Patents Issued in August 2, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070176393
    Abstract: A support section structure for a swing arm provides a well-balanced state for the weight of the vehicle in a widthwise direction and for efficiently increasing the rigidity of a vehicle body frame without inviting a significant increase in the weight of the vehicle body. A swing arm is provided for supporting a rear wheel Wr for rotation and is supported for a rocking motion on a center frame. An output power shaft of a power source is transmitted to the rear wheel Wr through a drive shaft. A left outer side frame and a intermediate frame, which support a front end portion of the swing arm for pivotal motion, are provided on the center frame. A right outer side frame disposed on the outer side in the vehicle widthwise direction with respect to the drive shaft on the intermediate frame is provided integrally against removal on the center frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Toyoda, Yutaka Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20070176394
    Abstract: A semitrailer train having a coupling part assigned to the towing vehicle and a coupling part assigned to the semitrailer. A control device for controlling components of the semitrailer is provided in the towing vehicle data lines transmit the control data and power supply lines to the components. The coupling part assigned to the towing vehicle is a fifthwheel pickup plate and the coupling part assigned to the semitrailer is a kingpin which matches said coupling part. An alternating voltage generator arrangement in the vehicle provides a modulated carrier signal and a transformer coil is arranged in the fifthwheel pickup plate of the towing vehicle in order to transmit the carrier signal with the control data modulated onto it to a transformer coil in the region of the kingpin of the semitrailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
    Inventors: Ottmar Gehring, Harro Heilmann, Andreas Schwarzhaupt, Gernot Spiegelberg, Armin Sulzmann
  • Publication number: 20070176395
    Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: K. Warnock
  • Publication number: 20070176396
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer has a wheeled frame which may be hitched to and unhitched from a towing motorcycle. The frame has a towbar which is movable from a projected position in which it may be hitched to the motorcycle to a retracted position in which it underlies the frame. The frame or the towbar has a handle which may be grasped by a person to enable the frame and the container conjointly to be towed by a person in a manner similar to that of a wheeled suitcase. When unhitched from the motorcycle, the frame and container may be maintained in either an upright or horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Myers
  • Publication number: 20070176397
    Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Doubet, Bryan Buerkle
  • Publication number: 20070176398
    Abstract: A passenger airbag module includes opposite side walls connected by a rear wall. The side walls each include at least one inward projection that traps a semi-cylindrical retainer between the projections and the rear wall. The retainer holds the inflator and airbag within the housing. End walls connect the side walls with interlocking channels thereby preventing the side walls from releasing the retainer, inflator and airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Vigeant, Bradley Honermann, David Geyer, Robert Parks
  • Publication number: 20070176399
    Abstract: A trim panel for a motor vehicle. The trim panel includes a panel body, a support, and a clip mechanism. The clip mechanism includes an arm having a frangible portion and a hinge portion. The frangible portion severs from the support to permit the arm to pivot about the hinge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christian Kullack
  • Publication number: 20070176400
    Abstract: A roof side garnish peripheral structure of an automobile includes: a roof side garnish (9) mounted on an inner side of a side roof rail (1) from an inner side of a passenger room, the roof side garnish (9) being provided at its outer side in a widthwise direction of the vehicle with a cover portion (11) capable of opening inward of the passenger room; a duct member (12) bonded to an outer side of the roof side garnish (9) at an upper location than the cover portion (11) of the roof side garnish (9); a duct passage (13) of closed cross section formed by the duct member (12) and the roof side garnish (9); a support portion (25) extending from an outer end of the duct member (12) in the widthwise direction of the vehicle, the support portion (25) having a tip end extending close to the side roof rail (1); and an accommodation space (S) defined by the support portion (25), the side roof rail (1) and the cover portion (11) so as to accommodate an air-bag (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Kamano
  • Publication number: 20070176401
    Abstract: A shield includes a sheet (1) of material and a plurality of spaced apart webbing portion (2) attached to the sheet. The webbing portions substantially extend from one end edge of the sheet to an opposite end edge. The shield also includes attaching devices (5, 7) located at or near to both ends of the webbing portions for attaching the shield to a structural member. A fastener device (18) connects a said webbing portion to one end of a strap (16), another end of the strap in use being connected to a webbing portion of another shield or to the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Adshead, Simon Melhuish
  • Publication number: 20070176402
    Abstract: A detection system of vehicle interior condition including an illumination unit for illuminating a plurality of mutually different illumination regions including at least one seat of a vehicle and a surrounding region thereof so as to have different illumination time durations shifted by a predetermined time, an imaging unit for photographing an occupant and/or an object on the seat upon each illumination of the illumination unit, and a control processor for comparing a plurality of images photographed by the imaging unit and also for generating information indicative of a condition of the occupant and/or the object on the basis of a comparison result of the image comparator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kota Irie, Isao Furusawa, Tatsuhiko Monji
  • Publication number: 20070176403
    Abstract: An improved air adjustable seat includes an air pump, at least one air bag, and an air switch for adjusting seat height. The air pump is preferably controlled by a pressure switch. The air pump is connected to the air switch through a first air line, and the air switch is connected to the air bags through a second air line. The air pump is controlled by the pressure switch to maintain a minimum pressure in the first line. The air switch has three positions, fill, hold, and release. In the fill position, high pressure air from the air pump is passed to the air bags. In the hold position, the first line is blocked, and air in the air bags is held to maintain seat height. In the release position, the first line is blocked, and air is released from the air bags to lower the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Calderone
  • Publication number: 20070176404
    Abstract: An occupant protection system includes an airbag with inflator that directs a projectile into a burst disk. As the burst disk ruptures, high pressure gas releases into the airbag for inflating the airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Kanji Yano
  • Publication number: 20070176405
    Abstract: A motorized steering column module with position control including a moving device that moves a steering wheel in an axial direction, bringing it closer or further away from a selected position, and in a radial plane for regulating upward and downward movement with the aid of at least one electronic motor controller; and a controller that varies the speed of the motor at least proximate a departure position and an arrival position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Systemes de Direction Nacam, S.A.S., a corporation of France
    Inventor: Florian Barcat
  • Publication number: 20070176406
    Abstract: A frame rail assembly configured for use in various applications, including automotive vehicles. The frame rail assembly includes two rail portions. The rail portions include apertures each encompassed by a mounting boss. In addition, the frame rail includes spacers sized and configured to receive the mounting bosses in a snug fit to help with alignment. The spacers include at least one dimple in order to guide a mounting bolt though the apertures. The mounting bolt may be employed to hold the frame rail assembly together and attach other components to the frame rail assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: AM General LLC
    Inventor: Phillip C. Ruehl
  • Publication number: 20070176407
    Abstract: A frame structure is provided in which a sub-frame is fixed to a rear portion of a vehicle body frame, and serves as a suspension-supporting portion of the vehicle body frame. In the sub-frame, a rear member extends between a sub-frame upper pipe and a sub-frame lower pipe. The rear member includes a rear upper arm supporting portion and a rear lower arm supporting portion, for supporting proximal ends of an upper arm and a lower arm of a rear suspension. The frame structure hereof improves accuracy and rigidity of the suspension-supporting portion of the vehicle body frame, and provides a simplified structure as compared to conventional frame structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Tsuruta, Masahiro Yamaguchi, Jin Osada
  • Publication number: 20070176408
    Abstract: A safety restraint system for a vehicle is disclosed. The safety restraint system has a seat belt webbing for restraining an occupant of the vehicle, a seat belt retractor, a deflector, a height adjuster, a latch plate deflector, a buckle and a communication link. The seat belt retractor mounted to a first structural member of the vehicle for securing the seat belt to the vehicle and allowing protraction and retraction of the seat belt. The retractor has at least two load limiting modes. The deflector receives the seat belt webbing and directs the seat belt webbing across the shoulder of the occupant. The height adjuster secures the deflector to a second structural member of the vehicle. The deflector is positionable between at least two locations along the height adjuster. The latch plate deflector receives the seat belt webbing and redirects the seat belt webbing across the lap of the occupant. The buckle receives and removably secures the latch plate deflector when the seat belt is in use by the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Gunter Clute
  • Publication number: 20070176409
    Abstract: A kit is described for manufacturing books along with a method of manufacturing a book. Two distinct stiffening faces are provided against an adhesive sheet surface so that a first side of each the two stiffening faces is secured to the adhesive sheet surface with borders of the sheet surface extend beyond all edges of the two faces. A distinct stiffening spine is also placed on the adhesive sheet surface between adjacent edges of the of the two faces so that the spine is secured to the adhesive sheet surface with borders of the adhesive sheet surface at a top and a bottom of the spine extend beyond the top and bottom of the spine. The borders are folded at the top and bottom of the spine and around all edges of the faces to secure the cover to the faces and the spine, with cover material forming a border around three edges of each face. Pages are secured together, the pages having surface dimensions smaller than surface dimensions of the faces and the secured pages are further secured between the faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Moses
  • Publication number: 20070176410
    Abstract: The first application part is applied to one body to be sealed over and the second application part is applied to the other body to be sealed over. These application parts are joined to one another solely via a transition part, which is small compared to the application parts, so that a distant separation exists between the application parts, and the varying longitudinal expansion of the label when labeling the different circumferences is made sufficient. The application parts are preferably offset from one another in such a manner that an imaginary linear widening of the first application part of an infinite width only slightly overlaps the second application part or does not overlap it at all, the widening extending beyond the transition part in a transverse direction of the label. The application parts thus form, when applying them, a respective leading part and trailing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Unglert, Ulrich Moosheimer
  • Publication number: 20070176411
    Abstract: A unitary conduit repair joins first and second conduits each having open ends spaced from one another a predetermined distance, wherein the repair includes a unitary tubular body having a first end portion with an elongated female portion and an opposite second end portion with a male portion, and the unitary body has a total length greater than the predetermined distance between the ends of the first and second conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Hughes Bryan
  • Publication number: 20070176412
    Abstract: A locking device and method to eliminate rotation or dislodging of a snap ring relative to a snap ring groove is provided. A locking clip is provided that may be used as a retention clip, with or without the use of a snap ring. The locking device for a housing assembly to retain a part comprises a locking clip, insertable between the retained part and the housing, wherein the locking clip comprises a clip body; a first locking tab connected to the clip body; and a locating tab connected to the clip body. In rotating assemblies, the elimination of snap ring movement improves the balance and wear of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Carl Romack
  • Publication number: 20070176413
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved gas service riser assemblies. The improved gas service riser assemblies utilize an adapter to provide the transition from the plastic pipe used for underground distribution of natural gas to the metal pipe used in above ground natural gas distribution systems. Further, the improved gas service riser assemblies do not utilize the protective metal casing as a conduit for the natural gas thereby reducing the hazards associated with corrosion of the protective metal casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Lucas, Tom Veeley
  • Publication number: 20070176414
    Abstract: A fitting for sealing against the outer surface of an inlet includes a housing comprising a base and a closure defining a cavity within the housing. A resilient bushing is disposed within the cavity and is positioned between the closure and a piston slidably disposed in the cavity. The fitting has a first condition wherein the inlet can be received within an inner diameter of the bushing through an aperture in the closure. The fitting can be actuated to a second condition wherein the piston axially compresses the resilient bushing against the closure, thereby causing the inner diameter of the bushing to expand radially inwardly to sealingly engage the outer surface of the inlet. When the inlet is sealingly engaged by the resilient bushing in the second condition, fluid may be admitted to the inlet through a fluid passage in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: CINCINNATI TEST SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey McBee, Dean Berberich, Mitra Thunga
  • Publication number: 20070176415
    Abstract: A fitting for sealing against the inner surface of an inlet includes an elongate mandrel and one or more resilient bushings supported on the mandrel. The fitting has a first condition wherein the resilient bushing can be received within the inlet. The fitting can be actuated to a second condition the resilient bushing expands radially to sealingly engage the inner surface of the inlet. When the inlet is sealingly engaged by the resilient bushing in the second condition, fluid may be admitted to the inlet through an axial bore in the mandrel. When the fitting is used to fill a pipe system, fluid supplied to the inlet may be pressurized to facilitate monitoring the pipe system for leaks. The fitting may include a sealing member configured to seal against a terminal end of the inlet when the bushing is radially expanded to seal against the inner surface of the inlet in the second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: CINCINNATI TEST SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey McBee, Dennis Stutz
  • Publication number: 20070176416
    Abstract: A connection assembly for pipes is provided. The assembly includes a pipe, a corrugated conduit, a circumferentially expandable and contractable seal positioned between portions of the conduit and the pipe and a clamp encircling the conduit, seal and pipe. The seal is circumferentially contractible to secure the conduit and the pipe together with the seal serving to effect a gas-tight seal while filling the annular gap between the conduit and pipe. Additional embodiments provide flared sleeves on the corrugated conduit and stops for limiting movement of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Swank
  • Publication number: 20070176417
    Abstract: A flexible fluid conduit joint includes two or more flexible sections that preferentially bend about respective preferential bend axes of the sections. The sections each include a flexible bellows coupled at longitudinal ends to a pair of annular collars, and a pair of blade flexures or plates that are also attached to the annular collars. The blade flexures or plates prevent longitudinal expansion of the bellows, and inhibit bending of the flexible sections about an axis that is perpendicular to the plane or planes that the flexures define. Flexing of each section is thus preferentially channeled into a preferentially bending axis within or parallel to the plane or planes defined by the flexures. The sections have different orientations for their blade flexures or plates, allowing the flexible joint to act as a two-axis pivot that does not expand under fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Dominic Nuccitelli
  • Publication number: 20070176418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling (5) for fluid, comprising a first connecting section (20) for connection to a fluid hose (2) and a second connecting section (21) for connection to an opposing coupling (14), in which the coupling (5) also comprises a heating section (22) intended for a heating means (23). The object of the invention is to provide a heated coupling for use together with an electrically heated, encased fluid hose. The invention also relates to an encased fluid hose (1) connected to a coupling (5) comprising a heating section (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Lars Frogneborn, Bengt Henstrom
  • Publication number: 20070176419
    Abstract: A self-lubricating swivelling coupling for interconnecting lines, includes a housing with internal surfaces defining a cavity. It also includes a male component, including a shank and a flange provided on the shank, insertable within the cavity to enable the flange to be abuttable on the internal surfaces. The coupling also includes a nut securable within the cavity, to abut axially via an internal axial projection on the flange, and to surround the shank, allowing the male component to rotate. The fluid leaks between the components to lubricate the coupling. Lines are connectable to ports to be swivellably interconnected without needle- or ball-bearings. There is high surface contact and support between the flange, shank and nut, to withstand and distribute forces. Hydraulic fluid is preferred. A seal-unit between the male component and the nut, and a slide-ring between the flange and the nut, are also preferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Michel Taillon
  • Publication number: 20070176420
    Abstract: A connector-and-tube assembly includes a tube composed of a material having elasticity; at least one cylindrical member whose opposite ends communicate with each other and which is composed of a material having a higher coefficient of elasticity than that of the tube; and a connector having a communication hole through which the tube communicates with the outside, the connector being integrated with an end of the tube. The at least one cylindrical member is fitted within the tube at least at the end of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Saito, Yoshiki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20070176421
    Abstract: In a rapid coupling, an end section of a pipe nipple engages in a through-hole of a sleeve. A groove provided on the pipe nipple serves to engage a resilient locking ring formed in the sleeve in order to lock the coupled state. The locking ring is located in an annular recess formed close to the insertion end of the sleeve. If the pipe nipple is not inserted into the bush to such an extent that the locking ring latches in the groove, the pipe nipple is pushed outward by a compression spring provided in the through-hole of the sleeve, so that the groove is readily visible outside the sleeve. The groove thus serves not only for locking in the properly coupled state but also as an indicator for indicating a state which is not properly coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Ulrich Meier, Hans Greminger
  • Publication number: 20070176422
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising two symmetrically-disposed expandable threaded tubular joints, each of said joints consisting of: (i) a male tubular element (EM1, EM2) which is placed at one end of a tube (T1, T2) and which is equipped with (a) a male thread (FM), (b) a first annular lip (L1) having a first axially abutting surface (SB 1), a first inner surface (SI1) and a first outer surface (SE1), and (c) a second abutting surface (SB2); and (ii) a female tubular element (EF1, EF2) which is equipped with (a) a female thread (FF), (b) a second annular lip (L2) having a third abutting surface (SB3), a second outer surface (SE2) and a second inner surface (SI2), and (c) a third inner surface (SI3) and a fourth axially abutting surface (SB4) which, together with the second outer surface (SE2), defines an annular housing (LO) homologous to the corresponding first lip (L1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: VALLOUREC MANNESMANN OIL & GAS FRANCE
    Inventors: Laurent Dubedout, Benoit Duquesne, Eric Verger
  • Publication number: 20070176423
    Abstract: A method to manufacture a tubular connection includes calculating an engaged thread area of one of a pin member and a box member of a proposed wedge-thread connection, multiplying the calculated engaged thread area by a dope thickness factor to obtain a target free volume for the proposed wedge-threaded connection, and constructing the manufactured wedge-threaded connection having a total clearance gap volume substantially equal to the target free volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Harris Reynolds, Andrew Tate
  • Publication number: 20070176424
    Abstract: A preloaded connector to connect sealingly two pipe segments having a common axis, comprising at least one couple of cooperating pin and box members, the members including load-bearing surfaces to transmit tension and compression axial forces, the connector comprising means to apply, after engagement of the members, a sufficient axial force on at least one of the members, to modify in the plastic range the axial length of at least a portion of said members, so that after release of the axial force a preload subsists on the load-bearing surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Philippe Nobileau
  • Publication number: 20070176425
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a clamp that includes a collar. The collar has first and second ends from which first and second lugs extend. Each of the first and second lugs has a thick portion and a thin portion, and the lugs are connected by a fastener. The clamp is positioned around tubes, and the fastener is tightened to tighten the clamp around the connection. The fastener may be tightened from an open position OP, when the lugs are not touching, to a closed position CP, when the thick portions of the lugs are touching. The fastener may be tightened further to a third position, so that the thin portions of the lugs move closer to one another. The clamp may also include a hinge area in which a gasket seal may be attached to the clamp or one of the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: R.G Ray Corporation
    Inventors: Rufei Ma, Dan Liedtke
  • Publication number: 20070176426
    Abstract: An engine-driven work machine equipped with a moving handle is provided wherein the moving handle (86) is formed from a pair of left and right handle bars (88, 88) having a handle grip (93) at the extremity, and a cross member (89) integrally connecting middle parts of the handle bars (88, 88) to each other, and the two handle bars (88, 88) are mounted in upper parts of left and right side frames (2b, 2b) of a frame (2) so that the two handle bars (88, 88) can pivot between a working position (A) in which the two handle bars (88, 88) protrude from the frame (2) and a storage position (B) in which, with the handle grip (93) facing downward, the handle bars (88, 88) in cooperation with the cross member (89) function as a bumper. When the moving handle is not used, it can be folded compactly, and equipment on the frame can thereby be protected from contact with another object by utilizing the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Tadafumi Hirose, Shuhei Imai, Takao Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070176427
    Abstract: The invention relates to an alternate current power generator with a primary drive shaft having a set of two magnets and an armature and a governor. The governor moves the magnets and armature with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the alternate current power generator has a secondary drive shaft, weighted flexible strips attached to the secondary drive shaft with connectors such that the flexible strips' weights cause the strips to move outward upon rotation, drawing the connectors closer together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions
    Inventor: Dineshbhai Ashodia
  • Publication number: 20070176428
    Abstract: A wind turbine generator includes: a tower; a rotor supported by the tower to rotate around a rotational axis which is not parallel with an axis direction of the tower by wind power; a generator driven by a rotational force of the rotor; a sensor to detect vibration component in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotor; and a control device to control the rotor so that fluctuation of the rotor is caused to suppress the vibration component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Toru Nagao
  • Publication number: 20070176429
    Abstract: A tidal power generator has a floating vessel hull that is subject to rising and falling water levels so that the hull moves vertically up and down. Linear-to-rotary converters are coupled between the vessel hull and a fixed object. The converters allow the hull to move vertically while constraining the horizontal movement of the hull. The converters convert the vertical movement of the hull into rotary movement, which is then used to drive an electrical generator. A harborage is provided to protect the hull and the converters and to regulate the water level for the vessel hull as well as become a fixed object relative to the vessel from which a change in relative position causes power to be developed. If the hull is subject to tidal variations, vertical movement of the hull can be desynchronized from the tidal variations so as to store energy during slack tides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Lomerson, Robert Lomerson
  • Publication number: 20070176430
    Abstract: A method and device for converting fluidic kinetic energy into oscillatory mechanical motion is disclosed. A mechanical structure of finite stiffness is coupled to a fluid-dynamical control surface the thrust from which is oscillated in direction. The coupling thereby induces oscillations in the structure, the magnitude of which can be controlled by the degree of mechanical resonance between the oscillation rate of the fluidic thrusting and the structure's resonance frequency. The resulting mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy using either piezo-electric or electromagnetic means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Mark D. Hammig
  • Publication number: 20070176431
    Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing the energy of wind currents by placing wind-driven turbines at one or more edges of a building's roof, where the wind currents are concentrated by deflection of the wind off the horizontal faces of the building. In one embodiment, a cylindrical wind turbine is placed at the edge of a building's rooftop. The turbine structure drives an electrical generator. The axis of rotation of the turbine is parallel to the ground and to the edge of the building. A concentrator may be used to direct rising winds into the turbine. Turbines can be installed on multiple sides of the building to optimize the system for variations in wind direction with changes in seasons or weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: John Graham
  • Publication number: 20070176432
    Abstract: Power generating apparatus (10) including a cable (12) which rotatably mounts a plurality of power units (14). The power units (14) include wind power turbines (46) for producing power from the wind as the power units (14) fly in the sky whilst connected to the cable (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew Rolt
  • Publication number: 20070176433
    Abstract: A device for operating a lock assembly for a door or window assembly is disclosed. The lock assembly has a first configuration when mounted in a right hand door and a second configuration when mounted in a left hand door. The device has a handle having a first position and a second position. A member is operably connected to the handle. The member has structure adapted to cooperate with the lock assembly such that the first position of the handle when the member is adapted to be connected to the lock assembly in the first configuration is the same as the first position of the handle when the member is adapted to be connected to the lock assembly in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Christopher Walls, Richard Green
  • Publication number: 20070176434
    Abstract: To embody and develop a known motor vehicle lock such that, with minimum construction effort, locking of the motor vehicle lock is also possible via the inside door handle, the central locking lever has, in addition to an unlocking contour that, by actuating the inside actuating lever in an opening direction and with the central locking lever in the locking position, is engaged by the inside actuating lever so as to transfer the central locking lever into the unlocking position and then disengages from the unlocking contour, is additionally provided with a locking contour via which the central locking lever is movable from the unlocking position into the locking position by actuating the inside actuating lever in a locking direction which is opposite the opening direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: BROSE SCHLIESSSYSTEME GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Roman JOSCHKO, Ole HAGER, Simon BROSE
  • Publication number: 20070176435
    Abstract: A return spring assembly for returning a handle to the horizontal orientation includes a spring housing having an outer flange that contacts an outer surface of a door around the perimeter of a bored opening and an inner portion with a curved section that securely supports a latchbolt lock mechanism when an identical return spring assembly is installed on an opposite side of the door. A spring is driven by two spring drivers operating with a lost motion connection to the handle spindle to alternately compress the spring from opposite directions as the handle is rotated in opposite directions. The spring is positioned to not interfere with a linkage extending out from the latchbolt lock mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Todd Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20070176436
    Abstract: A handle assembly comprises a handle, a handle spigot to which the handle is attached, biasing means to bias the handle to a naturally closed position, an operating plate which is rotatable by the handle spigot, a mounting stock, and a housing, the spigot, biasing means, operating plate and a majority of the mounting stock being positioned within the housing, the mounting stock being securable to the housing to hold all said the components within the housing. In this manner, the handle assembly can be made as a “complete” unit with all the internal components being in position and with the handle being rotatably attached relative to the housing. Thus, no separate rose is required. Another advantage is that the unit can be assembled using a substantially concealed fixing arrangement to improve security and also to improve the aesthetic appeal of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Newman, Robert Watson
  • Publication number: 20070176437
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a handle set for a lock with a latch, the handle set having an authentication circuit and actuator in the interior handle that allow access to authenticated transponders. The present invention also provides a device and method for transmitting a rotational movement and force in an electronic lock, wherein the transmission takes place in a coupled state and not in a decoupled state and wherein the transmission of force does not damage an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. The handle set can include a coupling cartridge that can be easily handed. The electronic lock can be retrofitted in installed mortise locks and used with cylindrical locks. The electronic lock can include a security feature that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: SIMONSVOSS TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: James Marschalek, Warren Simonsen, Ludger Voss, Herbert Meyerle, Norbert Voss, Stefan Parhofer
  • Publication number: 20070176438
    Abstract: A bumper beam has a bow-formed outer profile (14), that has a central flange (16) and two webs (15, 18) and is fastened in two crash boxes (12, 13) with its central flange face away from the crash boxes. The outer profile has a cover (15) so that the bumper beam will have a closed profile. The cover (15) has a central flange (24) and two webs (25, 26). The webs (17, 18) of the outer profile (14) are jointed in pairs with the webs (25, 26) of the cover (15), and the web height of the cover at its centre is bigger than the web height of the outer profile (14) at its centre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Simon Tornberg
  • Publication number: 20070176439
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a device directed to protecting surfaces from damage due to low-impact forces. The device is fabricated from resilient plastic material that will absorb such forces and return to its original shape without breaking or permanent deformation. The device disclosed is semi-circular in cross-section and is adhered to the surface to be protected by means of double-sided adhesive tape or, alternatively, by means of a bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Jack Meltzer
  • Publication number: 20070176440
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper and a method for making a vehicle bumper formed of first and second members. Each of the first and second members are formed of substantially similar first and second U-shaped members positioned such that the respective sidewalls of the first and second U-shaped members are positioned adjacent one another. The bumper including a plurality of apertures therein formed by cutouts extending inward from the peripheral edge of each of the first and second U-shaped members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Karl Henseleit
  • Publication number: 20070176441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fascia, grille and the assembly of the fascia and grille. The grille is designed to overly the fascia and close both an upper and lower air intake opening. The fascia supports the grille and receives fasteners from the grille to form an assembly. The fascia includes a horizontal portion. The grille includes a horizontal portion sized to receive a bumper beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Chelsia Lau, Jennifer Baffy, Shawn Morgans, Peter MacLean, Daniel Scalici, Girard Moore
  • Publication number: 20070176442
    Abstract: A bumper stay for a vehicle adapted to extend between the vehicle platform and the vehicle bumper. The bumper stay includes a first length and a second length with the first length being crushable relative to the second length. The relative lengths of the first and second sublengths are varied to provide a bumper stay of specified crushability useable with all members of a family of vehicles having a common platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Mori, Aaron Stando