Patents Issued in July 13, 2004
  • Patent number: 6761210
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a passenger cell of a vehicle includes an evaporator, for cooling an air stream, arranged in succession with a heat exchanger for heating the air stream. The heat exchanger has a heating medium flowing through it permanently. At least one air-mixing space is directly adjacent to the heat exchanger and has a warm-air inlet, covering at least part of the air outlet surface of the heat exchanger, and a cold-air inlet, forming the mouth of a cold-air duct bypassing the heat exchanger. Control members set the opening cross sections of the inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Klaus Arold
  • Patent number: 6761211
    Abstract: Heat sinks are provided that achieve very high convective heat transfer surface per unit volume. These heat sinks comprise a spreader plate having a recessed area on one surface and a flat area on another surface, at least two fins and porous reticulated foam blocks having intervening gaps that fill the width and at least a portion of the length between the fins. The foam block may be a continuous single block within the space between two adjacent fins along the length of the fins or may be an array of short-length blocks having intervening gaps along the length of the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder Singh Bhatti, Shrikant M. Joshi, Russell S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6761212
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermosyphon heat exchanger. The thermosyphon system eliminates the need for costly and inefficient moving parts in the cooling system. The system also minimizes failures rendering the system inoperable by eliminating mechanical components subject to breakdowns that would render the system inoperable. The design of the heat exchanger coils provides for increased efficiency, reduced cost, and simplified construction and maintenance. The system further reduces the energy consumption required for cooling operation while still providing excellent cooling performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventor: Frank E. DiPaolo
  • Patent number: 6761213
    Abstract: A reboiler/condenser bath heat exchanger for heat exchange between a first fluid to be vaporized and a second fluid to be condensed includes a number of passages for heat exchange between the two fluids in order to make the second fluid flow, which fluid has a temperature of T2-2 at the outlet of the passages; a vessel containing the passages for making the first fluid flow between the passages by thermosiphon effect from the bottom upwards over a height h, the first fluid having an entry temperature T1-1 where T1-1<T2-2 and an exit pressure P1-2; elements for giving the entry pressure P1-1 of the first fluid a value such that the pressure P1-2 is greater than a minimum pressure Pm,ex and elements for ensuring that at least one of the following two conditions is fulfilled: the height h of the passages is at least equal to 2.5 m; and the temperature T2-2 of the second fluid is less than T1-1+1.2° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide—Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Benoît Davidian
  • Patent number: 6761214
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner has an actuator for driving an air mixing door and various mode switching doors. An automatic range and a manual range are set in different operating angle ranges of the actuator. In the automatic range, an air outlet mode is automatically switched in accordance with an opening degree of the air mixing door. On the other hand, in the manual range, a multi-mode or a defroster mode is manually set, regardless of the opening degree of the air mixing door. In the manual range, air is simultaneously blown from all openings such as a face opening, a foot opening and a defroster opening in the multi-mode, and air is blown from the defroster opening in the defroster mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Nobukazu Kuribayashi, Tatsumi Kumada, Shigeki Harada, Koichi Ito, Junji Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6761215
    Abstract: A downhole separator has a housing defining an interior cavity divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a flow restricting bearing housing. A shaft driven impeller pumps production fluid into the first chamber and to the bearing housing. The bearing housing generates a pressure drop in production fluid entering the second chamber, separating gas from liquid. A vortex generator in the second chamber segregates the liquid to the outside and the gas to the inside of the second chamber. A downhole separation method includes pumping production fluid into a first chamber, and generating a pressure drop in the fluid as the fluid enters a second chamber to separate gas and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: James Eric Morrison, Guy Morrison, III
  • Patent number: 6761216
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After pyrolysis, the portion may be heated to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the portion to generate synthesis gas. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation in a batch manner or in a substantially continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • Patent number: 6761217
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus for locating equipment in a required depth and orientation within a well bore, the apparatus comprising a body and a latching member mounted on said body so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the latching member is adapted to project into a latch profile provided in a casing of a well bore when in the extended position in such a way that it tends to slide along a well bore casing profile portion so as to locate the latching member centrally before preventing movement of the downhole apparatus in the direction of pressing, the latching member being yet further adapted to engage a second portion of said profile in such a way that when pressed against it, the latching member is moved towards the retracted position so as to permit movement of the downhole apparatus past said latch profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 6761218
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing wells and gravel packing an interval of a wellbore are provided. The methods include the steps of placing a perforated shroud having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the perforated shroud and the perforated shroud and the wellbore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids. The perforated shroud has a flow-controlling means for restricting fluid movement between the casing/shroud and shroud/screen annuli during gravel packing. The flow-controlling means may be comprised of a material installed on a selected number of the shroud perforations which blocks or partially blocks fluid flow through the otherwise permeable wall of the perforated shroud during gravel packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Mike W. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6761219
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Philip M. Snider, Eldon G. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6761220
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for encapsulating a liquid within a semi-permeable membrane. In particular, the present invention provides a method for encapsulating free flowing liquids. The current invention also provides a method for treating the downhole region of a well using encapsulated well treatment chemicals. The method of treating the downhole region of a well is particularly useful in acid etching a fracture face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Blauch, Juanita M. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 6761221
    Abstract: A slip assembly carried about a liner for lowering into a wellbore includes a C-ring having an inner conical surface contracted about a matching outer surface of the liner and held in contracted position by disposal of its end closely within a recess in the member. When its end is raised from the recess, the c-ring expands to cause its teeth to engage with the wellbore, whereby the liner may be lowered to further expand the c-ring to cause its teeth to dig into the wellbore to suspend the liner therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Yokley, Larry E. Reimert
  • Patent number: 6761222
    Abstract: Packers are expandable sealing devices used to seal off zones in a well. Packers are expanded to seal the bore of the well by means of expansion fluid supplied via individual pipelines. However, packers near the top of the well have to accommodate all of the pipelines for packers below. The invention provides a packer system comprising a plurality of packers (22-28) and fluid delivery means arranged to supply fluid to the packers, to expand them in use. The fluid delivery means includes a common fluid pipeline (36) for the packers. Thus, only one expansion fluid pipeline has to pass through the upper packers (22, 23), irrespective of the overall number of packers in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Offshore Systems Limited
    Inventor: James Brain Wilson
  • Patent number: 6761223
    Abstract: A hoof shoe having a locus of flexing through spaced resin portions across interruptions is applied or formed in situ. The method includes cleaning the surface of the shoe area of the horse hoof of debris, applying preshaped resin portions arranged in a horseshoe pattern or depositing unshaped resin portions onto the cleaned hoof surface in the horseshoe pattern, and shaping the resin portions arranged in an intended horseshoe shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Vettec, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Rovelli
  • Patent number: 6761224
    Abstract: An equine support pad with integral frog support comprises a flat or wedge pad integrally molded with a frog support. The support pad is open surrounding the triangular frog support to permit cleaning of the hoof. The support pad and frog support are molded from a substantially non compressible material that flexes in response to weight. Thus, the device effectively shifts weight bearing from the hoof wall to the frog while permitting the hoof to breathe and promoting normal blood flow in the foot and affording complete support of the bony column of the digit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Myron E. McLane
  • Patent number: 6761225
    Abstract: A security disposition against fire applicable for delaying, retaining, controlling and extinguishing the action of fire by means of moisture, with water as its basic extinguishing element. It consists of a part that is made of metal or any other material with identical resistance, upon which water distribution pipes are placed, and is equipped with distributors that have access to the partition or similar construction. The distribution pipes are joined by connecting piping, which at the same time is connected to a supply pipe. On the connecting piping, between the supply pipe and the distribution pipes, is an open/close electrovalve that is activated by conventional fire detecting methods, temperature or smoke, in addition to a purge valve that is activated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thertim, S.L.
    Inventor: Salvador Mateu Climent
  • Patent number: 6761226
    Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus comprising a container with two tanks therein, one holding a quantity of water and another holding a quantity of foaming agent, a pump operated by a gasoline engine, several hoses for directing a water/foam mixture at a fire and for refilling the water tank with water from a source, and a valve system for directing the water/foam mixture through two different hoses at the fire while water from a source is used either directly on the fire or for replacing water taken from the tank. The apparatus is held within a container mounted on casters so that it can be conveniently wheeled about. The unit is adapted for use in areas remote from fire departments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Carba Fire Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E Carrier, Bonnie Carrier, Pamela Baughman
  • Patent number: 6761227
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for aerating soil proximate to a plant with root system using a hand drill system, made of a polymer drill bit having a shaft with a vertical axis that is generally cylndrically shaped having a connector end and a drill end, an indentation in the drill bit between one-fourth and one-third of the overall length of the polymer drill bit from the drill end, and a drill with a connector to engage the polymer drill bit for forming a bore hole in soil adjacent a plant with root system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Tom William Messer
  • Patent number: 6761228
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention an extension section of a frame is held down in its locked position by the same mechanism that folds and unfolds the frame extension. When the frame extension is in its locked down position, it bears against a limit stop that precludes further movement in an unfolding direction. An operating link that is pushed and pulled by a hydraulic cylinder to manipulate the frame extension is controlled in such a way by a guide member that the line of action of the link is directed transversely toward a guide surface of the guide when the frame extension is in its unfolded position. Thus, only a small amount of force is required from the hydraulic cylinder at that time to maintain the link in its locked position, since most of the load from the link is born by the guide surface at this time. In a preferred embodiment, the line of action of the link is approximately perpendicular to the guide surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Morris Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: David A. Dobson, Cory W. Ochitwa
  • Patent number: 6761229
    Abstract: An impact tool control method and apparatus and an impact tool using the same. Pulses of torque applied to a fastener by the impact tool are measured. The duration and magnitude of the torque pulse are subtracted from a torque signal and the resulting difference is integrated over time to obtain a fastener angular velocity signal. The angular velocity signal is integrated over time to obtain a displacement signal which can be converted to a torque signal. The impact tool can be controlled based on the value of the torque signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Magna-Lastic Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Cripe, Christopher Jones
  • Patent number: 6761230
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to support a gyroscope within a downhole drilling tool. A packaging system is positioned within a drill collar of the drilling tool and includes a housing for the gyro and at least one centralizer supporting the housing within the drill collar. The system may also be provided with a down-hole end cap, an up-hole endcap and a loading device. A gyro compression mechanism that is capable of holding wires may also be included to provide power and communication while compressing the gyro to isolate it from shock or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Cross, Mario A. Araya, Keith A. Moriarty, Kenneth W. Turner, Jean-Michel Hache
  • Patent number: 6761231
    Abstract: A percussive tool adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment the percussive tool has a hydraulic pump, driven by a drive member, to operate the hammer assembly. In another preferred embodiment the percussive tool has a rotary-driven cam assembly adapted to mechanically operate the hammer assembly. This invention provides increased control and efficiency for the use of percussive force in horizontal directional drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Charles Machines Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Dock, Richard Felix Sharp, Floyd R. Gunsaulis
  • Patent number: 6761232
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well bore is provided. The tool includes a tool body and at least one elongated sprung member deployed on an outer surface thereof. The sprung member is configured to lie in a rest position substantially parallel to the outer surface and further includes at least one movable end that is movable with respect to the tool body. The tool further includes an actuation module deployed on the tool body. The actuation module is operably engaged with the sprung member, and disposed, upon actuation, to deflect said movable end thereof away from the rest position. Displacement of the movable end of the sprung member causes elastic spring biasing of the sprung member via bending thereof. The biasing urges the sprung member to return to the rest position upon de-actuation of the actuation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: PathFinder Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Moody, William C. Paluch
  • Patent number: 6761233
    Abstract: An apparatus for propulsion inside an oblong cavity, such as pipes or the like, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: AA Technology AS
    Inventor: Harald Aadland
  • Patent number: 6761234
    Abstract: A skid steer vehicle with steerable suspension has hydraulic motors coupled to four steerable wheels. The wheels are turned by hydraulic actuators and the vehicle is steered either by turning the wheels or by driving the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle in opposite directions and skid steering the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Lamela, Brian E. Felsing, Troy D. Bateman
  • Patent number: 6761235
    Abstract: A machine frame assembly is provided that includes a machine frame, a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame and configured to support a drive assembly for a track-type machine to allow pivotal movement of the drive assembly relative to the machine frame, and a power source, a portion thereof extending into the hollow pivot shaft and a portion thereof mounted adjacent to an end of the hollow pivot shaft. The power source is configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Gerald Paul Simmons
  • Patent number: 6761236
    Abstract: An axle mount device for mounting an axle to a snowmobile track suspension frame has a base portion and an adjuster portion. The base portion has an axis and a bore coincident with the axis. The adjuster portion is secured to the base portion asymmetrically with respect to the axis, and engages an opening in the frame. The axle mount may be moved between first and second positions to vary a position of the axle with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk Hibbert
  • Patent number: 6761237
    Abstract: A driveline assembly includes a shaft that is rotatably supported on a bearing assembly within a drive axle. The shaft has a first mount portion with a threaded exterior surface and a second mount portion with a splined exterior surface. A retaining ring is threaded onto the first mount portion to engage and retain the bearing assembly at a proper location. A yoke member with a splined inner bored is mounted on the shaft in engagement with the splined exterior surface. The yoke member can easily be connected and disconnected from the shaft without having to remove the retaining ring. The yoke member also includes a quick disconnect device that simplifies removal and re-assembly of the yoke member from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald N. Brissette, Anthony Lentini, Chris Steele, John P. Remelius
  • Patent number: 6761238
    Abstract: A joint case includes a flange, a joint shaft extending from the flange, and a case main body fitted to the joint shaft. The flange is fitted to a rear portion of a front vehicle body, whereas the side of the case main body of the joint case is fitted to a rear vehicle body. With the above construction of the joint case, the distance between the front vehicle body and the rear vehicle body can be reduced, and a reduction in the overall length of the tricycle can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Tagami, Takashi Ozeki, Mitsuo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6761239
    Abstract: An exhaust system of a multi-cylinder engine of a motorcycle comprises exhaust pipes leading from the respective cylinders of the engine, the exhaust pipes are collected as a single exhaust pipe collection unit, a muffler to which the collection pipe section are connected, an interconnecting pipe through which the exhaust pipes and the muffler are connected, an exhaust control system for controlling pulsation of an exhaust gas, the exhaust control system including a valve mechanism disposed in operative association with the interconnecting pipe, a drive unit for operating the valve mechanism, and a central processing unit for controlling the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6761240
    Abstract: An illuminated shifter linkage apparatus for coupling the shifter pedal and the transmission of a motorcycle includes an inner rod having a plurality of light-emitting elements seated within a corresponding set of inner rod apertures, and an open-ended outer hollow shaft into which the inner rod is received. When fully assembled, the light-emitting elements align with the corresponding apertures in the outer hollow shaft to facilitate the passage of light through the shaft apertures, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and enhancing the visibility of the motorcycle at night and in poorly lit areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph F. Sollitto, Robert Foglia
  • Patent number: 6761241
    Abstract: A front suspension fork assembly suitable for use with a scooter-type vehicle. The front fork assembly is rotatably supported by a frame of the scooter and supports a front wheel of the scooter on its lower end. Desirably, the front fork assembly includes right and left fork legs extending along opposing sides of the front wheel. Each fork leg includes an upper fork tube telescopically engaged with a lower fork tube. An interconnecting portion, or support bridge, extends between the left and right fork legs. A central portion of the support bridge is coupled to a steering tube of the scooter and an intermediate portion of the support bridge extends between the central portion and each upper fork tube. Desirably, the left and right upper fork tubes and the support bridge are monolithically formed. Preferably, an upper end portion of each fork leg extends to a height above the central portion of the support bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Kohda
  • Patent number: 6761242
    Abstract: At the time of head-on collision of a vehicle, an intermediate portion of a subframe 6 is folded and deformed downwardly into a form of L-shape, an engine body 8 is moved downward, a radiator core upper rail 11 is rearwardly deformed and moved, a collision load is input to an upper portion of the engine body 8 through a rod 10, and the engine body 8 is rotated rearward around a connecting member 9. With this, a distance of a shortest portion between the engine body 8 and a dash panel 3 is increased, and a crushing stroke of the engine room 1 is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Yoshida, Mitsuhiro Sonomura, Hiromichi Serizawa, Kentarou Uchibori, Kouichi Sagawa
  • Patent number: 6761243
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention regards an automotive steering wheel control system having a steering wheel, a magnetorheological damper in communication with the steering wheel and a road wheel control system operably connected to the magnetorheological damper where the magnetorheological damper controls the steering wheel in response to a torque signal from the road wheel control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory James Stout, Yixin Yao
  • Patent number: 6761244
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a rolling bearing 9 for supporting rotatably a worm 6 that is rotated by a steering assisting electric motor 5; a first resilient portion 21 which is disposed in contact with the inner circumference of an inner ring 9b of the rolling bearing 9 and held on the worm 6 so that it is extendable by a force in an axial direction applied to the worm 6; and two resilient members 22 and 23, held in contact with both ends of the inner ring 9b, for restraining the movement of the worm 6 in the axial direction. Even when the electric power steering apparatus has a single rolling bearing, the worm 6 is moved in the axial direction by a steering force transmitted to the worm 6 from a worm wheel 7 in a steering range in which the motor 5 is not driven, and the steering load in the steering range in which the motor 5 is not driven is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Sano, Hiroto Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6761245
    Abstract: Tubular acoustic attenuation piece for an aircraft jet engine air intake. According to the invention, said tubular piece (1) is made up of shells (2) with a cellular core (5) assembled only by external fish plate strips (8), the facing edges (6) simply being edge faces of said shells (2) forming slots (9) between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Alain Porte
  • Patent number: 6761246
    Abstract: A mounting system mounts a work platform to a ladder that includes a plurality of rungs, such that the work platform is elevated a distance above the ground. The mounting system includes a support system, a rod, and a suspension mount. The support system includes a plurality of members, wherein the members include at least a first member and a second member. The first member is mounted substantially perpendicularly to the second member and includes a first end and a second end. The first member first and second ends include a plurality of first openings that extend therethrough. The second member is configured to attach to the work platform, and includes a first end and a second end. The second member first and second ends include a plurality of second openings that extend therethrough. The support system is configured to attach to the ladder. The rod is configured to secure the support system to the ladder, and is further configured to extend through one of the ladder rungs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis I. Bowles
  • Patent number: 6761247
    Abstract: Scaffolding (10) having safety features for coupling scaffolding structural members so as to prevent equipment damage and worker injury from inadvertent disassembly, while permitting quick assembly and disassembly when desired. The scaffolding (10) incorporating the safety features broadly comprises legs (12); beams (14); a platform (16); coupling braces (18); platform pins (20); and platform clips (22). The first safety feature is a rounded, spring-biased, rotation-limited G-pin for adjustably coupling the beams (14) with the legs (12). The G-pin's rounded shape and a perpendicularly projecting stop (51) minimize risks of inadvertent removal. The second feature is a lockable pin (44) operable to independently couple structural members (12,14) in the event the G-pin is inadvertently removed. The third and fourth features are platform pins (20) and spring-biased platform clips (22) operable to prevent, respectively, undesirable horizontal and vertical movement of the platform (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Steven J. Wyse
  • Patent number: 6761248
    Abstract: Variable height device includes a platform and a lifting mechanism for raising the platform relative to its base. The lifting mechanism may include a scissors lift connected to the platform and a hydraulic cylinder pivotably attached to the scissors lift for raising the platform away from the base. The pivotable attachment of the cylinder may be horizontally and vertically offset from a pivot connection of the scissors lift. A stabilizer may be provided that is sufficiently long to engage a surface on which an all terrain vehicle is located when a base is provided on the device and when the base is mounted on an all terrain vehicle. A ladder may be attached to the platform. An enclosure may at least partially enclose the platform. The base may be configured for being disposed on a bed of a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: N. Gerald Harbison
  • Patent number: 6761249
    Abstract: A support includes at least a vertical member and at least two pivoting legs, each leg being bent in its upper part. At least one of the pivoting legs has a circular cross-section at its bent upper part, and the vertical member has on its surface facing the bent upper part, a piece with U-shaped cross-section; and at least another of the pivoting legs has, at its bent upper part, a screw perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bent upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Garcia
  • Patent number: 6761250
    Abstract: A stairlift includes a rail cross-section and mounting rollers which, in combination, allow a stairlift assembly to be achieved which occupies little space and has a reduced visual impact. The rollers engage rolling surfaces arranged about the outer periphery of a tubular rail. The surfaces are preferably defined by structural components of the rail and are preferably non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the stair surfaces upon which the stairlift is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Stannah Stairlifts Limited
    Inventors: Andreas Csaba Szentistvany, Martyn Harry Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6761251
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake device for a bicycle includes a hydraulic brake having a first recess and a second recess, and a conduit wire connected to the triple body of the hydraulic brake. The triple body has an inside provided with an inlet tube connected to the conduit wire, a first tube connected to the inlet tube and the first channel of the first recess, and a second tube connected to the inlet tube and the second channel of the second recess. Thus, the hydraulic brake device can provide a braking effect gradually, without incurring a self-locking action, thereby protecting the rider's safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Chun Te Wen
  • Patent number: 6761252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanically actuated partially lined disk brake suitable both for realizing driving and parking brake functions. For this purpose, the partially lined disk brake comprises a brake caliper with an electromechanical actuating unit, by means of which the partially lined disk brake can be clamped by way of at least one interposed actuating element. The object of the invention is to achieve a compact design and a parking brake that can be actuated electrically. The brake caliper includes a multi-step reduction gear arranged between the integrated actuating unit and an actuating element. The actuating unit, reduction gear and actuating element are arranged in a recess of the brake caliper that is configured as a housing. According to the invention, the multi-step reduction gear is configured as a non-self-locking device, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Rolf Weiler, Jürgen Balz, Werner Denhard, Stephan Heiderich
  • Patent number: 6761253
    Abstract: A spring applied parking brake assembly for a railway vehicle is provided which automatically activates upon removal of a railway car from the pneumatic braking system of the railway vehicle. The spring applied parking brake assembly comprises a casing which is mounted on or within the braking system, typically alongside the air cylinder. This casing contains a spring member and a piston assembly, both of which are mounted for longitudinal movement within the casing upon the application and/or removal of pneumatic pressure within the casing. The piston assembly includes a piston rod which is associated with the force transfer lever of the braking system such that upon a removal of pneumatic pressure within the casing, longitudinal movement of the piston rod causes this force transfer lever to rotate and apply a force to at least one force transmitting member in the vehicle braking system to initiate a brake application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Wajih Kanjo, Scott Natschke
  • Patent number: 6761254
    Abstract: Brake assembly for cyclists' training device, provided with a support structure (7) on which there is rotatably mounted a shaft (10) having, keyed thereto, a roller (6) rotating in contact with the rear wheel of a bicycle. An end portion (12) of the shaft (10) is provided for this purpose with magnetic elements (13) able to exert a resistive torque and provided with a rotor (17) keyed onto the shaft (10) and carrying, fixed thereon, one or more permanent magnets (18) and a stator (19) mounted on the support structure (7) in the vicinity of the rotor (17). The stator (19) is composed of a disk of ferromagnetic material (20) and a shaped plate (21) of substantially conductive and non-magnetic material fixed to the ferromagnetic disk (20) on the side where the rotor (17) is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Elite Srl
    Inventor: Gaetano Mercante
  • Patent number: 6761255
    Abstract: A portable carrier includes compartments for a purse/wallet, an organizer, business documents, lunch, a laptop computer, a pair of shoes, and various other accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Clements, Pamela Clements
  • Patent number: 6761256
    Abstract: A clutch arrangement for rapid disengagement of two elements in a transmission system when a chosen torque is exceeded. The first element is a conical shaft end that carries a corresponding sleeve which, in turn, carries externally at its ends two mutually separated ball bearings with a force transmission ring disposed therebetween. The second element, an annular force transmission body, surrounds and is carried by the ball bearings and includes a pressurisable hydraulic chamber which, when pressurised, causes a reduction in the inner surface diameter of the body so that the body is brought into force transmitting engagement with the outer surface of the ring. The sleeve carries a dogging element which is adapted to act on an element carried by the body for depressurising the hydraulic chamber upon relative rotation between the body and the sleeve such that, when the chosen torque is exceeded resulting in the relative rotation, the chamber is depressurised, and the ring and the body pass free from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Safeset AB
    Inventor: Curt Falk
  • Patent number: 6761257
    Abstract: A coin discriminating device has a first camera for producing a first image of a first surface of a coin, a second camera for producing a second image of a second surface of the coin, and a processor, e.g. a computer, which is operatively connected to the first and second cameras. The processor analyzes the first and second images in order to determine a type of the coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Scan Coin Industries AB
    Inventor: Jerry Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6761258
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing a wheel of the type comprising a first portion (12) connected to a second portion (11), the second portion providing a rim, comprising the steps of providing a n outer surface of the first portion with at least one, recess (15), positioning the second portion (11) such that it surrounds the outer surface of the first portion and deforming a surface of the second portion such that the resulting deformation(s) protrude into the or each recess provided on the outer surface of the first portion such that the first portion is connected to the second portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Humphries Wilding
  • Patent number: 6761259
    Abstract: A moving handrail superior in durability includes a linear belt of which two end portions are connected, forming a loop. This linear belt includes a single-layer or multilayer of thermoplastic elastomer having a C-shape in cross section; metallic and web-shaped metal stretch inhibitors disposed along a longitudinal direction of the thermoplastic elastomer, and base members coupled inside of the thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer, metal stretch inhibitor, and base member are integrally molded. In the connection portion, a splice junction between the metal stretch inhibitors and a joint where the base members are connected together at both end portions with an auxiliary backing does not overlap in a direction of thickness of the moving handrail. Further, the metal stretch inhibitors that are spliced are enclosed with a thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushikikaisha Tokan
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Onodera, Muneaki Mukuda, Kohsuke Haraga, Ryuji Otsuka, Yuji Kawamura