| 37th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights (09-11-08/09-11-08_9) part 9 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20080217002 | Sand control screen having a micro-perforated filtration layer - A sand control screen ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217003 | Gas injection to inhibit migration during an in situ heat treatment process - Methods of treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Methods for treating a subsurface treatment area in a formation may include introducing a fluid into the formation from a plurality of wells offset from a treatment area of an in situ heat treatment process to inhibit outward migration of formation fluid from the in situ heat treatment process. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217004 | Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a checkerboard pattern staged process - Method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. Methods may include providing heat to two or more first sections of the formation with one or more first heaters in two or more of the first sections. The provided heat may mobilize first hydrocarbons in two or more of the first sections. At least some of the mobilized first hydrocarbons are produced through production wells located in two or more second sections of the formation. The first sections and the second sections are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. A portion of at least one of the second sections proximate at least one production well is provided some heat from the mobilized first hydrocarbons, but is not conductively heated by heat from the first heaters. Heat may be provided to the second sections with one or more second heaters in the second sections to further heat the second sections. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217005 | AUTOMATED OIL WELL TEST CLASSIFICATION - The subject mater herein relates to oil well testing and, more particularly, automated oil well test classification. Various embodiments described herein provide systems, methods, and software for statistical analysis and classification of oil well tests. Some embodiments include receiving a first set of oil well test results from one or more measurement devices of a well test separator, storing the first set of oil well test results in a database, and annotating one or more tests of the first set oil well test results. The annotated test results are then used to build one or more classification models to enable automated oil well test classification as new oil well tests are performed. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217006 | Methods and Apparatus for Determining Wellbore Parameters - One embodiment of a system for determining a wellbore parameter includes a pulse generator positioned in fluid communication with a wellbore such that a fluid can flow from the wellbore through the pulse generator, wherein the pulse generator selectively releases the fluid to flow through the pulse generator causing pressure pulses in the wellbore; a receiver in operational connection with the wellbore, the receiver detecting the pressure pulses; and a controller in functional connection with the receiver, the controller determining a wellbore parameter from receipt of a signal from the receiver in response to the detected pressure pulses. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217007 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ROBUST AND ACCURATE DETERMINATION OF WIRELINE DEPTH IN A BOREHOLE - This invention relates in general to measuring depth of well-tools, such as logging tools or the like, in a borehole. Embodiments of the present invention may provide for disposing conducting areas along a wireline that may be used to suspend and move the well-tool in the borehole, where the conducting areas may be disposed along the wireline at predetermined locations. A reader may be located at a reference location and may read when a conducting area passes through the reference location and this information may be used to determine the depth of the well-tool in the borehole. Additionally, this invention provides for combining depth measurements from the conducting areas with measurements from odometer wheels in frictional contact with the wireline and/or time of flight measurements of optical pulses passed along a fiber optic cable coupled with the wireline to accurately and robustly measure the depth of the wireline in the borehole. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217008 | PROCESS FOR DISPERSING NANOCATALYSTS INTO PETROLEUM-BEARING FORMATIONS - Embodiments of the invention provide methods for recovering petroleum products from a formation by distributing nanocatalysts into the formation and heating the heavy crude oil therein. In one embodiment, a method is provided which includes flowing a catalytic material containing the nanocatalyst into the formation containing the heavy crude oil, exposing the heavy crude oil and the catalytic material to a reducing agent (e.g., H | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217009 | HIGH PERFORMANCE FOAMS FOR UNLOADING GAS WELLS - Mixtures of at least one nonionic surfactants and at least one ionic surfactant together with a gas create foams to aid the removal of produced hydrocarbon fluids from gas wells and pipelines. The foam-forming composition has superior performance in unloading liquids. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217010 | Polyphenylene Sulfide Proppants - Embodiments of the present invention relate to delivering a slurry having a fracturing fluid and one or more proppants to a fracture in a subterranean formation. At least one proppant has PPS and produces less than 5 weight percent fines at a closure pressure of the fractured subterranean formation as determined by API RP 60. The one or more proppants are deposited into the fracture to prop the fracture. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217011 | Methods for treating a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid containing a gelling agent and subsequently breaking the gel with an oxidizer - A method is provided for treating a zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The method includes a step of introducing a treatment fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation through the wellbore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (i) water; (ii) a gelling agent comprising a polymer grafted with a vinyl phosphonic acid or derivative thereof; and (iii) a crosslinking agent, and the step of subsequently introducing an oxidizer into a zone of a subterranean formation through the wellbore. According to another aspect the method includes a step of introducing a treatment fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation through the wellbore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (i) water; (ii) a gelling agent comprising a polymer grafted with a vinyl phosphonic acid or derivative thereof; and (iii) a magnesium oxide; and the step of: introducing an acid into the zone through the wellbore. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217012 | Gelled emulsions and methods of using the same - Gelled emulsions contain (i.) an external phase of an aqueous water-soluble solvent solution, polymeric viscosifying agent and, optionally, an oxidative and/or acidic breaker; and (ii.) an internal phase of a dispersed organic fluid. The aqueous water-soluble solvent solution constitutes between from about 15 to about 50 volume percent of the gelled emulsion and the dispersed organic fluid is presented in the gelled emulsion in amounts ranging from about 50 to about 85 volume percent. The gelled emulsions are useful in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, oil field, pipeline and processing facility applications. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217013 | TUNABLE SURFACTANTS FOR OIL RECOVERY APPLICATIONS - The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as surfactants. These compositions have particular utility for energy-related applications. In embodiments, they may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, they may be useful for extracting bitumen from oil sands. In embodiments, they may be useful for environmental remediation. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217014 | Overshot tool - An overshot tool includes a grapple, a torque sub rotationally fixed to the grapple and a deformable member in operable communication with the torque sub. The torque sub is responsive to torsional movement thereof. A method for retrieving a fish with the tool is also included. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217015 | Heating hydrocarbon containing formations in a spiral startup staged sequence - Methods for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation are described herein. Methods may include treating a first zone of the formation. Treatment of a plurality of zones of the formation may be begun at selected times after the treatment of the first zone begins. The treatment of at least two successively treated zones may begin at a selected time after treatment of the previous zone begins. At least two of the successively treated zones may be adjacent to the zone treated previously. The successive treatment of the zones proceeds in an outward, substantially spiral sequence from the first zone so that the treatment of the zones may move substantially spirally outwards towards a boundary of the treatment area. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217016 | Creating fluid injectivity in tar sands formations - Methods for treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods for treating a tar sands may include heating a portion of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from one or more heaters located in the portion. The heat may be controlled to increase the permeability of at least part of the portion to create an injection zone in the portion with an average permeability sufficient to allow injection of a fluid through the injection zone. A drive fluid and/or an oxidizing fluid may be provided into the injection zone. At least some hydrocarbons are produced from the portion. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217017 | Method of treating well with foamed composition - The annular surface between the tubing and casing of an oil or gas well may be contacted with a foamed well treatment composition containing a gas, a foaming agent and a liquid well treatment agent, such as a scale inhibitor, corrosion inhibitor, salt inhibitor, scale remover or biocide. The foam, upon destabilization, renders a thin film of concentrated well treatment agent on the external surfaces of the tubing, inside the casing and in the perforations. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217018 | Method for pickling a work string using dispersed solvent-in-acid fluid design - A method for cleaning a work string which may have been used to inject drilling muds, cement slurries, cement displacement materials and the like into a well where the work strong may contain drilling mud residues, cement slurry residues, cement slurry displacement materials, pipe thread lubricants, pipe dope and the like, as well as corrosion on the inside of the work string by injecting a dispersion slug into and recovering the dispersion slug from the work string. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217019 | COILED TUBING WELLBORE CLEANOUT - A method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole is described variously including running a coiled tubing assembly into the wellbore, creating a fluid vortex by circulating cleaning fluid through the coiled tubing, and pulling the coiled tubing and coiled tubing assembly out of the hole at a speed sufficient to substantially clean the particulate solids from the wellbore. An apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a hole, including vertical, horizontal, or deviated wells also is provided. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217020 | DOWNHOLE VALVE AND METHOD OF MAKING - Disclosed herein is a downhole valve. The downhole valve includes, a flapper seat, a flapper sealable against the flapper seat, a spring housing in axial alignment with the flapper seat and a metal-to-metal seal disposed between the flapper seat and the spring housing. The metal-to-metal seal is sealable to both the flapper seat and the spring housing when in an energized position. Additionally, the metal-to-metal seal is a separate component from both the flapper seat and the spring housing. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217021 | DEBRIS PROTECTION FOR SLIDING SLEEVE - Sliding sleeve mechanisms including protective sheaths for debris protection are disclosed. Protective sheaths can be formed from materials such as composites, metal, foil, rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, wire mesh, tape, etc. The protective sheaths can be substantially cylindrical shells (having one or more pieces), plugs in the flow ports, and/or tape or wire wrappings. The protective sheaths can be retained by recesses in the sliding sleeve or mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, rivets, snap rings, bands, and buckles. The protective sheath can be outside or inside the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can protect the sliding sleeve from debris by retaining grease that has been packed into the sliding sleeve for that purpose or positively preventing entry of debris into the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can be cleared by permitting fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, which can act to destroy and/or wash away the protective sheath. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217022 | SUBSEA COMMUNICATIONS MULTIPLEXER - A system for communicating between a surface facility and a subsea production control system includes a communications device proximate the water surface. The water surface communications device has at least one communication interface. A communications device is functionally associated with a wellhead or subsea structure proximate the water bottom. The water bottom communications device has at least one communication interface. A communication channel extends between the surface communication device and the water bottom communication device. A multiplexer is functionally coupled to the communication interface on each of the surface and water bottom communication devices. At least two remote devices are functionally coupled to the water bottom multiplexer. The remote devices comprise at least one of a sensor and a control. At least two corresponding devices are coupled to the surface multiplexer. The corresponding devices include at least one of a signal acquisition device and a control signal generating device. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217023 | Continuous sucker rod and method of using same - A continuous sucker rod preferably comprising fiberglass or composite material for use in an well is described herein. The continuous sucker rod may be connected at one end to a pump drive, via a polished rod, and at a second end to a downhole pump, via sinker bars or other weights. The continuous sucker rod preferably has at least two end fittings, one at each end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings, each having two ends and each being attached, at one end, to a respective end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings are preferably configured to enable connection to the polished rod and sinker bars respectively. The end fittings are connected to the continuous sucker rod so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217024 | DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH CLOSED LOOP POWER SYSTEMS - A tool for moving within a passage comprises an elongated body; a closed system for converting a circulating flow of a fluid into movement of the tool within the passage, and a pump-powering assembly configured to power the pump, the pump-powering assembly comprising one of a turbine and an E-line controlled motor. The closed system comprises a gripper assembly on the body, a barrel surrounding and engaged with the body, a piston longitudinally fixed with respect to the body, a valve assembly, and a pump configured to circulate the fluid through the closed system. The gripper assembly is configured to utilize fluid pressure to grip onto an inner surface of the passage. The barrel is longitudinally movable with respect to the body, and the gripper assembly is longitudinally fixed with respect to the barrel. The barrel and the body define an annular space therebetween, wherein one or more interfaces between the barrel and the body are sealed to substantially prevent escape of fluid from the annular space to an exterior of the barrel. The piston is positioned within the barrel and fluidly separates the annular space into aft and forward chambers of the barrel, wherein sizes of the aft and forward chambers of the barrel vary as the piston moves longitudinally within the barrel. The valve assembly is configured to direct fluid to and from (1) the gripper assembly and (2) the aft and forward chambers of the barrel to produce movement of the body within the passage. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217025 | DEFORMABLE BALL SEAT AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a disappearing ball seat. The disappearing ball seat includes, a tubular member having an inside dimension, and a restricted dimension portion of the tubular member dimensioned to prevent passage of a tripping ball therethrough, the restricted dimension portion being reconfigurable to a dimension capable of passing the tripping ball therethrough. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217026 | Composition for fighting fire, device for use therewith and methods of making and using - A fire-fighting foam is made by cooling a liquid concentrate, combining the cooled liquid concentrate composition with an expansion gas, and allowing the combined liquid concentrate and expansion gas to expand. A diffuser for dispensing a fire-extinguishing product has a discharge line having an interior, a discharge line intake and a diffuser outlet. There is a casing around a portion of the discharge line, the casing enclosing a space around said portion of the discharge line. The casing has an inlet and an outlet, and the discharge line has an aspirator inside the casing. A fire-fighting foam can be made by flowing a liquid concentrate through the diffuser via the diffuser intake, flowing an expansion gas into the inlet, and dispersing the liquid-gas composition via the diffuser outlet to yield a fire-fighting foam. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217027 | Sprinkler head shut off tool - A sprinkler head shut off device, comprising of a handle with at least one jaw, a lever, a stopper arm, and a means for reciprocating the stopper arm as the lever is rotated, in order to bring a portion of the stopper arm in contact with the orifice of the sprinkler and stop water flow. The device further comprises a locking means to lock the lever in position. The locking means comprises a member attached to the lever which locks its rotary motion in one direction at a particular position by engaging with a portion of the means for reciprocating the stopper arm. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217028 | Incineration Prevention Method and Arrangement - A method and arrangement for providing an incineration prevention kit ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217029 | Airplane fire fighting thermal barrier and terror threat solution - A thermal barrier that allows a crew member or passenger to cover an item that is on fire inside an airplane (or other transport vehicle) cabin and carry it to a controlled area, such as a lavatory, where it can burn out, and the gaseous products of combustion (vapors) are exited outside of the aircraft (or other transport vehicle), providing time for the pilot/engineer/operator to make a safe decision concerning continuance of the flight or passage. If not put into a controlled area, item fire may produce poisonous and/or irritating gases that if not removed will recirculate throughout the entire cabin harming all the occupants. Burning item may cause structural damage to the aircraft (or other transport vehicle) creating an unsafe flight or passage. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217030 | Fireproof Blanket Which is Used to Protect People, Furniture and Property Against Fire - The invention relates to a fireproof blanket which is used to protect people, furniture and property against fire. The inventive blanket is characterized in that the raw materials used comprise OPF which have been molecularly stabilized by means of thermal processing and PES. The process consists in mixing the two fibers in order to obtain the desired degree of fireproof performance and suitable tactile qualities such that it can be used for any application and can be brought into contact with the skin without causing any type of allergic reaction owing to the inert nature thereof. The aforementioned mixture is reinforced mechanically in order to provide the blanket with the transverse and longitudinal resistance properties that are required for same to be used for the following applications, namely: any type of fire-protective clothing and the applications thereof; fireproof cushioning layer for furniture, bed linen, mattresses, seats and backrests in motor vehicles, trains and aircraft; fire blankets; supports for wallpaper and fire curtains; fire protective under-carpet padding; fire protective thermal blankets; maintenance and construction work on sites with a high-, medium-o low-risk of fire; and fire protective blankets that can be used to protect any item, since it can be produced with any length or thickness. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217031 | Cargo fire net - The “CARGO FIRE NET” looks much like a conventional net, the difference is that it was invented to extinguish fires in cargo settings. What makes this net different is the fact that it has several “suppression lines” inside, and throughout it, with (8) evenly spaced, exposed brass “#6540 suppression jet heads” connected to those lines, so as to spray “non-corrosive fire suppression agent” in the occurrence of fire. The “non-corrosive fire suppression agent” will be delivered by way of a centrifugal pump pulling from a 30 gal. holding tank, and into the net, so as to be sprayed. It can be used conventionally as a net, by draping it over the cargo, or non-conventional by suspending in a fixed state above the cargo. It's a net that extinguishes fires, just put it on the cargo, or hang it above the cargo, and connect it to “feed suppression line”, and walk away. When the “sensors” in the net detect an unacceptable temperature level, they will activate the system, thus starting the extinguishing process. All of this occurs with no attendant being involved, and ending the fear of “blind fires” during transport of cargo. Yes, the “CARGO FIRE NET” is the answer, a protector of Life, Property, and Merchandise. It's ready for industry, and industry is ready for it, “It's a better way”. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217032 | Stationary Fire-Fighting System Comprising a Cleaning Device - The invention relates to a stationary fire-fighting system comprising an extinguisher fluid storage, a pipe between the extinguisher fluid storage and at least one extinguisher fog nozzle, and a high-pressure pump generating a high-pressure in the pipe. In order to put the stationary fire-fighting system to an additional use, it is proposed that cleaning means, which are connected to the pipe by a junction, are provided in such a manner that extinguisher fluid, via the junction in the cleaning means, can be utilized for cleaning surfaces, the high-pressure pump generating a pressure of over 40 bar. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217033 | Combination garden tiller and sprinkler head grass trimmer - Apparatus for trimming grass around sprinkler heads or tending a small garden area includes a tubular member having a plurality of serrations formed on one end for cutting grass around such sprinkler heads. A housing member partially disposed for reciprocal movement within the tubular member. A plate disposed for closing one end of housing member and having an outer periphery engageable with an inner surface of such tubular member for guiding during reciprocal movement. A second guide disposed around outer periphery of such housing member intermediate each end thereof. Another elongated rod like member engages an end of such first elongated rod like member. A caged biasing means is disposed over the second rod like member for absorbing shock during use of apparatus and a mechanism for manipulating the apparatus while trimming such grass around such sprinkler head or tending such small garden area. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217034 | Soil working device - In a mobile soil working device comprising a machine frame ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217035 | Combination garden tiller and sprinkler head grass trimmer - Apparatus for trimming grass around sprinkler heads or tending a small garden area includes a tubular member having a plurality of serrations formed on one end for cutting grass around such sprinkler heads. A housing member partially disposed for reciprocal movement within the tubular member. A plate disposed for closing one end of housing member and having an outer periphery engageable with an inner surface of such tubular member for guiding during reciprocal movement. A second guide disposed around outer periphery of such housing member intermediate each end thereof. Another elongated rod like member engages an end of such first elongated rod like member. A caged biasing means is disposed over the second rod like member for absorbing shock during use of apparatus and a mechanism for manipulating the apparatus while trimming such grass around such sprinkler head or tending such small garden area. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217036 | Pneumatically actuated skidplates for an earth-moving scraper - Apparatus, systems and methods for the stabilization of an earth-moving apparatus, such as an earth-moving scraper. A skidplate is attached to the earth-mover by one or more inflatable airbags, such as a pneumatic suspension air-spring, which may be inflated to lower the skidplate into contact with the ground surface. The skidplate (or a skid shoe attached thereto) remains held firmly on the ground regardless of minor adjustments to the blade height, due to the “springiness” of the air bag. The skidplate can be retracted when use is not desired, by deflation of the air bags. One or more motion sensors and a control unit may be included, allowing bounce to be detected before it is visible to the operator. The control unit may cause the airbags to inflate as needed to stabilize the earth-moving apparatus. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217037 | Excavation apparatus - An excavation apparatus, for mounting on track type excavator, having a mast, a sled slidably mounted on the mast, a sled driving system supported by the mast for downcrowding and upcrowding the sled along the mast, and an extendable kelly section system that prevents slippage of the sled relative to the mast. The extendable kelly section system has a non-rotating outer kelly section attached to the sled, and a non-rotating inner kelly section that is extendable from and retractable into the outer kelly section. A bushing assembly maintains the outer kelly section slidable on the mast. The inner kelly section is automatically powered into and out of the outer kelly section a distance proportional to the distance that the sled is downcrowded or upcrowded along the mast while preventing slippage of the inner kelly section relative to the outer kelly section. A rotary motor, attached to the sled, rotates a telescopic shaft housed within the non-rotating kelly sections, which provides rotary power to an excavation tool. Alternatively, a transmission is secured to the lower end of the inner kelly section and the lower end of the telescopic shaft is connected to the input shaft of the transmission to increase the torque to the excavation tool. The transmission, which does not have an external source of transmission fluid, can be a one speed or two speed and can travel downhole. A boom connector and a mechanism for downcrowding and upcrowding the mast on the boom connector provides additional drilling depth capability. A side-to-side mechanism tilts the mast relative to the plane of the boom. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217038 | PERCUSSION ADAPTER FOR POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MOTORS - A percussion adapter for a positive displacement motor including a housing, a torque tube and a reciprocating percussive piston operable by application of fluid pressure thereto. The piston can be driven to create a percussive effect by rotary movement of the torque tube. The percussion adapter can have a bypass option to allow flow through the percussion adapter without operation of the piston. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217039 | Hand-held power tool with a pneumatic percussion mechanism - A hand-held percussion power tool includes a pneumatic mechanism ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217040 | Hand-held power tool with pneumatic percussion mechanism - A hand-held power tool includes a percussion power tool includes a percussion piston ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217041 | Grounding Wire Structure Having Stainless Steel Covering and Method of Manufacturing the Same - The present invention provides a grounding wire structure having a stainless steel covering and a method of manufacturing the grounding wire structure. In the present invention, first and second hollow connection frames ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217042 | METHOD FOR MAKING RAIL BONDS - A rail bond for bonding a wire or cable to a surface of rail includes a copper sheet and weld metal material solidified from molten metal material. A copper or other metal sheet is placed against the surface of the rail where the bond is to be located, and against an opening of a chamber of a graphite mold where the molten weld metal material is formed. Molten material is produced into liquid form and flows to the copper sheet material. This causes the copper sheet material to melt and bond against the steel rail. The presence of the copper sheet material between the molten weld metal and the rail surface reduces the amount of heating in the steel rail, and reduces the size of the heat affected zone (HAZ) in the steel rail. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217043 | FIRE-RETARDING CABLE CONDUIT FOR ELECTRICAL LINES IN REGIONS POTENTIALLY EXPOSED TO FIRE IN AIRCRAFT - A fire-retarding cable conduit for electrical lines in regions potentially exposed to fire in aircraft, tubular base body includes substantially interior space for accommodating the electrical lines, where the base body includes a sheath. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217044 | COUPLED BUILDING WIRE ASSEMBLY - A coupled building wire assembly is provided wherein more than one length of NM cable having the same or different gauges are coupled together that permits one to pull multiple lengths of cable from a single coil. The exterior surfaces of the coupled building wire assembly is also coated with a lubricant or has its outer sheaths incorporating the sufficient lubricant, which either migrates to the sheaths' surfaces or permeates such sheaths. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217045 | UNDERLAY SUBSTRATE, SCREEN PRINTING METHOD AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF PRINTED CIRCUIT SUBSTRATE - A plurality of through holes having an equal size are formed in an underlay substrate. Positions of the plurality of through holes are suitably set according to the shape of a substrate sheet. Specifically, an equal number of through holes are formed in each of end blank corresponding regions that, when the substrate sheet and the underlay substrate are overlapped with each other, overlap with end blank regions of the substrate sheet, of the underlay substrate. In addition, the through holes are formed at equal spacing in portions excluding the end blank corresponding regions in a blank corresponding region, which overlaps with a blank region of the substrate sheet, of the underlay substrate. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217046 | CIRCUIT BOARD SURFACE STRUCTURE AND FABRICATION METHOD THEREOF - A circuit board surface structure and a fabrication method thereof are proposed. The circuit board surface structure includes: a circuit board having a plurality of electrically connecting pads formed on at least one surface thereof; a first and a second insulating protective layers formed on the surface of the circuit board in sequence; first and a second openings respectively formed in the first and second insulating protective layers to expose the electrically connecting pads on the surface of the circuit board, wherein the first and second openings have narrow top and wide bottom and the diameter of the first openings is bigger than that of the second openings; and conductive elements formed in the first and second openings on surfaces of the electrically connecting pads. The present structure facilitates to strengthen the bonding between the conductive elements and the corresponding electrically connecting pads. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217047 | CIRCUIT BOARD SURFACE STRUCTURE - A circuit board surface structure includes a circuit board having at least one surface provided with a plurality of electrically connecting pads, an insulating protective layer characterized by photosensitivity and solder resisting and formed on the circuit board, and a plurality of openings formed in the insulating protective layer to expose the electrical connecting pads on the circuit board and tapered upward; and a conductive element formed in the opening, so as to increase the contact area and reinforce bonding between the electrically connecting pads and the conductive element. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217048 | Wired circuit board and producing method thereof - A wired circuit board includes an insulating base layer, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer and including a wire and a terminal portion, an insulating cover layer formed on the insulating base layer and having an opening portion to expose the terminal portion, and a metal thin film including a protecting portion interposed between the wire and the insulating cover layer, and an exposed portion formed continuously from the protecting portion on a peripheral end portion of the terminal portion exposed from the opening portion. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217049 | EMBEDDED CAPACITIVE STACK - A novel method for manufacturing embedded a capacitive stack and a novel capacitive stack apparatus are provided having a capacitive core that serves as a structural substrate on which alternating thin conductive foils and nanopowder-loaded dielectric layers may be added and tested for reliability. This layering and testing allows early fault detection of the thin dielectric layers of the capacitive stack. The capacitive stack may be configured to supply multiple isolated capacitive elements that provide segregated, device-specific decoupling capacitance to one or more electrical components. The capacitive stack may serve as a core substrate on which a plurality of additional signaling layers of a multilayer circuit board may be coupled. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217050 | MULTI-LAYERED INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE USING LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYMER DIELECTRIC - A multi-layered interconnect structure and method of formation. In a first embodiment, first and second liquid crystal polymer (LCP) dielectric layers are directly bonded, respectively, to first and second opposing surface of a thermally conductive layer, with no extrinsic adhesive material bonding the thermally conductive layer with either the first or second LCP dielectric layer. In a second embodiment, first and second 2S1P substructures are directly bonded, respectively, to first and second opposing surfaces of a LCP dielectric joining layer, with no extrinsic adhesive material bonding the LCP dielectric joining layer with either the first or second 2S1P substructures. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217051 | WIRING BOARD AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING WIRING BOARD - A wiring board including a plated through hole provided on the wiring board, and an indicator provided around the plated through hole. The indicator indicating a processing state related to the plated through hole. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217052 | WIRING BOARD AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING WIRING BOARD - A wiring board including a plated through hole formed in the wiring board; a test plated through hole or a test via hole provided in the surrounding area of the plated through hole to check a processing state related to the plated through hole; and a conductive pattern used to electrically connect the plated through hole to the test through hole or the test via hole. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217053 | Insulation barrier for high voltage power lines and method of installation of same - The present invention relates to an insulated barrier preventing wildlife from simultaneously contacting an electrically energized and an electrically grounded surface, comprising: electrically insulated radially and axially extending members forming an hexagonal web having a first hexagonal rib that defines an opening offset from the geometric center of the barrier; and an insertion slot extending from an outer portion of said barrier to the offset opening for movement of said barrier onto electrical equipment utilizing and installation grip area for engagement with a gripping portion of an installation tool. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217054 | Gang Box Clip - A wall box device comprising a clip extending from an elongated body, for use with non metallic electrical wall boxes. The metal clip is capable of providing an attachment point for the yoke of electrical devices. The clips are secured in place (without adhesives) by a plurality of barbs extending outwardly and downward there-from. The barbs allow easy insertion of the clip onto the box, while preventing withdrawal or removal. The attachment point can include a new threaded opening to receive a machine screw, the new threaded opening taking the place of the original worn/damaged threaded opening/hub of the plastic electrical wall box. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217055 | Electrical Wire Connector with Temporary Grip - An electrical connector includes a crimpable tubular body including a receiving portion for receiving a wire conductor via an opening at a longitudinal end of the tubular body. The tubular body provides a permanent electrical connection to the wire conductor only upon at least a portion of the tubular body being crimped. The receiving portion has a tapered shape and inward projections for engaging the wire conductor to provide sufficient frictional force to resist removal of the wire conductor from the receiving portion prior to crimping, without providing a permanent electrical connection between the tubular body and the wire conductor. In one implementation, the electrical connector is a butt connector with two such equally sized receiving portions for splicing together two wires. In another implementation, the electrical connector is a butt connector with two different sized receiving portions for splicing together two differently sized wires. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217056 | Duct Assemblies for Housing Service Cables, Pipes and the Like and Components Thereof - A channel shaped extruded duct unit cooperates with an identical duct unit to form a closed duct therewith. The duct unit has at least one integral longitudinally extending attachment formation configured to hold captive relative to the duct unit a plurality of complementary clamp elements adapted to operatively encircle a composite duct and hold the two constituent duct units in their duct defining relationship. The clamp elements have a pair of cooperating integral catch formations whereby a pair of clamp elements can be clipped together to form an operatively substantially endless clamp encircling a closed duct and an integral outwardly directed circumferential terminal flange at each axial end thereof. Generally, semicircular clip units are provided to connect the terminal flanges associated with the ends of collinear duct assemblies. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217057 | Method for taking seismic measurements - In one aspect of the present invention a method has steps for taking downhole measurements. A network integrated into a downhole tool string in a well bore may be in communication with a downhole sensor, the downhole sensor having a downhole clock that may be in communication over the network with and synchronized with a top-hole clock source. A signal source may be within a transmitting distance of the downhole sensor and may be activated. The downhole sensor records signals from the signal source at a recorded time when the network is disconnected from the top-hole clock source. When the network is reconnected, the downhole clock and the top-hole clock source are re-synchronized. The clock drift that occurred during the disconnection may be calculated. The recorded time may be adjusted to reflect what it would have been if the downhole clock had been synchronized with the top-hole clock source. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217058 | Heating device for passage through subterranean asphalt and method of use - A lowermost casing segment in a tubular casing string, capped with a cast iron end cap, has an ignitable thermite mixture within the interior of such casing segment which, when ignited, superheats the end cap and the casing segment, to allow the casing segment and the end cap to be lowered completely through a subterranean asphalt formation without allowing the asphalt to enter the interior of the casing segment. The cast iron end cap is then drilled out to allow further drilling through the casing segment into oil and gas formations beneath the asphalt formation. In a first embodiment, the casing segment has a top cap to constrain the thermite mixture. In a second embodiment, the thermite mixture is located within a metal capsule which can be lowered into the casing segment to rest against the bottom end cap, and then be removed by a wireline. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217059 | TRACTOR WITH IMPROVED VALVE SYSTEM - A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves. The gripper control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the gripper assemblies. The cycle valves are spring-biased and piloted by fluid pressure in the propulsion cylinders, so that the gripper control valve shifts only after the cylinders complete their strokes. The pressure reduction valves limit the pressure within the gripper assemblies. These valves are spring-biased and piloted by the pressure of fluid flowing into the gripper assemblies. Some or all of the valves include centering grooves on the landings of the spools, which reduce leakage and produce more efficient operation. The propulsion control and gripper control valves include spring-assisted detents to prevent inadvertent shifting. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217060 | Auger boring machine with two-stage guidance control system - An auger boring machine includes a two-stage guidance control system for controlling a pilot tube during formation of an underground pilot hole which is subsequently followed by an auger to form a larger hole for installation of underground pipe. The system includes a first stage guidance control mechanism for guiding the pilot tube during a first stage of driving the pilot tube and a second stage guidance control mechanism for guiding the pilot tube during a second subsequent stage of driving the pilot tube. The first stage mechanism typically includes a theodolite which allows for pilot tube control during the first several hundred feet of pilot hole formation. The second stage mechanism typically includes a sonar sensor such as a radio frequency receiver for sensing signals transmitted from within the pilot tube and allows for pilot tube control when the first stage mechanism is no longer functional. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217061 | Pilot tube system and attachment mechanism for auger boring machine - A pilot tube drive assembly used with an auger boring machine includes a height adjustment mechanism for aligning the pilot tube path of travel with an axis about which an auger of the machine rotates during trenchless installation of underground pipe. A drive mechanism mounted on a drive assembly frame drives the pilot tube to form a pilot hole in the ground for guiding the auger. The height adjustment mechanism may include shorter and taller mounting assemblies which are typically removably mounted on the drive assembly frame. The shorter and taller mounting assemblies may be alternately mounted on the frame at the same location. Typically, the mounting assemblies are removably mounted on spaced rails of an auger boring machine frame via mounting legs which are removably inserted into openings in the spaced rails by an actuating mechanism between the rails. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217062 | Drilling apparatus and system for drilling wells - A device for boring a well with casing. The device is attached to a motor that has a power shaft for imparting rotational movement. The device comprises a driver operatively connected to the power shaft, with the driver containing a cylindrical body, a first bit having a first end connected to the driver so that rotational movement of the driver is imparted to the first bit, and a sleeve disposed about the power shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a radial shoulder. The device further includes casing attached to the sleeve, and wherein the casing is designed to be permanently placed within the well once the boring is completed. The device further comprises a housing disposed about the driver, a second bit attached to the housing, and a planetary gear anchored to the radial shoulder, and wherein the planetary gear is adapted for imparting rotation from the driver to the housing in a counter radial direction. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217063 | In-situ molded non-rotating drill pipe protector assembly - A non-rotating drill pipe protector sleeve is molded in situ around a drill pipe tubing. The inner surface of the molded protector sleeve can be shaped to form a fluid bearing during use. Fixed stop collars may be molded in situ in the same mold and bonded to the tubing at opposing ends of the molded sleeve. Alternatively, a flexible sleeve liner made from a material having a hardness less than that of the sleeve's molding material can be used as a mold insert around the tubing. The liner can be bonded to the molded sleeve material when the sleeve is molded around the liner. The interior surface of the liner can be shaped to form a fluid bearing for the inside surface of the molded sleeve. Reinforcing inserts and wear pads can be placed in the mold region of the sleeve. Chemical and/or mechanical bonding is provided between the liner reinforcement and the material from which the sleeve is molded. Reinforcing inserts and wear pads also can be placed in the mold regions for the stop collars. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217064 | DRILLING FLUID AND METHODS - A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including at least one of a branched alcohol ethoxylate and a capped alcohol ethoxylate, a detergent builder and a viscosifier. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217065 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATION OF SOLIDS AND WATER FROM OIL BASED MUD - A method of treating an invert emulsion drilling fluid, the method including pumping the drilling fluid to an electrophoresis unit that includes a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged electrode, applying a voltage between 200 V and 5000 V across the two electrodes to deposit water and solids on one of the charged electrodes, and removing deposited solids and water from the collection electrode is disclosed. An apparatus for treating an invert emulsion drilling fluid, the apparatus including a bath, a drum disposed in the bath, a power supply capable of applying a voltage between the housing and the drum in the range of 200 V to 5000 V, a motor coupled to the drum to rotate the drum at a predetermined speed, and a scraper having a first position in which the scraper contacts the rotating drum to remove deposited solids and water and a second position in which the scraper is retained away from the drum is also disclosed. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217066 | Lubricated pilot tubes for use with auger boring machine pilot steering system - A pilot tube for an auger boring machine has a lubrication through passage formed therein through which water or another lubricant may be pumped during the driving of the pilot tube to facilitate formation of a pilot hole in the earth which is subsequently followed by an auger in forming a trenchless hole for laying underground pipe. Preferably, the lubrication passage extends to exit openings adjacent or on a steering head. A lubrication feed swivel is connected the trailing end of the pilot tube for feeding the water into the pilot tube while allowing rotation of the pilot tube for the steering thereof during the process of driving the pilot tube. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217067 | Articulated arm assembly - The invention of an articulated arm assembly described here is to carry and position a drilling related apparatus such as power tong, roughneck, drill sting, top drive, casing tong and any other applicable apparatus from the storage position to a working position such as well center or mouse hole. The combination of a parallelogram, a support arm, and a movable guide provides a simple means to move and position a drilling apparatus between a storage position to a desired working position such as a well center and to maintain the drilling apparatus at any desired position. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217068 | Method of installing large diameter casing and swivel for use therewith - The invention includes a pair of swivels for use with an auger boring machine. One of the swivels allows for rotation of a first auger of a first auger assembly connected to the trailing end of a pilot tube without rotating the pilot tube. The other swivel allows for rotation of a larger diameter second auger connected to the trailing end of the first auger assembly without rotating the first auger. Each of the swivels includes a thrust bearing. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217069 | Auger boring machine with included pilot tube steering mechanism - An auger boring machine includes a common power source for powering a drive motor which rotates an auger and a drive assembly which drives a pilot tube to form a pilot hole in the earth which is followed by the auger. The drive assembly is movable into and out of the operational position of the auger to allow the auger to be mounted on the drive motor. Preferably the drive assembly is removably mounted on the frame of the auger boring machine. An electric generator and hydraulic pump are powered by the common power source for operating various components of the drive assembly. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217070 | Method and apparatus for providing a continuous stroke auger boring machine - An auger boring machine provides a continuous stroke drive assembly for driving a pilot tube to form an underground pilot hole used for guiding an auger in boring an underground pipe installation hole. The drive assembly preferably drives the pilot tube a distance at least the length of one of the pilot tube segments making up the pilot tube to substantially expedite the process. One embodiment includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder combination with a cylinder at least the length of the pilot tube segment. Alternately, a rack and a pinion drive mechanism may be used with a rack at least the length of the pilot tube segment or even more than twice that length to allow for a pair of pilot tube segments to be added simultaneously to the pilot tube. A lubricant feed system allows water to be pumped through passages formed in the pilot tube and steering head. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217071 | Gravimetric Metering Device for Bulk Products - The invention aims at obtaining a simplified and compact construction of a gravimetric metering device ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217072 | EASY MOUNT BASE FOR MOBILITY SCALE - A base for a scale tilts slightly when a wheel is rolled onto it, to facilitate rolling the wheel onto a central ovular or elliptical concave mat surface. Opposed handgrips forming grippable loops may be provided on the base. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217073 | Portable digital plate scale - The invention at hand represents a dieter's food scale that fits within the base of a plate. It contains a plate scale, supportive cord and a digital interface. The supportive cord holds the digital interface firmly in place yet out from under the dinner plate so that an LCD on the digital interface can be clearly viewed. The scale is capable of weighing and displaying the weight of each serving while simultaneously memorizing and storing a weeks activity. A dieter can zero, reset and switch between grams and ounces. The invention at hand is small and compact so that it can be carried off site to use 24/7 in almost any environment. It is battery operated and automatically shuts off to preserve battery life. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217074 | SCALE - A scale includes a platform, load sensors provided at four corners inside the platform, and a display unit. Each load sensor has an elongate load cell and a strain gauge. Each load cell is arranged such that its longitudinal direction is approximately orthogonal to the direction connecting heel and toe of the foot placed on the platform. The display unit is arranged at a central portion of the platform, and feet-receiving regions are set at opposite sides of the display unit. By such a structure, a scale allowing reduction in size while preventing degradation of measurement accuracy as much as possible can be realized. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217075 | DUAL JOYSTICK DIRECTIONAL TEXT INPUT - The claimed subject matter provides for character selection based on two orthogonal directional inputs associated with two input controllers. Such character selection can include a dual-input selection component comprising two independent input directional controllers, wherein activating a directional input effectuates a selection. Further included is a grouping component that can group characters into sub-groups, and map sub-groups and characters to orthogonal directional inputs related to the two input controllers, whereby activating a direction input can select a particular sub-group or character mapped to that direction. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217076 | Method and Device for Bidirectional Single-Wire Data Transmission - A device and a method for bidirectional single-wire data transmission of data information between an electronic control unit and at least one peripheral unit. A predefined constant voltage and/or a predefined constant current is applied to a driver device of the electronic control unit to produce voltage-coded and/or current-coded information. The voltage-coded and/or current-coded information is transmitted from the driver device of the electronic control unit to a driver device | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217077 | Vehicle Recovery and Traction Ladder - A lightweight vehicle ladder for the recovery and traction of vehicles includes a central recessed portion ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217078 | LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY - A lithium-ion secondary battery which includes a battery element and an exterior package covering the battery element. The battery element includes a separator, and an electrode-stacked body having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed respectively on both surfaces of the separator in a stacking direction. The exterior package includes a first package member located at one side of the battery element in the stacking direction, and a second package member located at the other side of the battery element in the stacking direction. A linear expansion coefficient α1 of the first package member is greater than a linear expansion coefficient α2 of the second package member. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217079 | AUXILLARY DRIVE SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES HAVING AXLE ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT - A vehicle with an axle assembly, which has a housing, a differential, an input shaft, a pair of shafts and a pair of wheel hubs, and an auxiliary drive unit that includes an electric motor and an overrunning clutch. The differential and the input shaft are disposed in the housing for rotation therein. The differential includes a case and a ring gear that is coupled to the case. The input shaft has a pinion that is meshingly engaged to the ring gear. Each shaft couples the differential to one of the wheel hubs. The clutch includes an input portion, which is coupled to the output shaft of the electric motor, and an output portion, which is coupled to the input shaft. The output portion is de-coupled from the input portion when a rotational speed of the input portion is not greater than a rotational speed of the output portion. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217080 | NOISE-COMFORT FUNCTION FOR COOLING SYSTEMS WITH PROPORTIONAL VARIABLE SPEED FANS - A method for operating a cooling system for a fuel cell stack in a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining a fan request for a variable speed fan disposed in the cooling system; employing a noise-comfort function to select a fan comfort request; and adjusting a speed of the variable speed fan in response to the fan request; wherein a noise emission by the variable speed fan is militated against. A cooling system for a fuel cell stack in a vehicle that employs the noise-comfort function is also provided. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217081 | All-Terrain Vehicle - An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217082 | Skirt for Air Cushion Vehicle - Skirts for air cushion vehicles that are formed from material that is tensively strengthened in at least one direction, and preferably two different directions, so as to resolve and reduce the axial and radial stresses in the skirt. The material may be strengthened by incorporation of reinforcing cords arranged to reduce the axial and radial stresses in the skirt both when a vehicle comprising such a skirt is static and when it is in motion. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217083 | Vehicle stop/start system with regenerative braking - A vehicle engine stop/start system with regenerative braking comprising a main engine for powering a vehicle having an accessory belt drive system, a motor/generator engaged with the accessory belt drive system, an operator activated switch for selecting an operating mode, in a first operating mode an electric energy storage portion for providing electric power to a heating system when the main engine is off, a relay for preventing operation of the heating system when the main engine is running, in a second operating mode the electric energy storage portion providing electric power to the motor/generator whereby the motor/generator drives an air conditioning compressor when the main engine is off, the air conditioning compressor connected to the accessory belt drive system, a relay for preventing operation of the air conditioning compressor using the motor/generator when the main engine is running, in a third operating mode the motor/generator is used to start the main engine after the main engine has been automatically stopped, and in a fourth operating mode during operation of the main engine the motor/generator generates an electric current during vehicle braking whereby the electric energy storage portion is recharged. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217084 | Motorized Walking Shoes - The present invention aims to provide incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217085 | Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter - A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217086 | FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT IN FOREST AREAS - The present invention refers to the technical sector of fire fighting equipments, where the mentioned equipment is constituted by a chassis ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217087 | FUEL CELL MOTORCYCLE - A layout for an exhaust pipe which also serves as a drainage pipe which prevents splashing of water generated in a fuel cell toward a passenger or splashing toward a tire. Humid excessive gas supplied from a fuel cell is diluted in a dilution box by off-gas discharged from the fuel cell and is used for humidifying air in the humidifier. An exhaust pipe is connected to the dilution box, and diluted hydrogen gas is discharged via the exhaust pipe. Vapor mixed in hydrogen gas is condensed in the exhaust pipe and turned into water, which is drained through the exhaust pipe that extends rearwardly of a vehicle body through the interior of a power unit. A discharge port of the exhaust pipe (which is also a drainage port for water generated in the fuel cell) is positioned at the widthwise center of the vehicle body. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217088 | Adjustable ergonomic vehicles - An all-terrain vehicle that permits adjustment of rider supports to ergonomically accommodate both a single rider and multiple riders. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217089 | Fuel Supply System Component Protective Construction - A fuel supply system component protective construction includes a high-pressure fuel pump ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217090 | Motorcycle safety designs - The motorcycle began in the early 1900's as a small motor fabricated to a bicycle. Speeds generated by these early motorcycles were under 20 mph and safety was of little concern. Over the next 100 years, horsepower increased, brakes and suspensions were added. The modern motorcycle has a serious design flaw that has carried over for more than 100 years from the design of the bicycle. Handlebars mounted in a fixed position in relationship to a seated rider, block the path of a rider moving forward in the event of a frontal collision and present a hazardous condition. Handlebars, in their current design, are an immovable and unforgiving object in the path of a rider who is ejected from the seat and moving forward in a collision. The purpose of this patent is to prevent serious injury to a rider in the event of a collision through handlebar safety design. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217091 | SPEED CONTROL FOR SMALL LOADER - A speed limit assembly for a vehicle includes a cam member having varying thickness, a frictional member, and a handle. The frictional member maintains sufficient frictional forces to resist movement of the cam member during ordinary operation of the vehicle. The handle may be manipulated by an operator of the vehicle to overcome the friction created by the frictional member and move the cam member into a desired position. A portion of a speed control handle on the vehicle abuts against the cam member to define an end of the range of motion of the speed control handle. A desired permitted range of motion may be set by moving the a portion of the cam member having a corresponding thickness into the path of the portion of the speed control handle. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217092 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217093 | Adjustable track tractor for zero compaction farming - An adjustable track tractor formed by a control and slave drive unit connected together at their front and rear ends with respective front and rear cross beams pivoted at each end thereto. Each drive unit is converted from a conventional tractor to have only a single front and rear wheel. When the cross beams are pivoted by rotary hydraulic actuators, the drive units are moved together or apart to change the wheel track. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217094 | Bearing for a rack and pinion steering apparatus - A rack and pinion steering system includes a pinion having an upper shaft section, a gear section, and a lower shaft section, wherein the gear section is located between the upper shaft section and the lower shaft section. A rack is included that has a gear section for coupling with the gear section of the pinion. A housing encloses at least portions of the pinion and the rack. A bearing is rotatably received within the housing and has an inner surface for supporting the lower shaft section of the pinion. The inner surface of the bearing has a Gothic-arch shaped cross-section for reducing rattle sensitivity to alternating sinusoidal loads between the bearing and the pinion. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217095 | Limiting Device for Limiting Relay Welding and Motor Driving Apparatus - In a state where an abnormality of a boosting circuit is detected by monitoring a boosted voltage outputted from the boosting circuit, motor relays are turned to an off state when the boosted voltage outputted from the boosting circuit becomes less than a predetermined threshold value due to an action, such as the stopping of a supply of power source voltage to the boosting circuit. Therefore, there can be limited welding of the motor relays caused by an electric arc, which is generated when contacts of the motor relays, are separated. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217096 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS - An ECU determines whether the orientation of the vehicle is deflecting at the time of braking. In addition, in a case where it is determined that the orientation of the vehicle is deflecting, the ECU controls operation of an EPS actuator in order to reduce the assist force provided to the steering system. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217097 | ELECTRIC-POWERED POWER STEERING APPARATUS - An assist apparatus for electric-powered power steering apparatus is provided to have a torque sensor, steering shaft, preload pad | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217098 | Motor-driven power steering apparatus - In a motor-driven power steering apparatus, there is provided a correction coefficient memory previously storing an output correction coefficient to be multiplied by a current control signal applied to an electric motor at certain points in a range of temperatures in such a manner as to correct a temperature dependent output torque changing in dependence upon an environmental temperature of the electric motor to a demand output torque required in the electric motor. A temperature sensor for detecting the environmental temperature of the electric motor is provided, a correction coefficient computing circuit for reading the output correction coefficient corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor from the correction coefficient memory is provided, and a current control computing means for calculating a corrected current control signal by multiplying the current control signal of the electric motor computed on the basis of a steered condition of a vehicle by the output correction coefficient read from the correction coefficient computing circuit is provided. The drive control signal is output based on the corrected current control signal to the motor driving means. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217099 | Electric Power Steering Apparatus, Control Method Thereof and Program for Electric Power Steering Apparatus - It is an object to provide an electric power steering apparatus capable of preventing torque steer or deflection during braking, a control method thereof and a program for the electric power steering apparatus. An electric power steering apparatus controlling a steering assist motor | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217100 | MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle having two front wheels and two rear wheels, a front driver's seat and a rear passenger seat disposed behind the driver's seat, and a steering mechanism including a steering handle connected to a pair of handle rods, a steering rod and a power multiplying device connecting the handle rods to the steering rod. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217101 | Method of Reducing Noise Emissions at the Rear of a Turboshaft Engine and Turboshaft Engine thus Improved - The invention relates to a method of reducing noise emissions at the rear of a turboshaft engine and to a turboshaft engine thus improved. According to the invention, the thickness of the rear part ( | 09-11-2008 |
