Patents Issued in February 8, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070029089
    Abstract: Disulfonate salts of 2,4-pentanedione and methods for making such salts are described. The disulfonate salts are useful as cement dispersants. Cement compositions including such salts, methods for making cement compositions including such salts, and methods for performing cementing operations using such cement compositions are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Samuel Lewis, Michael Szymanski
  • Publication number: 20070029090
    Abstract: A well servicing rig for communicating with a fluid source and an effluent reservoir (such as a flow back tank) has an apparatus for holding and dispensing coiled tubing. A manifold assembly is advantageously located on the rig for routing the pressurized fluid (such as nitrogen gas mixed with proppant) from the fluid source between the coiled tubing apparatus, the well and the effluent reservoir. The manifold assembly controls the flow of the fluid to perform fracturing operations, for reverse fluid circulation, for a common coiled tubing operation, for pressure testing, and the like. The assembly includes remotely controlled valves and pressure transducers for controlling the fluid flow, and chokes for diffusing fluid energy prior to entering the effluent reservoir. The rig, fluid source, effluent reservoir and a fluid pumper provide a novel method of servicing an underground formation (such as a coal bed) for natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: FRAC SOURCE INC.
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Marty Stromquist
  • Publication number: 20070029091
    Abstract: A subsea compression system and method wherein a wellstream fluid is flowed through a flow line (12) from a reservoir (10) and into a separation vessel (16) for subsequent compression in a compressor (18; 18?, 18?) prior to export of gas. A recycle line (24; 24?, 24?) is fluidly connected at a first end to the compressed wellstream at the outlet side of the compressor (18; 18?, 18?) and at a second end to the wellstream at a location between the separation vessel (16) and the inlet side of the compressor (18; 18?, 18?), the recycle line being capable of controllably (32) feeding fluid due to surge back to the compressor inlet side and avoiding the need to feed the fluid into the separation vessel, because the re-circulated gas is dry both due to having been separated at seawater temperature, and then being heated during recirculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Kjell Stinessen, Håkon Skofteland
  • Publication number: 20070029092
    Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith Lewis, Anthony Orchard, Joseph Yeo, Jim Kritzler, Walter Chapman, James Holt
  • Publication number: 20070029093
    Abstract: A differential pressure valve has a valve body containing a main piston axially moveable therein to open a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet at preset high pressure and to close at a preset lower pressure. A high pressure trigger piston and a low pressure trigger piston are operable in the main piston to alternately engage and lock the main piston to the valve body in one of the closed and open positions. A ball shifts in a port in the main piston to alternately straddle between at least one annular locking groove in the valve body and a release recess in a respective trigger piston. The ball can shift to alternately reside to straddle the valve body and main piston in the locked position or to straddle the main piston and trigger piston in the unlocked position. The trigger pistons and main pistons are mechanically biased to urge the pistons against the fluid pressure at the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Gordon Bosley, Bruce Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20070029094
    Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a plurality of slips, and wherein the slips have an arcuate inner face that has a longitudinally disposed slot and a ledge therein. The device further comprises an insert having a shoulder that is configured to fit within the ledge, and wherein the insert is capable of transferring a load from the shoulder to the ledge. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the slips have a taper of greater than 11 degrees and a complementary bowl insert is provided that has a matching taper. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Joe Ramey, Wilson Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20070029095
    Abstract: A tubular apparatus and method, according to which a first tubular member is adapted to be lowered into a well bore and a second tubular member is connected to the first tubular member. A third tubular member is normally connected to the first tubular member and disconnected from the second tubular member, and is adapted for movement relative to the first and second tubular members to disconnect from the first tubular member and connect to the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Enventure Global Technology
    Inventors: David Brisco, Michael Bullock, Kevin Waddell
  • Publication number: 20070029096
    Abstract: The inventive locking-releasing head is designed for pumped powder fire extinguishers which eject a fire extinguishing powder at a positive pressure and can be used as primary fire extinguishing means for fighting fires of class A (solid substances), class B (liquid substances) and class C (gaseous substances), fires of electrical installations when at voltage of up to 1000 V as well as fires at road, railway and river transport. Said locking-releasing head for a powder fire extinguisher comprises a body (1) provided with elements for fixing to the container of said fire extinguisher, a handle connected to the body (1), a locking unit provided with a rod (16) carrying a valve fixed thereto, a control lever (13), a siphon tube (21), a pressure indicator (2) and a spraying nozzle (19). Said pressure indicator (2) is arranged on the valve rod (16) in which rod (16) a hole is provided to communicate the under-membrane cavity of the indicator with the under-valve cavity of the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Boris Zuev, Anatoly Batanov
  • Publication number: 20070029097
    Abstract: A mechanical time delay apparatus for creating a time delay between a pneumatic inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a pneumatic outlet includes a primary pneumatic flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A movable gate is associated with the primary pneumatic flow path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate is urged by a biasing force to the closed position. In the closed position, the gate is disposed to block a flow of gas through the primary pneumatic flow path. In the open position, the gate permits such flow. The time delay apparatus further includes an accumulation chamber in communication with the gate for a gas pressure within the accumulation chamber to urge the gate against the biasing force to the open position when the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. A secondary pneumatic flow path extends the inlet to the accumulation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Lupien, Peter Karalis
  • Publication number: 20070029098
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing a full surface liquid tank fire including addressing plunge zone issues, the attack including throwing at least one primary stream over a tank wall, the stream landing with a force of impact in, and defining, a plunge zone; the method including achieving flame collapse leaving a plunge zone flame and subsequently, at least for a period of time, diminishing force of impact per unit area of a primary stream upon said plunge zone flame; alternately the method includes achieving a partial flame collapse including collapse against back tank wall portions and subsequently diminishing stream impact force upon a plunge zone including moving a plunge zone forward in the tank; the method also includes extinguishing a full surface heavy liquid tank fire by teasing the fire prior to employing a non-feathered stream to create a foam blanket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Dwight Williams
  • Publication number: 20070029099
    Abstract: A pull-type crop harvesting machine has a header carried on a frame mounted on ground wheels with a hitch arm extending from the frame over the header to a hitch coupling of a tractor. The hitch arm is mounted for pivotal movement about a generally upright axis such that in a first position the tractor tows the frame in echelon to one side and in a second position the tractor tows the frame in echelon. The movement is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder and stopped at one end of the movement by the piston with a rod coupling being adjustably mounted on the rod to adjust the end position. At the other end of the movement, the position is defined by a stop member mounted on the piston rod and adjustable relative thereto. Each end of the cylinder includes a cushion effect by using separate orifices for the fluid ports which slow fluid flow as the piston approaches the ends of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Neil Barnett, Geoffrey Snider
  • Publication number: 20070029100
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for converting a chisel plow to a disc plow using a disc bearing assembly for attachment to the chisel shank of the chisel plow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Tschetter
  • Publication number: 20070029101
    Abstract: A forced entry tool is disclosed that includes a two-sided hammerhead and provides a mechanical advantage to breach burglar bars and locks, yet is strong and portable. The two-sided hammerhead provides greater positional stability that reduces the necessity to reposition the tool. A two-sided hammerhead is attached to one end a guide rod, while a guide case with handles is encased over the guide rod. A striking base is attached to the guide rod near the end opposite to the hammerhead. The hammerhead is then positioned behind the burglar bars. The case is then moved forcefully over the guide rod, towards the striking the base. This repeated action of striking the base will then defeat the bolts, welds, locks, and bars through leverage and mechanical advantage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Croas
  • Publication number: 20070029102
    Abstract: A unitized core grip for an electrical connector includes a longitudinal shaft, a plurality of lobes connected by a plurality of web members, a generally triangular center bore, and a plurality of axial grooves. The core grip is defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced lobes, spaced about a longitudinal axis. The plurality of web members are spaced between and connecting the lobes. The generally triangular center bore is defined by the interior surfaces of the lobes and the web members, prior to compression for receiving a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Carl Tamm, Robert Hay
  • Publication number: 20070029103
    Abstract: The electromagnetic welding method includes the steps of: piling a metal plate and an electric wire on a coil which generates a magnetic field when a current is applied into the coil, a core wire portion of a central part of the electric wire being exposed while core wire portions except the exposed core wire portion being coated with a coating member, the coil and the exposed core wire portion being arranged lined up along a diameter direction of the electric wire; and applying a current into the coil to generate the magnetic field so as to generate an eddy current in both the metal plate and the exposed core wire portion, thereby welding the metal plate to the exposed core wire portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Hanasaki, Tomokatsu Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20070029104
    Abstract: A superconductor cable is described, comprising a superconductive cable core (1) and a cryostat (2) enclosing the same. The cable core (1) comprises a superconductive conductor (3), an insulation (4) surrounding the same and a shielding (5) surrounding the insulation (4). A layer (3b) of a dielectric or semiconducting material is applied to a central element (3a) formed from a normally conducting material as a strand or tube and a layer (3c) of at least one wire or strip of superconductive material is placed helically on top. The central element (3a) and the layer (3c) are connected to each other in an electrically conducting manner at the ends of the cable core (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Arnaud Allais, Frank Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070029105
    Abstract: A notebook computer with a height-adjustable display unit is disclosed. The notebook computer includes a main unit, a display unit, and a height-adjusting mechanism. The height-adjusting mechanism includes a saw-toothed arm, a channel, and a locking mechanism. The saw-toothed arm is rotationally coupled to the main unit. The channel is fixed in the display unit and movably accepts the saw-toothed arm therein. The locking mechanism lock or unlock the movement of the saw-toothed arm in the channel. The height-adjusting mechanism affords adjustable support for the display unit. The height of the display unit can be adjusted as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Wei-Kuang Liang, Yong-You Ming
  • Publication number: 20070029106
    Abstract: In a core substrate 30, a ground through hole 36E and a power through hole 36P are disposed in the grid formation, so that electromotive force induced in X direction and Y direction cancel out each other. As a result, even if mutual inductance is reduced and a high frequency IC chip is loaded, electric characteristic and reliability can be improved without generating malfunction or error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinobu Kato
  • Publication number: 20070029107
    Abstract: A wiring board comprises a substrate; a resin layer which is selectively formed on one main surface of the substrate and has fine metal particles contained or adhered to its surface; and a conductive metal layer which is formed on the resin layer with the fine metal particles interposed between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Hideo Aoki, Chiaki Takubo, Naoko Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20070029108
    Abstract: A printed circuit board suitable for dip soldering of component leads in through holes using lead free solder. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of via holes arranged around each through hole in which a component lead is inserted, whereby solder wicking up into the through hole is enhanced and air entrapment is prevented during the dip soldering operation, and heat fatigue resistance of solder joints is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: PANASONIC EV ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitada Nakao, Masateru Tsutsumi, Takayuki Fujikawa
  • Publication number: 20070029109
    Abstract: A multilayer printed wiring board (PWB) including via holes with satisfactory quality without defective shapes like swelling or recession on the end faces is provided. The multilayer PWB includes a build-up board of plural insulation layers as the main structure. In each of the insulation layers, via holes (columnar conductors) for electrically connecting between conductor circuits on the base layer or adjacent layers are formed. The via holes are formed by patterning metal foil with conductivity. The height “H” of the via holes (dimension in the thickness direction of the via hole forming layer) depends on the thickness “D” of the original metal foil only. Accordingly, the via holes can be formed without carrying out filling with conductive paste or electrolytic plating. Thus, multilayer PWB having via holes with satisfactory quality without defective shapes like swelling or recession on the end faces can be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Masashi Miyazaki, Mitsuhiro Takayama, Tatsuro Sawatari, Takatoshi Murota
  • Publication number: 20070029110
    Abstract: A magnetic shield panel includes a magnetic shield member made of magnetic material; and a metallic plate or a translucent plate member, wherein the magnetic shield member is attached to the metallic plate or the translucent plate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Morihiro Matsumoto, Yuji Okuzaki, Jiroh Mino, Yoneo Yamada, Takeshi Saito, Takubi Hamano
  • Publication number: 20070029111
    Abstract: Methods and systems may be provided simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Shilin Chen
  • Publication number: 20070029112
    Abstract: The disclosure has application for use in conjunction with an operation of drilling an earth borehole using: a drilling rig, a drill string having its generally upper end mechanically coupleable with and suspendable from the drilling rig, and a bottom hole assembly adjacent the lower end the drill string, the bottom hole assembly including a drill bit at its lower end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Qiming Li, Brian Clark, Shyam Mehta, Remi Hutin, Christopher Reed, David Santoso, Lise Hvatum, Raghu Madhavan, Jean-Marc Follini, Geoffrey Downton, Walter Aldred
  • Publication number: 20070029113
    Abstract: Methods and systems may be provided for simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit steerability and controllability calculated from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Shilin Chen
  • Publication number: 20070029114
    Abstract: PCD composite constructions comprise a diamond body bonded to a substrate. The diamond body comprises a thermally stable diamond bonded region that is made up of a single phase of diamond crystals bonded together. The diamond body includes a PCD region bonded to the thermally stable region and that comprises bonded together diamond crystals and interstitial regions interposed between the diamond crystals. The PCD composite is prepared by combining a first volume of PCD with a second volume of diamond crystal-containing material consisting essentially of a single phase of bonded together diamond crystals. A substrate is positioned adjacent to or joined to the first volume. The first and second volumes are subjected to high pressure/high temperature process conditions, during process the first and second volumes form a diamond bonded body that is attached to the substrate, and the second volume forms the thermally stable diamond bonded region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Stewart Middlemiss
  • Publication number: 20070029115
    Abstract: A reaming tool is disclosed which includes a body having reaming blades affixed thereto at azimuthally spaced apart locations around a circumference of the body. The reaming blades each have at least one cutter attached thereto at selected positions and orientations on each of the blades to minimize a net lateral force developed by the reaming tool. The tool includes a pilot hole conditioning section comprising a plurality of azimuthally spaced apart pilot blades affixed to the body longitudinally ahead of the reaming blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Beaton
  • Publication number: 20070029116
    Abstract: High energy sheer cutting elements and bits incorporating the same are provided. The cutting elements have at least a portion of their cutting layers which will be exposed to high temperatures during drilling formed from a PCBN material capable of operating at temperatures of at least 1000° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Madapusi Keshavan
  • Publication number: 20070029117
    Abstract: A variable configuration articulated tracked vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of right and left drive pulleys, a right and left planetary wheel, a right and left track, a right and left arm mechanism, and a right and left drive motor. The drive pulleys are rotatably attached to the chassis and each pair of drive pulleys is in the same plane. The planetary wheels are movable relative to the chassis such that each planetary wheel is in the same plane as its respective drive pulleys. The tracks extend around the pair of drive pulleys and the planetary wheel on the respective sides. The arm mechanisms connect the respective planetary wheel to the chassis. Each arm mechanism is rotatably attached to the chassis with a cam. The cam defines a motion path of one end of the arm whereby the motion of the planetary wheel provides a path for the planetary wheel such that the track path defined by the respective drive pulleys and the planetary wheel is a constant track length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Goldenberg, Jun Lin
  • Publication number: 20070029118
    Abstract: A hydraulic axle combination includes a housing having first and second pump chambers containing spaced, axially aligned, first and second hydrostatic pumps with respective pump shafts and input gears; first and second hydraulic motors connected with respective first and second pumps via intermediate manifold blocks thereby enabling closed-loop internal drive systems between the associated pumps and motors and forming first and second independent hydrostatic transmissions wherein the hydraulic motor output shafts serve as first and second axle shafts; an input shaft, extending between the two transmissions, includes a gear for supplying torque to and meshing perpendicularly with the pump shaft input gears and forming, therewith a T-shaped gear box, the housing optionally including: an internal sump serving as an integral combination fluid reservoir for the axle combination, at least one breather cap, a fluid filter assembly and a drain port and plug, all mounted in various housing sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Barun Acharya, Xingen Dong
  • Publication number: 20070029119
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A filtered, profiled battery power modifier is used in calculating a final desired wheel power. Unstable battery power oscillations are avoided when a change in driver power demand is made. The effect of engine torque disturbances also is avoided during steady state operation when desired battery power is between limiting charge or discharge values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Fazal Syed, Ming Kuang, John Czubay, Matthew Smith, Shunsuke Okubo
  • Publication number: 20070029120
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle that can reduce power consumption when an engine of the vehicle is restarted. The hybrid vehicle has a generator-motor that generates electric power. An engine drives the generator-motor. A battery stores the electric power. In one arrangement, the generator-motor starts the engine by being supplied with the electric power stored in the battery. A control device regulates an upper limit of the electric power that is used to activate the generator-motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Mikio Saitou, Katsuhiro Arai
  • Publication number: 20070029121
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle enabling reliable travel to the destination in second travel mode in which the vehicle travels with the engine off and enabling more effective use the second travel mode. In this vehicle, a electric power travel mode travelable distance calculation section calculates the travelable distance based on the average traveling consumed current value inputted from average traveling consumed current value calculation section and the battery capacity SOC inputted from a battery capacity calculation section, and outputs the result to a display section. A fuel travelable distance calculation section calculates the remaining travelable distance based on the remaining fuel inputted from a remaining fuel amount measuring section and the fuel consumption inputted from a fuel consumption calculation section, and outputs the result to the display section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Mikio Saitou, Katsuhiro Arai
  • Publication number: 20070029122
    Abstract: An engine includes a plurality of cylinders and fuel injection valves provided correspondingly to the plurality of respective cylinders. A vehicle includes a motor generator for forcibly rotating a crankshaft. A control device of an internal combustion engine controls the respective fuel injection valves so that an injection quantity of a last injection becomes smaller than an injection quantity of a first injection out of injection quantities of fuel injected in order in correspondence with the respective cylinders in a first cycle of fuel injection from a stopped state of the crankshaft to an end of a first fuel injection from each of the fuel injection valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070029123
    Abstract: A technique for heating a fuel cell stack at stack start-up that includes using the vehicle motor drive system to generate waste heat independent from providing traction. Particularly, at fuel cell stack start-up, the electric traction inverter associated with the traction motor that drives the vehicle is controlled so that command signals provided by an inverter to a traction motor do not provide motor torque, but dissipates power into the motor windings and/or motor structure as waste heat. Thus, the output power generated by the fuel cell stack can be made high enough to quickly heat the fuel cell stack through inefficiencies in the stack operation, without providing driving torque. Additionally, the electric traction inverter can be operated so that waste heat is generated within the semiconductor power switches in the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Clark Hochgraf
  • Publication number: 20070029124
    Abstract: Battery system with multiple electrochemical cell types, wherein one cell type(s) (e.g., aqueous electrochemical cells) provides overvoltage protection for other cell type(s) (e.g., lithium ion superpolymer electrochemical cells). Battery system for a BPV with interchangeable modules of two or more 1:1 replaceable types, wherein each type of module has a different type, or combination, of electrochemical cells. For example, one battery module type may contain aqueous cells suitable for overvoltage protection and high power operation, while another battery module may include lithium ion superpolymer cells for their large capacity and high energy density. Use of lithium ion superpolymer electrochemical cells in low speed battery powered vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Sankar DasGupta, Rakesh Bhola
  • Publication number: 20070029125
    Abstract: A traction unit capable of traversing and turning on surfaces that include compound curves like the surface of a sphere or are inverted like a ceiling. The traction unit includes a plurality of trucks operable to propel the unit across a surface and a plurality of adherence members operable to releasably secure the unit to the surface. In operation, the adherence members cyclically attach to and release from the surface as the trucks propel the unit across the surface. Within each cycle, after the unit has traveled a predetermined distance relative to an attached member, the member releases the surface and reattaches to the surface at a different point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: William Jeswine, Frank Dailey, Eric Olsen, Cameron Cox
  • Publication number: 20070029126
    Abstract: An IG-off-timer measures the time t_off from when an engine is stopped, or an ignition is turned off. An ECU sequentially memorizes an estimated temperature of each of heat generating portions as a memorized temperature. Immediately after the engine is re-started, the ECU sets an initial value of the estimated temperature of each heat generating portion in such a manner that the initial value reflects a temperature drop of the heat generating portion in the deactivation period of the engine. The temperature of the heat generating portion is thus accurately estimated even after re-starting of the engine. The heat generating portions are thus appropriately protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicants: JTEKT Corporation, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryouhei Shigeta, Tomoaki Kato, Akihiro Ohno, Tsuyoshi Murakami, Yasushi Yamada, Tadashi Yoshioka, Shunzo Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20070029127
    Abstract: A transfer mechanism distributes drive power from a drive power source of a motor vehicle to left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels of the vehicle. A rear differential mechanism transfers the drive power to the left and right rear wheels. A clutch is provided between the rear differential mechanism and each of the left and right rear wheels. A control device independently controls an engaged state of each of the clutches. A speed-increasing mechanism sets revolution speeds of an output shaft of the transfer mechanism and of an input shaft of the rear differential mechanism to be the same and sets a speed of the outer circumference of the rear wheel to which the drive power is transferred, via an engaged clutch, to be faster than a speed of the outer circumference of the left and right front wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Mori, Shinichi Suzuki, Hirotaka Kusukawa
  • Publication number: 20070029128
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor, which is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint by mechanism of an electric motor, removes slack of the seat belt and controls the restraining feeling on a vehicle occupant to be as little as possible. A seat belt retractor of a seat belt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is adapted to control a motor to perform an action of increasing seat belt tension to wind up a seat belt which is excessively unwound from the spool when a vehicle occupant wears the seat belt and to be driven according to such a setting that, at the initial stage of the action of increasing the seat belt tension, the tension increasing rate until the seat belt tension reaches a target tension is lower than a predetermined rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Masato Takao, Koji Tanaka, Koji Inuzuka
  • Publication number: 20070029129
    Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a vehicle steering system and a supplemental steering force applying device. The supplemental steering force applying device is configured and arranged to apply a supplemental steering force to the vehicle steering system to reduce a steering load on the operator. The supplemental steering force applying device includes a steering torque detecting section, a rectilinear driving condition detecting section, a pulling suppression control section. The rectilinear driving condition detecting section is configured and arranged to detect a rectilinear driving condition of the vehicle. The pulling suppression control section is configured and arranged to adjust the supplemental steering force in a direction canceling a pulling force imparted on the vehicle during the rectilinear driving condition by using a pulling suppression force calculated based on historical data of the steering torque detected during the rectilinear driving condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Shiozawa, Hiroshi Mouri, Masahiro Kubota, Ryota Shirato, Nami Nagae, Masayuki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070029130
    Abstract: In a sealing arrangement, e.g., for sound-insulating sealing of a gap between a windscreen of a vehicle and instrument panel, a first sealing element is arranged between the instrument panel and the windscreen, below the first sealing element a second sealing element is arranged between the windscreen and a base component, the sealing arrangement including openings through which air may flow into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. As a result, both a defrosting of the wiper system and also sound insulation may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Albu, Bernard Zobec
  • Publication number: 20070029131
    Abstract: A speaker module with expandable enclosure includes a speaker (20) and an enclosure (10) receiving the speaker therein. The enclosure includes a plurality of boxes (60, 70, 80) communicating with each other. Each box is extendable relative to an adjacent box to thereby adjust the volume of the enclosure. Furthermore, when the speaker does not work the boxes can be retracted to thereby save a space occupied by the speaker module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicant: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chia Pan, Shih-Chia Chiu
  • Publication number: 20070029132
    Abstract: A tailpipe for use with a vehicle moveable in a forward direction upon a support surface and adapted to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the support surface. The tailpipe includes a windward surface facing in the forward direction and a leeward surface facing opposite the forward direction. The tailpipe also includes a tubular body defining a main exhaust gas flow passageway adapted to direct an exhaust gas flow from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular body and a plurality of exhaust ports. The exhaust ports are disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the tubular body and pass through the leeward surface for permitting at least a portion of the exhaust gas flow, when present in the tubular body, to exit the tubular body through the plurality of exhaust ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Feight, Wayne Simons, Daniel Kieffer
  • Publication number: 20070029133
    Abstract: In a device for noise configuration in a motor vehicle which has an internal combustion engine with at least two gas conduits connected to different cylinders of the engine, the gas conduits are interconnected by means of a cross-flow section formed by a housing which encloses the gas conduits and which has at least two chambers in each of which one of the gas conduits is disposed, each of the gas conduits being in communication with the respective chamber by which it is enclosed by means of a respective cross-flow opening and the two chambers being in communication with one another by means of at least one cross-flow opening which is remote from the cross-flow openings of the gas conduits so as to provide for a phase shift of the sound waves of the gas flowing through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Marcus Hofmann, Sascha Rossa, Roudolf Starobinski
  • Publication number: 20070029134
    Abstract: A resonator and method of designing a resonator including a cavity having an effective length that exceeds ?/8 such that a standing wave having an anti-node will form in the cavity. First and second necks each having first ends are attached to and in fluid communication with the cavity, the first neck being positioned adjacent the anti-node and thereby operable to interfere with said standing wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: John White
  • Publication number: 20070029135
    Abstract: A muffler for the exhaust gas system of an automobile has a housing provided with two end walls and a circumferential wall and at least one exhaust gas channel passing therethrough. The muffler assembly also has at least two pipes, which mostly define the exhaust gas channel, which are arranged successively in the flow direction, and whose ends project into the interior of the housing. A transverse wall is provided in the housing, this wall being connected to the circumferential wall on the inside, running transverse to the exhaust gas channel and having an opening passing therethrough, said wall comprising at least two flexible wall sections in the axial direction, each having one edge adjacent to the opening, the ends of the pipes each being held at their outer side by the edge of at least one wall section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Hermann Ermer, Herbert Bartel
  • Publication number: 20070029136
    Abstract: A portable observation tower and system of raising and lowering the tower is disclosed. The tower has a tower box with two fixed sectioned front legs and two hinged sectioned back legs. To raise the tower front legs are pulled toward back legs with a winch system mounted on a trailer hitch system. Rolling landing gear is lowered and drawn by winch to a front most locking position. This raises the mid section of tower box reducing the angle of front legs to back legs. Once complete the winch line can be attached to an axle of back legs to draw back legs to front legs. This process elevates tower to its full upright position. Wheels are provided on back legs and on trailer hitch system for movement of the tower. The lowering process occurs in reverse order of the raising process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Kirby
  • Publication number: 20070029137
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a collapsible ladder of simple construction and operation that can remain secure whilst being locked in the collapsed position to prevent unauthorised access. The ladder consist of a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to a pair of parallel rails. The key operated locking mechanism is designed to be tamper proof. The locking mechanism includes a rotatable latch that securely engages an opening in one of the rungs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Graham Welsh
  • Publication number: 20070029138
    Abstract: A ladder having a step frame and a support frame pivotably connected at one end. The step frame has a plurality of steps with a top step having handles formed in the sides of the top step. The support frame has a plurality of arcuate braces that are formed to receive a bucket of paint. Connected to the bottom end of the step frame are a pair of wheels that engage the ground surface when the ladder is tilted to a transport position. Also connected to the bottom end of the step frame is a support plate that extends outwardly between the support frame when the ladder is in a transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventor: Garry HOWE