Patents Issued in September 14, 2006
  • Publication number: 20060201236
    Abstract: A water content determination apparatus which are capable of precisely determining water content contained in a medium regardless of an environment where an image forming apparatus is installed. The water content determination apparatus. A signal in accordance with presence or absence of a medium in an electrostatic capacitance region formed on a paper path is outputted where the medium for image forming is conveyed. Temperature in the water content determination apparatus is determined based on an output signal of the detection device in absence of the medium passing in the electrostatic capacitance region. Water content contained in the medium is determined based on the output signal of the detection device in absence of the medium passing in the electrostatic capacitance region, the output signal of the detection device in presence of the medium passing in the electrostatic capacitance region, and the temperature determined by the temperature determination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayoshi Taira, Toshifumi Kakutani, Takashi Sugiura, Shinichi Takata, Yushi Oka, Fumitaka Sobue, Naohisa Nagata
  • Publication number: 20060201237
    Abstract: A sharpness tester for testing the sharpness of a blade. The tester has a blade holder 19 and a mounting arrangement 21, 22 for mounting a cuttable material 20. The blade holder 19 is mounted by a carriage 18 which is moveable on a track 14 so that the blade can move relative to the material 20 and contact the material. A linear distance measuring device and a force measuring device 21 enable the tester to determine the force required by part of the blade B to cut the material 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Peter Dowd
  • Publication number: 20060201238
    Abstract: A system for determining the angular position of a rotating element such as an engine crankshaft. An encoder wheel is divided into a plurality of equal-angle segments, each comprising a peripheral tooth extending radially over a central angle representing an angular percentage of each segment. The total angle in each segment is a tooth dwell angle and a gap dwell angle. The ratio of the tooth dwell angle to the total segment angle is the duty cycle. A prime segment is given a first tooth dwell angle. Each segment has a unique tooth dwell angle. As the wheel rotates, a sensor begins timing at a first tooth rise and determines the time to the first tooth fall and the time to the second tooth rise. Since each duty cycle is unique, for a wheel having 45 degree segments the system can determine the segment being interrogated within 90 rotational degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: David Trapasso, Murri Decker
  • Publication number: 20060201239
    Abstract: The present application relates in general to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Cynthia Webb, Bruce Bykowski, Gordon Bartley
  • Publication number: 20060201240
    Abstract: In order to accurately and stably estimate the conditions of a running tire, a vehicle is equipped with a sensor-incorporating tire having, at an equal distance from the center in the axial direction of the tire, pressure sensors (11A, 11B) buried in a tread rubber positioned on the outer side in the radial direction of the tire belt layer of a tire tread portion and on the inner sides in the radial direction of tread blocks, the contact length LA of the car body side and the contact length LB of the opposite side of the center in the axial direction of the tire are detected by using the duration times of pressure values from the pressure sensors (11A, 11B) and a wheel speed from a wheel speed sensor (14), and the ratio R=LA/LB of the contact length LA to the contact length LB is computed to estimate lateral force generated by the tire, or the average contact length LAB which is the average value of the contact lengths LA and LB is computed to determine a load applied to the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Hiroshi Morinaga
  • Publication number: 20060201241
    Abstract: An assembly for fixing a module to a surface of a tire. The assembly includes a base having a sole plate with a mounting face, for permanent connection to the surface of the tire and a bearing face. The base also has holding means for holding the module in place on the bearing face. The holding means includes a resilient strap located opposite the bearing face of the sole plate and connected to the sole plate by two opposite ends of the resilient strap. A case encloses the module, and the casing is, under normal operating conditions of the tire, held in place between the strap and the bearing face of the sole plate by resilient restoring forces developed by the resilient strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Durif
  • Publication number: 20060201242
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a safety factor for an airbag assembly used in the formation of an airbag module. The factor is determined from an initial strength characteristic ascertained from a non-aged piece of airbag fabric and a final strength characteristic ascertained from an artificially aged piece of airbag fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20060201243
    Abstract: The invention concerns an ocean bottom station, such as an ocean bottom hydrophone (OBH) or an ocean bottom seismometer (OBS), designed to perform in situ measurements, comprising a support structure with positive buoyancy where-with is associated at least on detachable ballast to bring said support structure to the ocean bottom during a measurement session, the support structure including at least one hydrophone, one data acquisition unit for recording measurement data from the hydrophone and a device for releasing said detachable ballast. The invention is characterized in that the data acquisition unit serves to control the releasing device in response to an acoustic release command received by the hydrophone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Yves Auffret, Pascal Pelleau
  • Publication number: 20060201244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring time-resolved volumetric throughflow processes, especially injection process in internal combustion engines, having a translational volume difference sensor having a piston disposed in a measuring compartment and a detection device detecting the excursion of the piston, the detection device being linked with an evaluation unit. According to the invention, a pressure sensor is mounted in the measuring compartment in addition to the detection device which detects the excursion of the piston. The signal of the detection device corresponding to the excursion of the piston can be better evaluated as the compressivity of the fluid in the measuring compartment can be taken into consideration for the calculation of the amount to be injected. The inventive device allows for a highly time-resolved representation of throughflow processes so that both overall amount and exact course of the throughflow can be represented and evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: AVL PIERBURG INSTRUMENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Rainer Metzler, Manfred Werner, Heribert Kammerstetter
  • Publication number: 20060201245
    Abstract: The invention relates to an orienting mechanism (20), with which, even in the case of unfavorable installation conditions at the container (10), a fill level measuring device (16) can be mounted on the container (10) and aimed, such that the line (17) of measurement is perpendicular to the surface (14) of a medium (13) to be sensed. The orienting mechanism (20) enables the pivoting of the measuring device (16) while yet providing a reliable sealing of the interior of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser BmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniela Huber, Joerg Trinler, Bernd Eichholz
  • Publication number: 20060201246
    Abstract: A method for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container by applying the radar principle, whereby a measuring signal is generated and transmitted in the direction of the medium. A retroreflected portion of the measuring signal is captured and the fill level is determined as a function of the runtime of the measuring signal. The measuring signal is transmitted into multiple mutually different regions and the retroreflected portions of the measuring signal is received at multiple receiving points. In this fashion, it is possible to at least approximate the surface structure of the medium in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Ilona Rolfes, Thomas Musch
  • Publication number: 20060201247
    Abstract: Sensor systems and methods are disclosed herein. A relative humidity sensor is generally associated one or more porous heating elements. A porous resistive material surrounds the relative humidity sensor. Additionally, one or more flat heating elements can be bonded to a base of the relative humidity sensor to conduct heat and insure uniform heating about the relative humidity sensor. The porous heating elements can be configured to permit humid air to pass through the porous heating elements. Also, the porous heating element(s) can be assembled slightly offset from a surface of the relative humidity sensor so that air that is saturated with water vapor passes through and is heated by the porous heating element in order to evaporate water droplets associated with the water vapor and thereby reduce relative humidity to a measurable level. The porous resistive material can be configured from a material such as, for example, tantalum or nichrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Jamie Speldrich, Richard Alderman, George Frost, Steven Magee
  • Publication number: 20060201248
    Abstract: A vibrating gyro element that is formed of a piezoelectric material having a trigonal crystal structure and having a trigonal axis with respect to the Y-axis, includes a base portion, a detection arm extending in the Y-axis direction from one side of the base portion, and a pair of drive arms extending from the detection arm. One of the pair of drive arms extends in a direction at an angle of substantially +120 degrees with respect to the Y-axis direction. The other of the pair of drive arms extends in a direction at an angle of substantially ?120 degrees with respect to the Y-axis direction. The drive arms exist on substantially the same plane as the base portion and the detection arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Yukihiro Unno
  • Publication number: 20060201249
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating thinned comb MEMS devices are disclosed. A comb drive device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a number of interdigitated comb fingers some of which have a reduced thickness along at least a portion of their length relative to other comb fingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Horning, Mark Weber, Burgess Johnson
  • Publication number: 20060201250
    Abstract: A force compensated comb drive for a microelectromechanical system includes a MEMS mechanism for providing an output signal representative of a physical quantity; a comb drive for actuating the MEMS mechanism; a comb drive circuit for providing a drive signal to the comb drive for developing a predetermined displacement applied by the comb drive to the MEMS mechanism; an automatic gain control responsive to a change in the force to provide a correction signal to the comb drive circuit to maintain the predetermined motion; and a compensation device responsive to the correction signal for adjusting the output signal of the MEMS mechanism to compensate for errors in the output signal due to a change in the predetermined force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Anthony Kourepenis, Marc Weinberg, Richard Elliott, Steven Daley
  • Publication number: 20060201251
    Abstract: A triaxial acceleration sensor module 100 includes: a hollow housing 30 provided with a partition plate 31 having a through-hole 32; a triaxial acceleration sensor 1 provided inside the housing 30; and a sensor driving IC 40 for driving the triaxial acceleration sensor 1. The triaxial acceleration sensor 1 includes: a frame 23; a weight member 22 provided inside the frame 23; a weight member supporting portion 15 for supporting the weight member 22 in a freely suspended manner; and a plurality of flexible beams each having piezo resistance elements 13 thereon. In the triaxial acceleration sensor module 100, the through-hole 32 has a size through which the triaxial acceleration sensor 1 can pass. Further, the triaxial acceleration sensor 1 is directly bonded to the sensor driving IC 40 via the through-hole 32, and the sensor driving IC 40 is bonded to the partition plate 31 of the housing 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Sato, Takayuki Sugano
  • Publication number: 20060201252
    Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and apparatus for inspecting a structure using angle beam shear wave through-transmission ultrasonic signals involves positioning transducers at offset positions on opposing sides of the structure and permits inspection of the inside of the structure beneath surface defects and features. Magnetic coupling can be used for supporting a pair of leader-follower probes and defining offset positions between angle beam shear wave transducers carried by the probes. Inspection data can be collected for supporting real-time generation of three-dimensional image representations of the structure and of internal defects and features of the structure. Image generation and resolution using inspection data from angle beam shear wave ultrasonic signals can be supplemented using pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Georgeson, Michael Fogarty
  • Publication number: 20060201253
    Abstract: A system for ultrasonic inspection of railroad axles uses a laser to project a series of pulses onto the axle to create an ultrasonic signal propagating along the surface of the axle. An air-coupled detector detects the ultrasonic signal at a position on the axle spaced apart from the laser impact region. The ultrasonic signal can then be analyzed to detect the presence of a reflected wave indicating the presence of a defect in the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Kari Gonzales, Richard Morgan, Shant Kenderian, James Bilodeau
  • Publication number: 20060201254
    Abstract: The invention relates to an economical pressure measuring device as well as to a favorable method for pressure determination, with which a pressure measurement can be performed from outside the high-pressure container. To that end, the device comprises an ultrasound transmitter mounted outside the pressure container and an ultrasound receiver by means of which transmitter and receiver the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse traveling through the liquid contained in the high-pressure container can be ascertained, and the method comprises generating an ultrasonic pulse outside the high-pressure container measuring the time that the ultrasonic pulse requires to traverse a defined distance calculating the pulse speed of the pulse in the liquid; and from that determining the pressure in the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Gottfried Flik, Stefan Muelders, Michael Stumber, Oliver Stoll
  • Publication number: 20060201255
    Abstract: A method and media-isolated absolute pressure sensor apparatus includes a first sensor (101) to measure a pressure difference between an isolated media (P1) and a second media (Pa). A second sensor (103) measures an absolute (relative to vacuum) pressure of the second media (Pa). Each sensor (101, 103) has its own offset and slope response. An equalizer (217, 219) matches the slopes of the sensors (101, 103), wherein a summing circuit (225) can add the substantially same slope outputs to provide an output signal (227) indicative of an absolute pressure measurement of the isolated media (P1). Offset and temperature compensation of each sensor can also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Walter Czarnocki
  • Publication number: 20060201256
    Abstract: A seismometer comprising a pressure sealed enclosure; an electrical component; an axis mechanics assembly having moving components, the axis mechanics assembly being in electrical communication with the electrical component; and a thermally insulating assembly mechanically supporting and surrounding the axis mechanics assembly for minimizing heat flow from the pressure sealed enclosure to the axis mechanics assembly and for enabling transmission of a seismic signal to the axis mechanics assembly, wherein the pressure sealed enclosure encloses the axis mechanics assembly, the thermally insulating assembly, and the electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Hayman, Robin Hayman, Geoffrey Bainbridge
  • Publication number: 20060201257
    Abstract: In order to provide a turbine blade fatigue life evaluating method for quantitively evaluating the fatigue life of a turbine blade, the turbine blade is determined to be within its fatigue life if the creep elongation strain in the longitudinal direction of the turbine blade is less than 0.5% of an initial length, and is determined to exceed its fatigue life if the creep elongation strain is 0.5% or more than the initial length. A turbine blade creep elongation strain measuring apparatus 20 comprises a first fixed end 21, a second fixed end 22, and a dial gauge 24. A dimension in the longitudinal direction is stamped on the surface of a turbine blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Friedrich Soechting, Charles Ellis, Yasuoki Tomita, Yugo Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20060201258
    Abstract: A method of operating a magneto-inductive flow meter in which the damping constant for processing of measurement signal values is automatically increased during a cleaning procedure, in order that, during the cleaning procedure, the amount of the used cleaning medium can be easily determined, despite increased fluctuation in the measurement signal values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Frank Wandeler, Markus Ruefenacht
  • Publication number: 20060201259
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic fluid measurement instrument capable of highly accurate fluid measurement. Measurement part (1) is provided forming plural split channels (3) partitioned by partition boards (2) halfway across the fluid channel, and at least a pair of ultrasonic transmitter-receivers transmit ultrasonic waves into fluid flowing through split channels (3) and receive ultrasonic waves that have passed through the fluid. Then, an arithmetic unit calculates at least one of flow velocity and flow volume of the fluid according to the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves. Measurement part (1) is further provided with approach channels (5) and (6) for preliminarily rectifying fluid flowing to split channels (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Umekage, Yoshinori Inui, Yukio Nagaoka, Hajime Miyata, Shigeru Iwanaga
  • Publication number: 20060201260
    Abstract: The measurement transducer includes: At least one interconnected system (1, 2) formed by means of at least two components (1, 2), especially components (1, 2) of metal. At least the first component (1) of the interconnected system is, in such case, embodied as a composite, formed part composed of at least two materials, which differ from one another with respect to at least one physical and/or chemical property, especially a material density, melting temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion and/or modulus of elasticity, etc. As a result of using at least one composite component (1), the at least two components of the interconnected system (1, 2) can be bonded together lastingly and reliably, especially by means of welding, such being true especially also for the case in which the interconnected system is a bi-, or poly-, metal, interconnected system (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Ennio Bitto, Rainer Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20060201261
    Abstract: An electronic torsional tool includes a main body, and a strain gauge mounted in the main body. The main body is provided with an opening to enhance flexibility of the main body and to increase deformation of the strain gauge. The opening is extended through the handle portion and the drive portion.of the main body, thereby enhancing deformation of the main body, and thereby increasing deformation (or distortion) of the strain gauge, so as to detect and obtain the torsion values exactly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20060201262
    Abstract: A force sensor comprising a deformable body and a detector coupled to this deformable body for measuring a force brought to bear on the deformable body, wherein the detector comprises a light conductor and, disposed close to an end of the light conductor and coupled with the body a position-variable mirror, the light reflection of which depends on the position of the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Academisch Medisch Centrum
    Inventor: Mattijs Hogeland
  • Publication number: 20060201263
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid sampling device comprising a port insert, a plurality of flexible conduits, and a plurality of sample containers. The port insert comprises a body having a plurality of shafts therethrough and a rotatably displaceable member for individually opening and closing any of said shafts to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. Flexible conduits (e.g., flexible tubing) are equal in number to the shafts, with each flexible conduit connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an individual shaft. Similarly, sample containers (e.g., flexible bags) are equal in number to the conduits, with each sample container connected to an individual conduit opposite the connection to the shaft. A specific configuration for the port insert, as well as kit containing sterilized components of the fluid sampling device, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: James Furey, Stephen Proulx
  • Publication number: 20060201264
    Abstract: An oil-filled transformer monitoring system is provided which calculates an oil temperature of an oil-filled transformer with high precision from a current of the transformer and an ambient temperature. The oil-filled transformer monitoring system of this invention has an oil temperature calculation device to calculate a transformer oil temperature using measurements from a transformer current measuring device and an ambient temperature measuring device. The transformer monitoring system also has an oil temperature measuring device and compares an output value from the oil temperature calculation device with an output value from the oil temperature measuring device to detect any anomaly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Dohi, Toshiki Shirahata, Takayuki Kondo
  • Publication number: 20060201265
    Abstract: In order to provide means for allowing a time and cost effective use of measurement instruments (1, 21, 22, 41, 55) in industrial applications where high standard of hygiene need to be fulfilled, a disposable sterilizable liner (15, 27, 28, 51, 67) for a level, pressure or temperature measurement instrument (1, 21, 22, 41, 55) for measuring level, pressure or temperature of a product (9) in a container (3), for use in combination with a disposable container liner (13) covering an interior of the container (3), is described, wherein the measurement instrument (15, 27, 28, 51, 67) comprises: a sensing element (5, 23, 47, 59) for sensing a physical quantity, and a process connector (7, 25, 43, 57) for mounting the sensing element (5, 23, 47, 59) on a counter connector (11, 29, 53) on the container (3), wherein the liner (15, 27, 28, 51, 67) for the measurement instrument (1, 21, 22, 41, 55) is one integral element made out of an elastic material has a shape that exactly follows outer contours of the sensing elem
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Dan Klees, Ola Wesstrom, Scott Richardson
  • Publication number: 20060201266
    Abstract: A starter for automotive engines is provided which is equipped with a pinion carrier which is shifted by a magnetic attraction, as transmitted from a solenoid switch through a shift lever, to establish engagement of a pinion with a ring gear jointed to the engine. If thrust acting on the pinion carrier to urge the pinion against the ring gear through when the pinion has been shifted and hit the ring gear, so that the pinion is placed in abutment with the ring gear is defined as N (Newton), and the mass of the pinion carrier is defined as g (gram), a relation of g/N?6 is met. This improves the ability of engagement of the pinion with the ring gear, thus resulting in an increased life span of the starter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sadayoshi Kajino, Youichi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20060201267
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes: an output gear, a pinion, a drive shaft, a housing, and a spring. The output gear is adapted to receive a traction element. The pinion is in driving communication with the output gear. The drive shaft is interconnected with the pinion. The housing is adapted to receive the output gear and the drive shaft. The coil spring is circumjacent the drive shaft and located in a position intermediate the drive shaft and the housing, whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the coil spring to frictionally disengage from the housing such that the output gear may rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Schukra of North America, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jintao Liu
  • Publication number: 20060201268
    Abstract: A synchronizer clutch for a motor vehicle multistep transmission, having a guide sleeve which is fixedly arranged on a shaft, and a synchronizer ring which is mounted so as to be moveable relative to the guide sleeve. The guide sleeve has an axial contact face which an axial face of the synchronizer ring can abut against when the latter is in a rest position. At least one of the axial contact face and the axial face has at least one depression which is not significant in terms of the general function of the synchronizer clutch, but reduces the contact area between the axial contact face and the axial face in the rest position. Thus, when the synchronizer ring moves axially away from the guide sleeve, there is essentially no adhesion on account of lubricating oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Stefan Fink, Alexander Hink, Joern Pfannschmidt
  • Publication number: 20060201269
    Abstract: An internal control device for a mechanical gearbox including first and second input clutches which, respectively, control transmission from engine torque towards first and second primary concentric shafts bearing; stationary pinions; two output shafts supporting idle pinions which are driven respectively by the first and second input shafts; and a mechanism for jaw clutching the idle pinions, which are actuated by an assembly of shift forks. All of the gearbox ratios are selected and switched by a common selector including a selector cylinder and a switching carriage which is concentric to the cylinder and which is disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Jean Maillard, Michel Raoul
  • Publication number: 20060201270
    Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a power assist unit composed of a unitized combination of a torque sensor, an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism. The power assist unit is mounted to a cross member provided on the vehicle body side, to enable a reduction in the number of component parts and realization of a compact design. A steering shaft is rotatably supported on only a single support case mounted to a cross member. At least an electric motor of a power assist unit is mounted to the cross member through the support case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20060201271
    Abstract: A resin-made gearing apparatus that includes a configuration in which only one tooth flank side of each tooth in one of a pair of gears is provided with an overhang section that is disposed on at least one end portion in a tooth width direction, and overhangs diagonally from the one tooth flank side toward the adjacent tooth side; an end portion in a tooth width direction of each tooth in the other gear is provided with a lightening section that is disposed in a tooth flank of each tooth on an end face on the side of the end portion corresponding to the overhang section of the one gear, so that when the opposite teeth of the pair of gears are meshed with each other, the overhang section of the one gear is elastically deformed and also the lightening section of the other gear is elastically deformed, to absorb a backlash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Hironori Masui
  • Publication number: 20060201272
    Abstract: A shift device includes a housing, a shift lever, a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved forward and rearward, and leftward and rightward of the shift device for selecting the connection state of the transmission of a vehicle. The sensor unit is attached to the housing. The sensor unit includes a first MRE element, a second MRE element, a light sensor, a first microswitch, and a second microswitch, which are integrated. The first MRE element, the second MRE element, and the light sensor detect the position of the shift lever in the front-rear direction. The first and second microswitches detect the position of the shift lever in the left-right direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Noriyasu Syamoto, Isamu Matsushima, Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20060201273
    Abstract: A rotary shutter actuator comprising a retainer, a rotatable member, a plurality of shutters, and a dial. The rotatable member is supported by the retainer, and the plurality of shutters are swivelably coupled to the retainer. The dial has an opening and is operably connected to each of the shutters and the rotatable member. Thus, as the dial is rotated, the shutters move to and from a fully open and closed position. The dial also causes the rotatable member to rotate with respect to the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Beckley
  • Publication number: 20060201274
    Abstract: A wide plate-like material (27), having thin and thick wall portions in a transverse direction, is prepared by alternately joining one of flat thin plates (28, 29) and one of thick corner plates (30) or thick plates (31). The wide plate-like material (27) is bent at and along right and left thick corner plates (30) and formed into a U-shaped structure (32) which is U-shape in cross section. Separately from the U-shaped structure (32), a plate-like member (33) is prepared by butt welding thick plates (35) to right and left sides of a thin plate (34). The plate-like member (33) is welded to a lower side of the U-shaped structure (32) by laser welding or the like to form a square tubular structure, which is in a square shape in cross section and serves as a major part of an operating arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Toru Nakajima, Takeshi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20060201275
    Abstract: A link drive structure includes a first arm constituting a parallel link on one side, a second arm constituting a parallel link on the other side, a coupling base interposed between end portions, at which the first arm is coupled with the second arm, to couple the end portions of both the parallel links, and a drive motor with a harmonic gear reducer disposed to the coupling end portion of the arm on the one side. The harmonic gear reducer has two output shafts rotating in the same direction, a first output shaft is coupled with the end portion of the other arm, and a second output shaft is coupled with the coupling base. With this arrangement, there can be provided a link drive structure having a high positioning accuracy and an excellent sealing property and an industrial robot using the link drive structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ono
  • Publication number: 20060201276
    Abstract: A position control mechanism as here provided is capable of controlling the position of a control object in any of the fore-aft directions and the rotation directions without producing heat and dust. Air slides (S1, S2) are respectively mounted integrally with a pair of linear motors (M1, M2). First coupling members (6, 7) are respectively attached to the air slides and move integrally with them. Second coupling members (10, 11) are placed opposite each other and respectively attached to the first coupling members and allowed to rotate with respect to the first coupling members. Linear bearings (12, 13) are provided between the opposing sides of the second coupling members (10, 11). A pair of the second coupling members are relatively movable through the linear bearings. A moving body (14) is fixed to one of the pair of second coupling members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Nomura, Seiji Uno, Daisuke Kato
  • Publication number: 20060201277
    Abstract: A transmission device (3) for a vehicle with an electric machine (26) that is arranged in a housing (11) is described. The electric machine (26) can be placed in active connection with a rotating component (13, 28) that can be guided in the power flow of the transmission device such that a level of torque that can be generated by the electric machine (26) can be transmitted to the component (13, 28). At least one electric component (45; 45Y) that comprises power electronics for the electric machine (26) is arranged in a cross-sectional area inside the housing (11) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electric machine (26) and is located directly adjacent to the electric machine (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Martin Grumbach, Ralf Dreibholz, Wolfgang Schon, Jurgen Kett
  • Publication number: 20060201278
    Abstract: A novel mechanical drive system is disclosed in which a high-speed motor is directly mounted to a gear reducer and drive at high speeds by a variable high speed drive. The high-speed motor has significantly reduced envelope dimensions and consequent mass due to its high-speed operating capabilities, without reducing the rated power of the drive system. The drive assembly can be mounted on a machine or as an overhung load with reduced stress on the machine frame or a driven shaft due to the lower mass and weight of the drive assembly, owing a large part to the reduced mass of the high-speed motor. The drive circuitry is designed to provide a sinusoidal input to the high-speed motor based upon a control input, which may include closed-loop control with parameters of the driven load or a process in which the load is part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: William Pizzichil, Stephen Evon, Chuong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20060201279
    Abstract: The invention includes solder materials having low concentrations of alpha particle emitters, and includes methods of purification of materials to reduce a concentration of alpha particle emitters within the materials. The invention includes methods of reducing alpha particle flux in various lead-containing and lead-free materials through purification of the materials. The invention also includes methods of estimating the fractionation of a low concentration of one or more alpha particle emitters during purification of a material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Martin Weiser, Nancy Dean, Brett Clark, Michael Bossio, Ronald Fleming, James Flint
  • Publication number: 20060201280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sinter hardening powder that can yield a sintered compact with high strength. The present invention provides a raw powder for sintering, comprising Fe as its primary component and also comprising 0.1-0.8 wt % C, 3.5-12.0 wt % Ni, 0.1-7.0 wt % Cr, and 2.0 wt % or less of Mo, wherein the mean particle size of the raw powder for sintering is 150 ?m or less. The sintered compact having high tensile strength, high hardness, and good ductility can be formed without performing the quenching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Kuen-Shyang Hwang, Yung-Chung Lu
  • Publication number: 20060201281
    Abstract: An abrasive cutting blade is provided to achieve high-quality surface finishes at high feed rates. The blade is fabricated by electroplating fine abrasive onto a steel cathode disc to form a first layer, followed by electroplating a second layer of coarser abrasive onto the first layer. A third layer of fine abrasive is then electroplated onto the second layer. The resulting composite is then removed from the cathode disc to form a multi-grit, multi-layer, hub-less blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20060201282
    Abstract: A socket assembly includes a first part and a second part which is engaged with the first part by two respective toothed surfaces defined in two respective ends of the two parts. A sleeve is mounted to the first and second pasts and the other end of the first part extends through the sleeve so as to be connected with a ratchet tool. The other end of the second part is stopped on a stop extending from an inner periphery of the sleeve. A cover is threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the sleeve so as to compress a biasing member mounted on the first part. The biasing member pushes the first part toward the second part. The torque can be set by rotating the cover and the value of the torque can be read by the markings on the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Chang Lee
  • Publication number: 20060201283
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an open-end wrench, and more particularly to an open-end wrench structural arrangement which represents an improvement in grasping and turning normal or newly-made bolts and nuts of different sizes and/or specifications as well as worn-out bolts and nuts of different sizes and/or specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Tony Petkovic
  • Publication number: 20060201284
    Abstract: A gas valve key is provided having a handle; a longitudinal shaft attached to one end of the handle; and a socket attached to another end of the shaft. The socket has a plurality of cascaded valve stem receiving cavities formed within the socket. Each of the plurality of receiving cavities has successively reduced dimensions, including a first largest cavity forming an opening on one end of the socket. The plurality of cascaded receiving cavities are adapted to receive a valve stem of differing dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventor: Lisa Leighton
  • Publication number: 20060201285
    Abstract: A limited access building connection for connecting a holding structure and a held structure which includes an anchor member having a threaded end adapted for connection to holding structure. A nut having an inner threaded wall threadably engages the threaded end of anchor member. Nut has a base which engages connector structure. Connector structure is adapted for connection to held structure. A nut rotational member is provided for imparting rotational motion to nut. Connection has dimensional limited access parameters existent between nut and connector structure and held structure. A linear power member is dimensioned and configured to work within the dimensional limited access parameters and is adapted for engaging and imparting rotational energy to nut rotational member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William Leek, Gregory Powell