Patents Issued in March 11, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040045371
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter which comprises at least first and second generally parallel flowtubes, each of which includes a first half that is connected to an inlet manifold and a second half that is connected to an outlet manifold, a first brace bar which is attached to the first halves of the flowtubes, and a second brace bar which is attached to the second halves of the flowtubes. The first and second brace bars are oriented on the flowtubes such that, when the flowtubes are vibrated in at least one of a driven mode of vibration and a Coriolis mode of vibration, the resulting reaction forces at the inlet and outlet manifolds are less than those that exist when the first and second brace bars are oriented generally perpendicular to the flowtubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Donald R. Cage
  • Publication number: 20040045372
    Abstract: The force moment sensor is a monolithic disk-shaped mounting part (20) including a flat surface. The mounting part includes a first middle portion (21) of high rigidity with first force application locations (25), at least three second portions (221 to 223) of medium rigidity configured circumferentially, each including two second force application locations (26) in the transition portion between juxtaposed second portions, strain relief portions (23) of low rigidity and at least three radially oriented connecting webs (24) and comprising a medium rigidity by a recess (27) of U-shaped cross-section being configured in the medium portions thereof. Mounted on the flat surface of the second portions (22) and of the connecting webs (24) are strain gauges (28) circuited in accordance with the principle of a Wheatstone bridge. From the measured values obtained thereby three forces (Fx, Fy, Fz) and three moments (Mx, My, Mz) can be defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Bertram Willberg, Peter Meusel
  • Publication number: 20040045373
    Abstract: A device and method for the non-contact measurement of dynamic torsion in a rotating shaft using magnetostrictive sensors (MsS). The monitoring and detection system have specially configured magnetostrictive signal detectors that include inductive pickup coils, in which signals corresponding to localized shaft torques are induced. The non-contact method for measuring dynamic torques includes fixing a ferromagnetic strip to a ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic shaft and inducing a circumferential residual magnetization therein. An MsS in the form of either an encircling coil positioned around the shaft on a cylindrical substrate, or a partially encircling coil positioned on a flexible substrate and wrapped partially about the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hegeon Kwun, Sang-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20040045374
    Abstract: A coupler acts as an interface between a torque element of a torque sensor and a shaft receiving an applied torque. A portion of the shaft is allowed to twist freely inside the element, and the coupler transfers a portion of the torsion forces in the shaft to the element. The element deforms and generates a magnetic field or other torque response corresponding to the applied torque in the shaft. The applied torque can then be determined based on a relationship between the torque in the shaft and the torque in the element. Reducing the torsion forces applied to the element allows the element to measure higher applied torques without permanently deforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jon W. Bossoli
  • Publication number: 20040045375
    Abstract: A device is presented having an optical emitter/receiver device. The device has a light pipe connected with the optical emitter/receiver device. Also a rotating shaft having at least one opening. The light pipe is situated within the rotating shaft. At least one bearing having a reflective marker is connected to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Fite, Donovan D. Van Sleet, Casey R. Winkel, Eyran Eylon
  • Publication number: 20040045376
    Abstract: A self selling air sampling apparatus includes a body with a filter therein and an air moving device, such as a fan, mounted therein for moving air through the filter. There is an air inlet communicating with the filter. There is also a air outlet communicating with the filter. A manually operable control simultaneously opens the air inlet and the air outlet and operates the air moving device for moving air from the air inlet, through the filter and out through the air outlet. For example, the body may be cylindrical and have a cylindrical shell rotatably mounted thereon. The shell and the body have air inlet openings and air outlet openings which are aligned when the shell is rotated in one direction and become unaligned when the shell is rotated in an opposite direction thus sealing off the filter compartment from the outside environment. Rotation of the shell also closes a switch to operate the fan when the shell is rotated in the one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Christiaan Van Netten
  • Publication number: 20040045377
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods for sampling and/or testing for the presence of whisker-like metallic particulates in data centers or computer rooms. For example, a method for discovering the presence of an undesired whisker-like metallic particulate in a data center is disclosed comprising providing a tool having a conductive adhesive portion wherein the conductive adhesive portion is capable of capturing and retaining the whisker-like metallic particulates in their fragile condition, locating a surface of the data center where metallic particulates may be present, extracting from the surface any whisker-like metallic particulates present in substantially their fragile condition using the tool, and confirming with an electron microscope whether or not any whisker-like metallic particulates are present on the conductive adhesive portion of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph A. Carbone, David J. Roche
  • Publication number: 20040045378
    Abstract: This invention concerns the measurement of particle size of particles entrained in a gas. The apparatus (5) includes an acoustic sensor (10) used to monitor the acoustic signals produced by collisions of pneumatically conveyed particles with the sensor (10). Signal processing electronics and software (15) are used to determine, for each impact, the peak height of the acoustic signal. The particle size is calculated from the peak height distribution and either the signal (pulse) duration distribution or the airstream (impact) velocity, according to Hertzian Impact Theory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Peter John Coghill
  • Publication number: 20040045379
    Abstract: An umbilical connection for use in a hazardous environment like a floating roof storage tank has one or more hydraulic hoses, one or more electrical cables or a combination thereof. Each hydraulic hose has a static dissipative and abrasion resistant covering. Each electrical cable has an abrasion resistant coating. The hoses and cables are bundled and wrapped in a static dissipative and abrasion resistant open mesh sheath or an overbraid to form the intrinsically safe umbilical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: InTank, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene B. Silverman, David L. Gilbert, Richard Skallos, Joel L. Lautenschlager
  • Publication number: 20040045380
    Abstract: A transmitter for use in a process control system for monitoring an industrial process includes a housing having a top and a bottom and a height extending therebetween. A parallelogram display is mounted to the housing. Sides of the parallelogram display are arranged at angles relative to the height of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, John Brewer
  • Publication number: 20040045381
    Abstract: During measurement by means of a measurement arrangement (4) in which a sensor head (7) is axially movable in a sensor housing (6) and is intended, in the measurement position, to rest against a measured object (2) via an air cushion, the orientation of the sensor head in the sensor housing is monitored. When the orientation of the sensor housing deviates by a predetermined value from the normal, the measurement arrangement is temporarily moved a distance away from the measured object and is then returned to the measurement position agains for continued measurement, with the sensor head now in the normal position relative to the sensor housing. In such a measurement arrangement, a monitoring device (24) is provided to automatically produce the stated movement of the measurement arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Bengt Akerblom
  • Publication number: 20040045382
    Abstract: A method for attaching a sensing device to a substrate at a pre-determined distance from the substrate is provided. The method preferably includes providing a compliant adhesive and depositing a first layer of the compliant adhesive onto the substrate, curing the first layer of the compliant adhesive, depositing a second layer of the compliant adhesive directly onto the first layer of the compliant adhesive, inserting the sensing device into the second layer of the compliant adhesive and curing the second layer of the compliant adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Havas, Dean Carl Newswanger, Walter B. Swankoski
  • Publication number: 20040045383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox wherein the speed-increasing ratio and the speed-decreasing ratio are continuously regulated. Torque is transmitted from the input to the output by means of cyclically coupled gear shifting elements and the respective transmission ratio is adjusted by eccentrically displacing the input elements in relation to the output elements. According to the invention, the gear shifting elements are coupled by means of an adjustment which can be freely chosen in such a way that both transmissions towards higher rotational speeds and transmissions towards lower rotational speeds are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Herwig Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040045384
    Abstract: In the transmissions of the background art, two larger-diameter gears are mounted on a final shaft thereby causing an increase in weight of the transmission. The present invention reduces the weight of a transmission by mounting only one larger-diameter gear on a final shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Seiji Hamaoka
  • Publication number: 20040045385
    Abstract: A dual-gearshift forward backward control mechanism installed in a remote control toy car to control forward/backward motion and high/low speed gearshift by means of power transmission through a set of gears and two idle gears and the shifting of a switching gear on the polygonal middle section of the output shaft of the mechanism between two of the gears and the effect of the centrifugal force of a swivel block at one of the gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ke-Way Lu
  • Publication number: 20040045386
    Abstract: In an electric power steering system, a second bevel gear is allowed to move toward a first bevel gear and is biased by a biasing member toward the first bevel gear thereby to be moved toward the first bevel gear as following the wearing away of these bevel gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Takehiro Saruwatari, Kunihiro Oka, Masanori Arima
  • Publication number: 20040045387
    Abstract: Barrel-shaped pinions and methods for their engagement with racks are provided allowing for a larger margin of inaccuracy between the rack and pinion gear set avoiding the necessity of costly, high-precision manufacturing processes. The generally barrel-shaped pinion has an outer toothed surface extending axially along a portion of the pinion. The toothed outer surface has first and second ends and a middle section. A diameter of the middle section is larger than a diameter of both the first and second ends. Also provided is a dual-pinion rack gear system utilizing a first driven pinion, a second generally barrel-shaped drive pinion and a rack. Teeth of the first driven pinion and teeth of the second drive pinion mesh with teeth of the rack at two separate locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jens Keller, Paul Hein, Dirk Sickert
  • Publication number: 20040045388
    Abstract: A ball screw mechanism comprises a nut, a screw shaft, plural balls and a deflector. The balls are arranged between a first thread groove which is formed on an inner surface of the nut and a second thread groove which is formed on an outer surface of the screw shaft. The deflector comprises a deflector piece which defines a top plate of a ball-return path and a guide member which defines sidewalls of the ball-return path. The ball-return path returns the balls so as to circulate endlessly. As a manufacturing method of the ball screw device, the deflector piece is attached to the nut first. Next, the first thread groove is ground together with an inner surface of the deflector piece. After that, the guide member is attached to the nut. At last, the balls and the screw shaft are assembled to the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sentaro Sugita
  • Publication number: 20040045389
    Abstract: A housing and gear assembly comprises a cylindrical rotating housing having an inner cylindrical wall and a center bore for rotatably mounting the housing on an elongated shaft. An internal ring gear has a plurality of internal gear teeth, an external cylindrical wall and a plurality of spaced apart broach teeth projecting radially outwardly from the external wall for cutting engagement with the internal wall of the housing as the ring gear is press fit into the housing to fixedly and rotationally secure the ring gear to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: David Mark Pascoe
  • Publication number: 20040045390
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for balancing a force comprising an articulated mechanism (10) consisting of a proximal arm (12) borne by a support wedged on a first hinge pin (20) and a distal arm (14) borne by the proximal arm and wedged on a second hinge pin (24) extending parallel to the first pin, the distal arm having a free end (26) supporting a load (F). The device further comprises first balancing means (18, 20) with high bandwidth acting on the proximal arm (12), second balancing means (18, 22) with high bandwidth acting on the distal arm (4), and co-ordinating means interposed between the first balancing means and the second balancing means to co-ordinate the respective rotational movements of the proximal arm and of the distal arm. The invention is applicable to mechanical manipulators, to transfer devices and to railway pantographs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Christian Salesse, Jean-Marc Loriot
  • Publication number: 20040045391
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for actuating a gearbox, in particular controllable by pulse control, said device comprising a housing (1) and a lever (2) mounted oscillating in the housing, and said lever being selectively activated via a knob (20) mobile, along a first direction (D1), between two extreme transitory positions (P1, P2) located on either side of the neutral position (P0). The invention is characterised in that the lever (2) is mounted sliding, relative to the housing (1), along a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the first (D1), and takes up, at will, along the second direction (D2), an active position wherein it projects outside the housing (1), and an inactive position wherein it is retracted inside the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Franck Sauvonnet
  • Publication number: 20040045392
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly for automotive vehicles includes a shift lever, a gate plate formed with a gate passage, and a slide block having an engagement recess to be engaged with the shift lever, wherein the slide block is adapted to be moved frontwardly and rearwardly in response to the manipulation of the shift lever. The shifter assembly is provided with a noise-reducing member made of a flexible material, and attached onto the shift lever to extend from a region allowing the noise-reduction member to be brought into contact with the gate passage to a region allowing the noise-reduction member to be engaged with the engagement recess. The shifter assembly can effectively suppress hitting noises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: DELTA KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Wakayama
  • Publication number: 20040045393
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a support structure having a guide surface and a pedal arm carrying a pedal at a lower end of the pedal arm. The pedal arm is pivotable relative to the support structure about a pivot axis between a released position and an applied position. A hysteresis device is secured to an upper end of the pedal arm and engages the guide surface so that the hysteresis device slides along the guide surface as the pivot arm pivots between the released position and the applied position. A distance between the guide surface and the pivot axis varies so that the hysteresis device applies an increasing normal force to the guide surface to create an increasing friction force that opposes sliding motion of the hysteresis device as the pedal arm pivots from the released position to the applied position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Dale DeForest
  • Publication number: 20040045394
    Abstract: A structure restraining movement of a handle of a children's cycle comprises a handle, a frame, a cover and a block. The handle has a bolt and a nut. The frame comprises a strut at the front end. Both the cover and block comprise a hole at their center portion thereof, whereas the cover is secured to the handle and the block is secured to the strut of the frame. By inserting the bolt through the holes of the cover and the block, the handle and the frame are pivoted and secured together with the nut from the other end. This secures the handle to the frame of the cycle and allows the handle to turn with respect to the frame. Whereas a stud protruding from the cover seats in an arc slot of the block, which restrains the stud to go any further when it has reached to the two ends of the arc slot, this also restrains the handle to turn to a certain position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20040045395
    Abstract: A design of a handle for a bike is generally composed of a body, a cover made of transparent material, and an upper lid. The body is formed with a front cover and a rear cover, which are secured to the handle of the bike. The front cover comprises a chamber with the cover thereat to receive illumination devices and ornaments. The upper lid and a switch are located on the top portion of the body. The switch controls the illumination devices, an electric horn, or music IC. The upper lid is a push horn, which is made of soft material and can be a creature appearance. When pushing the switch, the illumination devices light up as a warning signal. While the upper lid is pushed, the horn honks to make the bike more fun and attractive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Ting-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20040045396
    Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a production method of a steering wheel in which divided bodies are securely integrated into a single unit without using adhesive. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a production method of a steering wheel comprising the steps of: a) providing a plurality of divided bodies 6, each of which comprises a surface material 3 and a plastic layer 4 provided on the inside of said surface material 3; b) forming an outer shell 2 by integrally welding said plastic layers 4 of said divided bodies 6; c) providing a core metal 1 to be arranged in said outer shell 2; and d) filling plastic between said outer shell 2 and said core metal 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Makoto Hosokawa, Seiya Nishimura, Toru Makino
  • Publication number: 20040045397
    Abstract: This invention provides an anti-vibration method for rotating disks and its apparatus for color wheel modules. It effectively eliminates vibration of a rotating disk due to unbalance. The method involves filling a curable fluid in a holder of the rotating disk. When the disk rotates, the curable fluid flows to balance the disk, and the fluid is then hardened at this balance position. As a result, it can effectively eliminate vibration of a rotating disk, such as a color wheel module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Sean Chang
  • Publication number: 20040045398
    Abstract: A damper includes a housing having a substantially cylindrical shape and filled with viscous fluid; a rotor portion rotatably supported inside the housing; fin portions projecting from the rotor portion; and deformable portions provided in the fin portions for changing a clearance between an end of the fin portion and an inner peripheral surface of the housing in response to resistance received\ed from the viscous fluid. The deformable portion is provided in the fin portion to allow the fin portion to deform elastically in response to the resistance received from the viscous fluid, and to change the clearance between the end of the fin portion and the inner peripheral surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Ken Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040045399
    Abstract: An all-metal torsional vibration damper is more durable and less costly than conventional dampers, and can be fabricated without the need for the additional step of securing an elastomer to metal. A plurality of spokes, which interconnect inner and outer rings, can also have a preselected size, shape and configuration in order to accomplish the necessary torsional damping characteristics for a given rotating shaft application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Rod G. Hadi
  • Publication number: 20040045400
    Abstract: A longitudinal axle is centered within a shell housing welded to a bicycle frame. A portion of each end of the axle engages a bicycle crank. Threaded male and female bracket are threadably engaged around the axle within the shell housing. A bearing is mounted within an outboard portion of each bracket and is held in place by an end cap. An outer rim of the outboard portion of each bracket has an irregular surface for engagement with a wrench to take the bracket apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: PROFILE RACING, INC.
    Inventor: Corey J. Alley
  • Publication number: 20040045401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pedaling system using independent crank arms, a power plate—which rotates about an axis at a distance from and parallel to the axis of the bottom bracket—that is mounted by means of bearings on an eccentric support that can be fixed to the casing of the bottom bracket, and a transfer arm which is integral with the crank arm opposite to the side of the plates by means of an axle of the bottom bracket. Torque is thus transmitted from the crank arm on the side of the plates and from the transfer arm by means of two pushers that are connected to points diametrically opposite to the plate. During pedaling, relative development gradually increases as each pedal descends and the bicycle gains inertia. When the pedal is approaching the end of its descending phase and the tangential component of the force being applied decreases, the torque load decreases more rapidly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Pablo Vergara Carrasco
  • Publication number: 20040045402
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inert electrode material in powder form comprising particles having an average particle size of 0.11 to 100 &mgr;m and each formed of an agglomerate of grains of a ceramic material and grains of a metal or alloy with each grain of ceramic material comprising a nanocrystal of the ceramic material and each grain of metal or alloy comprising a nanocrystal of the metal or alloy. Alternatively, each particle can be formed of an agglomerate of grains with each grain comprising a nanocrystal of a single phase ceramic material, a metal or an alloy. The electrode material in powder form according to the invention is useful for the manufacture of inert electrodes having improved thermal shock and corrosion resistance properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Sabin Boily, Houshang Darvishi Alamdari, Marco Blouin
  • Publication number: 20040045403
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide metal powder capable of decomposing and remedying various range of organic halogen compounds including organic halogen compounds which are difficult to be decomposed by a conventional decomposition and remediation method. Metal powder for decomposition of organic halogen is prepared in such a manner that the metal powder contains at least two kinds or more of metal elements, the respective metal elements forming phases, the respective metal elements therein serving as major constituents thereof, wherein difference in standard oxidation-reduction electric potential between any two kinds among the above-described metal elements is 778 mV or more in absolute value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Masaru Tomoguchi, Taishi Uehara
  • Publication number: 20040045404
    Abstract: A process of producing a zinc or zinc alloy powder (4) for batteries which comprises dropping molten zinc or a molten zinc alloy to form a molten metal droplets stream (1) and striking an atomizing medium jet (3) emitted from a nozzle (2) against the molten metal stream (1) at right angles to atomize the molten zinc or the molten zinc alloy, wherein two or more the nozzles are arranged in parallel to each other, the orifice of each of the nozzles has a V-shaped, U-shaped, X-shaped or arc-shaped cross-section, the atomizing medium is air or an inert gas, two or more the molten metal streams have at least two different flow rates selected from a range 0.04 to 0.25 kg/sec, and two or more the atomizing medium jets have at least two different atomizing pressures selected from a range 4 to 9 kg/cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Oyama, Tadayoshi Odahara, Seiji Fuchino, Mitsuo Shinoda, Hisaji Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20040045405
    Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers platinum group metal(s), such as platinum and palladium, from PGM-containing materials containing base metals, such as copper and nickel. The process controls sulfur levels by using solvent extraction 306 to remove acid in the nickel recovery circuit. The acid product 326 can then be neutralized and/or recycled as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: James A. King
  • Publication number: 20040045406
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for recovering metal values from metal-bearing materials. During a reactive process, a seeding agent is introduced to provide a nucleation site for the crystallization and/or growth of solid species which otherwise tend to passivate the reactive process or otherwise encapsulate the metal value, thereby reducing the amount of desired metal values partially or completely encapsulated by such material. The seeding agent may be generated in a number of ways, including the recycling of residue or the introduction of foreign substances. Systems embodying aspects of the present invention may be beneficial for recovering a variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, rhenium, uranium, rare earth metals, and platinum group metals from any metal-bearing material, such as ores and concentrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Roland Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040045407
    Abstract: An appliance for sharpening razor blades of the type held in a blade cartridge comprises a leather strop bonded onto a magnetic substrate that is in turn bonded onto a support. The width of the strop does not exceed the width of the blades in typical cartridges, so that the blades may rest on the strop when the cartridge is stroked over the strop to hone the blade edges. The surface of the strop is proud of the support surface adjacent the strop, to ensure that edges of the cartridge that are typically proud of the blades do not prevent contact of the blades with the strop. The ends of the strop are secured in undercut formations in the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Roy Martin Katz
  • Publication number: 20040045408
    Abstract: A method for forming a tool having a smooth surface finish is disclosed. The method involves the step of first rotating a plurality of tools within an inner vessel at high speed relative to the outer vessel with a first abrasive. The first abrasive is then removed and a second abrasive is added to the vessel. The inner vessel is then rotated, again at high speed, with the second abrasive. The resulting tools have reduced surface anomalies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20040045409
    Abstract: A tool for removing a cap from a pest control device, such as a termite control device. The tool comprises fingers extending generally parallel to one another adapted for frictionally engaging a side edge of the cap. The fingers define a socket for receiving the cap. The socket is slightly smaller than the cap so that engagement of the fingers with the cap induces the fingers to move with respect to the cap to increase the size of the socket. Movement of the fingers induces frictional engagement of the fingers with the cap. Stops extending laterally inwardly in the socket from the fingers are adapted for engaging a top surface of the cap transverse to the side edge of the cap. The fingers and stops cooperate to orient the cap with respect to the tool. The tool may further comprise an extension extending from the tool for manipulating the tool from a remote location. The tool may otherwise include a handle for grasping the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Whitmire Micro-Gen Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee M. White, Jonathan D. Berger, Steven R. Sims
  • Publication number: 20040045410
    Abstract: A flip-top can opener comprising: a length of rigid material; a wedge-shaped head located at a distil end of the length of rigid material; a hook located near the wedge-shaped head, and configured to engage an edge of a rim of a flip-top can such that when the flip-top can opener is pivoted about the edge of the can, the wedge-shaped head enlarges an opening of the flip-top can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Kirko
  • Publication number: 20040045411
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hand-held striking tool that has a head disposed forward of the centerline of a handle. The hand-held striking tool of the present invention may further include a flange positioned beneath the head of the tool, the flange functioning as a second area of contact so that the effect of overstrike may be controlled. The present invention also provides a hand-held striking tool that isolates the striking head of the tool from the handle such that the effect of vibrations caused by using the tool are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Estwing Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Youngren, Daniel M. Eisman, Daniel Loveland, Christopher Aiston, Jack Harkins
  • Publication number: 20040045412
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a strong sleeve with a strong sliding member which concentrates force at the end farthest from the user in order to reshape the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Lee Cotner
  • Publication number: 20040045413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for screwing in fastening elements that consist of a plastic retainer (13) and a premounted screw (11). The inventive device is further characterized by a screwing device (6) and a screwdriver (5). The screwing device (6) comprises two tubular elements (58, 59) that are coaxially inserted one into the other. The extent to which they engage with each other can be adjusted and the tubular elements (58, 59) can be interlocked in the adjusted position. The tubular element (58) is further provided with a stop element (62) comprising a stop boss (63′) which interacts with a stop screw (63).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Gasser
  • Publication number: 20040045414
    Abstract: Valve operator having a weighted powering assembly that is substantially supported and balanced on a generally upright elongated key that drivingly engages a rotatable valve nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: WM. F. HURST CO., INC.,
    Inventors: William Reuschel, Chris Snyder
  • Publication number: 20040045415
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head and an engaging member is rotatably engaged with a hole in the head. A pawl of a ratchet mechanism is received in a recess defined in an inner periphery of the hole and is engaged with the toothed outer periphery of the engaging member. A switch member is functionally connected to the pawl and has a shift plate located at an outside of the head. The shift plate includes two inclined knurled surfaces defined in a surface thereof and each of the two inclined knurled surfaces has a direction indication plate connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20040045416
    Abstract: A tool includes a handle, a bit and a locking device. The handle includes a socket defining a first tunnel, a second tunnel and at least one aperture through which the first tunnel is communicated with the second tunnel. The bit includes a working head formed at an end, a shank formed at an opposite end and a series of recesses defined in the shank. The shank can be inserted in the first tunnel. The locking device includes at least one ball detent and a latch. The at least one ball detent is put in the aperture. The latch extends in the second tunnel for pushing the ball detent into one of the recesses in a locking position and defining at least one notch for receiving the ball detent in a releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Publication number: 20040045417
    Abstract: A grip structure for fixing an angled socket includes a first cover, a second cover, a first nut, and a second nut. The first cover and the second cover are combined with each other by the first nut and the second nut to encompass the outer periphery of the angled socket, so as to function a grip of the angled socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Li Jiun Chiu
  • Publication number: 20040045418
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pliers is operable to grasp a workpiece between an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The pliers includes an upper arm having a first end and a second end, with the upper jaw at the first end. A jaw arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the jaw arm is pivotably connected to the upper arm at a main pivot adjacent to the second end of the upper arm, so that the first end of the jaw arm is movable in a circular arc relative to the main pivot. The lower jaw is at the first end of the jaw arm in movable facing relation to the upper jaw so that the workpiece may be grasped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. An engagement mechanism releasably engages the jaw arm to the upper arm at an engagement position responsive to a movement of the jaw arm relative to the upper arm and responsive to a size of the workpiece grasped between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, to thereby prevent rotation of the jaw arm relative to the upper arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Eric B. Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20040045419
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cutting tool assembly used for creating grooves in a microreplication tool is described. The cutting tool assembly includes a mounting structure and multiple diamonds mounted in the mounting structure. For example, first and second tool shanks having first and second diamond tips can be positioned in the mounting structure such that a cutting location of a diamond cutting tip of the first tool shank is a defined distance from a cutting location of a diamond cutting tip of the second tool shank. The defined distance may correspond to an integer number of pitch spacings, and may be accurate to within a tolerance of less than approximately 10 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Bryan, Nelson D. Sewall, Jeffrey E. Clements, Greg E. Schrank
  • Publication number: 20040045420
    Abstract: The device for cutting a paper web or the like is arranged to cut in such a manner that a liquid medium is sprayed via nozzles (3). The device comprises a nozzle unit (2) that is arranged movable and comprises a nozzle (3) and a high-pressure pump (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Esa Aalto, Kalevi Vesterinen