Patents Issued in April 15, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040070229
    Abstract: A structure is provided which is suitable for a passenger vehicle, containing a passenger cell with a windshield frame. For optimization of this structure with regard to advantageous manufacture and purposeful stability, panel structure and windshield frame consist of high-strength non-metallic material, e.g. fiber reinforced plastic, and are structurally joined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Dieter Steinhauser, Thomas Meier
  • Publication number: 20040070230
    Abstract: A vehicle door has a stop that can move between an urging position, in which it maintains a constant distance between a lower part of the door and the vehicle body when the door is closed, and a retracted position in which the stop does not maintain this constant distance between the lower part of the door and the vehicle body when the door is closed. The stop improves contact between the vehicle window surround and the vehicle body while the vehicle is moving, and can be retracted to make it easier to close the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Frederic Burkat, Jean Marc Belmond, Michel Mounie
  • Publication number: 20040070231
    Abstract: A door is moved in an opening direction at a first speed until the door reaches a decelerating area. A moving speed of the door in the opening direction is decelerated from the first speed to a second speed being lower than the first speed while the door has been moved in the decelerating area. The movement of the door is stopped when the door is moved beyond the decelerating area, the door comes in contact with an obstacle, and the moving speed of the door becomes lower than a predetermined speed corresponding to an open position of the door by a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yogo, Hideharu Kato, Eiji Itami, Tomoaki Imaizumi, Tomonori Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040070232
    Abstract: The invention seeks to solve the problem of providing sound insulation in tubular parts regardless of the section shape of the part that is to be insulated, and without using an insert that is of high cost. To this end, the invention proposes using a piece of material that is suitable for expanding over the entire section of the section, which piece is mounted using a support suitable for fixing to the wall of the tube that is to be insulated. In a particular embodiment, a sound insulation assembly mounted in a part presenting a longitudinal direction and a tubular wall comprises a wafer that is thermally expandable to form a foam, said wafer having two parallel main faces and extending essentially along a main plane from a first wall portion towards the diametrically opposite wall portion, together with a wafer support comprising a clamp for retaining the wafer prior to expansion and coupled to fixing means in the form of a clip for fixing to the first wall portion of the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Le Joint Francais
    Inventors: Maxime Mourieras, Gerard Aube
  • Publication number: 20040070233
    Abstract: A structure is provided for a passenger motor vehicle, which comprises a panel structure of non-metallic material, such as fiber-reinforced plastic. For optimization of the structure with regard to high strength, light weight, and functional performance, said structure comprises a passenger cell, the panel structure of which includes a front panel structure and a rear panel structure, while the panel structures are connected with a floor structure bordered by longitudinal girders extending between the panel structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Dieter Steinhauser, Martin Goehrke, Thomas Meier, Liam Moloney
  • Publication number: 20040070234
    Abstract: A roof module includes an outer skin having a slot which receives a holding element for a lid. The lid is movable between a closed position and an open position. The roof module further includes a rigid covering element movable between a closed position in which the covering element closes the slot and an open position in which the covering element clears the slot to allow entry of the holding element of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Christoph Boss, Thorsten Paul
  • Publication number: 20040070235
    Abstract: A portable picnic table is disclosed. The picnic table can be configured from a setup configuration to a portable configuration by detachment of the benches from the table, folding the bench supports and the table supports, and attaching the benches to the table, while both are in the folded configuration. Alternately, the benches can remain attached to the table, and the picnic table can be configured from a setup configuration to a portable configuration by simultaneously folding the bench supports and table supports so that the benches and the table lie in one plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael A. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20040070236
    Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, AG
    Inventors: Lindy Brennan, Goran Bajic, Lucas Fernandez, Valerija Drobnjakovic
  • Publication number: 20040070237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chair device for assisting handicapped or non-ambulatory persons to bathe or shower in a conventional setting. The chair device of the present invention has side flap portions provided with water dispensing holes wherein the side flap portions are pivotally attached to a seat portion to aid in reaching hard to reach areas of the body when bathing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gwendolyn Frances Wilson, Tina N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040070238
    Abstract: An ergonomic shower chair with built in bidet, comprising an ergonomic seat portion, an ergonomic back portion with lumbar support, and a bidet portion. Water enters the bidet portion by holding a hand-held showerhead against the main opening of the bidet portion, and is sprayed towards the user's perineal area through bidet nozzles positioned within holes along a longitudinal groove in the seat portion. Because these holes have inner diameters that are wider than the outer diameters of the bidet nozzles, water is drained away through the interstices between the hole walls and the bidet nozzles. The seat portion includes additional drainage holes for fast drainage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Mo-Bility Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Moser, George Albert Mansfield, Richard Dean Traver
  • Publication number: 20040070239
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing whiplash related injuries to a passenger in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame supported on a seat of the vehicle, and a head and neck restraint secured to said frame and located behind the cranium and cervical spine of a passenger on the seat. The restraint comprises one or more fluid pressurized bladders, the walls of which are a tough flexible skin. The walls define a supporting means located behind the cranium and cervical spine of the passenger and define at least one contour that interfits with the posterior contour of the passenger's cranium and cervical spine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald P. Dellanno
  • Publication number: 20040070240
    Abstract: A vehicle seat has a back-rest (1) carrying a head-rest (2). A mechanism is provided to move the head-rest (2) forwardly relative to the back-rest (1) in response to a rear impact situation. An element (9) is operatively located between the head-rest (2) and the mechanism (6) which is adapted to yield when exposed to a force in excess of a predetermined force. Thus the force that can be applied by the head-rest (2) to a head (8) of an occupant of the seat, is limited to be a maximum of 200 Newtons, with the preferred value being 100 Newtons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Yngve Hland, Andres Svantesson
  • Publication number: 20040070241
    Abstract: A tennis teaching seat assembly for attachment to a vertical tennis net support post for the instruction and recordation of a tennis match. The assembly comprises a tennis net post attachable shaft having an upper first bracket and a lower second bracket thereon. A hinged seat and seat support bracket is attached to the tennis post attachable shaft. The first bracket and the second bracket has a tennis post gripping arrangement therein to permit the seat assembly to securely be attached to any tennis post. The gripping arrangement comprises an insert matable within one of each of the first and second brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ventimiglia, Bruce McGrath
  • Publication number: 20040070242
    Abstract: A slipcover bag combination includes a clear plastic bag, a folded slipcover made of a fabric having a color, pattern and texture, in a compact storage configuration in the bag and a fabric carry handle made of the same fabric as the slipcover and to an outer surface of the bag, the carry handle fabric having the same color, pattern and texture as the fabric of the slipcover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: David Illulian
  • Publication number: 20040070243
    Abstract: A front seat assembly for a vehicle configured to sit three passengers includes a driver seat and an assistant seat spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Also included is a middle seat, installed between the driver seat and the assistant seat, wherein a seat cushion is foldably installed in the seat cushion of the assistant seat and a seatback is foldably installed in a rear portion of the seat cushion of the middle seat. Furthermore, an armrest is protruded behind the seatback of the middle seat so as to allow the driver to put the driver's arm thereon when the seatback is in a folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jin-Young Cha
  • Publication number: 20040070244
    Abstract: An adjustable child seat includes a backrest and a seat base and may be used with or without the backrest. The child seat includes adjustable arm rests. The height of the backrest and the depth of the seat base are also adjustable. The connection between the backrest and the seat base is configured to prevent unintentional separation but allows simple and intuitive separation when desired. A belt guide operating in either a seat belt locking mode or a seat belt free mode is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Williams, Daniel J. Brunick, Charles E. Crane
  • Publication number: 20040070245
    Abstract: A foot rest for use with a child's restraining seat and having a mounting positioned at the forward end of the seat and operable to adjust the height and angularity of the foot rest with respect to the seat such as to afford comfort to the infant regardless of its leg size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Billy J. McMakin
  • Publication number: 20040070246
    Abstract: A child car seat comprises a base, and a seat main body supported by the base, in which the base is provided with a lower base portion mounted on a seat of a vehicle, and an upper base portion mounted so as to freely turn with respect to the lower base portion in such a manner as to reverse a direction with regard to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and having an upper surface to which the seat main body is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: COMBI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kinji Adachi
  • Publication number: 20040070247
    Abstract: An adjustable child support structure having a seat back including side sections that fold inward to provide lateral support for an infant or remain flat to provide a wider seat back for a toddler. The structure also includes an adjuster having a user control portion and a side wing actuator portion for remotely adjusting the seat back through a range of motion between the first, wide position and the second, narrow position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: John F. Rhein
  • Publication number: 20040070248
    Abstract: In the present invention, a general purpose chair, using a construction with a cantilever type seat (20) fixed on the front side (21) of the seat, and with a free end on the back side of the chair, solves the problem of self adjusting of the height of the low back support (3) for users of various body heights and in various sitting positions, in the manner that does not need an active action of the user. With changing the flash of the cantilever for various users and with changing the flash when moving back and forward on the seat, the condition of comfortable and anatomically correct support is fulfilled for majority of users and positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Radmilo Eric
  • Publication number: 20040070249
    Abstract: In the case of a chair with adjustable seat depth, the seat comprises a rigid supporting panel (1) and a single-piece, longitudinally flexible seat panel (2) which bears the seat cushion (3) and is connected in a longitudinally displaceable manner to the supporting panel (1). The longitudinal displaceability is achieved by providing guide strips (6) mounted in guideways (4) on the top side of the seat panel (2), the guide strips being fastened on the supporting panel (1) via screws (7), and the screws (7) passing through slots (5) on the base of the guideways (4). The supporting panel (1) is advantageously designed as a frame and consists of cast aluminium, and the seat panel (2) consists of polypropylene. This achieves an optimum sliding pairing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: SEDUS STOLL AG
    Inventors: Thomas Stenzel, Michael Klaesener
  • Publication number: 20040070250
    Abstract: A fold flat vehicle seat comprises a seat assembly mounted on a movable track member slidably engaging a fixed track member, and lockable by a track lock. The seat assembly includes a seatback member mounted on a seat cushion member for forward folding between an upright occupiable design position and a horizontal load supporting position. A link arm member is mounted on the seatback member for movement therewith between a lowered track engagement position and a raised track clearing position. When the link arm member is in the lowered track engagement position, it interacts with a link engaging portion of the fixed track member to permit the forward folding of the seatback member to the substantially horizontal load supporting position and to thereat preclude longitudinal motion of the seat assembly relative to the fixed track member, so as to retain the seat assembly in its predetermined rear longitudinal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Faurecia Automotive Seating Canada Limited
    Inventors: Thomas J. Cooley, David M. Blair
  • Publication number: 20040070251
    Abstract: A chair with a back arrangement employing a back shell slidably supported on a pair of uprights projecting upwardly from opposite sides of the chair seat. The chair includes manually releasable latching mechanisms which cooperate with the uprights to allow height adjustment of the back arrangement. The chair additionally incorporates an adjustment mechanism which allows manual adjustment of the chair arms into the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn Roney, Scott Albright, Lance Lindenberg
  • Publication number: 20040070252
    Abstract: In the case of a neck support for a chair, the head cushion (6) is articulated, via an articulation bearing (5), on a guide sleeve (4) which can be displaced on a retaining bar (2), which is articulated on the top edge of the backrest (1) of the chair via a further articulation bearing (3), the retaining bar (2) and the guide sleeve (4) being of rectilinear design, this resulting in linear height adjustability of the neck support. The bottom articulation bearing (3) and preferably also the top articulation bearing (5) each comprise a cylinder (7) on the retaining bar (2) and two cylinders (8, 9) on the bearing foot (10) or on the link plate (26), it being possible for the first cylinder (7) to rotate in a controlled manner between the two second cylinders (8, 9) via blocks (13). In particular in combination with a height-adjustable backrest, the neck support according to the invention has an optimum adjustment range for the user's head and neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: SEDUS STOLL AG
    Inventors: Thomas Stenzel, Michael Klaesener, Klaus Maier
  • Publication number: 20040070253
    Abstract: A novel method of spinal catheter insertion via seated lumbar puncture using a surgical chair in which the patient is forward-facing is provided. The chair provides a stable, safe platform for patients, and reduces the need for additional personnel to maintain the patient's position. The seated position provides for ergonomically desirable alignment of the spinous processes, aiding in the successful lumbar puncture and spinal catheter insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kieran P. Murphy, Michael A. Williams, Daniele Rigamonte
  • Publication number: 20040070254
    Abstract: An elevating foot cushion that includes an embodiment with a cushion that is preferably of a unitary foam body defining front and rear faces and left and right lateral faces and an upper leg contact surface. The upper leg contact surface has first and second laterally spaced apart leg reception areas such as recesses that extend in a leg extension direction between the front and rear faces and an intermediate foam body region extending between the spaced apart leg reception recesses. The cushion preferably has an upper leg support surface that has first and second portions which have a first support characteristic designed for supporting an individual leg, and the upper leg support surface also preferably includes a third portion having a different support characteristic than the first and second portions which is more adept at handling a higher load pair of crossed legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jessica S. Conlon, Jeffrey D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20040070255
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a separable chair assembly, in particular a type of chair assembly which can be separated, folded, overlapped for storage with least space, characterized in that the chair assembly consists of one back unit and one seat unit, closed matched. The back unit and the seat unit are in an H form with slight curvature looked from a side view. The back unit is designed wider than the seat unit, so the chair assembly can be folded in one piece when not in use. The back unit is furnished with a front retaining board and a rear retaining at the center part. While in use, the back unit and the seat unit will cross each other so as to set the seat unit leaning on the retaining boards thus to form a chair. It is a practicable application for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Mark Ten Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Spencer Chen
  • Publication number: 20040070256
    Abstract: A safety belt guarding sleeve equipped with a luminous apparatus includes a pliable cover wrapped on a safety belt of a car and a luminous device encased in the pliable cover. The surface of the pliable cover is bonded to a felt layer and has one edge attached to a bonding structure for fastening to the felt. The pliable cover further has a lid to form a housing space with the inner side of the pliable cover for holding a detachable protective member. The luminous device is held, embedded, laid or bonded in the housing space and has a portion exposed outside the pliable cover to project light so that people may see from outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Yung-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20040070257
    Abstract: The present invention is directed, inter alia, to devices and methods for excavating valuable materials, particularly soft ores such as oil sands, oil shales, and the like, that use one or more of a number of features, including backfilling for ground support, a small trailing access tunnel, processing of the valuable material in the excavation with the tailings optionally being used as backfill and the valuable material being transported to the surface, a plurality of movable shields for ground support, and/or a movable tail shield to provide interim support to the backfill while additional liner sections are installed and/or formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Oil Sands Underground Mining, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Drake, Michael Helmut Kobler, John David Watson
  • Publication number: 20040070258
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toothbrush with tapered bristles and method of manufacturing such toothbrushes. The toothbrush is characterized in that the tapered end of each bristle is 0.02 mm or less of diameter. The bristle is tapered starting at a position of 3.5 mm or less from an end, and is made of polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate. The method of this invention consists of the steps of dipping 3.5 mm portions from ends of monofilaments for toothbrushes into erosive chemicals such as sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide until the dipped portions of the monofilaments are completely eroded, neutralizing the shortened monofilaments prior to rinsing and drying them, and implanting the shortened monofilaments on a toothbrush. Thereafter, the shortened monofilaments are ground using a 240# mesh paper at 2600 to 2700 rpm for 3 to 10 sec, a 320# mesh paper at same speed for 3 to 10 sec, and a 400# mesh paper at same speed for 3 to 10 sec.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicants: BEST WHASUNG CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Jun Kwon
  • Publication number: 20040070259
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel made of aluminum alloy and an annular protective cover made of stainless steel. The wheel includes a central hub, a plurality of spokes extending radially outward from the central hub, and a rim. The rim has a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate recessed portion. The intermediate recessed portion of the rim includes an inner wall with which a distal end of each spoke is integrally formed. A front annular flange extends outward from the front portion of the rim and has a front circumferential surface and an outer circumferential edge. The annular protective cover presses against an inner wall of the front portion of the rim and envelopes the front circumferential surface and the outer circumferential edge of the front annular flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ya-Wen Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040070260
    Abstract: A wheel hub assembly, particularly for an aircraft, comprises two hub portions (1, 2) bolted together at intervals around their circumference by bolts (10) having a conical profile and scaled in countersunk portions (9) of the bolt holes. The included angle of the conical profile is preferably in the range 85° to 140°. This arrangement reduces the maximum principal stress in the hub during use and tends to alleivate fretting damage at the interface of the hub portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Thiam Eng Chung, Paul Anthony Fannon
  • Publication number: 20040070261
    Abstract: A wheel frame for a hollow foam wheel includes a hollow foam tire which has two opposing bulged inner rims to form a housing space therebetween, two opposing wheel frames located on two outer sides of the foam tire each having a jutting outer rim. The jutting outer rim has an inner side with spikes located thereon and an inner peripheral surface which has first ridges formed thereon. The housing space holds a plurality of retaining members assembled in an annular manner. Each retaining member has a flange on the inner rim thereof with second ridges formed on the inner peripheral surface to mate alternately the first ridges of the wheel frame. The two wheel frames are screwed towards each other to clamp the foam tire securely between the jutting outer rim and the retaining members. The spikes on the inner side of the wheel frame pierce into the foam tire for anchoring. Thus the hollow foam tire may be coupled and anchored securely and provide an improved elastic and cushion effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Yao Han
  • Publication number: 20040070262
    Abstract: A blow-molded wheel including an axle retainer assembly. The retainer assembly (31) includes a housing (42) having transverse sleeves that support an axle (14) and a spring biased retainer pin (10) that mounts to an annular groove (12) at the axle. The housing is supported in a cavity formed into a wheel spoke (18) and a bore of a wheel hub and is retarined upon the shrinkage of the plastic around the housing. An aperture of the pin sleeve facilitates retraction of the pin and release of the wheel from the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Floyd F. Markling
  • Publication number: 20040070263
    Abstract: A plastic wheel (122, 222) and wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) used to releasably secure the wheel (122, 222) onto an axle (123, 223). The wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) preferably includes a resilient, radially displaceable, axially extending, cantilevered finger (146, 246, 346, 446) which includes an axle-engaging lug (155, 255, 355, 455), while a wheel-engaging shoulder is provided on the sleeve by an annular rib (201, 301). The sleeve shoulders latch the sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) to the axle (123, 223) and the wheel (122, 222) to the sleeve. The sleeve (127, 227, 327, 427) includes an axle stabilizing recess (198, 298, 398, 498) positioned in an end wall (158, 258, 358, 458), which receives an axle stub (199, 299) that supports the axle (123, 223) against lateral loading and stabilizes it to reduce wobble, chatter and vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael A. Morris
  • Publication number: 20040070264
    Abstract: An air supply system for a large vehicle air brake system includes an air compressor for supplying compressed air. The compressed or pressurized air is routed to an air dryer which includes a desiccant bed through which the compressed air flows for drying. The air dryer is located between a wet tank and a dry tank for the air supply system and air moves from the dryer to the wet tank. From the wet tank the air passes through a conduit through the air dryer to the dry tank. The air dryer is mounted on tracks allowing it to withdrawn from between the air tanks for replacement or service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen P. Heath
  • Publication number: 20040070265
    Abstract: A slip stop device for a vehicle is proposed in which slip stop material can be easily resupplied and it can be reliably scattered near the ground contact portions of tires. A cartridge for storing the slip stop material includes a tubular container having its opening at its top end closed by a film. By inserting a pipe connecting to piping for supplying positive pressure and a pipe connected to a piping for discharging the slip stop material into the cartridge through the film, the slip stop material can be easily resupplied without spilling out. Also, it is possible to reliably scatter the slip stop material stored in the cartridge near the ground contact portions of tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: ADVICS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Moriharu Sakai, Takashi Watanabe, Shoichi Masaki
  • Publication number: 20040070266
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake valve comprising a body, a passageway defined in the body, an inlet to the passageway, an outlet from the passageway and a movable valve member in the passageway, the valve member is movable between a first position blocking the passageway to prevent communication between the inlet and the outlet, and a second position opening the passageway to allow communication between the inlet and the outlet in response to a pressure differential exceeding a predetermined value. The valve member remains in its second position once it has been moved to its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Batchelor, Michael Williamson, David Parry
  • Publication number: 20040070267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subassembly (1)), in particular a brake unit of an electronically controlled vehicle brake system, including a motor (2) having a housing (7), a hydraulic block (4), and a motor electronics (6) for controlling or regulating the motor (2). To create a particularly compact subassembly that is optimized in terms of heat dissipation, the motor electronics (6) is located at least partly within the housing (7) of the motor (2) according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Volz, Erhard Beck
  • Publication number: 20040070268
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system includes a yaw rate controller that continuously detects a yaw rate representing the vehicle yawing motion, forms a control signal as a function thereof, and causes a steering movement that counteracts the undesired yawing motion. The control signal is formed differently in the unbraked driving condition than when the vehicle is braked. In addition, the control signal in the case of a control intervention of a brake control system may be formed differently than when the vehicle is braked without such a control intervention. Preferably, the control signal which is determined from the deviation between a desired yaw rate value and the actual yaw rate value, in the case of a controlled braking operation, is formed by means of at least one other amplification factor (kp) that differs from that which is used in the unbraked driving condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Goetz Baumgarten
  • Publication number: 20040070269
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator is unable to supply a predetermined amount of power to eddy current devices, friction braking is activated thereby enhancing braking performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Sohel Anwar, Carl David Klaes, Kevin J. Pavlov
  • Publication number: 20040070270
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus performs regenerative braking by regeneratively operating first and second motor-generators to apply first and second braking torques in response to a deceleration request. The vehicle control apparatus is improves the efficiency in regeneratively generating electric power without greatly disturbing the balance between the. The control apparatus calculates an ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio for front wheel braking torque and the rear wheel braking torque, and also calculates a distribution allowance for the ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio. The control apparatus then corrects the ideal front-rear wheel distribution ratio within the distribution allowance such that the electric power generation efficiencies of the first motor-generator connected to the rear wheels and the second motor-generator connected to the front wheels are increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Gunji
  • Publication number: 20040070271
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of automatically braking a vehicle in a stop state by using a signal of a vehicle-speed sensor in a vehicle, and can be used as an alternative to a parking brake. A stop signal conversion means (20), an accelerator pedal sensing means (40), a stopping/running judgement means (50), a switch means (60) and a electromagnetically operated switching valve (70) are comprised. One of a high-level signal and a low-level signal from the vehicle-speed sensor (10) in the stop state of the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal is detected as it is, and the other one of a high-level signal and a low-level signal from the vehicle-speed sensor (10) is converted by a stop signal conversion means (20) and detecting the converted one. A brake line (L) is closed and the vehicle is braked by detecting the stop state using a single signal from the vehicle-speed sensor (10) although the pressing of the brake pedal may be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Won-Bum Lee
  • Publication number: 20040070272
    Abstract: When performing the function of “constant speed on the gradient”, the necessary braking power is determined as a function of the vehicle's loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bernhard Grupp, Bernhard Reisch, Frank Sauter, Peter Schmidtner
  • Publication number: 20040070273
    Abstract: A tracked vehicle capable of traversing a variety of surfaces without damaging the surface traversed includes a track having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a pitch line between the inner surface and the outer surface. Driving lugs are attached to the inner surface of the track. The vehicle also includes a driver sprocket assembly having a number of driving portions for engaging the driving lugs to drive the track. Each drive lug has at least one angled sidewall which, as the drive lug is engaged with the drive portion, presents a wall either substantially parallel to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket or slightly declined with respect to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Cary Safe, Brad Lemke
  • Publication number: 20040070274
    Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel tracked vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved traction band made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. The inner surface of the endless traction band comprises a different lug configuration which allows for the endless traction band to be installed more efficiently on a tracked vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Andre Deland, Francois Duquette
  • Publication number: 20040070275
    Abstract: An apparatus that controls electrical power comprising: one or more monitors adapted to sense a state of current flow supplied to a device, one or more controlled sockets, a power input; and a logic circuit. The logic circuit controls electrical power to at least one of the controlled sockets responsive to the sensed state of current flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Nehemia Niv
  • Publication number: 20040070276
    Abstract: A dual-output voltage regulator is disclosed, which provides a first terminal voltage and a second terminal voltage to DDR DRAM. The dual-output voltage regulator comprises a first regulator unit for receiving an input voltage and providing the first terminal voltage via a first transistor unit; and a second regulator unit for receiving the input voltage and the first terminal voltage in order to output the second terminal voltage, wherein the second terminal voltage is half of the first terminal voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Arques Technology
    Inventors: Kwang H. Liu, Sorin L. Negru, Terry Groom, Fu-Yuan Shih, Te-Jen Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040070277
    Abstract: In a dual power supply, a main power supply is shut down by providing a signal from an auxiliary power supply. To generate the shutdown signal, a load is temporarily applied to the output of the auxiliary power supply for a predetermined time. The application of the load is detected using a hysteretic comparator in the auxiliary power supply that remains in a high state for a time period that exceeds a reference time period, which is established by a timer circuit. In response to exceeding the reference time period, the shutdown signal is sent to the main power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Christophe Basso
  • Publication number: 20040070278
    Abstract: A dual feed power supply system provides the high reliability of a dual utility feed, with minimization of interruptions in the power supplied to critical loads during switching, and compensation for voltage sags occurring on the primary power feed. First and second AC input buses are connected through a transfer switching apparatus to each of the phase lines of a distribution bus. The transfer switching apparatus has a first input terminal connected to one of the phase lines of the first input bus and a second input terminal connected to one of the phase lines of the second input bus, and an output terminal connected to one of the phase lines of the distribution bus. Input switches allow switching from one or the other of the AC input buses to the distribution bus, with a fast transfer switch used to interrupt the supply of power from the input buses to the distribution bus during switching of the input switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Deepakraj M. Divan, Robert Schneider, William R. Kranz