Patents Issued in January 17, 2006
  • Patent number: 6986258
    Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for operation of a cryogenic hydrogen storage system that contains a porous medium configured to adsorb hydrogen. The hydrogen storage and supply system includes a hydrogen source apparatus, a cryosorptive storage apparatus, and a fuel recycle loop. Methods and devices that allow for an energy efficient release of hydrogen from the cryosorptive apparatus are described. At the outset of a fuel release, the cryosorptive hydrogen storage apparatus contains cold, pressurized hydrogen. Release of hydrogen from the storage apparatus is a process that consumes heat, thereby drawing down both the temperature and pressure. Heat can be provided to the cryosorptive storage apparatus by various direct approaches, or through the influx of warm, recycled hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Bradley, Jeff Wyatt
  • Patent number: 6986259
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerating apparatus using a temperature sensitive expansion valve (46) as an expansion mechanism. In the refrigerating apparatus, a switching valve (7a) is disposed on the upstream side of an evaporator (45). The switching valve (7a) is closed for a while, thereby forcibly placing an outlet side of the evaporator (45) in the superheat state to increase the valve travel of the expansion valve (46). Thereafter, the switching valve (7a) is opened for liquid refrigerant to flow through the evaporator (45) so that a wettish operation is carried out. As a result of such arrangement, refrigerating machine oil that has accumulated in the evaporator (45) is reclaimed and returned to a compression mechanism (2D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Takegami, Kenji Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6986260
    Abstract: An electric fan system has a first electric blower 10, which utilizes a brushless motor, and a second electric blower, which utilizes a brushed motor, for distributing the cooling air to the radiator and the condenser. The system has an electronic engine control unit which activates only the first electric blower when it determines that the cooling water temperature is less than T2, and activates both the first and second electric blowers when it determines that the cooling water temperature is T2 or higher. The water temperature is based on a detection output from a cooling water temperature sensor. Thus, since the electric blower is not activated unless the cooling water temperature becomes T2 or higher, use of the brushed motor is limited and its life is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignees: DENSO Corporation, Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Oda, Kuzuhiro Takeuchi, Tatsuhiro Matsuki, Takaaki Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 6986261
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing system includes a control section that refers to recipe information on a process sequence, thereby detects that a processing apparatus will shift from an ordinary operation state to a long idle state, and switches thermo-medium circulation apparatus from an ordinary mode to an energy-saving mode after the shift to the long idle state. The control section refers to recipe information on the process sequence or another process sequence, thereby detects that the processing apparatus will shift from the long idle state to the ordinary operation state, and switches the thermo-medium circulation apparatus from the energy-saving mode to the ordinary mode before the shift to the ordinary operation state. A thermo-medium is circulated at a first flow rate and at a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate in the ordinary mode and the energy-saving mode, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Norikazu Sasaki, Hiroshi Koizumi, Norihiko Amikura
  • Patent number: 6986262
    Abstract: With the intention of reducing power consumption and noise, there is provided a binary refrigeration unit which can be started even by a compressor equipped with a small-torque and compact motor. The binary refrigeration unit is constructed in such a manner that an evaporator 4 of a high-temperature side refrigerant circuit H and a condenser 12 of a low-temperature side refrigerant circuit L are disposed side by side, a refrigerant of the low-temperature side refrigerant circuit L is cooled to be condensed at the condenser 12 by vaporization heat of a refrigerant of the high-temperature side refrigerant circuit H evaporated by the evaporator 4, the condensed refrigerant of the low-temperature side refrigerant circuit L is evaporated at an evaporator 14, and accordingly a low temperature much lower than a low temperature obtained by the evaporator 4 is obtained by the evaporator 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Biomedical Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuzi Takasugi, Yuichi Tamaoki
  • Patent number: 6986263
    Abstract: A beverage distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing drinks such as soda, juice and punch, to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which enables users to dispense such drinks from their refrigerator. The computerized system monitors its own supply levels and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers drink syrups and CO2 gas supplies. The computerized system can automatically detect dispensing problems and orders and arranges for repair service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Beverage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry Lee Crisp, III
  • Patent number: 6986264
    Abstract: Various refrigerant system schematics incorporate the ability to bypass refrigerant around a condenser, to selectively provide refrigerant of a desired thermodynamic state to downstream system components, including a reheat coil located downstream of the condenser. In addition, the reheat coil may be utilized in combination, or independently from an economizer cycle, that is also incorporated into the system design. The economizer branch can be configured in a sequential or parallel arrangement relative to the reheat coil. Consequently, a wide spectrum of sensible and latent load demands can be satisfied. Furthermore, various schematics provide distinct benefits and flexibility in unloading and temperature and humidity control, also resulting in system performance and reliability enhancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Patent number: 6986265
    Abstract: In an apparatus for making dry ice pellets having plural pressing chambers, each pressing chamber is provided with a movable piston for compressing carbon dioxide into solid state and for pressing the solid carbon dioxide through a perforated plate disposed at the end of the pressing chamber. Through connecting rods, the pistons in the pressing chambers are connected with a common crankshaft driven by a motor. The pressing chambers are provided with an inlet for supplying the carbon dioxide in fluid state and with outlet for carbon dioxide in gaseous state. In this way a very compact construction is achieved which is suited for mobile units, particularly dry ice blasting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Cold Blasting APS
    Inventor: Steen Johansen
  • Patent number: 6986266
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for separation of LNG allow both maximum enriching of the methane product in methane at any initial LNG composition, and to production the methane product in fully liquid state for the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Cryogenic Group, Inc.
    Inventor: George B. Narinsky
  • Patent number: 6986267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical element with a lens barrel, in which an optical raw material is placed on a placement portion projecting toward the center of the lens barrel from the inner peripheral surface thereof, and assuming that a distance between the opposing ends of the projection of the placement portion is L1, the outside diameter of the optical raw material is L2, the inside diameter of the lens barrel portion which is positioned close to and above the placement portion and to which the perimeter of the optical element obtained after forming is joined is L3, and the inside diameter of the smallest opening on the upper end side of the lens barrel is L4, design is performed to satisfy a relation of L1<L2<L3<L4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Katsunori Mukasa, Hiroaki Fujita
  • Patent number: 6986268
    Abstract: A flat glass plate having a low residual stress, suitable for use in preparing a display, can be prepared without an annealing or polishing process by way of controlling the horizontal temperature gradient of a molten glass plate to a specific range during cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Corning Precision Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Hwa Lee
  • Patent number: 6986269
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a knit upper and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The upper is formed through a knitting process to include a plurality of sections formed of different yarns and knits to provide the sections with different physical properties. In portions of the upper where sections formed of different yarns are in adjacent wales, a tuck stitch is utilized to join the sections. The method utilizes a circular knitting machine having multiple feeds that work together to knit the upper into a unitary, seamless structure. The multiple feeds, each of which provide multiple types of yarns, produce the sections to have varying physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Bhupesh Dua
  • Patent number: 6986270
    Abstract: A knitted fabric having moisture management properties. The fabric is formed from filamentary yarns and spun yarns, both the filamentary and spun yarns having substantially the same weight per unit of length. The fabric is knitted with so that the courses alternate between a filamentary yarn and a spun yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Miller, III, Jill B. Cravotta
  • Patent number: 6986271
    Abstract: A washing machine having a wobbling device. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, thus effectively washing the clothes. This wobbling device includes a vertical rotary shaft rotated by a washing shaft, and an inclined rotary shaft arranged above the vertical rotary shaft. A first rotary unit couples the inclined rotary shaft to the vertical rotary shaft, thus rotating the two shafts at the same time. An upper surface of the first rotary unit forms a first sloping surface inclined at an angle of inclination. A second rotary unit rotatably receives the inclined rotary shaft therein, and is provided at its lower surface with a second sloping surface corresponding to the first sloping surface of the first rotary unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung-Kyoon Kim, Seung-Ho Lee, Sang-Yeon Pyo, Chan-Woo Park, Myung-Gyu Lee, Seon-Woo Park
  • Patent number: 6986272
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition lock (1), in particular for a driving authorization system in a motor vehicle that interacts for authentication purposes with an electronic key or the like via an encoded operating signal. The ignition lock (1) contains a moving element (2) that can move from a starting position into at least one actuating position and a switching element (3), wherein the moving element (2) has a switching effect onto the switching element (3) in the actuating position. The ignition lock (1) furthermore includes a lever (4) that can be inserted into the moving element (2) for manually moving the moving element (2), wherein a locking feature (5) interacts with the lever (4) in the inserted state so that the removal of the lever (4) from the moving element (2) is blocked. The lever (4) contains an actuating element for the release of the locking feature (5) so that upon actuation of the actuating element the lever (4) can be removed from the moving element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Sandvoss, Reinhart Neumann, Thomas Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6986273
    Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus for concurrently performing two or more hydroforming operations includes a frame that is sized to support hydroforming dies in a stacked relationship. Each of the dies includes a pair of cooperating die sections having respective recesses that define a die cavity. Guide pins and actuating cylinders, attached to platens on which the die section are supported, move in coordination with a ram and assist in moving die sections that are distant from the ram. When the die cavities are opened, hollow tubular blanks are inserted between the spaced apart die sections of the first and second die. Next, the ram and the support mechanism move such that the pairs of cooperating die sections of the first and second dies engage one another. End feed cylinders are then moved laterally into engagement with the end the tubular blanks to facilitate the filling thereof with a hydroforming fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Rager
  • Patent number: 6986274
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool including a frame having a hydraulic conduit system; a ram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ram advancement system for advancing the ram in at least two different rates of movement on the frame. The multi-speed ram advancement system includes a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit system of the frame; and a conduit tube extending into a hydraulic chamber inside the ram and fixedly connected to the frame. The conduit tube is adapted to conduit hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic conduit system into the hydraulic chamber inside the ram. The conduit tube is axially rotatably connected to the frame and longitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Lefavour, Armand T. Montminy, Thomas Faucher
  • Patent number: 6986275
    Abstract: An automotive clamp accessory that can be used with existing prior art clamps to pull on a damaged vehicle's frame. The clamp accessory can be attached to a variety of types of damaged vehicle frames and locations without first being required to remove bolted-on vehicle parts or attached glass in order for the pull clamp to properly access or grab the frame. Once the clamp accessory is attached, straightening is accomplished by pulling on the clamp accessory with an external force to return the frame back to its original shape. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp accessory includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a wall disposed between the first and second ends that forms a “stair-step” configuration. The first end portion having a pair of opposing pivot bores for mounting the prior art pull clamp thereto. The pivot bores allow the pulling clamp to be tightened in selected positions for various straightening applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Steven G. Conner
  • Patent number: 6986276
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus comprises a phase fraction meter and a compliant mandrel deployable within a production pipe, and may further comprise a flow velocity meter. The mandrel allows the determination of the phase fraction for a fluid comprising three phases by providing an additional cross sectional compliance within the conduit, thereby allowing the density of the fluid to be determined. The mandrel also provides a specified blockage through the flow velocity meter, thereby increasing flow velocity through the meter. This allows flow rate measurements in conditions under which flow velocity in the under-restricted cross-sectional area of the pipe would normally be very low. Further, the mandrel can provide a specified restriction in the pipe, i.e., a venturi. By measuring the differential pressure across the venturi and utilizing the measured fluid velocity from the flow velocity meter, the density of the fluid mixture can be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Stuart E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6986277
    Abstract: Structure for mounting a knock sensor (41) on an engine includes the sensor (41) comprised of an annular main body (1) and an external connecting portion (2). The knock sensor (41) is secured onto a mounting seat (52) formed on the engine for detecting vibration thereof transmitted to a piezoelectric element (10) from the mounting seat (52) through the main cylindrical metal member (3). The mounting structure includes a clamping member (91) extending through a through-hole (5) for fixing the main body (1) on the seat (52), an engine-side engaging portion (53) radially distanced from the axis of the clamping member (91) and a bearing portion (2) provided on the sensor (41) and adapted to engage with the engine-side engaging portion (53). The knock sensor can be mounted easily with harness layout design being facilitated because the knock sensor is prevented from rotation upon mounting thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akito Yokoi
  • Patent number: 6986278
    Abstract: A capped microsensor is described. It is suggested that a current conductor, positioned in the cavity and having at least two voltage taps, be provided, this configuration being used for seal testing, e.g., during quality control, by detecting at least one thermodynamic variable of a gaseous medium present inside the cavity via this configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schatz, Carsten Raudzis, Mathias Reimann
  • Patent number: 6986279
    Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a shaker apparatus, a vacuum source and a container; placing a sample of the aggregate in the container; adding liquid to the container sufficient to reach a calibration mark on the container; weighing the sample and liquid; mounting the container to the shaker apparatus; connecting the vacuum source to the container; agitating the sample and liquid with the shaker apparatus; applying a vacuum to the sample and liquid with the vacuum source; after the agitation and vacuum steps, adding liquid to the container sufficient to again reach the calibration mark on the container; again weighing the sample and liquid; and subtracting the initial weight of the sample and liquid from the final weight of the sample and liquid in order to determine the liquid absorption of the aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Barnstead Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Lockwood, Steven C. Peake
  • Patent number: 6986280
    Abstract: A surface analyzing system including in one system both an integrating optical instrument, such as a scatterometer, and individual-feature-measuring instrument, such as a scanning probe microscope or a beam imaging system, for example, a scanning electron microscope. In a preferred embodiment, the two instruments are capable of characterizing a wafer held on a common stage. The stage may be movable a predetermined displacement to allow the same area of the wafer to be characterized by a scatterometer at one position of the stage and to be characterized by the scanning probe microscope or beam imaging system. The scatterometer can rapidly measure wafers to indicate whether a problem exists, and the scanning probe microscope can perform detailed measurements on wafers flagged by the scatterometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Fei Company
    Inventor: Sylvain G. Muckenhirm
  • Patent number: 6986281
    Abstract: Exfiltrometer apparatus includes a container for holding soil. A sample container for holding sample soil is positionable with respect to the container so that the sample soil contained in the sample container is in communication with soil contained in the container. A first tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a surface water potential at about a surface of the sample soil contained in the sample container. A second tensiometer operatively associated with the sample container senses a first subsurface water potential below the surface of the sample soil. A water content sensor operatively associated with the sample container senses a water content in the sample soil. A water supply supplies water to the sample soil. A data logger operatively connected to the first and second tensiometers, and to the water content sensor receives and processes data provided by the first and second tensiometers and by the water content sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson, Annette L. Schafer
  • Patent number: 6986282
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to collect downhole data during a drilling operation via a downhole tool. A differential pressure is created by the difference between internal pressure of fluid passing through the downhole tool and the annular pressure in the wellbore. The apparatus includes a drill collar connectable to the downhole drilling, and has an opening extending into a chamber therein. A piston is positioned in the chamber and has a rod extending into the opening. The piston is movable between a closed position with the rod filling the opening, and an open position with the rod retracted into the chamber to form a cavity for receiving downhole fluid. A sensor is positioned in the rod for collecting data from fluid in the cavity. The apparatus may also be provided with a probe and/or hydraulic circuitry to facilitate the collection of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Albert Hoefel
  • Patent number: 6986283
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to exchange fluid in a system such as a transmission system. Supply and return flow rates are measured and can be adjusted based on a difference between the flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Mills, Walter Murray, William Brown, John E. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 6986284
    Abstract: A textured surface characterization system (100) includes a characterization apparatus (110) that contacts a textured surface (104) of an item (108) in order to characterize that surface. The characterization system includes a fluid delivery system (204) for flowing a fluid (128) across the textured surface when the textured surface is in contact with the characterization apparatus. Pressure measurement structures (144, 160) on the characterization apparatus provide pressure data for the fluid as it flows across the textured surface. This pressure data is used to characterize the textured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 6986285
    Abstract: The pressure sensor (2) comprises a pressure detector element (21) arranged to receive a pressure that is to be measured and to detect it, and a printed circuit (22) connected to the pressure detector element (21) via an electrical connection, and it is characterized in that the electrical connection comprises at least one flexible conductive tongue (29) having a first end (290) connected directly or indirectly to the printed circuit (22) and a second end (291) merely bearing against a corresponding electrical contact (213a) of the pressure detector element (21). In order to ensure good electrical contact, the bearing face (294) of the second end of the or each flexible conductive tongue (29) bearing against the corresponding electrical contact (213a) is polished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Avisse
  • Patent number: 6986286
    Abstract: A composite material has a laminated structure of fiber-reinforced resin layers and films of a shape-memory alloy. A predetermined strain has been applied to each film. A damage sensor has a film of an alloy of nickel and titanium. An electric circuit is bonded to the film, and strain gages are connected to the electric circuit. The damage sensor can be laminated to the resin layers in place of the film of the shape-memory alloy. Damage to the composite material is suppressed as follows: A current is applied to the films of the shape-memory alloy, to monitor change in electric resistance of the films. The damage is located in response to the change in electric resistance. Another current is applied to a film of the shape-memory alloy for which the change is larger than the other films to generate heat for deforming the film to generate shrinking stress or shear stress to the damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Jokogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimichi Ogisu, Masato Nomura, Norio Ando
  • Patent number: 6986287
    Abstract: A new family of multifunctional smart coatings based on of stabilized diamond-like metal-carbon atomic scale composites and diamond-like atomic-scale composite (DL ASC) materials. Based on a unique combination of the coating fine structure, properties of the coating/substrate interface, and the mechanical and electrical properties of the coating, the disclosed smart coatings would integrate various high resolution sensors and interconnections, and the sensor would diagnose dangerous stress distribution in the coated subject with no distortion in real time, while these diamond-like coatings would simultaneously provide environmental protection of the coated surface and improve its aerodynamic quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: NanoDynamics Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Dorfman
  • Patent number: 6986288
    Abstract: In the method for evaluating a welded part, it is performed to make an inspection press member press the welded part for connecting a plurality of wires with each other to apply a predetermined compressive load on the welded part. Next, it is performed to measure an amount of strain of the welded part when it is subjected to the compressive load. The evaluation of the welded part in welding condition is carried out by judging whether or not the measured amount of strain is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ichikawa, Tadahisa Sakaguchi, Nobuyuki Asakura
  • Patent number: 6986289
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a parameter associated with the torque transmitted by a friction clutch, where the friction clutch has a clutch disk which is or can be connected for rotation in common to a power takeoff shaft. The apparatus includes a receiver area, which does not rotate with the clutch disk in the torque-transmitting state, and a code provided on the clutch disk. The code can be scanned by the receiver area and thus generates a sensor signal associated with transmitted torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Sachs AG
    Inventors: Thomas Otto, Barbara Ester
  • Patent number: 6986290
    Abstract: A leg shocking device for pedestrian protection test comprising a bendable knee part, a thigh part and a lower thigh part, both of which have a predetermined length connected to the knee part, the thigh part and the lower thigh parts formed of a deformable cylindrical body having a plurality of bone outer members connected to each other in a longitudinal direction and a bend-deformable bone core member inserted into and secured to the deformable cylindrical body of each of the thigh part and lower thigh part and having a plurality of distortion gauges mounted thereon and each of the bone outer members having an accelerometer provided thereon for measuring the acceleration occurring on the corresponding bone outer member whereby the bending characteristic of a person can be faithfully provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Automobile Research Institute
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Konosu
  • Patent number: 6986291
    Abstract: A torque detector includes: a monolithic tubular housing for supporting a rotating shaft, including an opening at one end in a longitudinal direction; a sensor holding hole for holding a sensor part detecting a rotating torque exerted on the rotating shaft, which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening; a board chamber for accommodating a circuit board outputting a signal corresponding to the detected rotating torque, which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the opening; a partition wall between the sensor holding hole and the board chamber; and a lead hole passing through the partition wall, into which a lead connecting the sensor part to the circuit board is inserted and which communicates with the opening. The housing is formed by drawing a sheet material in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terukazu Nakajima, Suzo Hirakushi
  • Patent number: 6986292
    Abstract: A method for determining the power of a test specimen, in particular of an internal combustion engine, includes registering a time profile of the rotational speed and of the torque characteristic of an output shaft of the test specimen with a measuring device. To determine the power at a specific time, the time profile of the rotational speed and of the torque characteristic is exclusively measured. The test specimen is tested within a time period during which there is no necessity for forced cooling. A test bench for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventor: H.-Jürgen Kemnade
  • Patent number: 6986293
    Abstract: A force measuring device for seat weight determination in a motor vehicle includes a taking up element which has at least two bearing points. The device further includes a mechanism forming a first recess in the taking up element in a region between at least two bearing points and a rod-shaped element which extends in the longitudinal axis of the taking up element and is not loaded by bending forces. The rod-shaped element has a free end which deviates from the longitudinal axis of the taking up element when a force to be measured acts on the taking up element, and a measuring unit with a magnet and a magnetic field-sensitive sensor The magnet and the magnetic field-sensitive sensor are arranged immovably relative to one another so that the distance from the magnet to a ferromagnetic material changes under loading with the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Dukart
  • Patent number: 6986294
    Abstract: Bulk material measurement packages are described including the preferred embodiment of an automated instrument package (AIP) suited to mount on the inside ceiling of a large silo. The gimbaled AIP vertical mounting bracket rotates in an approximate 360° azimuth. An instrument housing is mounted to the vertical mounting bracket, and it rotates approximately 190° in a vertical plane. The instrument housing has at least one range finding sensor such as a scanning laser to measure the top surface contours of the bulk material. The instrument housing can also contains other sensors such as air and quality instruments including temperature, humidity, spectral recognition sensor to detect grain/material type and/or flow rate, gas detectors for sniffing off-odors/spoilage/or safety problems, and live video. Optionally grain penetrating radar (GPR), time domain reflectometry (TDR), ultrasonics, and portable sensors are taught as well as alternate packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Bintech LLLP
    Inventors: Guy A. Fromme, Timothy O'Connor, David A. Gutow, Dean A. Paschen, Paul I. Kolesnikoff, II, Vincent A. Hirsch, Gary Emerson, Charles Bradford, Leon C. Webb, Paul Hendershott
  • Patent number: 6986295
    Abstract: A transmission for a work vehicle having PTO function is disclosed. The transmission includes a first transmission shaft for receiving engine power through a PTO power train, a second transmission shaft for receiving, the engine power through a traveling power train, the second transmission shaft being coupled to a rear differential mechanism, a third transmission shaft coupled to a rear PTO, a fourth transmission shaft for receiving force from the second transmission shaft, a first gear transmission mechanism for transmitting the force from the first transmission shaft to the third transmission shaft. The first gear transmission mechanism has an input gear mounted on the first transmission shaft, an output gear mounted on the third transmission shaft and a relay gear loosely mounted on the second transmission shaft for transmitting the force from the input gear to the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Masayori Kajino, Tatsuyuki Kashimoto, Megumi Sawai
  • Patent number: 6986296
    Abstract: A cam apparatus includes: a cam driver; a cam slide adapted to move in contact with the cam driver and having a through hole; a cam-slide supporting device having a cam-slide supporting base which movably supports the cam slide, has a front wall portion disposed at a forward position in a moving direction of the cam slide, and has an opening in a backward position opposing the front wall portion in the moving direction of the cam slide; and a returning mechanism for returning the cam slide to an initial position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyaji, Hideki Kiriaki
  • Patent number: 6986297
    Abstract: A cutting element for a drill bit used in drilling subterranean formations is formed with an internal chamber or passage for the flow of drilling fluid therethrough. The cutting element includes a substrate having at least one internal passage, and prior to attaching a superabrasive table thereto, the at least one internal passage is filled with a removable, substantially incompressible filler material. Attachment or bonding of the superabrasive table to the substrate under high temperature and high pressure is accomplished without significant distortion of the shape and size of the internal passage. The filler material may be a crystalline salt such as sodium chloride or halite, which is removable by dissolution in water, or may be boron nitride or a volcanic material such as Pyrofolyte material which is mechanically removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny E. Scott
  • Patent number: 6986298
    Abstract: For assembling at least two parts of an object with one another, a bolt having a thread is introduced into the parts, a washer is placed on a free end of the bolt, a nut is threadingly connected to the free end of the bolt so as to abut against the washer, a power tool is placed so as to turn the nut by a rotatable element of the power tool connected to the nut to tighten or loosen the bolt and to apply a non-rotatable element of the power tool to the washer to absorb reaction force and the body of the washer is provided with a breaking point such that when the nut is turned and turns the bolt, the washer stops the bolt from turning and thereby the nut creates a pull on the bolt which elongates the bolt in an axial direction and applies to the body of the washer an axial force which breaks a portion of the body of the washer and allows a portion of the body of the washer to be pulled axially when the bolt elongates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: John K. Junkers
  • Patent number: 6986299
    Abstract: In a method of cutting roofing shingles, multiple webs of roofing material are moved to a cutter. The webs are positioned in stacked relationship prior to the cutter. The webs have distinct portions such as tabs. The locations of the distinct portions of the moving webs are sensed by sensors. End cuts are simultaneously cut through the multiple stacked webs with the cutter to produce separate roofing shingles from the webs. The movements of the webs are controlled, based on the sensed locations of the distinct portions, so that the end cuts of the roofing shingles are positioned at predetermined locations relative to the distinct portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Franklin White, David Russell Rodenbaugh
  • Patent number: 6986300
    Abstract: An air jet containing blade guide for stabilizing a band saw blade or a circular saw blade of a saw mill and guide blocks or inserts for a saw blade guide are disclosed. The inserts can be removably fastened to a blade guide by means of cap screws preferably containing a hex socket for tightening and loosening the screws with a hex wrench. Cap screw holes formed in the inserts contain recessed countersinks for recessing the heads of the cap screws below a blade opposing surface of the inserts when disposed in an operative position of a blade guide in a saw mill. The inserts can be constructed of brass or aluminum bronze which is softer than the blade being stabilized thereby to avoid undue blade damage but which are hard enough to provide good wearability and heat dissipation as against periodic blade impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Edward E. Belfiglio
  • Patent number: 6986301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a punch (30) and punch assembly (2) for use in a tool (1) for joining ductile materials, such as metal sheets (7,8), in a lance joint or a clinch joint. The punch (30) has a punch body (31) formed around a punch axis (5). Two punch tips (34,34?) extend in opposite directions from the punch body (31) along the punch axis (5). The punch body has one or more load engagement features (41,41?) by which a punch force for joining the ductile materials (7,8) is imparted to the punch body (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Colin Maxwell Wade
  • Patent number: 6986302
    Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing accidental friendly fire situations from occurring are provided. Locator devices provide location information of friendly forces to a plurality of command centers. The command centers also receive targeting information from friendly weapon systems and determines if the friendly weapon systems are targeting any of the friendly forces. If a friendly force is determined to be targeted, an associated command center instructs the weapon system to be disabled from firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher M. LaFata
  • Patent number: 6986303
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for pumping concrete using a pumping apparatus including first and second drive cylinders, a valve, and a pump. Fluid is delivered into the cylinders from the pump to reciprocate pistons within the cylinders. Pressure within the cylinders is monitored, and a direction of flow of the fluid is switched based upon the pressure within the cylinders. For example, during rod-side operation, the valve is set to deliver fluid into a head side of the cylinders. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the valve switches to head-side operation, and fluid is delivered into a rod side of the cylinders. If the pressure falls below the threshold, the valve switches the cylinders back to rod-side operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Reed LLC
    Inventor: Duane R. Remus
  • Patent number: 6986304
    Abstract: A hydraulic rotating motor for the driving mechanism of electricity consumers. The rotating motor preferably has revolving working pressure chambers, which are acted upon by hydraulic fluid for producing a rotational movement, which is transferred to a driven shaft. Electricity is supplied to a consumer, through a lead which is passed from the outside into a stationary head, through an interior of the rotating motor to the consumer. In a vehicle with the motor, leads supplying electricity are passed protected within a radial arm to a head of the rotating motor and, from there, through the interior of the rotating motor to the consumer of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Genesis Europe GmbH and Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Voulgaris
  • Patent number: 6986305
    Abstract: The printing-material web is guided in the same position and plane when the transfer cylinders are moved apart for the flying printing-plate change, so that contact between the web and the transfer cylinders and smearing are avoided, that is to say undesired contact with ink-carrying parts. When the transfer cylinders are moved apart, web-guiding elements at the web inlet and/or web outlet support the printing-material web on both sides during the plate or sleeve change by supporting elements which are narrow or act at points and can be displaced transversely with respect to the printing-material web. The printing-material web continues to be guided in the same position and plane, and smearing is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Peter Knauer
  • Patent number: 6986306
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple die cut business forms is disclosed. One embodiment of a printing press according to the present invention includes a number of different stations that are connected together by a continuos web. Multiple die cut business forms are produced by a continuos process from stock paper to an output configuration such as continuos roll, fan fold, or cut sheet. One aspect of the present invention is that a silicone treated glassine stock paper substrate can be utilized to allow business forms to be produced with minimized curling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Malessa Partners, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John J. McKillip
  • Patent number: 6986307
    Abstract: A bridge-type ignition element for initiating the ignition of pyrotechnical materials lying above it by heating when an electric current is passed through it. The bridge-type element is essentially made up of a resistance layer applied to a substrate, a reactive layer, applied on top of that, made of especially an oxidizable metal and a polymeric cover layer situated on top of that, whose material is selected in such a way that it is able to react exothermally at an elevated temperature with the oxidizable material of the reactive layer. The polymeric cover layer makes possible not only a lower energy requirement but also achieves corrosion protection from the surroundings and from the pyrotechnical material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Bernhard, Lutz Mueller, Ulrich Kunz