Patents Issued in May 3, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070095610
    Abstract: A lift ladder has a support frame with two support bars each having a U-shaped portion and a vertical support portion. A transverse bar is disposed between the two supporting bars at the vertical support portion. The transverse bar has a catch member. A guide member is provided at an end of the vertical support portion of each of the support bars. The guide member is formed with a cutout. A ladder body to be supported by the support frame includes two vertical support members each to be slidably guided by a respective guide member. Rungs operatively engage with the catch member to fix the ladder in a position. A locking member is formed on each of the two vertical support members. The locking member is shaped to fit into the cutout of the guide member for minimizing movement of the ladder body with respect to the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Derek Grundler
  • Publication number: 20070095611
    Abstract: A portable, elevating stand is constructed of a platform movably connected to a generally columnar upright support having a height along which movement of the platform is constrained. Connection between the platform and upright support may be through a linkage assembly comprising channels in which are positioned flange portions of the upright support, such flange portions being located along a majority of the height of the upright support. The platform assembly may be driven by a portable electric motor, including the use therefor of an hand-held electric drill, which is carried onto the platform assembly prior to use of the elevating stand. A method of raising and lowering a portable, elevating stand includes carrying onto the platform assembly a portable motor, engaging the motor with a means for raising or lowering the platform assembly, and operating the motor to effect raising or lowering of the platform assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Terrance Oertwig
  • Publication number: 20070095612
    Abstract: A child safety stool that includes movable engaging elements for selectively engaging the stool with the raised base portion of a cabinet so as to prevent tipping. The stool includes a main body, one or more engaging elements, and a locking mechanism. The main body has a top surface and a front surface, the top surface being a step surface. The one or more engaging elements extend rearwardly from the main body. The locking mechanism is in mechanical connection with the one or more engaging elements and is for selectively locking the one or more engaging elements in an engagement position with the raised base portion of the structure, whereby the stool is prevented from tipping when the one or more engaging elements are in the engagement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Alan Greer
  • Publication number: 20070095613
    Abstract: The tree stand safety cover is a hunters' safety device adapted to cover equipment carried on a hunter's back with a highly visible material so that the hunter is recognizable to other hunters in a hunting environment. The safety cover includes a covering body of a foldable material. A securing system, such as ties or straps, is attached to the covering body for securing the covering body over gear carried on the hunters back. The safety cover further includes a pouch into which the safety cover can be folded and stored when not in use. The safety includes an interior pocket. The safety cover is attached to an interior surface of the safety pouch pocket. The interior attachment point allows the safety cover to be stored completely within the pocket of the safety pouch without detaching the pouch from the safety cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Russell Cummings
  • Publication number: 20070095614
    Abstract: An adjustable tree seat for hunters includes a base member adapted to be secured to a tree or the like by a pair of elongated flexible straps having separable fastener means on their opposed ends. An open and tubular support member is retained on the base and a seat post projects out of the top of the support member and telescopes within the support member. Holes at spaced intervals on the seat post may be aligned with a hole in the base and a pin passed through the aligned holes to secure the seat post at a controlled elevation relative to the base. A bicycle-type seat is supported on the free end of the seat post and a foot platform is pivotably attached to the bottom end of the base by flexible straps which allow the platform to extend normally to the tubular member or to be aligned parallel to the tubular member for transportation and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Mannor
  • Publication number: 20070095615
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retailing articles of clothing are disclosed. An article of clothing is provided with an electronic memory device. The electronic memory device can be an optical disk or a jump drive or the like. The device can also be an RFID tag. It contains information about how to accessorize or match the article of clothing with other articles of clothing. The information includes both general information and specific recommendations as to which additional articles of clothing to buy. Also, a kiosk-type structure can be provided in a retail outlet. The structure includes an input device, a display and memory. An information tag, such as a bar code, is provided on each article of clothing. When the identifier tag is input to the input device, the information concerning the information about how to accessorize the article of clothing with other articles of clothing is displayed on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Publication number: 20070095616
    Abstract: A forklift for mounting on a carrier vehicle which has a two-part upright mast and a telescopic boom substantially orthogonal to the mast slidable up and down the mast to move a fork carrier on the boom in both a horizontal and a vertical direction. Retractable wheels may be provided to support forks on a loading bay floor or truck chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Moffett Research and Development, Limited
    Inventor: Peter Drake
  • Publication number: 20070095617
    Abstract: A positioning system for a moveable platform comprising at least one active array comprised of at least one light emitting element for transmitting a binary encoded identification, where the encoding may be spatial or temporal, positioned at a known location, at least one camera for acquiring an image of the at least one active array, component for receiving the binary encoded identification from the image, component for processing the image to determine the position of the active array with respect to the moveable platform, and component for combining the received binary encoded identification and the determined position to calculate a position of the moveable platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Alan Finn
  • Publication number: 20070095618
    Abstract: An improved structure to operate and to dismantle/assemble dual-use sickbed and wheel chair, which is comprised by bed & chair, hemicycle disc gear, block structure, check structure and linkage structure, wherein shaft of block structure is fixed at lever or at bottom of lever basing on right cable housing of right brake crank, and another end protrudes into position hole of disc gear; L-pull rod of gear shift is pushed against ratchet of disc gear or fixed at L-pull rod by left cable housing of left brake crank, hold left brake crank to prevent L-pull rod from dropping off disc gear, so that disc gear can only rotate in single direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Lung Lai
  • Publication number: 20070095619
    Abstract: An industrial brake is provided through which tension and emergency braking are initiated at opposite axial ends of the brake in order to improve packaging and maintenance of the brake and to enable the addition of an emergency brake function to existing tension brakes without substantial modifications to the brake. The brake includes a housing disposed about a driven shaft and friction plates coupled to the housing and the shaft respectively. One friction plate comprises a liquid cooled fluid jacket. One end cap assembly is disposed at one axial end of the housing and provides a tension brake function. Another end cap assembly is disposed at the opposite axial end of the housing and provides an emergency brake function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Mayberry, Ian Hakon, Brenton Bluhm, Richard McConkie
  • Publication number: 20070095620
    Abstract: Conveyer belt braking apparatus comprises an idler roller (10) rotatable about an axle, and a brake member (40) mounted adjacent the idler roller and movable relative to the roller between a first, inoperative position adjacent a belt supported by the roller and a second, braking position against the belt. An operating mechanism (26, 28) is arranged to sense the direction of rotation of the roller and to move the brake member from the first, inoperative position to the second, braking position when the direction of rotation of the roller reverses in use. Preferably the mechanism includes a clutch bearing (26) that engages to move the brake member from the first inoperative position to the second, braking position thereof when the roller reverses direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Hubert Barnard
  • Publication number: 20070095621
    Abstract: An adjustable fluid cooled brake is provided that integrates the driven shaft and bearings with braking components to form a packaged assembly. The brake includes a driven shaft and two bearings disposed about the driven shaft. The brake further includes a housing disposed about the shaft and friction plates coupled to the housing and driven shaft. One end cap assembly of the brake is coupled to the housing and supports one of the bearings. The end cap assembly includes a pressure plate configured to compress the friction plates. Another end cap assembly is coupled to the housing and supports the other bearing. One of end cap assemblies is spaced from the housing by a spacer that may be adjusted to enable axial movement of the end cap assembly relative to the housing and the corresponding bearing thereby permitting adjustment of the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Richard McConkie, Brenton Bluhm, Fergus Hopwood, Stephen Barr
  • Publication number: 20070095622
    Abstract: A fluid jacket for a disc brake is provided that promotes a balanced flow of cooling fluid throughout the fluid jacket to most effectively remove heat from the disc brake. The fluid jacket includes an annular body configured for engagement with a friction surface. The annular body defines a plurality of concentric flow passages. The annular body further defines first and second axial flow passages in fluid communication with first and second flow passages, respectively of the plurality of concentric flow passages, with the first and second flow passage separated by a third concentric flow passage. The annular body further defines a radial flow passage extending between the first and second axial flow passages, and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the radial flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Richard Mayberry, Ian Hakon
  • Publication number: 20070095623
    Abstract: To effectively absorb a side impact in a motor vehicle, a transverse modular unit is provided in the vehicle. This unit includes a beam element and profile parts arranged on ends of the beam element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Brunner, Stephan Brausse, Franc Praznik, Roberto Oggianu
  • Publication number: 20070095624
    Abstract: A steering damper with improved layout relative to nearby components includes a piston cylinder extending axially in a straight line, a piston slidably disposed in the piston cylinder, a first piston rod extending in a straight line from one end face of the piston, and a second piston rod extending in a straight line from the other end face of the piston. The leading ends of the first and second piston rods are mounted to first and second brackets of an under bracket. The piston cylinder and a damper mounting frame are joined together with a link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicants: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Norimasa ITO
  • Publication number: 20070095625
    Abstract: An electromagnetic brake for an input shaft of a vehicle transmission is disclosed. The brake includes an armature separated from an electromagnetic coil pole face by a controlled air gap. A spring release feature ensures precise armature disengagement when the brake is deactivated. A wear compensation feature maintains uniformity of the air gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Schenkel, Michael Hornbrook, Mark Beakas
  • Publication number: 20070095626
    Abstract: A wear indicating friction disc assembly includes at least two friction discs and may include a plurality of clamping assemblies positioned around a circumference of the friction discs to clamp at least two of the friction discs together. At least one of the clamping assemblies may include a wear indicating washer with a wear indicating portion extending into a portion of one at least one of the friction discs. A height of the wear indicating portion is set to engage the opposing friction member at a predetermined wear level of the friction disc assembly and to emit a detectable signal upon sliding engagement with the opposing friction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Phillip Burkholder, Andrew Copeland
  • Publication number: 20070095627
    Abstract: An externally-controlled fluid coupling includes a driving disk fixed to a driving rotational shaft, a case member and a cover member rotatably supported by the rotational shaft, a separating plate for forming an operation chamber and a storage chamber between the case member and the cover member, a supply passage for supplying the fluid to the operation chamber, a return passage for returning the fluid to the storage chamber, a supply/return valve for opening or closing the supply/return passage and an electromagnetic actuating apparatus including an electromagnet for actuating the supply/return valves. The electromagnet generates a first power of magnetism for actuating the supply valve and a second power of magnetism for actuating the return valve. The values of the first and second powers of magnetism are different from each other so that the supply valve and the return valve open/close nonsynchronously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Hagiwara, Hironori Yoshida, Hideyuki Suzuki, Ryosuke Mori
  • Publication number: 20070095628
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter Niederbacher
  • Publication number: 20070095629
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch includes a clutch weight in a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis of an input member for enabling friction fitting to an inside of a clutch housing. The clutch weight is turnably supported by a drive plate. A grooved portion is provided on a clutch weight in a position that is opposite to a drive plate. At least one end of grooved portion is closed and is formed in a turning direction of the clutch. A damping rubber supported by the drive plate abuts against an inside face of the grooved portion. The damping rubber is held in the grooved portion in a compressed state by being compressed between the drive plate and the clutch weight. The centrifugal clutch so configured effectively inhibits vibration of a clutch weight when the clutch is let in, and minimizes both the parts required and man-hours for assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Hideo Ishikawa, Michio Asumi, Hirokazu Komuro, Go Morita
  • Publication number: 20070095630
    Abstract: A currency evaluation device for receiving a currency bill having a magnetic attribute and evaluating the currency bill comprises a magnetic scanhead disposed adjacent to a bill evaluation region, a memory adapted to store master magnetic characteristic information corresponding to a plurality of types of currency bills, and an evaluating unit. The scanhead includes a plurality of closely spaced magnetic sensors each adapted to detect the presence of a magnetic attribute of the bill. The plurality of magnetic sensors cover a substantial portion of a dimension of a bill. The scanhead is adapted to retrieve magnetic characteristic information from the currency bill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: CUMMINS-ALLISON CORP.
    Inventors: Douglas Mennie, Richard Mazur, John Radomski, Frederick Chamberlain, Jay Freeman, Kent Gandola
  • Publication number: 20070095631
    Abstract: A block sorting system includes a block transferring apparatus that has a plurality of independently movable opposing pairs of gripping members. The gripping members pick up the row of blocks on a staging conveyor and move the row of blocks laterally to a set of adjacent sorting conveyors. A sensor apparatus measures the length and width of each block in the row of blocks while the row of blocks is laterally translated to the sorting conveyors. The independently controlled gripping members release a first set of blocks having a first length and width onto a first sorting conveyor. The remaining blocks are translated over a second sorting conveyor and a second set of blocks having a second length and width are released onto the second sorting conveyor. Rejected blocks may be translated laterally to a container and released into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Selvino Simoni
  • Publication number: 20070095632
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and a device for discharging poorly pourable bulk materials such as, in particular, sawdust, splinters and wood chips from a receptacle. According to the invention, the poorly pourable bulk material in the receptacle is rendered free-flowing by means of a first helical agitating element and discharged from the receptacle by means of a second helical agitating element. In this case, it is particularly advantageous that the first helical agitating element and the second helical agitating element are mechanically coupled to one another such that only one drive is required for both agitating elements. The first agitating element consists of a shaft and a worm conveyor, and the second agitating element consists of a shaft and a spiral conveyor. The rotation of the worm conveyor causes the material situated in the outer region of the receptacle to be transported upward to the bulk material surface. This breaks up the bulk material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Manfred Ottow, Robin Ottow
  • Publication number: 20070095633
    Abstract: A switch control device for control of drives of power windows and power side mirrors of a vehicle, which has a simple and easy-to-operate switch panel provided with a multifunction switch having a square operating surface to be pushed down as a whole and tilted in any of multiple directions and having four switch contacts disposed one at each of four corners of the operating surface, a window opening/closing switch and a left/right side mirror selecting switch, wherein a control mode of the device is automatically changed to a power window control mode when the multifunction switch is not operated for more than a specified period of time, and it is changed from the power window control mode to a power side-mirror control mode when operating the power side mirror selecting switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: TOYO DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naohiro Sakai
  • Publication number: 20070095634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary switch mechanism comprising a dial unit and a position sensor that rotates as the dial unit rotates, with the rotational position of the dial unit determined based upon an output signal provided by the position sensor. The present invention allows the dial unit to assume a greater rotational angle range and also allows the number of dial steps to be increased by assuring the desired level of reading resolution for the sensor. The present invention includes a plurality of position sensors 13c-1, 13c-2 and 13c-3 and detection switches 16 and 17 the output signals of which are switched in correspondence to the rotational position assumed by the dial unit. The entire angle range over which the dial unit is allowed to rotate is divided into a plurality of range blocks, a specific position sensor is designated to one of these blocks and the position sensor engaged in operation is switched based upon the output signal provided by the detection switches 16 and 17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: VALEO THERMAL SYSTEMS JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Misuda
  • Publication number: 20070095635
    Abstract: A slide switch includes an operational member slidable in a direction along a virtual plane, a plurality of movable contacts arranged surrounding the operational member, a plurality of fixed contacts provided in correspondence with the movable contacts to render at least one of the movable contacts into a conductive state when the operational member is operated, a support member for slidably supporting the operational member via a sliding face provided on the back face of the operational member, a guide mechanism which allows integral displacement of the operational member and the support member in response to a depressing operation of the operational member in a normal direction and an urging mechanism operable to return the support member in the absence of the depressing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hayato Kondo, Takayuki Nagata, Akihito Shichida, Akira Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20070095636
    Abstract: Signals in a proper cadence are recognized as meeting criteria. Such signals are received from a touch plate coupled to a touch circuit. A controller discriminates against spurious signals if such signals are outside an initial tolerance, that is, are faster or slower than a device operator would enter such signals. Providing the criteria for an initial tolerance and a match tolerance are met, the controller actuates a device, such as a light emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Viktors Berstis
  • Publication number: 20070095637
    Abstract: A control board assembly for controlling a home appliance includes a control board having at least one functional component, a control panel engaged with the control board, and a knob comprising a front side, a rear side, a first cylindrical portion extending from the rear side thereof which is coupled to said control panel, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the rear side thereof. The knob is configured to shield the control board from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Hettinger, Mark Zaccone
  • Publication number: 20070095638
    Abstract: A control panel assembly for controlling a home appliance is provided. The control panel assembly includes a control board including at least one functional component. A control panel is coupled to the control board. The control panel forms a central cylinder defining an opening. A knob is positioned within the opening. The knob includes a front side, a rear side, a first cylindrical portion extending from the rear side and coupled to the control panel, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the rear side. The knob is configured to shield the control board from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Hettinger, Mark Zaccone
  • Publication number: 20070095639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting device where currents passing through scan lines have the same values. The light emitting device includes data lines, scan lines, pixels, one or more dummy data line and a cross-talk preventing circuit. The data lines are disposed in a first direction, and the scan lines are disposed in a second direction. The pixels are formed in cross areas of the data lines and the scan lines. The dummy data line is disposed in the first direction. The cross-talk preventing circuit provides a compensating current to scan line related to luminescence of the scan lines through the dummy data line so that total sum of current passing through the scan line has a desired value. In the light emitting device, currents passing through scan lines have the same values, and so a cross-talk phenomenon is not occurred to a panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Ji Kim, Sang Kim
  • Publication number: 20070095640
    Abstract: An operating mechanism is for a circuit breaker housed by an enclosure assembly including a panel movable between a closed position and an open position. The operating mechanism includes a linkage and an operating member. The operating mechanism is coupled to the handle of the circuit breaker to provide operation of the handle from the exterior of the enclosure when the panel is closed. The operating member includes a first end having an engaging portion coupled to the linkage of the operating mechanism, and a second end structured for gripping by a user. The operating member enables the handle of the circuit breaker to be operated, without requiring the use of separate hand tools, when the panel of the enclosure is open and the handle portion of the operating member is actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Fischer
  • Publication number: 20070095641
    Abstract: A indexing wheel mounted in the head assembly of a safety switch has an axis of rotation extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plunger, and against whose lateral surface the plunger bears. A key channel in the head assembly is adapted for receiving a key and into which the indexing wheel projects. A key, upon being inserted into and upon being withdrawn from the key channel positively rotates a cam plate about its axis of rotation and switches over the switch. The switch and key is maintained in locked status by action of the locking hole on the cam pin and by action of the plunger when a key is inserted into the head assembly where the plunger becomes inserted in the locking hole of the indexing wheel and/or the flank on the cam pin after rotation by the key causing the key and switch to become locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Hyoungkeun Yu
  • Publication number: 20070095642
    Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “ion” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes semi-rigid spiral wound driver means having a conical end coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, the paddle urges the semi-rigid driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Endres, Stephen Kurek, Anthony Tufano, Dennis Oddsen
  • Publication number: 20070095643
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive switch is disclosed whose electrical circuit is provided on a printed board (28). The touch-sensitive switch is coupled to a touch-sensitive switching area (12) on a panel or cover (11) of an electrical appliance via a sensor element (44). The sensor element (44) consists of a flexible, electrically conducting plastic or foam material. Two parts (24, 25) of the sensor element (44) are received in a receiving element or receiving cage (18) which is produced from an electrically insulating, transparent plastic. Said receiving element or cage electrically insulates the two sensor element parts (24, 25) from each other by means of a dividing wall (21) and encases them from the exterior, thereby providing a sufficiently long air and leakage path between current-carrying elements and an opening (16) in the panel. A lighting element projects through said path and guides the light emitted by an LED (29) to a light outlet in the switching area (12) in the manner of a light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERAETEBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Josef Weiss, Ewald Bayer
  • Publication number: 20070095644
    Abstract: An input device includes an operation portion, a holding portion, a detection portion and at least a switch. The holding portion holds the operation portion so that the operation portion is rotatable around a given axis. The detection portion detects a rotational position of the operation portion with respect to the holding portion. A condition of the switch changes according to an external force exerted to the operation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Shinichiro Akieda, Satoshi Sakurai, Nobuo Yatsu, Takuya Uchiyama, Junichi Akama, Keita Harada
  • Publication number: 20070095645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the distillation of ionic liquids, in which a pressure not higher than ambient pressure is set in a first step and the ionic liquid is heated to a temperature in the range from 60° C. to 350° C. in a second step. The process is employed, in particular, for the purification of ionic liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Basf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Matthias Maase
  • Publication number: 20070095646
    Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to catalytic distillation column internals providing improved liquid and catalyst contacting for simultaneous catalytic reaction and separation of the reaction mixture. The invention provides an improved catalytic distillation system providing optimum balance of catalytic reaction and mass transfer steps, wherein distribution, mixing and application of liquid to the reaction zone and separation zones is better controlled and more uniformly applied. At least one catalyst bed is situated in at least one receiving pan of a distillation tray so that said tray performs the functions of both of the reaction section and the separation section of the catalytic distillation column simultaneously within a stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Pai-Yu Chiang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl Chuang
  • Publication number: 20070095647
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing Reactive Oxidizing Species (ROS) used to purify air, soil, and water is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: Dwayne Dundore
  • Publication number: 20070095648
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating time variant and invariant electric fields (E-fields) for various applications. Generating the E-field utilizes high impedance dielectric materials having a collection of three imperative material properties: high permittivity (?), high volume resistivity (?) and high maximum allowable E-field stress (?) and physical geometries that take advantage of the manner in which E-fields are divided or distributed in series capacitance networks. The generated E-field can act upon a subject material, including a gas, liquid or solid, wherein the material is stationary or in motion. The method allows an E-field of given intensity to be set up in the subject material with a significantly lower applied voltage (?a, or conversely, a significantly higher E-field intensity with a given applied voltage (?a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Wayne May, Peter Ruben
  • Publication number: 20070095649
    Abstract: An ambient ozone control system for generating a desired ozone concentration within a substantially enclosed single-room structure. The system is provided for estimating the volume of the structure in which it is being utilized, and for generating a desired output level of ozone based upon the calculated structure volume. The system includes a user interface, which includes an ozone concentration control for adjusting the desired ozone concentration, a fan control for adjusting the intensity of a fan, and a display. A structure measuring device acquires at least one interior dimension of the structure by measuring the distance from the structure measuring device to at least one of the boundaries of the structure. The processing device calculates the amount of ozone required to achieve the desired ozone concentration within the structure and causes the ozone generating device to generate that amount of ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Alpine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Barlow
  • Publication number: 20070095650
    Abstract: Sputtering in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber may, in one embodiment, utilize a target laterally offset from and tilted with respect to the substrate. In another aspect, target power may be reduced to enhance film protection. In yet another aspect, magnetron magnets may be relatively strong and well balanced to enhance film protection. In another aspect, a shutter may be provided to protect the substrate in start up conditions. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Mengqi Ye, Zhendong Liu, Peijun Ding
  • Publication number: 20070095651
    Abstract: Sputtering in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber may, in one embodiment, utilize a target laterally offset from and tilted with respect to the substrate. In another aspect, target power may be reduced to enhance film protection. In yet another aspect, magnetron magnets may be relatively strong and well balanced to enhance film protection. In another aspect, a shutter may be provided to protect the substrate in start up conditions. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Mengqi Ye, Zhendong Liu, Peijun Ding
  • Publication number: 20070095652
    Abstract: A thermal interface includes nanofibrils. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of larger diameter fibers. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Knowles, Christopher Seaman
  • Publication number: 20070095653
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a conductive complex oxide layer includes the steps of: forming, above a base substrate, a first layer of conductive complex oxide expressed by a general formula of ABO3 by first sputtering with first oxygen concentration; and forming, above the first layer of conductive complex oxide, a second layer of conductive complex oxide expressed by a general formula of ABO3 by second sputtering at least with second oxygen concentration lower than the first oxygen concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji OHASHI, Setsuya IWASHITA
  • Publication number: 20070095654
    Abstract: A multi-step sputtering process in plasma sputter reactor having target and magnetron operable in two modes, for example, in a substrate sputter etch and a substrate sputter deposition. The target has an annular vault facing the wafer to be sputter coated. Various types of magnetic means positioned around the vault create a magnetic field supporting a plasma extending over a large volume of the vault. An integrated copper via filling process with the inventive reactor or other reactor includes a first step of highly ionized sputter deposition of copper, which can optionally be used to remove the barrier layer at the bottom of the via, a second step of more neutral, lower-energy sputter deposition of copper to complete the seed layer, and a third step of electroplating copper into the hole to complete the metallization. The first two steps can be also used with barrier metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Praburam Gopalraja, Jianming Fu, Fusen Chen, Girish Dixit, Zheng Xu, Wei Wang, Ashok Sinha
  • Publication number: 20070095655
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assembly for the electrochemical treatment of liquids with a low conductivity. Said assembly comprises electrodes (1, 2), between which a polymer solid electrolyte (3) is situated. The electrodes are pressed against one another by means of a compression device (9, 10; 91) and are configured in such a way that the assembly can be traversed by the liquid To produce said assembly simply and to ensure that it is flexible and easy to use, the compression device (9, 10; 91) is supported on the electrodes (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Manuela Stadelmann, Manfred Blaschke, Maja Wuensche, Helmut Petzer, Alexander Kraft, Thorsten Matthee, Matthias Fryda
  • Publication number: 20070095656
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily removing metal impurities from an indole derivative trimer containing the metal impurities, which method involves mixing the indole derivative trimer containing the metal impurities with an imidazole compound in a solvent comprising water under heating, and filtering and separating the indole derivative trimer, from which the metal impurities have been removed, from the obtained mixture. Further, mixing a protonic acid allows the doping of the indole derivative trimer to be conducted simultaneously with the metal impurity removal, whereby the indole derivative trimer can be used as an electrode active substance of an electrochemical cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: NEC Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoki Nobuta, Toshihiko Nishiyama, Naoki Takahashi, Tetsuya Yoshinari, Takashi Mizukoshi
  • Publication number: 20070095657
    Abstract: A supercapacitor having a metal oxide electrode and a method for preparing the same. The method comprises preparing a substrate composed of a current collector and a titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber matrix layer formed on the current collector, and electrochemically depositing a metal oxide thin film layer onto the substrate by a constant current potentiometry or a cyclic voltammetric method. Since the metal oxide is uniformly deposited on the substrate having a wide specific surface area with the titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber, a bonding material or a conductive particle need not to be added to the capacitor electrode. Therefore, a resistance of the capacitor electrode is prevented from being increased, and thus a capacitance of the capacitor electrode is prevented from being decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Dong-Young KIM, Seong-Mu Jo, Byung-Doo Chin, Young-Rack Ahn
  • Publication number: 20070095658
    Abstract: A catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H2) and deuterium (D2) from the gaseous to the solid ionic form. The cell includes a non-conductive sealed housing and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the housing which absorbs H2 and/or D2 gas and stores it in a solid ionic form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr). Each end of the electrode is plated with a layer of gold and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H± and/or D± storage. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H2 and/or D2 gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H2 and/or D2 in the electrode to each encapsulated confinement to effect long-term storage of the ion form H± and D± in a solid form for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventor: James Patterson
  • Publication number: 20070095659
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic processing apparatus and an electrolytic processing method which can perform processing of a substrate without destroying devices formed in the substrate even when a fragile material is employed in the substrate and which can reduce non-uniformity in the contact pressure of an electrode member on a substrate during processing, thereby equalizing the processing amount in the entire processing surface of the substrate and the surface roughness after processing. The electrolytic processing apparatus includes: a substrate holder for holding a substrate; an electrode base provided with an electrode member for contact with the substrate, held by the substrate holder, in the presence of a liquid to effect processing of the substrate; and a support base for floatingly supporting the electrode base by a floating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: Hozumi Yasuda, Ikutaro Noji, Kazuto Hirokawa, Takeshi Iizumi, Itsuki Kobata