Patents Issued in April 22, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040074185
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for transitioning between a first floor covering and a second floor covering wherein the transition device includes an elongated core and a covering. The elongated core has a top, a bottom, opposing sides and opposing ends. The covering is attached to the elongated core and covers the top and opposing sides of the elongated core. The present invention also provides method for manufacturing the transition device. In addition, the present invention provides a system having an elongated core and a covering as described above. A first floor covering is attached to the floor and abuts one side of the transition device. Similarly, a second floor covering is attached to the floor and abuts the other side of the transition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Paul H. Devereux
  • Publication number: 20040074186
    Abstract: A reverse molded wood composite door skin, comprises a molded wood composite panel having a first surface adapted to be exteriorly disposed and an opposite second surface adapted to be interiorly disposed in order to be adhesively secured to a surface. The panel comprises a major planar portion, at least one planar panel portion lying in a plane spaced from the plane of the major planar portion, and an outwardly extending contoured wall surrounding the planar panel portion and interconnecting and integral with the major planar portion and the at least one planar panel portion. The contoured wall extends outwardly from and relative to the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Dale E. Schafernak, Karine Luetgert, Bei-Hong Liang, Lee Braddock
  • Publication number: 20040074187
    Abstract: A sheet of shingles for application to the ridge or hips of a roof. Two or more shingles are arranged in a generally straight line with the tops of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another, with the bottoms of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another. The second edge of a prior shingle overlaps and is above the first edge of any immediately subsequent shingle. Two or more mechanical fasteners are placed in the overlapping area of adjacent shingles to connect such shingles, leaving the corners unattached so that the upper, overlapping corners can be lifted to nail the lower, overlapped corners to the roof. Tar is placed between the overlapping and the overlapped corners in order to utilize solar energy to seal the corners of the adjacent shingles to one another after the nails have been inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jay S. Timbrel, Denise M. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040074188
    Abstract: A clip for siding panels installed on a wall of a structure includes a substantially planar nailing face and a seat extending from a bottom edge of the nailing face disposed to receive the bottom edge of an overlapping siding panel. A hook member extends from a top edge of the nailing face and is disposed to hang the clip from a top edge of a siding panel overlapped by the overlapping siding panel. The nailing face is sized to provide a partial overlap of the overlapped siding panel by the overlapping siding panel when the clip is attached to the overlapped siding panel by the hook member and the overlapping siding panel is seated in the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: David Herbert Beck, Rick James Morse
  • Publication number: 20040074189
    Abstract: Disclosed are wood pieces for use to manufacture wood panels. Each of these wood pieces has an upper surface, a lower surface and two opposite sidewalls. Tongues and grooves or hooks and notches are provided on the opposite sidewalls of each of the wood pieces in such a way that (1) there is at least one tongue or hook on each sidewall and at least one corresponding groove or notch on the other sidewall and (2) the tongues or hooks on the tongues or hooks on the opposite sidewalls are positioned at a same height between the upper and lower surfaces of each wood piece, and the grooves or notches are positioned at another same height selected as a function of the one where stand the tongues or hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Guildo Deschenes
  • Publication number: 20040074190
    Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer (i.e., “cross-ply”) to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hai Lin, Xufeng Xu
  • Publication number: 20040074191
    Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Eugenio Cruz Garcia
  • Publication number: 20040074192
    Abstract: A plurality of building blocks (1) form a retaining wall (300), which may be curved, with respective side edges (6, 7) providing pivot points and a stepped base (5) of an upper block (1) being positionable on the upper surface (4) of a lower block (1). The gaps between the blocks 1, and their permeability, being made from permeable concrete, can avoid hydrostatic build up behind the wall (300). The permeability of the concrete used for the blocks (1) is in the range of 10−2 M/s to 10−4 m/s and may be in the region of 6.00×10−3 m/s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Brett Kerry Mason
  • Publication number: 20040074193
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component for spatial grid supporting systems comprising filler material, especially for retaining walls and/or noise-abatement walls. Said component comprises the following characteristics: a closed or open, single-element or multi-element frame body (RK) is provided, said frame body comprising at least one longitudinal member (LTF) which extends essentially along the front of the supporting system on the front side in relation to the mounting position. The frame body also comprises at least one cross member (QT) which extends at an angle, especially at a right angle, in relation to the longitudinal member. Said longitudinal member (LTF) has, at least in sections, a polygonal, especially square, cross-section which is defined by longitudinal surfaces which are essentially, or at least in sections, plane, said cross-section extending in a normal direction (N) to a frame plane (E-E) which is defined by the longitudinal member and the cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Felix Paul Jaeckin
  • Publication number: 20040074194
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fixing means for fixing a screen panel on a support structure comprising an insert member adopted to fit into a bore formed on the underside of corner of a screen panel, said insert having principally the following geometries:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: TEGA INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Syed Yavar Imam
  • Publication number: 20040074195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wooden beam, a wooden beam and a wooden frame for constructing a building ensuring a good distribution of the stresses, a flexibility of the frame, a resistance in case of earthquakes, a squaring and a crossbracing, and allowing to make beams having a wide span that do not require an inner bearing wall, to improve the living comfort by eliminating the grating and the creaking noise of the wood while reducing the risk of fissures and increasing the flexibility of the floor. The wooden frame (10) is constituted of identical wooden beams (1) each comprising four parallel square rulers (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) connected by crosspieces (3a, 3b) that are assembled to said square rulers (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) by means of a so-called flexible glue forming, after drying, elastic joints. The wooden beams (1) form a post (11a), a tie beam (11b) and a principle rafter (11c) connected together by means of gussets (6a, 6b) and spacers (7) to form modular frame sections (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Claude Schmerber
  • Publication number: 20040074196
    Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Eluterio Saladana
  • Publication number: 20040074197
    Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud. The stud connectors demonstrate three dimensional rigidity and a box-like fit within the metal framing studs to form joints that are strong, durable and precise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Eluterio Saldana
  • Publication number: 20040074198
    Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and track connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing tracks that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls with at least one recess channel formed longitudinally therein, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip or base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects and/or recess channels of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Eluterio Saldana
  • Publication number: 20040074199
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for covering and protecting substantially tall poles. The apparatus includes a covering layer positionable over at least a portion of the exterior of a pole. The covering layer is non-corrosive and preferably impact and tear resistant. In one aspect of the invention, the covering layer is a sheet of material dimensioned to wrap around a corresponding part of the pole. A bracket can be used to secure the opposite adjacent edges of the wrap. Hardware can be used to secure the wrap from longitudinal movement along the pole. The wrap can be colored, textured, or patterned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, James L. Drost, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20040074200
    Abstract: A metal framing member for use as a stud, joist, rafter, truss, etc. is disclosed. The framing member includes at least one knock out opening and a corresponding tab that is positioned onto the metal framing member during the manufacturing process via computer so that structures built using the studs such as window frames, door jams, etc. are accurately and quickly fabricated. The knock out opening can also be used as a chase to allow wiring or a stiffening rod to pass through the member. Each tab is also preferably provided with a pair of pre-punched holes so that the tab can be fastened to other building components using standard screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony P. Attalla
  • Publication number: 20040074201
    Abstract: A method constructs a concrete building slab by loosening the soil on which the concrete building slab is to be constructed to at least a predetermined loosening depth so as to expand the soil upwards, driving a plurality of piles into the soil in predetermined respective locations to a predetermined founding depth, and subsequently forming a concrete slab on the loose soil to be supported by the piles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Camilleri
  • Publication number: 20040074202
    Abstract: A rod-reinforced cushion beam includes a rigid frame having a spaced plurality of main rod members and a longitudinally paced plurality of connecting elements; and a plastic body encapsulating and substantially solidly filling the frame. A preferred embodiment has least 90 percent by weight of the plastic body in a main polymeric component of linear low density polyethylene, and an additive component that does not contain filler material. Also disclosed is a method for forming a rod-reinforced cushion beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Barmakian, Bruce B. Barmakian
  • Publication number: 20040074203
    Abstract: Complementary roof tiles for a staggered roof tile layout are provided by: (i) extruding and conveying a composite ribbon; (ii) demarcating the composite ribbon into an alternating succession of a first roof tile type and a second roof tile type by engaging the composite ribbon with an upstream cutting blade and a downstream cutting blade, such that each roof tile type is demarcated at an upstream tile edge by one of the cutting blades and at a downstream tile edge by the other of the cutting blades, and such that a selected one of the roof tile types includes a pair of cut-out portions demarcated along one of the upstream and downstream tile edges on opposite ones of the ribbon side edges; (iii) separating the succession of demarcated roof tile types into distinct roof tiles; and (v) curing the distinct roof tiles to form a set of cured roof tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Stanley Sherman Bane, Gary Lee Manlove
  • Publication number: 20040074204
    Abstract: A framing member has an elongate body with at least one elongate U-shaped trough. The side walls of the U-shaped trough define a plurality of elongate side wall protuberances having squared off edges. The framing member can be used with a fastener screw having squared off edges to assemble commercial and residential work benches, storage shelves, bookcases, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Duane McKinnon
  • Publication number: 20040074205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-supporting and load-transferring construction element (1) with at least one, preferably two cover layers (7), on which preferably several strip-shaped spacing elements (18) are placed, distributed on an inner facing surface (15a) of the cover layer (7), which are joined to the cover layer (7) in a non-positive and/or a positive join by means of a curable joining and/or fixing means (70). The cover layer (7) and/or the spacing elements (18) are made from randomly oriented wood or wood material elements (73) joined by a binder with cavities (75) and pores (74) disposed in between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Stache
  • Publication number: 20040074206
    Abstract: A hollow panel (10) includes comprise hollow portions (12) between front and rear outer sides (11) having a substantially flat plate shape. In the hollow panel (10), the surface density is partially differentiated, whereby a lack of sound insulation due to the coincidence effect at a specific frequency is prevented from occurring. The surface density or the rigidity can be made non-uniform to suppress the lack of sound insulation, by differentiating sectional areas by forming plural kinds of widths of the hollow portions (12), or by differentiating the distances between partition walls (13) or the thicknesses of the walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rento Tanase, Tetsu Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040074207
    Abstract: A panel door including a framework configured to form a support structure for the panel door. The panel door further including a set of surface covers configured to overlay the framework and be secured thereto to form both a set of stiles and a set of rails for the panel door, wherein the set of stiles includes at least one intermediate stile. The door includes a set of open spaces bounded by the set of rails and the set of stiles. The door further includes a set of panels secured in the set of open spaces between the stiles and rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: GPI International, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Yao, Sherwin Yao, Jeremy Sy
  • Publication number: 20040074208
    Abstract: A method of forming an insulation panel with an insulating core sealed within an envelope. The envelope formed from a single sheet of highly flexible material with a pair of opposing edge portions sealed together contiguously along the entire respective lengths thereof to form a sleeve with a single and two open ends. The sleeve may be folded to define sides. A longitudinal pleat may be formed in at least one of the sides of the envelope. One open end is sealed to form an envelope and a core of insulation material is inserted. The remaining open end is sealed and the envelope is evacuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Advantek, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Scott Olson, Bryan Peter Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040074209
    Abstract: A roll baler equipped with a hopper 2, and a transporting conveyor 3for carrying bale shaping material discharged from beneath a discharge port 20 defined in the bottom face of the hopper 2 into a material receiving port 40 of the bale-shaping chamber, wherein the transporting conveyor 3 is divided into two parts of: a hopper-side transporting conveyor 3a provided in a space extending from beneath the discharge port 20 to the front position beneath the delivery mechanism 5; and a bale-shaping-chamber side transporting conveyor 3b provided in the space extending from beneath the delivery mechanism 5 to the receiving port 40 of the shaping chamber 4, both these hopper-side transporting conveyor 3a and bale-shaping-chamber-side transporting conveyor 3b being each driven independently one from the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicants: Takakita Co. Ltd, Institute of Agricultural Machinery Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution
    Inventors: Kouichi Fukumori, Akira Muraki, Yuji Uemura, Masanobu Okumura, Yukinori Shibuya, Hirokatsu Shito, Nobuki Yamana
  • Publication number: 20040074210
    Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at a turntable-mounted point of fill. With rotation of the turntable, final sealing operations are performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth Pokusa, Orestes Rivero
  • Publication number: 20040074211
    Abstract: A method of making a moisture-proof package that holds semiconductor devices and desiccant is provided. A tray that retains desiccant is prepared. Semiconductor devices are placed on the tray, and the semiconductor devices and the desiccant carried by the tray are then heat treated before being sealed in a moisture-proof bag. Once the semiconductor devices are shipped to customers, the tray and desiccant are both reused until the moisture absorbing properties of the desiccant diminish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Kawasaki Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yukio Shibata
  • Publication number: 20040074212
    Abstract: A patient isolation unit including a foldable frame body, a flexible envelope made of a flammable resin sheet which can be attached to the assembled frame body, and an exhauster to discharge or exhaust the air from the envelope. The exhauster includes a UV lamp, an HEPA filter, and a blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: SANKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Yachi, Saburo Takagi, Kazuaki Iijima, Takeya Ide
  • Publication number: 20040074213
    Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner (10) comprises a separating unit (20) for separating dirt and dust from a dirt-laden airflow which is drawn in by the cleaner. The separating unit (20) has a chamber (205) with a collection area for collecting dirt and dust which is separated from the airflow. A base (210) of the separating unit (20) is movable between a closed position and an open position (FIG. 4). The base (210) is released by a trigger (220) and a linking mechanism (222, 230, 260). The releasing means (232) is operable to apply an opening force to the base (210) to push the base (210) open, thereby allowing a tightly fitting seal (212) to be fitted to the base (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Paul Organ
  • Publication number: 20040074214
    Abstract: An air filter housing slidably receives an air filter therein, without requiring the air filter housing to be removed from the wall, floor or ceiling surrounding an air duct. The air filter housing varies in size in at least one dimension, to reduce the quantity of air filters and air filter housing required to accommodate a wide variety of air duct types and sizes. The air filter housing is mounted to a register, diffuser or return air grill covering an air duct. The air filter is slidably received in the air filter housing, for ease of removing, cleaning or replacing the air filter. The air filter housing is adaptable to receive a variety of air filters which are custom designed to remove specific pollutants from the air, to improve the air quality in a home or office.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph C. Henson
  • Publication number: 20040074215
    Abstract: A method for forming an air filter (1, 5) comprising a filter element (2) and at least one seal gasket (3) rigidly secured to said filter element, in which in order to form said gasket (3) a plastic material is cast in a mould (4, 8, 11), and in order to rigidly secure said filter element (2) to said gasket (3) in a sealed manner the filter element is associated with said plastic material while this is in said mould (4, 8, 11) and the curing of said plastic material is still at least partially in progress, wherein for forming each filter its own dedicated mould (4, 8, 11) is used, the mould being maintained removably associated with said gasket (3) after termination of the filter forming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Carlo Cocconi
  • Publication number: 20040074216
    Abstract: An extension means connecting an axle to the engine of the lawn mower for providing the power to drive the vehicle comprises a flange seat having a plurality of fastening holes at the seat; and an axial rod at the central of the seat; wherein the axial rod includes a screw thread at the end and a face gear is next to the screw thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Tai Chen
  • Publication number: 20040074217
    Abstract: A harvester for harvesting stalks of sugarcane having a plurality of harvest chambers. Each harvest chamber has a pair of opposing side walls that forming a V-shaped forward opening for receiving sugarcane stalks to be cut for harvest and a plurality of revolving, opposing, resilient conveyor belts for grabbing, holding and feeding the sugarcane stalks through the chambers in a substantially upright position. Each harvest chamber has a plurality of adjustable blowers to selectively direct a high velocity air stream onto the sugarcane stalks to remove unwanted foliage from the sugarcane stalks and a vacuum system to suction unwanted foliage from the harvest chambers to a foliage collection chamber located within the harvester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: HarvesTech, LLC.
    Inventor: James R. Reaux
  • Publication number: 20040074218
    Abstract: A fruit harvesting machine (1) comprises a movable frame (2) and a harvesting assembly (5) for detaching crop material, comprising fruit and foliage from trees, shrubs and the like standing on a field. A conveyor (20) receives the detached fruit and foliage, together with juice from said fruit, and transports the same to a container (9). A stationary screen (60) is installed above the conveyor (20) for retaining thereon solid fruit portions and for allowing passage therethrough of said juice. A cleaning means (27) is provided above the is screen (60) for separating said foliage from said detached fruit. The conveyor (20) is provided with outwardly extending fingers (74) extending through the screen (20) for engaging and moving said solid fruit portions to said container (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jean Camille Merant
  • Publication number: 20040074219
    Abstract: A hand-operated gatherer for gathering pecans, nuts, or other objects such as golf balls. The gatherer includes a basket assembly connect to a first end of a shaft and a handle and trigger connected to a second end of the shaft. A pair of pivotally hinged doors biased to a closed position by a spring device attach to a frame member in the basket assembly via depending tabs, and a gatherer head comprised of wire bails separate the doors. A control linkage attaches to at least one of the doors and runs lengthwise along the shaft to the trigger, whereby the trigger is finger actuated to pull the control linkage and open the door or doors that are attached to the control linkage to release the items held within the storage component of the basket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: George W. Herndon
  • Publication number: 20040074220
    Abstract: A device for twisting decorative material from rolls comprising a shaft having two ends, an attachment means for affixing at least one roll of decorative material provided on one end of said shaft, and a crank provided on the other end of said shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Lary Harmon
  • Publication number: 20040074221
    Abstract: Several methods of forming links are disclosed, whereby the outer peripheries of such links are contoured prior to assembly into rope chains. In one embodiment, the wire used in the formation of intertwinable links is contoured and then cut into individual, precontoured links. In another embodiment, the outer periphery of non-contoured links are individually contoured prior to the intertwining of such links to form actual rope chains. In another embodiment, individual links are stamped with inner and outer peripheries of different shapes. In yet another embodiment, individual links are collectively contoured, preferably after arrangement on a support such as an ice lathe or a mandril. Such contouring can be accomplished by hand, machine or the like. If such links are not already provided with a gap, then a gap can be formed into the links as part of the contouring step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: David Rosenwasser, Avraham Moshe Rosenwasser
  • Publication number: 20040074222
    Abstract: For the purpose of providing a loop chain in which light-related members can be easily attached to and detached from the loops, and do not readily fall off, and which has a good appearance from the standpoint of design, a loop 3 is provided with an engaging tab 3a, 3b, and a latching adapter 10 comprising a light-related member or a latching adapter 15 is fitted to the engaging tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Yutaka Hara
  • Publication number: 20040074223
    Abstract: Upon shutdown of a liquid fuel turbine engine, the liquid fuel supply is turned off and compressed air is passed through the fuel lines and fuel injectors to purge all remaining liquid fuel into the combustion chamber to be combusted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Capstone Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Willis, Guillermo Pont, Edward C. Edelman, Gunther Linzner
  • Publication number: 20040074224
    Abstract: A segmented exhaust nozzle for attenuating noise from a turbofan jet engine without adversely impacting the operability or operability limit related performance of the engine. The exhaust nozzle includes spaced apart fan nozzle inner and outer walls which form an annular exhaust gas flow path therebetween. The fan nozzle outer wall is segmented at the downstream end. The outer wall curves inwardly towards the inner wall and then turns back away from the inner wall to form an arcuate protrusion that extends into the exhaust gas flow path forming an aerodynamic throat. Through the segmented portion of the nozzle, the outer wall then continues to curve away from the inner wall before again curving back towards the inner wall at a nozzle exit station. The nozzle exit effective area is approximately equal in cross sectional area to a conventional exhaust nozzle exit area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Leonard J. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20040074225
    Abstract: A method and a device are described for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment system, especially for an internal combustion engine. A state variable is ascertained, which characterizes the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The temperature of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is controlled as a function of the state of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and/or of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Johannes Schaller, Georg Weber, Horst Horndorf, Peter Khatchikian
  • Publication number: 20040074226
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a NOx storage/reduction catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine, and a NOx sensor positioned in the exhaust passage downstream of the catalyst. A controller of the system performs a rich-spike operation to temporarily operate the engine at a rich air/fuel ratio each time a NOx storage state of the catalyst satisfies a predetermined rich-spike condition during a lean-burn operation. When the degree of degradation of the catalyst is determined by comparing the output of the NOx sensor with a predetermined evaluation value, the rich-spike condition is changed so that the amount of NOx stored in the catalyst at the time of a start of the rich-spike operation during a degradation determination period is made larger than that reached during a period other than the determination period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20040074227
    Abstract: A diagnostic system in which the accuracy of the diagnosis of the deterioration state of a catalyst in a catalytic converter for cleaning the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is enhanced without incurring a rise in cost. The temperature of the catalyst is estimated using the operating-state signal (for example, the flow rate of intake air or the width of a fuel injection pulse) of the engine by a diagnostic device. The conversion efficiency of the catalyst calculated from the outputs of oxygen sensors is corrected using the estimated temperature by the diagnostic device. The deterioration state of the catalyst is diagnosed on the basis of the corrected temperature by the diagnostic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Mukaihira, Toshio Ishii, Kiyoshi Miura, Kazuya Kawano
  • Publication number: 20040074228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a temperature of a catalyst system (14, 16) located in an exhaust duct (12) of an internal combustion engine (10) in a motor vehicle. Said system comprises at least one primary catalyst (16), in particular an NOx storage catalyst and optionally one or more pre-catalysts (14). According to the invention, at one point during operation, at which the torque desired by the driver is less than an overrun torque of the vehicle (overrun phase &tgr;s), an overrun shut-off can be suppressed by supplying the internal combustion engine (10) with an air-fuel ratio (&lgr;) that is less than or equal to 1.1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Ekkehard Pott, Michael Zilmer
  • Publication number: 20040074229
    Abstract: A method is presented for estimating an amount of ammonia stored in a urea-based SCR catalyst based on a dynamic model of the catalyst. The model takes into account chemical and physical properties of the catalyst, such as catalyst volume, the number of available ammonia storage cites, adsorption and desorption dynamics, as well as poisoning, thermal aging, and different catalyst operating temperatures, and generates the estimate based on a measured or estimated amount of NOx in an exhaust gas mixture upstream of the catalyst, an amount of reductant injected into the catalyst to facilitate NOx reduction, and on a measured value of NOx in an exhaust gas mixture downstream of the catalyst. The estimated ammonia storage amount is then used to control the amount of reductant injected into the catalyst to maintain desired ammonia storage amount such that maximum NOx conversion efficiency coupled with minimum ammonia slip are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Devesh Upadhyay, Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt
  • Publication number: 20040074230
    Abstract: A method of reducing the negative effects of accumulation of ash in a diesel fuel combustion system includes supplying a diesel fuel having an additive that includes a manganese compound to a diesel fuel combustion system. The combustion system includes a catalyzed diesel particulate filter or, alternatively, a continuously regenerating technology diesel particulate filter. The fuel is then combusted in the combustion system to product at least one byproduct that includes the manganese compound. The manganese compound is supplied in an amount effective to complex with the combustion byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory H. Guinther, Joseph W. Roos, David M. Human, Scott D. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20040074231
    Abstract: An exhaust gas system for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, particularly a diesel engine in a motor vehicle, conducts the exhaust gas in a specific flow direction. A catalytic converter, particularly for converting hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides contained in the exhaust gas, an oxidation catalytic converter, particularly for converting nitrogen monoxide contained in the exhaust gas and a particulate trap for collecting particulates contained in the exhaust gas, are disposed successively in the flow direction. The exhaust gas system ensures a highly efficient conversion of harmful substances contained in the exhaust gas, and a particularly positive effect with respect to the regeneration of the particulate trap also occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Rolf Bruck
  • Publication number: 20040074232
    Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising a pump having a pump shell and a plurality of impellers arranged in the pump shell, a turbine having a turbine shell arranged to be opposed to the pump and a plurality of runners arranged in the turbine shell, and a baffle mechanism arranged in a fluid circulation passage formed by the pump shell and the turbine shell, wherein the baffle mechanism comprises a first baffle plate having a plurality of first openings, a second baffle plate that has a plurality of second openings and is disposed in such a manner as to overlap with the first baffle plate and as to be allowed to rotate relative thereto, and a centrifugal operation means for turning the second baffle plate relative to the first baffle plate in response to the rotational speed of the first baffle plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Iwao
  • Publication number: 20040074233
    Abstract: A braking device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a master cylinder (10) associated with a pneumatic booster (12), and a vacuum pump (36) to create a vacuum in the vacuum chamber (16) of the booster, characterized in that the vacuum pump (36) is fixed to the envelope (14) of the booster on the inside of the latter within the vacuum chamber (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Juan Simon Bacardit
  • Publication number: 20040074234
    Abstract: A microactuator (10) providing an output force and displacement in response to an increase in thermal energy is disposed. The microactuator (10) may have a substantially straight expansion member (20, 22) with a first and a second end. The first end may be coupled to a base (12, 16) and a second end may be coupled to a shuttle (24). The expansion member is capable of elongating in a elongation direction. Elongation of the expansion member may urge the shuttle to translate in an output than the elongation direction. In certain embodiments, multiple expansion members are arrayed along one side of the shuttle to drive the shuttle against a surface. Alternatively, expansion members may be disposed on both sides of the shuttle to provide balanced output force. If desired, multiple microactuators may be linked together to multiply the output displacement and/or output force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Larry L Howell, Scott Lyon