Patents Issued in April 8, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040066065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifejacket pouch in the form of a pocket (3), located beneath the scat surface of an aircraft seat, with wall pieces (17) which move relative to each other and which may be fixed in a position adjacent to each other along an opening edge (7) of the pocket (3), by means of a closure device which comprises at least a pair of retaining elements to generate a closing force acting between the wall pieces at the opening edge (7). Said elements may be overcome by means of a manually-operated tear-strip (13), for opening the pocket (3), comprising a tie strip (11), acting on the pair of retaining elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Werner Forstner, Peter Biernoth, Heinz-Gerhard Klein
  • Publication number: 20040066066
    Abstract: A bicycle seat, including a seat frame; a first cushion joined to the seat frame, the first cushion being adapted to rotate forward and rearward; a second cushion joined to the seat frame, the second cushion being adapted to rotate forward and rearward; at least one first elastomer support joined between the first seat cushion and the seat frame; and at least one second elastomer support joined between the second seat cushion and the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Hobson
  • Publication number: 20040066067
    Abstract: Vehicle seat with seating components such as a seat piece (20), a backrest (22) and a leg-rest (24), which are adjustable as to the position thereof, in particular in the relative inclination thereof, by means of at least one operating device (26, 44) and with a monitoring device for monitoring all the boundary geometries (50, 52) of the moving seat components which may cause collisions and which have given spatial constraints (54). The monitoring device controls the operating devices (26, 44) at all points to guarantee a collision-free movement of all seat components within the spatial constraints. The vehicle seat considered as a total system thus can undergo adjustment processes without a damaging collision occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wagner, Jurgen Baumann
  • Publication number: 20040066068
    Abstract: A one-piece slipcover for covering pieces of furniture. The slipcover includes first and second pouches where the first pouch defines a seat cushion covering and the second pouch defines a furniture base covering portion. Each of the portion has its own perimeter adjusting portion in the form of a cinching element. The outer cinching element for the main body portion circumscribes the inner cinching element for the seat cushion covering with a portion of the two cinching elements extending substantially parallel to one another with a predetermined spacing therebetween, so as to allow the entirety of the first cinching elements to be tucked under the seat cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur Nazginov
  • Publication number: 20040066069
    Abstract: The wheeled suitcase, particularly having dimensions that make it useful as hand luggage, is provided with, resting on its top wall, a preferably fold-away seat (2, 3) in which it is possible to place the small child (B) who is held securely in place by means of straps (6, 6′) in such a way that the said suitcase can also be used temporarily as a pram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Marcus Caldana
  • Publication number: 20040066070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to child-seat liners. Specifically, the present invention provides protective articles comprising child-seat liners, systems comprising child-seat liners, methods for using child-seat liners (e.g. with a shopping cart), and methods for making child-seat liners. The present invention also provides child-seat liner cut-pieces and patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Bilby Products, LLC.
    Inventors: Jennifer M. Sampson, Steven M. Sampson
  • Publication number: 20040066071
    Abstract: Arching mechanism, for instance for backrests of seats, medical or orthopaedic apparatus or casings and the like, with a pressure element wherein at least one traction element connected with a tensioning mechanism engages, which, when the mechanism is actuated can produce bulging by preserving a relative elevation of apex of the convexity; the arching mechanism can comprise a frame with inserted pressure elements actuatable by adjusting device(s), whereby frame segments are length-variable pressure elements; traction elements provided with tensioning mechanism can engage a slitted, overlapping or bellows-like bulging body for the opening and closing of these areas, which produces a curving of the bulging body in a predetermined direction or directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Schukra Geratebau AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Schuster, Wilhelm Schuster
  • Publication number: 20040066072
    Abstract: An actuator comprises an actuator member and an assist mechanism. The assist mechanism comprises an assist element that is adapted to store energy to assist in moving the actuator member. The assist element is carried between two members. The members act upon the assist element to cause the assist element to store energy when the actuator member is moved in an extended direction and release the energy when the actuator member is moved in a retracted direction, whereby the retracted direction is opposite to the extended direction. The actuator is for use in moving the seat relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Darin J. Trippensee, Paul C. Dickie
  • Publication number: 20040066073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat comprising at least one inclinably adjustable seat component such as a seat section (12) whose seat frame structure can be disposed on a floor structure (24) in such a way that it is pivotable around the stationary legs thereof (22). The pairs of the stationary legs (22) in the region of the front edge (26) and the rear edge (28) of the seating section (12) acting thereupon. The inventive seat also comprises an actuating device (30) for adjusting the respective inclination of the seat section (12), having an exit position, whereby the seat section (12) is orientated in an essentially parallel manner in relation to the floor structure (24) and cannot be inclined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wagner, Jurgen Baumann
  • Publication number: 20040066074
    Abstract: This invention relates to seat pivoting mechanisms of the type that would be used on industrial vehicles such as forklift trucks, for example. The pivoting seat mechanism permits locking the seat in a forward facing position, as well as allowing the seat to pivot or rotate through a fixed, controlled angle. The seat pivot system is compact and does not unnecessarily add height to the seat structure, thereby conserving headroom within a vehicle cab or protective cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Rod Ovitt
  • Publication number: 20040066075
    Abstract: A chair includes a base support having two upwardly extending rods and two upwardly extending tubular members, a seat mounted on the base support and having a backrest, two armrests each having an end fixedly mounted on a respective one of the upwardly extending rods, two lower rods each inserted into a respective one of the upwardly extending tubular members, a spring sleeved over the upper portion of the lower rod with a lower end of the spring bearing against the flange of the lower rod, an upper rod formed with a flange at an intermediate portion and two downwardly extending lugs, the inclined surface of the lower rod being used for limiting rotation angle of the upper rod with respect to the lower rod, a backrest rod being put onto an upper end of the upper rod, the backrest rod extending upwardly through another end of a respective one of the armrests to engage fixedly with the backrest, and an adjusting means connected between the backrest and rear ends of the armrests, thereby providing different posi
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Chung Yeh
  • Publication number: 20040066076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat, especially a vehicle seat, and preferably an air passenger seat, comprising a seat element and a seat element carrier (12), a backrest (10) which can be adjusted in terms of the incline thereof, and at least one armrest (14), said armrest being pivotably joined to the backrest (10). The armrest (14) is continuously moved with the increasing or decreasing incline of the backrest (10) by means of an adjustment mechanism (20), said adjustment mechanism (20) for the armrest (14) comprising at least four articulation points (22, 24, 26, 28). A parallelogram articulation of the armrest is thus achieved by which means said armrest can lower itself. The aim of the invention is to be able to practically bring the backrest into a horizontal position in which the so-called parallelogram geometrically follows a fictitious line in an average incline position of the backrest, the four articulation points of the parallelogram lying on one line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jurgen Bauer, Mauro Rossi
  • Publication number: 20040066077
    Abstract: In an adjuster (101) for a vehicle seat, particularly an automobile seat, having a first adjuster part (105) and a second adjuster part (108) which are pivotable relative to one another, thus allowing the vehicle seat to pivot between at least one use position and one non-use position, a pawl (115) pivotably borne on the first adjuster part (105) interacts with at least one single locking element (118, 132) of the second adjuster part (108) to lock the adjuster (101), wherein the pawl (115) locks the adjuster (101) in the use position as well as in the non-use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Petry
  • Publication number: 20040066078
    Abstract: The seat recliner includes a base (10) mounted to a first seat member. The seat recliner includes a gear (60) mounted to a second seat member and being rotatable relative to the base. The gear has first teeth (61) along a peripheral face of the gear. The seat recliner includes a locking member (20) movable inside of the first teeth. The locking member has second teeth (21) engageable with the first teeth. The seat recliner includes a cam (40) configured to rotate the locking member to engage the first and second teeth with each other for establishing an angle between the first and second seat members. The seat recliner includes a guide (11B) on the base and having a guide face (11b) for slidably guiding the locking member to engage the first and second teeth with each other. The guide extends radially from a vicinity of the first teeth to a vicinity of the cam. A near side of the guide relative to the first teeth and the locking member define a gap (G1) therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsuura, Tetsuya Ohba
  • Publication number: 20040066079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, comprising a seat underframe and a backrest which tips forwards, these being interconnected by an adjustment and tipping axle (4); and which preferably has a backrest inclination adjustment device on both sides, said adjustment device(s) containing an adjustment gear and a part (9) whose angle is adjustable in relation to a side part of the seat underframe. In the use position of the backrest, a stop (25) of said part (9) with an adjustable angle rests on a first stop (24) of a fitting (8) which is fixed in relation to the backrest, while in the tipped-forward position of the backrest, a stop (23) that is provided on a fitting (7) on the seat side rests on a second stop (26) of the fitting (8) that is fixed in relation to the backrest and/or the backrest upholstery rests on the seat cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Christina Schwerdtner, Peter Rausch, Wolfgang Suck
  • Publication number: 20040066080
    Abstract: In the case of a chair, in particular a swivel chair for the office, the armrest is made up of an armrest carrier, which comprises a carrier (1) and a sleeve (2) sliding thereon and is attached to the seat at the bottom by a seat flange (3) which can be displaced transversely to the seat direction, and of an arm support (10, 11), which can be displaced longitudinally via a guide (7) and can be rotated via a rotary part (4) mounted in a rotary bearing (5). The guide (7) is arranged parallel, but eccentrically in relation, to the axis of symmetry of the arm support. Since the rotatability of the arm support is at least 180°, it is possible to set different clear distances between the two arm supports (10, 11) of the chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: SEDUS STOLL AG
    Inventors: Klaus Maier, Michael Klaesener, Thomas Stenzel
  • Publication number: 20040066081
    Abstract: A wheelchair seatback assembly suitable for detachable mounting to the back-supporting posts of a wheelchair. The back assembly includes a relatively rigid shell member carrying post-engaging pins and a plurality of mounting clips attachable to wheelchair posts. At least selected ones of the mounting clips are further formed to releasably engage the post-engaging pins. The mounting units are also formed for single-handed automatic unlocking and release of the pair of hooks from the mounting units and posts upon rotation of the shell member forwardly over the wheelchair seat by an amount in excess of any displacement occurring during normal use of the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Cascade Designs Inc.
    Inventors: Murray Dennon, John S. Lincoln
  • Publication number: 20040066082
    Abstract: A ceramic shell is disclosed. The ceramic shell can be used, for example, in an armor device or system. The ceramic shell includes two or more of an upper portion, a curved portion, and a seat portion. At least one of the upper portion, the curved portion, and the seat portion includes at least one of a first side portion and a second side portion. The at least of one the first side portion and the second side portion extends forward and includes at least one curved surface. The at least one of the first side portion and the second side portion is monolithically connected to at least one of the upper portion, the curved portion, and the seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Mears, Marvin K. Richards, Luis A. Bohorquez
  • Publication number: 20040066083
    Abstract: A device for attenuating noise generated in a rolling tire and wheel assembly includes strips arranged as a circumferential ring in the tire/wheel cavity. The strips are spaced circumferentially to provide a profile of ridges and gaps in the ring. The rings may be placed on the interior surface of the tire or the wheel or both. Preferably, two rings are formed, and the gaps of the rings are in staggered relationship about the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dimitri Tsihlas
  • Publication number: 20040066084
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel (1) comprising a rim (2), a disc (3), a protective ring (4) with an outer surface (4a) and an inner surface (4b), and means (5) for fixing the ring (4) to the rim (2). To facilitate separation of the ring (4) from the rim (2), the protective ring (4) can be accessed from the inner surface (4b) through holes (8) made in the lip (2a) of the rim (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Claudio Bernoni
  • Publication number: 20040066085
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite rim, comprising a tire-accommodating surface located between a first outer surface and a second outer surface wherein the tire accommodating surface is curved, an annulus-defining surface located between a third outer surface and a fourth outer surface wherein the annulus-defining surface accepts a spoke; and the tire-accommodating surface, the annulus-defining surface, and the outer surfaces enclose a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Schiers
  • Publication number: 20040066086
    Abstract: A two-piece-wise built-up light-alloy wheel with a rather big diameter for automobiles and two-wheeled vehicles, being aimed to be made as lightweight and have an improved ornamental appearance, comprising: a rim (2) having outer and inner rim portions integrally formed with each other; a center disk (1) built-up with the integral rim (2); fastener bolts fastening the rim with the center disk; and a plurality of thick-wall portions (9) bulging from and integrally formed with the outer rim portion as bulging toward center of the wheel, as to form screw holes for the fastener bolts. Thickness of the rim (2) is substantially same except for the thick-wall portions, throughout from a bead seat (6) on the outer rim portion through a well part (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Katsunori Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20040066087
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wheel and tire for simulating the appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a low-profile tire. The wheel has an inboard side and an outboard side. The outboard side includes a wide outer flange which extends around the outer circumference of the wheel. The outer flange is preferably integral with the outboard face of the wheel and covers a substantial portion of the outboard wall of the tire within which the wheel is mounted. A design, preferably comprised of, for example, a plurality of protrusions, indentations, and slits, extends across at least a portion of the outboard face of the wheel, including the outboard face of the extended outer flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Frank J. Hodges, Sergiu Anca
  • Publication number: 20040066088
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved wheel and tire for simulating the appearance of a larger-diameter wheel mounted within a low-profile tire. The wheel has an inboard side and an outboard side. The outboard side includes a wide outer flange which extends around the outer circumference of the wheel. The outer flange and/or the outboard face of the wheel is preferably detachable from the remainder of the wheel. The inboard side may include a wide inboard flange which is preferably detachable. The flanges preferably cover a substantial portion of the wall of the outer tire within which the wheel is mounted. A design, preferably comprised of, for example, a plurality of protrusions, indentations, and slits, extends across at least a portion of the outboard face of the wheel, including the outboard face of the extended outer flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Frank J. Hodges, Sergiu Anca
  • Publication number: 20040066089
    Abstract: A surge brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator housing and a coupler housing movably engaged within the actuator housing. Upper and lower coupler slide channels formed from a plastic material are releasably connected to the coupler housing and contact the actuator housing. The plastic coupler slide channels reduce frictional loss and provides superior brake actuation output when the coupler housing retracts into the actuator housing during braking. The surge brake actuator includes a push rod assembly that also provides superior brake actuation output to the actuator and can engage the actuator during a breakaway event. The surge brake actuator includes a releasably engagable reverse lock that prevents brake actuation while the towing vehicle moves in reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Roll, Kawa-She-Quoen Wm. Okerlund
  • Publication number: 20040066090
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a rubber crawler which effectively prevents the crack generation in the vicinity of the basal part of a guide protrusion by restring the shearing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hitoshi Akiyama, Eiji Tsuru
  • Publication number: 20040066091
    Abstract: A steering column assembly having a support structure, a tilt portion, and a switch module is provided. The support structure is securable to a vehicle. The tilt portion is pivotally secured to the support structure such that the tilt portion can pivot about a pivot axis through a selected range of motion with respect to the support structure. A first electrical connecting member is disposed on the tilt portion proximate the pivot axis. The switch module has a second electrical connecting member connected to the first electrical connecting member such that the switch module in electrical communication with a wiring harness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Todd M. King
  • Publication number: 20040066092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing system for motor vehicles involving access authorization and driving authorization by means of a control unit provided with means of communication. Said communication means comprise a stationary transmitter-receiver unit in the vehicle and a mobile transmitter-receiver unit in a wireless hand telephone (10). The control unit monitors the data transferred during said communication for access or driving authorization and activates or deactivates the corresponding systems if authorization is valid. The hand telephone (10) contains an SIM card (15) for telephonic network operation. In order to use the closing system in a quick and comfortable manner, the SIM card (15) is also a carrier for the access and driving authorization data. (16). A bi-directional local communication hands-free system operating in the GHz range is also used in the motor vehicle. Said telephonic local communication is also used for transmitting access and/or driving authorization data (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ulrich Muller
  • Publication number: 20040066093
    Abstract: A storage subsystem that utilizes power factor correction circuitry to solve an input current harmonics problem caused by one or more accessory units that are added to the storage subsystem. The circuit may be characterized as a boost AC/AC power converter and utilizes active current shaping to achieve a unity power factor. It utilizes pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) as a means of accomplishing this shaping. The modulation in the circuitry is controlled by a combination of an inner average-current loop and an outer voltage-control loop. Together, these control loops maintain a regulated output voltage while forcing the input current to be sinusoidal. Using such a circuit may eliminate the necessity of modifying either the power supply of accessory units or the rack electrical distribution system within the storage subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: George E. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20040066094
    Abstract: In a co-generated power supply system for performing co-generated power supply to a load Lac/dc by the use of a wind turbine generator WTG, a solar cell PV and a fuel cell FC, a storage battery B and a commercial AC power source Utility, the wind turbine generator WTG, the solar cell PV and the fuel cell FC whose rated voltages are made equal to a rated voltage of the storage battery B are used as DC power sources; AC power from the commercial AC power source Utility is supplied to the load Lac/dc until the storage battery B is fully charged by the DC power sources; DC power from the storage battery B is supplied to the load Lac/dc when the storage battery B has been fully charged; and the AC power from the commercial AC power source Utility is supplied to the load Lac/dc as the storage battery B approaches the terminal period of discharging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Yasunobu Suzuki, Toru Teshima
  • Publication number: 20040066095
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing electromagnetic interference in an electronic system, comprises a switch coupled to a conductive line, and a system management device that can be coupled to the electronic system. The system management device detects whether a device is connected in a particular location in the system, and opens the switch to disable data transmission a long the conductive line to the particular location when the device is not connected. Noise signals are thus prevented from being propagated on transmission lines that are not terminated, and EMI that can be generated by signal reflections on the unterminated conductive line is substantially reduced, if not eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Cherniski, Ricardo Espinoza-Ibarra, Andrew Havery Barr
  • Publication number: 20040066096
    Abstract: A program timer for use with commercial or consumer appliances provides a single user knob interface that allows the desired selection of a programmed cycle and a push-to-start function. To preclude inadvertent program operation and enhance the life of the program timer, a snap-action switch is utilized to provide the push-to-start functionality. As such, actuation of the start switch provides a positional hysteresis that prevents teasing of the switch. The rapid snap-action opening and closing of the switch contacts precludes or minimizes the arc sustained between the contacts so as to greatly increase the life of the start switch. In one embodiment an actuation wheel larger in diameter than the program cam stack of the timer is utilized to pivot a lever to actuate the snap-action switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Jack D. Rodesiler
  • Publication number: 20040066097
    Abstract: A linear motor includes an outer yoke formed of a core made of thin magnetic plates laminated and a coil, an inner yoke formed of a core made of thin magnetic plates laminated and permanent magnets rigidly stuck on this laminated core, and an output shaft fixed to the inner yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Masanori Kobayashi, Ichiro Kita, Ichiro Morita, Ko Inagaki, Akira Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040066098
    Abstract: A high speed generator has its main rotor located within the main generator shaft assembly. The main rotor is mounted on a substantially hollow rotor shaft, which is also mounted within the main generator shaft assembly. The main stator surrounds at least a portion of the main generator shaft assembly. Main rotor cooling supply orifices extend through the rotor shaft. Main stator cooling supply orifices, which are in fluid communication with the main rotor cooling supply orifices, extend through the main generator shaft assembly. Cooling fluid is directed into the main generator shaft assembly, and flows through the main rotor cooling supply orifices and the main stator cooling supply orifices. The main rotor and main stator cooling supply orifices are configured to supply the main rotor and main stator with a cooling fluid spray. This configuration reduces the rotational fluid mass associated with flood-cooled rotors, which increases structural integrity, lowers material stresses, improves rotor dynamics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kieran P.J. Doherty, David E. Stout, William M. Scherzinger, Wayne T. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20040066099
    Abstract: A synchronous electromagnetic machine is disclosed having: a rotor coupled to a rotor cooling system; a stator around the rotor and separated from the rotor by an annular gap between the rotor and an inner surface of the stator, wherein the stator includes stator cooling passages; a stator ventilation system in fluid communication with the stator cooling passages, and the ventilation system including a cooling fluid driving device such as a stator mounted fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Konrad Roman Weeber, Ian Arthur Hughes, Albert Eugene Steinbach, Ronald James Chila
  • Publication number: 20040066100
    Abstract: An electric machine, particularly a generator for motor vehicles, is indicated, which has a housing (10) and a casing (17) enclosing the housing (10) concentrically, the casing, together with the housing (10), bounding an annular space (18) that is sealed in a fluid-tight manner and is connected to a coolant outflow and a coolant inflow. To achieve a uniform circumflow of the housing (10) with sufficient cooling capacity, even given low volumetric flow of the coolant, a plurality of axial guide bars (25) are arranged in the annular space (18), so that the coolant restrictedly flows in an axially wide-strip manner through the annular space (187) within space segments (26) arranged in a row in the circumferential direction, with an opposing flow direction in successive space segments (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Johannes Vlemmings, Manfred Schmitt, Karsten Mann, Oliver Kaefer
  • Publication number: 20040066101
    Abstract: A spindle motor is provided comprising a stationary sleeve supported from a base, a rotating shaft disposed through the sleeve, a fluid dynamic bearing between the sleeve and the shaft, a hub supported proximate a first end of the shaft, a stator supported from the base, a magnet supported from the hub and offset axially relative to the stator, and a steel ring supported from the base and positioned beneath the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jim-Po Wang, Michael Ray Tiller
  • Publication number: 20040066102
    Abstract: A heat sink device for retaining a heat dissipating object includes a substrate having an aperture configured therethrough to receive the object and an extruded portion extending from a surface of the substrate defining the aperture. The extruded portion is configured to receive the object and increase a surface area available for heat transfer from said object in said aperture relative to without said extruded portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Debabrata Sarkar, Michael Duane Bradfield, Olen L. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040066103
    Abstract: An interconnection assembly has phase parts for U phase, V phase and W phase. The phase parts each are of a plurality of interconnection assembly parts that are connected in the form of a ring and include a conductor section to which a motor coil wire is connected, the conductor section being formed by stripping fluororesin insulation at a predetermined position, and the phase parts are partially fixedly bundled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicants: Hitachi Cable, Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuaki Ohuchi, Katsuo Endo, Hideo Matsuo, Akira Kabasawa, Akihiro Okamura, Kazunari Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20040066104
    Abstract: A motor with a plurality of electrode terminals, wherein at least a portion of a case for the motor forms at least one of the plurality of electrode terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicants: Tomy Company, Ltd., Suitech Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kikuchihara, Yoshio Suimon
  • Publication number: 20040066105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-bearing step motor, and more particularly, to self-bearing step motor system and a control method thereof, wherein a rotor can be supported by magnetic force without adding an additional winding for supporting the rotor to a step motor having no mechanical bearing for supporting the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Dae-gon Kim
  • Publication number: 20040066106
    Abstract: A plastic fastener is disclosed. The fastener may be employed in a vehicle generator. The fastener has a plastic body extending through an aperture of a first component and through an aperture of a second component. The body has a first distal head that retainingly abuts the opening of the aperture of the first component. The plastic body also has a second distal head that retainingly abuts the opening of the aperture of the second component. The configuration of the body secures the first component to the second component. The invention further provides a method of fastening components of a vehicular generator. A plastic body with first and second studs is over molded about a first generator component. At least one stud may be extended through an aperture of a second generator component. The studs are then formed into distal heads to secure the first component to the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael L. Hull, Debabrata Sarkar, Steve J. Shields
  • Publication number: 20040066107
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling having two opposed annular arrays of angularly spaced permanent magnets magnetized to create magnetic north poles and magnetic south poles alternately spaced about each array. The north-pole and south-pole magnets of each array are tapered in cross-section from their surfaces at the gap to an annular surface of the array spaced from the gap, and permanent magnet spacer magnets completely fill in the space between the north-pole and south-pole magnets from the annular surface of the array at the gap to the spaced annular surface with the spacer magnets being magnetized generally transversely to the direction of magnetization of the adjacent north-pole, south-pole magnets so that the magnetic field created by the permanent magnets extends across the gap and annularly through each array to cause one of the arrays to rotate in synchronism with the other array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Gery
  • Publication number: 20040066108
    Abstract: A bobbin for a rotor is of a three-piece construction which allows for greater heat transfer, increased percentage fill, and hence increased power density of the alternator. Preferably, the three-piece assembly includes an injection molded plastic core, and opposing end caps constructed of a laminate material having good tear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. York
  • Publication number: 20040066109
    Abstract: A motor generating cogging torque has one-quarter the cycle of basic cogging torque and an extremely small absolute value. First, in order to reduce the cycle of the cogging torque to one-half the cycle of the basic cogging torque, a basic configuration of the core is determined by setting opening angles of its slots to an appropriate electrical angle ranging from 80° to 95° and from 20° to 35°. Next, to produce the above-mentioned effects, an angular displacement of one-quarter the cycle of the basic cogging torque is provided in the motor. Furthermore, polarizing the core with a skew angle equal to one-half or less the cycle of the basic cogging torque at the same time allows the cogging torque to be reduced effectively while decrease in efficiency is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Fujinaka
  • Publication number: 20040066110
    Abstract: A commutator includes a generally cylindrical dielectric body and a plurality of commutator segments arranged along an outer peripheral surface of the dielectric body. Each commutator segment includes a ridge, which extends in a direction generally parallel to an axial direction of the commutator and radially inwardly projects into the dielectric body to secure the commutator segment relative to the dielectric body. Each ridge includes alternately arranged high projecting portions and low projecting portions. Each high projecting portion includes grooves, which are obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal direction of the ridge, and protrusions, each of which is bound with one of the grooves and protrudes in an imaginary plane generally perpendicular to the projecting direction of the ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ryohei Kageyama, Nobuo Kasao, Toshiyuki Ohsawa
  • Publication number: 20040066111
    Abstract: A motor main body includes a brush holder, which supports a plurality of power supply brushes and includes a motor-side connector to be connected with an external connector. A circuit board is installed to the brush holder in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of a rotatable shaft to electrically connect between the motor-side connector and the power supply brushes. The circuit board is received in the circuit board receiving portion when the motor main body and a speed reducing unit are assembled together to form an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Torii
  • Publication number: 20040066112
    Abstract: An armature according to the prior art, which is comprised of sheet metal laminations and in which only a beginning region and an end region of the lamination bundle comprised of the sheet metal laminations are fastened to a rotor shaft by means of a press fit, has the disadvantage that sheet metal laminations between the beginning region and the end region shift in the presence of very high torques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Lothar Fauth, Klaus-Dieter Haefele
  • Publication number: 20040066113
    Abstract: A first stator is provided with stator electrodes sequentially arranged in a predetermined direction. An extended electrode is mounted on a second stator arranged to face the first stator. A slider is movably arranged between the first and second stators. The slider is provided with a large number of slider electrodes arranged to face the stator electrodes and a second slider electrode facing the extended electrode. The slider electrodes are maintained at the ground potential. A first and second driving voltage are periodically applied to the stator electrodes and to the extended electrode, respectively, which are opposite to each other in phase and are periodically switched between the ground potential and the positive driving voltage. Thus, the slider is moved in a direction while being vibrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Akihiro Kasahara, Masayuki Sekimura, Akihiro Koga
  • Publication number: 20040066114
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric film and methods of making such. The piezoelectric device can be used in circuits to dampen or dissipate vibrations in equipment such as racquets, and ski apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Head Sport AG
    Inventor: Herfried J. Lammer