Patents Issued in August 12, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040155367
    Abstract: Fuel bowls are placed on opposite sides of a carburetor, and a fuel transfer tube extends between the fuel bowls. External fuel receiving fixtures are mounted in fluid communication with the fuel bowls and have nipples facing each other. The fuel transfer tube is telescopically mounted at its ends to the nipples and O-rings seal the ends of the tubes to the nipples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Barry S. Grant
  • Publication number: 20040155368
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) for siring and aerating a liquid (3) in a treatment vessel, comprising: at least a funnel (11) designed to be arranged in the upper part of said vessel (1) providing a passage (11a) with said vessel (1); at least a casing (12) connected to said funnel (11) and designed to extend towards the bottom of said vessel (1), said casing (12) including at least an opening (12a, 12b) in each of its upper and lower parts; at least a main stirrer (13) located in said sheath (12); means (14, 15) for driving said stirrer (13) in rotation; and means (17, 18) for incorporating air in said liquid. Said device is characterised in that said air incorporating means (17, 18) comprise, besides the upper edge of the funnel (11), peripheral means arranged proximate to said edge, adapted to incorporate in said liquid (3) air at atmospheric pressure under the sole effect of the movement of said liquid (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Alain Boulant
  • Publication number: 20040155369
    Abstract: A cross-flow cooling tower having a frame assembly that is unitarily molded from a plastic material. The frame assembly has opposing top and bottom walls along with opposing side walls and opposing ends. The side walls extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. In addition, the opposing ends extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. The frame assembly additionally has a vertical stack extending vertically from the top wall. The top covers of the tower extend outwardly and downwardly from the vertical stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Marley Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ohler L. Kinney, Roberts S. Glauz, Brian F. Wright, Kathryn L. Pullen, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Publication number: 20040155370
    Abstract: A top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Marley Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ohler L. Kinney, Robert S. Glauz, Brian F. Wright, Kathryn L. Pullen, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Publication number: 20040155371
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Publication number: 20040155372
    Abstract: A process for making an optical film includes stretching a polyolefin film in a first direction and stretching the polyolefin film in a second direction different than the first direction forming a biaxially stretched polyolefin film. At least a portion of the stretching of the polyolefin film in the second direction occurs simultaneous with the stretching of the polyolefin film in the first direction. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has a length and a width and substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, John M. Klaeser, Sebastian F. Zehentmaier
  • Publication number: 20040155373
    Abstract: Relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as for example intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-substituted polysiloxane prepolymers with one or more aromatic monomers, alkylated monomers or hydrophilic monomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Yu-Chin Lai, Edmond T. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040155374
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of manufacture utilizing significant amounts of R-PET and the preform and/or beverage bottle produced thereby. The method preferably comprises washing colored beverage bottles and substantially clear beverage bottles to remove any surface filth, forming colored R-PET flakes from the washed colored beverage bottles, and forming substantially clear R-PET flakes from the washed substantially clear beverage bottles. The colored R-PET flakes are preferably blended with the substantially clear R-PET flakes to form blended flakes having substantially homogenous color. The blended flakes are color corrected if so desired, and the blended flakes are then pelletized. The pelletized flakes are preferably combined with V-PET to form a preform which is then preferably shaped into a beverage bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Hutchinson, Mark Royall
  • Publication number: 20040155375
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a belt having a region comprising a non-woven material on a pulley engaging surface. The non-woven region has a random coverage of the non-woven material to reduce natural frequency harmonics, control frictional characteristics, permeation and thermal resistance. The non-woven may comprise a combination of softwood and hardwood pulp, as well as synthetic fibers applied in a random matrix to a body having a fiber loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Phil Patterson, Doug Sedlacek, Bobbie E. South
  • Publication number: 20040155376
    Abstract: An injection molded gasket has a longitudinally extending gasket body with laterally opposite sides and a plurality of longitudinally spaced retention nubs projecting laterally outwardly of the body from the opposite sides. At least one longitudinally extending ingate rib is formed on the gasket body and bridges at least two adjacent retention nubs. The ingate rib has a trimmed edge that extends outwardly of the body no further than that of the retention nubs located adjacent the ingate rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Erich Jacob Gernand, Thomas J. Buster
  • Publication number: 20040155377
    Abstract: There is disclosed an acrylic fiber (a) consisting of an acrylonitrile polymer comprising an acrylonitrile unit in at least 80 wt % and less than 95 wt %, (b) having a monofilament dry strength of 2.5 to 4.0 cN/dtex, (c) having a monofilament dry elongation of 35 to 50 %, and (d) forming a crack with a length of 20 &mgr;m or more in its tension rupture lateral surface along the filament axis direction when rupturing the monofilament in a tension test. The fiber has even orientation in its surface and inside; is significantly improved in dry strength, dry elongation and dyeability; and exhibits wool-like hand feeling. It is, therefore, quite suitable as a synthetic fiber for various applications such as a garment material, e.g., a sweater and a home furnishing material such as a pile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Kasabo, Katsuhiko Ikeda, Yasuyuki Fujii, Yoshihiko Mishina, Ryo Ochi
  • Publication number: 20040155378
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cellulose ester film having a dry thickness of 20 to 60 &mgr;m, wherein the cellulose ester film is manufactured according to a solution cast film manufacture process comprising the steps of providing a cellulose ester dope, casting the cellulose ester dope on a support to form a cellulose ester web, peeling the cellulose ester web at a peel position from the support, transporting the peeled web to a dryer, drying the peeled web therein to form a cellulose ester film, and winding the cellulose ester film around a spool, the residual solvent content at the winding step of the cellulose ester film being not more than 0.05% by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichi Kazama, Takeshi Tanaka, Masakazu Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20040155379
    Abstract: The nozzle is constituted by a nozzle body and a connecting block. The nozzle body is constituted by a casing and a core. A first passage is formed in the center of the core and a second passage is formed between the external surface of the core and the internal surface of the casing. The first passage and the second passage join together in front of the core and then lead to a discharge port at the tip end of the casing. In the interior of the connecting block are formed a first supply line and a second supply line. The first supply line connects a sub injection unit to a first supply port, and a first stop valve is provided within the line. The second supply line connects a main injection unit to a second supply port, and a second stop valve is provided within the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kajikawa, Tadayoshi Gotoh
  • Publication number: 20040155380
    Abstract: There is disclosed a molding compound. The molding compound preferably includes a macrocyclic oligoester that reacts with itself, a secondary compound or another macrocyclic oligoester during molding of the molding compound. Exemplary secondary compounds include a cyclic ester, a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Kendall, Gary C. Rex, Robert L. Seats, David H. Bank, Robert P. Dion
  • Publication number: 20040155381
    Abstract: A method for making an article by cold compaction molding. The method comprises compacting a resin composition comprising high molecular weight and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (HMW-PE and UHMW-PE, respectively) homopolymer, copolymer, and/or blend and an inorganic acid scavenger at a temperature below the softening temperature of the composition. An article prepared in accordance with the claimed method shows lower corrosion test data compared to articles prepared from virgin HMW-PE and UHMW-PE, and an improved cold compaction strength compared to articles prepared using resins containing metal soaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kirby Clark, Jens Ehlers, Louis Wang
  • Publication number: 20040155382
    Abstract: A mixture of carbon-containing fibers, a suitable matrix material, such as a milled pitch, and a friction additive is compressed while resistively heating the mixture to form a carbonized composite material. Preferably, the carbonized material has a density of at least about 1.3 g/cm3. Preferably, the composite material is formed in less than ten minutes. This is a significantly shorter time than for conventional processes, which typically take several days and achieve a lower density material. Consequently, carbon/carbon composite materials having final densities of about 1.6-1.8 g/cm3 or higher are readily achieved with one or two impregnation cycles using a pitch or other carbonaceous material to fill voids in the composite and rebaking. In a second embodiment, the additive is impregnated into the compressed mixture with or without the mixture including the additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Dai Huang, Richard T. Lewis, Irwin C. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040155383
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for making fibrous web materials which may be used in or as absorbent core materials for absorbent products. The method involves providing loose fibers, entraining the fibers in a moving airstream, treating the fibers with an energy-activatable pre-polymer composition and subjecting the fibers to activation energy to initiate cross-linking of the composition. The fibers are collected on forming surface to form a fibrous web. The fibers may be treated with the composition while entrained in the moving air or after being collected on the forming surface, or in an alternate embodiment by treating with the composition a mat of fibers from which the loose fibers are provided. The fibrous web material may comprise cellulosic fibers such as pulp, and/or synthetic fibers such as staple fibers, and/or super absorbent materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David Martin Jackson, Jason Sybren Fairbanks, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20040155384
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device and procedure for the production of a work piece with exact geometry and high surface quality, a form tool in particular. Preferably, the work piece is constructed using a process wherein powder coatings are applied one on top of each other, by means of compaction, said process being computer-controlled. After the powder has been compacted, the surfaces thereof are finely machined in a mechanical manner. During the entire machining process, the work piece to be produced is surrounded with powdery source material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Tim Sievers, Andreas Lohner
  • Publication number: 20040155385
    Abstract: The inventive method concerns a process of transferring resin into reinforcing material used in the manufacture of composite articles. A first step in the method involves positioning at least one layer of the reinforcing material on the surface of an open mold. Subsequently, a sealant layer is applied in liquid form over the reinforcing material to create an airtight chamber encapsulating the reinforcing material between the sealant layer and the mold. After the sealant layer is allowed to cure, resin is drawn through the reinforcing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Keith Johnson, Scott Lewit
  • Publication number: 20040155386
    Abstract: A blow molding method includes steps of moving a split mold to a parison receiving position where a parison is supplied and receiving a parison, closing the split mold, performing blow molding at a blow molding position, and opening the split mold at a product discharge position and thereby discharging a product. The method further includes steps of: sequentially reciprocating each split mold in trains of split molds provided opposed to each other across the parison receiving position to and from a position opposed to the parison receiving position; and sequentially reciprocating the split mold disposed at the position where the split mold is opposed to the parsion receiving position to and from the parison receiving position for performing blow molding. There is also provided a blow molding apparatus for carrying out this blow molding method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Toshiaki Gonda, Hideo Miura, Hiroshi Noma, Takashi Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20040155387
    Abstract: A composite material includes a plurality of continuous graphite fiber strands, bundles, or other such fiber configurations disposed within a hardened ceramic matrix. The continuous graphite fiber strands are preferably covered or “pegged” with a ceramic slurry (e.g., a porcelain ceramic slurry), attached to a pre-formed foundation, then fired to produce a fiber-enhanced ceramic structure. In this way, a may be efficiently fabricated for use in applications requiring high-strength materials capable of withstanding temperature extremes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph D. Fivas
  • Publication number: 20040155388
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for utilizing hydrocarbon-containing and iron-oxide-containing waste products, in particular rolling scale sludges, and fine coals, in a metallurgical plant, in which the waste product is mixed with the fine coal, and if appropriate with bituminous substances, and is then agglomerated, in particular cold-briquetted, and is then used to build up the fixed bed in a melter gasifier and is converted in the latter in a melting-gasification zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Gunter Schrey, Parviz Zahedi
  • Publication number: 20040155389
    Abstract: A method of heating molten aluminum flowing in a heated trough member comprising the steps of providing a source of molten aluminum and providing a rough member comprised of a first side and a second side, the first and the second sides having outside surfaces, the sides formed from a ceramic material resistant to attack by molten aluminum. The first side and second side have heating element receptacles provided therein with protection tubes provided in the receptacles. The protection tubes are comprised of a refractory selected from the group consisting of mullite, boron nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, graphite, silicon aluminum oxynitride or a metal selected from Kovar® and titanium. Electric heating elements are positioned in the tubes. Molten aluminum is flowed along the trough member from the source and electric power is passed to the heating elements to heat the molten aluminum as it flows along the trough member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: C. Edward Eckert
  • Publication number: 20040155390
    Abstract: A grease filling chamber to be filled with grease for a seal member which seals compressed gas can be easily formed in order to prevent grease shortage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Seiji Kimura
  • Publication number: 20040155391
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle equipment module (30) of the type comprising at least first and second components (32, 34) whereof first and second fixing zones (50, 52) are designed to be fixed to a structural element (12) of the vehicle with a common fixing element, such as a screw. The invention is characterised in that it comprises linking means (60) which link together the two components (32, 34) when the module is delivered (30) to be mounted on the vehicle structural element, and an elastic element (62) is axially interposed between the linking means (60) and the second component (34), and the linking means (60) are interposed between the common fixing element (54) and the structural element (12), when the module (30) is fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent Izabel
  • Publication number: 20040155392
    Abstract: A damper includes a housing, a cover and a rotor. A portion of the rotor extends outwardly of the housing through the cover, and has a gear disposed thereon. The cover is joined to the housing by laser welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: David A. Doornbos, Christopher S. Marnell
  • Publication number: 20040155393
    Abstract: A magnetic holding device (10) and a method for the manufacture thereof. The device (10) is used in the field of graphic arts such as foil stamping. The device (10) secures a steel back polymer plate to a heating element, for the purposes of transferring thin metal foil or leaf to paper, card, plastics material or similar media. The device (10) has a space locations a plurality of magnets (13) embedded in a body (14) of the device (10). The magnets (13) are preferably Samarium Cobalt Disk magnets and are held within the body (14) by means of an adhesive such as Loctite 620(®*).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Glen L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20040155394
    Abstract: A folding apparatus for folding sheets of flexible sheet materials, which includes a feeding mechanism (11, 17) for feeding sheets of material, a folding mechanism including a pair of rollers (11, 13) having a nip (23) into which a sheet of material (7) is inserted to create a fold (7b), and an inserter mechanism (21) for inserting a sheet (7) into the nip (23). The inserter mechanism (21) includes knife element (29) having an edge (31) that is arranged to engage a sheet (7) along a designated fold line (7a) and to insert said sheet (7) into the nip (23) to produce a fold (7b) along said fold line (7a). The inserter mechanism (21) is constructed and arranged to insert the sheet (7) into the nip (23) while the sheet (7) is positively engaged by the feeding mechanism (11, 17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Wilfred MacLeod Garner, Paul Stuart Garratt
  • Publication number: 20040155395
    Abstract: A finishing device having a sheet guiding and buffering mechanism located in the space between a sheet transporting assembly and a finishing platform. The mechanism has two parallel retractable arms having a slight curvature along their length. Sheets dispensed seriatim from the transport assembly onto the arms conform to the curvature of the arms. In a normal mode, the arms are retracted for each sheet delivered thereto and the individual sheets drop onto platform to form a set of stacked sheets. When the last sheet of a set is dropped, the mechanism changes to a buffering mode and the arms collect and hold the first few sheets of the next set. Once the previous set has been finished and ejected from the platform, the arms are retracted and the sheets collected are dropped, and the mechanism is changed to the normal cycle for the remainder of the subsequent set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Milillo, Charles F. Prevost
  • Publication number: 20040155396
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying paper cassettes. The apparatus for identifying paper cassettes includes first through N-th paper cassettes, wherein each of N-1 output ports (where N is a positive integer greater than 1) is connected to N-1 input ports, which have one of N input ports and one of N output ports, a paper cassette identification unit to generate a synchronizing signal in response to an identification symbol which is transmitted from the first through N-th paper cassettes and indicates one of the first through N-th paper cassettes, and to transmit the generated synchronizing signal to paper cassettes in which an “undefined symbol” that indicates that the identification symbol has not been assigned, among the first through N-th paper cassettes is given, and a serial bus which connects the first through N-th paper cassettes to the paper cassette identification unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Ku Han
  • Publication number: 20040155397
    Abstract: A sheet transfer apparatus includes a first roller, a second roller and a power train. The first roller is configured to be rotatably driven at a first surface speed. The second roller is spaced from the first roller such that the first roller and the second roller are configured to simultaneously engage a media sheet. The second roller is configured to be driven at a second surface speed greater than the first surface speed. The power train delivers power to the first roller to rotatably drive the first roller. The power train includes a first gear coupled to the first roller, a second gear and a third gear. The third gear is movable between a first position in which the third gear is in power transmitting engagement with both the first gear and the second gear and a second position in which the third gear is out of power transmitting engagement with the second gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Glenn Gaarder, Mark Randolph Marrs
  • Publication number: 20040155398
    Abstract: A method and device for stacking a plurality of vertically oriented mailpieces into a stack, wherein mailpieces are sequentially received into the back end of the stack. A paddle is used to support the front end of the stack in order to prevent the top mailpieces from falling forward. A conveyor belt is used to move the mailpieces in the stack and relieve the pack pressure so as to allow new mailpieces to join the stack. Information indicative of the mailpiece thickness is provided to a movement control module so that the conveyor belt is moved according to the thickness of the mailpieces received into the stack. As such, the pressure in the stack can be properly adjusted. The thickness information can be obtained from an upstream collator, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerry Leitz, Arthur H. DePoi, Gary Comstock
  • Publication number: 20040155399
    Abstract: Transparent blank symbols are provided in each of first, second and third display plates. The player wins if the same symbols of the first to third display plates are arranged in line on any of winning lines when the first to third display plates stop rotating. When the blank symbols of the first to third display plates are arranged in line on any of winning lines, the sub reel rotates to display the symbols in motion. Then, the sub reel stops its rotation to display the still symbol. The symbol on the sub reel is observable through transparent parts in the blank symbols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: DRAGON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haruo Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040155400
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a game piece comprising an inflatable enclosure defining an interior space. A valve is in communication with the interior space. An indicator is also located in the interior space. The indicator may be a single die or a pair of dice as well as other objects used to indicate a move and the like. The enclosure may be in the shape of a ball. The enclosure is made of a material so that the indicator is visible within the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Perkins
  • Publication number: 20040155401
    Abstract: A method and system for playing a dice game using a pair of dice. A primary player is first established. At least one wagers is then made from each player that one of a plurality of events will occur with the roll of the dice. The primary player then rolls the pair of dice. The wagers are then resolved based on each roll of the dice. Every roll of the dice presents a win/lose factor permitting players' wagers to be resolved with each roll. The game includes a playing surface for playing the game using a pair of dice, chips and a stick. The playing surface has a central area for all wagers that the result on the dice will be a seven, a first surrounding area around said central area for all wagers that the roll of the dice will result in a number greater than seven, and a second surrounding area around said central area for all wagers that the roll of the dice will result in a number less than seven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Oliva
  • Publication number: 20040155402
    Abstract: Tableware capable of facilitating conversation between guests and a method of using the same is provided that includes: a) providing a set of open-ended questions or commands each being separately printed on a surface of a dining-piece; b) distributing one or more of the dining-pieces to each dining partner; c) having each dining partner read aloud the open-ended question or comment printed on their dining-piece; d) having one of the dining partners answer the open-ended question; and e) engaging all of the dining partners in open discussion of alternate answers to the question.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Mary L. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040155403
    Abstract: A game board system including a bottom portion with a cup centered on its surface, a rotatable member provided on the bottom portion and including game piece apertures, an outer top portion provided on the bottom portion, and an inner stationary top portion superposed on the rotatable frame and including second game piece apertures. Portions of the game board system may be exchanged to form a new game board system. Additionally, the game board system may be played according to several versions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Cactus Marketing Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nevin P. Carr, David P. Maurer
  • Publication number: 20040155404
    Abstract: A board game designed to teach players how to control their behavior to achieve one or more goals. The game includes two play areas, each having a plurality of spaces, and a token for each player. The token moves from space to space in the first play area until the occurrence of a particular event. Some of the spaces in the play areas are associated with a first behavior category and some with a second behavior category, where the theme of the first behavior category is connecting behaviors and the theme of the second behavior category is disconnecting behaviors. Each token is more likely to land on spaces associated with the first behavior category and less likely to land on spaces corresponding to a second behavior category in the second play area than in the first play area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Ronnie Lee Mace
  • Publication number: 20040155405
    Abstract: The present invention is a variant of traditional Twenty-One in which the dealer and players attempt to build a hand with a value of twenty-one, or as close to twenty-one as possible without exceeding twenty-one, using cards that are known to players and the dealer as they are dealt and common cards that remain unknown until all player and/or dealer decisions are completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: PTT, LLC
    Inventors: Howard M. Marks, Michael Wood, Daniel M. Marks, Anthony M. Singer
  • Publication number: 20040155406
    Abstract: A game and an apparatus for playing the game are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of bodies stacked vertically one above another. Each body is rotatable about a common axis of rotation, vertically oriented. Each body has a plurality of faces, each face has a slot forming a display window. The slots receive tokens. There are two types of tokens. Turning the bodies relative to one another aligns the slots and effects a transfer of tokens from a higher to a lower body. The game is played by two players in a sequence of alternating turns. The object of the game is to get a predetermined number of one type of token adjacent to one another, either on the same body, on adjacent bodies or in a helical pattern around the axis of rotation. Each player in their turn may either insert a token into a slot or spin a body about the axis of rotation to transfer a token.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Horrocks
  • Publication number: 20040155407
    Abstract: A wagering game is played with one or more standard decks of playing cards. Each deck comprises a) 52 cards or b) 48 cards without 10's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kathleen Nylund Jackson
  • Publication number: 20040155408
    Abstract: The invention comprises a target pigeon of the type which is used in sport shooting such as trap shooting, and which is fired in such a manner that the propeller-shaped wings (10) of the target pigeon move it in an unpredictable trajectory. The invention moreover comprises a method of launching target pigeons. An object of the present invention is to provide a target pigeon which has a very low effective height when it is stacked. Another object is to provide a target pigeon and a method of launching the target pigeon, where it is not necessary to orient the pigeon relative to the retaining and force-transferring means on the launching machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Svend-Erik Ringtved, Odd Steffensen
  • Publication number: 20040155409
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a mechanical seal that comprises at least two sliding surfaces pressing against each other, which are arranged to seal a gap between a rotating and a non-rotating machine part, and means for providing a sealing fluid flow cooling the sliding surfaces. To provide an optimal consumption of sealing fluid, a valve means (8) is arranged to the means for providing the cooling sealing fluid flow, the valve means being arranged to react to the temperature of the seal and to open and close the flow of sealing fluid according to the cooling need.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hannu Trygg, Esa Salovaara
  • Publication number: 20040155410
    Abstract: An annular finger seal is adapted to be interposed between a high pressure upstream region and a lower pressure downstream region to provide noncontact sealing along a rotatable member. The finger seal comprises axially juxtaposed downstream and upstream finger elements, each having integrally spaced fingers. The downstream fingers each have a lift pad, whereas the upstream fingers lack a pad. Each pad extends in a downstream direction. Each upstream finger is spaced from the rotating member a greater distance than each pad. Upon sufficient rotational speed of the rotating member, each pad is operative to lift and ride on a thin film of fluid intermediate the rotating member and the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Margaret P. Proctor, Bruce M. Steinetz
  • Publication number: 20040155411
    Abstract: An improvement in a seal assembly for sealing with a rotatable component extending within the seal assembly and defining a longitudinal axis of rotation, the seal assembly being of a type including a seal element retained by a seal housing, where one of the seal element and the seal housing is constructed from a compressible material, where the seal element includes a seal engagement surface and where the seal housing includes a housing engagement surface. The improvement includes one of the seal engagement surface and the housing engagement surface being comprised of the compressible material and the other being oriented in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the component extending within the seal assembly and defining a depression for providing an isolated gap between the seal engagement surface and the housing engagement surface for receiving the compressible material to restrain movement of the seal element relative to the seal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward James Cargill
  • Publication number: 20040155412
    Abstract: A metallic gasket having a first seal line SL1 arranged in a manner to encircle the peripheral edge of an exhaust gas hole 3, a second seal line SL2 arranged along the outer peripheral edge of a base plate 2, and full beads 6, 7 formed each in a convex cross-section by bending the base plate 2 along both seal lines. Elastic sealing material 8 to 11, the height of which is substantially equal to the height of a convex portion of the beads, are fixed to the convex portion and a flat surface continuous to the convex portion. The elastic sealing material on the flat surface is so arranged as to cover up to the opening mouth position of the exhaust gas hole 3 or a peripheral edge position of the base plate 2 and, furthermore, elastic material parts 12, 13 are filled in a concave portion of the bead on the reverse side of the convex portion. This structure of the gasket leads to cost reduction and enables the gasket to maintain a stable sealing performance for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kosaku Ueta, Hideo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040155413
    Abstract: A gasket provided with a sliding-treated layer on the surface of a fluorine rubber gasket body. The sliding-treated layer is a baked coated film of a sliding treating agent. The sliding treating agent is an aqueous emulsion containing a solid lubricant, an urethane-based resin as a matrix, and a reactive group-coupled alkyltrialkoxysilane series compound represented by the following chemical formula as an adherability modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sato, Takahiro Asai, Toshikazu Kondo, Hirokazu Fujino
  • Publication number: 20040155414
    Abstract: A quick-release multi-drive drill motor chuck for receiving a rotary tool is provided. The chuck body has a first end, a second end, and an axis and a defined cylindrical bore from the first end toward the second end. The chuck body defines a plurality of orifices extending from the bore at a finite distance from the first end, the chuck body defining a keyway or relief embodiment in the first end. A plurality of detent balls are disposed in the plurality of orifices such that one ball is placed inside of each orifice. A collar having an axis is disposed concentrically around the chuck body in axial slip fit relationship, such that slipping the collar axially along the chuck body will alternately expose the orifices to either the inner wall or a recess, thereby positioning said recess for receiving the detent balls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Paul L. Baldwin, Richard E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040155415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to individual transport ways of conveyance, and includes changes in the design of the bottom part of the boot with a thickening sole, which consists the hidden installation into its the additional metal insole, fastened with the main shoe's insole, and the slit of a rectangular longitudinal aperture in the sole for the hidden installation in its the portable mechanical device with a stationary attachment to the boot without changing the appearance and form of the sole and the shoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Katie Seleznev, Stanislav Vitruk
  • Publication number: 20040155416
    Abstract: A smooth surface sliding system, which is adapted for incorporating with a ground vehicle impelled by a pedal driving assembly, includes a pair of supporting arms sidewardly and outwardly extended from the vehicle frame, a pair of driven units includes two driven arms movably coupled with the supporting arms respectively and two ski members coupling with bottom ends of the driven arms respectively for sliding on a smooth surface, and a steering control connected to the driven arms for shifting a downward force of a weight of the ground vehicle between the two ski members so as to increase a friction of the respective ski member with respect to the smooth surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Jie Liu, Shi Ming Liu