Patents Issued in April 29, 2004
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Publication number: 20040080159Abstract: A block fitting for coupling tubing segments having a pair of seals, one of the seals being a radial seal and the other seal being an axial seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of an air conditioning system upon failure of one of the pair of seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Fred Georg Schroeder, Eric W. Kesler, Joseph Nader, Michael Bednarik, Frantisek Miculek, Leos Kocian
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Publication number: 20040080160Abstract: A hose swivel connection apparatus for connecting a pair of hose sections, the swivel member having male and female swivel members with underlap and overlap portions, respectively, forming radially-facing annular ball grooves between which bearing balls are captured to provide swiveling and to hold the swivel device together, and a seal between the swivel members, preferably a ring seal positioned between a pair of axially-facing opposed seal-abutment surfaces. The invention also involves hose-end couplings on swivel members of a swivel device, the couplings each having a sleeve member over and permanently secured to a hose section and being adapted for snap-engagement with one of the swivel members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Dieter J. Rief
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Publication number: 20040080161Abstract: A recessed portion is formed on an outer periphery of a cylindrical joint body to be inserted into a joint mounting hole of a fluid pressure apparatus. A pull-out preventing ring which is formed separately from the joint body can be deformed elastically in a radial direction, and has one or more annular edge(s) on an outer peripheral face which is fitted in the recessed portion and over the outer periphery of the joint body. The annular edge(s) of the pull-out preventing ring is(are) locked to a hole wall of the joint mounting hole when a force in such a direction as to pull out the pipe joint acts on the pipe joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsushita
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Publication number: 20040080162Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a flanged member (1) for use in a pipe system, as well as a flanged member manufactured according to the method. The flanged member comprises a radially projecting flange (3), forming flange part (2), and comprises also a pipe part (4), said flange part having a front end surface (7) intended for assembly with another element forming a part of the pipe system, and a rear end surface (6) facing said pipe part. The rear end surface of the flange part is essentially plane in the radial direction and delimits the rear end of the flange part (2), against the pipe part (4), together with an extension (9) of the rear end surface (6) inwards, in the radial direction. The pipe apart has a free end (5), adapted to be assembled with the pipe system. Further, said flange part has a mass Mf and said pipe part has a mass Mp.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Mats Webjrn
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Publication number: 20040080163Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: DANA CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Evart Blackburn, Eric Keith Manning
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Publication number: 20040080164Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a turbine generation system in which a starting inverter circuit for starting a turbine generator is additionally employed so that the system comprises a high-power generation inverter and the starting inverter with low-power, thereby utilizing the inverter for multiple purposes. To this end, the present invention comprises an inverter control circuit for deactivating a pulse-width modulation inverter for generation connected to a turbine generator, and first switching means for connecting an internal power supply to the turbine generator, wherein the inverter control circuit controls the starting inverter to supply the turbine generator with power to drive it up to a purge speed and accelerate it to a predetermined starting speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Terence McKelvey, Tai Furuya
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Publication number: 20040080165Abstract: A turbogenerator/motor controller with a microprocessor based inverter having multiple modes of operation with an energy storage and discharge system including an ancillary electric storage device, such as a battery, connected to the generator controller through control electronics. Electrical energy can flow from the ancillary electric storage device to the turbogenerator controller during start up and increasing load and vice versa during self-sustained operation of the turbogenerator. When utility power is unavailable, the ancillary electric storage device can provide the power required to start the turbogenerator. When a load transient occurs, the gas turbine engine and the ancillary electric storage device provide the power required to successfully meet the transient.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Capstone Turbine CorporationInventors: Everett R. Geis, Brian W. Peticolas, Joel B. Wacknov
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Publication number: 20040080166Abstract: A power generation assembly (30) for use in generating electrical power from air or water currents is disclosed. The power generation assembly (30) includes a rail system (32), a vane assembly (34), having a frame (36) and at least one vane (38) and a car assembly (40), slidably mounted to the rail (32), including a linkage portion (42) coupled to the frame (36). A power-take-off device (50) is pivotally coupled to the car (40) and engages a pair of drive wheels (54) which are coupled to a generator (62).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Fred E Davidson
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Publication number: 20040080167Abstract: The energy absorber is for interposing between a rigid beam and a bumper skin in order to absorb, by compression, the energy of impacts directed in a crumpling direction. The energy absorber comprises a set of ribs each of which extends parallel to the crumpling direction and each of which possesses a free edge for pressing against the beam. The set of ribs includes at least one rib arranged in the event of an impact so that its free edge remains pressed against the beam, while the rib itself buckles, and at least one other rib arranged in such a manner that in the event of an impact, its free end escapes from the beam, causing said rib to bend.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUMInventors: Stephane Malteste, Thierry Roussel, Laurent Rocheblave, Thierry Cavillon
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Publication number: 20040080168Abstract: A refuse collection device includes an outer tube in which an inner tube is telescopically received. The outer tube is movable with respect to the inner tube between a lower closed position and an upper dumping position via an intermediate open position. A mount defining a refuse passage for the entry of a refuse is mounted to a lower end of the inner tube. A cover is rotatably connected to the mount by a pivot pin whereby the cover is movable with respect to the mount for selectively closing the refuse passage. A connection link couples the cover to the outer tube whereby the cover is rotated with respect to the mount when the outer tube is moved with respect to the inner tube between the upper, dumping position and the lower, closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Eric Tsou
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Publication number: 20040080169Abstract: A locking mechanism for elongate tools that are designed to engage objects from remote distances and that have engagement elements located on a distal end of a rod, a handle on a proximate end of said rod, a controller on said handle to control the engagement elements, and a linkage between the controller and the engagement elements to control the engagement elements is disclosed. The locking elements include a saw tooth receiving surface that is rigidly affixed to a trigger and a stop member having complementary saw tooth extensions. A switch member controls the movement of the stop member into engagement and out of engagement with the receiving surface which thereby locks and unlocks the movement of the trigger.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Ashok Khubani, Mahesh Lakhiani
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Publication number: 20040080170Abstract: Embodiments provide for an optical component mounting apparatus and method. One embodiment provides a body defining a lens applicator tip at one end, wherein the lens applicator tip defines a lens contact surface. A lens retaining member includes a lens carrying tip defining a lens receiving opening and is slidably disposed over at least the lens applicator tip. The lens carrying tip is slidably positionable between a lens carrying position in which the lens carrying tip extends past the lens applicator tip, and a lens release position in which the lens carrying tip is retracted with respect to the lens applicator tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Finisar CorporationInventor: Charles Hu
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Publication number: 20040080171Abstract: The invention concerns a component such as a lamp for fitting into a recess in a part of a body. The lamp is fixed in its reference position in the recess by a pivot projection engaging into an opening in the body, and by a V-shaped resilient detent element. The detent element has a first limb projecting inclinedly at an angle from the rear wall of the component. The first limb has a holding projection which in the reference position of the component engages behind an opening in the body. The free end of the second limb of the detent element carries dismantling projections which when the component is further pressed into the recess latch behind catches on the component to fix the detent element in a configuration in which the holding projection is released from its latching engagement with the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Horst Eltgen, Michael Meyer
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Publication number: 20040080172Abstract: Bariatric gurney and process including a winch mounted in an ambulance for pulling the gurney up removable rails. The gurney includes extenders for increasing the patient support surface of the gurney and may include a removable patient safety bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Donald E. Mitchell, Thomas Godby, Steve Nelson
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Publication number: 20040080173Abstract: A console box of the present invention has a box main body, a pair of sidewalls, and an armrest. The box main body is located between the sidewalls, and the armrest is located above the box main body. Each sidewall has a guide groove extending in the moving direction of the vehicle. The armrest has a pair of engaging pins. Each engaging pin is engaged with and slides along one of the guide grooves. Thus, the armrest smoothly slides along the moving direction of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Kenji Niwa, Akira Yamauchi, Shigeru Yabuya, Etsuo Ozawa, Takahiko Sato, Hiroki Imamura, Yuji Shimizu
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Publication number: 20040080174Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided to modify the operation and function of known truck bed extender systems. The function and operation are modified to provide for a lockable vertical position for a U-shaped frame which otherwise has only forward and rearward horizontal positions. In one embodiment, a bracket is provided which has an anchor hole for receiving a locking pin on the frame. In the second embodiment, a bracket is provided which permits horizontal translation of both the frame pivot pin and an associated anchor hole to permit both raising of the frame and forwardly positioning the frame within the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Terrence J. Buelna
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Publication number: 20040080175Abstract: The invention relates to a wind shield for motorbikes which can be positioned in various positions on the motorbike in an adjustable manner by means of a holding device (6), and can be adjusted by means of a drive device (8). Said drive device (8) comprises a cable or a cable pull connection (22, 23, 24, 25) between a drive motor (26) of the drive device (8) and a support element (16) pertaining to the adjustable wind shield. The invention also relates to a wind shield for motorbikes which is positioned on the motorbike in an adjustable manner by means of a holding device (6), said holding device (6) comprising two non-parallel guiding mechanisms (11, 19) for adjusting different positions of the wind shield (3) in terms of height and/or inclination, when it is moved along the guiding mechanisms (13, 19). The first guiding mechanism (11) is fixed to the vehicle and the second guiding mechanism (19) is arranged on the wind shield (3).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Fritz Wegener, August Hirschberger, Peter Biecker, Sven Asendorf
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Publication number: 20040080176Abstract: To provide a quite novel automotive vehicle floor mat and an automotive vehicle floor mat retainer unit, in which retainer pins and retainer holes are provided at two positions to make it possible to positively perform the positioning upon laying the mat, and in addition, the positions and the arrangement interval of these retainer pins and the retainer holes are suitably selected to thereby dispense with using a structure for adjusting the interval between the retainer pins, also to cope with change of the hole positions due to the aging change, to make it possible to use the mat for a long period of time without a fear that the retainer pins could not be fitted into the retainer holes, to narrow the interval not too much to thereby make it possible to perform the positive positioning upon laying the mat, i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Hirotaka Haraguchi, Hinako Tamagawa, Toshihide Matsuoka, Masashi Takahashi
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Publication number: 20040080177Abstract: An accessory attachment winding device with rolling and positioning capabilities for installing, removing and storing a tonneau cover or other vehicle covering is disclosed. The accessory system is provided with preferred features of integral-unitary construction or multiple base member construction with extending inter-fitting and sliding parts, so that the device can be adjusted in terms of position and dimension to connect and attach to complimentary coupling or connection portions of a tonneau, vehicle or other covering. In its method and function of operation the device houses and presents complimenting coupling members which can be adjusted in terms of their positional relationship as housed in a respective base member, or in terms of the extensible, sliding and positional features of the cooperating base members utilized in the method and device of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Philip L. Cupelli, Leslie P. Dreher, John Burke, Steven M. Knowles, Terrence D. Kalley
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Publication number: 20040080178Abstract: In a roof for a convertible vehicle including a folding roof supported by a linkage mounted to the vehicle body with a roof cover material extending over the linkage wherein the folding roof is movable between a closed position, in which it covers an interior vehicle space, and a storage position, in which it is deposited in a folding roof storage space, a rigid rear roof part is provided, which is supported by the vehicle body in a closed position when the folding roof is in a closed position and also when the folding roof is stored in the roof storage space.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Berthold Klein, Klaus Laue, Wojciech Wezyk
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Publication number: 20040080179Abstract: An impact absorbing structure for a vehicle side door which opens and closes an opening formed in a side part of a vehicle, the side door including: a door main body which has a door inner panel and a door outer panel joined to the door inner panel; and a door sash portion which extends upward from the door main body and supports a door window member, in which: a sash-side door trim which covers the door sash portion is provided in the door sash portion on the inside of a vehicle cabin; and an impact absorbing portion which absorbs an impact load when an occupant comes into contact with the sash-side door trim from the inside of the vehicle cabin is provided in a front longitudinal-side part of the sash-side door trim.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Yuji Okazaki, Shoji Okano
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Publication number: 20040080180Abstract: Structure for the front of a vehicle, of the type with deformation control for the safeguarding of pedestrians, cooperating with sensor means to detect approaching or actual impacts and including at least one air bag placed below the front bonnet component, and the front part of the vehicle having a “softnose” shape, said structure includes at least a frontal interchangeable pre-assembled module, made of a thermoplastic material that comprises the motor bonnet covering, the bumper covering and the covering of the mudguards, respectively left and right, said pre-assembled module, in correspondence with the front side, is hinged underneath the front of the vehicle, and where at least on one side is deformable or capable of being raised by air bags placed under said module interacting with said sensor means, while maintaining the rear portion coupled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: PLASTAL SPAInventor: Pietro Cartella
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Publication number: 20040080181Abstract: Two and four point truck cab suspensions comprise combined spring/damping element units at at least the rear corners of the cab, and preferably at all four corners of the cab.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Benjamin S. Puterbaugh, Anthony D. Sutton
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Publication number: 20040080182Abstract: A conversion kit assembly for converting a sleeper truck cab with a modular sleeper/cab into a day cab includes a sleeper truck cab including a rear sill, two laterally spaced walls, and a roof, with each of the walls having a B-pillar assembly at a rearward end of the sleeper truck cab. The B-pillar assemblies are coupled together at their upper ends by the roof, and at their lower ends by a lower member such as a lower panel or a rear sill such that the rearward end of the sleeper truck cab is substantially square. The sleeper truck cab further has a plurality of attachment points at the rearward end for attaching the modular sleeper. A first plurality of fasteners, which connect the modular sleeper to the sleeper truck cab, are removed. The modular sleeper is removed from the sleeper truck cab thereby creating a rearward opening at rearward end of modular truck cab.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: David Scott Adams, James Thomas Wunderlich, Donald Michael Reed
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Publication number: 20040080183Abstract: The invention relates to a support for bodywork elements, the support comprising means for receiving and fastening optical elements, fastener members for bodywork elements, docking zones for receiving the edges of bodywork elements and for putting them into position relative to the adjacent edges of bodywork elements and optical elements, and means for positioning and fixing a hood lock. The invention also provides an equipment front face in two portions, namely a structural portion and a geometrical portion, together with a motor vehicle front block divided into two modules, namely a structural module integrating various functional members of the vehicle, and a geometrical module integrating the bodywork elements for the front of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUMInventors: Gerald Andre, Hugues Cheron, Arnold Fayt
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Publication number: 20040080184Abstract: The present invention concerns a seal for an optical unit constituting an automobile indicating or illuminating light, intended to be mounted between this optical unit (1) and a support (6) in which it is inserted, the seal consisting of a sheet of flexible material provided with an internal orifice (12) intended to receive the unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Thierry Fleurence
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Publication number: 20040080185Abstract: The invention relates to a mudguard for motor vehicles in general, comprising an external body (10) and an intrados (17) between ewhich a curved cavity (16) extending from a front sector to a rear sector of the mudguard is defined, with reference to the wheel (2, 3) where it is mounted. The mudguard is further provided with a manifold (18) and a pair of deflectros (19, 20) which convey air into the cavity, so as to evacurate the water sprayed by the vehicle wheels and preventing sprays towards the outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Francesco Loddo
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Publication number: 20040080186Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed that includes a frame, a seat, a steering device disposed on the frame to control a steerable member, and an engine. At least one component is operatively connected to one of either the engine or a steerable member. A fairing is incorporated into the frame. The fairing has a first surface forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the vehicle. The fairing also has a second surface, at least a portion of which is offset a predetermined distance from the first surface. The second surface is disposed adjacent the at least one component. The second surface defines at least one hole therethrough permitting access to the at least one component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Jean-Phillipe Crepeau, Pierre Rondeau
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Publication number: 20040080187Abstract: A rear side member is composed of an upper member and a lower member. A flange of the upper member and a flange of the lower member are spot-welded to each other. An end edge of the upper member and a flange of the lower member are individually spot-welded to a side sill. A flange of the lower member is spot-welded to the lower surface of the upper member. A flange of the upper member and an end edge of the lower member are spot-welded to a rear wheel house. Thus, the upper member and the lower member form a closed cross section. A side edge portion of a rear floor panel is spot-welded to the upper surface of the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tatsuzo Tomita
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Publication number: 20040080188Abstract: A rear vehicle body structure has rear side frames extending longitudinally, C and D pillars extending substantially vertically, a first cross member connecting at a front end thereof to one of the rear side frames in the vicinity of one of the C pillars for shifting to a rear of the body as separating from the one of the rear side frames and then connecting at a rear end thereof to the other rear side frame, and a second cross member connecting at a front end thereof to the other rear side frame in the vicinity of the other C pillar for shifting to the rear of the body as separating from the other rear side frame to cross the first cross member and then connecting at a rear end thereof to the one of the rear side frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Igarashi, Akira Nomura
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Publication number: 20040080189Abstract: An openable motor vehicle roof with a first (10) and a second transparent cover (12) which, in the closed position, each close a roof opening and are displaceable in order to clear the roof opening at least in part. Underneath the first cover, there is a first covering (15) and underneath the second cover there is a second covering (21), the coverings being movable to mask or at least partially clear the view out of the vehicle interior (28) through the respective cover or roof opening. For the displacement of the first cover (10) and at least partial displacement of the first covering (15), there is a common first drive (30, 32), and for displacement of the second cover (12) and for at least partial adjustment of the second covering (21), there is a common second drive (34, 36, 38, 40).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbHInventors: Walter Schatzler, Manfred Pfalzgraf
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Publication number: 20040080190Abstract: The invention relates to a seat frame for fitting to the running gear (15) of a wheelchair or pushchair, comprising a backrest (1), a seating surface (2) and feet support (3). The aim of the invention is to produce a seat frame which is particularly flexible and may be adjusted to various sizes. Said aim is achieved, whereby long recesses, in particular grooves (5), are arranged running longitudinally along both sides of the seating surface (2), for housing fixing elements. Preferably, long recesses, in particular grooves (5), are also arranged running longitudinally along both sides of the backrest (1), for housing fixing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Michael Markwald
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Publication number: 20040080191Abstract: A chair movable between an upright, stowed position and a reclined, extended position, comprising a seat, a back, an ottoman, a recliner linkage, and an electric solenoid driven release mechanism. The recliner linkage couples the ottoman to the chair. The recliner linkage is adapted to move the ottoman between the upright stowed position and the reclined, extended position. The electric solenoid driven release mechanism has a member in contact with the recliner linkage and when activated moves the ottoman linkage beyond the release point. Once the recliner linkage moves beyond the release point the chair moves from the upright position to the reclined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: William E. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20040080192Abstract: A vehicle seat with a rigid seat base, and at least one foam portion disposed on the seat base. The seat defines at least one cavity therein. The cavity is accessible from the bottom surface of the seat, and accepts cargo, such as a shovel, therein. The cavity may be shaped to conform to a specific, predetermined cargo. The seat may be molded by disposing the seat base in a mold, and introducing settable foam into the mold so as to fill the portion of the mold not occupied by the seat base. The foam portion so produced conforms to the shape of the mold, such that a cavity may be formed by providing the mold with an internal projection. The seat may be removably attached to a vehicle using a quick-release mechanism, such as a pin and spring catch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Arctic Cat, Inc.Inventors: Andy Beavis, Ron Bergman
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Publication number: 20040080193Abstract: Wire rods used as child safety seat anchorages are mechanically attached to seat component, e.g., to a recliner mechanism or other seat frame element. The wire rods may also be spot welded or otherwise coupled to the mechanism, primarily for the purpose of positioning the wire rod at the prescribed location within a vehicle so that hooks or other connectors from a child seat can be attached thereto. Tabs on a retainer plate hold the wire rod against the recliner mechanism and cause the wire rod to rotate with the seat back, when adjusted by the recliner mechanism, and a rivet mechanically attaches the retainer plate and wire rod to the recliner mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Benjamin C. Tong, Dinu V. Moraru
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Publication number: 20040080194Abstract: A child safety seat anchorage is mechanically attached and welded to a robust support member, e.g., a tube or bracket, which in turn is secured to a vehicle seat or the vehicle frame. The welding of the wire rod is primarily for the purpose of positioning the wire rod at the prescribed location within a vehicle so that hooks, straps or other connectors from a child safety seat can be attached to the wire rod anchorage. The anchorage is located at and extends from a bite line between a seat cushion and a seat back. Alternative attachment designs include the use of a strap, alternative design wire rod anchorages and slots and holes to connect the wire rod anchorage to the tube or bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Jeffry P. Medvecky, Todd R. Muck, Matthew C. McClelland, Eric S. Hansen, Russell R. Burns, Joseph M. Kish, Grant A. Adams, Edward J. Lamont, Omar H. Khatib, Ioan J. Neaga, Xin Liu, Ashok K. Sethi
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Publication number: 20040080195Abstract: An anchorage for connecting an article such as a child safety seat to a vehicle seat includes a wire rod having rectangular shape and having first and second legs each terminating in a bent portion. A unitary attachment bracket is mechanically and weldlessly connected to the wire rod in a pressing operation wherein the attachment bracket includes retainer members aligned with the bent portions of the wire rod to prevent the bent portions from straightening when a load is applied to the wire rod. The attachment bracket connects the wire rod to a vehicle component. A method of producing the anchorage includes producing the wire rod and the attachment bracket blank and aligning them to weldlessly, mechanically capture the wire rod in the formed attachment bracket and then connect the anchorage to the vehicle component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Grant A. Adams, Joseph M. Kish, Ashok K. Sethi, Edward J. Lamont
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Publication number: 20040080196Abstract: A braking actuator for continuously positionable ergonomic support has a continuously positionable ergonomic support connected by a Bowden cable to the actuator. The actuator has a housing with pin slots, friction surfaces and an oval mount for a disk axle. A disk has frictional surfaces, holes with pin load edges, a Bowden cable wire seat that holds the Bowden cable end and an axle that mounts in the oval mount in the housing. The friction surfaces of the disk and housing engage to brake the actuator and the ergonomic support. A lever having pins is disposed on said housing such that said pins extend through the pin slots to operatively engage the holes in the disk such that the friction surfaces can be disengaged and said disk rotated. Turning the lever disengages the friction surfaces to actuate movement of said ergonomic support. Releasing said lever engages said frictional surfaces such that movement of said ergonomic support is braked at a selected position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Robert Kopetzky, Richard Frank
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Publication number: 20040080197Abstract: A bowden cable transmission is provided between the actuator and the lumbar support member of an adjustable lumbar support assembly. The bowden cable transmission converts movement of a first wire of a first bowden cable attached to the actuator into movement of a second wire of a second bowden cable attached to the lumbar support member. The bowden cable transmission converts the motions in a non-proportional manner such that the movement of the second wire in response to the movement of the first wire changes as the movement of the first wire is altered.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Robert Kopetzky
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Publication number: 20040080198Abstract: An active bolster system for use in vehicle seats includes a mounting plate connected with the vehicle seat. An adjustable bolster slider is slideably connected with the mounting plate, and has an adjustment arm and a pressure surface. A drive unit is in direct communication with the adjustable bolster slider, the drive unit having an actuator and a gear set.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Richard Frank
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Publication number: 20040080199Abstract: A chair comprises a seat support assembly including a seat support, the seat support assembly being adapted to stand on a surface so as to provide the seat support at a suitable height for a person to sit on, and a back support assembly, including a back frame member and a back support. In one embodiment, the back frame member has a curved middle portion substantially in the plane of the back support, and first and second end portions substantially in the plane of the seat support. The back frame member is flexibly interconnected to the seat support assembly by a first spring flexibly interconnecting the first end portion of the back frame member and the seat support assembly; and a second spring flexibly interconnecting the second end portion of the back frame and the seat support assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: R. Duane Ware, William F. Lohness
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Publication number: 20040080200Abstract: The present invention discloses an overload protection mechanism for a cable actuated feature on an office chair. The overload protection device allows a person seated in the chair to move a handle to actuate the particular feature of the chair, for example, a reclining backrest, even when the seated person's weight on the backrest prevents the backrest locking mechanism from engaging or disengaging. The movement of the handle causes the cable to move even when the locking mechanism connected to the opposite end of the cable is unable to engage or disengage. The mechanism stores the motion of the cable in a spring device connected to the movement actuators by a rack and pinion gear system. When the binding is released from the actuators, the mechanism moves as originally intended, motivated by the force of the decompressing springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Arkady Golynsky
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Publication number: 20040080201Abstract: The seat comprises a fixed structure (10) and a mobile structure (20), including a seat bottom (24), a seat back (22), a leg rest (26) and optionally, a leg rest extension (28). The different elements of the mobile structure (20) are mechanically connected to each other, and to the fixed structure (10), to automatically move the mobile structure (20) between a first extreme seat type posture and a second extreme bed type posture, passing through given ergonomically comfortable intermediate postures, using a single control. This control may be a manual control or a motorised control.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Christian Verny, Laurent Cecinas, Gabriel Martin
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Publication number: 20040080202Abstract: The invention is a lumbar support structure adapted to attach to a frame of a seat. An upper support bar and a lower support bar attach to the frame of the seat. A plurality of vertical springwires connect to the support bars. Spacers are used to maintain a desired distance between each of the springwires. A lumbar portion of the springwires extends away from a plane containing the support bars. By utilizing different diameter springwires and different shaped lumbar portions a saddle support distribution is created. The saddle support distribution allows the structure to customize the response to an occupant sitting in the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Alfred Stadlbauer
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Publication number: 20040080203Abstract: A simple inexpensive one-piece device to aid one in acquiring the seatbelt within a motor vehicle. This one-piece flexible device is meant to be temporarily or permanently attached above the male member of the seatbelt buckle. The attachment may be accomplished with a snap on method as seen in this preferred embodiment but may also be done by other methods as will be obvious to those trained in the art. When the seatbelt is in its retracted position a long handle protrudes towards the windshield so that it is visible to the driver or passenger. With either arm the seatbelt can be easily grabbed and pulled across the body to fasten the seatbelt with minimal reaching. This is ideal for persons with back, neck, shoulder and arm pain.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Raphael F. Meloul
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Publication number: 20040080204Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus appropriately protects occupants of a vehicle, when a vehicle crush occurs, without requiring a troublesome task to the occupants. The occupant protection apparatus is provided with a steering angle sensor, a distance sensor and a brake depressing amount sensor. An electronic control unit predicts a vehicle crash based on the detection signals of each sensor so as to set a tension applied to a driver seat seatbelt to be smaller than a tension applied to passenger seat seatbelts. Additionally, the electronic control unit increases the tension applied to the seatbelts when a temperature detected by an outside-temperature detection sensor and/or an inside-temperature detection sensor is low as compared to the detected temperature is high.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takaaki Enomoto, Hideki Kato
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Publication number: 20040080205Abstract: The present invention relates to a motorized transport for transportation and delivery of a load of material. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an adaptable transport comprised of a hopper having an upper support and a lower support. The supports provide removable interaction with the motorized cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Robert O. Ducharme
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Publication number: 20040080206Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a main frame which has a main-frame longitudinal axis. First and second powered wheel/suspension assemblies are connected to the main frame near respective first and second ends of the main frame. A steering system includes a hand-held steering controller, in an operator's cab, which turns the first and second wheel/suspension assemblies simultaneously and in opposite directions. A dump box and hydraulic dump box hoist mechanism are supported by the main frame. The operator's cab is supported along a transverse cab axis, perpendicular to the main-frame longitudinal axis, at a fixed longitudinal position along the main frame. A television-based pathway monitoring system includes a camera cluster and multiple viewing screens in the operator's cab. The multiple viewing screens are positioned in the operator's cab such that an operator need not change one's directional orientation when the vehicle moves in opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Michael S. Parsons
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Publication number: 20040080207Abstract: A brake hydraulic pressure generator is proposed in which the brake stroke fluctuate less when the amount of brake fluid consumed in the wheel brakes fluctuates. Even when the brake pedal force is increased after the brake assisting force has reached its maximum, the reaction force to the pedal force as well as the master cylinder pressure increases corresponding to the increased pedal force. The brake hydraulic pressure generator has a control valve including a spool and a cylinder and adapted to control the hydraulic pressure in a dynamic pressure chamber to a value corresponding to the stroke of an input shaft. It further includes a pressure sensor, a solenoid valve and a fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Koichi Hashida, Haruo Arakawa
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Publication number: 20040080208Abstract: The invention discloses methods and control systems for controlling an electronically controllable brake actuating system for automotive vehicles, with a depressurized pressure medium supply reservoir (4), with at least one pressure source (20) which can be controlled by an electronic control unit (32), said pressure source being used to apply pressure to the wheel brakes (7,8,9,10) of the vehicle, with pressure sensors and pressure control valves (inlet valve 17,18; outlet valve 27,28) being associated with said wheel brakes, said pressure control valves being controllable in an analog manner by means of an electric variable in dependence on the differential pressure applied to them and connecting the wheel brakes (7-10) to the pressure source (20) in a pressure increase phase, being closed or becoming closed in a pressure maintenance phase and connecting the wheel brakes (7-10) to the pressure medium supply reservoir (4) in a pressure reduction phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Bernhard Giers, Robert Schmidt, J?uuml;rgen Bhm, Thorsten Ullrich