Patents Issued in August 12, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040154817
    Abstract: A grip portion is formed by a pair of half-split grip portions and grips an end portion of a tubular cable cover exteriorly mounted on a cable when the half-split grip portions are joined. A clamp portion is formed by a pair of half-split clamp portions and clamps the cable exposed from the end portion when the half-split clamp portions are joined. A clamp protrusion is formed on an inner surface of the clamp portion and clamps the cable exposed from the end portion by pressing the cable in a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sudo, Nobuyoshi Tatoh
  • Publication number: 20040154818
    Abstract: A grounding connector having at least a first layer and a second layer. A conductor, such as a grounding wire, is secured between the first layer and the second layer. The first and second layers are made of a material with the same or similar galvanic potentials as the conductor such that galvanic corrosion between the conductor and the first and second layers is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: SENIOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: George J. Franks
  • Publication number: 20040154819
    Abstract: The grommet having a longitudinal axis includes a funnel shaped portion having a flared end, a narrowed end and a conical wall with external and internal conical faces. The external conical face includes an external circular groove having a groove base. The grommet further includes a tubular portion extending outwardly from a circular joint section formed at the narrowed end of the funnel shaped portion. The grommet is configured to mount a wire harness for vehicles containing a water-trapping zone, and to be installed into a through-hole formed in a body panel of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Sakata
  • Publication number: 20040154820
    Abstract: A through-fitting for a box or bulkhead contains a cavity which holds grease. When the through-fitting is tightened, grease from the cavity is automatically injected to seal the through-fitting. The through-fitting may be used in below-grade junction boxes. A junction box has various useful features. The junction box can be conveniently injection-molded. The junction box has application in fields including wired telephone connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Juergen Koessler
  • Publication number: 20040154821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for the temporary wiring, especially emergency wiring, of communication net-works, comprising a base (4) that has a reel-up device (6) for a cable (10) for linking the device (2) with a central unit (12). Connecting means (8) for connecting a plurality of data processing devices (14) and distributing means linked with the connecting means (8) are provided on the base (4) for producing a communication link between the central unit (12) and the data processing devices (14). The inventive device (2) allows for the fast and simple initiation of a communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Neuner
  • Publication number: 20040154822
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wire harness mounting method for mounting a wire harness to a wire harness holding portion provided on a vehicle-mounted component, such as an air conditioning duct, wherein the wire harness consists of two or more sub wire harnesses produced separately, the sub wire harnesses being arranged on the wire harness holding portion and collectively held by the wire harness holding portion to thereby complete the mounting of the wire harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Yutaka Matsuda, Minoru Asano
  • Publication number: 20040154823
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with providing a self-supported hardline communication cable having superior elastic modulus and minimal coefficient of linear expansion. The cable of the present invention has two parts, a coaxial member and a messenger. Both the coaxial member and the messenger are covered with the same jacket. The coaxial member comprises a center conductor covered by a dielectric. Surrounding the dielectric is an outer conductor. The messenger is a metal wire located spaced apart and parallel to the coaxial member. A jacket covers both the coaxial member and the messenger with a web connecting the two parts of the cable together. Bonding occurs between 1) the center conductor and the dielectric; 2) the dielectric and the outer conductor; 3) the outer conductor and the jacket; and 4) the messenger and the jacket. Bonding can be accomplished through heat bonding or an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Alan John Amato
  • Publication number: 20040154824
    Abstract: An assembly for electrically connecting a part rotatable about an axis with a relatively stationary part has an elongated multiconductor flat ribbon having a pair of ends and wound in a spiral around the axis. One of the ends is secured to the rotatable part and the other of the ends is secured to the stationary part. The flat ribbon is comprised of a flat elongated tape and a plurality of parallel conductive traces on the tape extending between the ends. The traces are flat strips with a width dimension parallel to the width dimension of the tape. The tape is nonconductive so that the traces are electrically isolated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: HESSE & KNIPPS GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Hesse
  • Publication number: 20040154825
    Abstract: A cladding structure includes a plurality of serial buses, an insulating covering layer surrounding the serial buses, a metallic plating layer mounted on the covering layer, and a metallic protective layer mounted on the plating layer. Thus, the cladding structure can prevent an electromagnetic interference efficiently. In addition, the cladding structure has a steady signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Yu Li
  • Publication number: 20040154826
    Abstract: To provide a flat shield cable capable of increasing the strength against disconnection when the cable is bent in the width direction even if the conductor size of each signal line is reduced. A flat shield cable is characterized in that a drain line is provided on one side of a plurality of, parallel signal lines each having an insulating cover, a dummy line is provided on the other side of the signal lines, and the drain line, the signal lines, and the dummy line are covered with a shield tape, which is covered with an insulating sheath. Further, the shield tape includes a metal foil overlaying the lines, a polymer layer overlaying the metal foil, and an adhesive to securely attach the polymer layer to the insulating sheath. A method is provided to wrap the shield tape around the wires, press the shield tape and wires together, and cover them by the insulating sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Atsuo Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20040154827
    Abstract: An interposer with a contact well, a layer that isolates one side of the interposer from the other side, for isolations of off gasses, and an optional elastomeric pad and a hard stop layer. Included is a method of making the interposer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: R-Tec Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Patrick Terrell, Clifton Jay Seusy, Robert Calhoun Cannon, Darrell Kent Mason, Brandon Chad Bailey, Douglas G. Hastings
  • Publication number: 20040154828
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electrochemical pattern replication method, ECPR, and a construction of a conductive electrode for production of applications involving micro and nano structures. An etching or plating pattern, which is defined by a conductive electrode, a master electrode, is replicated on an electrically conductive material, a substrate. The master electrode is put in close contact with the substrate and the etching/plating pattern is directly transferred onto the substrate by using a contact etching/plating process. The contact etching/plating process is performed in local etching/plating cells, that are formed in closed or open cavities between the master electrode and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Moller, Mikael Fredenberg, Peter Wiwen-Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20040154829
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrical cable for connecting a power source to an electrical load wherein the cable has a plurality of conducting members interconnecting the load with the power source and a dielectric insulating material inserted between the conducting members and separated from their inner surfaces in a manner that reduces the magnetic field between the conducting members, reducing inductance and increasing capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Forrest L. Sass
  • Publication number: 20040154830
    Abstract: In the ceramic circuit board, within the through hole of the ceramic substrate is arranged the metal column which is 0 to 150 &mgr;m shorter relative to the thickness of the ceramic substrate; the metal circuit plates are attached to both surfaces of the ceramic substrate to stop up the through hole; and the metal column and the metal circuit plate are bonded together via the brazing material. For its manufacture, the metal column with brazing material is used that is made 40 to 140 &mgr;m longer relative to the thickness of the ceramic substrate by being formed of the metal column which is 0 to 150 &mgr;m shorter relative to the thickness of the ceramic substrate and has its both ends coated with the brazing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ken Furukuwa
  • Publication number: 20040154831
    Abstract: A method for geosteering while drilling a formation includes generating a plurality of formation models for the formation, where each of the plurality of the formation models includes a set of parameters and a resistivity tool therein and locations of the resistivity tool differ in the plurality of the formation models. The method may also include computing predicted tool responses for the resistivity tool in the plurality of formation models, acquiring resistivity measurements using the resistivity tool in the formation, and determining an optimum formation model based on a comparison between the actual tool response and the predicted tool responses. The method may also include steering a bottom home assembly based on the optimum formation model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: JEAN SEYDOUX, DZEVAT OMERAGIC, JACQUES R. TABANOU
  • Publication number: 20040154832
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for remotely controlling and/or monitoring at least one parameter of well bore equipment. In one aspect, the invention includes a method comprising the steps collecting data corresponding to the parameter with a sensor module; transmitting the collected data to an on-site universal data acquisition and control system; transmitting the data from the universal data acquisition and control system to a remote control/monitoring unit via a communication link; and transmitting control data from the control/monitoring unit back to at least the universal data acquisition and control system for modifying the operation of the well operation equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Koithan
  • Publication number: 20040154833
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring conditions in subterranean borehole during drilling and pullback operations in real time. The apparatus includes a drill string having a working end. A measurement system suitable for measuring at least one operational characteristic of the apparatus and having a metallic section in direct contact with the drill string is operably connected to the working end of the drill string. At least one toroid is circumferentially disposed around a first portion of the metallic section and has toroidal electrically conductive windings. A non-conductive material is disposed around the toroid whereby contact between the toroid and a subterranean environment during operation of the apparatus is precluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ziolkowski, Maximillian J. Kieba
  • Publication number: 20040154834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings generated during the well drilling process. A generally cylindrical wire-wrapped screen having a bore therethrough rotates about its longitudinal axis. Suction pressure is applied through the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. As fluid-laden drill cuttings are deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen, fluids are drawn off of the cuttings and evacuated from the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen and eventually roll off the screen. A scraper member is provided to agitate cuttings deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Owen Thomas Risher, Nolan Joseph Fitch, Michael David Billeaud, David Jon Tilley, Ronald Charles Landry
  • Publication number: 20040154835
    Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John Timothy Allen, Steven Anthony Box, Bernd Pietras, Jeffrey Michael Habetz
  • Publication number: 20040154836
    Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Carl M. Hoffmaster, David K. Truax, Timothy P. Beaton
  • Publication number: 20040154837
    Abstract: A tool holder (1) for an annular core bit has a bit-side axial stop surface (4) and an end-side splined profile (3) extending in a bit direction and having an outer thread (5) forming radial spline projections of the splined profile (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Gaul
  • Publication number: 20040154838
    Abstract: A tool holder (1) and a shank (8) for quick mounting and dismounting an annular core bit (2) and both having cooperating respective guide members (4, 4′) provided at their bit-side ends, flanges (3, 9) arranged coaxially with the guide members (4, 4′) for axially locking same and having, respectively, outer and inner threads, outer and inner cone surfaces (6, 10) located inwardly of the guide members (4, 4′) and axially spaced therefrom with the outer and inner cone surface (6, 10) tapering toward their bit-side ends, and torque transmitting means (5, 5′) arranged between the respective inner guide members (4, 4′) and the outer cone surfaces (6, 10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Dieter Gaul
  • Publication number: 20040154839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to downhole apparatus and particularly but not exclusively, to multi-cycle circulating subs used during downhole drilling operations. Apparatus is provided comprising a piston (42) slidably mounted in a body (4) between positions in which at least one aperture (40) in the body is opened and closed. Movement of the piston (42) is controlled by a pin (86) secured to one of the body and a control member, and a control groove (52) in which a portion of the pin is received formed in the other of the body and control member. An arrangement of elements (32, 76) respectively connected to the control member and body is such that, as the control member moves axially, increasing lengths of said elements locate adjacent one another so as to provide resistance to relative rotation in at least one direction of the control member and body. The relative rotation is rotation which presses the control member against the control groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Ian Alexander Gillies
  • Publication number: 20040154840
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bit with cutting structures or inserts that include diamond particles, in which the diamond-impregnated inserts are surrounded by substantially diamond-free support members. The diamond-impregnated inserts are manufactured separately from the bit body. Once formed, the diamond-impregnated inserts are affixed to the substantially diamond-free support members on bit body by brazing or other means of attachment. The total thermal exposure of the diamond particles during manufacture in accordance with the present invention is significantly lower than the total manufacturing-related thermal exposure in previously known diamond-impregnated cutting structures. Furthermore, the substantially diamond-free support members allow the bit to continue cutting through a formation without an increased contact area, as experienced by bits with diamond-impregnated ribs. Thus, the operating life of the cutting structures, and therefore the life of the bit itself, is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Azar, Timothy P. Beaton
  • Publication number: 20040154841
    Abstract: A weight-detecting system for detecting the weight of an occupant sitting on a seat includes inner and outer weight-detecting units. The outer weight-detecting unit includes strain resistors mounted on a lower surface of its sensor plate. The inner weight-detecting unit includes strain resistors mounted on an upper surface of its sensor plate. When output voltages from the outer weight-detecting unit are represented by A and B, and output voltages from the inner weight-detecting unit are represented by C and D, the weight of an occupant is detected based on a value A+B+C′+D′ provided by adding output voltages C′ and D′ resulting from the inversion of the output voltages C and D to the output voltages A and B. The weight-detecting units have the same characteristic of change in output voltages with respect to change in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040154842
    Abstract: A mobile hospital patient bed scale is contemplated which lifts the entire bed with patient in situ on a load platform with an aperture to accommodate the undercarriage of many hospital beds such as a motor. The scale minimizes both vertical and horizontal displacement. The platform has load cells which deliver data to a memory and display device. The invention is portable and partly foldable to aid in storage. It provides for recharging if desired, and for use of an auxiliary power source if desired. The driving force for lifting may be a hydraulic ram or an electrically powered screw drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Rynd
  • Publication number: 20040154843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving a force applied to a seat, particularly a vehicle seat. Said device comprises at least one spring element (5) for elastically positioning the seat in such a way that the seat support components (1,2,3,4) are coupled together by means of the spring element (5). The inventive device also comprises a sensor which detects the spring excursion or an alteration of the spring excursion or a position of the spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Aumer, Ulrich Deml, Karl-Heinz Eglseder, Manfred Frimberger
  • Publication number: 20040154844
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle includes a bottom chassis; a top chassis, which is coupled to the bottom chassis so that it is able to turn about a vertical axis; an operating arm coupled to the top chassis; an axle, which is coupled to the bottom chassis so that it can oscillate about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a plurality of wheels disposed on the axle; blocking means disposed between the bottom chassis and the axle for angularly blocking the axle about the longitudinal axis with respect to the bottom chassis; a circuit to activate the blocking means and inhibit oscillation of the axle about the longitudinal axis; and an angle sensor for supplying a signal indicative of the angular position of the operating arm about the vertical axis with respect to the bottom chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Ivo Lovato
  • Publication number: 20040154845
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical powertrain includes a pair of motor/generator units that are interconnected with a transmission output shaft through planetary gear mechanisms. One of the motor/generator units continuously supplies power to a power takeoff unit, which operates accessory devices and supplies power to a transmission output shaft. The second motor/generator unit continuously transmits power to a transmission output shaft except during a ratio interchange. A selectively engageable clutch is operable to connect the first motor/generator unit with the transmission output shaft during the ratio interchange when the second motor/generator unit is disconnected therefrom. Both of the motor/generator units are supplied with power by a fuel cell prime mover through an electronic control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040154846
    Abstract: A rear wheel driving unit of a hybrid vehicle includes an oil catch tank that stores oil splashed from an oil sump formed on a bottom of a casing body by a driven gear of a differential. A slinger chamber to which the oil is supplied from the oil catch tank has a slinger disposed therein that is driven by the motor through gears. To cool the motor, the oil is supplied from the oil catch tank to an oil passage in a main shaft leading to the inside of a motor shaft by gravitational force. The oil splashed from the slinger chamber by the slinger is supplied to the oil passage to effectively cool the motor using the lubricating oil from the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Kira
  • Publication number: 20040154847
    Abstract: A lightweight and durable skirt assembly for an air cushion vehicle having a rigid support structure. The skirt comprises at least one air chamber. The air chamber is formed from a substantially air impermeable, laminated sheet material. The laminated sheet material comprises a fabric made substantially from yarns that are formed from polymers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The fabric is laminated with a thermoplastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: John E. Holland, Connie W. Holland
  • Publication number: 20040154848
    Abstract: An operation member is manually operable to select and drive an in-vehicle apparatus. A compression spring applies counterforce to the operation member against operational movement of the operation member. A load sensor senses an operational work load of a driver of a vehicle. A movable member is driven by a motor to change the counterforce based on the operational work load of the driver sensed by the load sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Nozomi Kitagawa, Yuji Ito
  • Publication number: 20040154849
    Abstract: A Detachable Drive Unit for a Snowboard includes a low-profile drive belt assembly designed to be mounted underneath a pre-existing, conventional snowboard, and a drive motor which powers the drive belt for propulsion up snow-covered hills or over variable snow-covered terrain. The device is easily removable, compact and lightweight, facilitating its transport in a backpack, allowing the device to remain with the snowboarder while the snowboard is ridden downhill in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: John Victor Fodor
  • Publication number: 20040154850
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a snowmobile with a frame that supports an engine. The snowmobile also includes an endless track operatively connected to the engine to propel the frame. At least one ski is disposed on the frame to steer the frame. To enclose the engine, at least one fairing is attached to the frame. At least one ski well is incorporated in the at least one fairing. At least a portion of a front suspension is disposed within the ski well. The at least one ski is disposed on the front suspension. A lifting handle is incorporated into the at least one ski well to permit lifting of the frame's front end by a rider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Tapani Pyykonen
  • Publication number: 20040154851
    Abstract: A wheeled vehicle is described that includes a frame with at least a front wheel and a rear wheel. A seat is disposed on the frame as well. An engine, having an output shaft, is connected to the frame via an engine mount. A second shaft, operatively connected to the engine's output shaft, is supported by the engine mount. So constructed, the output shaft of the engine and the second shaft supported by the engine mount are maintained in a relatively fixed positional relationship with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Massicotte, Yves Berthiaume
  • Publication number: 20040154852
    Abstract: In a body frame for a motorcycle mounted with an engine unit 11 and provided with a main frame 2a by which a front fork 4 and rear arms 7 are supported, the main frame 2a includes: a head pipe unit 20 which extends obliquely downward to a rear of a vehicle from a head pipe 3 and so as to expand in a vertical direction; a down frame 21 which is connected to a front part at lower end of the head pipe unit 20; and left and right rear arm brackets 10 which are stretched and connected to a rear end of the down frame 21 and a rear part at lower end of the head pipe unit 20, and the head pipe unit 20 is an aluminum die-cast molded product, and the down frame 21 and the left and right rear arm brackets 10 are aluminum forged molded products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Shidehiko Miyashiro, Takehisa Katsura, Takayoshi Fukuda, Sin Yokomizo, Takushiro Shiraishi, Hiroshi Yamaoka, Norikazu Unno
  • Publication number: 20040154853
    Abstract: Between a speed reducing mechanism (15, 17, 19) for speed-reducing drive power of an electric motor and a differential apparatus (7) for distributing speed-reduced drive power to axle ends is disposed a clutch (5) configured for interruptive transmission of drive power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Aikawa, Nobushi Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20040154854
    Abstract: A training go-cart that includes multiple safety features making the cart safe for operation by young children. Each axle of the Wee-Kart has two left tire and two right tires. This double wheel feature adds stability and traction to the cart. To keep potentially dangerous moving parts away from the driver, the engine is placed front of the vehicle and the drive system is housed underneath of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes at least one emergency shut off switch, which is capable of shutting off the motor. A pressure sensitive switch can be provided in the driver's seat so that the motor shuts off whenever the driver gets out of the seat. The emergency shut off switch can also be operated by a radio signal, such as a “kill” signal sent from a remote transmitter held by a parent of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: William C. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20040154855
    Abstract: A structure for mounting an engine for a vehicle which includes: a supporting member for supporting the engine on a front side thereof, leaving a space between the engine and the supporting member; and an auxiliary equipment disposed in the space, wherein the supporting member has a strength against a load applied thereto in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle less than that of the auxiliary equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Hirayu
  • Publication number: 20040154856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary slide valve (1) of servo-assisted steering systems for motor vehicles that comprises an input and an output element (3, 4), which can rotate in relation to one another around a limited angle of rotation, and comprises a coupling connection (10) of the output element (4) to a control slide (7). A torque-transmitting, non-distorted coupling connection (10) between the control slide (7) and the output element (4) is provided by a coupling pin (10), which is fixed inside the output element (4) and radially extends into a seat of the control slide (7). The seat axially tapers to a cross-section that matches the cross-section of the coupling pin (10), whereby it is easy to insert the coupling pin (10) into the seat and possible to attain a play-free supporting position for the coupling pin (10) by axially displacing the output element (4) or the coupling pin (10) and control slide (7) in relation to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Hoffer, Rainer Schaenzel
  • Publication number: 20040154857
    Abstract: An electrically driven power steering apparatus is structured such that a large impact on a rack shaft (22) occurs upon an impingement of a steering stopper, and, even when an axial force acting on a ball bearing (25) of a presser member (30) becomes zero, a rotation of the presser member (30) is hindered by caulking c at a thin plate member (30b). Therefore, the presser member (30) does not slacken, and a predetermined axial force can be given again to the ball bearing (25) when the impact dissipates. The thus structured power steering apparatus exhibiting, though the cost is low, an excellent shockproof characteristic and capable of preventing the bearing from coming off a ball screw nut, can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Toshihiro Fukuda, Shuji Endo, Hiroshi Eda, Osamu Tatewaki, Kenichi Hayakawa, Hirotaka Hatano
  • Publication number: 20040154858
    Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle, the steering system includes a rack-independent actuator. The rack-independent actuator has component parts isolates from undesirable loads by two universal joints that isolate mechanical components of the actuator from transient loads that may be encountered by the rack or rack housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Suat Ali Ozsoylu, William F. Feriend, Michael R. Pyrett
  • Publication number: 20040154859
    Abstract: An electric power steering device enabled to surely detect a fault of its motor current detector circuit by avoiding the disturbance by an electrically insulated oxide film formed on the contact surface between the commutator and the brush of the motor. An ignition key is turned on, then the motor applied voltage is increased with time to break the oxide film so that the motor current flows normally. The estimated motor current is then compared with the detected motor current. When the absolute value of the difference between those estimated motor current and detected motor currents is over a predetermined limit value, it is determined that the motor current detection circuit is defective. It is also possible to break the oxide film by integrating each difference between the motor current command value and the detected motor current value, thereby increasing the current control value step by step and increase voltage applied to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kawada, Hisayoshi Koiwai, Yusuke Itakura, Yasuhiko Miyaura
  • Publication number: 20040154860
    Abstract: In order to provide a silencer (100), in particular an exhaust silencer, for an internal combustion engine, comprising a first housing (12) with an inlet aperture (E) and an outlet aperture (A), wherein an exhaust stream flowing into the inlet aperture (E) and escaping from the outlet aperture (A) is fed via a catalytic converter element (K), which silencer can be variably used for various internal combustion engines of different engine displacement, which silencer achieves low final temperature values, low sound values, and small pressure fluctuations and in addition allows a space-saving exhaust-flow guide arrangement through the silencer, it is proposed that a calming chamber (10) be provided between an outlet area (30) of the catalytic converter element (K) and the outlet aperture (A) of the first housing (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Claudia Joost, Johannes Lugger
  • Publication number: 20040154861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing panel comprising an “exciter” wall for putting into contact with a fluid in which there is a source of noise, and a “receiver” wall for putting into contact with a fluid in which it is desired to attenuate noise, the panel including between said two walls an intermediate element. In the panel, the intermediate element is held on at least a portion of its outline by means of at least one flexible element disposed between the intermediate wall and the receiver wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Michel Pompei
  • Publication number: 20040154862
    Abstract: I have discovered a way to improve the sound of musical instruments that utilize a soundboard or sound generating surface such as found in stringed musical instruments. I accomplished this by establishing a pronounced textured acoustical diffusing surface to one or more of the overall surfaces of the vibrating sound generating surface or soundboard of a stringed musical instrument creating greater surface area from which to generate greater acoustic energy. The result-compared to existing methods of improving the performance of soundboards of stringed musical instruments-is improved volume, timbre, projection, and tonality and sustain of the acoustical sounds produced by the stringed musical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph W. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20040154863
    Abstract: A harness system for supporting a person off of a ground surface. The harness system may include a seat supported by a strap attached to the seat. The strap may form one or more leg containing loops for keeping a person securely positioned in the harness. The harness may also include a climbing strap for securing the harness loosely to a support device, such as a tree, while a person climbs a support device. The harness may be secured to a person by tightening a waist strap around the person's waist. A top strap section forming a portion of the waist strap may be used to support the weight of a person sitting in the harness. A hanging strap may be used to secure the harness to a support object by forming a loop in the hanging strap around the top strap section of the waist strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Sherry Jean Green
  • Publication number: 20040154864
    Abstract: A scaffold bracket attachment system for securing scaffold brackets to concrete wall formwork. The scaffold bracket attachment system includes a first segment with a plurality of first apertures and at least one second aperture, a second segment 30 extending transversely from the first segment, and an extended portion having at least one third aperture extending downwardly from the second segment 30. A conventional scaffold bracket is attached to the first segment with fasteners extending through the first apertures. The second segment 30 extends behind a vertical board member of a form system and the extended portion is positioned adjacent a horizontal board member of the form system. Fasteners are extended through the second aperture and the third aperture to engage the form system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040154865
    Abstract: A protective device releasably mounted to an upper end portion of a ladder for protecting a surface on which the ladder rests includes a flexible body formed of a fabric material and having a bag-like shape with an opening formed therein receiving the upper end of the ladder and an associated ladder cover. An elastic band attached to the body extends at least partially about the opening to reduce a size of said opening and is attached to the body by stitching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Patricia A. Woodward
  • Publication number: 20040154866
    Abstract: The device for climbing a pair of roses (1) includes upper and lower clasps (4,6) for clamping each rope and connecting elements for holding a climber. which include a movable or solid seat (7, 12) or harness (23). Each clasp (4,6) has a housing (21); a yoke (3) in the housing (21) provided with an interior space having beveled inclines widening downward; cotters (10) positioned on opposite sides of the rope (1) in the interior space; rollers (11) arranged movably, but securably, between the cotters (10) and the beveled inclines; a compression spring (20) bearing on an upper end of the yoke (3); and a resilient time servo-component (9) arranged at a lower end of the yoke. The resilient time servo-component (9) acts on the yoke so that the clasp (4,6), when relieved, automatically clamps the rope after a predetermined time interval, thus protecting the climber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Siegfried Schmidt