Patents Issued in March 1, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070045044
    Abstract: A flow-through muffler includes a plurality of heat conducting walls, baffles, or partitions that together define a plurality of passages arranged to form acoustic waveguides, attenuators, and/or cancellation chambers, the walls, baffles, or partitions increasing a surface area exposed to the exhaust gases to facilitate extraction of heat while attenuating or canceling the resulting sound pressure waves. The muffler may have a cooling arrangement mounted thereon, and thermoelectric generator elements or other heat-powered device, such as a reformer, connected across the heat differential between the cooling arrangement and an exterior surface of the muffler housing that is in thermal contact with the heat conducting walls, bafflers, or partitions. In addition, the muffler may be made tuneable by providing a device for varying a length of one of the passages relative to another passage, and by including a sound cancellation chamber at an intersection of the passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: John Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20070045045
    Abstract: A climb assist system for use in combination with a climbing structure having upper and lower ends. The climb assist system includes a header assembly for attachment to the upper end of the climbing structure. The header assembly includes a pulley frame having opposing front and rear ends and front and rear pulleys located adjacent the front and rear ends. Elongated guide members extend from the header assembly downwardly toward the lower end of the climbing structure. A climb assist cable extends over the front and rear pulleys and includes a front cable portion extending along a front side of the climbing structure for attachment to a worker, and a rear cable portion extending along a rear portion of the climbing structure adjacent to the guide members and attached to a counterweight for offsetting the worker's weight. The counterweight includes guide portions engaged with the guide members to guide the counterweight in a path closely adjacent to the ladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Deuer
  • Publication number: 20070045046
    Abstract: A hunting stand system transformable between elevated, floating, and ski-mounted configurations. A cabin is hauled by and semi-permanently mounted upon a trailer by pinning. When the destination is reached, the cabin is unpinned and then elevated by a power winch within the enclosure. A cable routed upwardly through a guide tube exits the roof and is connected to an overhanging support. Once the cable is secured, the cabin is raised upwardly away from the trailer by the winch, and suitable legs are pinned to spaced apart struts in the floor with T-fittings that enable vertical and horizontal adjustments. With the legs installed, the cabin is lowered slightly to tension the legs. For transportation the cabin is pinned to the atop a pair of transverse adaptor tubes pinned to the trailer frame. The adaptor tubes enable attachment of a pair of floats or skis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Marc A. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20070045047
    Abstract: A clip for maintaining a first side rail of a first ladder adjacent to a second side rail of a second ladder which is in series with the first side rail. The clip includes a first portion connected to a support element and a second portion connected to the support element. The first portion, second portion and support element are one continuous piece. The first portion defines a hooking engagement with the first side rail and the second portion defines a receiving engagement with the second side rail. The first and second portion opening from opposite sides of the support element, respectively, which conform to the portion of the respective side rail that it receives for removably and frictionally holding the respective side rails in a self-gripping and form-fitting manner such that the side rails are maintained adjacent and in series to each other so that no damage is possible to the ladders by relative movement of the side rails under dynamic conditions brought about by motion during transportation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Kyle Astor, Shannon Brightbill, Brian Fisher, Joseph Dangrow
  • Publication number: 20070045048
    Abstract: An enhanced safety scaffold assembly (10) is provided including end frames (12,14) interconnected by means of cross-tie structure (18,20). The end frames (12,14) include ledgers (36) located a safety distance (38) of at least about thirty inches below the upper ends (26b,28b) of the standards (26,28), and are free of additional ledgers within the safety distance. A platform (16) is supported by the ledgers (36), and guardrail assemblies (22,24) extend between opposed standards (26,28). In this way, the platform (16) is located well below the upper ends (26b,28b) of the standards (26,28) in accordance with existing safety regulations, and placement of a platform (16) in an unsafe, elevated position is precluded. The assemblies of the invention may be constructed in a variety of ways to include optional leveling units (58), ladders (44), outriggers (134) and supplemental work platforms (144).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Wyse
  • Publication number: 20070045049
    Abstract: In a display and method of selling shutters in which at least two sets of shutter panels, T-strips and spacers are displayed at a home center or other retail location. The homeowner measures the window opening and takes the measurement to the home center. The customer then selects at least two shutters from one of the sets of shutters on display and selects a T-strip from one of the sets of T-strips such that the selected shutters and T-strip can be assembled by the customer to fit the opening over which the customer desires to install the shutters. The components can be assembled in a manner so that any gap between adjacent shutters when those shutters are in a closed position is covered by the T-strip. When appropriate the customer may select spacers which are placed between each shutter panel and the window frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Keng Nien
  • Publication number: 20070045050
    Abstract: An elevator call button assembly (20) includes at least one call button (50) having a surface (70) that is touchable by an individual to indicate a desired call in the elevator system. A responder (56) provides a tactile indication that the call has been successfully placed. In one example, the responder (56) comprises a vibrating motor that moves a moveable member (52) once the system controller (68) has successfully received a signal indicating the desired call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Stranieri, Dang Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20070045051
    Abstract: A method of transporting a user by a transport, particularly by an elevator, utilizes a control unit, a first communications unit and a mobile second communications unit carried by the user. A destination call is lodged at the control unit by the second communications unit. The control unit determines at least one transport for serving the destination call. The transport is made known to the user on the second communications unit. Moreover, the control unit generates a destination signal and communicates this to the first communications unit. The transport transports the user to a destination corresponding with the destination call. The destination signal is transmitted by the first communications unit to the second communications unit and made known to the user on the second communications unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Gerstenkorn
  • Publication number: 20070045052
    Abstract: An elevator system (20) includes a controller (36) that uses one of a plurality of fuzzy logic algorithms for assigning an elevator car (22-28) to service a passenger request. A disclosed example uses a passenger's desired destination as indicated by the passenger service request prior to the passenger entering an elevator car. A disclosed example includes multiple fuzzy logic algorithms, each corresponding to a particular relationship between an elevator car's current assignments, a passenger's desired destination, a source landing of the passenger's request, or a combination of them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jannah Stanley, Hideyuki Honma, Daniel Williams, Toshimitsu Mori, Paul Simcik
  • Publication number: 20070045053
    Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a car guide rail for guiding a car when the car is raised and lowered is installed within a hoistway. The car is mounted with a car guide shoe for engaging with the car guide rail. On a vertical projection plane, a recess is provided in a wall portion of the car, and the car guide shoe is at least partially disposed in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naoki Hashiguchi
  • Publication number: 20070045054
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a brake control element to a bicycle hub brake comprises a rotating member structured to be rotatably mounted relative to a fastening bracket so that rotation of the rotating member actuates a brake mechanism, wherein the rotating member includes a brake control element mount. The rotating member also has a cable winding surface to wind a brake actuating cable thereon. A brake control element attachment unit is structured to be attached to the brake control element mount, wherein the brake control element mount includes a locking structure such that rotation of the brake control element mount relative to the brake control element attachment unit locks the brake control element attachment unit to the brake control element mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Matsueda, Keita Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20070045055
    Abstract: A stroller includes a tubular member disposed between left and right wheel axles and extending along a rotating axis, a linking rod rotatably mounted in the tubular member and having two linking ends which extend outwardly of the tubular member to connect with two brake control seats, a brake pedal rotatably mounted on the tubular member and extending rearwardly to be connected to the linking rod by a coupling member such that treading of the pedal forces the coupling member to turn so as to synchronously rotate the brake control seats between non-actuating and actuating positions. Two braking mechanisms are mounted between the brake control seats and the wheel axles. Each braking mechanism has a braking member moved toward a wheel when the brake control seat is turned to the actuating position so as to restrain rotation of the wheel relative to the wheel axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Red Lan
  • Publication number: 20070045056
    Abstract: A disk braking device suppresses warp of friction members and deterioration in reaction at the time of braking, and provides friction members with a uniform service life, where pistons are increased in number to heighten a braking force. A piston mechanism comprises pistons arranged along an outer periphery of a disk plate. The pistons are allotted to a plurality of piston portions that have different cylinder areas s1 and (s2+s3). A pad unit is divided into a plurality of pad unit portions that have different total pressure contact areas p1 and (p2+p3) corresponding to the cylinder areas s1 and (s2+s3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideo KAWAI, Manabu Abe, Itsurou Migita, Kazuaki Ura, Masatoshi Kurita, Fujio Ikki
  • Publication number: 20070045057
    Abstract: A disk braking device for a motorcycle ensures radiation quality of a disk plate and reduces friction member abrasion of a friction member. A plurality of through-holes are formed in the disk plate and a plurality of notches are formed at peripheral edges of the disk plate. The through-holes are arranged so that one of the through-holes or less is disposed on a radial line extending from the center of the disk plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideo Kawai, Manabu Abe, Itsurou Migita, Kazuaki Ura, Masatoshi Kurita, Fujio Ikki
  • Publication number: 20070045058
    Abstract: A stay damper comprises a cylinder (1) in which a gas is charged, a piston rod (2) which projects under a pressure of the gas in the cylinder (1), and a stopper (10) which locks contraction of the piston rod (2) in an elongated position. The stopper (10) displaces between a lock position which locks contraction of the piston rod (2) and a release position which permits contraction of the piston rod (2) according to directional operation forces applied by an operator. The stopper (10) comprises a restricting member (12, 13) which holds the stopper (10) in the lock position when it is in the lock position and holds the stopper (10) in the release position when it is in the release position. Since the locking operation of the stopper (10) is performed manually, the releasing operation thereof is easily understood by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroshi Murota, Takashi Asa, Yasushi Saitou
  • Publication number: 20070045059
    Abstract: A brake (10) for the drive shaft of a vehicle or machine includes a housing (11) having an open end (12) which is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. A shaft is received in the housing (11) and is adapted to be attached to the vehicle drive shaft for rotation therewith. The shaft has a splined outer surface. A disc assembly (30) includes a plurality of rotatable discs (29) carried by the splined surface of the shaft, a plurality of stationary discs (32) which alternate with the rotatable discs (29) and a primary stationary disc (33) located at the end of the disc assembly (30), proximate to the open end (12) of housing (11). As mounted, a plurality of springs (42) cause the stationary discs (32) to engage the rotatable discs (29) to apply a braking torque to the shaft. A piston (21) is moveable to oppose the spring force and allow free rotation of the rotating discs (29). Prior to mounting, a plurality of shipping bolts (25) hold the disc assembly (30) together and axially aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Dennis, Kenneth Dodd
  • Publication number: 20070045060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heavy vehicle brake system and in particular, a brake system having a reduced length and an axially mounted actuator while delivering the same clamp force. A brake system for a vehicle including an actuator having a service chamber and a parking chamber and the actuator operates along an axis through the service chamber and the parking chamber. The actuator has an overall length of less than approximately 200 millimeters along the actuator axis. The brake system also includes an application unit actuated by the actuator. The application unit has a force multiplying device for generating a clamp force. The clamp force is exerted in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Matti Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20070045061
    Abstract: In a disc brake apparatus, by means of an actuator which operates in accordance with an operation force, a braking piston fitted into a cylinder portion of a caliper is axially driven so as to push a pad toward a disc rotor. A friction force in a circumferential direction of the disc rotor between the pad and the disc rotor is taken out as an anchor load, and is converted to a servo load by means of a servomechanism. The servo load is applied to the braking piston. The servomechanism is equipped with a hydraulic mechanism (a pressure-reducing control valve, a pressure-increasing control valve, and a reservoir tank) capable of increasing or decreasing the servo load. An electric controller controls the hydraulic mechanism in accordance with the operation force and the anchor load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Takashi Murayama
  • Publication number: 20070045062
    Abstract: Axial grooves 8e and circumferential groove 8f intersecting with he axial grooves are provided in a cylinder bore 8e. A fixed-side cam plate 12 has anti-rotation projections 12c, which are projected from the fixed-side cam plate 12 and inserted into the axial grooves 8e, and fastening grooves 12d, which are formed at circumferential areas of the bottom side of the fixed-side cam plate 12 at a circumferential side of each of anti-rotation projections 12c. The housing 16 has engagement ribs 16e which are projected from the housing 16 to be engaged with the axial grooves 8e, and fastening pieces 12f, which are formed at a circumferential side of each of the engagement ribs 16e, the fastening pieces 12f being fitted in the fastening grooves 12d.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: NISSIN KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akifumi WATADA
  • Publication number: 20070045063
    Abstract: At four corners of a pressure plate 7, weights 15 are adhered an adhesive agent for high temperature use. When a frictional vibration is generated by frictionally engaging with a rotor in operating a brake, a shim 12 is displaced relative to a pressure plate 7 by inertia of the weight 14. Grease 13 between the shim 12 and the pressure plate 7 flows so as to produce a viscous resistance to a vibration of the shim 12 relative to the pressure plate 7. By the viscous resistance, the vibration of the pressure plate 7 is attenuated, as a result, brake squeal can be restrained from being brought about.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Hisataka Naito, Yukikazu Koyanagi
  • Publication number: 20070045064
    Abstract: A disc brake includes a support bracket, slide pins coupled to the support bracket, inner and outer brake shoes and a caliper moveably supported by the slide pins. The caliper has first and second spaced apart piston cavities positioned along a longitudinally extending rail, a plurality of spaced apart fingers positioned opposite the rail and a laterally extending bridge interconnecting the rail and the fingers. The bridge includes spaced apart and substantially parallel bridge portions. The rail includes a recess extending from a side of the rail including openings to the piston cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Jedele
  • Publication number: 20070045065
    Abstract: A slack adjuster for a vehicle drum brake includes a pinion that rotates about a worm axis whenever the slack adjuster pivots. Excess clearance is taken up upon commencement of the apply stroke, at an accelerated rate. This enables a larger amount of initial clearance to be built into the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Plantan, Kevin Kreidler
  • Publication number: 20070045066
    Abstract: A wheel hub for a corner assembly on a vehicle wherein a wheel and a rotor for a brake system are attached to the wheel hub. The wheel hub has a cylindrical body with a peripheral surface thereon having a flange to which the rotor and the rim of a wheel are attached and a bearing surface that receives a bearing fixed to a stationary member to establish a perpendicular alignment between first and second engagement faces on the rotor and friction members carried by a caliper. A attachment clip attached to the flange resiliently urges the rotor toward the flange to sustain the perpendicular alignment even though the rotor may axially translate during a brake application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Sadanowicz, Larry Brackmann, Eric Barber
  • Publication number: 20070045067
    Abstract: A suspension system, connected between two members of a vehicle, includes a cylinder having first and second chambers separated by a moveable piston. The piston has a larger surface area in the first chamber than in the second chamber. A first proportional valve connects the first chamber selectively to a source of pressurized fluid or a tank, and a second proportional valve connects the second chamber selectively to the source or the tank. A controller electrically operates the first and second proportional valves. A pilot-operated valve opens when pressure in the second chamber exceeds a predefined level, thereby providing a path through which fluid flows from the first chamber to the tank. Thus when fluid from the source is applied to the second chamber, both the second proportional valve and the pilot-operated valve open to convey a greater amount of fluid from the first chamber to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: David Schedgick, Michael Karolek, Eric Griesbach
  • Publication number: 20070045068
    Abstract: A damper assembly is provided including a linear to rotary motion conversion mechanism having an outer tube member. An inner tube member is reciprocally movable and at least partially disposed within the outer tube member. The inner tube member is adapted for linear translation in a first and a second direction. A rotatable shaft is disposed within the inner tube member. The translation of the inner tube member produces a rotation of the shaft. Also included within the damper assembly is a damping mechanism having a rotor fixed to the shaft. A coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in response to an applied current. A magneto-rheological fluid is in contact with the rotor, and has a variable viscosity in the presence of the electromagnetic field that, in turn, provides variable resistance to rotation of the rotor and translation of the inner tube member within the outer tube member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Chandra Namuduri, David Rule, Kenneth Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20070045069
    Abstract: An active suspension system isolates a first member from vibration in a second member. A hydraulic actuator is connected between the first and second members and includes a cylinder having a second chamber and a first chamber defined on opposite sides of a piston in the cylinder. A rod is attached to the piston with a first end extending out of the cylinder and a second end within the third chamber. A valve arrangement controlling flow of fluid between the first and second chambers and a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a tank which control applies force to the piston that counteracts the transmission of vibration between the first and second members. A load leveling valve assembly connects the third cylinder chamber selectively to the source or the tank to maintain the piston centered in the cylinder under static load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: David Schedgick, Dennis Barber, Eric Griesbach
  • Publication number: 20070045070
    Abstract: Systems and methods for disturbance isolation of small sensors is provided. A disturbance isolation bracket comprises a structural band having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one isolating element coupled to the outer surface of the structural band, and at least one device mount coupled to the structural band and adapted to secure a sensor device to the structural band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Nicolas Damien
  • Publication number: 20070045071
    Abstract: An expandable baggage item without rigid support elements that is accessible for actuation from inside the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Aaron Gorga
  • Publication number: 20070045072
    Abstract: A hard suitcase includes a base portion and a lid portion each formed of a plastics material of such characteristic that the base and lid portions retain their intended shape. The hard suitcase also includes a zip fastener arrangement that is stitched to the base and lid portions. The zip fastener arrangement has an expandability feature to permit volume expansion of the hard suitcase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Sedat Selvi
  • Publication number: 20070045073
    Abstract: A reel apparatus for a moveable system comprises a base disposed on the moveable system; a rotatable drum rotatably supported on the base onto which a cable can be spooled; a speed reducer for rotating the drum; a motor drive the speed reducer; a first transmission device coupled between the motor and the speed reducer; a coupling coupled between the speed reducer and the motor, when a load of the drum exceeds a predetermined torque, the coupling slips so as to limit a drive torque transmitted from the motor to the speed reducer to stop the drum; and an electrical connector connected at one end to a power cord of the moveable system and slidably contacted with the other end thereof with one end of the cable. With the present invention, a commercial power supply can be connected to the moveable system directly, thus reducing components of the conventional power supplying apparatus. At the same time, the cable sheath is prevented from being damaging and potential safety hazards are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Chengxin Cao, Nan Jiang, Weifeng Yu
  • Publication number: 20070045074
    Abstract: The present invention is one or more torque converter clutch friction pad attached to a friction plate configured to more easily remove heat generated by the friction of a clutch engaging the friction plate. The invention resides in one or more circular grooves set into the friction surface of the friction pad and connected to a plurality of radial grooves. One or more boats or protrusions functionally attached to the clutch pressure plate and/or the torque converter housing fits into the circular groove. When the clutch is engaged, the boats rotate through the circumferential groove pulling oil from the rear radial groove into the circumferential groove and pushing oil into the forward radial groove. The heat generated in the friction plate is transferred to the oil in the circumferential groove and removed from the friction pad when the rotating boat pushes it into the forward radial groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Aliihsan Karamavruc
  • Publication number: 20070045075
    Abstract: A driving force transmitting apparatus includes: a first torque-transmitting member having a cylindrical portion and provided with a spline tooth; a second torque-transmitting member positioned inside the cylindrical portion and arranged coaxially rotatably relative to the first torque-transmitting member; a main clutch with a spline tooth; an actuator unit for actuating the main clutch to be engaged; and a controlling device for controlling the actuator unit so as to pressurize the main clutch plate in such a manner that torque is not substantially transmitted between the first torque-transmitting member and the second torque-transmitting member when the engagement of the main clutch is judged to be unnecessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kani, Akio Matsumoto, Toshimi Hara, Kunihiko Suzuki, Tsuyoshi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20070045076
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator for a torque converter with first and second plates. The first plate is connected to a rim for the stator and includes at least one first opening. The second plate is connected to the a hub for the stator and includes at least one first protrusion lockingly engageable with the at least one first opening. The first plate is rotatable about an axis for the hub and the at least one first protrusion and the at least one first opening are lockingly engageable when the first plate is rotated in a first direction with respect to the axis. The at least one first protrusion and the at least one first opening are slidingly engageable when the first plate is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Jeffrey Hemphill, Joachim Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20070045077
    Abstract: A first friction member supporting member is provided on an inner circumference of a clutch retainer and a second friction member supporting member is provided on an outer circumference of a hub. A piston is disposed within the clutch retainer and is moved by hydraulic pressure to thereby generate friction. A plurality of circumference protrusions having different inner diameters in a radial direction are formed respectively on the first and second friction member supporting members. The circumference protrusion of the second friction member supporting member is disposed to overlap with an inner circumference portion of the circumference protrusion of the first friction member supporting member. Surfaces of the circumference protrusions of the first and second friction member supporting members facing with each other are formed as corresponding slanted surfaces and friction members are disposed on the slanted surfaces of the circumference protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Young Choi
  • Publication number: 20070045078
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid plenum plate assembly in a torque-coupling assembly, non-rotatably mounted to a rotatable coupling case thereof so as to form a plenum chamber between the plenum plate assembly and the coupling case. The coupling case has an inlet port fluidly connecting the plenum chamber with a hydraulic pump disposed within the coupling case. The plenum plate assembly comprises a pickup tube for supplying a hydraulic fluid from a fluid reservoir to the plenum chamber. The pickup tube has inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end has an inlet opening submerged in the hydraulic fluid in the fluid reservoir. The outlet end has an outlet opening fluidly connecting the pickup tube with the plenum chamber. The outlet opening is disposed above the inlet port in the coupling case at any angular position of the coupling case relative to the plenum plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Jungho Park
  • Publication number: 20070045079
    Abstract: A cap member of an internally geared hub includes a cap body and a first seal member. The cap body has a side wall part and an outer cylindrical part provided with an internally threaded section that meshes with external threads of a cylindrical member of a hub shell. The side wall part has an opening in the center thereof configured such that a driver inside the hub shell extends there-through. The side wall part is configured to extend radially inward from a first axial end section of the outer cylindrical part. A first seal member is arranged on the side wall part of the cap body and configured to contact the driver thereby creating a seal around the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Urabe
  • Publication number: 20070045080
    Abstract: An internally geared hub ball pushing unit is configured to be mounted on a hub axle such that is less likely to experience a decrease in bearing durability resulting from deformation of the ball pushing surface. The ball pushing unit is provided with an inside member and an outside member. The inside member has a fitting part configured to be fitted onto the hub axle with a sleeve insertion recess disposed on its internal circumferential portion and an externally threaded or splined section disposed on its external circumferential portion. The outside member has a ball pushing surface on its external circumferential portion and an internally threaded or splined section configured to non-rotatably connect to the externally threaded section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Urabe
  • Publication number: 20070045081
    Abstract: It is aimed at providing: a currency sorting/cleaning case configured to simultaneously attain cleaning and sorting/receiving of currencies, and configured to facilitate count and extraction of cleaned currencies; and a currency sorting case configured to provide only a sorting/receiving/counting/extracting function of currencies in a rapid and easy manner. The currency sorting/cleaning case of the present invention receives therein: a coin receipt casing 6 for receiving coins therein; a paper money receipt casing 11 for receiving paper moneys therein; a coin-oriented detergent reservoir 7; and a paper money-oriented detergent reservoir 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Toshiaki Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20070045082
    Abstract: Handrail drive belts (20A, 20B, 20C, 120A, 120B) are respectively driven in circulatory fashion within a railing (5) by drive force respectively extracted from step sprocket gears (2a, 2b) and a step chain. The handrail drive belts (20A, 20B, 20C, 120A, 120B) transmit drive force to a handrail belt (10, 110) by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the handrail belt (10, 110) at respectively different locations. In this way, the load on the handrail belt in a passenger conveyor of long travel is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Toshiba Elevator Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Ishikawa, Yoshio Ogimura, Shin Muakami, Kazuhisa Hara, Takashi Niino, Tsutomu Ootsuki, Takayuki Kikuchi, Yasuhiro Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20070045083
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOWNSEND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Colin HART, Paul JOYNT, David BRANER, Joshua HIGGINS, David ALEXANDER
  • Publication number: 20070045084
    Abstract: A device for handling packets of cigarettes has two drying beams, each for feeding a line of packets to an intermediate station; and two transfer units, each for transferring the incoming packets from a respective drying beam from the intermediate station to a single output conveyor; the transfer units and the output conveyor are powered by the same motor, and the speed of the drying beams is so regulated that the packets are fed to the intermediate station in phase with the movement of the transfer units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Stefano Bovina, Luca Cavazza, Alessandro Minarelli
  • Publication number: 20070045085
    Abstract: Separate manifold blocks are connected to the ends of tubular piston rod end portions of linear hydraulic motors that are parts of a drive assembly for a reciprocating slat conveyor. The manifold blocks are removably connected together by bolts and when connected complete passageways in the manifold block assembly that connect the linear hydraulic motors with each other and with pressure and return conduits. The end portions of the linear hydraulic motors are connected to transverse mounting frame members by spaced apart clamp assemblies. The clamp connections stiffen the end portions of the linear hydraulic motors and minimize deflection at the centers of the linear hydraulic motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond Foster
  • Publication number: 20070045086
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus includes a conveyor roller, an angular velocity detection device, and a rotation angle calculation device. The conveyor roller conveys a conveyance object by a rotation thereof. The angular velocity detection device is provided to one of the conveyor roller and a rotating portion rotating with the conveyor roller such that an angular velocity detection axis is parallel with a rotation shaft of the conveyor roller. The rotation angle calculation device calculates a rotation angle of the conveyor roller based on an angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Kan Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20070045087
    Abstract: A locking assembly for use with drive sprockets positioned to drive a conveyor belt supported by a conveyor frame assembly. The locking device includes a main body that extends through each of the drive sprockets positioned along a drive shaft of the conveyor assembly. The locking device includes spaced receiving notches that each receive one of the drive sprockets to maintain a desired spacing between the drive sprockets when the locking device is in its locking position. The locking device is movable to a release position to independently release each of the drive sprockets from the locking device. Once released, each of the drive sprockets are movable along the length of the drive shaft to facilitate cleaning of the conveyor assembly. When the locking device is in its locking position, the combination of the locking device and drive sprockets is movable along the longitudinal length of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Craig Bude, Michael Hosch, Scott Hall, Daniel Ertel
  • Publication number: 20070045088
    Abstract: A multifunction key assembly for inputting data to an electronic device. The multifunction key assembly has two major switches operated by a single key cap and at least four minor switches. The key cap can be displaced vertically into three major active positions and horizontally into four minor active positions, giving rise to twelve distinct output data signals for inputting to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicants: Iscar Ltd., Gil Hecht
    Inventor: Gil Hecht
  • Publication number: 20070045089
    Abstract: An improved startup device for controlling energization of a lamp has a base, stand coupled with the base and an illuminator connected to an electric power source. The base has a sound-collecting element mated with a housing unit so that the sound-collecting element has direct contact with the surface it is placed on. A control unit is situated within the housing unit and includes a connected startup circuit built on a circuit board, a reception element and a power-supply component. Thus, the reception element cooperates with said sound-collecting element to switch the power-supply component allowing the illuminator to make or break connection with the power source upon receiving tapping sound at the stand or through the surface. In practice, the startup device of the present invention employed in lamps effects to extend the conventional switch size to the entire floor or table area, which advantageously acts as a medium of transmitting tapping sounds to ease the task of lighting up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Peng Chung, Chen Chun
  • Publication number: 20070045090
    Abstract: A switch for vehicles, which temporarily holds the screw maintaining reliability, can be easily assembled, and is particularly suited for detecting the opening and closure of doors. An insertion hole is formed in a cylindrical portion of a cover covering the upper surface of a mounting plate and an operation body, the insertion hole extending into a through hole of the mounting plate. A screw is forcibly held in the insertion hole. This prevents an inconvenience of the screw escaping when a shock is given or a force is exerted from the lower side during the transit or while being attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Manabu Shiroshita
  • Publication number: 20070045091
    Abstract: A water pressure switch employs two pivotable plates and springs to control the activation of the pump. The arrangement of the two pivotably plates, the springs and the activation device reduces the space required so that a small box can accommodate all the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Lee
  • Publication number: 20070045092
    Abstract: A device for selectively relieving pressure exerted upon a member is disclosed. The device includes at least one housing and an electroactive polymeric material disposed within the at least one housing. The electroactive polymeric material is configured to expand when exposed to an electric field such that at least some of the pressure exerted upon the member is relieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Voto, Ronald Selby, Kenneth Perry, David Ross, Alfred Dumsa, Raymond Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20070045093
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a push button switch in which is achieved a light blocking structure that is efficient and permits the button to be pushed in, disposed adjacent to other push button switches on the same substrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the button is pushed in, so that the light from light sources assigned different functions will not interfere one with the other. The push button switch of the present invention comprises LEDs disposed adjacent to each other on the same substrate, two light barriers erected apart from each other and in between the LEDs, and one light barrier provided on the back side of a control knob, wherein the distal end of the one light barrier is in a positional relationship of fitting into the gap between the two light barriers, and the two light barriers are tall enough to permit the displacement of the one light barrier when the control knob is pushed in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOYO DENSO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Katsumoto, Tsunetaka Shibata