Abstract: A substrate comprises at least a semi-finished substrate, a circuit line, a contact and a solder mask layer. The circuit line and the contact are formed on the semi-finished substrate. The circuit line and the contact are connected together non-integrally. The solder mask layer is formed over the semi-finished substrate to cover the circuit line. The solder mask layer has an opening in which the contact is formed.

Abstract: A circuit board and a fabricating process thereof is provided. The present invention employs a core layer as a base layer, wherein the core layer is a core conducting layer, or is a core dielectric layer having two conducting layers. By using this core layer and two patterned conductive layers, a three-conducting-layer circuit board or a four-conducting-layer circuit board is fabricated. Furthermore, both circuit boards can be used as circuit board units to fabricate circuit boards having more than four conducting layers. The present invention adopts lamination processes and equipment instead of using complicated build-up process. Therefore, the present invention effectively reduces the production costs and simplifies the process cycle for fabricating circuit boards, and is suitable for mass production.

Abstract: A protective coating of insulating material is formed around a clearance hole in a conductive layer of a printed circuit board, so that the conductive material in a via within the clearance hole will not contact the conductive layer and create a short circuit. In one embodiment, the protective coating is sufficiently hard to deflect a drill bit being used to drill the via hole, thus protecting against misregistered drilled holes.

Abstract: This invention relates to probes used in the ground for the collection of data relating to soil conditions and in particular to a construction and method of insertion of probe bodies that will house such probes. A probe body insertion apparatus comprises a tool for forming an opening in the soil using a stabilisation device that encourages the excavation of an opening that is orthogonal to the surrounding ground level and which is smaller in diameter than the soil probe body to be inserted. The inserted end of the probe body is formed with a hollow portion having an opening that is downwardly facing and adapted to slice away a portion of the prepared opening. The soil sliced away falls to the base of the prepared opening. The hollow portion of the inserted end of the probe body envelopes the loose soil but allows the probe body to be inserted to the desired depth.

Abstract: A method and system for introducing a fluid into a borehole, in which there is arranged a tubular drill string including a drill bit, wherein the drill bit is provided with a passageway between the interior of the drill string and the borehole, and with a removable closure element for selectively closing the passageway in a closing position, and wherein there is further provided a fluid injection tool comprising a tool inlet and a tool outlet, the method comprising passing the fluid injection tool through the drill string to the closure element, and using it to remove the closure element from the closing position; passing the fluid injection tool outlet through the passageway, and introducing the fluid into the borehole from the interior of the drill string through fluid injection tool into the borehole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torsional energy control assembly and method for eliminating slip-stick and/or drill bit oscillations comprising axial and/or rotational oscillations. In one preferred embodiment, the assembly permits slippage between an upper portion of the drilling string and a lower portion of a drill string. The rotational control assembly may be installed at any desired position in the drill string. The rotational control assembly could also be utilized as a component of other drilling mechanisms such as a downhole drilling motor. The rotational control permits slippage while drilling for a selected time or selected rotational distance or other criteria to thereby release torsional energy in the drilling string which otherwise may produce damaging slip-stick torsional oscillations such as slip-stick.

Abstract: A borehole wall cleaning apparatus and method for obtaining an improved seal between a fluid sampling device and a portion of the borehole wall. Clean drilling fluid is pumped into a drilling tool using a mud pump. A fluid diverter in the tool diverts all or part of the clean drilling fluid through a port to clear a portion of a borehole wall. A sealing pad is moved against the clean portion. A sampling port is exposed to the sealed portion for sampling and/or testing fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit assembly suitable for directionally drilling a borehole into an underground formation, the drill bit assembly having a bit body extending along a central longitudinal bit-body axis, and having a bit-body face at its front end, wherein an annular portion of the bit-body face is provided with one or more chip-making elements; a pilot bit extending along a central longitudinal pilot-bit axis, the pilot bit being partly arranged within the bit body and projecting out of the central portion of the bit-body face, the pilot bit having a pilot-bit face provided with one or more chip-making elements at its front end; a joint means arranged to pivotably connect the pilot bit to the bit body so that the bit-body axis and the pilot-bit axis can form a variable diversion angle; and a steering means arranged to pivot the pilot bit in order to steer the direction of drilling.

Abstract: A directional borehole drilling system employs a controllable drill bit, which includes one or more conical drilling surfaces. Instrumentation located near the bit measures present position when the bit is static, and dynamic toolface when the bit is rotating. This data is processed to determine the error between the present position and a desired trajectory, and the position of one or more of the bit's leg assemblies is automatically changed as needed to make the bit bore in the direction necessary to reduce the error. The controllable drill bit preferably comprises three leg assemblies mounted about the bit's central axis, each leg having a “toed-out” axle. In response to a command signal, a lower leg translates along the bit axis to cause it to bear more of the bit weight, thus excavating more deeply over the commanded toolface sector and causing the bit to bore in a preferred direction.

Abstract: A drive steel member for driving engagement with a rotary drilling machine, including a chuck adapter having main body and chuck seating means and being constructed and arranged in fixed, sealed relation on one end of the drive steel member.

Abstract: A well drilling bit having a bit body attachable to a tubular drill string, which bit body is internally provided with a passageway providing fluid communication, when the drill string is attached to the bit body, between the interior of the drill string and the exterior of the bit body; a closure element for selectively closing the passageway; and one or more chip-making elements, wherein the chip-making elements has one or more roller-cones, wherein the closure element is releasably connectable to the bit body, and outwardly movable from a closing position to an opening position, and wherein the closure element includes at least one of the roller-cones.

Abstract: A rolling cone rock bit having one or more nozzle retention bodies attached by a single orientation mounting is disclosed, as is the associated method for its manufacture. The upper end of the nozzle retention body has a fluid inlet in communication with the internal fluid plenum of the drill bit, and the lower end of the nozzle retention body includes a fluid outlet that defines an exit flow angle. The fluid outlet is located between two rolling cones, but is positioned closer to one of the cones than the other. Further, the exit flow angle is preferably within 3 degrees of parallel to the drill bit longitudinal axis and, even more preferably, is parallel with the drill bit longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a mechanical face seal assembly with PCD faces. The bit has a bearing shaft with a cone rotatably mounted on the bearing shaft. The seal locates between the bearing shaft and the cone for sealing lubricant therein. The seal includes at least one rigid seal ring having a cemented carbide body and an annular PCD face located on it. The mating face may also be of a PCD material. The cemented carbide body contains a binder that migrates into the PCD face while the PCD face is being formed. A binder-free region is leached on the surface of the PCD face.

Abstract: A superabrasive cutting element for use with a drill bit for drilling subterranean formations and having a superabrasive table, or cutting face, in which a conglomerate of superabrasive particles are dispersed and bonded, or sintered, and in which at least one exposed cutting region of the superabrasive table develops a rough, asperital surface for improving the cutting efficiency of the drill bit, particularly in but not limited to relatively hard, relatively nonabrasive formations. The superabrasive table may include superabasive particles of substantially differing size, quality or a combination of differing size and quality. A rotary drill bit including cutting elements embodying the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A scale system that measures the weight of an individual, displays an individual's weight on the scale, automatically records the individual's weight and date and time of the measuring, and displays an individual's weight history on a remote computer. The system can display an individual's weight history on a remote computer system independent of measuring an individual's weight. The system includes the accumulation over time of an individual's weight data, either storing it locally for later transmission or transmitting it immediately to the remote computer. The system also includes automated weight data correction, and manual weight data correction that can be performed by a user. The system is not limited to one individual and can be used by more than one individual.

Abstract: Combination weighing apparatus (1) is provided with a plurality of weigh hoppers (71), a conveyor (2), and a plurality of individual supply apparatuses (3). The weigh hoppers (71) measure the weight of the articles. The conveyor (2) is arranged along the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and conveys articles. An individual supply apparatus (3) is provided for each of the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and supplies articles conveyed by the conveyor (2) to the weigh hopper (71).

Abstract: An electronic scale/spreader arm assembly for use with an apparatus includes an axial force transducer, such as a load cell, that is attachable to the apparatus. A spreader bar is configured to receive a support wherein the spreader bar and the load cell are interconnected such that the load cell is pivotally attached to the apparatus and the spreader arm is pivotally attached to the support while the spreader arm and the load cell are attached to one another such that non-axial loads imparted to the spreader arm will not be transmitted to the axial force transducer.

Abstract: In an occupant weight detection system, a pair of weight detection units are mounted along upper faces of base members fixed to a floor of an automobile. A square-frame-shaped linking member made of an iron sheet is interposed between the pair of weight detection units and a pair of seat rails. The pair of weight detection units are integrally linked by the linking member to maintain a positional relationship to each other at a predetermined relationship. Therefore, it is possible to prevent these weight detection means from being mounted in a state in which they are twisted or displaced relative to each other, thereby maintaining the detection accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt weighing apparatus and a method so that the weighing accuracy is not affected by temperature fluctuations and wherein the oscillations (vibrations) in the belt are reduced. Furthermore, with the present invention the size of the belt weigher can be increased without affecting the weighing performance.

Abstract: A mechanical weighing scale having mechanical parts driving a pointer rotating around a fixed disc or dial having slots or holes formed therein. The mechanical pointer operates to provide an analog display of one's weight to the user. An optical sensor system is responsive to the mechanical motion of the mechanically-rotating pointer as it passes over each of the holes or slots for determining a number of counts associated with the mechanical motion of the rotating pointer and translating the counts to a corresponding weight value for display onto a digital display.

Abstract: A measurement device with a support plate (1) mounted on measurement cells, and with a display device for displaying a force action line (7) for a person standing on bearing surfaces (10, 10′) of the support plate (1), permits monitoring of the force action line during a correction or optimization of the position of the person standing on the support plate (1) by virtue of the fact that lifting devices (9) are arranged underneath the bearing surfaces (10, 10′) and above the support plate (1).

Abstract: A load sensor includes a load-input unit, an hourglass-shaped coil spring having one end coupled to the load input unit, a load-applying unit disposed at the other end of the hourglass-shaped coil spring, and a load detector for receiving the load from the load-applying unit and detecting the load. The load sensor does not give a user an uncomfortable pedal feeling, similarly to a hydraulic brake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device comprising a rigid platform (10) which is intended to receive the weight to be measured, a fixed support area (20) and at least one weight sensor (30). One of the ends (60) of said sensor is embedded in the platform (10) while the opposite end (70) thereof is embedded in the fixed support area (20). The weight sensor (30) supports strain gauges (R1, Ri) and comprises a bar that can be deformed, mainly by means of flexion (40) under the effect of the weight applied to said platform. According to the invention, at least one of the embedded ends (60) of the weight sensor (30) is provided with a surface (S) that is intended to be directly fixed by means of adhesion to the rigid platform (10) or to the fixed support area (20).

Abstract: The sundry energy sources such as wind power, centrifugal force, electromagnetic energy and etc. which have been wasted are incorporated to the electric vehicles which have been suffered from the small electric density of the battery by the method of introducing new devices enabling to converting resistance to the driving operation of the motor car into accelerating force in driving motor car, thus succeeded in increasing the total driving force to cope with those of the petrochemical fuel engine motor car with by far small manufacturing cost as compared with even those of the petrochemical fuel engine motor car.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a pair of left and right drive wheels are linked with a steering input device so that the drive wheels are turned in accordance with a driver's steering input force input by a driver to the steering input device. In this course, a steering assistance force is added to the driver's steering input force. Driving forces to be applied to the drive wheels are individually controlled in accordance with a running condition of the vehicle. A steering reaction force is calculated which originates from a difference in the driving forces between the drive wheels and acts on the steering input device. The steering assistance force added to the driver's steering input force is increased or decreased so as to compensate the steering reaction force.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle has a vehicle body, at least a pair of wheels mounted on the vehicle body for undergoing rotation to cause the motorized vehicle to undergo travelling, and a pair of electric motors each mounted on the vehicle body to selectively undergo forward and reverse rotation to rotationally drive a respective one of the wheels. A first switch is connected to the electric motors so that operation of the first switch causes the electric motors to undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions to turn the motorized vehicle in a first direction while the motorized vehicle does not undergo travelling. A second switch is connected to the electric motors so that operation of the second switch causes the electric motors to undergo rotation simultaneously in opposite directions to turn the motorized vehicle in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the motorized vehicle does not undergo travelling.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot having at least a body and a plurality of legs each connected to the body through a first joint and a foot each connected to a distal end of each of the legs through a second joint, a floor reaction force detector is installed between the second joint and a contact end of the foot. More specifically, an upper portion of the floor reaction force detector is connected at a location near the second joint, and the contact end of the foot or thereabout is constituted by a spring mechanism that is lower in rigidity than a member constituting the second joint or thereabout such that a lower portion of the floor reaction force detector is connected to the contact end through the spring mechanism.

Abstract: A front-wheel motor powered golf trolley comprised of a compact backward tricycle-wheel arrangement and a lightweight stiff open truss chassis. Left and right front wheel assemblies, driven by common drive axle, motorized through silent motor speed reduction, pull the trolley in an easily guided walk-along fashion. The driven front wheels are compliantly isolated from the chassis by sprung front axle support arms. Trolley stance stabilization and steering are by an independently sprung rear wheel/pivot assembly, the pivot being located between the front drive and rear wheel axles. A steering handle is the user-guiding interface and location for all hand operated controls. Upper and lower golf bag supports fold out from the chassis. Stow-ability is compact and without bulkiness. This trolley is adaptable to remote control of power, steering, and braking functions. The trolley also accommodates multiple other user conveniences.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with a drum brake unit on a rear wheel rotated by drive force of an electric motor. A first set of fins, for cooling the electric motor and the drum brake unit, are provided between the electric motor and the drum brake unit. Specifically, the first set of fins are provided on an inner side surface of a case body. It is possible to cool the electric motor using the first set of fins, and it is also possible to remove heat of the drum brake unit using the first set of fins. The fins act as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the drum brake unit, and to resist heat transfer from the drum brake unit to the electric motor, helping to more efficiently cool the electric motor.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power system of a hybrid vehicle includes determining, during a motoring mode of operation, a desired operating voltage of a direct current (DC) bus included in the power system at a given speed. The desired operating voltage is based on a minimum operating voltage at the given speed and a maximum operating voltage at the given speed, wherein an energy storage element parameter is used establishing the minimum operating voltage.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, an engine is connected to front wheels through a first motor/generator and a transmission, and a second motor/generator is connected to rear wheels. The first and second motors/generators are connected to a battery so that they are driven or regenerated. During regenerative braking of the vehicle, the distribution ratio of regenerative braking forces to the first and second motors/generators is controlled to become an ideal distribution ratio corresponding to a longitudinal acceleration (deceleration) of the vehicle, whereby the distribution ratio of the braking forces to the front and rear wheels can be always maintained at an optimal value during rapid deceleration as well as during slow deceleration of the vehicle, to improve the braking performance.

Abstract: A hybrid power system, comprising a first power unit, a secondary shaft, a first transmission device, an auxiliary power unit, and a second transmission device. The first power unit has a primary shaft. The secondary shaft is driven by the primary shaft in a rotational movement. The first transmission device is placed between the primary shaft and the secondary shaft, having a transmission belt, transmitting torque from the primary shaft to the secondary shaft. The auxiliary power unit has an electric motor with a driving shaft, which is parallel to the primary shaft. The second transmission device is placed between the primary shaft and the driving shaft, transmitting torque from the electric motor to the primary shaft.

Abstract: Air intake comprising at least one deflector (1) which is provided with one or more walls (5, 6, 9) suitable for conveying air through an opening (4) made in the body of a motor vehicle (2), and which is hinged to at least one member (7) of the motor vehicle (2) for being rotated by at least one motor (19) around an axis (3), so as to modify the size of said opening (4). The angle comprised between the rotation axis (3) of the deflector (1) and the vertical symmetry plane of the motor vehicle (2) is preferably not greater than 45°, in particular less than 5°.

Abstract: A reservoir to reserve fluid for a vehicle comprises a tank and two brackets integrated with the tank to install the tank in the vehicle. An attaching portion is arranged with each of the brackets to be fixed to the vehicle. A connecting portion is arranged with each of the brackets to connect the attaching portion to the tank. One of the connecting portion has a notch that is deformed or fractured so that the tank can be moved for the vehicle to absorb force that acts to the tank when the tank receives force larger than a predetermined value. The attaching portion has plural rib portions that is deformed or fractured so that the tank can be moved for the vehicle to absorb force that acts to the tank when the tank receives a force larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A turbine generator regenerative braking system is for an automotive or other vehicle having ground engaging wheels and an electrical energy storage device. The braking system comprises an hydraulic fluid turbine generator having an electrical power output connected to the electrical energy storage device, a plurality of hydraulic fluid pumps, an actuation system for operatively connecting/starting pumping action, and a hydraulic fluid circuit connecting the hydraulic pumps to the turbine generator. In some versions of the system, a hydraulic pump, a clutch and an adjustable flow nozzle will be dedicated to each ground engaging wheel of the vehicle. In operation, braking is preferably initiated by the actuation of a brake master cylinder which provides hydraulic pressure to cause each rotating wheel with its corresponding hydraulic pump to engage. The pressurized fluid output of each pump is then fed to the turbine through the adjustable-flow nozzle causing the flywheel, and thus the generator, to rotate.

Abstract: A vehicular distance to a preceding vehicle is controlled on the basis of a mixed combination of a longer range radar sensor and shorter range microwave sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of adapting a vehicle manufacturer's cruise control module that is designed for a specific model(s) to be easily adapted to that same (or other) vehicle manufacturer's other model lines, whereon the vehicle manufacturer does not offer cruise control as of the date of this patent filing.

Abstract: A lightweight highly maneuverable vehicle capable of traveling on multiple surfaces is disclosed. The driver of the vehicle is in a substantially standing position. The vehicle uses a track drive and a single steering mechanism. The track is driven with a gas or electric motor.

Abstract: A snowmobile (20) having an engine (34) with an air charging system (70). The air charging system (70) is connected to an intercooler assembly (57), which includes a heat exchanger (56) mounted adjacent to an intercooler opening (48) in the track tunnel (36). A snow retention area (54) is located above the heat exchanger (56) allowing for snow/ice to be thrown from a snowmobile drive track (38) and build up on top of the heat exchanger (56), allowing the snow/ice to absorb heat from intercooler assembly (57).

Abstract: A motorcycle with a seat frame and seat attached to a seat post. The seat frame is covered with the seat as viewed from above and is structured so as to hold an article in an exposed state thereon to form an article accommodating space below the seat. The rear wheel of the motorcycle is driven by a motor to which power is supplied from a battery. The voltage of the battery is converted by a charging and voltage conversion section to supply power to electrical equipment. The charging and voltage conversion section is attached in an exposed state to a vehicle body frame. A battery for supplying power to a motor is provided with a charging and voltage conversion apparatus for charging the battery. A charging cable for energizing the charging and voltage conversion apparatus is disposed in a hollow portion of a vehicle body frame.

Abstract: An engine-supporting structure for a motorcycle, in which a collar can be removed to perform engine maintenance, and can be suitably re-mounted after the completion of maintenance. The engine-supporting structure supports a rear upper mounting portion of an engine, on left and right pivot plates, by providing left and right upper engine-supporting frame portions at central areas of the respective pivot plates. interposing a left upper collar between a left upper engine-supporting frame portion and a rear upper mounting portion formed on an engine, interposing a right upper collar between the right upper engine-supporting frame portion and the rear upper mounting portion formed on the engine, and coupling the left and right upper engine-supporting frame portions, the left and right upper collars, and the rear upper mounting portion by a rod-shaped member.

Abstract: To advance the pivotally supporting point of a swing arm on a vehicle body frame, the distance in the forward and backward direction between a crankshaft and a countershaft of a transmission is decreased as much as possible thereby making the length of the swing arm great and sufficiently absorb upward and downward oscillation of a rear wheel to achieve stabilization of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle protection assembly secured to and extending out from a frame of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle protection assembly absorbs force during an impact of the motor vehicle with another object. The motor vehicle protection assembly includes an attachment bracket fixedly secured to the frame. In addition, the motor vehicle protection assembly includes an impact panel fixedly secured to the attachment bracket and extending between a leading end and a trailing end. The impact panel includes a collapsible region. When the object impacts the leading end, the force created by the impact is absorbed by the collapsible region to reduce the force received and absorbed by the object.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering apparatus for a vehicle includes an elastic member couples a reaction force actuator to a steering wheel. With respect to the elastic member, a side closer to the steering wheel is referred to as a primary side, and a side closer to the reaction force actuator is referred to as a secondary side. A steering wheel position detector is located at the secondary side. Therefore, the apparatus is capable of giving a feel of a steering reaction force equivalent to an ordinary mechanically connected steering apparatus to an operator and secures stability of a control system.

Abstract: In steering apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a turning section that turns steered road wheels is provided, a clutch is installed in a predetermined position in a midway through a steering system from an operation input section to the steered road wheels to link between the operation input section and the steered road wheels, a steering angle of the operation portion is detected, a turning angle is detected, an elastically deformable member is interposed between the operation portion and the turning portion to transmit a steering torque inputted from the operation input section to the steered road wheels when the clutch causes the operation input portion and the steered road wheels to be connected; and an angular deviation between the steering angle detection value and the turning angle detection value developed due to a deformation of the member is calculated.

Abstract: A motor vehicle that runs along a designated running route includes a steering unit for rotating four wheels nearly at the right angle to steer the motor vehicle. The steering unit allows the motor vehicle to turn at the right angle at a square corner section without changing the posture of a vehicle body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is presented for enabling a power steering system comprising an accumulator, a reservoir, and an electronically controlled closed-center control valve assembly for selectively fluidly coupling the accumulator and reservoir to a double-acting power cylinder of a power steering system to function in the manner of a force-based power steering system.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control system is provided which is capable of reliably protecting a motor for driving a wheel steering shaft. In the system, a current sensor and a motor rotational speed detection section respectively detect a current applied to the steering shaft drive motor and the motor rotational speed of the steering shaft drive motor, and current inference means infers the motor current applied to the steering shaft drive motor based on the detected motor rotational speed. Abnormal judgment means compares the current inference value obtained by the current inference means with a current detection value indicated by the current sensor to judge whether the current sensor is normal or not. Abnormal judgment output means outputs the result of the abnormal judgment when the current sensor is judged to be abnormal. When a trouble occurs that the current sensor fails to operate normally due to the malfunction or the like, such a trouble can be recognized at the early stage of the malfunction.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus comprises a speed reduction mechanism for decelerating the rotation of an output shaft in an electric motor for steering assist. The speed reduction mechanism comprises a driving gear connected to the output shaft in the electric motor and a driven gear meshed with the driving gear. One of respective tooth sections in the driving gear and the driven gear includes a tooth section formed of a material having a relatively low hardness, and the other tooth section includes a tooth section formed of a material having a relatively high hardness. The profile of the tooth section formed of the material having a relatively low hardness is shifted in the direction in which the thickness at the root of the teeth of the tooth section is increased. The profile of the tooth section formed of the material having a relatively high hardness is shifted in the direction in which the thickness at the root of the teeth of the tooth section is decreased.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus including: a steering rack shaft which has an external thread with a flat crest and can be moved in the axial direction in response to a steering operation; a ball screw mechanism, which has a nut screwed onto the external thread via balls so as to be relatively rotational, for transforming the rotational force of the electric motor into movement force in the axial direction and transmitting the movement force to the steering rack shaft; and a cylindrical member, which is fitted on the steering rack shaft, for depressing the deflection amount of the steering rack shaft, wherein the width of the flat crest of the external thread is 0.7 to 1.5 times as long as the diameter of the balls. The inner surface of the cylindrical member hardly abrades away even when the external thread contacts with the inner surface of the cylindrical member.