Patents Issued in May 5, 2005
  • Publication number: 20050092021
    Abstract: An article of jewelry including a body having an outer major surface and a decorative pattern formed on the outer surface of the body, and a method for forming the decorative pattern, the pattern including pairs of intersecting grooves and an optically transparent synthetic decorative element formed in a respective well created by the intersection of each pair of intersecting grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Ronen Seliktar
  • Publication number: 20050092022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for locking a pin for a personal ornament, wherein is capable of safely and reliably locking an ornament to a target such as clothing fabric. A mechanism for locking a pin for a personal ornament is characterized by including a personal ornament main body including a single pin member having a proximal portion extending rearward from the back surface of a base member of a personal ornament main body and a distal portion bent from the proximal portion and extending along the back surface of the base member, a groove opening to the surface for allowing the proximal portion of the pin member to pass therethrough, and a retaining member formed in the direction intersecting with respect to the groove for tightly accommodating the distal portion of the pin member without clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Umehara
  • Publication number: 20050092023
    Abstract: Jewelry can include a stone and a setting. The setting can include rings, wherein at least one of the rings contacts the stone. The rings may be in the form of chains, netting, or both. The rings can be attached to the stone using anchor(s), so that the setting cannot be removed from stone unless the stone, a ring, an anchor or combination thereof is broken or, in the case of hooks, removed only with great difficulty or irreversibly damaging the hooks (e.g., when separating ring and hook combinations). The configurations for the settings and stones and methods described herein can substantially increase the options for designing jewelry, and particularly the use and arrangement of stones in jewelry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Camargo, David Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20050092024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for non-contact moulding of fused glass or glass ceramic gobs by means of gas levitation, comprising the following method steps: a pre-form is generated, the pre-form is brought close to a moulding tool, which may be connected to a compressed gas source on the open-pored region thereof facing the pre-form in order to generate a gas cushion between the moulding tool and the pre-form and the moulding tool is directly heated at least during a part of the moulding phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Andreas Langsdorf, Norbert Greulich-Hickmann, Jorg Adler, Michael Piwonski
  • Publication number: 20050092025
    Abstract: Manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process steps that improve upon prior art processes for the manufacturing of filament tube and arc tube light sources, their components and subassemblies, and lamps employing said light sources. A double ended, tipless filament tube or arc tube light source incorporates a drawn-down tubular body, and one piece foliated leads with spurs for process handling and for spudding into a filament with stretched-out legs. Bugled ends on the body provide a novel cutoff means, facilitate a flush-fill finishing process, and enhance mounting and support of the light sources in lamps. The foliated leads are made from a continuous length of wire in a process including foil hammering and two-bath AC electrochemical etching. Cost-reduced light source and lamp production enables affordable household consumer lamps, even when containing two series-connected halogen filament tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Elmer Fridrich
  • Publication number: 20050092026
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing at least one glass substrate having a predetermined shape. The method includes providing a processing fixture configured to support the at least one glass substrate. The processing fixture includes at least one curved support member having a predetermined curvature. The at least one glass substrate is placed on the at least one curved support member. The at least one glass substrate is heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined temperature is below the glass softening point and sufficiently high enough to cause glass shape change, whereby the at least one glass substrate conforms to the predetermined curvature during the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Janice Merola, Robert Pfitzenmaier, Brian Strines
  • Publication number: 20050092027
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved sheet glass forming apparatus. In another embodiment, a precise thermal control system redistributes the flow of molten glass at the weirs to counteract the degradation of the sheet forming apparatus which inevitably occurs during manufacturing. In yet another embodiment, the invention introduces a counteracting force to the stresses on the trough in a manner such that the thermal creep which inevitably occurs has a minimum impact on the glass flow characteristics of the forming trough. Another embodiment creates a variable external cross-section which provides hydraulic stresses that are in opposition to the surface tension and body force stresses and thus, reduces the influence of surface tension and body forces. In an alternative embodiment, the glass is preferentially cooled across its width to create forming stresses during solidification, which ensures that the glass sheet drawn is inherently flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Pitbladdo
  • Publication number: 20050092028
    Abstract: A bending ring for supporting a glass sheet during heating having a pair of longitudinally extending tubular members being generally square shaped and a plurality of traversely extending tubular members also being generally square shaped. The plurality of traversely extending tubular members being fixedly coupled to the pair of longitudinally extending tubular members to form a generally rectangular assembly. A plurality of support brackets are further provided having an extending portion and a face portion. The extending portion positioned adjacent a first side of one of the pair of longitudinally extending tubular members. The face portion abutting a second side of the one of the pair of longitudinally extending tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: William Blanc
  • Publication number: 20050092029
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating an optical fiber or an optical device doped with reduced metal ion and/or rare earth ion, comprising steps of: forming a partially-sintered fine structure in a base material for fabricating the optical fiber or the optical device; soaking the fine structure into a doping solution containing a reducing agent together with metal ion and rare earth ion during a selected time; drying the fine structure in which the metal ion and/or rare ion are/is soaked; and heating the fine structure such that the fine structure is sintered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Won-Taek Han, Yune-Hyoun Kim, Tae-Jung Ahn
  • Publication number: 20050092030
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for depositing soot onto a glass surface to minimize water in the deposited soot and the diffusion of the water into the glass surface. The invention includes depositing a first layer of soot a on the glass surface at a first forward traverse rate and depositing a second layer of soot at a second forward traverse rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Jitendra Balakrishnan, Dana Bookbinder, Lisa Chacon, Steven Dunwoody, Kintu Early, Daniel Hawtof, Prantik Mazumder, Amy Rovelstad, Susan Schiefelbein, Pushkar Tandon
  • Publication number: 20050092031
    Abstract: This invention involves apparatus and methods for making fibers by passing a molten material like glass, polymer, etc. through orifices or tips in a fiberizing bushing and then cooling the molten material coming from the tips and newly formed fibers with a cooling apparatus. The cooling apparatus is made from a metal to withstand the environment close beneath a fiberizing bushing and to provide the needed thermal conductivity to carry heat away rapidly. Alloys comprising nickel and titanium and that are in a martensite structure below about 200 degrees F. are used for at least parts of the cooling apparatus to reduce cost and/or provide for improved life and cooling performance and/or to improve fiberizing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Walter Johnson
  • Publication number: 20050092032
    Abstract: A inahine for washing and/or cleaning articles comprises a sealable enclosure for containing the articles to which cleaning liquid is to be supplied. The cleaning liquid is heated to a high tomperature and forced into the enclosure under high pressure as finely dispersed or diffused droplets forming a mist or vapour. A pressure greater than atmospheric is maintained in the enclosure to force the cleaning liquid into at least the surface if not through and into the very structure of the material from which the articles are formed, so as to assist the cleaning process by producing a quicker and more efficient sturation of the articles by the cleaning liquid. The latter may comprise water and detergent or a dry-cleaning solvent. The cleaning liquid is removed from the articles and the interior of tbe anclosure by means of a suction pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: John North
  • Publication number: 20050092033
    Abstract: A non-aqueous laundering machine for laundering fabric with a non-aqueous wash liquor and a select rinse fluid. The non-aqueous laundering machine includes a container for a fabric load and means for the controlled application of a non-aqueous wash liquor to the fabric load, the removal of part of the non-aqueous wash liquor from the fabric load, and application of a select rinse fluid to the fabric load as well as means for applying mechanical energy to the fabric load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Joel Luckman, Andrew Leitert, Richard Sunshine, Tremitchell Wright
  • Publication number: 20050092034
    Abstract: An aggregate for a washing machine provided with a substantially hollow cylindrical suds container of fiberglass reinforced polymeric material and consisting of two end walls and a shell, a hollow cylindrical washing drum disposed in the suds container for rotation on a shaft about a non-vertical axis, and a unitary support structure embedded substantially completely in one of the end walls and with a bearing support adapted to receive the shaft and at least one arm extending radially from the bearing support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Matthias Hollenhorst, Andreas Kratzsch, Michael Krimpmann, Stefano Mancini, Antje Nieder
  • Publication number: 20050092035
    Abstract: The present invention provides a washing apparatus and control method thereof, by which laundry can be dry-cleaned through the loaded configurations of the wet pad cloth, the filth transfer cloth, the steam providing unit, the fragrance spraying unit, and the detergent supplying unit using either the wet pad cloth or the filth transfer cloth or without using both of the wet pad cloth and the filth transfer cloth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Soo Shin, Seok Park, Byung Ahn
  • Publication number: 20050092036
    Abstract: By providing two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock, with both locking systems independently enabling the single shackle to be released and/or lockingly engaged, an effective, easily produced, multi-purpose padlock is achieved. In the preferred embodiment, a single housing and shackle assembly are employed and constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activating tumbler construction. In this way, a dual locking and releasing padlock is achieved which virtually eliminates the difficulties typically encountered with known, prior art lock configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Lai
  • Publication number: 20050092037
    Abstract: A cable lock that is locked and unlocked through the movement of a set of combination dials. The combination dials are used to provide a proper combination. Upon entry of the proper combination, a knob is used to actuate a lever which releases a locking clamp. A cable is passed through a cable passageway and secured therein when the locking clamp is released. The cable lock may include an unlocked position, a locked position, and a cinch position. Additionally, the lock may include a rest feature to allow the proper combination to be reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventors: Glenn Meekma, John Zapushek, Monica Toomey
  • Publication number: 20050092038
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for two-wheel vehicles for the locking of a two-wheel vehicle. A section of the lock for two-wheel vehicles has ceramic reinforcement elements in a metal/ceramic composite. The ceramic reinforcement elements can be embedded in a matrix which is formed by a honeycomb structure or by a binding agent. Alternatively to this, a section of the lock for two-wheel vehicles is fully ceramic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Becker
  • Publication number: 20050092039
    Abstract: A lock for a female member of a fastening mechanism is disclosed, in which the female member is releasably engageable with a male member of the fastening mechanism, the male member having two arm members which are movable relative to each other, and the lock is movable relative to the female member between a first position in which, when the male and female members are engaged with each other, relative movement between the two arm members is allowed, thus allowing the male and female members to be disengaged from each other, and a second position in which, when the male and female members are engaged with each other, relative movement between the two arm members is denied, thus locking the male and female members against relative movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: King Mak, Chung Mak, Chung Mak
  • Publication number: 20050092040
    Abstract: A door lock includes a lock housing, a latch bolt and a deadbolt that are operable for movement between locking and unlocking positions, a door handle and a manually operable member, each of which has a shaft portion that is capable of driving a respective one of the latch bolt and the deadbolt between the locking and unlocking positions, and a coupler retained slidably in the lock housing. When the latch bolt and the deadbolt are in the locking positions, and the door handle is rotated to drive movement of the latch bolt to the unlocking position, the shaft portion of the door handle drives the coupler so as to displace the coupler in the lock housing such that the coupler engages the shaft portion of the manually operable member so as to rotate the manually operable member to drive movement of the deadbolt to the unlocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Ya-Yun Chuang
  • Publication number: 20050092041
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a storm door mortise lock that prevents lockout with a lock body having opposed side plates and a cam in between the side plates, the cam being in operative interaction with a dead bolt assembly. The mortise lock body also may include one or more stops within the deadbolt assembly to limit the rotation of the cam and prevent a lockout situation. A thumb turn button and key cylinder are secured to opposite escutcheon plates. A spindle traverses from the key cylinder through the cam through hole and terminates in the mounting slot of the thumb turn button. Rotation of either the thumb turn button or the key cylinder turns the spindle and actuates the cam that actuates the dead bolt assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Wu Qing
  • Publication number: 20050092042
    Abstract: A lock for use as a multipoint lock, the lock having: a lock body, a lock tongue which is moveable between a locking position and a free position, an actuator to move the lock tongue, a deadlocking member in the lock body and which is moveable between a deadlocking position to deadlock the lock tongue and an undeadlocking position, and, attachment means attachable to a remote lock operator to move the operator without any lost motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: John Constantinou, Hans Esser
  • Publication number: 20050092043
    Abstract: This invention relates to a security system aimed at closing and locking a cover of an opening of a tank trailer to avoid any tampering of its content and to prove that the content of the tank has not been tampered. The security system comprises a locking member movable between a lock position to prevent the opening of the cover, and an unlock position to allow the opening of the cover. The invention also comprises an actuating device mounted to the tank trailer operatively connected to the locking member for moving it between the lock and the unlock positions. A sealing mechanism engages the actuating device when the locking member is in the lock position to prevent any movement of the locking member. The sealing mechanism comprises a breakable indicator which is broken upon disengagement from the actuating device, thereby indicating that the openable cover has been tampered with.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: TREMCAR INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20050092044
    Abstract: An anti-theft locking device for vehicles includes an annular locking sleeve mounted concentrically about and normally in frictional engagement with the vehicle steering shaft. The locking sleeve includes a body portion having a serpentine cross-sectional configuration, thereby defining on the inner periphery of the sleeve a plurality of alternate smooth convex projections and concave valleys. The convex projections are in frictional engagement with the circumferential surface of the steering shaft by a predetermined frictional force that is greater than the rotational torque force produced during normal steering operation of the vehicle. A plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth extend radially outwardly from the locking sleeve, thereby to define between the teeth a plurality of locking slots one of which is arranged to receive the free extremity of the locking arm of a locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Michel Chartrain, Arnaud Janvier
  • Publication number: 20050092045
    Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having a first path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element. If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element is preferably movable into contact with the control element and can move the control element to its first path of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Dimig, James Edgar
  • Publication number: 20050092046
    Abstract: An electric lock with magnetic support of the coupling element, comprising a locking element engaging a selvage, a decoding assembly for a code bearing component, an actuation element, connected to an internal handle and associated with the locking element, and a second actuation element, connected to an external handle and coupled to the locking element by way of an electromechanical device. The actuation element comprises a stem connected to the external handle with a rotating plate and a contrast plate, at an end resting freely on a rotatable sleeve, coupled to the locking element and provided with notches; an electric motor and a slider, aligned with the notches actuatable to perform translational motion, and a magnet supporting a coupling element adapted to enter the notches to rigidly couple to each other the plate, the contrast plate and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Deo Errani, Luciano Darchini
  • Publication number: 20050092047
    Abstract: A lid device of a double-sided auxiliary lock comprises an inner annular wall, an outer annular wall and a plurality of engaging portions. The engaging portions are equi-spaced on the outer annular wall. A double-sided auxiliary lock has an interior auxiliary lock assembly and a plurality of positioning elements. The interior auxiliary lock assembly has a locking coreprovided with an outer annular recess, a plurality of via holes, an inner annular groove, and a keyway. The inner annular groove is communicated to the keyway. The inner annular wall is corresponding to the inner annular groove of the locking core. The engaging portions are engaged to the outer annular recess of the locking core. Thereby, the lid can cover the positioning elements. In assembly, the lid has at least one engaging portion to be positioned correspondingly to the keyway. Thereby, detaching the cover, the disengagement of the engaging portions from the outer annular recess can be operate through the keyway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chung-Chi Wu
  • Publication number: 20050092048
    Abstract: The invention is involved in a system for duplicating keys in vehicles having a cylindrical lock therein. The cylindrical lock has wafers therein. The wafers must be lined up in a certain position to make a shear line so that the key can operate the lock and turn it. The system involves a basic reading key that has a sliding reading bar in the same. When the sliding bar is forwarded all the way into the basic reading key, a reading of its position and depth can be taken and can be compared to a separate chart having indicia thereon pertaining to a particular make, model and year of a certain vehicle. This is accomplished by color coding the basic key reader and the chart to avoid any mistakes. Also, the basic key reader and the slide bar are color coded so, when separated from each, they can easily be reunited. Also, the basic key reader and the sliding bar reader have a way of locking into each other so that they cannot be easily separated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Mathena
  • Publication number: 20050092049
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing the concentration of vermicompost comprising the steps of liquefying and agitating a vermicompost feedstock; separating large bodies from the liquefied feedstock and further separating the remaining portion into first and second sub-portions; centrifugally separating the first sub-portion into light and heavy portions; returning the light portion to the liquefying and agitating step; separating biological vermicompost components from the second sub-portion and heavy portion using a biological filter; returning the liquid to the liquefying and agitating step; innoculating the biological vermicompost components with food and/or supplements; further enhancing the concentration of the biological vermicompost components by allowing the biological vermicompost components an effective amount of time to multiply and dry; and packaging the biological vermicompost components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Wesley Johnson
  • Publication number: 20050092050
    Abstract: A method for making a bicycle frame part includes the steps of preparing a malleable tubular blank that has an outer surface and that is made from an alloy selected from the group consisting of Al—Mg—Sc alloy, Al—Mg—Zr alloy, and Al—Mg—Li—Zr alloy; placing the tubular blank in a mold such that the tubular blank is surrounded by an inner surface of the mold; heating the tubular blank to a working temperature ranging from 200 to 500° C.; and injecting a high-pressure fluid into the tubular blank so as to permit expansion and permanent deformation of the tubular blank in the mold to an extent that the outer surface of the expanded tube abuts against and conforms to the inner surface of the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Owen Chang
  • Publication number: 20050092051
    Abstract: Manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process steps that improve upon prior art processes for the manufacturing of filament tube and arc tube light sources, their components and subassemblies, and lamps employing said light sources. A double ended, tipless filament tube or arc tube light source incorporates a drawn-down tubular body, and one piece foliated leads with spurs for process handling and for spudding into a filament with stretched-out legs. Bugled ends on the body provide a novel cutoff means, facilitate a flush-fill finishing process, and enhance mounting and support of the light sources in lamps. The foliated leads are made from a continuous length of wire in a process including foil hammering and two-bath AC electrochemical etching. Cost-reduced light source and lamp production enables affordable household consumer lamps, even when containing two series-connected halogen filament tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Elmer Fridrich
  • Publication number: 20050092052
    Abstract: A cold forging apparatus for forming complex shapes at a single station includes a first multiple function punch assembly having an inner and outer punch. A third punch or a second multiple function punch assembly is provided in a confronting relationship with the first multiple function punch assembly. A conveyor conveys a metal work piece from a supply source to a loading/unloading area between the first multiple function punch assembly and the third punch or second multiple function punch assembly. The conveyor includes a pivot assembly, a moveable J-shaped robot arm having an end effector fixed to one end thereof to rotate about the pivot assembly. A servo actuator and crank arm connected to one end thereof rotate the robot arm and end effector to convey a metal work piece from a supply source to a loading/unloading position and for conveying a forged product from the loading/unloading position to a storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Stone, Ray Travis
  • Publication number: 20050092053
    Abstract: Technology for bending a tube through a desired curvature along its longitudinal axis while resisting buckling of the tube sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Guoxiang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20050092054
    Abstract: A heat transfer member for a heat exchanger, is press-formed of a metallic thin sheet material into a prescribed shape by means of molds of a press forming device so that the heat transfer member has on at least one portion thereof a heat transfer face having opposite surfaces, which are to be brought into contact with heat exchange fluids, respectively. The heat transfer face comprises at least one set of irregularity patterns arranged in a row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Toyoaki Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20050092055
    Abstract: A roller cam mechanism and driver assembly which features a positive retraction cam elements comprised of auxiliary rollers and side plate slots which cooperate upon failure of a retraction spring compressed by advance of a tooling slide to cause positive retraction of a tooling slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Victor Chun, Joseph Mouzaya
  • Publication number: 20050092056
    Abstract: A platen design is provided for a C-frame press whereby an un-stiffened paten column connected in series to the tie rod; therefore, the stiffness of the tie rod is reduced. The unique design improves the fatigue strength of the tie rod by moving the reinforcing webs away from the column and directly onto the platen main body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Ouqi Zhang
  • Publication number: 20050092057
    Abstract: A vehicle frame attachment apparatus encompasses a vehicle frame and efficiently distributes the holding or pulling forces involved in aligning a vehicle frame. The frame attachment apparatus includes a vise and a containment mechanism that secures the vehicle frame within the vise. In one embodiment, the vise includes an opposable member and a set of grasping digits that conform to bends in the vehicle frame. An alignment device may be connected to the vise to exert a pulling force and thereby align the vehicle frame. The disclosed vehicle frame alignment apparatus is easy to deploy, and reduces the risk of damaging a vehicle or injuring an alignment technician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Desmond Thomas
  • Publication number: 20050092058
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for acoustically determining the properties of the contents of one or more reservoirs in a plurality of reservoirs. Each reservoir is adapted to contain a fluid. An acoustic radiation generator can be positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to each of the reservoirs. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through each reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of analyzing a characteristic of the transmitted acoustic radiation and optionally correlating the characteristic to a property of the reservoirs' contents. Properties that may be determined include volume, temperature, and composition. The invention is particularly suited to determining the properties of the contents of a plurality of reservoirs to allow for accuracy and control over the dispensing of fluids therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Ellson, Richard Stearns
  • Publication number: 20050092059
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing an acoustic device that has multiple transducing elements adapted for conversion between acoustic and electrical signals. An electrical transmission signal is generated. The electrical transmission signal is transmitted to one of a first set of channels through a relay element in accordance with a state of the relay element. The electrical transmission signal is transmitted to one of a second set of channels through a multichannel switch of an adapter in accordance with a state of the multichannel switch. The electrical transmission signal is transmitted to a selected transducing element. An electrical received signal is received from the acoustic device in response to the electrical transmission signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Sonora Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gessert, William Phillips, G. Moore
  • Publication number: 20050092060
    Abstract: A high-g shock-producing device for testing a sample specimen is described which includes a beam and a shock column. The beam is of predetermined length and has at least one end substantially rigidly fixed with the specimen mounted thereon at a position remote from the one end. The shock column is positioned to apply a force causing said beam to bend in a direction transverse to the length. The column is configured to have a buckling failure when exposed to a pressure which is sufficient to bend the beam an amount to provide the desired high-g force to the specimen. The buckling failure causes the force to be suddenly removed from the beam so as to release the beam and produce the high-g shock on the specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Lisa Koland, Owen Grossman
  • Publication number: 20050092061
    Abstract: An impact sensor includes the first and the second electrodes arranged a predetermined distance away from each other in a tube insulator. The impact sensor is arranged at a front of a vehicle such that the first and the second electrodes opposed to each other in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The first and the second electrodes include cable conductors sheathed with elastically deformable conductive members, respectively. The first and the second electrodes are apart from each other when no impact is applied to the impact sensor. When a collision occurs and the impact is applied to the impact sensor, a contact area between the conductive members increases and a resistance between the first and the second electrodes continuously decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takafuji, Yoshiyuki Hattori
  • Publication number: 20050092062
    Abstract: The invention describes a device for determining the gas content of a liquid. The device has at least a housing, a measuring chamber base with a cavity and a measuring chamber cover inside the housing. The measuring chamber base and the measuring chamber cover are each movable by a respective piston independently of one another along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The measuring chamber base and the measuring chamber cover form a measuring chamber in the housing. The measuring chamber base or the measuring chamber cover is connected to a pressure sensor and the housing has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Christian Beck, Bolko Raffel, Hubert Ehbing, Peter Jahn, Franz Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20050092063
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable gas detector of a novel structure that is easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use. The portable gas detector has a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand, and a foreside half portion in the interior of he housing is provided as a functional part region, and a rear half portion in the interior of the housing is provided as a battery part region. In the functional part region, one of 5 gas sensors is arranged at a curved portion in a gas sensor-arranging region of an L shape as a whole, and 2 gas sensors are arranged in a row in both lateral and vertical directions of the above gas sensor, respectively. A gas sucking means is arranged in a region, the 2 directions of which is sectioned by the gas sensor-arranging region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Riken Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Tajima, Yasunori Takei
  • Publication number: 20050092064
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable gas detector which is equipped with filters for removal of interfering gases, high in convenience for use, easy to exchange the filters, and easy to confirm the time the filters are exchanged. The portable gas detector has a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand, and a foreside half portion in the interior of the housing is provided as functional part region, in which a plurality of gas sensors are arranged in a state fixed by a holder and a cap, in the interior of which a gas flowing path has been formed. At a position corresponding to at least one gas sensor in the sensor cap exposed to the back surface of the housing, a filter assembly for removal of an interfering gas component related to the gas sensor is detachably provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Riken Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Tajima, Yasunori Takei
  • Publication number: 20050092065
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable gas detector of a novel structure that is easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use. The portable gas detector has a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand, and on the front side in the interior of the housing a circuit board for control is arranged so as to extend along a flat plane direction of the housing. A foreside half portion in the interior of the housing is provided as a functional part region, in which functional members related to a gas detecting operation are arranged, and a rear half portion is provided as a battery part region, in which either one of 3 rod-like dry cells or a chargeable battery pack formed by holding 3 chargeable batteries having the same external shape as the dry cell by a holding frame member in a state arranged in parallel is installed exchangeably with the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Riken Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Tajima, Yasunori Takei
  • Publication number: 20050092066
    Abstract: Vapor sensing systems and methods are disclosed. An appliance such as a gas water heater, clothes dryer, and the like can be associated with a controller for controlling the appliance. A vapor sensor is also associated with the appliance, such that the vapor sensor comprises an active sensor and an error sensor, wherein the active sensor generates an active signal and the error sensor generates an error signal. An amplifier is also associated with the vapor sensor, such that the amplifier subtracts the error signal from the active signal to generate a compensated signal indicative of the presence of an ignitable vapor within a vicinity of the appliance and thereby instruct the controller to shut down the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Ruhland, Richard Gehman, Peter Anderson, Peter Calvagna
  • Publication number: 20050092067
    Abstract: An ambient condition detector has a housing that carries a sensor of an airborne constituent such as a gas, and a condenser for minimizing an inflow of moisture into the sensor. A filter can be used to reduce fluid flow velocity prior to passing through or by the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dragan Petrovic, Lee Tice
  • Publication number: 20050092068
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for measuring gas transmission rates and nanoleaks of deformable and brittle materials. The apparatus includes a test chamber having an upper and lower diffusion cells that when closed form a chamber wall seal, a gas inlet and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the lower diffusion cell, the upper diffusion cell being fluidly connected to a high-vacuum mass spectrometer. The method of measuring gas transmission rates and nanoleaks includes placing a sealed package containing the test gas in the lower diffusion cell, closing the upper and lower diffusion cells, flushing the lower diffusion cell with a source of a second gas other than the test gas, closing off the source of the second gas; and measuring the leak rate of the sealed package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Timothy Ascheman, Daniel Mayer
  • Publication number: 20050092069
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the permeability of a circulating band, in particular of a dewatering band in a papermaking machine, having a nozzle from which a measuring fluid flows onto the band. In order to avoid undesired lifting of the nozzle off the band due to pressure peaks, the apparatus according to the present invention has a nozzle which can be pressed onto the circulating band with a constant contact pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Ischdonat, Ralf Pfifferling, Rudolf Muench, Michael Sollinger, Wolfgang Ulfert
  • Publication number: 20050092070
    Abstract: A leak detection apparatus includes one or more detection devices that envelope the various pipe joints of a liquid circulation cooling system. In one approach, the detection devices include a pair of conductors separated by a wicking material impregnated with a crystalline salt that provides a low resistance electrical path between the conductors in the presence of a leak. In another approach, the detection devices include a pair of dissimilar metal mesh electrodes separated by an electrolyte-impregnated wicking material to form a water-activated battery that energizes an alarm in the presence of a leak. In either case, the electrodes and wicking material may be encased with a water-activated sealing material that hardens in the presence of a leak to contain the leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventor: Mohinder Bhatti