Patents Issued in April 12, 2005
  • Patent number: 6877549
    Abstract: A heat storage device comprises a heat storage tank 2 charged with a heat storage material 1 for storing the heat supplied from the outside, and a heat exchanger 3 for executing an injection and an extraction of heat between the inside of the storage tank 2 and the outside by the heat exchange between the heat storage material and a heat transfer medium. The heat exchanger 3 is disposed so as to execute a heat exchange between the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank 2 and the outside, and suppresses the natural convection of the heat storage material 1 of the outer portion 2b by, for example, dispersing a liquid-absorbent material 5 in the outer portion 2b surrounding the central portion in the heat storage tank 2, whereby reduces the influence of external environment on the central portion 2a in the heat storage tank, thereby suppressing the heat loss toward the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Satoshi Hirano
  • Patent number: 6877550
    Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, an evaporator is disposed at an upper side of a blower approximately horizontally so that air blown by the blower passes through the evaporator from below upwardly. The evaporator is slightly tilted from a horizontal surface by a predetermined angle, and the blower is disposed in such a manner that air is mainly blown by the blower toward the evaporator in a direction substantially parallel to a tangential line at a scroll finish portion of the scroll casing. Accordingly, condensed water on a bottom heat-exchanging surface of the evaporator can be pushed downwardly by component force of the flow of air mainly blown from the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushi Shikata, Satoshi Mizutani, Tomohiro Kamiya
  • Patent number: 6877551
    Abstract: Systems and methods for weatherproof cabinets with variably cooled compartments are provided. One such embodiment includes a housing having a door attached thereto, and in which a cooling compartment and a battery compartment are disposed. An electronics compartment is disposed within the cooling compartment, and an external fan is also disposed within the housing. Methods are also provided for transferring heat from inside the electronics compartment to the cooling compartment, from the cooling compartment to the outside of the housing, and from the battery compartment to the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Harry R. Stoller
  • Patent number: 6877552
    Abstract: A device for effecting heat transfer from a first fluid medium to a second fluid medium and for enhancing mixing and uniform distribution of the second fluid medium within the confines of a conduit. The device includes providing a core pipe for receiving the first fluid medium and a series of helically wound tubes in fluid communication with the core pipe along the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The second fluid passes within the conduit and is mixed by virtue of the static mixing effect of the helically wound tubes and engages in heat transfer as a result of the intimate contact between the second fluid, the core pipe and the helically wound tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Komax Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Leonard Tony King
  • Patent number: 6877553
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recess within an expandable downhole tubular, such as an expandable sand screen. The recess resides within the wall, such as the outer shroud of an expandable sand screen. The recess serves as a housing for instrumentation lines, fiber optics, control lines, or downhole instrumentation. By placing the lines and instrumentation within a wall of the expandable downhole tool, the tool can be expanded into the wall of the wellbore without leaving a channel outside of the tool through which formation fluids might vertically migrate. The recess is useful in both cased hole and open hole completions. In one embodiment, the recess serves as a housing for an encapsulation which itself may house instrumentation lines, control lines, and downhole instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6877554
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Pressure within the formation may be controlled as a function of temperature or temperature within the formation may be controlled as a function of pressure to yield a desired mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Patent number: 6877555
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from one or more heat sources to a section of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation through a production well. Conditions at the production well may be controlled to inhibit coking at or near the production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michael Karanikas, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 6877556
    Abstract: A method is provided for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation. One or more pairs of electrodes are inserted into the ground in proximity to a body of oil in said formation. A voltage difference is then established between the electrodes to create an electric field in the oil-bearing formation. As voltage is applied, the current is manipulated to induce oxidation and reduction reactions in components of the oil. The oxidation and reduction reactions lower the viscosity in the oil and thereby reduce capillary resistance to oil flow so that the oil can be removed at an extraction well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Electro-Petroleum, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Kenneth Wittle, Christy W. Bell
  • Patent number: 6877557
    Abstract: An in-well monitoring and flow control system with an improved power supply. A separate high voltage (18) and low voltage power supply (23) is provided together with a cable (14) which has at least two separate cores; one core (24) for high voltage power and the other core (26) for low voltage power and control monitoring communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Richards, William George Nigel Parkinson Webster
  • Patent number: 6877558
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert G. Howard, James C. Tucker, Douglas N. Love
  • Patent number: 6877559
    Abstract: A method for retrieving a formation fluid sample through a cased borehole utilizing a sampling tool. Sampling tool straddle packers are set about a first set of perforations and annular fluid is drained from the isolated zone, through a central conduit in the tool and discharged above or below the packers. Formation fluid is induced to flow into the central conduit and into sample chambers. The packers are unset, the tool moved to the next set of perforations that are azimuthally offset from the first set of perforations and the sampling process repeated, with subsequent samples being placed in separate sample chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohamed Naguib Hashem
  • Patent number: 6877560
    Abstract: Improved methods of preventing the flow-back of particulates deposited in subterranean formations with produced formation fluids are provided. The methods include extruding or injecting a solution or mixture of a particulate solid polymer through a plurality of small diameter ports into an aqueous carrier fluid containing suspended particulate material whereby polymer fibers and strands are formed in the carrier fluid. The polymer fibers and strands mix with the particulate material suspended in the carrier fluid as the carrier fluid is pumped into the subterranean formation. The mixture of the particulate material and the polymer fibers and strands is deposited in the subterranean formation so that the mixture forms at least one permeable pack that prevents the production of formation fines with fluids produced from the formation and prevents the flow-back of the deposited particulate solids, fibers or strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6877561
    Abstract: A gravel packing method combining fracturing is described. A gun having an exterior auger is used to perforate. With the gun in place, the gravel is positioned around it and the formation is fractured, pushing the gravel into the fractures. The gun is rotated out of the gravel using the auger. A screen with an external auger is run in and rotated into the packed gravel in the wellbore while being vibrated at the same time. After the screen is advanced into position the vibrator is removed and a flapper closes to minimize fluid loss into the formation. A production string and packer are tagged into the screen and production begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Chad J. Abadie, Donald C. Gossen, John T. Broome, Kendall R. Dyson
  • Patent number: 6877562
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of oil wells and in particular to the explosive and other devices that are used to perforate oil well casings and hydrocarbon bearing rocks in order to create channels through which oil and gas can flow into the well bore. Existing oil well perforators are either termed “big hole” perforators which are designed to produce large holes in the oil well casing only or “deep hole” perforators which are designed to perforate the casing of the well into the surrounding rocks. This invention proposes a novel “dual action” perforator capable of substantially performing the same functions as both deep hole and big hole perforators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Brian Bourne
  • Patent number: 6877563
    Abstract: Methods of drilling and completing open hole well bores and methods of removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate are provided. A method of the invention for removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate from the walls of an open hole well bore is basically comprised of the steps of contacting the filter cake with a delayed clean-up solution comprised of water and a formate ester and removing the clean-up solution from the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Eric Davidson
  • Patent number: 6877564
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a flapper features a pinion on the ear extending from the flapper that is used to mount it for pivotal movement. A spring-loaded rack meshes with the pinion or pinions on the flapper so that when the flow tube swings the flapper open, rotation of the pinion teeth advances the teeth on the rack against the force of a spring. When the flow tube is retracted, the spring pushes the teeth on the rack in the opposite direction causing a rotational movement of the flapper toward closure in contact with a conforming seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ben C. Layton, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 6877565
    Abstract: An end piece arrangement is mounted on an end of a pipe sleeve to close off the annular passage between the pipe sleeve and drill stem and to divert an upward flow of sludge, cuttings and gas into a conduit system to transport the flow to a remote location. In one embodiemnt, the arrangement is a self-contained unit that houses seal rings to seal against the drill stem. In another embodiment, the arrangement includes separate components; i.e. a housing mounted on the pipe sleeve to divert the upward flow and a seal unit mounted on the drill stem and rotatably mounted in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: AGR Services AS
    Inventor: Per Espen Edvardsen
  • Patent number: 6877566
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing pressure variations in a wellbore. A valve mechanism and a sealing device are provided in the wellbore. The valve mechanism is part of a valve device which may be actuated between an open position and a closed position. The valve device is actuated to the closed position to allow an increase in pressure below the sealing device and is actuated to the open position to allow a fluid to pass through the valve device up the wellbore. The valve device is alternately actuated between the closed position and the open position to cause cyclical pressure variations in the wellbore below the sealing device. The valve device includes the valve mechanism, a fluid passage, a control mechanism for controlling the valve mechanism, and a delay mechanism for delaying the actuation of the valve device from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Selinger, Clifford J. Anderson, Brian R. Thicke, Michael F. Schoettler
  • Patent number: 6877567
    Abstract: A hydraulic liner hanger comprises a tubular body and a plurality of slips disposed radially around the outer surface of the body. In one arrangement, each slip has wickers for engaging the inner surface of a surrounding string of casing. Each slip is connected to a slip ring, the slip ring also being circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the body. At least some of the slip members are received upon a wedge surface, or cone(s). In operation, an expander tool such as a hydraulic setting tool acts upon the liner hanger, causing the slips to be expanded into frictional engagement with the surrounding string of casing. The operator is then able to slack off the weight of the liner, allowing multiple slips to engage the casing and to suspend the liner therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Hirth
  • Patent number: 6877568
    Abstract: A tillage sweep includes an elongated nose portion having forward cutting edges which are straight and diverge at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from a leading point. The top of the nose viewed from the side is straight and angles upwardly at an angle of approximately eleven degrees from the planar bottom surface to juncture with a stem or connecting portion which forms an angle of about 46 degrees with the plane of the bottom surface. The sweep includes outer wing portions with the cutting edges which are straight and which diverge at an angle of approximately 67 degrees thereby forming an angle of about 11 degrees with the respective forward cutting edges. The overall length of the sweep is greater than the width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Benoit Jocelyn Poutre
  • Patent number: 6877569
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operating cycle of an impact device, and an impact device. Percussion piston position is measured using a sensor (11) from which the measurement data is transmitted to a control unit (12) of the impact device, which in turn controls an electrically driven control valve (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sandvik Tamrock Oy
    Inventor: Antti Koskimäki
  • Patent number: 6877570
    Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, which may offset at a selected bend angle. The motor housing is preferably run slick, and a gauge section 36 secured to the pilot bit 18 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the pilot bit diameter. The bit or reamer 16 has a bit face defining the cutting diameter of the drilled hole. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. The downhole motor, pilot bit and bit may be retrieved from the well while leaving the casing string in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen-Kang D. Chen, M. Vikram Rao
  • Patent number: 6877571
    Abstract: A Down Hole Drilling Assembly (DHDA) that induces artificial lift to remove the drilling fluid from a well bore using a jet pump attached to a casing string. The DHDA includes a drill string that passes through the jet pump assembly. The power fluid is separated from the drilling fluid until after it has passed through the nozzle of the jet pump. The jet pump assembly is joined to a concentric casing string. The jet pump also contains a bladder element that expands to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid from the inner annulus into the jet pump assembly. The jet pump assembly lifts the drilling fluid, lowering the fluid level within a well bore to a point where the hydrostatic pressure near the bottom of the well is lower than the pore pressure of the formation being drilled thereby creating under balanced conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sunstone Corporation
    Inventors: William James Hughes, Jimmie Josh Renfro
  • Patent number: 6877572
    Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Vogel, Thomas W. Hanson, Craig Crandall, Joseph A. Kummer, Michael M. Frondorf, David P. Lubbers, Ronald P. Kappeler, Bradley T. Wilson, Darrell L. Metz, Doug K. Smith, Jeffrey A. Ruschke, John Vodzak, Terry J. Stratman, Eric W. Oberhaus
  • Patent number: 6877573
    Abstract: A multi-wheel-driving vehicle including at least three parallel axles each of which is provided on both ends thereof with respective drive wheels and including power dividing means for permitting the rotary speed among the axles, is improved in its effect of braking so that the braking force of fewer brakes is effectively transmitted to all drive wheels of a vehicle according to a simple braking operation by a driver. The power dividing means, for example, a differential gear unit, includes an input member and a pair of output members, like differential side gears, each of which interlocks with at least one of the axles so as to differentially share a driving force received by the input member between the pair of output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6877574
    Abstract: A modular robotic teaching tool including a plurality of modules that may be operated, for example, to play robot soccer, for introducing principles of mechanical engineering and robotics to prospective students. The teaching tool includes a modular robot that may be assembled in a plurality of configurations. The modular robot includes a body portion, first and second motors, first and second motor mounts, at least three wheels, two of which are mountable to the motors, at least one flipper module, and a remote control module for actuating the motors and the flipper module. The modular robot is advantageous in that it provides for an inexpensive, challenging, and entertaining introduction to some of the principles of robotics and mechanical engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mary Kathryn Thompson, John M. Thompson, Raymond L. Speth, Hani M. Sallum
  • Patent number: 6877575
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive system or transaxle 10 including an internal combustion engine 12, a generator/motor 14 which is coupled to engine 12 by use of a planetary gear set 20, and an electric motor 16. Drive system 10 includes a brake or clutch assembly 34 which is operatively and selectively coupled to a generator/motor 14 and is effective to supplement the generator-produced reaction torque, thereby cooperating with the generator/motor 14 to control the speed of engine 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Paul McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6877576
    Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Transportation Techniques, LLC.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Wilton, Joshua J. Anderson, Robert W. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6877577
    Abstract: An all wheel drive system for a motor vehicle in which wheel slippage is effectively controlled and regenerative energy is effectively stored for subsequent utilization in the system. A hydraulic embodiment of the invention includes a hydraulic motor, a pump, a tank, an accumulator for storing pressurized fluid, and a device for sensing system back pressure. In response to a loss of system back pressure the pressure of the fluid being supplied to the motor is reduced and the motor discharge is directed to the accumulator, and in response to a sensed resumption of system back pressure regenerative energy from the accumulator is directed to the motor to assist in powering the motor. An electric embodiment of the invention includes an electric motor, an electric generator, a device for storing electrical energy such as a battery pack or a capacitor bank, a DC tachometer driven by the motor and operative to sense the motor power requirements, and a directional circuit switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Smith
  • Patent number: 6877578
    Abstract: A drive assembly including an electric motor and frequency variable generator for use with a multi-axle vehicle. The vehicle generally includes an engine driving a first axle and a drive assembly with an electric motor driving a second drive axle. The drive assembly includes a frequency variable generator with an input shaft driven by the engine and the electric motor electrically communicates with the generator to receive output power from the generator. Other details of selected embodiments of the invention include the frequency variable generator having a rotor coupled to rotate with the engine output shaft and a stator electrically connected to the electric motor. An inverter is electrically connected to an electrical power source, such as a battery or the frequency variable generator, as well as to the rotor. A controller communicates with the inverter and is configured to control the magnitude and frequency of the power communicated from the inverter to the rotor winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Krzesicki, Zhesheng Li, Gregory J. Stout, Zilai Zhao, Kevin J. Pavlov
  • Patent number: 6877579
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for lowering the height of the front part of a motor vehicle. A radar sensor is provided to sense the proximity of an adjacent vehicle. A signal is passed to a control unit which responds when a potential accident situation is detected. An output passes to a valve unit which is actuated to permit gas from an inflatable element to escape through a nozzle. As the gas escapes the element reduces in length, and a lowering housing element connected to a wheel of a vehicle moves upwardly into an upper housing element which is fixed to part of the structure of the vehicle. Thus, the front part of the vehicle is lowered so that the bumper on the vehicle is at an appropriate height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Yngve Håland
  • Patent number: 6877580
    Abstract: A transmission for a working vehicle for transmitting drive power from an engine to a driving axle that includes: a flywheel including a flywheel body operatively connected with the engine and a flywheel housing for accommodating the flywheel body; a main-speed-change unit including a main-input shaft operatively connected with the engine via the flywheel body and a main-output shaft for outputting drive power to be transmitted to the driving axle; and a sub-speed-change unit including a sub-input shaft and a sub-output shaft, and disposed with a distance from the main-speed-change unit. The engine, the flywheel and the main-speed-change unit are integrally connected with each other so as to vibrate freely relative to a vehicle frame, and the main-output shaft of the main-speed-change unit is operatively coupled with the sub-input shaft of the sub-speed-change unit via a vibration-absorbing shaft coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Norihiro Ishii, Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Patent number: 6877581
    Abstract: A networkable engine-generator control system for use with mobile generators mounted on a frame with ground engaging wheels enabling air transport. Each control system consists of a microprocessor based controller and associated field inputs and outputs. Each processor also includes asynchronous communications allowing it to poll external devices from one port and communicate over a network out of another port. Each onboard generator is operated based on runtime hours and system load. The controller monitors engine and generator parameters and makes this information available to an operator using an external monitoring software package. Local operation of each generator is also available on the trailer itself. When operated in conjunction with other systems any one of the controllers may be made the master. The other controllers then automatically are polled by the master. The master coordinates generator operations on all networked systems. The frame utilizing a spine truss and outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Radian, Inc.
    Inventors: Mazen Badr, Mel Chison, Donald Cope, Norman Edwards, Wayne Moore
  • Patent number: 6877582
    Abstract: Steering equipment for a work vehicle includes a steering transmission shaft mounted so that the shaft can turn within a steering column, and with a control device for actuating a steering operating unit. The control device includes a reference member, which can move along the transmission shaft and a sensor device fixed to the steering column in a position substantially facing the reference member for detecting a position of the reference member along the transmission shaft. The sensor provides a displacement signal that is used to vary the steering ratio, such as steering speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Ferracin, Marcello Mongiardo, Franco Mazzucchi, Alessandro Scotti
  • Patent number: 6877583
    Abstract: A cable-type steering device in which the steering gear ratio can be varied in accordance with the position of a steering wheel comprises operating cables wound around an outer peripheral surface of a driving pulley rotatably connected to a steering wheel and an outer peripheral surface of a follower pulley rotatably connected to a steering gear box for steering wheels so that a steering torque input to the steering wheel is transmitted through the operating cables to the steering gear box. The driving pulley is of a barrel-shape with the diameter being larger at an axially central portion and smaller at axially opposite ends. The follower pulley is of a bobbin-shape or sand-clock-shape with the diameter being smaller at an axially central portion and larger at axially opposite ends. Thus, the steering gear ratio (a ratio of the steering angle of the steering wheel/a transmitted steering angle for the wheels) can be varied in accordance with the position of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6877584
    Abstract: A microcomputer calculates a command value for feedback control based on a target electric current value set on the basis of steering torque and a vehicle speed, and the detecting value of a motor electric current. The microcomputer calculates the duty ratio of a PWM signal for turning on and off a switching element of a motor driving circuit from this command value. When this calculated duty ratio is 100% or less, no voltage raising circuit is operated and a battery voltage is supplied to the motor driving circuit. In contrast to this, when the calculated duty ratio Dc exceeds 100%, the microcomputer outputs the PWM signal for turning on and off the switching element of the voltage raising circuit in the duty ratio according to this excess amount. Thus, the battery voltage is raised in accordance with this excess amount and is supplied to the motor driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Jonokuchi, Yoshiyuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6877585
    Abstract: A system for improved sound absorption, including a substrate of porous insulation material and of a first air flow resistance, and a facing material attached to the substrate and of a second air flow resistance, wherein a total system resistance is a combination of the first and second air flow resistances, and wherein the total system resistance and the second air flow resistance are of relatively low values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Dillan Tinianov
  • Patent number: 6877586
    Abstract: A multi-use move, lift, and support device is disclosed. The device is made of a step ladder frame containing a plurality of steps and a hand truck frame. At least one hinge pivotally connects the step ladder frame to the hand truck frame. An anti-wobble hook may be used to lock the frames in a step ladder configuration. The hook is moved in position by the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Babkes, Brian Fitzburgh, Mark Ellis
  • Patent number: 6877587
    Abstract: Equipment for determining a position of an elevator car movable along a guide flange of a guide rail in an elevator installation with a code carrier extending in a travel direction along a length of the guide rail in a groove includes a mount attached to the elevator car, a code reading sensor system attached to the mount, and a plurality of guide rollers rotatably attached to the mount and rolling on the guide flange to maintain the code reading sensor system at a predetermined spacing from the code carrier along two axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: René Kunz, Eric Birrer, Matthias Lorenz
  • Patent number: 6877588
    Abstract: A bike cantilever brake arm having a sleeve fixed to the brake arm through an axle bore provided at the bottom of the brake arm; a scroll section of the rod spring being inserted to a ring provided on one side of the sleeve and covered with a cap; a locking ring is provided on one side of the sleeve to receive insertion of a rubber ring from the opposite side of the adjustment base; a slot and a hooking section being provided on one end of the rubber ring to merely engage the locking ring of the sleeve; another end of the rubber ring extending a retaining edge to retain the adjustment base; and the brake arm, the cap, the rod spring and the adjustment base all being ex-factory made in one piece to keep them integral during transition and the subsequent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Tektro Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Szu-Fang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6877589
    Abstract: A drum brake device prevents shoe clearance over-adjustment by means of a thermo-sensitive member with a lower leg opening force and provides a smaller thermo-sensitive member with a lower cost. A portion between both ends of the brake lever (50) in a direction of crossing the shoe return inhibitor (61) engages with one end of the shoe return inhibitor (61) automatically restricting the return position of the pair of brake shoes (20) and (30); the proximate portion (50a) of the brake lever (50) is pivotally supported on the brake shoe (20); and the free end (50b) side of the brake lever (50) is supported at the brake shoe (20) via the thermo-sensitive member (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Ind. Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6877590
    Abstract: This dual mode drum brake provides less stroke loss during the brake operation; a stable parking brake effectiveness; and a comfortable feeling for the operator during the brake operation. A wheel cylinder actuator (15) is positioned between ends (11d) and (12d) of first and second brake shoes (11), (12); an anchor block (16) is positioned between the other ends (11e) and (12e); a shoe clearance adjustment device (18) is extended adjacent to the wheel cylinder actuator (15); a parking brake actuator (23) is extended adjacent to the anchor block (16); a bent portion (22c), formed on one side (22b) of a pivot lever (22) pivotally supported on the first brake shoe (11), is inserted between the first brake shoe (11) and the shoe clearance adjustment device (18) while the other side (22d) of the pivot lever (22) functionally engages with the parking brake actuator (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6877591
    Abstract: A crank of a shock absorber for a bicycle has two ends respectively pivotally connected with a bicycle frame and a rear shock absorber, having a round hole and a disc fitted in the round hole, a rear bearing hole, a narrow groove communicating with the round hole and the rear bearing hole, a nut at one side of the groove and a bolt extending from outside through the groove to screw with the nut, the disc having an eccentric hole; a rear shock absorber has a pivot base to face the eccentric hole for a micro-adjusting rod to extend therein stably. Then the micro-adjusting rod is rotated for an angle to alter the angle of the shock absorber relative to the bicycle frame, so a user can adjust elastic force of the shock absorber according to the capability, the body weight and road conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Yung-Feng Hso
  • Patent number: 6877592
    Abstract: A drum brake operating device effectively eliminated the possibility of damaging a brake cable has efficient logistics, and excellent performance in engaging and disengaging the brake cable. A cable end 27a of an inner cable 27 is hooked and rested on a bending section 18c directly extending from a free end 18b of a brake lever 18, a through hole 18e through which the cable end 27a passes is formed on the free end 18b parallel to the shoe web 11b at an inner side of the brake relative to an inner circumferential edge of a shoe web 11b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6877593
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus (416) is provided that is configured to transmit energy from a power source to a work device. Transmission apparatus (416) includes an input shaft (426) adapted to receive energy from the power source and an output shaft (434) adapted to transfer energy to the work device. Preferably, transmission apparatus (416) further includes a fluid coupling (25) configured to transfer energy from input shaft (426) to output shaft (434) and a mechanical coupling (24) configured to transfer energy from input shaft (426) to the output shaft (434).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6877594
    Abstract: A disc brake to be opened by torque is arranged between a drive shaft and a driven shaft and comprising a brake wheel arrangement arranged between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, a friction surface arrangement arranged to co-operate with the brake wheel arrangement, at least one spring device arranged to press the brake wheel arrangement and the friction surface arrangement axially against each other, and a cam arranged between the drive shaft and the brake wheel arrangement, and the cam causing by the impact of the torque or rotation of the drive shaft and the possible countertorque of the driven shaft the relative axial position between the brake wheel arrangement and the friction surface arrangement to change in order to detach at least partly the braking engagement against the spring force caused by the spring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Konecranes PLC
    Inventor: Ismo Kuivamäki
  • Patent number: 6877595
    Abstract: A friction clutch for motor vehicles with a ring-shaped pressure plate with a more-or-less radially oriented, ring-shaped friction surface, which can be moved axially against a ring-shaped friction lining carried by a support plate. The ring-shaped friction surface consists of a radially inner, ring-shaped partial friction surface and an adjoining radially outer ring-shaped partial friction surface. The radially outer partial friction surface projects axially to a slight extent beyond the radially inner partial friction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Klaus Neumann, Frank Hirschmann
  • Patent number: 6877596
    Abstract: A diaphragm spring for a friction clutch includes a ring-like body area and a plurality of spring tongues arranged in a row in the circumferential direction and extending radially inward from the body area. A stiffening rib formed in at least one of the spring tongues extends radially into the body area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Martin Pährisch, Ronald Beck, Alfred Schraut, Erwin Ziegler, Frank Hirschmann
  • Patent number: 6877597
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism for seating units of the type having an adjustable support member. The clutch mechanism includes a housing having first and second opposite ends, and a generally cylindrical inner sidewall. A clamp member is movably interconnected with the housing, and the clamp member is adapted to secure the housing to a frame member of a seating unit. A rotor is rotatably mounted within the housing, and the rotor has a generally cylindrical outer surface. The rotor defines an axis of rotation, and has a channel with opposed sidewalls in the cylindrical outer surface extending generally parallel to the axis. A handle extends from the rotor, and a pulley is rotatably interconnected with the rotor. The pulley has an annular groove and an extension disposed in the channel of the rotor. The pulley is adapted to be operably coupled to an adjustable support member of a seating unit to provide adjustment of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Bach, James W. Bach
  • Patent number: 6877598
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus transfers tablets ejected from a tableting machine to a container. The transfer apparatus includes a first chute, a cloth chute which serves as a buffer disposed at one end of the first chute, a winding apparatus for lifting the free end of the cloth chute, a bucket for receiving the tablets from the cloth chute, and a swiveling lift for moving the bucket. Because the formed pieces are not transported directly from the first chute to the bucket, but are first received within the buffer and then transported to the container, occurrence of cracking or chipping of the formed pieces can be prevented and high quality can also be maintained through minimizing the impact on the formed pieces which would otherwise occur during transporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hattori, Keizo Baba