Patents Issued in May 31, 2005
  • Patent number: 6898961
    Abstract: An improved structure of a gas sensor is provided. The gas sensor includes a hollow housing in which a gas sensing element is disposed, a protective cover installed on an end of the housing, a metallic cover installed on the other end of the housing, and an insulator in which end portions of leads connecting with the gas sensing element are disposed. The insulator is retained at a flange thereof in the housing elastically using a washer. The protective cover is welded at an end thereof to the whole circumference of the end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Yamada, Takashi Kojima, Isao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6898962
    Abstract: A device for identifying and locating leaks has a permeable collecting line, a pump provided for pumping a transport medium through the line, and at least one sensor for detecting a substance that escapes in the event of a leakage. There are provided sources of a detectable gas, which, as way-points, are located at a distance from one another at known locations along the collecting line. A sensor for detecting the gas is spatially assigned to each sensor that is provided for detecting the escaping substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Framatome ANP GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Jax
  • Patent number: 6898963
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of a sample fluid are disclosed. In one embodiment, a holding vessel (82) receives the sample fluid (94) and a weighted fluid (96). The weighted fluid (96) has a greater specific gravity than the sample fluid (94). A floating spacer (100) is buoyantly disposed in the weighted fluid (96) such that an interface (116) between the sample fluid (94) and the weighted fluid (96) is defined between the holding vessel (82) and the floating spacer (100). A capillary tube 86 is positioned in fluid communication with the holding vessel (82) such that a pressure drop is created across the capillary tube (86) when at least a portion of the sample fluid (94) is forced therethrough. The viscosity of the sample fluid (94) may be determined by utilizing Hagen-Poiseuille's Law.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus A. Irani
  • Patent number: 6898964
    Abstract: An oxidizing agent supply system failure determination method for a fuel cell for use with a fuel cell apparatus provided with a fuel cell that is supplied with a fuel and an oxidizing agent, and an oxidizing agent supply system that has an oxidizing agent condition adjusting means that adjusts condition of the oxidizing agent supplied to the fuel cell, comprising the step of determining that the oxidizing agent supply system has failed if an absolute value of a difference between an actual value of a supply provided by the oxidizing agent condition adjusting means and a first predetermined value that is compared to the actual value is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and a predetermined period of time has passed. An oxidizing agent supply system failure determination method for a fuel cell is provided which can maintain the reliability of the fuel cell apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ueda, Junji Uehara, Shinji Yoshikawa, Yoshikazu Murakami
  • Patent number: 6898965
    Abstract: In a roller pair for a roller testing stand with two, commonly driven, rollers the distance of one of them which with respect to the other being adjustable, such as known in itself in a so-callead “universal roller testing stand”, the invention proposes, to simplify the driving structure, that of this adjustable roller the axis can be displaced along a circular arc, of which the center essentially coincides with the axis of a driving gear or -wheel, in such a way that during the adjustment the distance to this axis remains constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Electric Systems, B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Zuilhof, Pieter Jacob Moes
  • Patent number: 6898966
    Abstract: A SAT estimating portion supplies a grip degree estimating portion with the estimated SAT value. A summing device sums a front wheel slip angle on which high pass filter processing has been performed and a front wheel slip angle on which low pass filter processing has been performed so as to obtain an integrated slip angle. A grip degree estimating portion estimates a grip degree of a tire, by calculating a SAT reference value which is based on the integrated slip angle, and calculating a ratio between the SAT reference value and the estimated SAT value. A road surface ? value estimating portion estimates a road surface ? value when the grip degree becomes equal to or lower than a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichi Ono, Shoji Inagaki
  • Patent number: 6898967
    Abstract: A method of measuring resistivity values in relation to the azimuthal displacement of a measurement sensor displayed on a measurement-while-drilling device in a wellbore environment is disclosed. The present invention also provides an instantaneous reading of resistivity values. A resistivity sensor measures a volume having a circular cross-section, and whose center is the geometric center of the tool. Averaging removes measurement errors, such as those due to tool motion. Information on the formation resistivity is obtained as a function of the location of the center of the tool. A method of acoustic standoff determines offset of the drill tool and distances to walls. The operator gains knowledge of bedding layer formation and dip from azimuthal dependence of standoff and resistivity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John Macpherson
  • Patent number: 6898968
    Abstract: A displacement measuring device measures a path of a moving object that can be displaced in a direction has at least one first component that is allocated to the moveable object and a second, stationary component. The components are interlinked for the purpose of converting a movement and/or displacement of the moving object into an electrical signal. The displacement measuring device also has an evaluating device for converting the electrical signal into movement and/or position information. The displacement measuring device has a high degree of accuracy, is not susceptible to wear, is resistant to vibration, shocks, or corrosion and is economical to use in almost all media. To this end, the first component is a spring element connecting the moving object and the second component is a force-measurement device which releases an electrical signal corresponding to the force that is exerted on the spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow
  • Patent number: 6898969
    Abstract: A flow sensor element is provided having at least one temperature-measuring element and at least one heating element each having at least one platinum thin film resistor, the at least one temperature-measuring element and the at least one heating element each being arranged on a carrier element which is formed from a ceramic foil laminate or a multi-part ceramic component. The carrier elements have electrical conductor paths and junction surfaces for electrically contacting the at least one temperature-measuring element and the at least one heating element. The at least one temperature-measuring element and the at least one heating element each have a metallic carrier foil with an electrically insulating coating, on which the platinum thin film resistors are arranged. The flow sensor element may be used for mass through-flow measurements of gaseous or liquid media in pipe ducts, for example in an exhaust gas pipe of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Heraeus Sensor Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Wienand, Karlheinz Ullrich, Matthias Muziol
  • Patent number: 6898970
    Abstract: An extremely sensitive accelerometer suitable for use in extreme temperatures such as those encountered during space travel is formed by levitating a magnet in a box or sphere composed of diamagnetic material such as pyrolytic carbon, and a means for measuring the position of the magnet within the enclosure is provided so that over time, the position of the magnet can be monitored. Knowing the mass of the suspended magnet, the displacement over time of the magnetic can be used to calculate acceleration, which can then be used to determine position of a space vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Viktors Berstis
  • Patent number: 6898971
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for measuring the speed of a moving sport object, for example, from a gun, bow or other implement, such as a bullet or paint ball or arrow. The sensor is operable over a short range and is preferably mounted in close proximity to the path of the moving object preferably utilizes CW Doppler radar of a microwave radio frequency. In use, the unit is situated so as to place a transmit/receive antenna close to or in the line of motion of the object. Such an antenna, so positioned, may be separated from the unit and connected through a transmission line. The remote display/annunciator can also or in the alternative be separated and located remote from the transmitter/receiver and connected by a cable or a wireless link. The sensor is useful for other speed measurements in sports applications, such as for measurement of bat speed, golf club head speed or the speed of another racket, club or bat type implement, or to measure punch or kick speed in martial arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sports Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert E. Dilz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6898972
    Abstract: A micromechanical rotation speed sensor with a gimbals-mounted structure capable of vibration includes two vibration elements (4, 5) which are swivelled about two axes (A, B) oriented perpendicular toward each other. An excitation unit in the form of an electrode (7) sets the first vibration element (4) into a vibration about the first axis of rotation (A). A read out unit in the form of a read out electrode (8) records a tipping or vibration of the second vibration element (5) about the second axis of rotation (B) as a measure for the rotation speed of the sensor. Additional mass elements (6a, 6b) which are symmetrically aligned are situated on the upper side (2a) and the underside (2b) of the first vibration element (4) which form a rocker. The sensor is manufactured of at least three individually processed wafers which are finally joined together and form a top part (1), a midsection (2) and a bottom part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Karin Bauer, Tanjo Gleissner, Konrad Lentner, Stefan Sassen, Josef Schalk, Ralf Voss
  • Patent number: 6898973
    Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibrator which is retained by supporting members at one end of the supporting members and a housing to which the supporting members are fixed at the other end of the supporting members. A rigid reinforcing plate made of a metal is embedded in the housing made of a resin by insert molding. The rigid reinforcing plate is continuous between positions near fixing portions at which the supporting members are fixed to the housing. Therefore, the rigidity of the housing is increased and the vibration of the vibrator is prevented from being transmitted to the outside. In addition, the temperature drift performance is prevented from being degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Ishitoko
  • Patent number: 6898974
    Abstract: A semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor includes a supporting portion, an adhesive, and a sensor chip. The adhesive is located on a surface of the supporting portion. The sensor chip is located on the adhesive. The sensor chip and the supporting portion have been bonded together by heating the adhesive. The adhesive has a deformation factor of 0.5% or smaller at the temperature at which the adhesive is heated for bonding the sensor chip and the supporting portion together in order to reduce the stress caused by the hardening shrinkage of the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Toshiya Ikezawa, Takashige Saitou
  • Patent number: 6898975
    Abstract: In the method of detecting a localized sun gear fault, in the operation of an epicyclic gear train having ring, planet and sun gears, and a planet carrier, the steps that include detecting sun gear vibrations transmitted through each planet gear, computing separated averages of such detected vibrations, phase shifting the averages to account for the differences in gear meshing positions, and re-combining the phase shifted averages to produce a modified average value of the sun gear vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Defence Science and Technology Organization of the Department of Defence on Behalf of The Commonwealth of Australia
    Inventor: David Mark Blunt
  • Patent number: 6898976
    Abstract: An output signal that accords with a rotation speed of a brake rotor of a respective wheel is output by a vehicle wheel speed sensor. A noise frequency identification portion identifies a frequency component that corresponds to brake noise from this output signal. It is possible, for example, to identify a frequency component that corresponds to brake squeal by performing fast Fourier transform (FFT) calculation for the vehicle wheel speed. Further, a noise detection portion determines that brake noise is being generated when the frequency component identified by the noise frequency identification portion is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Kamiya, Hiroshi Kondo, Shin Sasaki, Daizo Oba
  • Patent number: 6898977
    Abstract: An ultrasonic distance-measuring method and device using variable-length transmitted pulses. For this purpose, the length of each of the transmitted pulses is adjusted such that it is approximately proportional to the measured time interval of a transmitted pulse between the transmitter and an obstruction or object. The method can be used in particular for measuring the distance between the rear panel of a utility vehicle and a loading platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Gregor Ilnicki, Mark-Holger Paulmann
  • Patent number: 6898978
    Abstract: An apparatus for making pulsed acoustic measurements to determine particle size in a sample (1) such as a colloid. The apparatus includes two electrodes (2) between which an electric voltage is applied to the sample. The voltage is applied in short pulses. The applied voltage generates an acoustic signal, such as a sound wave (5), in the sample which is detected with a transducer (3) after the wave (5) has passed through a delay element (4). The delay element (4) is used to introduce enough of a time delay between the application of the voltage pulse and sound wave (5) reaching the transducer so that the received wave's signal can be isolated from any signal generated in the transducer (3) by the applied voltage. The delay element (4) and the transducer (3) are arranged into a geometry, or, alternatively, the delay element (4) is shaped, so that any reflections of the sound wave (5) from the sidewalls of the delay element (4) are deflected away from the transducer (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Colloidal Dynamics Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard O'Brien, David W. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6898979
    Abstract: A portable hand-held device for measuring the pressure in an automobile air conditioning system includes a socket adapted to connect to a service port, an internal passage in communication with the socket, and a pressure gauge disposed in the housing selectively in communication with the internal passage. A valve is interposed between the internal passage and the gauge. When the socket is engaged to a service port of an automobile air conditioning system, gas from the automobile air conditioning system enters the socket, passes through the internal passage, and is read by the pressure gauge. A button is provided having a ramped portion, and a pin contacts the ramped portion of the button at one end at the valve at the other end. When the button is depressed, the pin raises the valve into an open position to allow pressurized gas trapped on a gauge side of the valve to be released via the socket to reset the gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Cowan, Jochen Schäpers, Saul Trachtenberg
  • Patent number: 6898980
    Abstract: A scalable process transmitter architecture includes a unitized sensor module and an optional scalable transmitter. The sensor module has a sensor output that is configurable which can connect locally to a scalable transmitter module to form a transmitter, or can be wired directly to a remote receiver. The scalable transmitter can mount on the unitized sensor module and generates a scalable output for a remote receiver. The transmitter module can provide more advanced features for specific applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Behm, Dale S. Davis, Mark C. Fandrey, Roger L. Frick, Robert C. Hedtke, Richard L. Nelson, Scott D. Nelson, Weston Roper, Theodore H. Schnaare, John P. Schulte, Mark S. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6898981
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring pressure in two points of a fluid flow, comprising: a frame (10) consisting of two plates (12, 14) comprising each two planar surfaces, one outer (12a, 14a) and the other inner (12b, 14b), and wherein one of the plates (12) is perforated with recess (22) closed by the other plate (14) to form an assembly of two chambers (28, 30) comprising two planar walls (24, 14b) parallel to the surfaces (12a, 14a) of the frame and a side wall (26) forming its periphery and a fluidic restriction channel (32) connecting the two chambers (28, 30) with each other, and means (16) for supplying a measurement of the pressure in each of the chambers (28, 30). In order to improve the accuracy of the measurement, the side wall (26) of the chambers (28, 30) is perpendicular to its two planar walls (24, 14b) and is configured such that the chambers (28, 20) are spindle-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Seyonic SA
    Inventors: Marc Boillat, Bart Van Der Schoot, Nico De Rooij, Benedikt Guldimann
  • Patent number: 6898982
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Davis, Robert F. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6898983
    Abstract: A strain gage apparatus for measuring the load applied to a derrick leg mechanically multiplies the deflection or distortion of a strain gage. The apparatus attaches to the derrick leg at two points that are spaced about five feet apart. Accumulated strain along the five-foot section moves one end of an elongate member a significant distance. The distance is much greater than any localized movement or minute strain in the derrick leg. The movement of the elongate member stresses a reaction member upon which the strain gage is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 6898984
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1) for determining the flow (Q) of a fluid (2). The apparatus has a hollow body (3), with an inflow (4) and an outflow (5) for the fluid (2). A magnetic sample (6) is movably arranged in the hollow body (3) and can be acted upon with a working pressure by the fluid (2). The measuring apparatus (1) further has at least one position sensor (7) to determine the position of the magnetic sample (6), an electromagnet (8) to exert a magnetic force on the magnetic sample (6), and a control device (9) for the electromagnet (8) which is connected signal-wise to the position sensor (7). The control device (9) includes regulating means (10) which control the electromagnet (8) with the aid of a signal of the position sensor (7) so that the magnetic sample (6) is held in a position (X) against the working pressure, with the magnetic sample (6) being designed and arranged such that the fluid (2) can flow through the hollow body (3) from the inflow (4) to the outflow (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Levitronix LLC
    Inventor: Reto Schöb
  • Patent number: 6898985
    Abstract: A method of determining the NER and vacuum quality of a cryogenic liquid container that includes the steps of providing a flow gauge having a scale provided thereon adjacent a flow volume indicator ball that is selected to provide an NER value in pounds per day lost directly from the position of the indicator ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Cryo-Safe Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernie Gautreau
  • Patent number: 6898986
    Abstract: A meter for the measurement of the gas mass flow rate and total liquid mass flow rate of a two phase or multiphase fluid is disclosed. The meter comprises a series of three flow element, the firs element is arranged to mix fluids passing therethrough and the second and third elements are each arranged to provide a measurement of the differential pressure across that element. The second and third elements may be added to an existing installation with an element capable of performing mixing, after the mixing element. The second and third elements provide independent measurements by having different configurations presented to the fluids passing therethrough. The first and third elements may comprise conduits with internal projections and the second element may be a venturi. A flow element for use in such a meter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignees: Lattice Intellectual Property Limited, ISA Controls Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Richard Daniel, Jonathan Stuart Lund
  • Patent number: 6898987
    Abstract: A flow meter includes a cylindrical flow chamber having an axis and an internal cylindrical wall. Axially spaced about opposite ends of the flow chamber are an inlet and an outlet. Both the inlet and outlet are oriented generally tangential with respect to the interior cylindrical wall. Rotatively mounted about the axis of the chamber is a rotor but wherein the rotor is mounted within the chamber between the inlet and outlet. Fluid entering the chamber via the inlet tends to spiral around the axis of the chamber and generally moves axially in the process to where the fluid engages and turns the rotor but wherein the fluid continues to move axially through the chamber to where the fluid exits the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hoffer Flow Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Hayman
  • Patent number: 6898988
    Abstract: An integrated loadcell system, having a loadcell body having a leg connected to a spanning member, the leg having a transducer mounted thereto and a housing coupled to the loadcell body forming a wheatstone bridge circuit with the transducer; where an output of the wheatstone bridge circuit is indicative of a load experienced by the loadcell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Debojit Barua, Diane Marie Jett, Srini G. Naidu
  • Patent number: 6898989
    Abstract: A load cell comprising a load carrying structural framework is arranged with at least one measuring zone (15, 16) arranged with a measuring means. A load F applied in the x-direction parallel to two outer beams (1, 4) of the framework is transferred to two inner beams (2, 3) by two side beams (5, 6). The load on the measuring zones (15, 16) is greater than the load applied parallel to outer beams (1, 4) in a ratio of the distance h between the joints of the two outer beams divided by the distance d between the joints of the two inner beams. When a load is applied in the y-direction parallel to the two side beams (5, 6), the load on the measuring zones is also greater than the load applied at the side beams, in this case by a ratio of the distance l between the joints (7 and 11), (10 and 14) divided by distance d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Norling, Åke Persson
  • Patent number: 6898990
    Abstract: A sampling cartridge for a gas sampling apparatus includes a shell having a cylindrical wall and a sampling window extending through the wall. A pair of spools are coaxially and internally positioned within the shell. The spools are independently rotatable relative to the shell. A first spool may include multiple interval sample collectors while the second spool includes a duration sample collector. Each spool also has a window closing surface which is positioned adjacent the window whenever an access door of the gas sampling apparatus is opened. The sampling cartridge may also include a fully encapsulated section of sample collector material as a negative control, and an integral RF tag for storing chain of custody information including personal identification information of a cartridge replenisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rupprecht & Patashnick Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Rogers, Adam C. Bailey, Michael S. Cummings, Lauren R. Basch
  • Patent number: 6898991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collector which is able to take small samples of possibly hazardous dusts lying scattered on a surface. The invention consists of an evacuated sampling bottle closed with a septum, which is to be provided with a telescopic cap which has a contact plate shaped for removing the dust or liquid sample from a small surface by suction and a needle which can puncture the septum. The sample bottle can be filled with a small amount of liquid to take up the dust. When the sample bottle is held in the hand and the cap is pressed onto a surface which is coated with dust or liquid droplets, the needle punctures the septum and the vacuum sucks some of the dust or liquid droplets into the sample bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Bruker Daltonik GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Geise, Gerhard Weiss
  • Patent number: 6898992
    Abstract: A method of controlling the engagement force of the synchronizers of a dual clutch transmission having a plurality of synchronizers to selectively engage and disengage various gear sets, and a plurality of shift actuators adapted to move the synchronizers. The method includes the steps of initiating a control routine to pressurize a shift actuator to move a synchronizer to a predetermined engagement position and determining the necessary level of force required to move the desired shift actuator to the predetermined engagement position such that the engagement movement is effected without excessive force. The method also includes the steps of determining the hydraulic pressure that corresponds to the determined level of force and varying the amount of available hydraulic line pressure delivered to the shift actuator such that the delivered pressure is the amount that corresponds to the determined level of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, Darren Firth, Mark Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6898993
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle which can be applied to a shift mechanism where a shaft itself is rotated and having a simple configuration and axial miniaturization. A transmission for a vehicle in which a plurality of transmission shafts are provided each of which supports a plurality of transmission gears in a row and are arranged in parallel so that mutually corresponding transmission gears are engaged and transmission gears rotating in synchronization with the hollow shaft are selectively switched. Every transmission shaft is provided with a clutch mechanism provided between the hollow shaft and each transmission gear for fitting the hollow shaft and each transmission gear or releasing the fitting and a clutch actuator housed in the hollow shaft and the clutch mechanism selectively fits any transmission gear to the hollow shaft according to the axial position of the clutch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Matsumoto, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Masaie Kato
  • Patent number: 6898994
    Abstract: A ballscrew and ball nut assembly with complimentary threads providing a ball raceway having a ball re-circulation path within the screwshaft of the ballscrew provided on the peripheral surface of a screwshaft insert and including end passages which communicate with the raceway and a non-helical mid-passage connecting said end passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Saginaw Ball Screw Company, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Frederick Walton
  • Patent number: 6898995
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuation device for a motor vehicle, including a pedal stand that can be mounted on the vehicle and has articulated to it a base member that is swivelling about a first axis and fixable by means of an adjustment device, comprising a housing for a hydraulic or electromechanic generator that points into a vehicle interior in opposition to a direction of actuation, and a pedal lever which is pivoted at the base member and includes two legs, wherein foot pressure is applicable to the first leg, and the second leg acts on the generator. The device permits a simple adjustment of the actuation device to adapt to the comfort requirements of different drivers with different body lengths (leg lengths) and further has an optimized collision performance. Finally, it is favorable that hydraulic generators may also be arranged in the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schonlau, Hans-Jörg Feigel
  • Patent number: 6898996
    Abstract: A flexible drive cable assembly for powered adjustable pedals includes an elongate flexible casing having a unitary connector which cooperates with an end fitting to secure the casing to the end fitting and hold the casing stationary relative to the end fitting. In one embodiment, the unitary connector and the end fitting form a snap-fit connection having both an interlock and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration. In another embodiment, the casing is heat staked to the end fitting such that casing material flows into grooves to form protrusions which interlock with the end fitting and an interference fit between the casing and the end fitting to reduce vibration. In another embodiment, the unitary connector includes an elongate portion press fit into an aperture of the end fitting and a flange engaging the end fitting adjacent the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Freund, Pascal Emanuel Garrido, Richard Allen Lagerweij
  • Patent number: 6898997
    Abstract: An apparatus for stripping an insulated wire includes a resistive heater element having a first end, a second end, and a coil formed between the first end and the second end. The coil has an inner diameter that is large enough to receive a section of the insulated wire. The apparatus further includes an electronic circuit connected to the first and second ends to deliver power to the resistive heater element such that the coil uniformly distributes heat about the section of the insulated wire to thermally decompose insulation on the section of insulated wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Oldigs, Harry L. Vanscoder, Scott S. Chesser, Ricky Y. Torres, Gary A. Hazen
  • Patent number: 6898998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a T-handle ratchet wrench including a lateral bar and a ratchet set. The lateral bar has a hollow connection part located in the center of the lateral bar and used for installing the ratchet set. Two flanks of the lateral bar make up a handgrip, respectively. The top of ratchet set is provided with a rotation button while a vertical bar extends downwardly from the rotation button. At least one of the handgrips includes a pivotal ear with a through hole, and the pivotal ear can be fitted into an insertion slot with a through hole at the free end of the lateral bar. A pivotal pin then passes through the through hole in the pivotal ear and the through hole in the insertion slot. This permits a pivotal movement of the handgrip on the pivotal pin. Accordingly, this configuration will considerably minimize the occupied space in packing, transport, storage and carrying. Particularly, the operators can more easily apply his force on the driver under special operation environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Tsai Shyu
  • Patent number: 6898999
    Abstract: A sleeve with a non-round engaging portion comprises a sleeve body having a receiving portion at one end thereof and a connecting portion at another end thereof; the connecting portion being communicated to the receiving portion; the connecting portion having four sides; each two opposite sides are symmetrical. The connecting portion has different sections which are different diameters for matching sizes of different spanners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Chin-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6899000
    Abstract: A wrench includes an open end which includes two jaws and a connection portion connected between the two jaws. A clamping portion is defined in an inside of each jaw and located close to a first side of each jaw. A loose portion is defined in the inside of each jaw and located close to a second side of each jaw. A width between the two respective loose portions of the two jaws is wider than a width between the two respective clamping portions of the two jaws. A pushing tongue is located between the two jaws. A nut can be clamped by the clamping portions of the two jaws by compressing the pushing tongue, and is freely rotatable relative to the open end when located in a space enclosed by the loose portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6899001
    Abstract: A multiple component wrench is adapted for use to attach and disconnect fire hose and hydrant coupling using this singular tool in lieu of several tools currently used by firefighters. The wrench has a sliding portion and a receiver portion presented as one tool, yet allowing multiple wrenches adapted for use on Storz and spanner hose couplings, rocker lug couplings, water meter shutoff valves, gas cock valves, pentagonal nuts and square nuts, and includes a multiple ratchet mechanism with multiple removable ratchets adapted to a variety of different nuts encountered on the multiple hydrants installed in various municipalities. The wrench is also extendable to provide additional leverage during use, the wrench further capable of separation forming two independent wrenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Sanders, Shane Campbell
  • Patent number: 6899002
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a fastener such as a sink strainer nut includes a collar portion and a handle portion pivotally attached to the collar portion. The collar portion defines a plurality of cutouts and engaging surfaces for engaging with lugs on a sink strainer nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Charles E. Willis, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6899003
    Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting a flat cardboard plate 2 includes first and second rotary cutters 7 and 8 rotatable in respective directions counter to each other for cutting upper and lower portions of a thickness of the flat cardboard plate 2, respectively. The first and second rotary cutters 7 and 8 and the flat cardboard plate 2 are moved relative to each other in a direction conforming to a single cutting line b to cut the flat cardboard plate 2 along the cutting line b. In this way, the flat cardboard plate 2 having a relatively great thickness can be cut with high cutting accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Daizen Kabusiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisato Yoshii
  • Patent number: 6899004
    Abstract: A sawing apparatus and a saw fence. The saw apparatus may include a work surface. The saw may include a rail system disposed along the edges of the work surface, for the attachment of accessories thereto. The saw may be provided with workpiece guide adapted to be attached to the rail system for guiding workpieces during the operation of the saw. The workpiece guide may also be provided with an infeed extension that rides on the rail system and is capable of supporting workpieces during the operation of the saw. The infeed extension may be adjusted relative to the work surface of the saw. The saw may further be provided with a debris collection system for the collection of debris produced by the cutting operations of the saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Delta International Machinery Corp.
    Inventor: David Miller
  • Patent number: 6899005
    Abstract: An improved adjustable workpiece supporting fence assembly for a compound miter saw, or other work performing device, includes a first fixed fence portion fixedly interconnected with the base of the device on one side of the saw blade and a first movable fence is movably interconnected to the first fixed fence portion. A second fixed fence portion is fixedly interconnected with the base of the device on the other side of the saw blade and a second movable fence is movably interconnected to the second fixed fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Daryl S. Meredith
  • Patent number: 6899006
    Abstract: A miter saw fence construction is provided by which accurate length measurement of an elongate work piece to be cut from stock material may be made. The construction includes a carrier platform slidingly and lockingly mounted to the miter saw fence. Extending rearwardly towards the fence from the front portion of the carrier platform is an elongate bar pointer whose free end is notched to receive the cut first end of stock material. Also included are measuring means having cooperative static and mobile components. The static component is secured to the fence and the mobile component is mounted to the carrier platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Robert M. Jolkovski
  • Patent number: 6899007
    Abstract: A bomb deactivator is formed in a self-contained unit that is able to deactivate a bomb by rendering it inert and then, in one embodiment of the invention, by cutting it into a plurality of pieces with a vertically adjustable band saw. The bomb deactivator includes a push shoe for pushing the bomb through a fingered aperture that securely grips the bomb. Moreover, a drill bit assembly is formed to be actually driven by a pneumatic source towards the secured bomb to push it against the fingered aperture to secure it firmly in place and to drill a hole therein while injecting fluid through a telescoping sleeve. The fluid is injected for a period of minutes according to fluid composition and/or according to length of the bomb. Thereafter, once the bomb is certain to have been rendered inert, in one embodiment of the invention, a band saw is used to cut the bomb into multiple pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: George R. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 6899008
    Abstract: A gun barrel having a muzzle brake (2), especially for large-caliber guns, in which the muzzle brake (2) includes a tubular piece that has openings (16) around its circumference, and a jacket tube (4), which surrounds the tubular piece and has diametrically opposite gas-exit openings (17) that extend perpendicular to the bore longitudinal axis (15). To provide an arrangement comprising a barrel (1) and a muzzle brake (2) that minimizes the firing stresses on the parts of the muzzle brake (2) that are detachably connected to the barrel (1), the muzzle region (3) of the barrel (1) itself is used as a component of the muzzle brake (2. That is, the muzzle region of the barrel is provided with a plurality of openings (16) arranged in ring formation around the barrel (1), and the attached the jacket tube (4) is provided with slot-shaped gas-exit openings (17) over this muzzle region (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rheinmetall W&M GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz-Günter Breuer
  • Patent number: 6899009
    Abstract: Flexible multi-shock shield system and method are disclosed for defending against hypervelocity particles. The flexible multi-shock shield system and method may include a number of flexible bumpers or shield layers spaced apart by one or more resilient support layers, all of which may be encapsulated in a protective cover. Fasteners associated with the protective cover allow the flexible multi-shock shield to be secured to the surface of a structure to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Eric L. Christiansen, Jeanne L. Crews
  • Patent number: 6899010
    Abstract: A valve body 2 is connected to a power piston, which divides a housing into a constant pressure chamber (negative pressure) and a variable pressure chamber. In the valve body 2, there is provided a brake assisting mechanism 10 between a reaction disk 3 and a plunger 9. A poppet seal 12 is opened by movement of the plunger 9, to thereby introduce atmospheric air into the variable pressure chamber and generate a thrust force in the power piston. During rapid braking, a plunger rod 23 advances relative to a sleeve 21, and balls 30 shift outward and the plunger rod 23 directly abuts against a reaction rod 22, resulting in contraction of the brake assisting mechanism 10. Therefore, the amount of movement of the plunger 9 can be increased without being affected by a reaction force from the reaction disk 3, thus enabling rapid development of servo power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hitachi Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshio Takayama, Mitsuhiro Endo, Tetsuya Takahashi, Shuzo Watanabe, Tadaaki Nakamura