Patents Issued in February 13, 2007
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Patent number: 7174954Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of parallel-oriented plates or layers securely fixed between two outer walls or frames to define between adjacent plates an area of sealed passages for two heat exchanging fluids, channel or duct means for conducting a hot medium and a cold medium respectively over the layers such that the flow of hot and cold medium takes place in an in-line and a counter-flow fashion, and an external return bend means providing a transfer of the respective medium from one layer to another. Each of the channel means are defined by a pair of layers disposed one next to the other, by straight or directional baffle means, and an internal return bend means located between the adjacent layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventors: Erwin Schwartz, Peter Lipert
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Patent number: 7174955Abstract: A heat sink (10) includes a plurality of fins (12) joined with each other. In one embodiment, each fin includes a main body (13) with an elongated flange (14) and two shortened flanges (16) extending from each of two opposite sides thereof. The shortened flanges extend from the body in an opposite direction to the elongated flange with the elongated flange located therebetween. The elongated flange (14) defines two holes (142) at respective opposite sides thereof and each shortened flange (16) provides an engaging piece (164) in alignment with one hole of the elongated flange. The engaging pieces of one fin engage in corresponding holes of an adjacent fin to thereby combine the fins together.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co. Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong Zhong, Wan-Lin Xia, Tao Li
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Patent number: 7174956Abstract: A connector is provided for selectively connecting or disconnecting a stripper rubber to or from drilling head equipment such as a bearing assembly. A generally cylindrical adapter connected to the equipment defines a primary bore to accommodate a down hole tubular. One or more cam pin bores, adapted to house one ore more cam pins, are positioned radially around the adapter substantially parallel to the primary bore. One or more cam lock bores adapted to house one or more at least partially rotatable cam locks, are offset from the pin cam bores such that each cam pin bore partially intersects a corresponding cam lock bore to form an aperture through which the cam lock engages the cam pin. One or more cam pins are connected to the stripper rubber; and one or more at least partially rotatable cam locks housed in the cam lock bores of the adapter optionally engage or disengage the pin cams to respectively connect or disconnect the stripper rubber to or from the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventors: John R. Williams, Charles T. Bishop
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Patent number: 7174957Abstract: A bailer is configured to remove particulate solids from fluid passing through the bailer. The bailer preferably includes a housing that includes an intake and an outlet to permit the flow if well fluids through the housing. The bailer also includes a magnetic plate that includes at least one aperture that provides a path for the fluid flow. The bailer optionally includes one or more elongate magnetic bars that extend along the longitudinal axis of the bailer housing. The bailer can be used in conjunction with other components in a downhole pumping system, a surface pumping system or a transport system.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Wood Group ESP, Inc.Inventor: Sarfraz A. Jokhio
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Patent number: 7174958Abstract: A drill-string member includes at least one grooved portion on an outer surface thereof. A pair of axially spaced-apart grooved portions are typically provided, with two such pairs axially spaced along the longitudinal length of the member. A plurality of grooves are milled into the grooved portions, and the grooves intersect with one another to form a criss-cross pattern. As the member is rotated, fluid flows up the grooves, where fluid from one groove meets fluid from another groove at each intersection, causing turbulence to be created.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: Robert Patrick Appleton
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Patent number: 7174959Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a downhole separation method includes forming a main wellbore extending from a surface to a subterranean zone, disposing a production liner into the main wellbore proximate the subterranean zone, coupling a first end of a first tube to the production liner, coupling an entrance portion of a second tube to an outside surface of and adjacent a second end of the first tube such that an entrance of the second tube is at a lower elevation than the second end of the first tube, and causing a flow of a mixture through the production liner and the first tube. The mixture includes a gas, a liquid, and a plurality of coal fines. The method further includes retrieving the gas via the main wellbore after the mixture exits the second end of the first tube and retrieving at least the liquid through the second tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: CDX Gas, LLCInventor: Christopher A. Pratt
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Patent number: 7174960Abstract: Methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysacoharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing, are provided. One embodiment provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment provides a method of treating subterranean formation with slurry comprising the steps of creating a slurry using a method comprising the steps of combining a polysacchande with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry; and, placing that slurry into a subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie D. Weaver, Michael A. McCabe, Billy Slabaugh, Mark Parker, Harold Walters
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Patent number: 7174961Abstract: Methods of using cement compositions that comprise basalt fibers in subterranean formations are provided. An example of such a method may comprise providing a cement composition that comprises water, a hydraulic cement, and a plurality of basalt fibers; introducing the cement composition into a subterranean formation; allowing the cement composition to set therein. Also provided are methods of cementing a pipe string in a well bore and methods of enhancing the compressive strength of a cement composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Roger S. Cromwell, D. Chad Brenneis
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Patent number: 7174962Abstract: Settable compositions that comprise water, CKD, and microspheres, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density less than about 13 pounds per gallon. Methods of cementing that comprise providing a lightweight settable composition having a density less than about 13 pounds per gallon, the lightweight settable composition comprising water, CKD, and microspheres, introducing the lightweight settable composition into a location to be cemented and allowing the lightweight settable composition to set therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Bobby J. King
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Patent number: 7174963Abstract: A disconnection device for disconnecting a tool and a pipe string comprises a first connection part releasably connected to a second connection part by means of a locking device and a release object. The release object is soluble by means of, for example, acid.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Bakke Oil Tools, ASInventor: Olaf Bertelsen
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Patent number: 7174964Abstract: A wellhead is formed by extruding a plurality of tubular liners off of a mandrel into contact with an outer casing. The first tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within the wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with the outer casing. At least a portion of the tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel into contact with the interior surface of the outer casing. The first tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel by pressurizing an interior portion of the first tubular liner. Subsequent tubular liners are positioned in concentric overlapping relation and similarly extruded off of a mandrel into at least partial contact with the interior surface of the outer casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack
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Patent number: 7174965Abstract: It is disclosed that a fire extinguishing method by gas, characterized in that, a fire extinguishing chemical of a gas type comprising at least one member selected from a group consisting of argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide is discharged using foams, powder or water as a carrier so as to extinguish.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Hatsuta Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Noriaki Araki, Yuji Teramoto, Koichi Tamura
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Patent number: 7174966Abstract: A process of setting the length of an upper steering arm of an attaching device of a tractor. The attaching device includes the upper steering arm with a power drive provided for length setting purposes; a length sensor to determine the actual length of the upper steering arm; two lower steering arms with a lifting mechanism to lift and lower the lower steering arm; a lift sensor to determine the actual position of lift of the steering unit; as well as a control unit. The nominal lengths of the upper steering arm (7), to be determined as a function of the directions of movement of the lifting mechanism, are stored in the control unit. Determining the actual length of the upper steering arm (7), the actual position of lift of the lifting mechanism and the direction of movement of the lifting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: GKN Walterscheid GmbHInventor: Horst Ollefs
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Patent number: 7174967Abstract: A self-contained hitch and control assembly comprising a portable power unit including a gas engine, hydraulic pump and associated conduits and valves. A hitch apparatus includes a frame carrying a compatible hitch and a pair of connecting arms with a third arm above and between the pair of arms. A hydraulic cylinder both raises and lowers the arms and a power takeoff is driven by the power unit in one and opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventors: Joseph A. Raimondo, Kenneth Foust
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Patent number: 7174968Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic excavator provided with a dozer device comprising an arm having a rear end connected to a fulcrum portion provided on a lower frame of a lower traveling body, a dozer blade provided at an extreme end of the arm, and a dozer cylinder for swinging the arm in vertical direction, characterized in that the dozer cylinder and the arm are arranged in a state of forming two sides of a triangle as viewed from the side, the arm swings vertically so that the dozer cylinder does not interfere with a bottom of an upper rotating body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, and an approach angle when the dozer blade vertically moved by the arm is placed in the highest position is set to 35 degrees or more, thereby capable of securing travelability equal to an excavator without a dozer device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Okunishi, Shinya Nakata, Hiroshi Shimokakiuchi, Hiroshi Morita, Shintaro Sakitani, Yoshiyasu Umezu
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Patent number: 7174969Abstract: An electrically powered rotary hammer includes a first switchable gear arrangement for actuating the hammering mechanism and a second switchable gear arrangement for actuating the rotary drive mechanism. The hammer includes a mode change knob, a linkage support, a first linkage slideably supported in the linkage support between the mode change knob and the first switchable gear arrangement and a second linkage slideably supported in the linkage support between the mode change knob and the second switchable gear arrangement. The mode change knob moves the linkages between three positions, a drilling only mode position in which the second switchable gear arrangement only is in its actuating position, a hammer drilling mode in which both the first and second gear arrangements are in their actuating positions, and a hammering only mode position in which the first switchable gear arrangement only is in its actuating position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Manfred Droste
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Patent number: 7174970Abstract: The invention concerns a hand-operated working device such as, for example, vibrating plates and vibrating rollers for soil compaction with a guide lever that is arranged on the working device such that it is vibratory damped, can be adjusted in its working height, and can be folded and fixed in a transport position. It has an elastic damping element on each of the four junctures distributed in the arrangement. All four damping elements are connected on the side turned away from the device to a console. The guide lever is arranged on the console.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Bomag GmbHInventor: Klaus Kremer
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Patent number: 7174971Abstract: The present invention discloses a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation control device installed to a pneumatic tool uses pressurized air as power. The pneumatic tool comprises a main body of the pneumatic motor module, a rear cover module disposed at a rear end of the main body and having an air guide base, and a containing space disposed inside the air guide base for installing a control valve. The control valve includes a valve passage and two airflow passages interconnected to the pneumatic motor module and the containing space to produce two opposite rotating directions. The direction of the valve passage can be adjusted by changing the control valve, so that pressurized air enters into one of the airflow passages to constitute a clockwise or counterclockwise rotating state of the pneumatic motor module. The pressurized air is controlled to enter directly from the air guide base into the pneumatic motor module.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Sunmatch Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lung-Pao Chen
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Patent number: 7174972Abstract: An electrical hand-held power tool includes a non-contacting electrical manual control switch (3) having an operating element (4) and a sensor switch (5), a pivotable carrier (6) which carries a switching element (13) and which is manually controlled by the operating element (4) of the manually control switch (3), the sensor switch (5) being connected with the carrier (6) vibration-free, and pivot transmitting device (7) axially displaceable along the vibration axis A) of a vibrating assembly (2) of the power tool relative to the operating element (4) for pivoting the carrier (6) in response to actuation of the operating element (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ferdinand Kristen, Erwin Manschitz, Hans-Jürgen Pfisterer
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Patent number: 7174973Abstract: This interface is an apparatus for controlling a power supply delivering power to a DC powered tool. The interface is connected between the DC power supply and the DC tool wherein the interface is configured to read signals from the tool and control the power supplied by allowing the power supply to run, brake, reverse or jog the tool. A microprocessor is connected to the interface programmed to provide a specific power in response to the signals from the tool read by the interface. The interface includes a number of field effect transistors. They are PFET1, PFET2, NFET1, and NFET2.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: C.E. Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Richard G. Lysaght
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Patent number: 7174974Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Western Well Tool, Inc.Inventors: Duane Bloom, Norman Bruce Moore, Ronald E. Beaufort
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Patent number: 7174975Abstract: Methods and control systems are provided for a wellbore drilling system having an active differential pressure device (APD device) in fluid communication with a returning fluid. The APD Device creates a differential pressure across the device, which reduces the pressure below or downhole of the device. In embodiments, a control unit controls the APD Device to provide a selected pressure differential at a wellbore bottom, adjacent a casing shoe, in an intermediate wellbore location, or in a casing. In one arrangement, the control system is pre-set at the surface such that the APD Device provides a substantially constant pressure differential. In other arrangements, the control system measures one or more parameters (e.g., wellbore pressure, formation parameters, BHA parameters, etc.) and adjusts an operating parameter of the APD Device to provide a desired pressure differential. Devices such as an adjustable bypass can be used to control the APD Device.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Baker hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sven Krueger, Volker Krueger, Harald Grimmer, Roger Fincher, Larry Watkins, Peter Aronstam, Peter Fontana
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Patent number: 7174976Abstract: A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transporter is statically stable with respect to tipping in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the load distribution. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Christopher C. Langenfeld
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Patent number: 7174977Abstract: A fuel cell system incorporated in a vehicle has a main electric motor, a drive power transmitting mechanism for engaging and disengaging a fuel gas pump, a coolant fluid pump, a supercharger, and a compressor, which serve as auxiliary equipment, and transmitting a drive power to the auxiliary equipment, and an auxiliary electric motor coaxially connectable to the main electric motor for transmitting a drive power to the auxiliary equipment depending on the manner in which the vehicle is operated.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoyuki Enjoji, Masaharu Suzuki, Hideaki Kikuchi, Yoshinori Wariishi, Masaru Oda
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Patent number: 7174978Abstract: A hybrid drive unit including a first motor, a first planetary gear and a second motor, wherein the first planetary gear distributes and transmits a drive force transmitted from an input shaft to the first motor and an output shaft, a power output from the output shaft and the second motor are synthesized and the first motor and the first planetary gear are housed in a transmission case with the second motor spaced from the transmission case.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Kozo Yamaguchi, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takeshi Inuzuka, Satoru Wakuta
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Patent number: 7174979Abstract: There is provided a hybrid car which includes an internal combustion engine; an electric motor disposed coaxially with a rotary shaft of the internal combustion engine; a planetary gear mechanism which is disposed coaxially with the rotary shaft of the internal combustion engine and the rotary shaft of the electric motor, and is comprised of a sun gear, a ring gear, planetary pinions, and a carrier supporting the planetary pinions; a transmission comprising an input shaft to which power is transmitted from said internal combustion engine and said electric motor via said planetary gear mechanism and an output shaft connected to driving wheels; and a rotation restricting device that properly restricts rotation of a rotor of the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Ohta, Yuji Suzuki, Kazuchika Tashima, Keiichi Kaneshige, Hatsuki Morinaga
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Patent number: 7174980Abstract: A method of controlling the operating response of a hybrid drive of a vehicle is described, the hybrid drive having an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor as the drive motors, and the drive shafts of the drive motors being mechanically linkable to a drive train of the vehicle. A drag torque characteristic curve for the hybrid drive is established by targeted activation of the at least one electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dieter Hoetzer, Juergen Loeffler
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Patent number: 7174981Abstract: A first air cleaner box (25) is provided on one side of a rear wheel (4) above a transmission case (9) of a unit-swinging power train unit (1), whereas a second air cleaner box (26) is provided on the other side of the rear wheel (9). Air compartments (40) of the air cleaner boxes (25, 26) are connected to a throttle valve (22) while the air compartments of the air cleaner boxes are made to communicate with each other. The second air cleaner box (26) can be provided by making use of a dead space defined on a side of the rear wheel (4). The capacity of the air compartment (40) can be increased by the first and second air cleaner boxes (25, 26) while preventing the enlargement of the vehicle body, whereby the output of an engine (3) can be increased by increasing the displacement of the engine (3).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsuyoshi Sugitani, Fumiyasu Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7174982Abstract: A displaceable support stand (1) includes a support stand base (5) with a support surface (6) which is adapted to rest on the ground, a lifting device for lifting the support stand base (5) and therewith the support stand (1) above the ground and a displacement device which permits displacement of the support stand (1). The lifting and the displacement devices can be embodied by a device for producing an air cushion. A device of that kind can include for example a compressor (18), an accumulator (20) for the power supply for the compressor (18) and air nozzles (16).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung trading as Carl ZeissInventor: Martin Kraus
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Patent number: 7174983Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes: a chassis; a post extending upwardly from the chassis and having an upright engaging wall formed with an engaging hole; a battery housing seated on the chassis adjacent to the post and including a mounting wall disposed adjacent to the engaging wall; a coupling device including an engaging rod having a pivot portion pivoted to the mounting wall of the battery housing, and an engaging portion extending from the pivot portion, the engaging rod being pivotable relative to the battery housing between an engaging position, where the engaging portion extends into the engaging hole, and a disengaging position, where the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaging hole; and a biasing member for urging the engaging rod to the engaging position.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Sunpex Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chen-Chi Hsiao
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Patent number: 7174984Abstract: The invention prevents a decrease in a bank angle while cornering and reduces damage incurred to an AMT mechanism when tumbling over. A motorcycle 1 includes a cylinder block 47 of an engine, a crankcase 49 located below this cylinder block 47, a transmission 55 located behind this crankcase 49 and provided with a multistage shifting mechanism having multistage change gears, a clutch for connecting/disconnecting transmission of rotation when shifting the change gears of this transmission 55, and an AMT mechanism 63 for automatically actuating this clutch and shifting the change gears of the transmission 55. Since this AMT mechanism 63 is located behind the cylinder block 47 and above the transmission 55, a decrease in the bank angle is prevented while cornering, and fatal damage to the AMT mechanism 63 can be reduced when the motorcycle 1 tumbles over.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Kosugi, Toru Zenno, Masaichi Yamada
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Patent number: 7174985Abstract: An external airbag device is provided which can smoothly deploy its airbag with being caught by neither a rear edge of a hood nor a windshield wiper. A lid 8 is allowed to be displaced relative to a retainer 2 in the vertical direction because hooks 10 are movable in the vertical direction within apertures 16. When an airbag 4 is inflated, the lid 8 is lifted and is torn to open outwardly by the inflation pressure of the airbag 4 to create flaps 28, 30. The flap 28 which pivoted outwardly toward the front of the motor vehicle is laid on an outer surface of a rear edge portion of a hood 18. The flap 30 which pivoted outwardly toward the rear of the motor vehicle is laid on a cowl top 22 below the windshield 20 to cover windshield wipers 26.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Tomohiro Sawa, Tadahiro Igawa
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Patent number: 7174986Abstract: An externally developed airbag device is provided that reliably deploys along predetermined areas. More particularly, an airbag includes a bag base, which deploys along the lower edge of the windshield, and bag side segments, which deploy while extending upwardly from the right and left sides of the bag base along the exteriors of “A” pillars. Guide rods vertically extend along the exteriors of the “A” pillars. Each of the bag side segments has a connecting strap on its top that connects the bag side segment to the guide rod. The connecting straps are movable along the guide rods. The bag side segments are guided along the guide rods by the connecting straps and deploy along the exteriors of the “A” pillars.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Takayuki Takimoto
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Patent number: 7174987Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating an end of travel feedback to the driver of a vehicle where the vehicle includes a steer by wire system. The system includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a motor, and a clutch. The steering wheel is configured to control the steer by wire system. The steering shaft is coupled to the steering wheel and rotates in conjunction with the steering wheel. To provide road feel resistance to the driver, the motor is coupled to the steering shaft. Further, the clutch is configured to mechanically couple the steering shaft to the road wheel to provide mechanical resistance when the road wheel is at an end of travel position.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Muqtada Husain
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Patent number: 7174988Abstract: A power steering system includes a reversible-type oil pump supplying hydraulic fluid to first and second pressure chambers of a hydraulic power cylinder through first and second passages and having first and second discharge ports, and a branch passage conveying part of hydraulic fluid discharged from the discharge ports of the oil pump to the outside of the pressure chambers of the power cylinder, wherein the branch passage has a passage sectional area greater than a total leak sectional area of the oil pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Sasaki, Yuji Torizawa
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Patent number: 7174989Abstract: The power steering apparatus comprises a torque sensor for detecting a steering torque applied to a steering wheel and a steering assist motor which is driven to rotate based on the detected steering torque. The motor is driven under field weakening control in a high-speed rotation area. The motor is a brushless motor comprising a rotor having a plurality of permanent magnets which are respectively fixed in a plurality of recesses provided in a rotor core. With the electric power steering apparatus, a steer-assisting force can be obtained in high-speed steering.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sadaaki Mori, Hideki Jonokuchi, Hirohide Inayama, Atsushi Ishihara
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Patent number: 7174990Abstract: The invention is a suspension element having an outer edge and an inner edge. The suspension element, such as a spider or surround, varies in shape along at least a portion of the suspension element to help relieve both the radial and tangential stress placed on the suspension element when it is stretched. The shape employed in the suspension element allows the suspension element to stretch more easily, creating a higher performance speaker of the same size by increasing the diaphragm excursion and voice coil movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Harman International Industries, IncorporatedInventors: Brendon Stead, Clayton Williamson, Mark Trainer
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Patent number: 7174991Abstract: The subject invention refers to a muffler comprising a muffler housing (1, 2) and generally a catalytic converter element (13) mounted in the housing, which muffler has at least one inner outlet (4) through which exhaust gases cleaned by the catalytic element (13) are intended to pass. Furthermore, according to the invention an outlet duct (30, 31) is arranged in connection to the outside of the housing, comprising a first section (30) for leading exhaust gases in a first direction (A) in parallel with the outside of the housing, and a second section (31) for leading exhaust gases in a second, opposite direction (B), whereby said first and second sections (30, 31) have an essentially equally large cross-sectional area. By way of this outlet duct an improved cooling of the exhaust gases before they are brought in contact with fresh air rich in oxygen can be achieved. A back-pulsation of fresh air into the muffler can also be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventors: Peter Gunnarsson, Esbjörn Ollas, Mattias Ossiansson
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Patent number: 7174992Abstract: A muffler has a main body, and an inner shell spaced radially inwardly of the main body by an annular volume therebetween. The inner shell has an internal volume radially inward of the annular volume. The muffler has primary and secondary parallel paths therethrough, with the primary path extending through the internal volume, and the secondary path extending through the annular volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth J. Kicinski
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Patent number: 7174993Abstract: A vertically adjustable safety railing system for obtaining safety railing access to the tops of mobile equipment of various heights such as tank trucks. The safety railing apparatus generally includes a plurality of posts, a railing, and activating means in communication with an actuating means. The safety railing having a collapsed condition and a vertically upright condition. The posts are pivotally mounted to mounting plates as well as connected to the railing so that when the posts are rotated to a vertically upright condition, the railing is elevated providing a railing to assist a person walking on top of the tank of a truck. The activating means is engaged by a cover plate hinged to a ladder disposed at the rear of the tank truck. Opening the cover plate to access the ladder places the activating means in a passing condition and actuates the actuating means to pivot the railing system to its upright condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: Thomas M. Lantz
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Patent number: 7174994Abstract: A utility ladder for illuminating a work area that a user is working on. The utility ladder includes a ladder assembly being designed for being positioned on a support surface. The ladder assembly is designed for supporting the user at a desired height above the support surface when the user is standing on the ladder assembly. A lighting assembly is coupled to the ladder assembly. The lighting assembly is designed for being selectively operationally coupled to a power source whereby the lighting assembly is for selectively emitting light to illuminate the work area the user is working on when the lighting assembly is operationally coupled to the power source.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventors: Tamara L. Coffield, Tyler L. Watson, Tyler W. Watson
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Patent number: 7174995Abstract: A collapsible tree stand and tree stand mounting apparatus is claimed. The tree stand consists of a bottom platform and a seat mounted to a vertical support. A coupling member attached to the vertical support is mountable onto a separate tree stand mounting apparatus. The tree stand mounting apparatus has a receiver with an aperture suitable for receiving the coupling member. The fastening component is mechanically bonded to the tree stand receiver, the fastening component suitable for draping about a tree or post. The fastening component comprises a plurality of loops and a carabiner-type device, each of the plurality of loops suitable for fastening in the carabiner-type device to adjust a length of the fastening component. The tree stand receiver is first fastened to the tree or post with the backside of the receiver against the tree or post and the top facing in a downward direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: Billy W. Alexander
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Patent number: 7174996Abstract: Supplying fluids different in pressure from one end of a revolving shaft without providing a diagonal hole in the revolving shaft for supply holes for feeding hydraulic fluid and lubricating oil. The time for manufacturing and the cost of providing a hydraulic fluid feeder to the revolving shaft is reduced. A hydraulic fluid feeder includes a central hole provided on the centerline of the revolving shaft. Hollow tubes having a smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the central hole are concentrically inserted into the central hole and the central hole is partitioned. Either of the passages formed by partitioning functions as a hydraulic fluid supply passage for the hydraulic equipment and the other functions as a hydraulic fluid supply passage for another piece of hydraulic equipment or a lubricating oil supply passage for a bearing provided on the revolving shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Tohru Nishi, Seiji Hamaoka
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Patent number: 7174997Abstract: An auxiliary lubrication system for an aircraft turbine engine includes a reservoir 32 of lubricant 50 and a venturi 42 to suction lubricant out of the reservoir and direct an lubricant mist at a bearing 24 or other component requiring lubrication. The venturi is directly connected to a source of motive fluid, such as pressurized air extracted from an engine flowpath 10, and is continuously driven by the motive fluid. The auxiliary system accommodates a failure or malfunction of the primary, high pressure lubrication system. The auxiliary system operates during normal conditions, when the primary system is fully functional. If the primary system fails, the auxiliary system continues to operate for a limited time, until the lubricant in the reservoir is depleted, to provide an lubricant mist to the component being lubricated. The limited-duration lubricant supply allows the aircraft crew time to carry out actions required to safeguard the aircraft and its occupants.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: William G. Sheridan
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Patent number: 7174998Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Hal Pringle, Robert D. Keefover, Michael J. Halsig
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Patent number: 7174999Abstract: An automatic wire lubricating device includes first and second components each having a body section of semi-annular configuration defining a portion of a continuous cylindrical interior reservoir formed by the body sections when they are fastened together into an annular body defining a central opening, a pipe fitting attached on an outer circumferential side of the body section of the first component in flow communication with the interior reservoir such that the pipe fitting can be coupled to a soap line coming from a pump, dispensing holes circumferentially spaced apart defined through the body sections providing flow communication from the interior reservoir to the central opening, and coupler pins formed on opposite ends of the body sections of the first and second components which fit together so as to make a tight seal of the interior reservoir when the first and second components are fastened together.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: WLD, LLCInventors: Timothy L. Coder, Dennis D. Hartman
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Patent number: 7175000Abstract: A lifting truck with a telescoping mast and a balancing cylinder is disclosed. The stages of the mast are each constructed with three vertical beams. A mechanism for extending the mast are contained in or near the side beams. The balancing cylinder exerts an upward force to counter the dead weight of the telescoping stages and other parts of the truck that are lifted. The balancing cylinder is connected to the lower portion of the first stage and the upper portion of the second stage. The beams making up the stages of the mast can be tubular or U-shaped to allow space for the balancing cylinder and/or hydraulic lines or control leads.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: BT IndustriesInventors: Per Gyllenhammar, Mikael Jakauby
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Patent number: 7175001Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for driving the raising and lowering of a lift for a tower type storehouse so as to supply a force for vertically operating the lift carrying goods to storerooms on every floor of the storehouse, and more particularly to an apparatus for driving the raising and lowering of a lift for a tower type storehouse, in which a plurality of hydraulic cylinder units are connected to each other along a vertical axial line so that the raising and lowering of the lift is achieved by the expansion and contraction of the connected hydraulic cylinder units due to the supply of hydraulic pressure, thereby uniformly supplying the hydraulic pressure to every hydraulic cylinder unit and assuring stability in the raising and lowering of the lift.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: EZ Indus Co., Ltd.Inventor: Woo-gon Jeon
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Patent number: 7175002Abstract: A luggage has a case with a plurality of wheels on a bottom side thereof. A brake apparatus is provided in the case to brake the wheels. A switch is provided on the case for manipulation. A linkage device is provided in the case to connect the switch and the brake apparatus, such that activating the switch can operate the brake apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: C & C Luggage Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsi-Wu Chiang
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Patent number: 7175003Abstract: A hub-side mounting part formed with the side surface of a wheel hub is provided so that an outer diameter thereof is larger than a diameter of a mounting pitch circle of a disc rotor. A hub-side through-hole and a rotor side through-hole, which are formed therein to be extended therethrough, respectively, are matched with each other to improve heat radiation and crosswind performance.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taisuke Nimura, Tetsuyoshi Kikuchi, Shuichi Sofue, Kazuya Takenouchi