Patents Issued in November 4, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040216556
    Abstract: A differential carrier, adapted to rotatably support a differential assembly and a final drive assembly, includes an integrally formed cage-type differential carrier frame member comprising a pair of axially spaced pinion support members for rotatably supporting a pinion drive shaft, a pair of laterally spaced opposite differential support members for rotatably supporting a differential case, at least one first arm member interconnecting the pinion support members, and at least two second arm members each interconnecting at least one of the pinion support members with one of the differential support members to thereby define a cage-type space frame of the differential carrier. The differential carrier frame member further comprises a continuous flange member integrally secured to the differential support members and defining a rear access opening in the differential carrier, and a mounting member for mounting the differential carrier to a vehicle sprung mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Todd A. Smith, Michael J. Catalano, Edward Eugene Stuart, Ken E. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20040216557
    Abstract: A power split transmission (5) having at least two input shafts (12, 14) and at least one output shaft (16) for transmitting a drive torque from one transmission unit (3) to one drive wheel (4) of a drive axle (6, 7) of a vehicle. One of the input shafts (12) is operatively connected with one output shaft (8A, 8B) and one other input shaft (14) with a transmission unit (15) and the output shaft (16) is in operative connection with the drive wheel (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Uwe Griesmeier
  • Publication number: 20040216558
    Abstract: Methods of forming sintered valve metal are described. The methods involve sintering a valve metal such as tantalum or niobium in the presence of an iodine source. The method optionally includes deoxidizing the metal using the same equipment used in sintering and/or as a combined step. The sintered valve metal formed by the methods of the present invention preferably has relatively large pores and other properties desirable for making capacitors that have high capacitance and low leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Mariani
  • Publication number: 20040216559
    Abstract: Any one of a Ti-containing water-soluble salt, metatitanic acid (TiO(OH)2) Slurry and ultra fine titanium oxide powder, and a transition metal containing metal salt are dissolved in water to prepare a raw material mixture. The raw material is spray-dried to obtain precursor powder, which is calcined to form ultra fine Ti/transition metal complex oxide and is then mixed with nano-sized carbon particles and subjected to reduction and carburization in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Byoung Kee Kim, Seong Hyeon Hong, Yong Won Woo
  • Publication number: 20040216560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing pig iron or liquid primary steel products in a blast furnace, CO2 being substantially removed from at least a partial stream of a top gas emerging from a reduction shaft furnace (1), and this partial stream if appropriate being heated and being introduced into the blast furnace as reduction gas, and to a plant for carrying out this process, the top gas being introduced into the lower region of the blast-furnace shaft. This measure results in an improved energy balance and improved process management compared to the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Leopold Werner Kepplinger, Herbert Mizelli, Johann Wurm
  • Publication number: 20040216561
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a jar opener assembly including a torquing tool and a pad which are used in conjunction with each other in order to easily remove a lid from a jar by placing the pad under the jar and attaching the torquing tool so that a cavity having serrated edges abuts against the jar lid in order to apply torque thereto. The torquing tool includes a pad receiving area to which the pad is mounted when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Anthony Di Bitonto, Wilfrido Loor, Kevin Lozeau, Jeff Brunner
  • Publication number: 20040216562
    Abstract: A tool having first and second levers pivotably mounted in the manner of pliers with handle ends and opposite jaw ends. At the jaw ends the levers' jaws face one another and have complementary structures that can grasp a bulb therebetween. Each jaw has a shoulder at one lateral jaw side and a lip at the end of the lever. The lips of the facing jaws are adjacent one another, and the shoulder of one lever is on the opposite lateral side of the tool as the shoulder of the other lever. This creates a central jaw cavity on each jaw, and the facing cavities form a chamber in the jaw into which the bulb fits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel T. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20040216563
    Abstract: A power drive-in tool (4) for use in a stand-up tool includes a holding device (16) arranged in a front, in a drive-in direction, section of the drive-in tool and in which a fastening element (18) can be automatically received and released, a guide (6) for the fastening element (18) associated with the driving-tool (4) and connected to the holding device (16) by a feed track (7), an intermediate securing device (20) located in the feed track (7) and in which the fastening element (18) is held before being fed toward the holding device (16) and which is provided with a side stop displaceable into the feed track (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Mnfred Ludwig, Markus Looser, Bernhard Liebert, Thomas Hofbrucker
  • Publication number: 20040216564
    Abstract: A wrench includes a head with an engaging wheel rotatably received in a through hole in the head and a recess is defined in an inner periphery of the through hole so as to receive two pawls therein. A recessed area is defined in a surface of the head and a bridge portion is located between the through hole and the recessed area. A space is defined in an underside of the bridge portion and in communication with the through hole. Each pawl has a protrusion and the space allows the protrusions of the pawl to be inserted in the recess without any orientation adjustment. A control member is rotatably received in the recessed area and has a concavity for retaining the two protrusions therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Publication number: 20040216565
    Abstract: A pawl of a ratchet tool includes two protrusions extending from a rear side thereof so as to contact the curve inside of the recess fro receiving the pawl of the wrench. A spring is biased between an end of the pawl and the inside of the recess. The curve inside of the recess applies two forces at different angles along the curve inside to the two protrusions of the pawl so as to push the pawl to match its driving teeth with the engaging teeth of the engaging wheel in the wrench. The multiple contact points between the pawl and the curve inside of the recess share the force so as to reduce damage of the pawl and the inside of the recess due to the stress concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Publication number: 20040216566
    Abstract: A tool is provided in an outer surface with a first identification device and a second identification device disposed on the first identification device. The first identification device is used to associate the tool with the metric or British system in terms of specification. The second identification device is used to print thereon the specification of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Leo Shih
  • Publication number: 20040216567
    Abstract: A wrench socket assembly comprises a socket having a main body; the main body including: an upper end portion being coated with silver thin film and having an inside formed with a mounting recess; the mounting recess of the main body of the socket having a wall formed with at least one positioning hole; the upper end portion of the main body having a peripheral wall formed with at least one through hole penetrating through the peripheral wall of the mounting recess; and a lower end portion having a color different from that of the upper end portion. A wrench with a pin can be used with the socket. The pin can be locked into the through hole or the positioning hole of the mounting recess so as to fix the socket to the wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Publication number: 20040216568
    Abstract: A method of destroying signals stored on a compact disk includes the step of destroying a Start Lead In (SLD) area on a compact disk to ruin lead-in signals recorded on the SLD, such that all other data stored on the compact disk cannot be read. Undesirable disclosure of the data stored on the compact disk is effectively prevented when the compact disk is discarded after the SLD is destroyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Weng
  • Publication number: 20040216569
    Abstract: The present invention relates, for example, to a cutter, an apparatus for producing an interlabial pad having the cutter, a cutting method, and a method for producing the interlabial pad including the cutting method. The cutter cuts out a member from continuous sheet base material. In accordance with the present invention, separation of the members and the remaining base material is ensured so that disclocation of the cut-out member is prevented from occuring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Mizutani, Masashi Hosokawa, Koichi Yamaki, Yuki Noda
  • Publication number: 20040216570
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting wooden piles underwater and a method of use are disclosed. The apparatus has a frame and brace configured for engaging a pile. A pressure medium activated cutting device is connected to the frame and oriented at an angle such that a pile can be cut at a point below the bottom surface. The frame and brace are placed on opposite sides of the pile and connected to each other with a chain or cable. The apparatus has lines attached thereto and the other ends of the lines are attached to a boat or other flotation device. Using the disclosed apparatus to remove pilings causes significantly less turbidity than devices or methods currently available. Additionally, using the disclosed device also eliminates the need to decontaminate silt removed from the water using the currently available methods or devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Wilbur L. Clark, Michael T. Clark, Keith Cronin
  • Publication number: 20040216571
    Abstract: The combination of a sheet cutting apparatus and a tool. The sheet cutting apparatus has a base with a surface for supporting a sheet material operatively positioned upon the base. A rail assembly on the base has a length. The sheet cutting apparatus further includes a blade assembly. The blade assembly has an operative state in which the blade assembly is movable guidingly in a cutting path along the length of the rail assembly to make a cut in a sheet material operatively positioned upon the base, and is repositionable relative to the rail assembly from the operative state into a separated state. The tool is operable by a user to facilitate repositioning of the blade assembly from the operative state into the separated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Richard J. Schultz, Hideki Koto
  • Publication number: 20040216572
    Abstract: A cutting head mounting and supporting ring assembly having an interlocking joint arrangement for mounting the cutting head on a food slicing machine. The ring assembly includes a support ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending flange segments having a flange end portion inclined relative to the axis thereof, and a mounting ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending protrusions having a protrusion end portion inclined relative to the axis thereof. The flange and protrusion surfaces of the flange segments and the protrusions are complimentary shaped and arranged to mutually engage face-to-face to define scarf type joint connections when they are interdigited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel W. King, Michael S. Jacko, Paul Arrasmith
  • Publication number: 20040216573
    Abstract: A hydraulic cutting device for a raw aluminum material includes an input tract for transporting the raw aluminum material to a cutting seat to be cut by the incorporation of a movable cutting block and a fixed cutting block. A measuring device is provided to measure the length of the raw aluminum material being cut. After the raw aluminum material is cut, an output cylinder is activated to transport the cut raw aluminum material to an output tract which is driven by a motor via a chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chu-Hsiung Kuo
  • Publication number: 20040216574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for keeping in place rolled media, while pulling the leading edge of the media, then holding the unrolled or flat media, (herein referred to as “media”) in place. The media could be made from, but is not limited to, materials such as paper, plastic, metal, or fabric. This is done while measuring a desired length from the leading edge and cutting the measured portion of the media. The invention provides a portable, safe, easy, and convenient device for handling, uncurling, sizing and cutting a desired portion of the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Chabansky
  • Publication number: 20040216575
    Abstract: A power tool includes a table. A shaft is disposed on the table and has an axis. A support housing supporting a motor and a working tool driven by the motor is disposed on the shaft adjacent to the table. The support housing is axially movable along the shaft and being laterally pivotable about an axis of rotation. A locking mechanism is further provided for locking the support housing at a predetermined lateral position, wherein the locking mechanism may include a handle disposed on the shaft, the handle being rotatable in two directions with respect to the table, such that, upon rotation of the handle in both directions from a neutral position, the handle urges the support housing into contact with the table. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the table. The locking mechanism may further include a first camming surface disposed on the table and a second camming surface disposed on the shaft and engaging the first camming surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Mark E. Brunson, William R. Stumpf, Adan Ayala
  • Publication number: 20040216576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective spool dispenser that is portable, efficient and convenient for dispensing line. The dispenser has four corner members and upper and lower sidebars, forming a box-like outer frame. A crossbar extends between two adjacent corner members. A spool-receiving arm extends from the crossbar. The end of the spool-receiving arm opposite the crossbar is unsecured, so that a spool of line may be easily slid onto the arm. The arm includes a tensioning spring, two washers and a fastening pin. The spool is sandwiched between the two washers. Free spinning is prevented due to the tensioning spring. The disclosed dispenser also preferably includes a cutter mechanism for cutting line to desired lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: James Dewey Maxey
  • Publication number: 20040216577
    Abstract: The present invention is a slug control tool facilitating the discard of material from a punch face in a punch-die operation. In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of an opening and a throat forming a tapered wall along the cavity of a die land. Clearance between punch and opening, as well as between punch and throat, insure contact between wall and slug some distance from the opening. In other embodiments, the tapered wall is aligned with a second tapered wall between throat and a second opening. The second tapered wall prevents contact between slug and relief The described invention is applicable to die tools including but not limited to bushings and die plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: James J. McCrudden
  • Publication number: 20040216578
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable punch, which includes a handle end and an opposite punch holding end. The portable punch has a grip that helps to orient the portable punch when in use. The grip may take the form of a sleeve with the thickness of the plastic sleeve being approximately equal to one-half of the distance that the punch die extends from the cutting side of the portable punch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin L. Corcoran, Robert E. Workman, Trevor Freeman, Guorui Deng
  • Publication number: 20040216579
    Abstract: A food slicer includes a frame with a food-receiving platform having an aperture therein. A reversible cutting blade has first and second cutting edges and is selectively removably mountable on the frame in first and second positions for respectively disposing the first and second cutting edges in the aperture for engagement with food being moved along the platform. Support legs are rotatably carried by the frame for movement between a stowed position disposed against the frame entirely between inner surfaces of side walls thereof and a use position extending from the frame and laterally outwardly of the inner surfaces of the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Roland Zeder, Thomas J. DeBlasis, Conor P. McNamara, Dean DiPietro
  • Publication number: 20040216580
    Abstract: A circular saw blade assembly of a tree felling head of a type which has peripherally mounted cutting teeth. The assembly has a circular disc plate with a rim. Mounting lug arrangements evenly distributed and outwardly projecting around the rim receive tooth holders having respective heads adapted to receive the cutting teeth, and respective shanks projecting behind the heads and adapted to receive bolts for fastening the cutting teeth against the heads of the tooth holders. Each mounting lug arrangement has opposite lug elements spaced from each other and extending in parallel with a radial plane of the disc plate. The lug elements of each mounting lug arrangement define an outwardly opened channel extending substantially in a tangential direction with respect to the rim and into which the shank of one of the tooth holders is slideably mountable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Michel Taillon
  • Publication number: 20040216581
    Abstract: A drum pulsatile for achieving agile and labor saving operation includes a base and an anchor rack located at the front side of the base which has an transverse upper rod located on the top section thereof. The upper rod is coupled with a rocking wheel which is fastened to a beater. The base has a rear end pivotally engaged with a pedal. The pedal has a front end fastened to a chain which winds around the front peripheral surface of the rocking wheel and has a distal end fastening to the rocking wheel. There is an elastic adjustment unit located on one side of the base that has an upper end coupling with the upper rod and a lower end movably connecting to the base thereby enables a drummer to step on the pedal in an agile and labor-saving manner at a faster speed to hit the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Publication number: 20040216582
    Abstract: A front board, side boards and a rear board define the periphery of a cabinet for a keyboard musical instrument; a top board is connected to the front board through a mortise and tenon joint, and is further coupled to rear posts by means of an angle bar and bolts; the tenon is easily inserted into the mortise so as to make the assembling work easy and speedy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Tomonori Ichikawa, Satoshi Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040216583
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for enhancing the sound of musical instruments using an acoustically reflective element. In an example embodiment of the present invention, an acoustically reflective element is provided. This acoustically reflective element is adapted to be placed on the floor underneath a musical instrument such that sound waves from the musical instrument which strike the reflective element are reflected upward, thereby enhancing the sound of the musical instrument. A protective band may be provided around a perimeter of the reflective element. This protective band will prevent the edge of the reflective element from cutting the user or causing other damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph E. Calzone
  • Publication number: 20040216584
    Abstract: Method for assisting musical composition for harmonic performance comprises inputting or selecting, on an instrument or a device associated with an instrument, a note corresponding to the tonality of the piece to be played, and the instrument or associated device locates or displays, on the basis of the inputted tonality note, a first range of notes, called melody notes and the instrument or associated device displays or locates selectively, on the basis of the inputted or selected tonality note and the melody note actuated within the authorized range of melody notes, a series of notes forming a chord corresponding to the actuated melody note.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Serge Audigane
  • Publication number: 20040216585
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting a music snippet from a music stream are described. In one aspect, one or more music sentences are extracted from the music stream. The one or more sentences are extracted as a function of peaks and valleys of acoustic energy across sequential music stream portions. The music snippet is selected based on the one or more music sentences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Lie Lu, Hong-Jiang Zhang, Po Yuan
  • Publication number: 20040216586
    Abstract: The invention described here consists of an algorithmic method called ps13 that reliably computes the correct pitch names (e.g., C♯4, B♭5 etc.) of the notes in a passage of tonal music, when given only the onset-time and MIDI note number of each note in the passage. The ps13 algorithm has been shown to be more reliable than previous algorithms, correctly predicting the pitch names of 99.33% of the notes in a test corpus containing 1729886 notes and consisting of 1655 movements from works by 9 baroque and classical composers. This was shown to be significantly greater than the percentage of notes in the same large corpus spelt correctly by the algorithms of Temperley, Cambouropoulos and Longuet-Higgins. ps13 is faster than the algorithms of Temperley and Cambouropoulos and requires less information in its input than Temperley's algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: David Meredith
  • Publication number: 20040216587
    Abstract: Prior art synthesizers often select a small interval d to detune. For example, if the nominal oscillator frequency was 1000 Hz, then applying a detune parameter of 10 cent would result in a detuned oscillator frequency of 1006 Hz. However, at the next octave, the nominal frequency would be 2000 Hz with the detuned oscillator frequency of 2012 Hz. Accordingly, a detuned oscillator has a frequency deviation which is proportional to its nominal frequency. Hence, when mixing detuned oscillators, the resulting signal has a beat frequency which varies with the pitch and doubles with each octave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chris Adam
  • Publication number: 20040216588
    Abstract: A synthesiser to generate sounds often in a musical environment but also in a speech environment. Such synthesis of sounds is often accompanied by at least one mode of filtering or many modes. Hitherto, the application of such filtering has involved a control for each filter. This may be by way of a lever, toggle or rotatable knob. Thus, a user when applying the filters is required to adjust each control independently of the other. This enhances the complexity and a large amount of skill is involved in accurately selecting the required amount and types of filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Steffan Diedrichsen
  • Publication number: 20040216589
    Abstract: Tungsten-containing articles and manufacturing processes for tungsten-containing articles. The articles may include firearms projectiles, such as shot, shot slugs, bullets, big game bullets, lead-equivalent bullets, black powder bullets, etc.; radiation shields; and weights, such as fishing weights, dart weights, golf club weights, wheel weights, stabilizers, etc. The projectiles may be at least one of non-toxic, lead-free, ferromagnetic, frangible, sintered, sealed, plated, and/or jacketed. The manufacturing processes include various powder-metallurgy and molten metal processes, and sealing, reforming, intermediate structure, reshaping, plating, working, and jacketing steps which may be selectively utilized. The processes may include forming an intermediate structure and reshaping the structure under different pressure or process to a desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Darryl D. Amick
  • Publication number: 20040216590
    Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core 96 formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket 10. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end 14 and a closed end 16. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface 20 of the closed end 16 of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern of indentions 22 which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Doris Nebel Beal Inter Vivos Patent Trust
    Inventor: Harold F. Beal
  • Publication number: 20040216591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge device for a cartridge (1) having two chambers (2, 3) that are arranged concentrically to one another and are closed by pistons (9, 10), the discharge device having a discharge ram (11) having a thread (12), which is axially displaceable by being screwed into an end piece which is arranged at the rear end of the cartridge (1) and has an internal thread (14). In order to allow simple manufacture of the discharge device and to facilitate its handling, the discharge ram (11) has an inner plunger (16) which exerts pressure on the piston (9) of the inner chamber (2) and, arranged concentrically with the inner plunger (16), an outer plunger (17) which exerts pressure on the ring-shaped piston (10) of the outer chamber (3), the outer surface of the outer plunger (17) being provided with the thread (12) which extends over its entire length. Furthermore, the end piece having the internal thread (14) is in the form of a threaded ring (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Amir Assadi, Juergen Gruen, Clements Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040216592
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving at least one explosive driven projectile into an open hole or well bore of a subterranean formation for the purpose of stimulating productive formation. The apparatus is capable of pivoting within the open hole or well bore for desired firing at an angle and is also capable of deep penetration into a subterranean formation. The apparatus may also be conveyed by a tubing in horizontal drilling applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Alan L. Nackerud
  • Publication number: 20040216593
    Abstract: A rapidly deployable portable convertible blast effects shield/ballistic shield includes a set two or more telescoping cylindrical rings operably connected to each other to convert between a telescopically-collapsed configuration for storage and transport, and a telescopically-extended upright configuration forming an expanded inner volume. In a first embodiment, the upright configuration provides blast effects shielding, such as against blast pressures, shrapnel, and/or fire balls. And in a second embodiment, the upright configuration provides ballistic shielding, such as against incoming weapons fire, shrapnel, etc. Each ring has a high-strength material construction, such as a composite fiber and matrix material, capable of substantially inhibiting blast effects and impinging projectiles from passing through the shield. And the set of rings are releasably securable to each other in the telescopically-extended upright configuration, such as by click locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: John W. Pastrnak, Rocky Hollaway, Carl D. Henning, Steve Deteresa, Walter Grundler, Lisle B. Hagler, Edwin Kokko, Vernon A. Switzer
  • Publication number: 20040216594
    Abstract: A composite component includes splinter arrestors laminated transverse to the fiber orientation of an outermost composite material layer. The splinter arrestors are located upon the outermost composite material layers at a predetermined distance from each other to constrain a splinter of fibers from the outermost composite material layers to an acceptable length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Kay
  • Publication number: 20040216595
    Abstract: A formed metallic armor assembly is disclosed, wherein a backing portion is adhered to a durable, formed metallic facing element. The metallic facing element has a reduced effective density to reduce the weight of the assembly without reducing the effectiveness of defeating penetration threats. The backing portion is selected to have a predetermined thickness to be effective against predetermined penetration threats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Dickson
  • Publication number: 20040216596
    Abstract: An adjustable fixture for mounting any of a plurality of weapon sets to an aircraft includes a bracket and lugs that are adjustably mechanically coupled to the bracket. The fixture may be adjusted once, to achieve proper orientation relative to the aircraft for boresighting, and may thereafter allow switching of weapon sets, either of the same type or of different types, without a need for re-boresighting. Quick-release fasteners, such as quick-release pins, may be used to couple the weapon sets to the fixture, to allow for easy and rapid change of weapon stores. The fixture may include one or more adapters used to allow various kinds of weapon sets to be coupled to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Isker, Michael L. Wells, Daniel P. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040216597
    Abstract: An artillery gun having a weapon disposed on a carrier vehicle is provided and comprises a first module, containing the weapon and mounted on a gun mount and also containing at least a portion of an automatic projectile feed mechanism. A second module contains further portions of the projectile feed mechanism. A standby member disposed to the rear of a projectile transporter of the feed mechanism is displaceably guided and can be disposed in a transfer position parallel to a charger disposed on a free end of a projectile transfer arm of the first module. A third module is provided and is embodied as a munitions magazine in which are stored upright projectiles that are adapted to be grasped via a projectile transporter and, accompanied by rotation and alignment, are conveyed via the standby member and charger into a region at the rear of the end of the weapon and to be raised into a loading position. At least one fourth module forms the carrier vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Kohlstedt, Heinz-Jurgen Schlomer, Heinrich Heldmann, Lars Schneider, Ernst Reitting, Peter Liebel
  • Publication number: 20040216598
    Abstract: A device to recuperate the energy produced during the recoiling of a weapon provided with a hydraulic fluid power circuit, wherein said device comprises an energy recuperating cylinder activated by the recoil of said weapon, a double-acting cylinder comprising two chambers separated by a piston, a first chamber of said cylinder being connected to said hydraulic power circuit of said weapon, said piston of said cylinder pushing said hydraulic fluid in said circuit into a storage accumulator when said weapon recoils. The energy recuperating cylinder comprises a second chamber connected to a recoil mechanism that ensures pressurising of said mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: GIAT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Dominique Guesnet, Alain Charton
  • Publication number: 20040216599
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling hydraulic output to a plurality of actuatable devices are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of main valves coupled, respectively, to the actuatable devices and to respective secondary valves, and also an adjustment valve that is coupled between a pressure source and one or more of the secondary valves. The adjustment valve receives a first indication of a pressure at the one or more secondary valves, and a second indication related to a highest load pressure. The adjustment valve allows pressure to be provided from the pressure source to the one or more secondary valves when the second indication exceeds the first indication, such that an equal amount of fluid flow occurs with respect to each of those secondary valves that is reduced in comparison with the fluid flow to any other secondary valves that are not connected to the adjustment valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Gary J. Pieper
  • Publication number: 20040216600
    Abstract: The invention proceeds from a drive device which is used, in particular, for the closing unit, the injection unit or the ejectors of a plastic injection molding machine and which has a drive element movable axially by means of an electric motor and a hydraulic unit movable as a result of the movement of the drive element in the same direction as the latter. In drive devices for the applications mentioned, it is important first to execute a rapid adjusting movement and then to exert high forces. In a known drive device having the features mentioned, the hydraulic unit is a hydraulic cylinder which, during the adjusting movement, is adjusted by the electric motor via a lifting spindle and to which pressure medium is supplied via a valve for the purpose of exerting a high force. In this known drive device, high reaction forces act on the lifting spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jorg Dantlgraber
  • Publication number: 20040216601
    Abstract: A rotary valve of a rotating fluid machine includes a moving valve plate disposed on a rotor, a stationary valve plate which is disposed on a valve body engaged with a rear cover to be unable to rotate and movable in the direction of the axis of the rotor, the two plates being brought into contact with each other on sliding faces orthogonal to the axis. Three engaging pins are planted on the inner face of the rear cover so as to surround the axis in parallel to the axis. The engaging pins are slidably fitted into pin holes formed in a back face of the valve body. This configuration enables the valve body to move in the direction of the axis to bring the sliding faces into close contact with each other, and enables the valve body to oscillate around the axis, thereby enhancing the compliance of the sliding faces and preventing leakage of a working medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Naoki Itoh
  • Publication number: 20040216602
    Abstract: A rotary valve of a rotating fluid machine is constructed by bringing into contact, on sliding faces which are orthogonal to an axis, a moving valve plate provided on a rotor and a stationary valve plate provided on a valve body. An annular member pivotably supports the valve body by a fulcrum shaft. The annular member has a pair of projections at its two ends. The pair of projections are engaged slidably in the direction of the axis with a pair of guide grooves formed in a rear cover. When the valve body is pressed in the direction of the axis to bring the sliding faces into close contact with each other, the pair of projections receive a uniform frictional resistance from the guide grooves, so that the annular member is prevented from inclining off a plane orthogonal to the axis. Therefore, the compliance of the sliding faces can be secured to prevent a working medium from leaking and to suppress uneven wear of the sliding faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Naoki Itoh, Hiroyuki Makino
  • Publication number: 20040216603
    Abstract: Reciprocating compressor (100), in particular CO2 compressor for vehicle air-conditioning units, with a swivel disk (107), in particular annular in form, that is rotated by a drive shaft (104) and can be positioned at an adjustable angle with respect to the drive shaft (104), wherein said disk is connected in an articulated manner to a sliding sleeve (108) that can be moved axially along the drive shaft (104) as well as to at least one supporting element (109) so disposed that it is spaced apart from the drive shaft (104) and rotates therewith, and wherein each of the pistons (106) comprises a joint arrangement (110) with which the swivel disk (107) is in sliding engagement. The articulated connection (116) between drive shaft (104) and swivel disk (107) serves substantially only to transmit torque, whereas the supporting element (109) serves substantially only to provide axial support to the pistons (106) and hence to absorb the force exerted by the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Otfried Schwarzkopf
  • Publication number: 20040216604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cup-shaped hydraulic piston (10) made from rolled sheet metal, which comprises an open end (12), a side wall (16) with a cylindrical outer surface (18) and an inner surface (22), as well as a piston head (14). The side wall (16) at its outer surface (18) is provided with an annular groove (20) in a portion adjoining the open end (12). To ensure a lightweight style of construction combining high stability with ease of manufacture, the part of the inner surface (22) adjoining the open end (12) and extending axially over the annular groove (20) has a cylindrical shape, and the thickness of the side wall (16) decreases monotonically from the portion (24) of the inner surface (22) up to the piston head (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Scott Woodward Bennett, Vladimir Grigorievich Geller, Elkin Nikolai Michailovich
  • Publication number: 20040216605
    Abstract: A wrist pin for a heavy-duty piston assembly has a body with an axis of rotation and a generally cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface is adapted for pivotal connection to both a pair of laterally spaced pin bores and a small end of a connecting rod generally between the pin bores. The outer surface has a surface roughness equal to or less than 0.10 &mgr;m. The outer surface has a Kurtosis value that is inversely proportional with the surface roughness such that a product of the Kurtosis value and the surface roughness is between about 0.30 &mgr;m to 0.60 &mgr;m. The outer surface has a skewness of about −1.0 to 0.0 and a lay angle relative to the axis of about 85 to 95 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Roberto B. Nigro, Randall R. Gaiser, Eduardo Matsuo, Eric A. Highum