Patents Issued in March 11, 2004
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Publication number: 20040045721Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for lifting heavy loads beneath the floor of a drilling rig or a platform. A base skid supports tables to which winch bases are attached. Winches, usually four in number, are placed on the winch bases and the cables of the winches are placed through sheaves and attached to a double line bar. Sheaves are attached to a load, such as a blowout preventer. Cradle lines may support a blowout preventer. Load cells may be used with the winch cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Al Joseph Shiyou
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Publication number: 20040045722Abstract: The present invention relates to a well safety valve set in a production tubing, comprising a body (17) including shutoff means (18) for shutting off a passage inside the body, anchor means (19) for anchoring the body in the tubing, sealing means (20) between the body and the wall of the tubing, the valve comprising communication means (14) for a hydraulic pressure between the valve and the surface of the well. According to the invention, the shutoff, anchor and sealing means include hydraulic activation means such that the hydraulic pressure transmitted from the surface activates the means so as to open the passage, anchor the valve in the tubing and activate the sealing means on the wall of the tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Jean-Robert Sangla
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Publication number: 20040045723Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a mandrel and a packing element. The mandrel may have an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and a the packing element may be arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate removal of the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a valve for controlling fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The valve may include a flapper having at least one tab to engage at least one recession in the mandrel such that rotation between the mandrel and the valve is precluded when the valve is in a closed position. The apparatus may further include a central member which is releaseably attached to the mandrel by a release mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Gabriel Slup, Douglas J. Lehr, Hubert F. Garrison, Tommy J. Allen, Blake Robin Cox, Donald Wayne Deel, Samuel Mark Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20040045724Abstract: A hydraulically operated setting tool for use in setting a plug or other component in a wellbore, and which is responsive to a supply of input actuating pressure to actuate the tool. An elongate tool housing has an inlet to receive the supply of actuating pressure, and an actuator element is axially displaceable relative to housing and also engageable with the plug or other component to set and release the component with respect to the wellbore. A pressure multiplier arrangement includes a hydraulically operated low pressure and high volume output piston which performs initial loading of the tool, and a high pressure, low volume output piston which provides a multiplied hydraulic force applied to the actuator element to set the plug or other component in a required position in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Mark Buyers, David Forsythe, Simon Benedict Fraser
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Publication number: 20040045725Abstract: This invention relates to a method of converting Halon-based fire suppression systems by substituting HFC 125 for the Halon without the need for changing the in place existing distribution piping. An amount of HFC 125 greater than the amount of Halon utilized in the fire suppression system is provided, which is under a pressure to effect exhaustion of the HFC 125 of the system within a time range exceeding about 10 seconds and up to about 25 seconds and which meets the standard fire extinguishing requirements for Class A and Class B fires. An existing fire suppression system is analyzed for flow characteristics to find TD of that system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Fike CorporationInventors: Bon F. Shaw, Bradford T. Stilwell, John K. Schaefer, Paul H. Kohne
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Publication number: 20040045726Abstract: A hitch for hitching a plow to a vehicle is disclosed. The hitch includes a vehicle portion and a plow portion. The vehicle portion includes a mounting member having a substantially planar face. The plow can be pivotally mounted to the plow portion of the hitch. The plow portion of the hitch can be removably mounted to the vehicle portion of the hitch. The plow portion can include a pair of clamping members with one clamping member being movable with respect to the other clamping member. The plow portion can also include a lift assembly for moving the plow between a plowing position and an elevated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Henderson Manufacturing Co.Inventors: Mark S. Hollinrake, Mary T. Goos, Wade J. Burken
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Publication number: 20040045727Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for improving the operating life of gas powered hammers such as are typically mounted on the hydraulic booms of construction equipment for breaking up rocks and/or debris. When a hammer of this type is fired without its tool coming into contact with a target object, the hammer body itself is often damaged by the internal impacts caused by the blank firing of the hammer. The present invention minimizes the damaging blank fires by determining the load on the hammer tool and preventing the hammer from firing if a no-load or low load condition exists. The load is determined based upon the pressure of the gas in the hammer gas supply or the position of the hammer tool with respect to the hammer body. In addition, a reserve gas supply and regulator are utilized to minimize the need to refill the hammer's gas supply and insure that the hammer operates at maximum power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Jeromy T. Allums, James E. Parson
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Publication number: 20040045728Abstract: A fastener installation tool to install fasteners, such as rivets, risers, standoffs, and other types of fasteners operates upon vacuum and air pressure. Fasteners are installed with minimal reactive forces to the operator's hand, thus reducing the risk of repetitive injuries to the operator's body. Vacuum retains the fastener within the tool tip and retracts a piston, until an operator simultaneously presses the fastener against a work piece and actuates an actuation element on the tool. This causes air pressure to quickly thrust the piston against a hammer pin to drive in the fastener, transferring kinetic energy from the piston to the fastener without appreciable kick-back to the operator. A control system provides a source of vacuum and air pressure to the tool. Methods of using a fastener installation tool are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Intel CorporationInventor: Alton W. Hezeltine
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Publication number: 20040045729Abstract: The fastening tool process controller provides an apparatus and process for programming, controlling, and comparison validation of the semi-automated operation of a transducer equipped and/or non-instrumented, pneumatically driven impulse or impact tool to a repeatable final shutdown torque value. The controller is taught a supply line pressure to output torque ratio for the particular pneumatic tool being used by validation against a NIST traceable standard torque transducer, or through manual checking with a normal torque wrench. This process is referred to as an automatic or manual teach cycle. The ratio provides the controller with the final required line pressure needed to achieve the pre-program torque targeted value. During a learn cycle, the micro-processor of the controller monitors values, either pressure differentials or acoustic signals, corresponding to mass air flow consumed while tightening a sample bolt into the actual application to the previous set torque target value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Mark W. Lehnert, Paul Podsobinski
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Publication number: 20040045730Abstract: A thermal energy management system is provided having a heat spreading device that is operatively engaged with at least one semiconductor chip and a thermal bus operatively engaged with the heat spreading device so as to transport thermal energy from the heat spreading device to a heat sink. The heat spreading device includes a heat pipe and the thermal bus includes a loop thermosyphon. A second thermal bus may be operatively engaged with the first-thermal bus so as to transport thermal energy from the first thermal bus to a heat sink. The second thermal bus may also include a loop thermosyphon. A method of managing thermal energy in an electronic system is also provided that includes spreading thermal energy generated by one or more devices over a surface that is relatively larger than the devices, thermally coupling an evaporator portion of a loop thermosyphon to the surface, and thermally coupling a condensing portion of the loop thermosyphon to a thermal energy sink, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Scott D. Garner
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Publication number: 20040045731Abstract: An improved audio cable comprising at least one pair of first and second insulated conductors located on opposite sides of a shielding member that extends the entire length of the cable. The first and second conductors are located on opposite sides of the shielding member. Bores, also called lenses, are formed on the shielding member that allow exposure of the magnetic fields of the first and second conductors to reduce inductance. In the first embodiment, the shielding member is spiral with the conductors on opposite sides of the shielding member. The conductors and shielding member may be covered with an outer shielding member that only extends over the lenses or the entire length of the cable and covered by a durable, protective outer cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: John Garland
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Publication number: 20040045732Abstract: A work liquid storage apparatus of an electric discharge machine having a work tank (2) for storing a work liquid (5) supplied by work liquid supply means (6) with a workpiece (4) placed in the work liquid (5), the work tank having an opening (2a), a door (12) for opening and closing the opening (2a), and a seal member (10) for hermetically sealing space between the work tank (2) and the door (12) comprises support plates (13) each being formed with a long hole (13a) in an up and down direction, fixing means (14) for fixing the support plates (13) and the door (12), and arms (15) each being rotatably supported at both end parts with the work tank (2) and the support plate (13). Since the door (12) can be held at the position covering the lower end part of the opening (2a) of the work tank (2) and the position exposing the lower end part of the opening (2a), maintenance work and replacement work of the seal member (10) can be performed easily.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Ryogo Koba, Akihito Adachi, Toshio Suzuki
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Publication number: 20040045733Abstract: The invention proposes a protective casing (12) for an electronic appliance (10) of the type which has a shell (18) in which there is produced an opening (20) closed off by a body (22) made from transparent material with a general flat shape, of the type in which at least one internal peripheral annular fixing area (30) of the transparent body (22) is fixed to a facing area (32) of the periphery of the opening (20) by fixing and/or positioning means (34) with the interposing of a first decorative cladding (38) between the peripheral fixing area (30) of the transparent body (22) and the fixing and/or position means (34), characterized in that the peripheral fixing area (30) is inclined with respect to the overall plane of the transparent body (22).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Joseph Cheynet, Anthony Andre Clovis Grandbert, Laurent Mozer
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Publication number: 20040045734Abstract: A structure for attaching a harness protector used in supplying electricity comprises a harness protector attached to a vehicle body or a door inner panel of a sliding door for absorbing slack of a wire harness in the harness protector, and a reinforcing member provided on the harness protector for preventing deformation such as warpage in a thickness direction of the harness protector. The reinforcing member includes a protector fixing member, a door panel fixing member and a door-trim fixing member. The fixing member is stuck to the harness protector without any rattle in the thickness direction of the harness protector and is movable along a surface of the harness protector. The reinforcing member is arranged near an oblong opening of the harness protector for pulling out the wire harness.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Mitsunori Tsunoda, Tohru Aoki, Akira Tsubaki
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Publication number: 20040045735Abstract: An electrical cable includes a first layer, a second layer, and a tie layer, disposed between the first layer and the second layer, for bonding the first layer to the second layer. A method of making an electrical cable includes applying a tie layer to an inner layer, the tie layer being miscible with the inner layer, and bonding an outer layer to the tie layer via one of a chemical reaction therebetween and a physical bond therebetween. An electrical cable includes a first layer, a second layer immiscible with the first layer, and a tie layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the tie layer is miscible with the first layer and is capable of bonding with the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Joseph P. Varkey, Byong J. Kim, Willem A. Wijnberg, Chun-Te Yeh
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Publication number: 20040045736Abstract: A mechatronic transmission control is disclosed. The control comprises a housing (2) that can be installed in a motor vehicle transmission, an electronic control unit (3), whose components (5) are arranged on a fixed board (4) in the housing (2), sensor components (8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17 to 24), which are coupled to the electronic control unit (3) and a flexible printed circuit board (6), on which the sensor components (8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17 to 24) are positioned and which acts as an electrical and mechanical connection element between the sensor components (8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17 to 24) and the electronic control unit (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Bernd Jungbauer, Christoph Lincke, Josef Loibl, Georg Mentzel
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Publication number: 20040045737Abstract: A process for manufacturing a flexible wiring board according to the present invention comprises growing metal bumps 16 using a mask film patterned by photolithography. Fine openings can be formed with good precision, therefore, fine metal bumps 16 can be formed with good precision because laser beam is not used to form openings in a polyimide film. After metal bumps 16 have been formed, the mask film is removed and a liquid resin material is applied and dried to form a coating, which is then cured into a resin film. The coating can be etched at surface portions during coating stage to expose the tops of metal bumps 16.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: SONY CHEMICALS CORP.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hishinuma, Hideyuki Kurita, Ryo Ito, Masayuki Nakamura
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Publication number: 20040045738Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit board in which peeling strength is prevented from decreasing and connection resistance to conductive material is prevented from increasing, though the contact area decreases when the circuit board has a copper foil. This circuit board has metal film (105) for covering a through hole on at least one surface of insulating substrate (101) having the through hole filled with conductive material (104). Uneven layer (1069 with a thickness of 5 &mgr;m or more is formed on a surface of metal film (105), and a metal layer is formed on the opposite surface to uneven layer (106).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Toshio Sugawa, Yoshihisa Takase
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Publication number: 20040045739Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: John E. Mercer, Peter H. Hambling, Rudolf Zeller, Shiu S. Ng, Guenter W. Brune, Lloyd A. Moore
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Publication number: 20040045740Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to support a gyroscope within a downhole drilling tool. A packaging system is positioned within a drill collar of the drilling tool and includes a housing for the gyro and at least one centralizer supporting the housing within the drill collar. The system may also be provided with a down-hole end cap, an up-hole endcap and a loading device. A gyro compression mechanism that is capable of holding wires may also be included to provide power and communication while compressing the gyro to isolate it from shock or vibration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Barry W. Cross, Mario A. Araya, Keith A. Moriarty, Kenneth W. Turner, Jean-Michel Hache
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Publication number: 20040045741Abstract: A method for drilling in unconsolidated formation is taught. In particular, a method for borehole stabilization in an unconsolidated formation includes providing a drill string; rotating the drill string to drive a drill bit to drill a borehole having a borehole wall; driving the drill string against the borehole wall while rotating the drill string to plaster the surface of the borehole wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: TESCO CORPORATIONInventors: Robert M. Tessari, Tommy W. Warren, Per G. Angman, Maurice William Slack
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Publication number: 20040045742Abstract: Roller cone drilling wherein the bit optimization process equalizes the downforce (axial force) for the cones (as nearly as possible, subject to other design constrain). Bit performance is significantly enhanced by equalizing downforce.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Shilin Chen
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Publication number: 20040045743Abstract: A rolling cone drill bit is provided that has gage inserts on the first row from the bit axis to cut to full gage diameter that have a cutting portion enhanced with a layer of super abrasive material. The gage cutting surface has a center axis that is canted to be more normal to the gage curve such that the its point of contact at gage is away from the thinner portion of the layer of super abrasive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Alan W. Lockstedt, Gary R. Portwood, Scott D. McDonough
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Publication number: 20040045744Abstract: The machine has a regular structure symmetrical with respect to a central axis and provided with limiting end faces, said structure being disposed with its horizontal axis rotatably supported on its axis of symmetry on the frame of the machine, and bearing a plurality of longitudinal frames in the direction of the generatrices, on which are incorporated the “cups” or buckets carrying the pieces of fruit or the like, each of said “cups” or buckets being freely rotatable on a horizontal axis, and the machine having means for the rotatable support on its horizontal axis of said structure carrying the “cups” for the pieces of fruit, and also means for effecting the rotation of said structure on its horizontal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Rosalina Paniagua Olaechea
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Publication number: 20040045745Abstract: The invention provides a lifting device for an industrial truck with a load holding device (9) that can move in a vertical direction along a lifting mast. A lifting chain (13) supports the load holding device (9) and a measurement device determines the weight of a load on the load holding device (9). The measurement device includes a force transducer (18) located in the vicinity of the lifting chain (13) of the lifting device. The force transducer (18) is suitable for the measurement of compression forces and is located at a fastening point of the lifting chain (13) to the lifting mast.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Hans-Jorg Schiebel, Michael Meinhardt, Ralf Mebert
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Publication number: 20040045746Abstract: A scale having a load platform suspended by multiple horizontally spaced suspension members. Tensions on the suspension members apply torques to a load transfer linkage comprising a plurality of horizontally extending, torsionally rigid torque transfer members arranged for additive transfer of the torques to a lever counterbalancing and indicating device. Equality of the torque arms at all connections of the suspension members to the rigid members is achieved by allowing the suspension members to extend substantially vertically and to bear with minimal lateral forces on calibrating sleeves of predetermined uniform and equal diameters received on the rigid members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Hyer Industries, Inc.Inventor: Frank S. Hyer
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Publication number: 20040045747Abstract: A speed reduction drive is used with a crawler track that is an endless member mounted on suitable supports including a ground engaging portion for moving a vehicle attached to a track frame. The speed reduction drive comprises a drive case having an input shaft and an output shaft. The output shaft has a pair of track drive wheel sections mounted on opposite ends thereof that protrude out from the drive case. The input shaft has a sprocket drivably mounted thereon and carrying a chain that drives a sprocket on the drive shaft. The input shaft is driven with a hydraulic motor and has a normally spring-applied pressure released brake on the input shaft. The track drive wheel sections have bars or drive elements that engage lugs on the track to effect the driving arrangement when the track drive wheel sections are rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Clark Equipment CompanyInventors: Larry E. Albright, Dan Frederick
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Publication number: 20040045748Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electric motor drive and an on-board power supply. Conventional on-board power supply systems can be operated with fuel cell modules. Here, the motor vehicle further comprises an air conditioning system providing cooling air that has an air conditioning compressor supplied by the electric systems of the vehicle. The electric systems can be either the hybrid drive of the motor vehicle or a separate electric motor driven by a fuel cell module already mounted in the vehicle. High-temperature PEM fuel cells are especially suitable for this purpose.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Rolf Bruck, Joachim Grosse, Manfred Poppinger, Meike Reizig
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Publication number: 20040045749Abstract: A system and method to meet the cooling needs of a hybrid electric vehicle's motor, such as an integrated-starter-generator, using a transmission cooling loop that flows through a specialized stator housing of the motor. The system has a cooling loop with a heat exchanger and conduits to connect the stator housing of the motor, transmission, and heat exchanger. Coolant flows through the cooling loop through the action of either a mechanical transmission pump or an auxiliary pump or both. A controller can receive and process input from at least one vehicle sensor, and command the auxiliary pump to operate when the processed input of at least one vehicle sensor exceeds a pre-selected threshold. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the cooling loop also has bypass conduits and independently controllable bypass valves having actuators. The stator housing can overlap or be adjacent to a transmission housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arun Kumar Jaura, Chan-Woo Park, Matthew David Hammond, Steven Gerald Thomas
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Publication number: 20040045750Abstract: This invention is a control system for a clutch for connecting an engine to the powertrain of an HEV. The system includes a controller programmed to determine a filtered speed error of the engine and a starter/motor and to determine an engine run command. Monitoring devices operatively connected to the engine and the starter/motor are connected to output data representing the engine and starter/motor speeds to the controller. The controller is programmed to generate a clutch position command, dependent on the data, to a servo-actuator connected to the clutch. The invention, further, provides methods for controlling such a clutch including the steps of determining an engine run command, determining a filtered speed error of the engine and a starter/motor and generating a clutch position command.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Charles Baraszu, Susan Rebecca Cikanek
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Publication number: 20040045751Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a hybrid vehicle drive apparatus, a control method of a hybrid vehicle drive apparatus, and a program thereof which are capable of preventing an engine (11) from racing at the time of sharp acceleration of the vehicle and therefore preventing a degraded state of exhaust gas, and therefore increasing the overall output. The invention includes: an electric power generator (16) mechanically connected to the engine (11); a drive motor (25) driven by at least one of an electric current generated by the electric power generator (16) and an electric current supplied from a battery (43); battery state detecting means for detecting a battery state of the battery (43); target drive motor torque setting means (90) for setting a target torque of the drive motor based on the battery state. In this case, the target drive motor torque is set based on the battery state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kazuo Aoki, Toshio Okoshi, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kozo Yamaguchi, Ken Iwatsuki
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Publication number: 20040045752Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system is designed to have dimensions that are shorter in an axial direction and improved centering accuracy of a rotor, in order to prevent deterioration of motor performance. A rotor support plate (15) has a flat-plate shaped disk portion (15b), and is fixed to a front cover (32) of a take off device (5), such as a torque converter, or the like, at the disk portion with a set block (67) and a bolt (69). A forward portion of the take off device is centered and supported by fitting a center piece (33) to a crankshaft (3). A support-plate hub (15a) is in contact with the center piece (33) at a small area (33c) in a vicinity of a fixing plane P of the disk portion (15b) and the set block (67), and thus centering of the rotor (13) is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Kenji Omote, Satoru Wakuta
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Publication number: 20040045753Abstract: A delay time for delaying starting of an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle is set to a predetermined time based on an engine coolant temperature and a state of an air conditioner switch. Starting of the engine is delayed for the predetermined time if it is determined that a vehicle can run using only a motor based on a required torque, a required power and an SOC of the battery. The predetermined time is determined based on a time necessary for completing preheating of an engine by a preheating device, preparations of sensors such as an air-furl ratio sensor, and warming-up of an exhaust gas purifying device. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform start of the engine and operation immediately after the engine start, and to make control at the engine start time simple.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Katsuhiko Yamaguchi, Osamu Harada, Yukio Kobayashi, Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Takahiro Nishigaki, Mamoru Tomatsuri, Koichiro Muta
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Publication number: 20040045754Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes a frame; ground engaging wheels mounted with said frame; at least one cutting deck mounted to the frame; an engine mounted to the frame and operatively connected to drive said ground engaging wheels and said at least one cutting deck, said engine has fluid to be cooled; and, a radiator system, the radiator system including: a housing, a radiator having first and second opposing sides, mounted in the housing and operatively connected with said engine to intake fluid at a first temperature from said engine and to output fluid back to said engine at a second temperature, a screen mounted in the housing and adjacent the first side of the radiator, a bi-directional fan mounted in the housing adjacent the second side of the radiator and operable to direct an air flow in a standard direction first through the screen and then through the radiator and operable as desired to direct an airflow in a discharge direction, opposite the standard direction, first through the radiator and then throType: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Mark Bland
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Publication number: 20040045755Abstract: A hydraulic tilting device for tilting a cab of a vehicle between a driving position and a tilted position, which cab is resiliently supported on the chassis of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Roeland Mallan, Aswin Leonard Koebrugge
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Publication number: 20040045756Abstract: Any existing material can be used as an insulator provided that it can withstand the heat of the exhaust pipe without melting and not transfer enough heat to the exterior barrier to cause a bare leg to be burned. The material must also be able to be cut or molded to a variety of shapes yet hold its finished shape. The material I used in my prototypes was high density polyethylene, commonly available at plastics suppliers, but other materials, such as bakelite, could be used. I used a one-half inch round aluminum rod as a barrier to the leg because a round rod was easier to shape to the line of the pipe, but a flat bar could be used. I retrofitted an existing, factory-installed chromed pipe shield to use as a barrier by installing the same insulating material between it and the exhaust pipe. No unusual or especially invented materials were used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: James Martin
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Publication number: 20040045757Abstract: Provided is a seatbelt device which prevents an occupant from hitting his face against an airbag deploying at the time of a vehicle collision. In order to take up any seatbelt slack before a collision and prevent the occupant from being displaced forward, the seatbelt device comprises a first tension modifier for winding the seatbelt and taking up the seatbelt slack when a collision is predicted, and a second tension modifier for further enhancing the tension of the seatbelt and securing the occupant to the seat at the time of such collision, thereby ensuring that the occupant does not exist in the airbag deployment zone when the airbag is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: NSK Autoliv Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukinori Midorikawa, Hiroshi Yamada
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Publication number: 20040045758Abstract: Method for controlling output of a classification algorithm which classifies an occupant of a seat including initially classifying the occupant and outputting the classification, subsequently periodically classifying the occupant and enabling a change in the classification of the occupant only upon obtaining evidence of a new classification which is greater than evidence of the current classification. The initial classification of the occupant may be conducted based on satisfaction of a condition such as the detection of closure of a door by, e.g., a sensor such as a door closure sensor, the detection of an empty seat by, e.g., an occupant presence sensor, weight sensor, electric field sensor, wave sensor, camera and the like, the detection of the switching on of the vehicle ignition by an appropriate sensor, motion or the absence of motion of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: David S. Breed, Tie-Qi Chen, Ray Piirainen
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Publication number: 20040045759Abstract: An occupant detection system determines a seat occupancy condition including occupancy of a vehicle seat and a size of the occupant, that is, an adult or a child. The determined seat occupancy condition is sent to an air bag ECU as seat occupancy condition data used for air bag deployment. The system detects a velocity of the vehicle and compares it with a predetermined velocity threshold. When the velocity is equal to or lower than the threshold, the seat occupancy condition is determined and the determined condition is stored in a storage area as seat occupancy condition data. When the velocity is over the threshold, the stored seat occupancy condition date is send to the air bag ECU.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Shinichi Kiribayashi
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Publication number: 20040045760Abstract: In order to produce a safing concept, an extra-safing-sensor in the control unit (ECU) is foregone and the sating function from one of the available acceleration or turn-rate sensors (S1 to S5) is replaced. Furthermore a pre-stage is connected to the firing element (Z1, Z2), before the existing firing path, which, depending upon the sensor signals as analysed by the controller unit (1), controls a safety switch (T11), in series with the firing switches and the firing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Walter Baumgartner, Norbert Brauner, Albrecht Foell
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Publication number: 20040045761Abstract: A transmission mount structure for mounting a transmission connected to an end of a transverse-mounted engine to a vehicle body includes an elastic main vibration-damping member for reducing both vibrations in a vertical direction and vibrations in a roll direction, and an elastic auxiliary vibration-damping member smaller in diameter or thickness than the main vibration-damping member and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the roll direction. The auxiliary vibration-damping member has a constricted portion formed at a longitudinal central portion thereof and having a smaller cross-section than any other part of the auxiliary vibration-damping member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuya Miyahara
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Publication number: 20040045762Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mount support of a force connection strut manufactured from plastic/metal composite materials for a chassis of a motor vehicle, wherein the force connection strut has an elongated basic body and a sleeve (H) passing through the said basic body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Frank Budde, Stefan Schonhoff, Jochen Kruse
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Publication number: 20040045763Abstract: A suspended drive axle and agricultural tractor having same including a central housing having inboard final drives and left and right axle housing suspended therefrom by upper and lower control arms with axle shafts extending outwardly therefrom to which wheel and tire assemblies are mounted. A constant velocity universal joint is provided between the inboard final drives and the axle shafts. The universal joint having a pair of journal members and a coupling yoke that radially surround the drive and driven yokes of the joint whereby the axial length of the universal joint is minimized to enable the wheels to be located on the axle shafts at 60 inch tread spacing. This allows the drive axle to be used on a row crop tractor without altering the structure of the vehicle from a conventional row crop tractor whereby the characteristics of a row crop tractor are maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Terrill Wayne Woods, Dennis Aaron Bowman, Mervin Peter Kizlyk, Norman Frederick Lemmon, Kendall Lee Giesmann, Aaron James Peterson, George Nick Schmitz, Peter Alan Kosmicki, Joe L. Schutte, William Guy Alexander, Christopher Alan Schafer, Dennis Lee Jeffries, Jeffrey Kahle Brown
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Publication number: 20040045764Abstract: A fire protective flat panel radiator assembly for installation in a suspended ceiling grid is provided. The assembly includes a flat panel radiator having a frame that supports a sonic diaphragm, which is driven by a transducer to reproduce an audio program. A back box is mounted to the radiator and the back box covers and encloses the diaphragm and other fire susceptible components of the radiator. The back box is provided with a cut-out portion that is covered with an air pervious panel, which is resistant to fire hazards but that allows air flow in and out of the back box. In one embodiment, the radiator has a bridge and the back box is formed by a pair of shells mounted on each side of the bridge to enclose and protect the diaphragm. The result is a fire protected flat panel radiator assembly that meets the fire performance requirements for air handling plenums while retaining the sonic fidelity of a flat panel sound radiator without a fire protective back box.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: William E. Beakes, John R. Garrick, Kenneth W. Good, Jere W. Myers, Kenneth P. Roy, Christian Busque
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Publication number: 20040045765Abstract: Tubular acoustic attenuation piece for an aircraft jet engine air intake.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Alain Porte
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Publication number: 20040045766Abstract: The object of the invention is an acoustically resistive layer for an acoustic attenuation panel (22) forming a conduit in which there is an aerodynamic flow (18), adapted particularly for an aircraft turbo jet engine, said panel comprising at least one acoustically resistive layer (24), at least one porous structure (26) and a reflector (28) disposed opposite the incident wave, characterized in that said acoustically resistive layer (24) is constituted by strips (30) disposed in the direction of said flow (18), interconnected by a plurality of splints (32) ensuring the absorption of force, particularly radially, said splints (32) having very small surfaces ensuring the continuity of the homogeneous character of the quantity of open surface of the acoustically resistive layer thus formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: AIRBUS FRANCEInventors: Alain Porte, Nathalie Pascal, Sylvain Thezelais, Eric Rambaud
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Publication number: 20040045767Abstract: An assembly useful in reducing aircraft engine noise such as turbofan engine noise (730) comprises: (i) at least one tube “H-Q” having an inlet end (738), an outlet end (740) and a central tube portion therebetween; and (ii) at least one actuator operatively interconnected to at least one tube, wherein the actuator is capable of causing dynamic response by the tube. The assembly of this invention may be used in a method for reducing noise, the method comprising: (a) providing means for generating non-uniform noise energy about an inner surface and within a disclosure having at least an inlet; (b) providing an assembly for reducing noise comprising; (i) at least one having an inlet end, an outlet end and a central tube portion therebetween, and (ii) at least one actuator operatively interconnected to at least one tube, wherein the actuator is capable of causing dynamic response by the tube; and (c) directing at least a portion of the non-uniform noise into the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Stuart Byrne, Jeffrey Moe
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Publication number: 20040045768Abstract: A scissors lift includes a scissors arm assembly secured at one end to a base and coupled with a lift mechanism that expands and contracts the scissors arm assembly. A platform is supported at an opposite end of the scissors arm assembly via a plurality of load sensing pins that detect a vertical load on the platform. An interface module receives signals from the load sensing pins and communicates with the lift mechanism, wherein the interface module controls operation of lift functions and the lift mechanism according to the signals from the load sensing pins. Preferably, the load sensing pins are sized substantially the same as the conventional pins they replace. As a consequence, no redesign or additional structures are necessary to install the load sensing system and provide a safe operation of the scissors lift machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Ignacy Puszkiewicz, Mohamed Yahiaoui, Louis A. Bafile, Eli Neuman
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Publication number: 20040045769Abstract: An emergency escape system includes an escape apparatus and a hollow door. A majority of the escape apparatus is storable within an internal volume of the door. A part of the door is removable in order to access the escape apparatus. The escape apparatus includes a cord and a release mechanism. The release mechanism is configured to provide a controlled lowering of a person being lowered on the cord.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicants: Reshafim (metal doors) Ltd.(50%), Yoav Barzilai (50%)Inventors: Yoav Barzilai, Rafi Salhov
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Publication number: 20040045770Abstract: An extension ladder assembly having an anti-slipping mechanism is provided. The extension ladder includes a master ladder, a slave ladder, a pulley, a locking mechanism, the antislipping mechanism and adjustable ladder feet. The master ladder and the slave ladder are each composed of two posts and several rungs. The master ladder and the slave ladder are each composed of two posts and several rungs. The master ladder is slightly wider than the slave ladder. The anti-slipping mechanism prevents the slave ladder from being tripped and slid down, thereby safeguarding the safety of a user of the ladder. The pulley and the locking mechanism make the extension ladder suitable for various height requirements on work sites. The adjustable ladder feet make the extension ladder stand firm and secure by fine and minor adjustment of angles to accommodate different surface or ground conditions the ladder is placed upon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Guodong Duan