Patents Issued in April 1, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040060340
    Abstract: A base member formed of rubber or the like, which transmits ultrasound waves, includes a storage portion with a small width connected with a storage portion with a great width, wherein internal organ models, formed of animal internal organs or the like, such as an esophagus model, stomach model, and the like, are stored in these storage portions. A jelly-like member, which transmits ultrasound waves, is filled in around the internal organ models. An ultrasonic endoscope or the like can be inserted through an inserting hole so as to obtain ultrasonic images generally the same as with a case of inserting the ultrasonic endoscope or the like into a human body, thereby providing a training device which can be easily used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Hibi, Tsutomu Urakawa, Teruaki Sugata
  • Publication number: 20040060341
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for purging and zeroing an analyzer. At times, for good analysis of a gas sample or taking a live reading, the analyzer needs to be zero out and/or purge of contaminants. The analyzer can take a live reading, purge and/or zero in any order. The purge function and zero function can automatically be done before, during or after taking a live reading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Philip McGee, Robert Kochie, Durval S. Ribeiro, Manokar Chinnandurai
  • Publication number: 20040060342
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-leveling hydrometer. A balance hanger is on top of a handle, which connects to a swinging support part. An imbalanced load is in the center of the floating measurement indicator and the imbalanced load can rotate freely in the round hole on the center of the floating measurement indicator. The imbalanced load has a protrudent round plate on edge that exposes on the round hole of the floating measurement indicator. A moveable hook, the support part and the imbalanced load can position the present invention in an absolute horizontal position for accurate liquid specific gravity readout. The present invention can also achieve easier and more accurate initial calibration process during manufacturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Tommy Chi-Kin Wong
  • Publication number: 20040060343
    Abstract: A fuel vapor leakage inspection apparatus utilizes a fuel tank, an adsorption container which houses an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank, and an exhaust device for communicating between the adsorption container and an intake pipe. Furthermore, the apparatus utilizes a pressure means that pressurizes or depressurizes a fuel vapor path formed from the fuel tank through the adsorption container to the exhaust device. A leakage detection means detects leakage from the fuel vapor path after the fuel vapor path is pressurized or depressurized by the pressure means while a calculation means calculates an amount of fuel vapor adsorbed, and a control means determines if the pressure means should execute leakage inspection of the fuel vapor path in accordance with the amount of the fuel vapor calculated by the calculation means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Noriyasu Amano, Naoya Kato, Hideaki Itakura, Masao Kano
  • Publication number: 20040060344
    Abstract: The present invention is a compact apparatus and method that provides an efficient manner for monitoring the condition and level of a functional fluid directly in operating equipment. A sensor device is provided that includes a plurality of liquid sensors and a plurality of vapor sensors that when used in conjunction with one another at different temperatures, can provide a thorough evaluation of the oxidative degradation, liquid contamination and solid contamination of the fluid to detect the end of the useful life of the fluid. By providing liquid sensors and vapor sensors on the same device, the present invention allows for a compact, efficient, and economically feasible manner to monitor the condition of fluid as well as detecting abnormal operating conditions prior to further component damage and eventual equipment failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Kauffman, James D. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040060345
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of determining the rheological properties of a polymer flowing in a conduit. The invention provides a method of characterising a polymer under test, comprising: Detecting acoustic emissions from said polymer flowing in a conduit to provide acoustic emission data, comparing the acoustic emissions data obtained against acoustic emission data from a polymer, or a series of polymers, of known characteristics, and thereby characteristing the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Svein Eggen, Kim Esbensen, Mats Halstensen
  • Publication number: 20040060346
    Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage pre-concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the pre-concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, Paul Bauhahn, Claudio C. Groppetti
  • Publication number: 20040060347
    Abstract: The invention relates to detecting damage to the rotor of an aircraft engine that includes means for measuring vibration and speed in order to acquire data relating to the speed of the rotor and also to the amplitude and the phase of rotor vibration during a determined flight. The method comprises the following steps: reading said acquired data; calculating a mean vibration vector over a determined rotor speed range on the basis of said acquired data; calculating a vector difference between the mean vibration vector of said determined flight and the mean vibration vector of a reference flight for said rotor speed range; comparing the modulus of said vector difference with a predetermined threshold value; and issuing a warning signal when the modulus of said vector difference exceeds said predetermined threshold value, said steps being performed after said determined flight has been completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicants: SNECMA MOTEURS, SNECMA SERVICES
    Inventors: Patrick Comperat, Philippe Even
  • Publication number: 20040060348
    Abstract: The method serves for detecting the magnetic flux, the rotor position and/or the rotational speed of the rotor in a single- or multiphase permanent magnet- or -synchronous motor or -generator using the stator voltage equations
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Grundfos a/s
    Inventor: Pierre Vadstrup
  • Publication number: 20040060349
    Abstract: In actuator units known until now, there is a constant step-up between the control motor and the throttle body. The control motor must be designed such that the torque of the control motor suffices in every position of the throttle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Matthias Brendle, Ralph Krause, Michael Runft
  • Publication number: 20040060350
    Abstract: A test stand for motor vehicles, having a tipping device. The tipping device has a lower frame unit (13) and an upper frame unit (6) that can be tipped relative to the lower frame unit. The tipping device is further provided with four lifting units (17) disposed in the corner zones (7, 8, 9, 10) of the frame units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hans Boeck, Thomas Kuebel
  • Publication number: 20040060351
    Abstract: A method for predicting the secondary porosity system (SPS) porosity, and thereby permeability; of a coal bed involves determining an initial condition in the coal bed, including an initial SPS pressure and an initial sorbed gas composition, determining a pressure strain effect due to increasing the SPS pressure to a value greater than the initial SPS pressure, and determining a sorption strain effect due to changes in the sorbed gas composition resulting from decreasing the methane content and increasing the content of a stronger adsorbing fluid (SAG) relative to the initial sorbed gas composition. Preferably, the method uses data from test injections of water and/or a weaker adsorbing fluid (WAG) and a SAG. The data is used in the inventors' model to compute a SPS porosity and an absolute permeability at a reference SPS pressure and a reference sorbed gas composition. Preferably, the reference pressure is atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: William Daniel Gunter, Matthew John Mavor
  • Publication number: 20040060352
    Abstract: A method for the evaluation of signals of a sensor (3, 4), in particular of a microwave sensor, is proposed for the detection of the thickness, mass, density and/or moisture of at least one fiber sliver (2) moving relative to the sensor (3, 4) on drafting equipment (1), whereby a high-frequency unit (13) assigned to the sensor (3, 4) produces a number of first digital signals in digital form on the current state of the (at least one) fiber sliver (2). The method according to the invention is characterized in that a second digital signal, representing the current sliver thickness or the sliver mass of the (at least one) fiber sliver (2) and which is then used to control the drafting equipment (1) and/or to judge the fiber sliver quality, is formed according to an algorithm from the first digital signals made available. In addition a suitable device for the evaluation of the signals of a sensor (3, 4) is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: RIETER INGOLSTADT SPINNEREIMASCHINENBAU AG.
    Inventors: Chokri Cherif, Michael Ueding
  • Publication number: 20040060353
    Abstract: An air temperature detector 12 is disposed close to an auxiliary passage sidewall 15, which has an auxiliary passage wall hole 9 formed near the air temperature detector 12. A heat-sensitive resistor 13 is also disposed close to the auxiliary passage sidewall 15, which has an auxiliary passage wall hole 10 formed near the heat-sensitive resistor 13. Further, a resistor heater 14 is disposed close to an auxiliary passage sidewall 16, which has an auxiliary passage wall hole 11 near the resistor heater 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Hiromu Kikawa, Shinya Igarashi, Masayuki Kozawa, Naoki Saitou, Takayuki Saitou
  • Publication number: 20040060354
    Abstract: Resin members, on the surfac s of which metal films are formed, are used for; an auxiliary air passage provided in a main air passage, in which a sensor element of a physical quantity sensor such as an air flow sensor, an intake-air temperature sensor, etc., is situated; a housing; and so forth; in order to decrease both the thermal conductivity and the emissivity of those components to respective small values, whereby the temperature increase of the sensor due to both the heat conduction and the heat radiation can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izumi Watanabe, Naoki Saito, Masayuki Kozawa, Keiichi Nakada, Kei Ueyama
  • Publication number: 20040060355
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing the displacements of micromachined devices and sensors. The method is referred to as the enhanced modulated integrative differential optical sensing (EMIDOS). The target micromachined proof-mass, for which displacements are measured, includes a grid of slits. The émicromachined device is bonded to a CMOS chip containing a matching photodiodes array and their readout electronics. The grid is aligned with the photodiodes. An illumination source, such as an LED, is then mounted above the méicromachiend device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Yael Nemirovsky, Ofir Degani, Eran Socher, Dan Seter
  • Publication number: 20040060356
    Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: David Mark Scott
  • Publication number: 20040060357
    Abstract: A case of tilt angle measuring apparatus is composed of a case body for housing ultrasonic sensors and a cover for covering a top of the case body, and the case body includes a bottom plate having windows for exposing the ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving faces of the ultrasonic sensors, a side plate extending upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom plate and abutting against the bottom surface of the cover, and horn parts extending downward from the bottom plate so as to surrounding the windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akiharu Fukuda, Takashi Ohsawa
  • Publication number: 20040060358
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting acoustic energy includes a microstructure tuned to a predetermined acoustic frequency and a device for detecting movement of the microstructure. A display device is operatively linked to the movement detecting device. When acoustic energy strikes the acoustic sensor, acoustic energy having a predetermined frequency moves the microstructure, where the movement is detected by the movement detecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Panagiotis G. Datskos
  • Publication number: 20040060359
    Abstract: A pressure sensing unit has a pressure responsive member, a pressure sensor, and a hydraulic connector hydraulically connecting the pressure responsive member with the pressure sensor to produce an indication of sensed pressure. The hydraulic connector includes a tubular member and a longitudinal insert in the tubular member with hydraulic fluid in the tubular member between the insert and the member. The tubular member, the insert and the hydraulic fluid and the dimensions of the tubular member and the insert are such that the hydraulic fluid transmitted to the pressure sensor is substantially independent of temperature changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: James Brian Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040060360
    Abstract: A pressure sensor may include a first membrane that flexes in response to pressure, a reference cavity covered by the first membrane where the reference cavity contains a vacuum and a second membrane, adjacent to the first membrane, the first and second membranes forming a capacitor having a capacitance that varies in accordance with the flexing of the first membrane and the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20040060361
    Abstract: A resistance heater 134 for detecting an air flow rate is supported by support members 134A, 134B. A housing 110 contains an electronic circuit 140 connected to the resistance heater 134. The housing 110 is formed by integral molding with a terminal 142 for connecting the electronic circuit 140 to an external device. The terminal 142 is formed integrally with the housing 110. The housing 110 has a groove 112 through which the terminal 142 is exposed in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Masayuki Kozawa, Shinya Igarashi, Hiromu Kikawa, Hiroyuki Abe
  • Publication number: 20040060362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pressure sensor for a lead (18) or catheter preferably intended to be placed in a living organism, such as the heart of a human being, said sensor comprising a piezoelectric element (4, 10, 11, 14) delivering an electric signal when subjected to a pressure variation, said piezoelectric element (4, 10, 11, 14) being designed to exhibit circumferential sensitivity and being disposed on at least parts of the outer surface of a rigid annular or tubular supporting structure (2). The rigidity of said sensor is such that the signal from the sensor relating to the pressure transferred to the sensor through an ongrowth of for instance tissue on the sensor would be at least 90% of the signal from the sensor without the ongrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Charlotte Kjellmann, Johan Lidman, Karin Ljungstrom, Kenth Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20040060363
    Abstract: There is provided a blind fastener setting tool (12) which has a front end face (218) against which a blind fastener (14) is held during a conventional setting operation and which further has a piezo-electric thin film load measuring device (222) mounted on this front face so as to be disposed and compressed between the front face (218) and a flange (122) of the fastener (14) during the setting operation so as to record a low voltage electrical signal indicative of the load being exerted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Robin Smith
  • Publication number: 20040060364
    Abstract: Two parts which form a device and are joined together according to the related art are joined in a complex manner and require additional elements to produce a tight joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Herbert Roeckel, Rainer Schard
  • Publication number: 20040060365
    Abstract: A liquid volume-flow meter suitable for measuring extremely turbulent flow is disclosed. The meter comprises a measuring chamber formed as a pipe having a wall of transparent material. This can be a smooth pipe fitted inline with an existing pipe of similar diameter, whereby the detector has minimal effect upon the operation of an existing installation. The meter further comprises an optical velocity array for measuring the speed of liquid flowing within the measuring chamber and an optical area sensor for measuring the area within the measuring chamber occupied by liquid flowing within the measuring chamber. The optical area sensor comprises a plurality of arrays including a backscatter reflection array to estimate the height of liquid within the measuring chamber and at least one further correction array to correct the estimation made by the reflection array. Each array comprises an optical emitter and an optical detector that operate through the transparent wall of the measuring chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Crudge, John Patrick Gillen
  • Publication number: 20040060366
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic flowmeter, a fluid to be measured flows through a measuring pipe. An electrode in the measuring pipe detects an electromotive force generated by a magnetic field applied to the fluid and flow of the fluid. A first exciting coil applies a first magnetic field having a first frequency to the fluid. A second exciting coil applies, to the fluid, a second magnetic field obtained by amplitude-modulating a carrier having the first frequency by a modulated wave having a second frequency. A power supply section supplies an exciting current to the first and second exciting coils. A signal conversion section separates the component of the first frequency from the electromotive force to obtain an amplitude, separates one of the components of sum and difference frequencies of the first and second frequencies from the electromotive force to obtain an amplitude, and obtains an amplitude ratio. A flow rate output section calculates the flow rate of the fluid on the basis of the amplitude ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Tomoshige Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20040060367
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a supply container (10), a reserve hopper (18), a means for connecting said supply container (10) to said reserve hopper (18), a means for weighing said reserve hopper (18) and a means for regulating the weight of said material dispensed from said reserve hopper (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ryan Keith Bergman, Joseph Francis Gerling
  • Publication number: 20040060368
    Abstract: A method of delivering propane to a customer is disclosed. A transport vehicle transports the propane to the customer. The transport vehicle delivers the propane from the transport vehicle to the customer. A Coriolis flowmeter measures a mass flow rate of the propane as transport vehicle delivers the propane to the customer. The Coriolis flowmeter determines a gross volume of the propane based on the mass flow rate of the propane. The Coriolis flowmeter also determines an adjusted volume of the propane based on the mass flow rate and a constant value. The constant value corresponds to a density of propane at a reference temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Allan Buttler
  • Publication number: 20040060369
    Abstract: A transducer for detecting a shaft dynamic behavior. The transducer comprises an arcuate sensor member supported between an inner member and an outer member. At least one strain gage is attached to a surface of the arcuate sensor member to detect a surface strain caused by a shaft dynamic behavior. The inner member, outer member and arcuate sensor member are substantially coplanar. The inner member comprises a means for attaching the transducer to a mounting surface. The inner member may also comprise a self-aligning feature to optimize a sensor sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Keming Liu, Jing Yuan, Imtiaz Ali
  • Publication number: 20040060370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ascertaining the pole wheel position in electrical machines (1), for example rotary current generators with pulse inverters. These electrical machines have a rotor excitation device (2) and a stator (4) provided with inductances (4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 20, 21, 22). An alternating voltage source (7) is provided on the stator output side, between two stationary terminals (5). By means of first and second switch elements (15, 16), a split into two branches (13 and 14) can be produced, in which the respective branch voltage curves (17, 18) are measured, the superposition of which permits the rotor or pole wheel position (11) to be definitely ascertained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard Koelle, Beqir Pushkolli
  • Publication number: 20040060371
    Abstract: A sensing system for monitoring a property of an electrically conductive moving element of turbomachinery. The sensing system includes a sensing system housing. A magnetic core is contained within the sensing system housing. A coil is positioned about at least a portion of the core. The coil is electrically connectable to a property data analysis device. A first magnet and a second magnet are positioned about the coil and positionable proximate a moving element of turbomachinery to be monitored. A primary magnetic field is generated by the first and second magnets. When the moving element enters the primary magnetic field a current is induced in the moving element, thus generating a time-variable magnetic field and commensurate voltage signal generated in the coil. The voltage signal is amplified by the magnetic core and provides an indication of a property of the moving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Sarkis Barkhoudarian
  • Publication number: 20040060372
    Abstract: A load cell includes two beam elements and a strain gage arranged on a narrow sensing section of a beam element, on a flat planar outer surface facing outwardly away from the median plane extending longitudinally through the load cell. A cup-shaped seal cap encloses the strain gage, and is laser welded onto the outer surface of the beam element to form a hermetic seal. A wiring tunnel in the load cell body leads from inside the seal cap into an electronics cavity for wires to pass from the strain gage to electronic circuitry in the cavity. The load cell body and seal caps, made of stainless steel or titanium, are entirely hermetically sealed and suitable for use in harsh environments. The seal caps have a minimal influence on the strain development in the beam element sensing sections. The load cell has a low-end capacity of 5 kg or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Hottinger Baldwin Measurements, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall K. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20040060373
    Abstract: A fluid receptacle for holding a fluid including a fluid outlet for allowing the fluid to drain from the fluid receptacle and a closure mechanism associated with the fluid outlet. The closure mechanism is configured to shut off the fluid outlet automatically after the fluid receptacle has been drained of the fluid. Also a method of operating a fluid receptacle for holding a fluid including filling at least a part of a fluid receptacle with fluid, operating an actuator of a closure mechanism to initiate draining of fluid from the fluid receptacle through a fluid outlet, and using the closure mechanism to automatically reseal the fluid outlet once the fluid receptacle has been drained of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: James Frederick Pharaoh
  • Publication number: 20040060374
    Abstract: A spill proof liquid sample cup is provided having an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner defines a sample chamber. The inner liner is spaced inwardly from the outer shell such that a test chamber is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner that is fluidly separate from the sample chamber. The inner liner is configured with a valve to allow selective fluid communication between the sample chamber and the test chamber. The valve is actuatable by either removing a bottom cap, manual manipulation, or by an external tool. One or more test strips are located within the test chamber to provide information about the sample fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Goodin
  • Publication number: 20040060375
    Abstract: A system and method for assessing a health and functionality of a locomotive friction modifying system wherein the locomotive has a friction modifying applicator associated with a wheel of the locomotive for applying a friction modifying agent to a rail on which the wheel is traversing. The system and method comprise a sensor detecting a predetermined operational condition of the locomotive. The system and method also comprise a controller associated with the sensor and responsive to input from the sensor determining a per unit creep of an axle of the locomotive. The controller also determines a tractive effort of the axle of the locomotive and determines a friction modifying applicator state for the applicator associated with the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ajith K. Kumar, Bret D. Worden
  • Publication number: 20040060376
    Abstract: A distance measuring system includes a housing with at least one surface, at least one switch along the one surface of the housing, an energy system in the housing, and a distance computation system coupled to the energy system. The switch has an inactivated position and an activated position when pressed against an origination object. The activated position of the switch identifies the surface as a reference plane with respect to the origination object. The energy system transmits energy towards a target when the switch is in an activated position and receives at least a portion of the energy which is reflected back from the target. The distance computation system uses the received portion of the energy which is reflected back and the identification of the surface as the reference plane to determine a distance from the origination object to the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: James F. Munro
  • Publication number: 20040060377
    Abstract: When in a change speed mode, the transmission has an input shaft that provides driving power to an axially aligned but separately rotatable output shaft through a countershaft assembly situated alongside the input shaft and containing a series of change speed gears. A special slider assembly located on the input shaft and the output shaft between the input and output gears is in meshing engagement with the output gear at this time to operably connect the output gear with the output shaft. When the slider assembly is shifted to its fully forward direct drive mode, however, the countershaft assembly is decoupled from the input shaft and the slider assembly serves to directly couple the input shaft with the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Charles G. Rankin
  • Publication number: 20040060378
    Abstract: An output shaft locking device for a multi-clutch transmission in which a plurality of rotational mechanisms, each of which is formed by arranging a clutch and a shifting mechanism is series, is provided in parallel between a rotational power input shaft and a rotational power output shaft, and an output shaft locking method. The output shaft locking device includes a locking control device which locks the rotational power output shaft by engaging a shifting gear in each of the shifting mechanisms of at least two of the rotational mechanisms, and engaging each of the clutches of the rotational mechanisms. Thus, it is possible to lock the output shaft so as to fix wheels by engaging the shifting gear without providing a lock mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yamamoto, Koji Naito, Takaya Amano
  • Publication number: 20040060379
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical steering device for a motor vehicle, comprising an electromotor with a worm gear. Said worm gear consists of a worm and a worm wheel (14) which is coupled to an input shaft and which has a gear rim (23). The worm wheel (14) forms one of the two coupling parts of an elastic compensation coupling (14, 16) that are to be intercoupled, the other coupling part (16) being connected to the input shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The two coupling parts (14, 16) are intercoupled by one or more elastic spacers (17) only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Bernhard, Friedrich Mayr, Michael Juschke, Erich Berroth, Marc Kohler
  • Publication number: 20040060380
    Abstract: In a toothed piece for a geared motor, series of geared motors and connection, the toothed piece, for a connection with a motor shaft of the electric motor, having at least a first toothing in a first axial region, and having at least a second toothing in a second axial region, the second toothing meshing with a running toothing of a further toothed piece of the gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Christ
  • Publication number: 20040060381
    Abstract: A gearshift for a gearbox has a disc cam for each gear selecting lever. The levers engage a slot in the disc cam face and produce to and fro gear selection or NEUTRAL movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Renato Gavillucci
  • Publication number: 20040060382
    Abstract: A cycle handlebar is provided comprising a central cross piece, a pair of forearm pad supports extending from the cross piece, each of said pad supports having a length extending substantially parallel to the cross piece and a pair of laterally spaced steering arms extending generally forward from the cross piece. A steering arm and forearm rest assembly for a cycle handlebar is also provided, comprising: a handlebar stem, a pair of laterally spaced steering arms, and a pair of forearm pad supports each having a length to be positioned substantially parallel to and spaced from said cross piece. The steering arms and forearm pad supports have mating clamp parts forming first clamps for attaching a steering arm and pad support to each other and to the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. McColligan, Chris Hageman, Jim Sener, David Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20040060383
    Abstract: An automatic balancing device includes a hollow housing case body rotated with a rotary body and having an annular space formed inside of the hollow housing case body. A plurality of balance balls are accommodated in the annular space of the hollow housing case body in a freely movable manner so as to cancel an imbalance of the rotary body. A film of a volatile rust preventing agent is formed on a surface of the plurality of balance balls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: SANKYO SEIKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atushi Honda, Hiromi Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20040060384
    Abstract: A differential housing assembly includes a differential housing having a differential case supported therein. The differential housing includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The differential case includes a pair of extending neck portions. The first support structure includes a pedestal and a bearing cap, wherein a first of the extending neck portions is received by the pedestal and the bearing cap is attached to the pedestal whereby the first extending neck portion is secured radially between the pedestal and the bearing cap. The second support structure includes a bearing bore having a snap ring groove and a snap ring, wherein a second of the neck portions is received within the bearing bore and the snap ring is positioned within the snap ring groove to provide axial support for the differential case within the differential housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Don F. Guo
  • Publication number: 20040060385
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an axle tube housing for a differential assembly includes heating a localized area of a one-piece tubular blank. A mandrel is inserted within the tubular blank and the localized area is then deformed to provide an increased wall thickness. A compression force is applied to the localized area of the one-piece tubular blank using a forging die to form a spindle section, wherein the spindle section closely conforms to at least one of the forging die and the mandrel. The remaining portion of the one-piece tubular blank is then cold reduced to form a carrier section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan P. Prucher
  • Publication number: 20040060386
    Abstract: Transmission mechanism of drilling/milling tool, including a motor capable of forward and backward rotating. The motor has a transmission shaft for transmitting the power to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism further includes a movable slide gear, a first and a second driven wheels constantly engaged with the slide gear and a brake or shaft mounted on a driving wheel or the driven wheel. The slide gear is responsive to the forward and backward rotation of the transmission shaft to axially move along the brake or shaft to selectively drivingly engage with the first or second driven wheel. In the forward and backward travel of the drill bit or blade, the drill bit or blade is rotated at high or low rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Lee Yeong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pan-Chung Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040060387
    Abstract: In a process for the reduction of a metalliferous ore or concentrate the ore or concentrate is first prepared into a particulate form. A reaction chamber (3, 103, 203, 301, 401, 503, 603, 702) is then charged with ore or concentrate, a reductant and an input gas. The reaction chamber (3, 103, 203, 301, 401, 503, 603, 702) is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation within a frequency range of 30 MHz to 300 GHz until a non-equilibrium plasma is initiated. The plasma is sustained and controlled with the radiation until the ore or concentrate is reduced to form reduction product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Tanner-Jones
  • Publication number: 20040060388
    Abstract: A melt of a hydrogen storage alloy having an arbitrary composition is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified, alternatively an alloy having an arbitrary composition, after heating to a temperature equal to or more than a melting point thereof, is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified, and thereby a homogeneous alloy reduced in the segregation, precipitates or inclusions is obtained. An effective hydrogen storage amount, the plateau property and the durability more excellent than ever can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hironobu Arashima, Takashi Ebisawa, Hideaki Itoh
  • Publication number: 20040060389
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a melt iron in an electric arc furnace which comprises several electrodes, is fitted with a hearth and contains a heel, on top of which is disposed a non-foaming liquid slag. The inventive method comprises the following steps: the reduction of the metallic fillers to form pre-reduced metallic fillers comprising excess free carbon; the hot transfer of said pre-reduced metallic fillers inside an inert gas curtain into a heel contained in the electric arc furnace; the mixing of the heel through the injection of gas so as to prevent crust formation; the smelting of the pre-reduced metallic fillers in the electric arc furnace in order to produce the melt iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Roth, Paul Berg, Fred Weisberger, Fred Parasch, Emile Lonardi