Patents Issued in April 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040061340
    Abstract: A molded thermoplastic body is formed with a rectangular cavity. A molded thermoplastic insert is welded to the body in the cavity and has a top cross member, a stem member and a bottom member. The stem member has a plurality of molded fingers cantilevered on opposing sides inclined relative to the stem member longitudinal axis in one embodiment. The stem member forms the cavity into two channels. A wire shackle which may be round or square in section, a wire or molded plastic, is U-shaped with two legs. One leg is formed with notches to receive the tips of the fingers in one channel and the other leg is formed with a reversibly bent barb which engages the fingers in the other channel on the opposite side of the cavity. The bottom member limits the insertion depth of the legs. The notches and barb engage the fingers and lock the shackle to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert F. Debrody, George Albert Lundberg, Peter Farbaniec, Richard Dreisbach, Louis J. Mattos
  • Publication number: 20040061341
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for releasably securing the lid of a trash container in a closed position has a locking arm with an elongate central portion and bent end portions pivotally mounted on opposite side walls of the container for movement between a first position in which the central portion extends across a front wall of the container and a second position in which the central portion extends over the lid to hold it closed. The central portion is initially adjustable in length to accommodate different size containers. The arm is lockable in both the first and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Allan M. Hodge, Anthony A. Hodge
  • Publication number: 20040061342
    Abstract: The description relates to a lever closure comprising a trough which can be fastened to a door leaf, a hand lever for driving a closure actuation device being arranged at one end of the trough such that it can be swiveled out or folded out, and a first locking device such as a cylinder lock is arranged at the other end of the trough for locking the hand lever in the swiveled in position, with another locking device supported by the hand lever and an engagement surface which is arranged at the free end of the hand lever and behind which a blocking element engages, this blocking element being movable by the first locking device for locking the hand lever in the swiveled in position. According to the invention, the engagement surface is formed by a slide which is movable in the hand lever in axial direction thereof or by a tongue which is rotatable about an axis vertical to the axial direction and swiveling axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Publication number: 20040061343
    Abstract: The electrically-operated door strike provides rapid and easy selection between fail-safe and fail-secure modes. A keeper is pivotably arranged in a housing. To prevent the keeper from pivoting, the keeper has at least one abutment, which a blocking surface or surfaces of a blocking element either contacts (door locked) or does not contact (door unlocked) when the keeper tries to pivot. The blocking element is movable by a solenoid, between a first (unenergized) position and a second (energized) position. The blocking element and solenoid are mounted in a holder, which in turn is slidably mounted in a housing, for movement between one of two holder positions, namely a fail-secure position and a fail-safe position. In the fail-secure position, the blocking surfaces are opposite the keeper's abutments in the unenergized position, and in the fail-safe position the blocking surfaces are opposite the keeper's abutments only when the actuator is energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony J. Bashford
  • Publication number: 20040061344
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottle holding apparatus comprising two, short, cylindrical sections, two or more struts fixedly connected between the two cylindrical sections, and a handle and support rib fixedly attached to two of the struts. The bottle holding apparatus of the present invention provides a means for any user to reliably grasp any large, “handle-less” bottle, without causing any inappropriate deformation of the plastic, while dispensing its contents. The present invention's design is simple and scalable, and can be economically manufactured and sold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Mark S. Shaskey
  • Publication number: 20040061345
    Abstract: Marshmallow-toasting utensils that include a handle and a wire assembly with at least one wire segment extending from the handle. In some embodiments, the Wire assembly includes deflectable wire segments with end regions that are biased to a spread-apart configuration. During use, the end regions are urged together and a marshmallow is impaled upon the ends. As the inside of the marshmallow melts, the end regions return toward the unbiased configuration. In some embodiments, the utensil is a collapsible utensil where the wire assembly is selectively positionable between at least extended and collapsed configurations. In some embodiments, the wire segments are adapted to pivot between the stowed and extended configurations. In some embodiments, the wire segments are selectable removable from the handle. In some embodiments, the wire segments are selectively extendable from and/or stored within the handle. In some embodiments, the handle includes at least one internal compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas A. Harmon, Eric R. Clark, Todd Barnes
  • Publication number: 20040061346
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the disadvantages of the metal bond head systems while also providing a method for performing precision die bond of multiple die at once. A mounting system is adapted for simultaneous high accuracy placement of multiple semiconductor components or dies on substrates. Simultaneous high accuracy multiple die placement is achieved by providing a mounting head assembly, including a see-through (ST) bond head with selectively and independently controlled gripping mechanisms, with moving and/or adjusting mechanisms adapted for accurate alignment of semiconductor components relative to a substrate in all directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Dale L. Capewell
  • Publication number: 20040061347
    Abstract: A disc retriever for disc golf is attached to a rope or cord which can be thrown varying distances to enable retrieval of a golf disc from variously sized water hazards or other difficult to access locations. The golf disc retriever is comprised of a rectangular flat wire frame, which has an opening large enough to admit and retain a golf disc, two pivoting arms which will fold into the rectangle frame and pivot forward to form lead arms interconnected by a long pull rope or cord used to pull the golf disc through a water hazard with the frame upright. The arms can be folded flat in line with the frame and the rope can then be easily and rapidly wound around the folded disc retriever frame in order to fit into a pocket of a golf disc bag or any other kind of carrying sack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Darrin M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040061348
    Abstract: A side moulding which is readily manufactured and mounted on an exterior side surface of a body or door of a motor vehicle, and is free from the generation of noise during the running of the motor vehicle or upon the opening and closing of the door of the motor vehicle. The side moulding includes a main body, clips for mounting the main body to the body or door of the motor vehicle, and cushion members provided in a rear surface of the main body. Each of the cushion members includes a cushion part for achieving a cushioning operation against the main body, and the body or door of the motor vehicle, and a fitting part for fitting to each of rib parts provided in the rear surface of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuo Takeda, Daiichiro Kawashima, Masao Kobayashi, Kazutoshi Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20040061349
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor includes a cross bar having ends adapted to be mounted on the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat assembly further includes a seat bottom having a rear portion pivotally mounted on the cross bar such that the seat bottom is structurally secured to the vehicle. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and a lower surface. The seat bottom is pivotable about the cross bar to a storage position within a recess formed in the floor of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dale Michael Drew, Eric Anthony Woods, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Publication number: 20040061350
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a front cowl provided at a front of the vehicle body is provided with a windscreen attached thereto. The front cowl is curved so as to project toward the front of the vehicle body and is mounted in a posture so as to extend toward the rear. A mounting plane inclined upward toward the rear is formed on the front surface of the front cowl, and the windscreen extends upwardly from the front cowl and is secured to the mounting plane with bolts so as to be capable of adjustment in the vertical direction. The aforementioned structure permits the mounting of the windscreen to the front cowl so as to be capable of adjustment in the vertical direction and to achieve a desirable windproofing effect. This structure enables the upper end of the windscreen to be moved linearly in the vertical direction and in the fore-and-aft direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshida, Yasuhiro Uchiike, Mitsuya Kawamura, Hiroyuki Kido, Katsumi Kanai
  • Publication number: 20040061351
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transformable truck bed cover that mounts on a pickup truck having an open bed. The cover assembly is transformable in height between a tonneau cover-like configuration and a fully elevated truck cap-like configuration. The cover assembly is also transformable in length between a fully retracted position extending over the open bed only a few inches behind the truck's cab to a fully extended position covering the entire length of the bed. The present invention generally comprises two anchoring rails fixedly attached to the sides of the truck bed, and two or more articulated cover support assemblies, extending across the bed, with an attached flexible cover assembly. The support assemblies are pivotally secured to the anchoring rails such that they may be pivoted upward to form a cap-shaped covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Mark M. Angelos
  • Publication number: 20040061352
    Abstract: The retractable roof comprises several rigid roof elements (1, 2, 3) able to move between a position in which they cover the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a position in which they are stored inside the rear boot (4) of the vehicle, so as to be superimposed substantially horizontally under the lid (5) of the rear boot (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
  • Publication number: 20040061353
    Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) include passage apertures (7) defined in longitudinally-extending side walls (6) of a vehicle body (1a). A guiding element (9) is disposed in or below each passage aperture. Foldable, longitudinally-extending components (21) are disposed along side edges of a foldable frame (20), which components pass through the passage aperture (7) during foldable top opening and closing operations. A storage compartment lid (2) is movably coupled to the vehicle body for covering the folding top. A cover plate (8) is movably coupled to the lid and moves towards the passage aperture during the folding top opening operation. A safety catch (10) may be coupled to the cover plate so as to engage the guiding element during the folding top opening operation. The safety catch and guiding element serve to accurately guide and position the cover plate during the folding top opening operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Publication number: 20040061354
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle retractable roof, comprising front (1), intermediate (2) and rear (3) roof elements. The displacement of the rear element (3) towards the rear deck is controlled by at least an arm (6) articulated to the vehicle chassis and to the rear element (3). The rear element (3) is linked to the intermediate element (2) through two levers (9, 10) forming a deformable quadrilateral. The intermediate element (2) is linked to the front element (1) through two other levers (15, 16) forming a deformable quadrilateral. The arm (16) is linked in articulation to one (10) of the two levers linking the rear (3) and intermediate (2) elements, through a hinge link (21). The other lever (9) linking the rear (3) and intermediate (2) elements is linked to one (16) of the levers linking the intermediate (2) and front (1) elements through a hinge link (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Queveau
  • Publication number: 20040061355
    Abstract: The invention concerns a folding roof wherein the front element (1) is linked to the intermediate element (2), the rear element (3) is not linked to the intermediate element (2) and is mobile towards the rear deck (5) through driving means independent of those controlling the displacement of the intermediate element (2) and of the front element (1) towards the rear deck (5). The intermediate element is linked to the vehicle body by two arms (6, 7) articulated to said body and to said intermediate element (2), one of said two arms (6, 7) being associated with means controlling its pivoting, the front of the intermediate element (2) being linked to the front element (1) by two levers (13, 14) articulated to said intermediate element (2) and to said front element (1), one (6) of said two arms being linked to one (14) of said levers by a link rod (19) articulated to said arm (6) and said lever (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Guillez, Gerard Oueveau
  • Publication number: 20040061356
    Abstract: An open mesh vehicle door comprising a substantially rigid frame member, having at least one means to pivotally affix said door to a vehicle at a first end and having a latch means at a second end, further having an open mesh webbing being attached between at least two opposing sides of said frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: William Martini
  • Publication number: 20040061357
    Abstract: An aluminum rear case assembly (12) for a trailer body (10) includes a rectangular frame assembly (16). The frame assembly (16) includes an extruded aluminum top rail (22), an extruded aluminum bottom rail (24), and a pair of extruded aluminum side rails (26) connecting the top and bottom rails (22, 24). The top, bottom, and side rails (22, 24, 26) are joined to define the rectangular shape. The frame assembly (16) has an exposed side (18) facing outward from the trailer body (10) and an internal side (20) facing inward toward the cargo area defined by the trailer body (10) and attached to the rear end of the trailer body (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Russell S. Long, Richard A. Uhal, Brian J. Malloy
  • Publication number: 20040061358
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner including a shell having a first layer made of a polymeric resin sheet with glass fibers interspersed within the resin sheet, and a second layer of fibrous material having sound attenuating properties. In a preferred method of manufacturing the shell of a headliner the first and second layers are heated such that the temperature of the first layer is different than the temperature of the second layer. The first and second layers are then inserted into a mold having a desired contoured shape. The first and second layers are then compressed together to bond the layers, thereby forming the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory J. Vishey, Frederick Hjortsberg, James Mastrangelo
  • Publication number: 20040061359
    Abstract: It is to construct a vehicle body and a sunroof apparatus so that a sunshade can be inserted to and removed from the front or rear of a shade sliding rail. Thus, during a state in which the sunroof apparatus is assembled to the vehicle body, the sunshade freely comes in and out from the front or rear of a sunroof apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20040061360
    Abstract: In a vehicle sunroof structure having lid sliding rails formed on left and right sides respectively of a roof opening in such a way as to extend longitudinally so as to guide sunroof lids, and also having shade sliding rails respectively formed on the left and right sides of the roof opening in such a manner as to extend longitudinally, lid forming members, on which the lid sliding rails are respectively formed, is provided separately from shade forming members on which the shade sliding rails are respectively formed so as to drastically enlarge the design freedom of the sunroof structure for widening the passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Sugiura
  • Publication number: 20040061361
    Abstract: A child carrier attachment for a bicycle has a support device and a child's seat mounted on the support device, which includes an elongate support and front and rear fasteners in the form of clamps on the support. The fasteners are adjustable into gripping engagement with a saddle post and a front post of the bicycle, respectively, to fixedly secure the carrier to the bicycle. The support device is adjustable to vary the spacing of the front and rear fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Malcolm Jefferson, Brian Barnwell, Terence Norman Back, Josephine Back
  • Publication number: 20040061362
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and an active head restraint system including a headrest, upper armature, lower armature and linkage operatively interconnecting the upper and lower armatures. In the event of a rearward impact, the lower armature is operable to absorb energy generated at the pelvic and lumbar regions and to cause the headrest to pivot upwardly and forwardly toward the head of the occupant through interaction with the upper armature and the link. Similarly, the upper armature is further operable to absorb energy generated at the thoracic region to activate the headrest following the initial response by the lower armature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Farquhar, Ken McQueen, Mladen Humer, Dale Smallwood
  • Publication number: 20040061363
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and a lumbar support system operatively mounted to the seatback frame. The lumbar support system includes a lower suspension mechanism that is generally aligned with the pelvic and lumbar regions of the occupant of the seat assembly. The lower suspension mechanism includes a band of flexible material that is stretched about a pair of upstanding support members so as to have a predetermined tension for providing support for the occupant of the seat assembly at the pelvic and lumbar regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Farquhar, Ken McQueen, Mladen Humer, Dale Smallwood
  • Publication number: 20040061364
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for use with a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame adapted to be installed in the vehicle. An energy managing support bracket is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a recliner mechanism is attached to the support bracket. The assembly also includes a seat back frame connected to the recliner mechanism such that the seat back frame is pivotable with respect to the seat cushion frame. Furthermore, the support bracket is configured to attenuate energy associated with a rear impact to the vehicle when the assembly is installed in the vehicle, so as to inhibit rebound of the seat back frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mladen Humer, Stephen G. Lambrecht
  • Publication number: 20040061365
    Abstract: Securely stacking and height adjustable bar stools are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the seat of a bar stool includes an upper leg restraining system that accommodates a pair of legs from another bar stool that is to be securely stacked on top. In conjunction with the upper leg restraining system, a leg bracing system is provided to accommodate and restrain the pair of legs from another bar stool. In addition, the seat height of a bar stool may be incrementally increased by attaching a plurality of leg extenders to previously added leg extenders until a desired bar stool seat height has been attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Dean Crue
  • Publication number: 20040061366
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a foldable or collapsible juvenile car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Meeker R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20040061367
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas cylinder, for improving sealing characteristics of the gas cylinder and improving convenience in manufacturing, including: a valve having a gas opening/closing pin at a through hole in its center, for intermittently passing a gas, and additionally having a valve dividing body seated on a groove approximately in a lower part of the through hole; a spindle to an upper inside of which the valve is inserted; and a piston inserted to an inside of an open cylinder of the spindle, and having, a step threshold formed at a predetermined distance from an upper end, to which an O-ring for maintaining sealing is fit, and having another step threshold ranging from a lower side of the step threshold to a lower end on an inner lateral surface of the piston, to which an O-ring is fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Young Sang Jeon, Dong Kwan Ma, Ki Cheol Lee
  • Publication number: 20040061368
    Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a backrest, a support and a fastener. The backrest defines a hole with a wall formed with a thread. The support is attached to a seat and defines a slot. The fastener includes a bolt formed with a thread and a head secured to the bolt. The bolt is inserted through the slot and the thread formed on the bolt is engaged with the thread formed on the wall of the hole in order to sandwich the support between the backrest and the head so as retain the backrest in position on the support. The engagement the thread formed on the bolt with the thread formed on the wall of the hole can be loosened so as allow adjustment of the position of the backrest on the support. In another aspect, the backrest includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel defines a hole with a wall on which a thread is formed and a second panel. The second panel defines a hole. The support is located between the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsiung Lin
  • Publication number: 20040061369
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a vehicle seat, said hinge mechanism comprising first and second cheek plates mounted to pivot about a common pivot axis, N locking members, each of which is provided with a second set of teeth, N guides secured to the first cheek plate, and a control device adapted to place the N locking members either in an active position, or in a retracted position, (N−1) guides being disposed in a manner such that the (N−1) locking members move along (N−1) respective axes of displacement that coincide with (N−1) radial directions, the last guide being disposed in a manner such that its locking member moves along an axis of displacement that is parallel to and offset relative to a radial direction that intersects the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Yann Reubeuze, Francois Baloche
  • Publication number: 20040061370
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for mounting on a vehicle floor including a seat bottom pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle floor. The seat bottom defines an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The seat bottom is movable between a seating position, wherein the upper surface faces upwards, and a storage position, wherein the lower surface faces upwards. A panel is pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The panel is automatically moved between a first position underneath the seat bottom when the seat bottom is in the seating position, and a generally horizontally deployed position when the seat bottom is moved to the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dale Michael Drew, Eric Anthony Woods, Mark Allyn Folkert
  • Publication number: 20040061371
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back (11), a generally horizontal seat cushion (14), and a recliner mechanism (20) allowing for pivotal adjustment of the seat back about a first pivot axis (21) relative to the seat cushion and displacement of the first pivot axis about a second pivot axis (22) between forward and rearward positions. With the first pivot axis (21) in the forward position, the seat back is adjustable about the first pivot axis (21) between a plurality of reclined seating positions. With the first pivot axis in the rearward position, the seat back is adjustable about the first pivot axis between one of the reclined seating positions and a stowed position generally aligned against the seat cushion. The seat cushion is pivotally adjustable about a four bar linkage (17, 18) between a seating position and a stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Omar D. Tame
  • Publication number: 20040061372
    Abstract: A combined device designed for multiple purposes including: hauling and dumping, bagging lawn and garden debris, and simultaneously carrying gardening tools and supplies, comprising a wheelbarrow device (10) with a container means (11) that lifts from its rear and flips forward from a horizontal position to beyond vertical by means of an pivot point (EPP) elevated by supports or braces such that the combined device can remain level with the ground while it is being emptied and thereby the combined device can stably maintain a load of gardening tools and supplies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Messinger-Rapport
  • Publication number: 20040061373
    Abstract: A boat trailer roller wheel mounting system for carrying an insignia in a predetermined orientation is provided. Included is a closed-ended wheel bushing which carries indexing for mating with an indexed wheel support arm in a predetermined, rotational orientation. The roller wheel turns on and is held by the indexed bushing. A quick release retainer ring fixes the bushing to the support arm and acts as an inboard longitudinal movement stop for the wheel. The bushing indexing on the support arm transfers the rotational thrust created on bushing, due to the rotation of the wheel under a load, directly to the support arm and therefore eliminates this rotational thrust from acting upon the retainer ring. An end cap is formed at the closed outer end of the bushing and has an annular projection surface extending beyond the bushing surface to provide a longitudinal thrust surface against which the wheel hub can operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gary M. McPherson, Mark R. Rossney
  • Publication number: 20040061374
    Abstract: An automobile spider wheel is made of aluminum alloys and has an outer face layer made of stainless steel. A process for manufacturing the automobile spider wheel includes working the stainless steel insert by a known press process based on side face shapes of an automobile wheel. Joining faces of the insert are treated roughly by sanding or brushing for joining with melted aluminum alloys. Protrusions are fixed on the joining faces of the insert in positions corresponding to rim support faces of the insert. The stainless steel insert is inserted in surface-to-surface relationship with a surface of a lower mold of a molding device with the protrusions projecting upwardly. The stainless steel insert is integrally molded to the melted alloys to form the wheel by a known die casting process after closing the molding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: So Young Rhee
  • Publication number: 20040061375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrohydraulic brake system for motor vehicles which is controllable in a ‘brake-by-wire’ mode of operation by the vehicle operator as well as irrespective of the vehicle operator, is operated preferably in the brake-by-wire mode of operation, and can be operated in a fallback mode of operation in which only operation by the vehicle operator is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Drott, Bernhard Giers, Thomas Gobel, Horst Kramer, Holger Kranlich, Andreas Klein, Holger Wahl, Jan Hoffmann, Andreas Emmerich, Uwe Karl
  • Publication number: 20040061376
    Abstract: A brake system and a brake device for use with automobiles is provided in which braking energy stored in an auxiliary pressure source can be effectively used for braking, even if an electrical system fails. The vehicle brake system includes a proportional pressure control valve for generating braking liquid pressure by adjusting the braking energy stored in the auxiliary pressure source. A passage transmits the liquid pressure generated by a brake pedal stroke, a switching valve opens the passage in the powered condition and closes the passage in the off-powered condition, and an auxiliary control portion activates the proportional pressure control valve. Even in the off-powered condition, the high pressure accumulated in the auxiliary pressure source can be used to adjust the required braking liquid pressure at the proportional pressure control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Yoshino, Hideaki Higashimura, Makoto Nishikimi, Keita Nakano, Yoichi Miyawaki
  • Publication number: 20040061377
    Abstract: A brake system and a brake device for use with automobiles is provided in which braking energy stored in an auxiliary pressure source can be effectively used for braking, even if an electrical system fails. The vehicle brake system includes a proportional pressure control valve for generating braking liquid pressure by adjusting the braking energy stored in the auxiliary pressure source. A passage transmits the liquid pressure generated by a brake pedal stroke, a switching valve opens the passage in the powered condition and closes the passage in the off-powered condition, and an auxiliary control portion activates the proportional pressure control valve. Even in the off-powered condition, the high pressure accumulated in the auxiliary pressure source can be used to adjust the required braking liquid pressure at the proportional pressure control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Yoshino, Hideaki Higashimura, Makoto Nishikimi, Keita Nakano, Yoichi Miyawaki
  • Publication number: 20040061378
    Abstract: A snowmobile is propelled by an endless track that is operatively connected to the snowmobile's engine by two drive sprockets. Each drive sprocket includes one set of external teeth and two sets of internal teeth that engage three corresponding sets of track teeth formed on the track. Alignment cleats are mounted on the inside of each of one of the sets of track teeth. During low-load operation, contact between the cleats (and the track teeth on which the cleats are mounted) is minimized or eliminated, which reduces or eliminates noise caused by collisions between the metal sprocket and the metal cleats. During higher load operation, the track deforms such that the set of external sprocket teeth engage the cleats and associated set of track teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dominic Girard, David Belzile, Eric Bertrand
  • Publication number: 20040061379
    Abstract: A method for protecting a vehicle system from a load dump includes sensing an input voltage pulse exceeding a first value and determining whether the voltage pulse is a load dump. The method includes disconnecting the system from power if the voltage pulse is a load dump and absorbing the voltage pulse if the voltage pulse is not a load dump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Gohlke
  • Publication number: 20040061380
    Abstract: A system and method for efficient distribution and conditioning of power to one or more variable loads are disclosed herein. Power having a first form is supplied to one or more power conversion units (PCUs) connected to the one or more variable loads. The PCUs are adapted to convert the power from the first form to other forms suitable for use by the components of the destination system. Additionally, a power control module is adapted to monitor the load requirements, both current and future, of the one or more variable loads. Based at least in part on the load requirements, the power control module controls the operation of the one or more PCUs to provide sufficient power to the one or more loads at the appropriate time while minimizing wasted power generation by deactivating any unnecessary PCUs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond E. Hann, James J. Polston, Louis C. Josephs
  • Publication number: 20040061381
    Abstract: A switch device includes a regulating circuit, a loading unit, a battery, an alternating voltage detecting loop and a voltage-increasing loop. The regulating circuit serves to regulate an inputted alternating voltage. The loading unit is connected to an output terminal of the regulating circuit, and operates when receiving a voltage outputted from the regulating circuit. The battery is connected to an output terminal of the loading unit. The battery keeps charging while the loading unit is working. The alternating voltage detecting loop is respectively connected to the regulating circuit and the battery. The voltage-increasing loop is respectively connected to the alternating voltage detecting loop and the battery. When the alternating voltage detecting loop works, the voltage-increasing loop generates oscillation to increase the power of the nickel hydrogen battery and drive the loading unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yi Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20040061382
    Abstract: An electromechanical linear actuator assembly having in-line axial load support of its screw drive shaft is provided. The bearing support structure provides a single in-line ball bearing accommodated within a hardened end fitting and a screw pivot recess in the axial screw drive shaft. For axial loading in an opposite direction, a number of smaller ball bearings are provided around the outer periphery of the screw shaft in a groove, and are retained within the hardened end fitting by a bearing retainer. End rod support bearings providing heat compensation and lubrication fluid transfer are also provided. A braking mechanism having increased life and more consistent load engagement is also provided. Further, integrated electronics may be provided for position sensing and power efficiency control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Bear Linear LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Schreier
  • Publication number: 20040061383
    Abstract: A position-control stage is disclosed which makes it possible to extend largely an angular movement in circular direction for position control, rendering the stage itself compact in construction, allowing to work with high precision in clean environment and further produce the stage with inexpensive cost. The position-control stage has an onboard linear motor composed of armature windings of primary side and field magnets of secondary side. The armature windings are each made in a hollow rectangle where winding turns are wound in the form of flat loop, and are circularly arranged on a disc surface of the bed along a preselected curvature in such a way lying in radial juxtaposition in circumferential direction. The field magnets are made in a flat shape and arranged underneath the turntable in such a pattern lying radially on a disc surface of the preselected curvature in opposition to the armature windings, with their unlike poles alternating in polarity along a circular direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Tsuboi, Eiji Ida, Yoshihiko Kanazawa
  • Publication number: 20040061384
    Abstract: A linear electric machine includes a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other, a yoke magnetically connected to the teeth, a plurality of coils mounted on the teeth and a movable core disposed opposite the teeth to reciprocate relative to the teeth along an axis of the movable core. The movable core has a plurality of permanent magnets at axially opposite ends thereof for supplying magnetic flux to the teeth, and a member for suppressing generation of a magnetic field disposed at an axial center of the movable core to magnetically separate the permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Shinichi Yatsuzuka, Yasumasa Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20040061385
    Abstract: A linear motor apparatus which drives a mover of a linear motor in a stable manner, by using only information on change of relative position, without using an absolute value sensor. The apparatus has a coil array of plural phases of coils and a magnet relatively movable to the coil array, plural drivers, at least one of which being provided for each phase, to feed a current to all the same phase coils of the coil array, a sensor for measuring a change of relative position of the magnet moved by the current to the coil array, and a controller to determine the polarity of the current applied to the same phase coils based on the change of the relative position measured by the sensor, and apply a drive current to drive the magnet in a desired direction to the same phase coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mikio Sato
  • Publication number: 20040061386
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide not only a highly reliable resin-molded stator not suffering insulation breakdown between the different phases of the stator coils even when the operation mode where the output of a rotary machine using a resin-molded stator in which a stator coil wound around a plurality of slots and a stator coil provided at the stator core end are resin-molded is to be increased from the level under a stopped status to the maximum achievable level within a short time is repeated, but also a method of manufacturing such a stator, and a rotary machine using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Amagi, Osamu Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20040061387
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing commutation for a direct current motor. The commutator has a magnet attached to a pivoting member and means for making and breaking at least one electrical circuit. The commutator magnet interacts with a magnet attached to the rotor. The rotor magnet can be either an independent magnet or one that also provides the motive force for causing the rotor to rotate. When the rotor magnet is adjacent the commutator magnet, the commutator changes state, thereby energizing a stator coil. The commutator has minimal moving parts and avoids the wear and maintenance problems of a conventional brush commutator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Harmonic Drive, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Long
  • Publication number: 20040061388
    Abstract: A low-profile stepping motor has a stator assembly structured such that first and second coil units are disposed flush with each other horizontally and are sandwiched between upper and lower stator yoke pieces each comprising first and second stator yokes which are punched out integrally with each other, are shaped symmetrically, and which each have a plurality of pole teeth along its semi-circular inner circumference. The upper and lower stator yoke pieces are fixedly put together by means of two studs lodged fittingly inside respective bobbins of the first and second coil units such that the studs have their both ends tightly engaging with holes formed in the upper and lower stator yoke pieces, whereby the coil units are surely held between the upper and lower stator yoke pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Minebea Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kunitake Matasushita, Hiroshi Sano, Toshihiko Nagata
  • Publication number: 20040061389
    Abstract: The machine included a rotor which is rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation with a superconducting winding in a winding carrier. In order to hold the winding carrier inside the outer housing of the rotor, a fixing device which extends axially on one-side only is provided on the torque-transmitting side of the rotor. The fixing device can be at least partially made of a fibre-reinforced plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Frank