Patents Issued in January 29, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090025461
    Abstract: A method of balancing an assembly of rotary parts of a gas turbine engine comprising measuring at least one of the concentricity and parallelism of each component and considering globally all possible component stacking positions to generate an optimized stacking position for each component of the assembly to minimize assembly imbalance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Cameron Todd WALTERS, Richard Benoit, Alphonse Bellemare, Ronald Leslie Robinson, Jiemin Wang, Harry Harris
  • Publication number: 20090025462
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a shank having a wasted shear safety section. Each bit is color coded to different shear safety ratings. The shank is fattened at the chuck end with flats extending on both sides of the wasted section. Safety ratings relate to the risk associated with different drilling situations and user expertise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: David Rees MUGELI
  • Publication number: 20090025463
    Abstract: A measurement system has a surface sensing device mounted on an articulating probe head, which in turn is mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The surface sensing device is moved relative to a surface by driving at least one of the coordinate positioning apparatus and probe head in at least one axis to scan the surface. The surface sensing device measures its distance from the surface and the probe head is driven to rotate the surface sensing device about at least one axis in order to control the relative position of the surface sensing device from the surface to within a predetermined range in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey McFarland, Kenneth Cheng Hoe Nai, Nicholas John Weston, Ian William McLean
  • Publication number: 20090025464
    Abstract: A surface-roughness/contour measuring apparatus (1) comprises: a stylus orientation changing part (9) by which a rotatable support part (62, 64, 71a, 71b) for supporting a cantilever (7) in such a manner as to be rotatable on a rotational axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cantilever (7) is rotated about the longitudinal direction of the cantilever (7), thereby changing the orientation of a stylus (11) provided at a forward end of the cantilever (7); and a balancing member (63) which balances the weight of the cantilever (7) about the rotational axis in order to eliminate the effect of the gravitational force acting on the cantilever (7) rotating with the rotation of the rotatable support part (62, 64, 71a, 71b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Masafumi Ishii
  • Publication number: 20090025465
    Abstract: A miniaturized spring element is intended to be particularly suitable for use as a beam probe or cantilever for detecting atomic or molecular forces, in particular in an atomic force microscope, and, to this end, is intended to make it possible to detect its deflection in a particularly reliable manner and with high resolution. For this purpose, the spring element contains a basic body which is formed from a matrix containing embedded nanoparticles or defects. The spring element is produced using the principle of local deposition with focused energetic particles or electromagnetic waves or by pyrolytically induced deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: NANOSCALE SYSTEMS, NANOSS GMBH, JOHAN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITäT
    Inventors: Alexander Kaya, Michael Huth
  • Publication number: 20090025466
    Abstract: The test equipment of engine motoring of the present invention includes a conveying mechanism (30) that carries in and carries out an engine to and from a test position, a fixing mechanism (40) that fixes the engine carried in to the test position, a coupling mechanism (60) that directly couples an electrical motor (50) to the engine and can detect a drive torque, an encoder (70) that generates a pulse signal as an operating standard in synchronism with rotation of the electrical motor, a plurality of detection units (80 through 130) that are driven to reciprocate so as to be connected to and disconnected from or approach and separate from the engine positioned at the test position and detect a plurality of operating state quantities, a control means (200) for various driving controls, and a judging means (200) for judging whether the engine is normal by comparing information obtained by the plurality of detection units with standard information obtained in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Hitoshi Moritani, Masahide Maeda, Yoshio Kikukawa, Ryosei Sekiguchi, Tomoya Umeda
  • Publication number: 20090025467
    Abstract: A crankshaft of an engine is connected to a carrier shaft of a planetary gear via a damper. The damper includes a torsion member generating elastic force for suppressing relative rotation, when the crankshaft and the carrier shaft are relatively rotated. A control unit estimates engine torque with using rotation angular acceleration of the crankshaft calculated from a detected value of an engine speed sensor, and corrects the estimated engine torque with a correction term of the elastic force of the damper calculated based on a damper torsional angle. Then, the control unit diagnoses an abnormality of the engine based on the estimated engine torque after correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Takanobu Kawano
  • Publication number: 20090025468
    Abstract: A sensor made of a single-crystal, piezoelectric material for measuring the pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, having a pressure transmission pin, a displaceably mounted heating pin protruding into the combustion chamber being provided as the pressure transmission pin, and the sensor being friction-locked with the heating pin. The sensor is preferably situated between the heating pin and a rigid thrust bearing. The single-crystal piezoelectric material of the sensor is preferably made of lithium niobate (LiNbO3). A particularly high sensitivity of the sensor is achieved by the use of a Z-cut or Y-cut piezoelectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Gottfried Flik, Oliver Stoll, Juergen Krueger, Sven Zinober
  • Publication number: 20090025469
    Abstract: A method of determining a barometric pressure of atmosphere, in which an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is located includes monitoring operating parameters of the internal combustion engine and the vehicle, determining a healthy status of an air filter of the internal combustion engine, and calculating the barometric pressure based on the operating parameters and the healthy status of the air filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Wenbo Wang, John F. Van Gilder, Jill A. Slimmer-Velez, Kurt D. McLain, Michael A. Kropinski
  • Publication number: 20090025470
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the flow of fluid within or from an oil or gas reservoir includes inserting a solid tracer into the reservoir. The tracer comprises at least one metal selected from caesium, niobium, tantalum, tellurium, terbium, lanthanum, gold, iridium, osmium, silver, platinum, palladium, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, hafnium, indium, a metal of the Lanthanide series of the periodic table, or a salt thereof. A sample of fluid within or flowing from the reservoir is collected and analysed to determine the amount of the tracer contained in the sample. A perforation tool allows for insertion of the tracer within the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Darrell Green, David Stubbs
  • Publication number: 20090025471
    Abstract: Air out flowing controller for cold waters to be installed in hydraulic pipelines, having a body, composed of two parts united, forming a structural component whose purpose is to involve the internal system and its components: The piston whose purpose is to control the air out flowing. The spring works by the pressure differential. The spring will allow the piston to flow of the air with an out flowing inferior than the water meter Q.min.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Airblock Air Controller, LLC
    Inventor: Pedro Siqueira
  • Publication number: 20090025472
    Abstract: Sensor manifolds include a housing having at least two fluid flow passages communicating with fluid entry and exit ports in the housing that are connectable in line in a full flow fluid line in a system. One or more sensor ports in the housing communicate with one or more of the flow passages for housing one or more sensors for sensing one or more characteristics, qualities or conditions of the fluid flowing through the housing without subjecting the sensor to the full fluid flow through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Garvin
  • Publication number: 20090025473
    Abstract: A flow rate detection method using a heat signal that enables accurate flow rate measurement by eliminating sources of measurement error is provided. The flow rate detection method, using a heat signal, of writing a temperature-change heat signal in a medium traveling through a channel and detecting the heat signal with heat signal detecting means provided at a position away from the writing position, to measure a traveling speed of the medium, wherein first and second temperature sensors 20A and 20B, which are separated by a predetermined distance L, are disposed downstream of the writing position, and the traveling speed is calculated from a time difference at which the two temperature sensors 20A and 20B detecting the heat signal and from the distance L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imai, Keiichi Matsushima, Yoshihiro Ushigusa
  • Publication number: 20090025474
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid level monitoring system includes an ultrasonic transducer unit that is mountable to a tank. The unit has an emitter to generate an ultrasonic beam passing through the wall of the tank. The emitter further receives an echo of the ultrasonic beam off a liquid surface. An acoustic lens is disposed between the emitter and the tank wall to receive and shape the ultrasonic beam to compensate for lensing effects of the tank wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Lagergren
  • Publication number: 20090025475
    Abstract: A grip force assessment device, method and system that can provide a grip force map image presenting a detailed image of the complex grip capability/capacity of a human hand including the palm and all digits improving over existing assessment systems and their attendant inaccuracy, poor reliability, and lack of meaningful clinical relevance. The grip force assessment system includes a grip force transducer including a high-resolution tactile array that produces a high-resolution grip force signal. A processing device processes, analyzes and outputs grip force data. A display provides a grip force map image showing distribution of individual finger function relative to entire hand function. The grip force transducer includes a high-resolution tactile sensor wherein the greatest distance between adjacent pressure sensing nodes is in the range of 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark DeBeliso, John W. McChesney, Louis E. Murdock
  • Publication number: 20090025476
    Abstract: A method of balancing a vehicle wheel in which to calculate the respective balancing masses permissible mass deviations (tolerances) for dynamic balancing are greater than the permissible mass deviation (tolerance) for static balancing. The measuring run is stopped when the calculated balancing masses lie within the predetermined tolerances (FIGURE).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Francesco BRAGHIROLI
  • Publication number: 20090025477
    Abstract: A micoroelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a housing defining an enclosed cavity, stator tines extending from the housing into the cavity, a MEMS device located within the cavity, the MEMS device including a proof mass and rotor tines extending from the proof mass, each rotor tine being positioned at a capacitive distance from a corresponding stator tine. The rotor tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the rotor tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section. The stator tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the stator tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section, the stator tine first distance being greater than the rotor tine first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jorg Pilchowski, Uwe Pilchowski, Michael J. Foster, Shifang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20090025478
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acceleration sensor that improves endurance by avoiding damage to stopper portions. When a downward vibration is applied to a weight member and the weight member displaces downward, a bottom face of the weight member abuts a bottom plate, and the weight member stops and downward displacement is obstructed. Furthermore, when the weight member displaces upward, peripheral weight portions abut stopper portions, and the weight member stops and upward displacement is obstructed. Because displacement of the weight member is obstructed by abutting the stopper portions, if the strength of the stopper portions is low, the stopper portions may be damaged. However, by providing reinforcement portions which reinforce the stopper portions, damage to the stopper portions may be prevented, and endurance of the acceleration sensor is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Miki
  • Publication number: 20090025479
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, or hardware filtration apparatus, and computer usable program code for measuring porosity in materials. An ultrasonic signal is emitted from a transmitting transducer in an ultrasonic measurement system into a material. A response signal is received at a receiving transducer in the ultrasonic measurement system from the material. The response signal is filtered to pass only frequencies in the response signal within a selected frequency range to form a filtered response signal. A porosity level of the material is identified using the filtered response signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Carrie Ann Decker, Barry A. Fetzer, Kevin M. Uhl
  • Publication number: 20090025480
    Abstract: There is provided an optical perturbation sensing system, including a probing beam incident on a medium, a sensing beam redirected from the medium and incident on a surface area of a photodetector, an array of photodetector elements, and a constructive combiner for constructively combining detected signals from the elements, to form a stronger detected signal. A method for detection of perturbations in a medium is also provided. The invention avoids the need for detection of the phase or the frequency variations of the scattered signal as used in the more complex hitherto-proposed approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Avraham Aharoni
  • Publication number: 20090025481
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly is provided for fitting within the valve stem of a vehicle tire. The assembly comprises a substrate assembly defining a plurality of holes. A pressure sensor and a temperature compensation sensor are mounted to the substrate assembly. Each sensor includes a deflectable membrane defining a first chamber and a cap mounted to the membrane to form a second chamber. A cover is provided for engaging with the pressure sensor and the temperature compensation sensor to define an active chamber and reference chamber respectively. The active chamber is exposed to tire pressure when the pressure sensor assembly is fitted within the valve stem whereas the reference chamber is sealed from tire pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Samuel George Mallinson
  • Publication number: 20090025482
    Abstract: The invention refers to a pressure measuring sensor comprising a sensor carrier and a membrane carrier carrying a membrane. The sensor carrier is equipped with a connection channel in order to connect the membrane space arranged in front of the membrane with the pressure measuring space. A deviation is provided through which the gas pressure wave running from the pressure measuring space through the connection channel in the membrane space experiences a cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Herbert Holzheu
  • Publication number: 20090025483
    Abstract: A wearable system of one or more body position or motion sensors can include a flexible sensing element to be coupled to or worn on a body. When straight, the flexible sensing element defines a longitudinal axis. It includes a lumen carrying a flowable substance, such as a liquid, gas, or gel. A measurable parameter of the flowable substance, such as pressure, volume, or flow, provides an indication of a longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation, such as due to movement of at least one body part to which the sensing element is coupled. The lumen is coupled to a transducer by at least one conduit for the flowable substance. The transducer converts the measurable parameter of the flowable substance into a transducer output signal indicative of the longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation of the sensing element, from which body part position or movement information can be derived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Robert Connor
    Inventors: Robert A. Connor, Jon K. Moon
  • Publication number: 20090025484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the mass flow, in particular of a foaming liquid, comprising a measuring device with two electrodes and at least one electrical means for generation of an electrical parameter and an analytical device. The electrical means is connected to the first electrode at two remote points, such as to be wired in parallel with the first electrode. The second electrode is connected to the first electrode by means of the analytical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: WESTFALIASURGE GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Springer, Otto Krone
  • Publication number: 20090025485
    Abstract: The device for measuring the mass flow of a foaming fluid, in particular of milk during milking, comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a measuring device for determining the mass flow. The housing is structured such that mixing the foam portion with the liquid portion of the fluid can be achieved. To this end, the inlet runs substantially tangentially into the housing interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Otto Krone, Andreas Springer
  • Publication number: 20090025486
    Abstract: A static fluid meter includes a flow rate sensor having a set of stationary measuring parts, and a measurement tube having one opening that serves as a fluid inlet and another opening as a fluid outlet, the tube containing internally a first set of said measuring parts and supporting externally a second set of said measuring parts. An outer case into which said measurement tube is inserted and fastened in leaktight manner, contains at least parts for processing data from said sensor. The case is made from a box provided with two through orifices in its sides for passing the measurement tube assembly and for leaktight fastening to corresponding flanges arranged on said measurement tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Alain Cros, Alcide Mercier
  • Publication number: 20090025487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping an ultrasonic signal propagating in the wall of a pipe, the apparatus including at least one damping structure for securing at least one sensor to the wall of the pipe, wherein the at least one sensor includes a transmitter component and a receiver component for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal, wherein the at least one damping structure is associated with the outer wall of the pipe for damping the ultrasonic signal propagating within the wall of the pipe and a processor that defines a convective ridge in the k-? plane in response to the ultrasonic signals, and determines the slope of at least a portion of the convective ridge to determine the flow velocity of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Mark Fernald, Timothy J. Bailey, Changjiu Dang
  • Publication number: 20090025488
    Abstract: Torque measurements from a rotating shaft suffer from periodic disturbances known as “shaft run-out.” These are caused by inhomogeneities in the shaft such as frozen mechanical stresses or anisotropic magnetic properties and can make it difficult to identify the underlying torque signal. A method and system for removing or reducing the effect of shaft run-out is disclosed comprising measuring the torque of a rotatable shaft at a position around the circumference of the shaft and correlating the measured torque signal with data indicative of the material properties of the shaft at corresponding positions around the circumference of the shaft. A corrected torque signal is then generated in which the effect of the shaft inhomogeneities are reduced or removed providing a far clearer torque signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christof Martin Sihler, Simon Schramm
  • Publication number: 20090025489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for analysing beads and particles, such as polymer beads used e.g. for solid phase synthesis. The apparatus in one embodiment comprises a rotatable, circular disc comprising a plurality of through-going inlets, wherein an individual bead from a composition comprising different beads can be fixed to the disc at the end-position of a through-going inlet by applying a pressure drop over said disc comprising said through-going inlets. The pressure drop results in beads being sucked (i.e. detachably fixed) onto the disc on top of the through-going inlets. When the disc is rotated the beads are transferred from the position where they initially became attached to the disc to fixed positions wherein suitable devices for measuring and/or analysing and/or sorting the beads can be operated in order to e.g. measure and/or analyse and/or sort at least one bead of a plurality of beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: VERSAMATRIX A/S
    Inventors: Soeren Flygenring Christensen, Ib Johannsen
  • Publication number: 20090025490
    Abstract: Two transducers to be rotated around a circumferential location on a cylindrical body for structural testing of the body are carried on a mounting and drive apparatus including a magnetic attachment which can be manually brought up to a pipe from one side only for fixed connection to the pipe on that side at a position axially spaced from a weld. A collar shaped support for the pair of transducers is formed of a row of separate segments which wrap around the pipe from the one side and is rotated around the axis of the pipe to carry the transducer around the circumferential weld. The segments carry rollers to roll on the surface and are held against the pipe by magnets. The transducers are carried on the support in fixed angular position to track their position but in a manner which allows slight axial or radial movement relative to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Randel Brandstrom
  • Publication number: 20090025491
    Abstract: A device for use in monitoring a swab method, the device includes a first substrate substantially adjacent a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate having disposed therebetween a test material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: BIOTRACE LIMITED
    Inventors: Catherine Mary Ramsay, William John Simpson
  • Publication number: 20090025492
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a position of the vertebral column of a dummy model for estimating the feeling of sitting in a seat almost exactly mimics the characteristics of the vertebral joints of a human being. The apparatus comprises a pelvic plate; a plurality of lumbar joints, stacked on the pelvic plate so as to be spaced apart from each other, and having joint springs installed in front and rear portions thereof centered around a rotation center interconnecting two adjacent ones thereof; femur joints rotatably installed below the pelvic plate, and connected with one end of each femur bar; and pelvic pivoting members transmitting rotating force of the femur joints, which is caused by vertical pivoting of the femur bars, to the pelvic plate, and changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Su Hwan Hwang, Seok Hwan Kim, Hyung Yun Choi, In Bae Chang, Kyung Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20090025493
    Abstract: This invention provides a sensor attachment device that can be easily attached and detached, a sensor and a light emitting device for a photo-electrical sensor. By downward displacement of an operation member after tip ends of a pair of locking hooks are locked to a sensor main body by inserting the sensor main body into an insertion opening with second regions of a pair of facing surfaces respectively facing toward external surfaces of central portions of the pair of locking hooks, the central portions of the pair of locking hooks can be pressed inwardly by first regions of the pair of facing surfaces, thereby fixing the sensor main body to a holding member. Accordingly, the attachment of the sensor main body is easy in comparison with the conventional configuration in which a nut is screwed onto the sensor main body, then rotated and fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Sugiyama, Noriyoshi Yamane
  • Publication number: 20090025494
    Abstract: A vertically movable slide unit for an operating machine includes a support structure, a slide slidably mounted along a vertical direction on the support structure and drive means of the vertical movement of the slide, carried by the support structure A safety device for preventing an accidental fall of the slide and operatively interposed between the slide and the support structure is foreseen, which is integrated within the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Giusto
  • Publication number: 20090025495
    Abstract: My invention will allow mankind the use of a power plant in the science of space travel including the use of a small hand powered unit a person can use to get around when outside the space vehicle. While my invention is going to be a boon to space travel, that will not be its only possible use. Highway vehicles and boats can also be pushed by these devices, the popularity of these uses will depend on the device's power per pound and miles per gallon results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Eric Davison
  • Publication number: 20090025496
    Abstract: An automatic powershift vehicle transmission comprising an input shaft; an output shaft; first and second intermediate shafts parallel to the input shaft; a lay shaft parallel to the output shaft; gearing providing first, second, third and fourth forward driving paths from the input shaft to the output shaft; a first clutch and a second clutch between the ends of the input shaft to establish driving connections; a third clutch for establishing the first or third forward driving path when the first clutch is operative; and a fourth clutch for establishing the second or fourth forward driving path when the second clutch is operative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: JCB TRANSMISSIONS
    Inventors: Leonard Earp, David Allan Wozencraft
  • Publication number: 20090025497
    Abstract: A gear-shifting safety device is provided for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), including a gear lever, a gear-shifting hub shaft, a gear-shifting gear set, and a reversing bar. An end of the gear-shifting hub forms a step on which a block is provided. The block and the step form a stop face therebetween. The reversing bar has an end forming a stop section that is positionable on the step and is selectively in abutting engagement with the stop face so that to change to the reversing position, the reversing bar must be first actuated to disengage the stop section thereof from the stop face, allowing the switching fork to move to the reversing position on a position chute of the gear-shifting hub, thereby eliminating the damage of accidentally switching to reversing during the forward movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: CHAO-CHANG HO
  • Publication number: 20090025498
    Abstract: A transmission assembly includes a shift drum operable to rotate in first and second directions. The shift drum includes a common speed change position, where both a fastest forward gear and a reverse gear are capable of becoming engaged, in such a manner that a reverse stopper arm fits at a first end of a reverse cam groove formed on the shift drum. When the shift drum is rotated in the second rotation direction, opposite to the first direction, from a state where the reverse gear is engaged, the reverse stopper arm surmounts the outer periphery of the shift drum from the first end of the reverse cam groove, without requiring the application of an external force thereto, so as to become detached and to move towards a second end of the reverse cam groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sotani, Kinya Mizuno, Hiromi Sumi, Seiji Hamaoka
  • Publication number: 20090025499
    Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide a miniaturized drive unit which has the function of measuring the slide distance of a driven object. The drive unit 1 has the rotary encoder 5. The rotary encoder 5 comprises the rotary scale 51 and the magnetic sensor 52. The rotary scale 51 is fixed on the one-end side of the lead screw 21, and the magnetic sensor 52 is provided opposite to the rotary scale 51. The rotary scale 51 rotates according to the sliding of a lens group holding frame. With rotating of the rotary scale, the magnetic sensor 52 detects a magnetic change caused by the rotary scale 51, and the magnetic sensor 52 converts the magnetic change into the signal to transmit the signal to a control section. The control section calculates the slide distance of the lens group holding frame from the signal output from the magnetic sensor 52 and takes the value for the slide distance of the lens group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: TAMRON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoto SHIGA
  • Publication number: 20090025500
    Abstract: A wave gear device is proposed having an anti-ratcheting mechanism having a simple configuration, wherein a center through-hole is formed in a cylinder hub of a wave generator, a small-diameter shaft end portion of a rotating input shaft is concentrically inserted in the center through-hole, and the two members are fastened by a fastening bolt, and a friction ring is concentrically sandwiched between the small-diameter shaft end portion and the cylinder hub and pressed in the radial direction with a prescribed force, whereby when transmission torque from the rotating input shaft to the wave generator 4 becomes excessive, slippage occurs in the rotational direction between the two members, transmission torque is limited, ratcheting generated between the two gears can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: HARMONIC DRIVE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Masaru KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20090025501
    Abstract: A shifter incorporates a shape memory alloy wire (SMA actuator) to control movement of a blocker to selectively prevent moving a shift lever (or pawl) out of its park position until predetermined vehicle conditions are met. A mechanical fuse (i.e., flexible overload spring) prevents damage to the SMA actuator where the shift lever (or pawl) can be frictionally stopped from movement despite the contraction of the SMA actuator. The control circuit for the SMA actuator includes a photo-electric switch for stopping electrical power to the SMA actuator when the shift lever is moved from its park position, and the shift lever includes structure for mechanically continuing to hold the switch open while out of park. Further, the control circuit is operably connected to an ignition key retaining mechanism so that the ignition key cannot be removed when the lever is not in its park position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Mitteer
  • Publication number: 20090025502
    Abstract: A manipulator includes: a first finger having a sequence of first links and first joint shafts, the sequence of first links bending so that rotation angles of the first joint shafts maintain a fixed relationship; a second finger having a sequence of second links bending sequentially from one of the second links assigned at a basal side of the second finger; and drive sources driving the first and second fingers, wherein an adjacent second link next to the second link assigned at the basal side moves after contacting the second link assigned at the basal side with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Hideichi Nakamoto
  • Publication number: 20090025503
    Abstract: The invention refers to improvements to the intermediate shaft in the claims of the main patent to adjust the depth of the steering wheel to match the driver's measurements, to absorb vibrations which may be generated by the wheels and suspension up to the steering wheel, as well as acting as a safety measure to collapse in the event of an accident which may also be by using the corresponding screw/nut mechanisms comprising a nut rigidly connected to the intermediate shaft on one of the flat surfaces of the female shaft and a screw which turns on it tightening the male shaft via the adjustment spring, so that it gently slides (with a predetermined load deemed to be suitable for facilitating sliding it by hand).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Melchor Daumal Castellon
  • Publication number: 20090025504
    Abstract: The described actuation device comprises a casing, intended for the attachment to the handlebar of the bicycle, a cable-winding bobbin, angularly mobile in the casing about a main axis of the device, a first driving mechanism, acting on the bobbin to rotate it in a first angular direction, a second driving mechanism, acting on the bobbin to rotate it in a second angular direction opposite the first, as well as indexer assembly for removably holding the bobbin in predetermined angular positions. In accordance with the invention, the indexer assembly comprise first countering member, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the first direction, and second countering member, distinct from the first countering member, to counter the rotation of the bobbin in the second direction. Asymmetric operation is thus obtained which allows active actuation to be set both for upward gearshifting and for downward gearshifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra', Marco Caiazzo, Andrea De Pretto
  • Publication number: 20090025505
    Abstract: An adjustable control pedal includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal. The lower arm can be selectively moved relative to the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal between a forward position and a rearward position. A control pin is operably connected to the upper arm for rotation with the upper arm to supply a control signal when force is applied to the pedal. An adjuster is operably connected to the control pin to adjust the position of the control pin relative to the pivot axis so that a ratio of a distance between the pivot axis and the pedal and a distance between the pivot axis and the control pin remains constant as the pedal is adjusted between the forward position and the rearward position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Jason Allen Booher, James Robert Allen, Brian John Eckerle
  • Publication number: 20090025506
    Abstract: Vehicle Pedal Controls proof against Misapplication of Accelerator allows inversion-eversion operation of the acceleration pedal by the driver's foot for the better driver's distinction of the operation of the acceleration pedal from that of the brake pedal. And any of the invented vehicle control pedals, operable whether downward or transversely or inverse-eversely, provides for the braking of the vehicle with the strong push down of any pedal, whether the accelerator or the brake one,—that prevents the misapplication of the accelerator. In many embodiments of the invention, the pedal comprises the first part being impacted directly by the driver's foot, the last part being connected directly to the appropriate device of the vehicle (brakes or engine) and the detent holding said first part in mechanical relation to said last part, wherein said detent may be disengaged, for example, at misapplication of the acceleration pedal or certain other condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Boris Karpachev
  • Publication number: 20090025507
    Abstract: The invention can securely carry out an operation by a reduced number of the parts. The invention is provided with a base member having a gear lever arranged portion and a pinion member arranged portion, and provided with a communication hole communicating with the gear lever arranged portion in a closed wall portion of the pinion member arranged portion, a gear lever rotatably arranged in a bearing portion, having a gear portion and driving an output member (a control wire) based on a rotation, a pinion member rotatably arranged in the pinion member arranged portion and having a pinion portion engaging with the gear portion via the communication hole, a holder having a retention portion retaining the pinion member in one end, and having a fixing portion fixing to the base member in the other end, and an operation knob arranged so as to be outside fitted to the pinion member and integrally rotating the pinion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Atsushi Naka
  • Publication number: 20090025508
    Abstract: The invention discloses nano/micron binary structured powders for superhydrophobic, self-cleaning applications. The powders are featured by micron-scale diameter and nano-scale surface roughness. In one embodiment, the average diameter is about 1-25 ?m, and the average roughness Ra is about 3-100 nm. The nano/micron binary structured powders may be made of silica, metal oxide, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shih-Chieh Liao, Hsiu-Fen Lin, Jin-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090025509
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage material is formed by mixing and combining particles of a metal A selected from Mg and Al, particles of a metal B selected from Ni and Cu, and particles of an intermetallic compound A-B of the metal A and the metal B, together. A method of producing the hydrogen storage material includes a step of mixing the particles of the intermetallic compound A-B with the particles of the metal B, a step of adding particles of a hydride A-H of the metal A to the mixture and mixing them together, and a step of dehydrogenating the hydride A-H to convert it to the metal A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Tamio Shinozawa, Takanobu Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090025510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nickel nanoparticles and more particularly to a method including preparing a mixture solution by adding a reducing agent, a dispersing agent and a nickel salt to a polyol; stirring and heating the mixture solution; and producing nickel nanoparticles by reacting the mixture solution, so that it allows mass production of nickel nanoparticles having uniformity of size 30 to 50 nm and high dispersibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Young-Il Lee, Jae-Woo Joung, Joon-Rak Choi, Kwi-Jong Lee