Patents Issued in February 17, 2004
  • Patent number: 6691810
    Abstract: An upper limit amount of discharged electric energy calculator calculates an upper limit amount of discharged electric energy (Pcap_LMT), which represents a discharged electric energy of a capacitor when the amount of electric energy discharged by a fuel cell stack is equal to an upper limit amount of electric energy (Ifc_LMT) generated by the fuel cell stack. An output limit electric energy calculator calculates an output limit electric energy (PLD), which represents an upper limit amount of the electric energy that can be outputted to a motor. A torque command determining unit determines a torque command (TRQ_CMD) such that the electric energy consumed by the motor and a motor driver will not exceed the output limit electric energy (PLD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Hasuka, Satoshi Aoyagi, Asao Uenodai, Hibiki Saeki
  • Patent number: 6691811
    Abstract: An apparatus that attaches itself to a surface by negative pressure and that can move over the surface, in particular, for carrying out work, to prevent a risk, depending on the alignment of the surface, of the apparatus dropping downward if there is a decrease in an attachment force in the case of malfunctioning includes a safety configuration that monitors detachment of the apparatus from the surface and, in such a case, attaches a retaining configuration, preferably in the form of a suction cup, to the surface, the retaining configuration retaining the movable apparatus on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Brüntrup, Joachim Damrath, Jürgen Konrad
  • Patent number: 6691812
    Abstract: A snowmobile assembly including a snowmobile chassis having a motor compartment at a front portion and an endless belt channel at a rear portion. A motor is located substantially in the motor compartment substantially in front of the endless belt channel. The motor includes at least one fuel control mechanism arranged toward a front portion of the snowmobile chassis. By arranging the at least one fuel control mechanism toward the front portion of the snowmobile chassis, the snowmobile assembly provides for greater mass centralization and/or a lower center of gravity than it would otherwise have if the at least one fuel control mechanism arranged toward the rear t portion of the snowmobile chassis. The greater mass centralization and/or a lower center of gravity can also be achieved by arranging the at least one exhaust port toward the rear of the snowmobile chassis. A drive train couples the motor to an endless belt drive shaft located in the endless belt channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Formula Fast Racing
    Inventor: Gerard J. Karpik
  • Patent number: 6691813
    Abstract: An electric motor driven cycle having front and rear wheels, and a monocoque frame suspended between the front and rear wheels. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Electric Cycle Company
    Inventor: Ely Schless
  • Patent number: 6691814
    Abstract: A left arm portion and a right arm portion which extend in the front-rear direction are provided on the left and right sides of a swing arm with a window portion for passing a rear shock absorber unit therethrough provided between the left arm portion and the right arm portion. A shock absorber-fitting beam is provided like a bridge between the left arm portion and the right arm portion with a swing arm side fitting portion of the rear shock absorber unit fitted to the shock absorber-fitting beam. A whole part or a part of the window portion is closed with the shock absorber-fitting beam. The swing arm can be reinforced with the shock absorber-fitting beam with the flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity of the swing arm being enhanced. Moreover, since the upper end of the shock absorber unit is fitted to the swing arm side, it is unnecessary to provide, for example, a fitting portion for the upper end of the shock absorber unit on the vehicle body frame side, so that an increase in weight can be restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6691815
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes an engine located under a hingably mounted seat, the seat providing ready access to the engine for maintenance and repair. The vehicle includes an engine having a clutch housing and a clutch cover sealably connected to the clutch housing. At least one of the clutch housing and the clutch cover include a bottom wall having at least one coolant-fillable cooling channel within the thickness of the bottom wall provided to cool oil above the clutch housing and the clutch cover. The vehicle also includes a frame having a plurality of engine mounting points. The engine is supportable by the frame and includes a crankcase and a plurality of mounting points adapted to engage the plurality of engine mounting points on the frame. The plurality of mounting points include at least one uppermost mounting point, wherein the at least one uppermost mounting point is positioned on the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Rioux, Claude Gagnon, Johann Holzleitner
  • Patent number: 6691816
    Abstract: A shift selector system is provided for selecting an operating mode of a vehicle axle. The system includes an operator shift mechanism including a rotatably supported cam rotatable between a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position, and a spring operably interconnected to the cam for selectively biasing the cam toward one of the forward and reverse positions. An axle shift mechanism is operably interconnected to the vehicle axle and in remote communication with the operator shift mechanism. The axle shift mechanism includes a shift lever respectively rotatable with rotation of the cam for establishing the operating mode of the vehicle axle. The axle shift mechanism includes a compression spring assembly for enabling delayed rotation of the shift lever. A neutral lock mechanism is operably supported by the cam for selectively prohibiting rotation of the cam from the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Steven W. Houston
  • Patent number: 6691817
    Abstract: An electrical power-assisted steering system is disclosed comprising an electric motor connected through a gearbox to act on a steering mechanism of the vehicle, the electric motor having a plurality of phase windings connected to a star point and switching means provided in at least one phase of the motor, the switching means being movable between a closed position in which current is able to flow in the phase windings, and an open position which prevents current flowing in a respective phase winding. The system incorporates a safety circuit operative when a fault develops to smooth out the transition between the presence and absence of servo support in assisting and not assisting by providing a prescribed period of damped operation as part of a shut-down phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: TRW LucasVarity Electric Steering Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell Wilson-Jones
  • Patent number: 6691818
    Abstract: There is provided a control unit for an electric power steering apparatus that controls a motor for giving a steering assist force to a steering mechanism based on a current control value calculated from a steering assist command value calculated based on a steering torque generated in a steering shaft, and a current value of the motor. The control unit has a center responsiveness improving section that differentiates a signal of the steering torque, adds the differentiated value to the steering assist command value, and carries out a phase advancement compensation to the differentiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Endo, Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 6691819
    Abstract: A steering actuator for adjusting an angle of a steerable wheel of a motor vehicle includes an electronic controller, a rack translatable in opposing directions, and a sleeve assembly translatable along a length of the rack and disposed in mechanical communication with the steerable wheel of the vehicle. The rack is drivable in response to an operator input and further drivable in response to an input signal from the electronic controller. A method of using the actuator includes receiving an input from the operator of the vehicle, receiving an input signal indicative of the behavior of the vehicle from a sensing device, calculating an output signal from the operator input and the motor vehicle behavior input signal, and adjusting an angle of the steerable wheel based on the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ratko Menjak, James Myrl Card, Damir Menjak
  • Patent number: 6691820
    Abstract: A torque detecting apparatus which can detect steering torque applied on a steering shaft which connects a steering wheel and a steering mechanism from the steering wheel side and inverse input torque applied on the same from the steering mechanism side, and an electric power steering apparatus which can prevent deterioration of steering feeling when the inverse input torque acts, by driving and controlling the steering force assisting motor to cancel the inverse input torque. The torque detecting apparatus and the electric power steering apparatus judge that the inverse input torque is applied when a predetermined interrelation exists among a vehicle speed and angular velocities which are calculated at two positions distant in the axial direction of the steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Tokumoto
  • Patent number: 6691821
    Abstract: A stethoscope having a binaural and a chestpiece in acoustic communication with that binaural. The chestpiece has at least one microphone in acoustic communication with a hollow stem, with this stem having a slot. The binaural is on the type with a tubing assembly having two lumens, these lumens being separated by a wall. Upon assembly, the tubing assembly engages the stem with the wall disposed within the slot. A method of providing a custom stethoscope is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig D. Oster, Douglas W. Voegeli
  • Patent number: 6691822
    Abstract: A sound damping filter for an ear protector placeable in the auditory duct of a person. The sound damping filter comprises a sound damping canal with a passage extending from a sound inlet opening to a sound outlet opening. The passage of the sound damping canal is closed off by means of an air-permeable, sheetlike membrane, such that transport of air through the filter is possible. The invention also relates to an ear protector and a method for manufacturing a membrane for a sound damping filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Groeneveld Elcea B.V.
    Inventors: Victor Joseph Ahton Meussen, Ronald Collee
  • Patent number: 6691823
    Abstract: A suction muffler in a reciprocating compressor is installed over a suction valve to attenuate complex sound pressure (noise) such as vibrational noise, valve sonance, flowing noise and pulsative noise produced from the suction valve when low temperature, low pressure refrigerant gas ejected from an evaporator is sucked into a cylinder via the suction valve and a suction portion of the cylinder. A Tesla valve having two distribution paths is mounted in the suction muffler to attenuate the complex sound pressure (noise) while preventing the reflow of the refrigerant gas into the suction muffler from the suction valve. As a result, the Tesla valve also enhances the cooling ability of the compressor and the attenuation effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: In Won Lee, Kwang Hyup An, Jeong Ho Lee, In Seop Lee
  • Patent number: 6691824
    Abstract: An improved strap for the construction of safety harnesses of the type designed to protect against falls provides increased flexibility and comfort. The strap is composed of a tubular sheath of elastic fabric that coaxially surrounds a typical high strength safety strap. The two components of the strap are sized so that the safety strap is longer than the surrounding tubular elastic sheath. This causes the longitudinal compression and thickening of the safety strap which then acts as filler to form a “pillow” from the sheath. This cushions the strap making it more comfortable while the longitudinal compression of the enclosed safety strap increases its flexibility. During a fall the sheath rapidly stretches and the enclosed safety strap elongates to full length to stop the fall in the normal manner of safety straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ultra-Safe, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Marty Sharp
  • Patent number: 6691825
    Abstract: An attachment for a straight ladder that can stabilize the ladder when placed against vertical surfaces that include a flat wall, an inside corner and an outside corner. Adjustments permit use around a window or other such structure within the wall. A tubular framework accepts two support arms. The support arms may be arranged in several different orientations within the framework. Pivotable sleeves attached to the underside of the framework accept the support arms to stabilize the ladder when placed against a tree or column. A tension spring between the sleeves assist the support arms holding the ladder against the tree. A plate affixed to the top of the framework supports a tray with depressions and cutouts so that tools and supplies may be kept close at hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Voy Haig
  • Patent number: 6691826
    Abstract: A safety apparatus (10) for enhancing worker safety includes a support arrangement. The arrangement is locatable proximate a hazardous working area (18). A connecting arrangement defines at least one pair of opposed connecting points (64). The connecting points (64) are positioned on opposite sides of the hazardous area (18) so that a line (72) connecting the points (64) spans the hazardous area (18). The invention extends to an anchor member (12) for the safety apparatus, to a kit for the safety apparatus and to a structural assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MSPH PTY LTD
    Inventor: John Lawrence Dean
  • Patent number: 6691827
    Abstract: An anchorage for anchoring an article to a bilateral flange which can have a width in a wide range of widths. First and second hooks are hooked over opposite flanges and securely retained thereon by a webbing strap of adjustable length extending between the two hooks. The webbing strap is permanently secured at one end to one of the hooks, and extends through a clamp on the other hook. The length of the webbing strap between the two hooks is fully adjustable in a wide range to accommodate the varying flange widths. As an alternative to a webbing strap and clamp, the hooks can be adjustably linked by an interpenetrating tongue and slot or buckle, mutually latched at a selected hook separation by a detent having projections urged into notches on the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Multi-Stroke Limited
    Inventor: Peter Lycett
  • Patent number: 6691828
    Abstract: A scaffold stringer which is a plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Deltak Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Yates Westley Hayman, Kenneth Ray Hensley
  • Patent number: 6691829
    Abstract: A combination gutter protector and safety device for use with a ladder which is leaned against the upper part of a structural wall that is equipped with a rain gutter under the eaves. The device is secured to the fascia board of the wall in a longitudinal plane adjacent to or substantially even with the plane of the open top of the gutter in such position that it protects the gutter against deformation when the ladder is put in place. The device also serves to provide a contained recess for holding the ladder against slippage and, if desired, locking the ladder against theft. The structure of the device accomplishes the above purposes without occupying any part of the channel of the gutter and thus does not interfere with the free flow of water, leaves and other debris in the channel of the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: John J. Stelmach
  • Patent number: 6691830
    Abstract: A device for lubricating a power gearbox having a variable orientation and a closed space has a lubricating unit that supplies lubricant to at least one element of the gearbox, which needs to be lubricated. A collecting reservoir collects lubricant from the closed space. A drain screw chamber, within the closed space, has a number of orifices disposed between different zones of the closed space and the drain screw chamber for passing lubricant there between. At least one rotary drain screw, which is produced in the form of an Archimedean screw, is disposed in the drain screw chamber to convey the lubricant from the drain screw chamber to the collecting reservoir. A drive unit drives the drain screw in rotation for conveying the lubricant. The orifices open respectively different zones of the closed space to the drain screw chamber such that the drain screw chamber can always collect lubricant from the different zones regardless of the orientation of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Maurice Blanc, Lionel Thomassey
  • Patent number: 6691831
    Abstract: A plurality of heat receiving ribs are projected inwardly from the inner wall surfaces of a crankcase of a splashing oil lubrication type internal combustion engine. The heat receiving ribs extend in the same direction of a crankshaft so as to easily absorb heat from splashed engine oil. As a result, the temperature in the crankcase is reduced, thereby the lubrication characteristic of the engine oil can be maintained in good condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Furuya
  • Patent number: 6691832
    Abstract: The diaphragm is supported by the frame at the outer edge thereof. The pair of terminal members is mounted on the frame, and a pair of lead wire drawn from the voice coil is fixed to the land portion of the terminal member for electrical continuity. Since the land portion is disposed on the upper side of the frame, fixation of the lead wire can be performed without turning the frame upside down. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the speaker and also prevents a breakage of the lead wire that conventionally happens when the frame is turned upside down. Further, this prevents the operator from touching the lead wire since no part of the lead wire is exposed outside the frame after the fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuminori Moritake, Shigeru Sugiyama, Naohiro Fujinami, Tomoyuki Sato, Yoshio Imahori
  • Patent number: 6691833
    Abstract: An elevator has a car that moves along at least one guiderail in a hoistway and the car is supported by at least one suspension rope that is driven by a drive unit. The drive unit has a drive motor that rotates rope sheave over which the suspension rope passes. The drive unit is located in an upper section of the hoistway and projects over at least part of the car. To assure safe access to the drive unit when the dimensions of the hoistway are efficiently minimized, the car has a closable opening in the roof through which the drive unit is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Hans Elsener, Urs Ammon
  • Patent number: 6691834
    Abstract: A centrifugally activated device for controlling the speed of movement of an elevator cab includes the capability of controlling upward and downward movement. A first stopping device is associated with at least one elevator sheave. A second stopping device preferably is supported on an opposite side of the same sheave. The second stopping device preferably includes centrifugally activated components such as a latch member that moves from a first position into a second, stopping position responsive to an undesirably high speed of upward movement of the elevator cab. The centrifugally activated components preferably include a latch member that is rotatably supported on the sheave and has an engaging member at one end that engages a cooperating stop surface near the sheave to prevent the sheave from further rotation upon the sheave reaching an undesirably high rate of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Luis Martí Sánchez, Fernando Del Rio Sanz, Fernando Santos Cosgaya
  • Patent number: 6691835
    Abstract: A disc brake assembly has a support member secured to a vehicle to position a caliper over a rotor. The caliper has a housing with a bore therein for retaining a piston and a first friction member attached thereto in alignment with a first braking surface on the rotor and a bridge that straddles the rotor to position a second friction member in alignment with a second braking surface on the rotor. The bore receives pressurized fluid from a source that acts on the piston to develop an actuation force for moving the first friction member into engagement with the first braking surface and acts on the housing to cause the caliper to move the second friction member into engagement with the second braking surface to effect a brake application. The first and second friction members have a first initial thickness and the rotor has a second initial thickness that are reduced with each brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas G Zavodny
  • Patent number: 6691836
    Abstract: A brake auxiliary device is proposed, including a resilient mechanism having an upper support member mounted on a bottom surface of a vehicle, and a lower support member properly spaced apart from the upper support member at a position above a wheel shaft of the vehicle; a transmission mechanism positioned between the upper and lower support members of the resilient mechanism, and rotatably abutting against the lower support member; and a drive mechanism coupled to the transmission mechanism, for outputting power to operationally drive the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is adapted to operate to induce displacement of the lower support member with respect to the upper support member, and to generate up and down movement for the vehicle, so as to raise vertical upright pressure applied from wheels of the vehicle to the ground, and thereby increase friction between the wheels and the ground in favor of braking implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Chiang-Shui Su
  • Patent number: 6691837
    Abstract: A screw actuator comprises a nut and a screw each comprising helical grooves, said nut and screw engaging each other by rollers or balls which are in contact with said grooves, a lubricant being provided for the grooves and rollers or balls. Integrated in the actuator is a module, which is connected to at least the helical grooves of the nut and/or screw for replenishing the lubricant for the grooves and rollers or balls of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Thomas Wilhelm Fucks, Jiri Gurka, Jérôme Dubus, Christian Boch, Clair Druet, Asbjorn Bundgart, Alberto Visconti
  • Patent number: 6691838
    Abstract: A drum brake assembly, adjuster strut (10) being adjustable and having axially extended and retracted conditions. The strut includes means (11, 35) for engaging braking members (3), a rotatable member (27) rotatable about the lengthwise axis of the strut, an axially movable member (34) movable upon forward rotation of member (27) to lengthen the strut in the retracted condition, and biasing means (24) for biasing the strut toward the axially extended condition upon radial expansion of the brake shoes during brake actuation. The rotatable member has a face (30) and a cam surface (31) formed thereon and defining teeth formed in a ring. The strut includes an arm (37) which is mounted to pivot and an end portion (40) biased into engagement with the surface (31). In use, the arm causes the rotatable (27) member to rotate in a forward direction during axial extension of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: PBR Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Nui Wang
  • Patent number: 6691839
    Abstract: A reduced drag wet disc brake assembly is disclosed in which the viscosity of the fluid in the assembly is capable of changing. At higher traveling speeds, the viscosity of the fluid is low. However, when the viscosity of the fluid increases the speed of the vehicle decreases. The wet disc brake assembly comprises a brake cavity, a rotating plate disposed within the cavity that is rotatingly connected to the hub, two non-rotating plates disposed within the cavity on either side of the rotating plate, a current source connected to the rotating and non-rotating plates, and an electrorheological fluid filling the brake cavity. The viscosity of the electrorheological fluid changes depending on the electric current experienced by the fluid. In an alternative embodiment, the brake assembly also includes a coiled conductive wire connected to a current source to produce a magnetic field and the cavity is filled with magnetic Theological fluid instead of electrorheological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Raji S. El-Kassouf
  • Patent number: 6691840
    Abstract: A suspension damper including a tube and a damping piston assembly disposed within the tube and slidably mounted therein for reciprocal movement in the tube. The suspension damper also includes a piston rod extending through the tube and connected to the damping piston assembly, a rod guide assembly closing a top end of the tube, and a rebound cut-off disk and spring suspended in the tube between the rod guide assembly and the damping piston assembly and cooperating with the damping piston assembly to provide a rebound cut-off effect between the rebound cut-off disk and the damping piston assembly. The rebound cut-off disk and spring have specific gravities that are less than the specific gravity of the fluid in the tube, such that the disk and the spring are floatable in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Lisenker, Saiman Lun
  • Patent number: 6691841
    Abstract: Heat of an electrothermal part of a heater can be transmitted indirectly and efficiently to a pressure medium. A tubular case 6 having one end portion connected to a piston rod 2 airtightly and the other end portion slidably placed in contact with the outer circumference of a cylinder 1 is provided, a mounting hole 15 is formed within a holder 4 for closing an open end on the piston rod 2 connecting side of the case 6, and an electrothermal part 13a of a heater plug 13 is fitted into the mounting hole 15 directly or through a heat conductivity collar 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignees: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Otake, Osamu Miyatani, Yukio Hayakawa, Ryosuke Fujiya, Kiyoshi Nakahara
  • Patent number: 6691842
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a radio control model includes a cylinder and a piston reciprocally received in the cylinder. The piston has an annular groove defined in the periphery thereof and dividing the piston into an upper portion and a lower portion. At least two first holes are defined in the upper portion and communicates with the annular groove. At least one second hole is defined in the lower portion and communicates with the annular groove. At least one of the second hole co-axially aligns with a corresponding one of the at least two first holes and the number of the first hole is greater than that of the second hole. At least one stopper is received in the piston between the first hole and the second hole that align with each other for selectively closing the first hole and the second hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Aling Lai
  • Patent number: 6691843
    Abstract: A compact case that can be manually carried or carried in another case, for example a brief case, is designed to protect fragile, delicate objects such as laptop computers contained in the case from side impacts of bumping or from dropping the case without appreciably detracting from the compact size of the computer carried in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: TRG Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Cory O. Nykoluk, Kathleen M. Morrison, Mark B. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 6691844
    Abstract: A drive assembly, especially for agricultural implements with rotatingly driven masses, has a shear pin coupling (1) with a coupling hub (3) and a coupling sleeve (12) rotatable relative to the coupling hub (3). A ratchet gear (20) supported on the coupling hub (3) and rotatable relative to the coupling hub (3) and the coupling sleeve (12). All three components (3, 12, 20) are connected to one another by the head screw (26) constituting the shear pin. A ratchet (not illustrated) may engage a holding face of the ratchet gear (20). This results in the head screw (26) being sheared. As a result, the coupling sleeve (12) is disconnected from the coupling hub (3) in respect of drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Schott
  • Patent number: 6691845
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment compound ball ramp clutch assembly for motor vehicle drive line components includes a force amplifying assembly having two ball ramp operators arranged in tandem. The clutch assembly includes a first ball ramp operator having opposed cam plates with load transferring balls, an electromagnetic coil, a rotor and an armature. When energized, the coil creates drag which causes separation of the plates of the first ball ramp operator which compresses a primary (pilot) clutch pack disposed in mechanical parallel with the cam plates and load transferring balls of a second ball ramp operator. A speed difference and drag across the second ball ramp operator compresses a secondary (main) clutch pack. Significantly increased torque carrying capacity is exhibited by such a compound or a tandem ball ramp clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter
  • Patent number: 6691846
    Abstract: The over-running clutch pulley of a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a sheave member, a hub member located substantially concentrically within the sheave member, a spring member, and a stop surface, which cooperate to rotationally engage an input device and an output device. The sheave member preferably includes a sheave input section adapted to the engage the input device, and a sheave clutch section defining a sheave clutch surface. Similarly, the hub member preferably includes a hub output section adapted to engage the output device, and a hub clutch section defining a hub clutch surface. The stop surface functions to engage the spring member and to transfer some torque from the sheave member to the hub member during the acceleration of the sheave member in the first rotational direction relative the hub member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Barry C. Titus, Randall King, Jared I. Taketa, Russell E. Monahan
  • Patent number: 6691847
    Abstract: A power transfer device for amplifying and transmitting torque consists of an impeller (14), a turbine (16), a stator (18). A one-way clutch (32) responsive to impeller (14) rotational speed allows the stator (18) to rotate when the turbine is stationary or during high speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ker-Train Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: John Hugh Kerr
  • Patent number: 6691848
    Abstract: A one-way clutch including at least two concentric rings one of the rings carrying at least one ratchet pawl, and the other of the rings including ratchet teeth which engage the at least one ratchet pawl so as to allow relative rotational movement of the at least two rings in one rotational direction, and to provide a clutch between those rings in the operate rotational direction. At least one of the rings includes two identical half rings which are connected to each other and which at least partly enclose the other rings at axially opposite ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SKF Engineering & Research Centre B.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Jacques Eyraud, Hendrikus Jan Kapaan, Marc Michel Le Calve
  • Patent number: 6691849
    Abstract: The invention provides a clutch mechanism (200) having a driven pulley (32) and a drive pulley (34) to which a load is applied, the clutch mechanism (200) having an engaged position in which torque applied in use to the driven pulley (32) is transmitted to the drive pulley (34), and a disengaged position in which torque applied in use to the driven pulley (32) is not transmitted to the drive pulley (34), wherein the clutch mechanism (200) also has override means (238, 242) by which at least a proportion of the torque applied to the driven pulley (32) is absorbed when the load applied to the drive pulley (34) exceeds a predetermined value. The override means comprising a pair of detent plates (238, 242), and at least one ball-bearing (248) being held captive between the detent plates (248, 242).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Notetry Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Geoffrey Michael Burlington
  • Patent number: 6691850
    Abstract: The invention is based on a device for actuating a clutch (10), in particular for motor-vehicle drives, having an electronically controllable clutch servo unit (16) that comprises an electric motor (18, 52) and a reduction actuator gear (20) having two gear elements arranged coaxially in relation to each other (28, 38, 62 and/or 68, 82 and/or 96, 98) that are interconnected with each other in terms of propulsion via a thread (84, 86, 88) and that are displaced axially in relation to each other when they rotate relative to one another, whereby one of the gear elements (38, 68, 96) is immobilized axially in a housing (22, 58) of the clutch servo unit, and the actuating motion of the other gear element (28, 62, 82, 98) is transferred to a throwout bearing (42) of a clutch disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Aschoff, Dieter Fornoff, Ingo Drewe, Christian Meyer, Rolf Mack
  • Patent number: 6691851
    Abstract: A ratcheting, locking actuator for selectively positioning ergonomic devices is disclosed. The actuator has an overrunning, locking clutch in a housing, a lever, a hanging ratchet and a pulley for anchoring a traction element. The pulley is driven by a gear which is driven by the one of two ratchet pawls in either of two selectable directions. The drive direction is controlled by a lever to which a ratchet post is attached. Engagement and disengagement of the ratchet pawls with the drive gear is controlled by steps on the housing. The actuator is especially useful for controlling traction elements such as bowden cables for ergonomic devices such as lumbar supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jintao Liu, Alfred Stadlbauer
  • Patent number: 6691852
    Abstract: A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having an oversized input sleeve with internal baffles therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Karl W. Nolin
  • Patent number: 6691853
    Abstract: A bottom discharge slide gate apparatus for a conveyor. The slide gate apparatus may be selectively opened or closed, and may be pivoted downward away from the conveyor trough for cleaning thereof. The apparatus may be part of a vibratory conveyor system or retrofitted on an existing conveyor trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Meyer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Basketfield
  • Patent number: 6691854
    Abstract: A device for orienting a number of objects. The device has a holder conveyor with holders for the objects, lifts synchronously co-displaceable with the holders and rotatable relative thereto for lifting the objects out of the holders and rotating the objects into and oriented standing rotational position relative to a standing rotation axis on the holders, a detector for detecting the standing rotational position of each object and a control device for the lifts which is connected to the detector and which activates the lifts for a relevant object as long as is required to rotate the oriented standing rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob Hendrik De Greef
  • Patent number: 6691855
    Abstract: There is disclosed a part-aligning apparatus that is simple in structure, less damages chip parts, and operates well even if its chip discharge passage is clogged or overflows. The apparatus has a part-holding chamber for accommodating a number of chip parts. An arc-shaped chute groove is formed in the inner surface of the bottom of the part-holding chamber to orient the chip parts in a given direction and to guide the sliding chips. A gate port is formed at the lower end of the chute groove to pass the sliding chip parts one by one. The discharge passage is formed tangent to the chute groove to align the passed chip parts in a row and to deliver them. Claw portions for removing clogging are formed on the inner surface of a rotary drum that forms the part-holding chamber. The claw portions urge any chip part halted in the gate port in an abnormal posture toward an opposite direction different from the direction in which the chips are delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Takahashi, Nihei Kaishita
  • Patent number: 6691856
    Abstract: A conveyor track of the smart-track type, comprises two conveyors, each consisting of at least one endless, flexible conveyor member, such as a chain, each conveyor having a separate drive and elements for switching the drives on and off and controlling the conveying speed of the conveyor members, and at least one section provided with drivers being attached to each of the conveyors by elements attachment members. The elements (21) for removably mounting a section (16; 17) provided with drivers (15) on an attachment member (20) of a conveyor (1a, 1b; 2a, 2b) are designed in such a manner that the distance from these elements (21) to two flexible conveyor members (1a, 1b; 2a, 2b) situated next to and at a short distance from one another is substantially identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Bouwe Prakken
  • Patent number: 6691857
    Abstract: Supply lines, formed by two V-shaped belts (1)-(1′) that go in the same direction at different speeds; Photoelectric cells (2) on the first transversal alignment of cells and others (3) on the fruit outlet of the feeder; Pneumatic cylinders that separate or group the outlet ends of the supply lines, turning on their inlet ends: Detection means (6) of the arrangement of the cells to suitably position the supply lines; Means (7) to check loading on the inlet ends of the feed lines, that operate as a transporter (8) to regulate and give continuity to the general supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Food Machinery Espanola, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Antonio Sánchez de León Rodríguez Roda
  • Patent number: 6691858
    Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting at least one linear entry stream of a product into exit streams of the product which are laterally offset in relation to the entry stream. The conveyor system is provided with two successive conveyor units whose adjacent downstream or upstream ends can be displaced in opposite directions in relation to each other transversely to the direction of transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guenther Weber
  • Patent number: 6691859
    Abstract: A novel feeder construction, and method of operation, that is easily interfaced to a variety of conventional pick-and-place machines and can readily and reliably feed components suspended from a carrier for pickup at a pickup location by the pick-and-place machine. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier with suspended components is fed in a line spaced laterally from the pickup location. The lead component when separated from the strip must then be moved laterally to the pickup location. By laterally spacing the carrier strip of components from the pickup location it is ensured that the feeder parts involved in separating the component from the carrier do not obstruct movement of the vacuum nozzle of the pick-and-place machine during the pickup operation and advancement of the carrier to present the next component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Autosplice Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome L. Weber