitudinal channel (17) on the outside of the cylinder (10), and one or more clamping spindles (21) are rotatively supported in and extending throughout the length of the channels (17) and arranged to be rotatively shifted by an activating mechanism (23) between a sensor (20) arresting position and a sensor (20) releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin AB
    Inventor: Folke Lennart Röllgårdh
  • Patent number: 6691606
    Abstract: The invention proposes a hydraulic device of the kind including a cylinder in which a piston is mounted for sliding in leaktight fashion in the body of the cylinder so as to delimit at least one hydraulic chamber intended to be linked to a hydraulic circuit, and is linked to the front extremity of an actuating rod which projects axially rearwardly outside the cylinder body and on which an actuating force can be applied in order to cause forward displacement of the piston counter to a return force applied to the piston. The device includes a temporary end stop which limits the forward displacement of the piston and which intervenes until the piston is first actuated by means of the actuating rod. The invention is applicable to a hydraulic cylinder for the control of motor-vehicle equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Paolo Perata
  • Patent number: 6691607
    Abstract: A gas cylinder of the present invention comprises a housing having a tube, a front head and an rear end cap defining a chamber. A pair of ports are provided to allow for the input and exhaust of gas in the chamber. A piston is received in the chamber for axial movement within the chamber and separates the chamber into two cavities. A rod is operatively connected to the piston and extends forwardly from the piston, through a bore in the front head to exit the chamber through the front head. The rod is loosely or floatingly connected to the piston, to be movable relative the piston by a plate at an end of the rod which is trapped in a bore in a forward end of the piston. A piston seal is received in a groove in the piston to form a seal between the piston and the cylinder tube. The piston is flexible and changes shape due to pressure changes within the chamber. A rod seal is also provided between the rod and the front head bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Progressive Pneumatics LLC
    Inventors: Oskar F. Vatterott, Bryan Vatterott
  • Patent number: 6691608
    Abstract: A device for cheaply and quickly thawing frozen food and particularly frozen meat. A container impervious to water has a quick-release connection for connection to a pump. A second container for holding frozen food is immersed in the first container. The second container will have bores so that water will freely circulate from the first container to the second container. The pump recirculates water through both containers equalizing the water temperature in the container and more quickly thawing frozen food submerged within the water in the second container. A single pump may be connected to more than one water reservoir container making it possible to simply and quickly increase food thawing capacity by simply adding extra containers depending on the amount of frozen food to be thawed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Brett D. Thompson