Patents Issued in August 19, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040159160
    Abstract: Pressure gauge preferably arranged to function on the outside of a measuring element (1), the measuring element having a central cavity (103) and being constituted by at least two parts (100A-B) which are tightly joined for creation of the cavity, and comprising sensor organs (11-14) for the mechanical state of stress of the measuring element during pressure influence. The two parts of the measuring element (100A-B) are manufactured in planar techniques, preferably by silicon or quarts with the cavity running in the longitudinal direction. The central cavity has a considerably greater height than width. The sensor organs (11-14) have form of piezo-resistive elements arranged near an outer (105) eventually inner surface of the measuring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Bjorn Erik Seeberg
  • Publication number: 20040159161
    Abstract: A strain sensing apparatus for use in the presence of thermal gradients has a strain gauge and resistance temperature gauge in a planar assembly bonded to, deposited on or diffused or implanted in a substrate surface. The apparatus can sense strain and temperature independently and can be used alone or with a plurality of installations in strain gauge based transducers or experimental stress analysis. The output from the temperature gauge can be used accurately to compensate for unwanted thermal effects in the strain gauge and to measure temperature at the strain gauge site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: John D. Barnett
  • Publication number: 20040159162
    Abstract: An improved strain gage is disclosed. The strain gage includes a semi-rigid substrate having a thickness of about 1 to about 30 mils, a resistive strain sensitive foil bonded to the semi-rigid substrate for providing a resistance varying with strain associated with a surface to which the strain gage is attached, and a first and a second terminal operatively connected to the resistive strain sensitive foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Vishay Intertechnology
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Kieffer, Robert Barry Watson, Sharon Lee Karcher Harris
  • Publication number: 20040159163
    Abstract: An outer casing having an opening, an operating lever pivotably supported by a stick controller disposed in the outer casing, encoders for detecting the amount and the direction of the pivotal movement of the operating lever, motors for imparting a desired external force to the operating lever, and a monitor for displaying various menus and the current position of the operating lever are provided, a plurality of key switches arranged on the outer casing projecting from the opening of the outer casing so as to surround the operating lever, and the selecting operation of equipment selected from equipment menu options displayed on the monitor is determined by pressing the corresponding key switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Onodera
  • Publication number: 20040159164
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench has a lever arm pivotally coupled to a head member which is adapted for coupling to an associated fastener for rotation therewith about the rotational axis thereof, a torque sensing device being disposed on the head member for movement therewith relative to the lever arm. Different embodiments are provided for different degrees of relative angular movement between the head member and the lever arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: David D. Curry
  • Publication number: 20040159165
    Abstract: A torsion module includes first and second rings (9, 9′) and a spoked wheel (8). The first ring is attachable to a steering wheel (13). The spoked wheel is attached on top and bottom sides to the rings and has bending spokes which join a rim to a hub. The bending spokes bend in response to rotation angle offset between the hub and rim caused by torque on the steering wheel. A sensor, placed on a bending spoke, generates a signal indicative of bending experienced by the bending spoke in response to rotation angle offset between the hub and rim. The spoked wheel includes bending-resistant limit stop spokes each having a free end. The free ends engage the rim to limit rotation angle offset between the hub and rim. The rings have axially separated limit stops which enclose the free ends to prevent axial movement between the hub and rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Nieding, Ralf Bobel, Frank Blasing
  • Publication number: 20040159166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state piezoelectric motion transducer device formed by thin films. The motion transducer is used for generating an electrical signal output proportional to motion quantities such as acceleration, vibration, and rotation. The motion transducer is also used for generating motion in response to applied electrical input signals. The precision thin-film piezoelectric elements are configured and arranged on a semi-rigid structure with a high degree of symmetry, thereby providing improved correlation between the electrical input or output signal quantities and the associated mechanical motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Peter J. Schiller
  • Publication number: 20040159167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature-controlled injector for a chemical analysis unit, in particular a gas chromatograph, comprising an injector tube, which can be received by a receiving tube, having a cooling system, which surrounds the receiving tube, through which coolant can flow, which has coolant connections and which is designed as a metallic tube coil, and a resistance heating system for the injector tube, in which injector the receiving tube consists of a material of good thermal conductivity, is electrically insulating towards the outside, and the tube coil rests on the receiving tube, has an electrical resistance which is sufficient to rapidly heat the injector tube and can be acted on by current via electrical connection pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Ralf Bremer, Bernhard Rose
  • Publication number: 20040159168
    Abstract: An improved testing system for a manufactured rotary metal product having upper and lower surfaces. The testing system includes a gage frame with a fixed lower portion and a vertically movable gaging probe carrier in alignment with the lower portion configured for vertical movement between open and closed configurations to permit the loading and unloading of a product in the testing system. A shaft is provided for supporting the manufactured rotary metal product rotationally about a fixed axis within the gage frame, and at least one set of detectors is provided on each of the upper and lower gage frame portions to produce signals representative of the presence of predetermined characteristics on the upper and lower surfaces of the manufactured rotary metal product as the product is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Daniel Knerr
  • Publication number: 20040159169
    Abstract: A micro actuator including a translationally driving section having a moving portion which is incorporated in a case and moves translationally, and a displacement enlarging member having one end portion connected to the moving portion of the translationally driving section and another end portion connected to the case, wherein as the one end portion is pulled on the basis of the translational movement, the amount of displacement of its distal end is enlarged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20040159170
    Abstract: An actuating device includes a base part and a part which can be moved and is coupled to the base part in a manner such that it can pivot about a pivot axis. A driving device has a cable which can be wound up on a cable drum to drive the movement of the part which can be moved. The driving device has a pull/push rod which is coupled by its one end to the part which can be moved at a distance from the pivot axis and is guided movably by its second end along a guide path, which extends approximately at right angles to the pivot axis, on the base part. In this case, the second end of the pull/push rod can be pulled by a first cable to a first end of the guide path and by a second cable to a second end of the guide path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Ritter
  • Publication number: 20040159171
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized and lightweight gearshift operating device capable of performing the gearshift operation in a short time at low power consumption. A guide slit having a plurality of slits 41 parallel with the shift fork shafts and a plurality of slant slits 42 concentrated to the neutral point 43 from them is installed, and the follower 33 is operated along the guide slit, thus the number of times of starting and stopping the motor for the shift operation is reduced, and the load of the actuator for the selection operation is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tokuo, Masaru Yamasaki, Hiroshi Kuroiwa, Naoyuki Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20040159172
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable angle drive for a rotary power tool such as a drill. The adjustable angle drive includes input and output shafts journalled for rotation in input and output housings. The input and output shafts are rotatably coupled through gearing and are adjustable among different angular positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Welliver & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Barkdoll
  • Publication number: 20040159173
    Abstract: Disclosed here is a steering column apparatus that enables a single operation lever provided apart from the steering wheel and to be used for clamping/unclamping each of the telescopic mechanism and the tilting mechanism independently, as well as for keeping at least one of the telescopic mechanism and the tilting mechanism unclamped after it is unclamped even after the driver takes his/her hand off the operation lever. This makes it possible for the driver to use both hands to adjust at least either the position in the front-rear direction or tilting angle of the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicants: NSK LTD., NSK STEERING SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoki Sawada
  • Publication number: 20040159174
    Abstract: A locking device has an actuating lever for an adjustable steering column in a vehicle. The locking device is provided between a mounting fixed on the vehicle and a casing tube. The casing tube surrounds the steering column and can be adjusted relative to the mounting. The actuating lever can be pivoted below and/or to the side of the casing tube between a locking position and a release position for locking and releasing the casing tube. A handle component for the actuating lever is positioned at a given distance from the casing tube when the actuating lever is in the locking position. The actuating lever is configured as a deformation element and, when there is an impact, the handle component can be deformed in a direction toward the casing tube for absorbing energy and protecting the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Raav, Daniel Schikora, Jens-Peter Schnick, Harald Gerloff, Jorg Laue, Michael Werner
  • Publication number: 20040159175
    Abstract: A gearshift handgrip for bicycle is characterized in that a plurality of protruding dots or dimples is specifically arranged on the surface of the housing of a gearshift device adjacent to the handgrip, so that a rider can be aware of the gear position merely by touching the dots or dimples with fingers whenever a gearshift is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Po-Cheng Chen
  • Publication number: 20040159176
    Abstract: A brake pedal apparatus designed to prevent injury to a driver caused by the brake pedal apparatus crashing toward the ankle of the driver is disclosed. A pedal arm assembly has a first pedal arm connected to the body of a vehicle. A second pedal arm has an upper end that is rotatably connected to a lower end of the first pedal arm and a lower end that is provided with a pad to which a load is applied by a driver. A driving part generates torque for rotating or fixing the second pedal arm with respect to the first pedal arm and a controller controls the driving part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sang Woo Ji
  • Publication number: 20040159177
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a true bilateral connecting rod apparatus having a crankshaft defining an axis of rotation and a rod journal eccentrically mounted for circular rotation about the axis, and a pair of connecting rods attached to the rod journal for reciprocating motion in a common plane extending perpendicularly through the rod journal. One or more retaining rings engage the pair of connecting rods and secure the pair of connecting rods to the journal. A common bearing insert is disposed between the pair of connecting rods and the rod journal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Chad Rummel
  • Publication number: 20040159178
    Abstract: A split type connecting rod has a simple structure that is capable of suppressing rotation of a metal bearing, and avoiding problems such as burning. The split type connecting rod 200 holds a crank-pin through a metal bearing 213 which has locking lugs 213c, 213d. A bearing locking groove 201h locks at least one of the locking lugs 213d when the metal bearing 213 rotates forward in the circumferential direction of a crank-pin hole 101d. A bearing locking groove 201i locks at least one of the locking lugs 213c when the metal bearing 213 rotates backward. The bearing locking grooves 201h, 201i are deviated from each other in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Akitoshi Nakajima, Satoshi Kikuchi, Tsuyoshi Kubota, Tsuneo Isobe, Shinya Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20040159179
    Abstract: A split type connecting rod is capable of preventing problems of peeling and falling at the time of fracturing and splitting, securing alignment accuracy after the fracturing, reducing a processing time necessary for processing the groove and improving the processing accuracy. This split type connecting rod 100 includes a valley 106 formed on the inner circumferential surface of a crank-pin hole 101d of a large end portion 101e. Fracture starting point grooves 105 are also formed at the base of the valley 106.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kubota, Tsuneo Isobe, Shinya Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20040159180
    Abstract: A connecting rod of an internal combustion engine, comprising a connecting beam section serving as a main body of the connecting rod. Big and small ends are located at the opposite ends of the connecting beam section. A first joining section is located between the connecting beam section and the big end to connect the connecting beam section and the big end. A second joining section is located between the connecting beam section and the small end to connect the connecting beam section and the small end. In this connecting rod, each of the first and second joining sections gradually and continuously decreases in cross sectional area toward the connecting beam section and has a strength distribution in which a strength increases with a decrease in the cross sectional area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junpei Ogawa, Tomonori Miyazawa, Yoshio Okada, Jun Ikeuchi, Masashi Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040159181
    Abstract: A housing (40) for a gear unit, the housing being formed by a moulding process including casting, pressure casting, injection moulding or like processes. The housing (40) of the invention comprises housing walls and support for bearing elements of a gear shaft, the housing walls (47) and support (45, 46) being formed in a mould wherein the support (45, 46) is connected to a wall (47) of the housing (40) and extends from that wall (47) in a direction in which the housing is removed or demoulded from the mould. Further, a surface of the support may be shaped to provide elements to hold a liquid lubricant and elements to direct that lubricant to and/or from the bearing elements of a gear shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Dirk-Olaf Leimann
  • Publication number: 20040159182
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a mechanical steering transmission unit comprising an input drive shaft and two output driven shafts that can revolve in the same or opposite direction at the same speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sante M Cippitelli
  • Publication number: 20040159183
    Abstract: The power transmission of the car comprises an engine, a gearbox, a rotary electric unit which transmits power through the gearbox, and a clutch which is provided between the input shaft and the output shaft of said gearbox to control the torque between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Toshimichi Minowa, Mitsuo Kayano
  • Publication number: 20040159184
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting corrosion of metal surfaces in a furnace system are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, pulverized coal is burned as fuel in the presence of a copper ion catalyst/combustion aid. Corrosion is inhibited in these systems by the use of a blend of primary aminoalcohol such as 2-aminoethanol, tertiary aminoalcohol such as triethanol amine, and boric acid or water soluble salt form of the acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Robert Blandford, Libardo A. Perez
  • Publication number: 20040159185
    Abstract: A metallic article made of metallic constituent elements is fabricated from a mixture of nonmetallic precursor compounds of the metallic constituent elements. The mixture of nonmetallic precursor compounds contains more of a base-metal element, such as nickel, cobalt, iron, iron-nickel, and iron-nickel-cobalt than any other metallic element. The mixture of nonmetallic precursor compounds is chemically reduced to produce a metallic superalloy material, without melting the metallic superalloy material. The metallic superalloy material is consolidated to produce a consolidated metallic article, without melting the metallic superalloy material and without melting the consolidated metallic article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Clifford Earl Shamblen, Andrew Philip Woodfield, Eric Allen Ott, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti
  • Publication number: 20040159186
    Abstract: A particle producing apparatus includes a reaction container, an introduction portion for introducing a source gas and a reaction inhibitor generating gas into the reaction container, an inert gas introduction portion for introducing a carrier gas into the reaction container, a heater provided on the reaction container, and an exhaust portion. The growth of particles is controlled using a particle producing reaction and a reverse reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Isao Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040159187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the precipitation of nickel from an aqueous solution containing its sulphate as a metallic powder suitable as an alloying element for refined steel. In this method, nickel reduction takes place continuously in one or several autoclaves at a temperature of 80-180 ° C. and hydrogen pressure of 1-20 bar, whereby the production capacity can be raised significantly, compared to batch processes made in correspondingly dimensioned devices or equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Matti Hamalainen, Sigmund Fugleberg, Kari Knuutila
  • Publication number: 20040159188
    Abstract: A method for suppressing oxidation and burning in a molten magnesium alloy which my contain beryllium, comprising covering the exposed surface of the molten alloy in a protective atmosphere and dissolving strontium into the molten alloy is disclosed. This has the benefit of reducing magnesium losses due to oxidation thereby improving efficiency of the process. There is also disclosed a magnesium casting alloy comprising from about 1% to 10% by weight of aluminum, from about 1% to 30% by weight of zinc, from about 0.004% to 0.05 % by weight of strontium and unavoidable impurities, the balance being magnesium. Finally, there is disclosed a beryllium free magnesium die casting which is essentially free of flux inclusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Mihriban O. Pekguleryuz, Pierre Vermette
  • Publication number: 20040159189
    Abstract: A striking and removal implement having a head (10), comprising a specially designed striking surface, two special fingers opposite, a void at center for receiving handle (12). A weight (14) with an eyelet allows a strap (16) to be inserted through and secure said weight (14) at the back side of said receiver when said weight (14) is utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy C. Luton
  • Publication number: 20040159190
    Abstract: An extraction tool (20) for extracting spiral threaded inserts comprises an elongated basic body (23, . . . ,26), on the one end of which an extracting tip (28) narrowing toward the front and intended for being inserted with a cutting action into the threaded insert to be extracted is provided and on the other end of which means (23) for turning the extraction tool (20) about the tool longitudinal axis are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Graham Cristopher Young
  • Publication number: 20040159191
    Abstract: An axial pawl ratcheting mechanism is provided that may be used for a wrench and comprises a first disc including axial gear teeth on a first side providing for ratcheting in a first direction. A second disc is provided having axial gear teeth and peripheral gear teeth. The second disc is mounted to the first side of the first disc so that the first disc axial gear teeth engage the second disc axial gear teeth and provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly. A ratchet head is provided having an internally toothed opening for receiving the axial pawl ratchet assembly therein so that the peripheral gear teeth of the second disc engage the internal diameter teeth of the ratchet head in order to transfer torque between the ratchet head and the axial pawl ratchet assembly. An actuator is provided for adjusting the positioning of the axial pawl ratchet assembly between a first engagement position and a second engagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon A. Putney, Daniel S. Pusateri
  • Publication number: 20040159192
    Abstract: A ratchet driver having a ratchet control assembly and a driver assembly rotatable relative to the ratchet control assembly. A ratchet sleeve operatively connected to the driver assembly and having inwardly facing first and second control openings. The ratchet control assembly having first and second slots, having first and second stop slides, respectively, mounted therein. Moving mechanism to move the stop slides within the first and second control openings, respectively, stop slide control mechanism movable to a position to move said first stop slide out of the first control opening and allow the second stop slide to be in the second control opening and to move stop slide control means to a position to move the second stop slide out of the second control opening and allow the first stop slide to be in the first control opening, and to move the stop slide control means to a position to allow the first and second stop slides to be in the first and second control openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.
    Inventor: Qiu Jian Ping
  • Publication number: 20040159193
    Abstract: An adaptor device is developed for attaching to a wrench and for being driven by the wrench, the adaptor device includes an extension for attaching to the wrench, a shank extended from the extension and having an engaging hole to receive a tool member, the shank includes one or more slots to form one or more blades and to retain various tool members in the engaging hole of the shank. A ferrule includes a bore to receive the shank and includes an inclined surface to engage with the blade and to force the blade to engage with and to force against the tool member, or to release the blade from the tool member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Yi Chung Lin
  • Publication number: 20040159194
    Abstract: A joint of a pair of channel-lock pliers having an adjustable handle and a reference handle that are pivotally connected at a junction includes an elongated hole defined through the reference handle at the junction, a joint hole defined through the adjustable handle at the junction corresponding to the elongated hole and a pivot pin pivotally connecting the adjustable and the reference handles at the junction. The pivot pin has an enlarged first end and a second end, which passes through the elongated hole and the countersunk pivot hole in the handles and extends out of the countersunk pivot hole in the adjustable handle to be pressed and spread to pivotally rivet the handles together and be ground smooth to prevent protruding from the adjustable handle. Consequently, the handles are joined firmly, and appearance of the pliers is nice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng-Cheng Ting
  • Publication number: 20040159195
    Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle with a shank and a tip end is formed on a distal end of the shank. The tip end includes three tip planes which are oriented in different directions with each other. The tip planes allows the shank of the screwdriver to be engaged with the bolt heads inclinedly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20040159196
    Abstract: A tool for spreading apart a leg portion of a ski boot including a handle portion and a plate portion wherein the plate portion has at an end thereof means for engaging an inner piece of the leg portion and the handle portion at the end thereof has means for engaging an outer piece partially overlapping the inner piece of a ski boot leg portion. The means for engaging includes a first recess which opens inward of the plate portion and a second recess which opens outward of the handle portion. The handle portion and the plate portion are preferably separate components joined together in rotational relation to each other, preferably by a pivot fastening means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: John David Williams, Frank J. Lang
  • Publication number: 20040159197
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cutting cable. The apparatus has an elongate handle having a first end and a second end, and the first end has a first jaw member. A second jaw member pivots about the handle to form a set of jaws moving between an open position and a closed position. The set of jaws has a first cutting surface opposite a shaped supporting surface that receives and holds the cable being cut. The first cutting surface cuts the cable when the set of jaws is moved to the closed position. A channel in an outer surface of the apparatus includes a second cutting surface protruding from the channel for slitting an outer sheath of the cable. Wherein the cable is laid in the channel and, as the cable is pulled along the channel, the second cutting surface slits the outer sheath of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Forsberg, James Dickens, Charles Sawyer, Isaac D.M. White, Blake Urban
  • Publication number: 20040159198
    Abstract: A table saw has a movable cutting tool for cutting a workpiece in a cutting region. The table saw includes a detection system to detect one or more conditions between a person and the cutting tool and a retraction system associated with the detection system. The retraction system retracts the cutting tool away from the cutting region independently of the motor and disengages the cutting tool from driving rotation with the motor upon detection of the one or more conditions by the detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David G. Peot, William C. Buck
  • Publication number: 20040159199
    Abstract: A table saw such as a chop saw, a miter saw, compound miter saw or a sliding compound miter saw that is provided with a laser arbor alignment system. An opaque shield or transparent shield having an opaque mask blocks the laser beam from being projected into a range of normal operator eye positions. One or more openings in the shield or opaque mask provide a sight line on a workpiece initially. As the saw is moved into engagement with the workpiece, the shield is pivoted away from the workpiece and a solid laser line is projected on the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: One world Technologies Limited
    Inventors: David G. Peot, Philip F. Minalga, George M. Hornick, William C. Buck, William E. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20040159200
    Abstract: A table saw insert (10) includes an annular table insert portion (22) formed of machinable aluminum and a kerf insert portion (20) received in a stepped passage (44) formed in the table insert portion (22). Holding screws (56) extend through counterbored openings (54) in the kerf insert portion (20) and are threadably received in lips (46) of the table insert portion (22). Set screws (52) are threadably received in the lips (46) on diametrically opposite sides of the holding screws (56) to adjust the upper surface of the kerf insert portion (20) to be planar with the upper surface of the table insert portion (22). Ball plungers(30) are located in plunger openings (36) extending from the outer periphery of the table insert portion (22) to remove side-to-side play of the insert (10) within the table opening (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Stoffel
  • Publication number: 20040159201
    Abstract: A securement device for securing a drum head upon a drum shell or body through a tension rod, including a lug assembly that not only allows a downward pull on and hence tightening of the associated tension rod, but also provides for three additional parameters of adjustment of the position and aspect of the lower end of the tension rod relative to the associated drum shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Walter B. Jeffries, Tyler D. Hauth, Sarah M. Jeffries
  • Publication number: 20040159202
    Abstract: A keyboard instrument is provided which inhibits generation of unintended, audible noise. A partition (body part) is arranged between adjacent hammers corresponding to keys. In the keyboard instrument provided with the partition, even if the keyboard instrument is rotated vertically and a hammer falls, the partition prevents the hammer from freely falling and striking adjacent hammers. Also, the hammer is restricted from generating unintended sounds for reasons unrelated to falling. Accordingly, generation of an unintended audible sound of the hammers can be reliably restrained in the present keyboard instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Shinji Niitsuma
  • Publication number: 20040159203
    Abstract: A tension adjustment mechanism for a stringed musical instrument suitable for use on a tailpiece assembly comprises a pivoting member (such as a string receptor), an adjustable stop, and a lever handle engaged with the pivoting member. The pivoting member preferably has a post for securely receiving an end of a string and an elongate arm. Placement of the handle in a first position preferably causes the adjustable stop to engage and depress the elongate arm of the pivoting member, thereby increasing tension on the string. Placement of the handle in a second position preferably causes the adjustable stop to disengage the elongate arm of the pivoting member, thereby allowing the pivoting member to return to its original position, and decreasing tension on the string. A fine tuning adjustment may be included in the tailpiece assembly. The adjustable stop and/or fine tuning adjustment may comprise adjustable screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: E.L.V.H., INC.
    Inventor: Edward Van Halen
  • Publication number: 20040159204
    Abstract: A removable nut assembly for stringed musical instruments is disclosed for facilitating release of the tension on the strings to enable disassembly and removal of the strings from the instrument. In certain embodiments, the bridge assembly and the nut assembly of the stringed instrument are readily removable so that an entire set of strings can be quickly removed and replaced. Kits and methods of replacing the strings of a stringed musical instrument are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Floyd D. Rose
  • Publication number: 20040159205
    Abstract: String tensioning system for a stringed instrument having an instrument body, at least one tensionable string that is fixed at both its ends to the instrument body, and a chamber accommodating a portion of the at least one tensionable string when the portion is arranged between a string introduction aperture and a fixing point arranged opposite to the string introduction aperture, wherein the system includes at least one string tensioning device that can be activated from outside of the instrument body. The at least one string tensioning device is accommodated in a chamber of the instrument body. The at least one string tensioning device includes a tensioning screw and a string tensioning head. The tensioning screw extends into the chamber. The string tensioning head is connected to the portion and is movable in a longitudinal direction by rotating the tensioning screw. A free space is arranged on opposite sides of the string tension head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Erismann
  • Publication number: 20040159206
    Abstract: A locking device for an electric guitar with a tremolo base plate prevents pivotal movement of the tremolo base plate. The locking device has a slide plate with a receptive slot for slidable reception of a cooperative key. The key contains a body for initiation of longitudinal motion within the slide plate slot and has an adjustable engagement member which is alignable for contact with a rear edge of the tremolo base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Aaron Rhett Trooien
  • Publication number: 20040159207
    Abstract: The Floating Blade Plectrum Mk.2 is a general purpose plectrum suitable for all types of guitar playing. The floating blade plectrum Mk. 2 comprises a ‘blade’ with a ‘non-rigid attachment’ between this and two ‘rigidity layers’. The ‘rigidity layers’ are enclosed between two ‘grip layers’. The ‘moment plates’ are attached to the ‘grip layers’ and are made of a thin semi-rigid material. There are ‘mechanical grips’ provided on the upper side of the lower ‘moment plate’ and the lower side of the upper ‘moment plate’. There is a ‘tension fixing’ immediately behind the trailing edges of the ‘moment plates’. There are two ‘grip layer contour pieces’. The presence of the ‘moment plates’ and ‘mechanical grips’ increases the maximum rigidity of the plectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Peter John Glyde
  • Publication number: 20040159208
    Abstract: A fixture is made up of: a main body 10 composed of a placement portion 12 in which a stripe-shaped member (strap 3) or a line-shaped member is inserted and placed, a through hole 15 through which a bulging portion 2b of an attachment target section 2 can be inserted, and an insertion groove 16 linked to the through hole 15 and extended from the through hole 15 to an opposite side of the placement portion 12 in which the shaft portion 2a of the attachment target section 2 is inserted; engagement members 23 that are rotatably mounted on the main body 10 and that are composed of engagement portions 25 projected inside the insertion groove 16 to form a small hole B larger than the shaft portion 2a and smaller than a bulging portion 2b along with an end portion of the insertion groove 16, and operation portions 28 projected outward from the main body 10; and a biasing member 29 for biasing the engagement members 23 so as to retain the engagement portions 25 of the engagement members 23 in a state of being project
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Masatoshi Yasunori
  • Publication number: 20040159209
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling simultaneous balancing and tuning of an acoustic drum with a single adjustment. A band, such as a cable, extends about adjustment ties which holds the drum skin or head to the housing or hoop of the drum so that, when tightened, the head will be placed under tension. With the present invention, that tension applied to the skin or head is evenly distributed. In this way, one touch tuning is achieved with simultaneous balancing since there will be a constant tension applied to each of the ties holding the drum skin on the body of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas R. Henry