Abstract: A conductive structure having a conductor for carrying a signal at a one or more operating frequencies of the structure, the conductor comprising: at least two electrically conductive strips spaced apart by a dielectric and arranged in parallel to extend from a first node to a second node, the conductive strips being interconnected between the nodes by at least one inter-strip electrically conductive connection through the dielectric; the maximum physical dimension of the or each inter-strip connection and the maximum physical separation of potentially successive inter-strip connections being equal to or less than one quarter of the free space wavelength corresponding to the minimum operating frequency of the structure.

Abstract: In a vehicle electronic control unit, a power device and a circuit component, which structure a circuit in which current flows when the power device is driven, and a printed board are disposed within an aluminum case as a housing. Both the power device and the circuit component are disposed within a resin mold unit in a state where both the power device and the circuit component are wired so that a loop circuit is structured as a current path. Both the power device and the circuit component are mounted on the printed board by using a connection terminal which protrudes from the resin mold unit. According to the vehicle electronic control unit, noise and efficiency of the circuit can be improved because a loop of large current can be reduced.

Abstract: A molecularly flexible dielectric electronic substrate for receiving an electronic device includes a sheet or layer of a molecularly flexible dielectric adhesive having patterned metal foil electrical conductors thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to mount a uniform force hydrostatic bolster plate to a substrate. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a uniform force hydrostatic bolster plate on a substrate. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to fabricate a uniform force hydrostatic bolster plate. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a uniform force hydrostatic bolster plate on the opposite side of the assembled substrate, under an electrical contact area of a component on the assembled substrate.

Abstract: A percussion apparatus and method of using the percussion apparatus. The apparatus may be used for delivering an impact to a tubular string. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical member having an internal bore containing an anvil and a first guide profile. The apparatus further includes a rotor disposed within the internal bore, and wherein the rotor member comprises a body having an outer circumference with a second guide profile thereon, and wherein the rotor contains a radial hammer face. In a first position, the second external guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face can contact the anvil. In a second position, the second guide profile of the rotor will engage with the first guide profile of the cylindrical member so that the radial hammer face is separated from the anvil shoulder. Multiple rotors and multiple stators may be employed. The rotor may be operatively associated with a stator that directs flow into the rotor.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for continuously supplying drilling fluid down a bore hole while adding or removing tubulars.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a lateral wellbore in a time and trip saving manner using a mill/drill to locate and place a casing window. In one aspect of the invention, a lateral wellbore is drilled with liner which is subsequently left in the lateral wellbore to line the sides thereof. In another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a rotary steerable system and in another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a downhole motor or a drill stem.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular can be added or removed from the drill string whilst mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet and outlet for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

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.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bit body, at least one cantilevered bearing shaft depending inwardly and downwardly from the bit body, and a cutter mounted for rotation on the bearing shaft. The cutter includes a plurality of teeth that are covered with a hardfacing layer. At least some of the teeth have a leading side that has a streamlined contour. The streamlined contour is generally conical in some of the embodiments. In others, the streamlined contour is defined by a corner between diverging inner and outer sections of the leading side.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying hardfacing to a shirttail portion of a roller cone drill bit, including masking around the shirttail portion of the bit and operating a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel torch to apply the hardfacing to the shirttail portion.

Abstract: An insert for a drill bit which includes a diamond impregnated body, and a shearing portion disposed on said body is shown. In addition, a method for forming a drill bit that includes (a) forming a shearing portion on a diamond-impregnated insert body to form a cutting insert, (b) forming a bit body having a plurality of sockets sized to receive a plurality of the cutting inserts, and (c) mounting the plurality of cutting inserts in the bit body and affixing the plurality of cutting inserts to the bit body; wherein steps (a)-(c) are carried out such that a total exposure of the diamond-impregnated insert to temperatures above 1000° F. is greater than a total exposure of the shearing portion to temperatures above 1000° F.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of Chemical vapor infiltration and Chemical vapor deposition (CVI/CVD). More specifically, this invention is directed to method and apparatus for weighing parts being subjected to the CVI/CVD process, during the process itself to indicate a weight change thereof. The process may be terminated or altered as desired based upon the weight gain information.

Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.

Abstract: A vehicular driven track apparatus is provided that may include a left track assembly and a right track assembly. Each track assembly may include a drive member. At least one roller member may be in mechanical communication with the left and right drive members. A left steering pad may be operatively connected to the left drive member to control movement thereof, and a right steering pad may be operatively connected to the right drive member to control movement thereof. A left brake or motor may be operatively connected to the left steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the left drive member. A right brake or motor may be operatively connected to the right steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the right drive member.

Abstract: A vehicular driven track apparatus is provided that may include a left track assembly and a right track assembly. Each track assembly may include a drive member. At least one roller member may be in mechanical communication with the left and right drive members. A left steering pad may be operatively connected to the left drive member to control movement thereof, and a right steering pad may be operatively connected to the right drive member to control movement thereof. A left brake or motor may be operatively connected to the left steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the left drive member. A right brake or motor may be operatively connected to the right steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the right drive member.

Abstract: The present invention has a plurality of pivoting linkages to lift and retract a front castor assembly to facilitate traversing an obstacle or rough terrain. In this regard, a wheelchair suspension having a frame member and at least one a pivoting assembly is provided. The pivoting assembly has, for example, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member and a second linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member. At least one front caster assembly is coupled to the first and second linkages wherein upward pivotal movement of the first linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo upward vertical movement and upward pivotal movement of the second linkage causes the caster assembly to undergo lateral movement inward toward the wheelchair.

Abstract: A maximum output of a fuel cell and a capacitance of a capacitor are set so as to be near a point at which a lower limit (a solid line “A”) of a range in which a first condition is satisfied intersects a lower limit (a dashed line “B”) of a range in which a second condition is satisfied. In the first condition, full acceleration at start time for obtaining a predetermined high vehicle speed by starting a vehicle at the maximum acceleration required of the vehicle can be repeatedly performed. In the second condition, full acceleration at a medium vehicle speed for increasing a vehicle speed from a medium vehicle speed by approximately 30 km/h at the maximum acceleration required of the vehicle can be repeatedly performed. Then, the fuel cell and the capacitor of this performance are mounted on the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A structure for mounting auxiliary machines of a fuel cell vehicle, which includes a motor, a power supply unit, and auxiliary machines, provided in a motor compartment of the fuel cell vehicle. The motor is disposed at a lower part in the motor compartment. The power supply unit is provided above the motor. The auxiliary machines are mounted on a frame member which extends in a vehicle transverse direction in front of the motor and the power supply unit.

Abstract: An automatic stop/start controller for an engine which automatically stops and starts the engine without operation of an ignition key. In automatically stopping the engine without operation of the ignition key, a control means prevents an automatic stop of the engine if a direction indicator of the vehicle is activated. If the direction indicator is activated after the engine is automatically stopped, the control means immediately automatically starts the engine without operation of the ignition key. The control means also prevents an automatic stop of the engine unless the distance traveled by a vehicle, after the engine has automatically started, is greater than a predetermined automatic stop prohibit distance.

Abstract: A drive unit of the invention comprises a motor that can input/output motive power to/from a drive shaft, a drive circuit that performs drive control of the motor, a fuel cell that is connected to the drive circuit without the intervention of a voltage converter such that electric power can be output, a charge/discharge portion that is connected to the fuel cell in parallel and to the drive circuit such that electric power can be output and that has at least one capacitor whose voltage in a fully charged state is higher than an inter-open-terminal voltage of the fuel cell, a diode that is installed between the fuel cell and the charge/discharge portion such that electric power can be output only in a direction from the fuel cell to the charge/discharge portion, and a drive control portion that controls the drive circuit such that drive control of the motor is performed on the basis of required motive power to be transmitted to the drive shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air box assembly for a snowmobile. The air box assembly is capable of being positioned frontward of the snowmobile engine, relative to a front end of the snowmobile. In this position, throttle noise being dampened by the air box assembly is further removed from an operator of the snowmobile sitting in an operator position on the snowmobile.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a quadrilateral linkage system formed between a vehicle body frame, a front torque arm assembly, a rear torque arm assembly, and an extendable member. The four-node linkage is coupled with at least one slide rail to provide for the vertical distance between the vehicle body frame and the at least one slide rail to vary. The nodes of the four-node linkage are configured to generally define a quadrilateral shape in at least fully contracted and fully expanded configurations.

Abstract: A snowmobile exhaust system is provided. One aspect of the invention includes a snowmobile comprising an engine that has at least one exhaust pipe configured to carry warm exhaust gases from the engine. At least one seat is coupled to the snowmobile, and the exhaust pipe is arranged so that the seat is thermal communication with at least a portion of the exhaust pipe. Another aspect of the invention includes a snowmobile having a front section and a back section, with an engine located in the front section and an exhaust pipe is coupled to the engine. The snowmobile is configured so that the operator is positioned behind the engine, with the exhaust pipe terminating behind the operator.

Abstract: An occupant determination device for a vehicle seat includes a load sensor provided at a seat body, a controller for calculating a detection load value based on a load value output from the load sensor and for determining an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat by comparing the detection load value and a predetermined threshold value, a determining means for determining whether or not a child restraint system is equipped on the vehicle seat based on a variation of the detection load value and a detecting means for detecting whether or not the vehicle is stopped. When a vehicle stop condition is not detected by the detecting means, the determining means does not determine whether or not the child restraint system is equipped on the seat.

Abstract: A flat spring of a vehicular seat is elastically supported by means of supporting springs that extend in accordance with the load of an occupant. The seat has displacement sensors, first-stage determination step, second-stage determination step, and third-stage determination step. The displacement sensors output electrical signals corresponding to the respective elongations of the springs. The first-stage determination step determines the occupant in the seat in accordance with voltage values delivered from the displacement sensors. The second-stage determination step determines whether or not the result of determination by the first-stage determination step is maintained for a given period of time. The third-stage determination step compares the result of determination by the second-stage determination step with the preceding result of determination and specifies the occupant in accordance with the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A vehicle including a gearshift unit having a gearshift lever housing (4) and a gearshift lever (5) moveable in relation to the gearshift lever housing (4), the gearshift lever being maneuverable within an active position range for active gearshift positions and a neutral position in which the gearshift lever is tiltable, between the active position range and a tilted position, in which latter position the gearshift lever (5) is aligned in or below the seat plane of the driver's seat (2), and a logic unit (34) with is designed to control the activation of a parking brake forming part of the vehicle.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes input and output axes coupled through a torsion bar, magnetic media attached to the input and output axes and having magnetic tracks magnetized at a predetermined pitch and magnetic detection elements disposed opposite to the magnetic media to be sensitive to the magnetic tracks. At least two magnetic tracks for detection of torque are formed with a magnetic phase difference in each of the magnetic media attached to the input and output axes.

Abstract: An electric power steering control unit is provided which is capable of detecting a motor current stably irrespective of a temperature variation to improve steering feelings. In this control unit, a temperature detecting circuit located in the vicinity of a motor current detecting circuit detects the motor current detecting circuit, and a CPU makes reference to output characteristic data on motor current detection output to temperature detection output stored in an EEPROM to correct the motor current detection output on the basis of the temperature detection output so that the motor current detection output corrected reaches a target current value to a motor driving circuit, thus driving an electric motor which operates a steering mechanism secondarily.

Abstract: A loudspeaker and switch assembly is adapted to require a reduced mounting space and incorporates a coaxially mounted switch for power selection having its shaft extending through the loudspeaker driver's pole piece. The switch is mounted to the back plate and the switch shaft runs through the pole piece so that the user can select power via a knob mounted on the proximal or front end of the switch of the loudspeaker dust cap. The power selection knob is used to turn the switch and select an input power level to the speaker, and the body of the knob also defines an axially symmetrical curvilinear or contoured solid shape which functions as an acoustic diffuser to increase the uniformity of the radiation pattern for higher frequencies which would otherwise be narrowly beamed into an area directly in front of the loudspeaker diaphragm.

Abstract: A suspended scaffolding system and method of use employs a plurality of scaffolding brackets that are hung from the framework of a building under construction to support a plurality of scaffolding planks to form a walkway therebetween. The scaffolding brackets include an anchor assembly, which is specially designed to wrap around the building's framework such that construction workers can complete their work without removing the brackets.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: An assembly of portable platforms is mounted and connected together on a ladder to provide a working platform.

Abstract: An automatic cable delivery system that can lower heavy weights from some heights with automatically controlled deceleration. This device is capable of sensing the amount of the load being lowered and therefore automatically adjust the resistance on a continuous basis thereby controls the descending speed to a desirable rate regardless of the weight. This automatic descending system is very useful during evacuation in case of emergency from high-rise building and similar structures. This unit is very portable and does not require any permanent fixture. This unit consists of a translucent clutch, hydraulic or mechanical, in conjunction with a unidirectional retractable cable spool coupled trough a planetary gear system. This unit is fitted with a retractor, which retracts the cable once it is released. This retraction is faster than the controlled release of the cable during lowering of load.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for exchanging an engine fluid for maintenance purposes. The fluid is accessed through the engines reservoir for that particular fluid. Used fluid is removed simultaneously with the introduction of new fluid. In order to maintain a constant level of fluid in the reservoir, and thus, prevent overflow or cavitation problems, a control module is presented that enables the user to control the rate of new fluid flow into the reservoir relative to the rate of used fluid and to activate and deactivate the new and used fluid pumps. During operation, the module is located in close proximity to the reservoir such that the user is able to observe the fluid level while relating the flows.

Abstract: An engine crankcase and transmission assembly includes a transmission housing including a forward mounting portion and a crankcase including a rear-mounting portion configured for mounting to the transmission. The rear-mounting portion of the crankcase includes an upper section and a lower section spaced apart from the upper section so that the first transmission housing and the crankcase define a passage there between when mounted. An oil sump at a lower portion of the crankcase including an expanded section with an outer surface extending rearward beyond the rear mounting portion of the crankcase. An adapter provides for mounting to a second transmission housing. The crankcase receives interchangeable first and second oil routing devices with oil line fittings for receiving complementary oil lines.

Abstract: A lubricant injector having a body containing a reciprocal piston for dispensing lubricant from the body, a pin extending from the piston through an opening in the body, and a sealing assembly in the opening surrounding the pin for sealing against leakage of lubricant from the body along the pin. The sealing assembly includes a low-pressure sealing member for sealing at low pressures, and a high-pressure sealing member for sealing at higher pressures. The injector includes a measuring chamber, venting of the injector involving transmission of lubricant from its inlet to the measuring chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for including the telecommunication connections needed in the use of remote monitoring of automatically operated equipment in contracts between a company maintaining said equipment and a client owning said equipment. According to the method of the invention, the above-mentioned company takes care of the administration of the telecommunication connections, comprising the acquisition and opening of the aforesaid telecommunication connections as well as the invoicing concerning them.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck having a mast, a load-carrying means having a load-carrying fork which is supported by the mast and is adjustable in height by means of a lifting and lowering drive wherein the load-carrying fork is adjustable with respect to the horizontal line by means of an inclination drive, and an electric control and regulation device for the respective drives which is connected to operating members for the lifting and lowering drive and inclination drive, wherein an analog sensor detecting the inclined position of the load-carrying fork is provided the inclination signal of which is sent to the control and regulation device and that the control and regulation device is connected to a separate operating member for the inclination drive or the operating member for the inclination drive is configured in such a way that actuating it causes the load-carrying fork to be automatically moved to a predetermined position, preferably a horizontal position.

Abstract: An elevator door control device includes an obstruction sensor adapted to detect an obstruction in the vicinity of any one of the vertical frames of the doorway frame and to output an obstruction detection signal, and a door control unit for controlling door opening operation and door closing operation of a car door and a landing door in response to the obstruction detection signal. The obstruction sensor has light emitters provided on the vertical frames of the doorway frame and light receivers provided on the upper frame of the doorway frame. The light emitters are provided in the vicinity of the lower ends of the vertical frames and emit detection lights substantially along the vertical frames. The light receivers are provided on the lower surface of the upper frame and receive the detection lights.

Abstract: An assembly arrangement for a lift construction supports the lift drive at the upper end of both a support column and lift cage and counterweight guide rails, allowing the lift drive load to be transferred to the floor of the lift by each of the supporting members. The support of the lift drive upon the rails may be accomplished through setting screws that allow the load applied to the rails to be adjusted.

Abstract: An elevator is provided to prevent a tail cord from being projected out of a tail-cord duct under the influence of air current flowing in the tail-cord duct. The tail-cord duct is formed along an elevating space in which a passenger car moves up and down. The tail-cord duct is provided, along the elevating space, with an opening that opens it. An arm part fixed to the passenger car is introduced into the tail-cord duct. In the tail-cord duct, a tail cord is suspended from the arm part. In plan view of the tail-cord duct, a portion of the arm part for suspending the tail cord is shifted from the opening in a duct-width direction of the duct.

Abstract: A disc brake comprises a base, a disc, two linkages pivoted on the base, wherein the linkages are respectively extended at opposite sides of the disc and along an orientation deviated from a diameter orientation of the disc, two brake blocks mounted on the linkages respectively and facing the disc wherein the brake blocks keep predetermined distances from the disc at initial, and a cable connected to the linkages to move the linkages towards the disc. The linkages serve as a pair of type 2 levers wherein the arm of input (the cable) is larger than the arm of output (the brake block). The linkages, therefore, have mechanical advantages larger than 1 so that less power of the cable input will provide greater power of braking.

Abstract: A driveline brake assembly for use on trucks as either a primary braking system or a secondary braking system. A camshaft connected to the driveline carries a number of cams thereon. Each cam has associated therewith a pair of pressure glides which ride on the cam from opposite sides. Each pressure glide may be forced against the cam forcibly due to an inflated air bladder pressing compression springs against the back of the pressure glide. This forcible pushing of the glides against the cams causes the camshaft to slow its rotational speed and accordingly slow the truck.

Abstract: An improved brake system is provided for a motor vehicle. The system includes a rotor attached to a rim of a wheel and a caliper assembly mounted to a hub of the wheel. The caliper is arranged to retain a friction element and operatively engage the friction element against the rotor.

Abstract: A cable disengagement prevention configuration for a drum brake device that provides a simple and safe connection of a brake cable to a brake lever and reliably prevents disengagement of the brake cable after connecting the brake cable to the brake lever. The cable disengagement prevention configuration mainly comprises a bowfront portion 18f of the brake lever 18 and a brake shoe 11. The bowfront portion 18f is formed between a primary seating 18e and a secondary seating 18g and is positioned apart from the primary seating 18e at an opening side of a U-shaped groove 18d. The cable disengagement prevention configuration allows a cable end fitting 28 to pass through a gap between the brake lever 18 and the brake shoe 11 only when rotating the brake lever 18.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for isolating torque fluctuations of a rotary drive shaft. The device comprises a first member (2) for connection to the drive shaft, a second member (3) for connection to a driven member and an intermediate member (21) interposed between the first and second members. The intermediate member comprises a radially outer ring (22) connected to the first member, a radially inner ring (24) connected to the second member and at least one resilient rolling element (32) in a cavity between the inner and outer rings. The cavity is defined by alignment of at least one pair of recesses (26, 29), one recess being on the radially inner surface of the outer ring and the other recess being on the outer surface of the inner ring, each recess having a ramped surface. Relative rotation of the first and second members causes relative rotation of the inner and outer rings so that the rolling element rotates and compresses.

Abstract: A ball-joint connection particularly for a braking system comprising a male element (2) and a female element (4), characterized in that a first end (14) of the male element (2) comprises means (28) that can be radially extracted automatically as said first end (14) of the male element (2) is mounted in a housing (16) of the female element (4. The extractable means (28) collaborating with the interior surface of the housing (16) in such a way as to produce a ball-joint connection between the male element (2) and the female element (4). The male element (2) forming one end of a piston of for a master cylinder and the female element (4) forms the actuating rod of the master cylinder.

Abstract: An electric caliper having a housing mounted adjacent a rotatable disc. First and second force applying elements support a friction element between the housing and the rotatable disc. An electric actuator is mounted in the housing and is operatively connected to the first and second force applying elements. The electric actuator is operable to move the first and second force applying elements and the friction element toward, and away from, the disc and cause the friction element to frictionally contact the disc. A method is also provided for applying first and second forces against a friction element in response to an operation of an electric motor. The first and second forces are applied with respective magnitudes so as to maintain a substantially constant wear between the edges of the first friction element.