Patents Issued in June 21, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070137920
    Abstract: The invention provides a power train mechanism capable of decreasing a rotational resistance. The power train mechanism includes: a clutch drum; a forced feed oil passage and a central oil passage for supplying oil to the clutch drum; an oil reservoir provided below the clutch drum; an outer circumferential surface surrounding member for surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the clutch drum, while facing the outer circumferential surface with a clearance therebetween to such a degree as to avoid contact with the outer circumferential surface during rotation of the outer circumferential surface of the clutch drum; and a trans-axle rear cover provided continuously to the outer circumferential surface surrounding member, for surrounding axial one end surface of the clutch drum, in which a side of the outer circumferential surface surrounding member axially opposite to the trans-axle rear cover is an open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nakamura, Kazuyuki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070137921
    Abstract: A vehicle steering device and control method for use in steer-by-wire steering systems. A steering instrument is operable to receive input from a driver and a turning device is operable to turn at least one wheel. A selectively engageable backup clutch is positioned between the steering instrument and the turning device. Engagement of the backup clutch results in a mechanical connection between the steering instrument and the turning device for assisting control of the at least one wheel, and release of the backup clutch results in a separation of the steering instrument and the turning device for steer-by-wire control of the at least one wheel. A controller is operable to switch from the steer-by-wire control to the assisting control when the backup clutch engages during operation of the steer-by-wire control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20070137922
    Abstract: A motorized hydraulically-operated and driven aircraft loading vehicle is particularly suited for the loading of bombs, which are raised by a pair of hydraulically-operated arms. Vehicle has two selectable operation modes. A first, working mode provides four-wheel hydraulic steering and enables vehicle to be driven at a small turning radius, and at a speed of up to 10 km/h. A second, traveling mode automatically locks the rear wheel steering system allowing vehicle to be driven at a speed of up to 20 km/h, all being computer controlled. Safety devices include an emergency stop switch and a no-driver no-actuation switch, and devices preventing accidents if hydraulic power is lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Refael Bivas
  • Publication number: 20070137923
    Abstract: A method and system for improving steering performance of a vehicle is disclosed. The method and system resides in increasing the flow size of the hydraulic oil flow path from a pump (3) to a steering unit (5). This can be done by modifying the size of a conduit (4) between the pump (3) and unit (5) or by modifying the bore diameter of hose fittings (36, 37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth Dennis
  • Publication number: 20070137924
    Abstract: An electric power steering system is provided which includes a current command value calculation unit 10 for calculating a current command value based on a steering torque signal and a vehicle speed signal and a motor driving unit 52 for controlling a motor 8 for imparting a steering assist force to a steering mechanism based on the current command value. The electric power steering system has further a voltage detection unit 17 for detecting a voltage of a power supply source 11 for supplying power to the motor driving unit 52 and a phase compensating unit 58 provided on the current command value calculation unit 10 and adapted to select characteristics based on a voltage of the power supply source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Hideaki Kawada
  • Publication number: 20070137925
    Abstract: With a wall element with lateral connection means to form an interconnection with an adjacent identical wall element, the invention proposes that the connection means are embodied as a row of tabs arranged one above the other, whereby the tabs are arranged at an angle with respect to the surface plane of the wall element at least in the area of their free lateral ends, and whereby the wall element has at both sides tabs embodied to correspond with one another such that the tabs of two adjacent identical wall elements can be inserted into one another in a zipper-like manner due to their oblique position and form an interconnection to absorb forces that are directed crosswise to the surface plane of the wall element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: THOMAS LORENZ INDUSTRIETECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas LORENZ
  • Publication number: 20070137926
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an acoustical component for vehicle interior that meets the foregoing needs. The component comprises an air impermeable inner covering layer having a sound reflective surface and one or more perforations therein. The perforations permit the passage of sound therethrough. An outer sound absorbing layer is bonded to the inner covering layer for absorbing the sound passing through the perforations in the inner covering layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Albin, David Boyles
  • Publication number: 20070137927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-composite acoustic panel for application to walls or ceilings. The panel is made from 15 to 65% of particles of sawdust with a granulometry of 4 to 60 mesh, 25 to 75% of rubber crumb or other petroleum derivatives or recycled rubber with a granulometry of 4 to 30 mesh and 3 to 20% of a polyurethane elastomer binder, the percentages being expressed by weight with relation to the total weight of the panel. In use the rubber acts as an anti-vibration element and the sawdust acts as an acoustic energy absorber as this type of fibre is hollow-centered which permits an absorption role which the rubber particle does not have. Said particle has the ability to reduce an impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20070137928
    Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to a plunger shaped body lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using two different pressures, a lesser pressure at the entrance of the tube and a higher pressure at the exit of the tube, using air tight compartments and doors at one or both sides of the tube or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by fireman in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the stairways of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Manuel Guillermety
  • Publication number: 20070137929
    Abstract: Apparatus used on extension ladder for supporting a paint can includes a platform. A first rod support member secured to such platform in a rotateable manner. A first leg secured to platform in a pivotable manner adjacent a second outer edge. A second leg secured to platform in a pivotable manner adjacent a third outer edge. A first adjustable leg engageable with such first leg for adjusting a length between a second end of first adjustable leg member and first end of such first leg. A second adjustable leg engageable with a second end of second leg for adjusting a length between a second end of second adjustable leg and the first end of second leg member. A second rod like support is secured to platform in a rotateable manner closely adjacent a fourth outer edge and a first and second ladder insert engageable with an end of a respective one of the first and second elongated rod support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20070137930
    Abstract: An adjustable support and display system incorporates first and second assemblies that are joined at one end in a hinged arrangement. Each assembly is rectangular in shape and is supported by at least three points when the hinge arrangement is opened. Remote members of the first and second assemblies extend above the upper dimensional limit of the members of the respective assemblies that extend outwardly from the hinged end. These extensions act to provide stops to stabilize the sliding or transverse movement of any material that is placed on the support and display system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Harpold
  • Publication number: 20070137931
    Abstract: An oil-conducting apparatus for a linear motion system comprises a first element and a second element, wherein a rolling groove is formed in either lateral surfaces of the second element for reception of a plurality of rolling elements, the oil-conducting device includes an oil tank for storage of lubricant, the oil tank is connected to the guide rolling groove by an oil pipe. At a mid portion of the oil pipe is a compression zone fixed on the first element or the second element, the oil pipe is provided with a check valve located at either end of the compression zone, the check valve are to be open toward the oil pipe, the compression portion has a projecting portion that is to be inserted in the rolling groove and pressed by the rolling elements, thus producing pressure in the compression zone and enabling the lubricant to be transported to the rolling passage via the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Wang Chin-Pei, Tsai Chiung-Hui
  • Publication number: 20070137932
    Abstract: A lubricant arrangement is provided for multiple feed pipes to bearings lubrication system. In order to ensure a feed pipe remains substantially full of lubricant fluid, a drainage restrictor configuration is provided. This configuration typically comprises an anti siphon tube, accumulator, a fluid head between a supply pipe and the feed pipe as well as a final loop in the feed pipe formed by limbs. In such circumstances, drainage of lubricant fluid from other feed pipes for other bearings does not siphon lubricant fluid from the feed pipe which may be subject to potential coking as a result of high temperatures and air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Paul Smith
  • Publication number: 20070137933
    Abstract: A rotating body oiling apparatus, including a plate cylinder rotatably supported in a frame via a bearing, and a pump for supplying a lubricating oil to the bearing, and discharging the lubricating oil to an outside of the bearing, increases the feed amount of the lubricating oil when the rotational speed of the plate cylinder is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Kazuya Iyokawa
  • Publication number: 20070137934
    Abstract: A cutting tool lubrication system, suitable for use with portable, hand-held machine tools, automatically delivers single, pre-measured shots of oil to the cutting tool each time the operator powers up the machine tool. The lubrication system is carried on or with the tool and is operated by the same power source that drives the machine tool, such as compressed air. The lubrication system includes a lubricating fluid reservoir, a fluid pump, and a series of check valves for controlling the flow of fluid between the reservoir, the pump and a nozzle from which the fluid is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: David Nappier, Dustin Ribble
  • Publication number: 20070137935
    Abstract: A method for sampling lubricant from a lubrication system including a pump for pumping lubricant between a reservoir and a sump. The method includes removing a filter from the pump, replacing the filter with a sampling device having a fluid passage, channeling lubricant returned from the sump to the pump into the fluid passage, and discharging lubricant from the pump by discharging lubricant from the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Terry Craig
  • Publication number: 20070137936
    Abstract: A lubricant-feed-state monitoring sensor disposed directly associated with a device fed with oily or fatty lubricant or a lubricant feed pipe for feeding lubricant to the device, for monitoring the feed state of lubricant by detecting the supply of the lubricant to the device, the sensor including a T-shaped member having a lubricant passage connected to the lubricant feed pipe and a detector insertion portion extending substantially vertically from a middle portion of the lubricant passage, into which a detector is inserted; wherein the detector is disposed such that a first end portion of the detector is fixed to a top portion of the detector insertion portion, and a second end portion is positioned in the lubricant passage without restraint, the detector undergoing bending deflection by displacement of the second end portion due to the flow of the lubricant, and the detector having a piezoelectric element that generates voltage by the bending deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: JFE Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Akechi, Shuji Jyoken
  • Publication number: 20070137937
    Abstract: A conveyor lubricating apparatus which includes a roller member to distribute a lubricant on a belt-type conveyor. In one embodiment, the lubricant is dispensed onto a roller which is employed to distribute the lubricant on the belt. In another embodiment, a combined dispensing and roller device distributes the lubricant on the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Guillermo Citro
  • Publication number: 20070137938
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for on-board lubrication of a paint pumping piston including a reservoir for lubricant and a lubricant dispensing mechanism for delivering a predetermined repeatable amount of lubricant upon manual actuation of the lubricant dispensing mechanism. In one embodiment, a section of tubing acts as the reservoir, and in another embodiment, the reservoir is formed by a transparent or translucent chamber located adjacent an aperture in a pump housing to enable visual inspection of the level of lubricant in the reservoir. A lubricant delivery piston is actuated by an extension thereof projecting through an aperture in the housing, and a lubricant discharge nozzle is located adjacent the paint pumping piston proximate a bushing supporting the paint pumping piston. A breather valve prevents a vacuum in the reservoir as the lubricant is dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Carpenter, Robert Cooper, Stephen Liedtke
  • Publication number: 20070137939
    Abstract: A magnetic oil injecting device is composed of a seat which is provided with an oil loop, a first groove, and an S-pole magnetic plate latched into the first groove; an oil package, whose outer periphery is provided with projection members and concave members, and which is provided with a top surface and a lower connection end connected to a concave part; and an N-pole magnetic plate which is attached to the top surface of oil package. By an effect of magnetic flux of the S-pole magnetic plate and the N-pole magnetic plate, a mutually attractive force is generated to create a compression motion to the oil package, so as to uniformly squeeze out oil, thereby eliminating a conventional way of using an external power, motor, piston, and mechanical transmission as an oil squeezing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Jobee Liu
  • Publication number: 20070137940
    Abstract: An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick of a lubricating system for lubricating the axle journal surface supported in a support bearing of a traction motor used in a locomotive is provided with a plurality of oil-reservoir louver pockets or splash-cups molded or pressed into the wick holder which store oil from the time that the oil reservoir was full or near its maximum height and which store splashed oil during normal operational use, and delay the run off of the oil to increase the oil saturation of the wick housed within the wick holder. The oil reservoir pockets are located above the minimum serviceable oil level, and are designed to improve and increase oil saturation of the wick. As a result of the increased oil saturation, the wick are, therefore, capable of delivering increased amounts of oil to the axle journal area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Magnus Division of L.V. Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: John Macklin, Robert Foster, Paul Bien
  • Publication number: 20070137941
    Abstract: A grease gun includes a hollow body having a joint formed on the middle section of the hollow body and a grease container is mounted to the joint for containing grease. A pump unit is mounted to the rear end of the hollow body and an outlet unit is mounted to the front end of the hollow body, whereby the pump unit is operated to form a pressure difference between the hollow body and the grease container such that the grease in the grease container is drawn into the hollow body from the grease container and discharged via the outlet unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Hsueh Chang
  • Publication number: 20070137942
    Abstract: A battery powered grease gun is disclosed. One embodiment has an overpressure relief valve for returning grease to the grease barrel mounted to the grease gun head when a plugged zerk prevents grease from exiting the output port. The grease gun head may be additionally provided with a sampling duct which is joined to an output port. The sampling duct couples the output port to another port in which a pressure gauge or a pressure transducer may be installed. In one embodiment, a strain gauge based pressure transducer may be attached to the grease gun to monitor the flow and pressure of grease in the grease gun. The pressure and/or flow of grease may be displayed on the pressure gauge or on a display coupled to the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: R. Weems, Don Linkletter, James Lipsey, Philip Anthony
  • Publication number: 20070137943
    Abstract: A mechanism and method for driving a generator comprising at least one pendulum comprising a mass free to pendulate about an axis of oscillation along a path of travel, an actuator for applying a force to the mass in a direction of pendulation for at least a portion of the pendulation and a drive train between the at least one pendulum and the generator for transferring energy between the pendulum and the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Duclos
  • Publication number: 20070137944
    Abstract: A vertical lift is provided having a plurality of vertical screws that act to raise or lower a substantially horizontal and flat platform. The vertical screws are operatively linked to a motor by a locked linkage so that the vertical screws are always synchronized, and thereby rotation of the output shaft of the motor results in an equal movement in both vertical screws. Additionally, a vertical lift is provided which is transformable from a straight-through configuration to a corner configuration by simply moving a moveable barrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Hong Lam
  • Publication number: 20070137945
    Abstract: In addition to the construction of a typical elevator control device in which power generated during regenerative operation is dissipated by a resistance chopper (18), an elevator control device is newly provided with: an electric double layer capacitor (21) connected in parallel with the DC capacitor (3) that smoothes the DC ripple of the rectifier circuit (2) that rectifies the AC power of the AC power source (1) and having an electrostatic capacitance that is considerably larger than this DC capacitor; a voltage detection circuit (22) that detects the terminal voltage of this electric double layer capacitor; and a drive control unit (5) that uses a voltage in the vicinity of the rated voltage of the electric double layer capacitor as the operating voltage of resistance chopper and, when the terminal voltage detected by a voltage detection circuit reaches the voltage in the vicinity of the rated voltage of the electric double layer capacitor, operates and controls the resistance chopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: TOSHIBA ELEVATOR KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Takasaki, Yukitaka Monden
  • Publication number: 20070137946
    Abstract: Elevator without counterweight, in which elevator there is a compensating system separating the roping portion of the hoisting ropes above the elevator car from the roping portion of the hoisting ropes below the elevator car and in which the rope tension is arranged by means of the compensating system to be greater in the portion of roping above the elevator car than in the portion of roping below the elevator car, installed by raising the travel height of the elevator at least once. When raising the travel height, the extension of the hoisting ropes is fed in via the compensating system or via the rope fastening in the compensating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Johannes De Jong, Pekka Rantanen
  • Publication number: 20070137947
    Abstract: A brake disc/hub assembly is provided consisting of a hub and a brake disc axially displaceable with respect thereto. A sliding sleeve is guided in such a way that it is axially displaceable on the hub and the brake disc is mounted on the sliding sleeve in such a way that it is fixed with respect thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Iraschko
  • Publication number: 20070137948
    Abstract: A bicycle brake mechanism includes a body located above a front wheel and a pivotable member is pivotably connected to the body. A brake cable extends through the front fork and is connected to the pivotable member. Two brake arms are located on two sides of the rim and two respective first ends of two link units are respectively connected to two ends of each of the brake arms. The two respective second ends of the links units are connected to two ends of the body. One end of each of the two brake arms is pushed by the pivotable member when the brake cable is pulled. The two link units make the two brake arms to be simultaneously moved to stop the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Montanari Sandro, Righi Ermanno
  • Publication number: 20070137949
    Abstract: A self-boosting electromechanical friction brake, having a friction brake lining which is displaceable for actuation in the direction of rotation of a brake disk and which is braced via roller bodies on ramps of an abutment plate. When the brake is actuated, brake disk exerts a frictional force on the brake lining pressed against it, which urges the lining in the direction of an increasingly narrow gap between the ramps and the brake disk to exert a contact pressure that is in addition to that exerted by an actuation device to attain self-boosting. The roller bodies are supported fixedly and rotatably in bearing block on the brake lining whereby the roller bodies move in slaved fashion with the brake lining and always brace the brake lining at the same points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Dietmar Baumann, Dirk Hofmann, Herbert Vollert, Willi Nagel, Andreas Henke, Bertram Foitzik, Bernd Goetzelmann
  • Publication number: 20070137950
    Abstract: A brake shoe return mechanism applied in a bike or motor vehicle has a gap disposed each on both sides of a brake lining of each brake shoe, and a lug is disposed at each arm extending from a return spring to both sides of the brake lining to penetrate into the gap for securing the spring in place to avoid mal-position of the return spring and ensuring normal operation of the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Yuan-Hsiang Jen, Chun-Chin Wang
  • Publication number: 20070137951
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a disc brake for moving first and second friction members into engagement with a rotor and effect a brake application. The actuator arrangement includes first and second levers that are pivotally connected to an anchor located in a plane that is perpendicular to first and second rails on which the first and second friction member are retained, a third lever that is connected to the first lever and a yoke to receive a second end of the second lever and align a first ramp surface thereon with a second ramp surface on its end and an input linkage. The input linkage receives an input force and moves on the first and second ramp surfaces to pull on the first lever and push on the second lever to move the first and second friction members into engagement with the rotor to effect a brake application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Byrd, John Clark
  • Publication number: 20070137952
    Abstract: A spring member for disc-brake calipers is interposed between a lateral edge of at least one pad and reaction surfaces of the caliper so as to act resiliently on the pad. The spring member comprises a ‘U’-shaped portion suitable for forming a connection with a protuberance of the reaction surfaces, a first resilient portion suitable for acting on the pad in a tangential direction, and a second resilient portion suitable for acting on the pad in a radial direction. The first and second resilient portions constitute a single body projecting from a first connection end of the first resilient portion that is connected to the ‘U’-shaped portion, so that, when the at least one pad is in a mounted configuration, it is acted on resiliently by the spring member both in a radial direction and in a tangential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Gianpaolo Cortinovis, Maurizio Mascheretti, Tomasz Woloszyn
  • Publication number: 20070137953
    Abstract: A brake caliper assembly includes a caliper body connected to a torque plate via a mating protrusion and cavity that transfer torque through facing abutment surfaces to reduce twisting of the caliper. The mating protrusion and cavity provide a stiff connection and also allow use of a smaller, lighter connecting bolt. This arrangement eases removal and reinstallation of the caliper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: PERFORMANCE FRICTION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Andrew PAUL, Donald Lee BURGOON
  • Publication number: 20070137954
    Abstract: An inertial actuator assembly comprises an actuator chassis adapted to be secured in use to a structure subject in use to external vibration forces, a proof mass (ma) supported with respect to the chassis by a proof mass resilient means, and a force generating transducer means acting between the chassis and the proof mass for subjecting in use the proof mass to a force (fa) applied relative to the chassis, a controller arranged to control in use the excitation of the transducer means, wherein the assembly comprises a feedback means H(j?) responsive to a measurement of the displacement (x) of the proof mass relative to the chassis, the controller being arranged to modify the excitation of the force generating transducer means in response to a feedback signal from the feedback means. The feedback signal may be proportional to the displacement, the integral of the displacement, the derivative of the displacement, or to any combination of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Elliott, Luca Benassi
  • Publication number: 20070137955
    Abstract: A damping device for use with a rotatably-mounted steering shaft. The damping device comprises a magnetorheological material that can be embedded in an open-network carrier and is directly or indirectly in contact with the steering shaft, a coil arranged in effective proximity to the magnetorheological material, and a body indirectly in contact with the steering shaft through the magnetorheological material, which does not rotate with the steering shaft. A voltage can be applied the coil to activate the magnetorheological material, increasing a viscosity of the magnetorheological material to inhibit relative rotation of the steering shaft and the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Clay Maranville, Dieter Giese, John Ginder, Joe Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070137956
    Abstract: A damper has a piston having an axis, an outer surface, and opposing ends. Elastomeric seals are in sealing contact with the outer surface of the piston, the seals being coaxial with the piston and limiting movement of the piston to a path along the axis of the piston. The seals also define fluid chambers adjacent the ends of the piston. A primary passage communicates the fluid chambers, and a selectively switchable valve for controls a flow of fluid from one of the chambers to another of the chambers through the primary passage. When the flow of fluid through the primary passage is permitted, movement of the piston is resisted by a first spring rate due to a shear force required to cause shear deflection of the seals. When the flow of fluid through the primary passage is restricted, movement of the piston is resisted by a second spring rate due to a fluid force required to cause bulging deflection of the seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Stamps, Michael Smith, Christopher Bothwell, Lawrence Corso, James Braswell, Jr, David Popelka, Emst Schellhase, Charles Hollimon, Thomas Newman, Bryan Baskin, Thomas Campbell, Daniel Robertson
  • Publication number: 20070137957
    Abstract: A piston assembly for a monotube shock absorber includes a piston body with a non-symmetrical outer band that provides a bearing surface against a shock tube wall. The outer band defines a first diameter that is a maximum outer diameter of the piston assembly. The piston body also includes an outer surface portion that is defined by a second diameter less than the first diameter, and which comprises a non-contact surface. The outer band extends in a serpentine manner about an outer circumference of the piston body such that recesses are formed between the shock tube wall and the non-contact surface. Side ports are located within these recesses to allow a blow-off area to be increased by incorporating annular lands into the piston assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Carlstedt, James Siesel
  • Publication number: 20070137958
    Abstract: A tool storage bag is provided for storing tools and accessories at a work site. The tool storage bag is formed with soft sides and has external expandible pockets to accept a variety of tools and accessories. In one version, the bag has an A-frame opening which presents an unobstructed opening in the open position for receiving larger tools such as a circular saw. In another version, the tool bag has a rectangular opening which is spanned by a rigid handle with end portions which are attached to selected opposing sidewalls of the bag. The rigid handle accommodates heavier loads and adds increased stability to the bag construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20070137959
    Abstract: Convertible luggage, such as a suitcase, purse, briefcase, backpack, etc. includes a body and a detachable and reversible panel having a first face and a second face having a different appearance than the first face. The detachable and reversible panel can be securely attached to at least a portion of the body such that in at least a first configuration with the first face facing out and in at least a second configuration with the first face facing in and the second face facing out. Moreover, the detachable and reversible panel can create a pocket for housing items therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Karen Zauderer
  • Publication number: 20070137960
    Abstract: A dual compartment, dual open mouth tool bag is fabricated from flexible material forming the side and top panels of the bag and the dual access openings. Each of the separate open mouth openings provides separate access to an individual compartment within the bag. The compartments may, in an alternative embodiment, be connected one to the other or may be separated by an intermediate open top storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Travel Caddy, Inc. d/b/a Travelon, a corporation of the State of Illinois
    Inventor: Andrezj Redzisz
  • Publication number: 20070137961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective cover comprising at least two protective-cover elements arranged one after the other in the direction of movement of the protective cover, each comprising at least one frame element (22, 22?) which is provided with at least two frame sections (23, 24) which are offset with respect to one another, wherein at least one lamella element (1, 20) is arranged on each frame section in such a manner that the lamella elements slidingly overlap frame elements (22?) arranged directly one after the other in a telescopic manner to form a substantially closed cover and wherein each frame section of each frame element is provided with a separate lamella element, whereas respectively one first lamella element (1) on a first frame section (23) comprises a tab (5) which overlaps the offset region to the second frame section (24) of the same frame element (22), wherein the tab grips behind a second lamella element (20) on the second frame section in such a manner that the tab of the first la
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Wolf Mang
  • Publication number: 20070137962
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a torque transfer apparatus for a torque converter including at least one connection element attached to an inner circumferential surface for a cover of the converter; a lock-up clutch, and at least one resilient element connected to the connection element and the piston plate. The clutch includes a piston plate with extruded rivets and the resilient element is connected to the piston plate with the extruded rivets. In some aspects, the clutch includes a friction material having inner and outer radii and the extruded rivets are disposed at a radial distance greater than the inner radius; the extruded rivets are disposed between the inner and outer radii; a radial segment for the connection element extends radially from the inner surface and has an edge at a greater radial distance than the inner radius; or the resilient element is between the inner and outer radii.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Todd Sturgin, Scott Schrader, Marc McGrath
  • Publication number: 20070137963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmitting device having a hub arranged in the drive train of a motor vehicle for transmitting torque between a drive unit and a transmission, in particular a turbine wheel hub of a turbine wheel of a torque converter which is coupled to a damper hub with a rotational vibration damper connected in between via a driving plate, in particular of a converter bridge coupling. The invention is operatively arranged such that the rotational vibration damper is equipped with a mechanical stop mechanism that is in effect as soon as a maximum design load on the rotational vibration damper has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, Marc Meisner
  • Publication number: 20070137964
    Abstract: An external activation clutch brake that is controlled by a switch is actuated when a clutch pedal is depressed. A compression spring, torsion spring or hydraulic valve may be used to simulate engagement of a standard clutch brake in which clutch brake squeeze is sensed by the driver. The clutch pedal has first and second phases of movement with the load required to compress the clutch pedal in a first phase being less than the load required to further compress the clutch pedal in a second phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Kummer, Kevin Schlosser, Daniel Gochenour
  • Publication number: 20070137965
    Abstract: The seat adjusting apparatus includes: an input side member connected to the operating lever and rotatably supported by the output shaft; a control member arranged at a radially outer side of the input side member; a first clutch mechanism transmitting operation force of the operating member from the input side member to the control member when the operating lever is driven to operate and discontinuing force transmission between the input side member and the control member when the operating member returns to an original position; and a second clutch mechanism transmitting the operation force of the operating member from the control member to the output shaft when the operating member is driven to operate and restraining the output shaft from rotating when the operating member is not driven to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Publication number: 20070137966
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic clutch includes a bidirectional electric motor, a hydraulic circuit and a multiple plate friction clutch pack. The bidirectional electric motor drives a ball screw through a gear reduction assembly. An electric brake on the motor output may be energized to inhibit its rotation. Alternatively, an anti-back drive wrap-spring assembly may be utilized on the motor output. The ball screw output bi-directionally translates a master piston of the hydraulic circuit which in turn advances and retracts an annular slave piston disposed adjacent the friction clutch pack. Hence, actuation of the electric motor displaces hydraulic fluid and compresses or relaxes the friction clutch pack, thereby transferring or inhibiting torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Francis, Christopher Kowalsky, Mark Perlick, Tsunlock Yu, Larry Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20070137967
    Abstract: A clutching system comprises a lever mechanism portion and a clutch mechanism portion. The lever mechanism portion comprises a push lever. The push lever comprises a cam surface. The clutch mechanism portion comprises a push rod. The push rod comprises a cam follower. A Belleville spring functions as a clutch spring. The cam surface and the cam follower are formed such that a lever ratio of the push lever at a pivot start position is larger than a lever ratio of the push lever at a pivot finish position. The Belleville spring is formed such that a force required to move the push lever at the pivot finish position is smaller than a force required to move to the push lever at the pivot start position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yousuke Ishida, Akifumi Oishi, Takuji Murayama
  • Publication number: 20070137968
    Abstract: A drive unit with a radial interior drive element and a radial exterior drive element as well as a free-wheel arranged between the interior drive element and the exterior drive element. The interior drive element and the exterior drive element are axially displaceable in reference to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Steffen Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20070137969
    Abstract: A synchronizing device for a manual transmission for synchronizing rotation speeds of a rotating shaft and a shift gear that includes in preferred aspects at least one first ring disposed on an exterior circumference of the rotating shaft and having an exterior sloped surface at its exterior circumference, at least one second ring disposed on an interior circumference of the shift gear and having an internal sloped surface contacting the exterior slope surface of the first ring, and an actuator unit applying an axial directional load to the at least one first ring or the at least one second ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young Chan Youk