Patents Issued in July 15, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040134258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the gas amounts adsorbed on a powder which directly measures pressure changes in a gas supply chamber with the use of differential pressure sensors between the gas supply chamber and a reference chamber which gas amount is maintained constant. Calculations of the gas amounts adsorbed are based on the pressure changes in a sample cell and the pressure changes in the gas supply chamber or a gas reference chamber. The method and apparatus of this invention measures the adsorption or desorption isotherm or gas uptake at constant pressure curve of a powder with, as compared with presently available measurement techniques, increased accuracy and resolution. The experimental data can be analyzed to obtain information on the surface area, pore size distribution, pore volume, pore structure and diffusion coefficient of the powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Dezheng Wang, Fei Wei, Jinfu Wang
  • Publication number: 20040134259
    Abstract: In a method for leak testing of electrochemical elements which have a thin flexible housing that is composed of a metal sheet or a metal/plastic composite sheet, after assembly and if necessary after formation in a closed container, the electrochemical element is subjected to an increased pressure and then to a reduced pressure, and any change in thickness that occurs is measured. Alternatively, after assembly, formation and storage in a closed container, the electrochemical element is subjected to a reduced pressure, and any change in thickness that occurs is measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: VARTA Microbattery GmbH, a corporation of Germany
    Inventors: Peter Haug, Peter Birke, Rainer Hald, Konrad Holl, Dejan Ilic
  • Publication number: 20040134260
    Abstract: A leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent conduits comprises a generally cylindrical body defining a recess therethrough and including first and second end portions for cooperating with the respective end portions of two adjacent conduits. The body includes an opening between the first and second end portions. A sealing door is provided to be positioned in the opening. A diaphragm member including a through hole is provided to be positioned within the body. A valve is operably connected to the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the through hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. The opening in the body receives the diaphragm member when leak-testing a conduit, or the sealing door when connecting the two conduits in a fluid communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Inflow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Pampinella, Brandon Ming-Yung Chi
  • Publication number: 20040134261
    Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is positioned in the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. A coupling for clamping the leak testing device about one or two conduits includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two sections have free end points to be releasably fastened together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Inflow Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pampinella
  • Publication number: 20040134262
    Abstract: A viscosimeter for measuring the viscosity of a solution in a solvent includes flow resistances having the smallest possible thickness and a small volume compared with all other parallel and following capillaries in a flow conduit system with two legs. The flow conduit system has three parallel flow circuits among which at least two flow circuits are connected by a differential pressure sensor or sensor for differential pressure. The arrangement includes an inlet which divides into two legs, wherein one of the two legs includes a pressure reducing element, a following branch going to a differential pressure sensor and a pressure reducing element in the feeding conduit to a junction which runs into an outlet conduit. The other leg starting from the branch point includes a pressure reducing element which is connected to the differential pressure sensor and to a resistance capillary in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Klaus-Dieter Bures
  • Publication number: 20040134263
    Abstract: A hardness testing apparatus has an indenter shaft having an indenter at a top thereof, a force motor for moving the indenter shaft in its axial direction and applying a predetermined test force to a sample through the indenter, an external force detection section for detecting an external force applied from outside of the hardness testing apparatus to the indenter shaft when the indenter shaft is moved by the force motor, and an external force adjustment and control section for controlling the force motor to apply the predetermined test force to the sample while deadening the external force detected by the external force detection section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: AKASHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaharu Tsujii, Fumihiko Koshimizu, Eiji Furuta, Ryouji Nakamura, Satoko Nomaguchi, Ryotaro Fukuchi
  • Publication number: 20040134264
    Abstract: A metrology apparatus includes an actuator with a first actuator stage to controllably move in first and second orthogonal directions, and a second actuator stage adjacent to the first actuator stage to controllably move in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second orthogonal directions. A coupling is coupled to the second actuator stage and to a multi-bar linkage assembly fixed to a second end of a reference structure. The linkage supports a sample holder and transmits appropriate displacements generated by the actuator thereof The second actuator stage and the coupling move the linkage in the third orthogonal direction in a manner that substantially isolates the linkage from any second actuator stage motion in the first and second directions. An objective is fixed to the reference structure and is located between a light source and a position sensor. The position sensor measures first actuator stage motion in the first and second directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Massie
  • Publication number: 20040134265
    Abstract: A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MULTI-DIMENSIONAL FORCE SENSING FOR SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Vladimir Mancevski
  • Publication number: 20040134266
    Abstract: Sensor assembly and method for non-intrusively sensing instantaneous speed of an engine are provided. The engine includes a crankshaft having a respective end connected to an externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly comprises a housing including a recess configured to affixingly engage the externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly further comprises at least one motion-sensing device configured to provide a respective output signal indicative of angular motion information of the crankshaft. A signal transmitter coupled to the motion-sensing device configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from the motion-sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Earl D. Diem, Laci J. Jalics, Francis E. Szczublewski
  • Publication number: 20040134267
    Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a potential electrical operating discrepancy in a polyphase electric motor by generating two independent torque estimates using a plurality of current sensors and, optionally, a shaft position sensor. Differences between the independent torque estimates are used to indicate potential discrepancies in electrical operating characteristics of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Mathew Boesch, Vijay Garg, Abbas Raftari
  • Publication number: 20040134268
    Abstract: A system for estimating a quantity of parasitic leakage of a fluid from a fluid collection unit includes a pressure sensor and a control circuit. The pressure sensor is coupled to the fluid collection unit and configured to produce a pressure value indicative of the pressure of the fluid collection unit. The control circuit is operable to determine a change in pressure value of the fluid collection unit and estimate the quantity of parasitic leakage based on the change in pressure value. The control circuit may also be operable to determine a bulk modulus value of the fluid and estimate the quantity of parasitic leakage based on the change in pressure value and the bulk modulus value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Taner Tuken, Donald J. Benson, John T. Carroll, Yul J. Tarr, David M. Carey
  • Publication number: 20040134269
    Abstract: A method for detecting decrease in internal pressure of a tire mounted to a vehicle on the basis of rotational information obtained from the tire. The method includes the steps of: detecting the rotational information of the respective tires; storing the rotational information of the respective tires; calculating a front and rear wheel ratio which can be obtained on the basis of rotational information of both front wheels and rotational information of both rear wheels of the vehicle; calculating a driving wheel torque of the vehicle; and obtaining a value of the front and rear wheel ratio when the driving wheel torque is zero on the basis of a relationship between the front and rear wheel ratio and the driving wheel torque. It is possible to shorten the time for obtaining effective front and rear wheel ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Toshifumi Sugisawa
  • Publication number: 20040134270
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes a tire pressure detecting device attached to each of tires of a vehicle and detecting a tire pressure, a transmitting device that transmits radio signals indicative of a detected tire pressure of each tire and each corresponding ID code provided to each tire separately, a receiving device attached to a vehicle body side and receiving the radio signals from the transmitting device, and a controller that controls a tire deflation warning, the controller including an ID code registration section that registers the ID code of each tire by updating data stored in a memory, and a jack-up determination section that determines whether the vehicle has been jacked up, wherein the ID code registration section performs registration of the ID code of each tire when the jack-up determination section determines that the vehicle has been jacked up. A tire pressure monitoring method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Hirohama
  • Publication number: 20040134271
    Abstract: An improved flow measurement device is provided in a flow path for direct measurement of flow. An internal heat source solves the problem of heat transfer in conventional mass flow meters. The heat transfer associated with the internal heater forms the basis of flow measurement, and improved accuracy is achieved. The flow measurement device advantageously eliminates the introduction of inaccuracies, bypass errors, or inaccurate assumptions that are inherent in a conventional bypass structure. The present measurement device eliminates the need for one or more bubblers and thus overcomes bubbler pressure sensitivity and the bubbler requirement for exact (and unstable) gas vapor saturation of conventional flow measurement. The flow measurement device works equally well with gases, liquids or mixtures of gases and liquids and provides greater control over flow rates with very high degree of precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Gralenski
  • Publication number: 20040134272
    Abstract: An air mass sensor has a three-part configuration formed of an insertion element, a measuring channel element and a housing element for accommodating an evaluation device. In order to be able to provide flexible insertion elements for a device having a short overall height, the measuring channel element and the housing element are joined to one another along a side of the measuring channel element that is perpendicular to the main direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Pesahl, Jurgen Scheibner, Kai Schurig, Stephen Setescak, Frank Steuber, Andreas Wildgen
  • Publication number: 20040134273
    Abstract: A detector (D) for detecting the volatile signature of one or more substances, e. g. alcohol and/or cannabis, on the breath (MG) of a consumer (P), using several sensors (CT1, CT2, CT3). The sensors can comprise semi-conductors or conductive polymers. The inventive detector is equipped with a filter (F) to remove nuisance substances, e. g. water vapour, which mask the signature. The detector is advantageously portable and can be used to perform a test to evaluate (E) the consumption of a substance by the driver of a motor vehicle in relation to a reference level (N). A network of formal neurones (RN) is used to generate a database (DB) that is used to calibrate the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jean- Luc Clement, Francoise Farnarier, Florence Marquis, Bernard Boeuf
  • Publication number: 20040134274
    Abstract: Apparatus for selectively testing muscle strength and range of motion of a body part of a patient includes a housing having at least one contact area, and preferably two spaced apart contact areas, for contacting and aligning the apparatus with a body part to be tested for range of motion and an inclinometer to measure the angle of the apparatus and produce an angle signal indicative of the measured angle. The difference between the angle measured at one extreme of movement of the body part and at the other extreme of movement provides a measure of the range of motion. A force applicator coupler couples a force applicator to a force transducer to measure muscle strength. The force transducer produces a force signal indicative of the force applied by the force applicator to the force transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn D. Hoggan, John Griffin, Earl Van Wagoner, Michael K. Durtschi
  • Publication number: 20040134275
    Abstract: A method for measuring and/or machining a workpiece (1, 2), especially modules in building construction by means of a measuring and/or machining device (30) is presented, in which the workpiece (1, 2) is determined in a first coordinate system (21) with the aid of at least one determining [detection] device (10) and that the measuring and/or machining device (30), that can move relative to the workpiece (1, 2), is determined in a second coordinate system (22) independently of the position and the shape of the workpiece (1, 2). The coordinates of the workpiece (1, 2) on the one hand, and the coordinates of the measuring and/or machining device (30) on the other hand, are brought into a relationship with each other by a computer (40) in order to control the measuring and/or machining device (30) for measuring and machining the workpiece (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Dieter Reichel, Jurgen Feix, Erich Lindner, Ralf Waidhauser
  • Publication number: 20040134276
    Abstract: A method of balancing a rotary device (12, 14) for balanced rotational operation when connected to a drive shaft (24) by a flexible coupling (26,28). The method comprises the steps of connecting a drive shaft simulator (32,34) to a rotary device (12, 14) and, rotating the said device (12, 14) to simulate drive shaft unbalance due to misalignment of the rotary device (12, 14) and the drive shaft (24) being simulated when the drive shaft (24) and rotary device (12, 14) are connected together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: William E. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20040134277
    Abstract: A sensor unit for a rotating shaft, which unit uses its inner opening directly in contact with the outer surface of the rotating sheft in order to precisely and repeatedly radially align a sensor to such shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Daigre
  • Publication number: 20040134278
    Abstract: A two axis gyroscope including a planar vibratory resonator (5) having a ring or hoop-like structure, carrier mode drive means (22) for causing the resonator (5) to vibrate in a cos n&thgr; vibration mode, carrier mode pick-off means (23) for sensing movement of the resonator (5), X-axis response mode pick-off means (25; 27) for detecting movement of the resonator in response to rotation about the x-axis and y-axis; x-axis and y-axis response mode drive means (24; 26) for nulling said motions and support means (9) for flexibly supporting the resonator (5) and for allowing the resonator to vibrate relative to the support means (9) in response to the drive means (22) and to applied rotation; wherein the support (9) means comprises only L legs, where, when L is even: L=2N/K, and where, when L is odd: L=N/K, where K is an integer, L>2 and N is the carrier mode order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher P Fell, Rebecka Eley, Colin H J Fox, Stewart McWilliam
  • Publication number: 20040134279
    Abstract: A three axis sensor including a substantially planar vibrator resonator (2) having a substantially ring or hoop like structure, drive means (4) for causing the resonator (2) to vibrate in an in plane cos 2&thgr; vibration mode, carrier mode pick-off means (5) for sensing movement of the resonator in response to said drive means, pick-off means (6) for sensing in plane sin 2&thgr; resonator motion induced by rotation about the z-axis, drive means (7) for nulling said motion, pick-off means (8) for sensing out of plane sin 3&thgr; resonator motion induced by rotation about the x-axis, drive means (9) for nulling said motion, pick-off means (10) for sensing out of plane cos 3&thgr; resonator motion induced by rotation about the y-axis, drive means (11) for nulling said motion, and support means (9) for flexibly supporting the resonator, wherein the support means comprises only L support beams, where L≠2J×3K and J=0, 1 or 2 and K=0 or 1 with L>24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher Fell, Rebecka Eley, Colin H J Fox, Stewart McWilliam
  • Publication number: 20040134280
    Abstract: In a method of detecting damage in materials or objects (4) the material or object is physically influenced to produce a physical change of the material or object inducing transient slow dynamics in case of damages in the material or object. Slow dynamics induced material elastic modulus changes are detected as indication of damages of the material or object. In a device for non-destructive detection of damage in materials or objects (4), an impact source (16) is provided to impact the material or object to physically influence the material or object to produce a physical change of the material or object inducing transient slow dynamics in case of damages in the material or object. A detector (2,8,10,12,14,6) is provided to detect by said slow dynamics induced material elastic modulus changes as indications of damages of the material or object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Claes Hedberg, Alexander Sutin, Paul A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040134281
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a motion sensitive power switching integrated circuit, which, in turn, includes a power switch connected between an input and an output, and a MEMS inertial sensing switch movable from a first position to a second position based upon motion thereof. The motion sensitive power switching integrated circuit also includes a detector operating the power switch to supply power to the output from the input based upon the MEMS inertial sensing switch moving from the first position to the second position. The first and second positions may be, respectively, a normally open position and a closed position. The device may be unpowered until the MEMS inertial sensing switch moves from the open to the closed position. The detector may generate a power on reset (POR) signal based upon the MEMS inertial sensing switch moving from the open to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Giorgio Pedrazzini, Ernesto Lasalandra, Bendetto Vigna
  • Publication number: 20040134282
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device having a temperature sensor includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor casing for accommodating the pressure sensor and a connector pin for electrically connecting the pressure sensor and an outside circuit, and a port mounted on the sensor casing and having a pressure introduction port for introducing a measuring object to the pressure sensor. The temperature sensor is disposed in the pressure introduction port, and electrically connects to the connector pin through a lead wire. The lead wire with the temperature sensor is supported by a connection portion disposed between the connector pin and the lead wire. The lead wire has a buffer disposed between the lead wire and a part of the pressure introduction port for reducing a vibration of both the temperature sensor and the lead wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kyutaro Hayashi, Takashige Saitou, Yukihiro Kato
  • Publication number: 20040134283
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device for producing a signal indicative of a pressure of a fluid to be monitored, including a housing having a fluid conduit for receiving the fluid to be monitored and a diaphragm positioned at an end of the fluid conduit. The diaphragm includes at least first and second portions, wherein a thickness of the first portion is less than a thickness of the second portion. A transducer is bonded to a surface of the first portion of the diaphragm and including piezoresistive elements for sending the signal. Preferred is a circular second portion and an annular first portion around the outer edge of the second portion. The housing is preferably tubular and includes an annular shoulder for mounting the diaphragm, along with an annular groove on the outer surface of the first portion and connecting the first portion to the annular shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Brian D. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040134284
    Abstract: A dynamic pressure probe includes a holder body having a first passage therein adapted to receive a pressure signal, a pressure sensor including at least a pressure sensing portion located within a sleeve seated within a pressure sensor housing portion, the sleeve engaged with a wall of the housing portion; the pressure sensor including a diaphragm having one face exposed to a pressure chamber within the sleeve between the pressure sensor and the wall; wherein an aperture in the wall of the housing connects the pressure chamber to the first passage; and wherein the first passage continues axially beyond the aperture in a flow direction an acoustic damping coil wound about a vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eamon P. Gleeson, Fei Han
  • Publication number: 20040134285
    Abstract: A state information system for acquiring measured values of chemical and/or physical variables during the production, processing or finishing of a material, in particular in the case of a printing material web in a web-fed press, includes at least one sensor for recording the chemical and/or physical variables, the state information system being provided on or in the material such that the operating process carried out with the material remains unaffected by it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Johann Koniger, Werner Scherer, Andreas Birkenfeld
  • Publication number: 20040134286
    Abstract: A test gauge for testing an aircraft fueling nozzle for excessive wear in the interlock mechanism including a slotted fixture designed to depress the interlock plate to simulate more advanced wear on the interlock mechanism of the nozzle than is actually present in order to provide an advanced warning of excessive wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: James H. Gammon
  • Publication number: 20040134287
    Abstract: A test station for testing polishing heads for planarizing semiconductor wafers and other substrates has a head positioning control system which can precisely position the polishing head at one of many electronically controlled positions above the test station platform. The test station may also include a lateral carriage assembly which supports the polishing head above a base plate of the station and permits the polishing head to be moved in a gliding motion above the surface of the test station test wafer. A sensor senses when the carriage of the assembly is moved from a load position. In response, the test station controller causes a vertical actuator to lift the head mount in the vertical or Z direction. In this position, there is sufficient clearance for the polishing head being carried by the carriage to slide under the head mount and into position for mounting to the head adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Lin, Volker Geissler, Jens-Michael Wendler
  • Publication number: 20040134288
    Abstract: A flow sensor is provided with an obstruction (8) projecting into a flow and at least one measuring probe (10) for measuring a vortex produced by the obstruction (8). The measuring probe (10) includes at least one membrane (12) and a measuring element arranged directly on the membrane (12), for detecting the membrane deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Peter Krog, Nicholas Pedersen, Per Ellemose Andersen
  • Publication number: 20040134289
    Abstract: An obstacle detecting pig for preliminary inspection of a section of a pipeline travels through the section and determines if there are any restrictions that exceed industry guidelines or that might damage other pigs that require the full bore of the pipe. In a first embodiment, a disk-shaped segmented resilient member (14) is mounted in the body of the pig. Its outside diameter is smaller by a spacing (21) than the inside diameter of the pipeline (15). The spacing is set at the maximum tolerable size of the obstacle encountered. The deformation of the member (14) is transmitted by a linkage (22) to a slider (16) activating a switch system signaling that an obstacle has been encountered. A non-resiliently deformable checkup disk (19) may be provided at the rear end of the pig, to double check that a no-signal passage through the pipe is not due to failure of the switching system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Donald D. Savard
  • Publication number: 20040134290
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting rubbing inferiority of an alignment film of a liquid crystal display device by spraying moisture particles, the apparatus including a moisture storing unit for storing moisture, and a moisture particle generating unit for pelletizing moisture ejected from the moisture storing unit and spraying on a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kyung-Su Chae, Hyun-Ho Song
  • Publication number: 20040134291
    Abstract: The present invention discloses various methods in which a quality of a diffusion media for use in a fuel cell assembly can be qualitatively evaluated. The material constant, an internal contact angle, a ratio of high and low energy pores, and an external contact angle can be calculated for the diffusion media and compared to a predetermined standard to evaluate the quality of the diffusion media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Joerg Roth
  • Publication number: 20040134292
    Abstract: The present invention discloses various methods in which a quality of a diffusion media for use in a fuel cell assembly can be qualitatively evaluated. The material constant, an internal contact angle, a ratio of high and low energy pores, and an external contact angle can be calculated for the diffusion media and compared to a predetermined standard to evaluate the quality of the diffusion media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Joerg Roth
  • Publication number: 20040134293
    Abstract: An engine of a radio control model usually has two types of igniting. An igniter uses two unidirectional bearings to combine the two types of igniting. The two unidirectional bearings each has a rotating direction different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Aling Lai
  • Publication number: 20040134294
    Abstract: An outer diameter portion of a sealing member is rotatably supported by an inner surface of a nose portion. The axial movement of the sealing member is regulated. A tooth profile-shaped hole having approximately the same shape as that of a gear portion of a pinion is formed in the center of the sealing member. The gear portion of the pinion is constantly fitted into the tooth profile-shaped hole between the position where the pinion is stationary and the maximum moving position of the pinion in an axial direction. Therefore, the gear portion of the pinion cooperatively rotates with the pinion while sliding inside the tooth profile-shaped hole in the sealing member when the pinion moves on an output shaft in the direction opposite to the motor. Even after the gear portion mates with the ring gear, the sealing member cooperatively rotates with the pinion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Hirabayashi, Tsutomu Shiga
  • Publication number: 20040134295
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for mounting a brake booster on a panel with an adapter are provided, through the use of a boot having a generally cup-shaped wall defining a flange for sealing a juncture between the brake booster and the adapter, a sealing lip for sealing a juncture between the boot and the adapter, and a hole for passage of the push rod, with the hole having a periphery for sealing the juncture between the boot and the push rod. The boot includes an air intake extending through the wall of the boot between the flange and the sealing lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Michel J. Vermoesen, Ryan M. Elking, Patrick T. MacLellan, Derek T. Dreischarf, Roger S. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20040134296
    Abstract: A linear motion device (10) associated to a worm (14) comprising a box-shaped body (12) internally provided with a housing seat and a partial delimitation of said worm (14) and temporary engagement mobile means (52) in at least one of the grooves (54) of the same worm along the part getting out of said seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Elio Cavagna
  • Publication number: 20040134297
    Abstract: A self-locking device for a gear set is configured to permit forward-driving an input in either of first and second rotational directions and for substantially preventing an output from being back-driven in either of the rotational directions. The device includes a gear disposed to rotate with a drive shaft. The device further includes first and second releasable couplings coupled to the gear and, respectively, to first and second ratchets. The first ratchet is disposed to prevent rotation in a first direction and to permit rotation in a second direction. The second ratchet is disposed to prevent rotation in the second direction and permit rotation in the first direction. The device may be useful, for example, in a valve gearbox. A gearbox and a method of fabricating a gearbox are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas C. West, Patrick S. West
  • Publication number: 20040134298
    Abstract: In a locking device for a selector lever of a motor vehicle transmission comprising a locking member, which is pivotally supported on a support structure, and an adjustable locking element is supported on the support structure and engages the locking member for fixing the selector lever, a locking part is mounted resiliently on the locking member so as to bear against the support structure and to engage the selector lever, the locking part being movable by the selector lever between a first rest position to second position by application of a predetermined force by the selector lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Armin Segeler
  • Publication number: 20040134299
    Abstract: A control device for driving and braking a vehicle, preferably a rail vehicle, comprises a first (1) and a second (2) linearly movable operating lever which are disposed next to each other and can be coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus-Jurgen Gotthardt, Gerhard Haussermann, Ralf Kremser
  • Publication number: 20040134300
    Abstract: A power-assisted steering system includes a gear mechanism, coupled to a steering column, with a gear and a mating gear. The two transmission gears have teeth (4, 5) via which they engage with each other, movement and power being transmitted from one gear to the other gear via effective profiles of their tooth faces (11, 12). In order to provide a gear mechanism that has an enhanced load-bearing capacity and at the same time can be manufactured in a simple and economical way, the effective profiles of the tooth faces (11, 12) of the gear and the mating gear contact over the height (h4, h5) of the teeth (4, 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Stephan Oberle, Bernd Enzmann
  • Publication number: 20040134301
    Abstract: A tilt adjusting unit for steering columns prevents a steering column from popping up due to an external impact. The tilt adjusting unit includes a support bracket mounted to a predetermined portion of a vehicle body. A steering column is mounted to a predetermined portion of the vehicle body to tilt relative to the vehicle body. A movable bracket tilts along with the steering column. A connection rod connects the movable bracket to the support bracket. A guide slot is formed on a predetermined portion of the support bracket along a tilting direction of the steering column, with the connection rod passing through the guide slot. A locking unit is provided on a predetermined portion of the connection rod to lock or unlock the movable bracket to or from the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Min Young Ko, Jong Hoon Shin
  • Publication number: 20040134302
    Abstract: A tilt adjusting unit for steering columns allows a user to easily confirm whether a steering column is locked or not. The tilt adjusting unit includes a support bracket mounted to a vehicle body, a steering column provided to tilt relative to the vehicle body, a movable bracket to tilt along with the steering column, a connection rod to connect the movable bracket to the support bracket, a guide slot formed on a predetermined portion of the support bracket along a tilting direction of the steering column, a stopper provided at each of opposite ends of the connection rod to prevent the movable bracket from being removed from the support bracket, and a locking unit provided on a predetermined portion of the connection rod to lock or unlock the movable bracket to or from the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Min Young Ko, Jong Hoon Shin
  • Publication number: 20040134303
    Abstract: An improved motorcycle handlebar brace pad includes a foam pad having a central section and two end sections at opposite ends of the central section, wherein the central section has a larger circumference than the end sections. The reduced diameter end sections eliminate interference with attachment of a conventional front number plate and facilitate coverage of substantially the entire length of the brace bar, while providing an enlarged area for display of printed indicia and more protective padding to reduce risk of injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel L. Durham
  • Publication number: 20040134304
    Abstract: A handlebar grip for bicycle includes a grip member having a hard base and a soft outer layer. The hard base has a straight tubular body and an upright end portion formed integral with the straight tubular body. The soft outer layer is fixedly fastened to and covered on the surface of the hard base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kuang-Hui Wu
  • Publication number: 20040134305
    Abstract: In an adjustable foot pedal assembly for a vehicle, a brake pedal is supported on a carrier, which is adjustable fore and aft. A brake valve has a valve body fixed relative to the path of carrier movement, and a plunger movable in a direction transverse to the path of carrier movement. A transfer arm, pivoted on the carrier, is operatively connected to the foot pedal and the plunger, for effecting movement of the plunger in response to depression of the foot pedal so that the relationship between the movement of the foot pedal and the responsive movement of the plunger is independent of the position of the carrier. The brake valve does not need to be moved as the pedal position is adjusted, and the brake pedal characteristics are therefore unaffected by adjustment of the position of the pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles R. Peniston, William Doucet, Dustin Harvey
  • Publication number: 20040134306
    Abstract: A bi-material connecting rod is disclosed herein. The connecting rod includes a crank end that formed from a first material, and a shank connected to the crank end that is formed from a second material. The connecting rod further includes a pin end adjacent to the shank and opposite from the crank end that can be formed from the first material, second powder-metal material, or a third material. Also disclosed herein is a method for making a bi-material connecting rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Fuping Liu
  • Publication number: 20040134307
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a differential housing having a ring gear integrally formed therein. The method includes the steps of forging a conical frustum from a steel rod; deforming the frustum between upper and lower die halves of a tool to produce a differential housing having an annular rim; and forging a plurality of teeth in the annular rim defining the rim gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: David Mark Pascoe, David Dorigo, Cheng Mu, Jianwen Li