Patents Issued in September 27, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070222252
    Abstract: An incident intensity L is categorized into a low illuminance range A1 for immediately moving a sun visor body toward a retracted position, a high illuminance range A2 for immediately moving the sun visor body in a target direction set based on an incident angle, and an intermediate illuminance range A3 set between the two regions A1 and A2. When the incident intensity is in the region A3 and after the target position is continuously set closer to the retracted position or the projected position than the present position for a predetermined time, the sun visor body moves toward the target position. That is, there is a range between an illuminance threshold L1 for immediately moving the sun visor body toward the retracted position and an illuminance threshold L2 for immediately moving the sun visor body in the target direction based on the incident angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Suzuki, Hiromi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20070222253
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a vehicle carried open top container wherein a cover is connected at one end to a vertically adjustable tower and an opposite end to a cross member connected to a pair of pivot arms that are mounted at their lower ends to be pivoted by at least one hydraulic actuator that is mounted to the vehicle intermediate opposite ends of the container and adjacent the bottom thereof. An effective length of each pivot arm may be adjusted and locked in adjusted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Wood, Douglas Howell
  • Publication number: 20070222254
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlling the motion of the swiveling parts of a vehicle. The task of this invention to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art in a simple manner and to provide an arrangement for controlling the motion of the swiveling parts of a vehicle without much effort is solved by an arrangement that controls the motion of the swiveling parts of a vehicle, such as a convertible top and/or a rear lid, and includes at least one distance sensor and one control unit, which controls the motion of at least one motor by means of which the vehicle parts can be set into motion, and distance sensor and control unit set upon the motion in a controlling manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Tobias Wagner
  • Publication number: 20070222255
    Abstract: A ventilation device for use with vehicle windows is provided. This device includes an adjustable frame mountable within a vehicle window; an insert mountable within the frame; and an adapter, wherein adapter is attachable to the frame and further includes a plurality of score lines formed therein for facilitating changing the dimensions of the adapter, if necessary, based on the dimensions of the window opening in which the device is being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Grindle
  • Publication number: 20070222256
    Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated door system, comprising: an outer panel; a trim panel module having a first and a second side, the first side adapted to communicate with an interior of a vehicle and the second side adapted to attach to the outer panel; a window surround disposed between the outer panel and the second side of the trim panel module; and an integrated reinforcement assembly disposed on the second side of the trim panel module and about a lower portion of the window surround.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Valentage, Joseph Gustaaf Marie Flendrig
  • Publication number: 20070222257
    Abstract: A core module is provided. The core module includes a body, a first reinforcement member disposed at an upper portion of the body, a second reinforcement member disposed on a perimeter of the body, and a lock mechanism attached to the second reinforcement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Gustaaf Marie Flendrig, Jeffrey Valentage
  • Publication number: 20070222258
    Abstract: An escape hatch for use with an enclosure such as a tractor trailer is disclosed. The escape hatch comprises an opening defined by the body of the enclosure and a door that is secured to opening by an opening mechanism and a latch mechanism. The escape hatch prevents people from becoming trapped in an enclosure and provides a safe route of escape should a person inadvertently be locked in the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Bacco, David Bosch, Dean Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20070222259
    Abstract: A removable truck deck for use as part of a roll-off truck deck system. In one embodiment, the removable truck deck comprises a replaceable and interchangeable side fitting that may be locked at a desired position along the length of the removable truck deck. The side fitting may be used to provide a plurality of interchangeable attachments on the truck deck. One such attachment may include a pontoon permitting the truck deck to float when removed from the truck. A plurality of floating truck decks in abutting longitudinal series may be used to create a floating bridge. Other attachments include, wheels, cranes, winches, transverse partitions, tailgates, sidewalls, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Craig Oliver
  • Publication number: 20070222260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind deflector (10) for a motor vehicle roof (2) with a roof opening (4) which can be closed by means of an adjustable cover (6), comprising a wind deflector (10) which is located along the front edge of the roof opening (4) and which can be moved between an inactive position which is retracted into the outside contour of the roof and a raised operating position, the effective area exposed to the incident flow of the head wind being formed from an air-permeable net (12). As claimed in the invention the net (12) which forms the effective area consists of several sections of different fabric density which are located next to one another. The net (12) is a one-piece fabric with several sections of different fabric density made by means of the corresponding weaving technique, so that the net (12) does not have any seams or other connecting sites between the individual sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventor: Viter Sergio Pocchiola
  • Publication number: 20070222261
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a folding ottoman which is convertible to a chair having the usual seat and back rest. A seat frame extends between a pair of opposing arm panels. A storage compartment is slidably connected to the arm panels below the seat frame. The storage compartment is adapted to slide outwardly relative to the seat frame in response to a pulling force applied thereto so as to enable a user to gain access to a storage space at the interior of the storage compartment. A flip-up back rest is pivotally connected to the pair of arm panels by way of a pair of machine bolts extending therebetween. The back rest is rotatable relative to the seat frame from a horizontal, closed position lying atop the seat frame at which the ottoman is established to a vertical, open position standing upwardly from the seat frame at which the chair is established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Alan True
  • Publication number: 20070222262
    Abstract: A deformable, polypropylene-moulding lining (11), is provided in a head rest. It has a crosspiece (12), clipped (14) to the head support (5) and right and left deformable wings (15, 16). These are longer than the support wings (5, 6) of the head part (4), extending past distal edges (17) of the support wings. The deformable wings are spaced inwards from the support wings, with voids (18) defined between them. The deformable wings are divided into two in their forwards extent by a living hinge (19) into a front portion (20) and a rear portion (21). The living hinge is positioned just inside the distal edges of the shell wings. The injection moulded lining has its own foam materiel lining (22), the whole being covered with upholstery (23). The result of the arrangement is that if an occupant's head H impacts the lining in side impact of the vehicle equipped with the seat, the relevant lining wing will be pressed against the shell wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: BRITAX EXCELSIOR LIMITED
    Inventor: David Carine
  • Publication number: 20070222263
    Abstract: Vehicle seat has a seat portion and a backrest that includes side wings foldable forwardly onto the seat portion around a backrest swiveling axis to provide a materially horizontal loading area in a cargo position. Adjustment device for flatting the contour of the side wings when the backrest is folded forward onto the seat portion is provided in the side wings. In each side wing, a wing device determines the contour of the side wing with the device swiveling in a longitudinal direction on the backrest frame via a lever mechanism. Backrest can be locked and released when in the use position. A prestressed tension device is connected to the lever mechanism. The tension device exerts tension on the lever mechanism when the backrest is folded forward causing the wing device to swing horizontally inward in the direction of the backrest frame to flatten the contour of the side wings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Dominik Szczudrawa
  • Publication number: 20070222264
    Abstract: An adjustment device is provided for adjusting the height of a side cheek (1) of a seat, whereby the side cheek (1) has a compressible section. The adjustment device comprises pressure means (3) allocated to the compressible section, which are designed in such a way that in a first state they exert a compression pressure on the compressible section, and that in a second state they do not exert any compression pressure on the compressible section. With a device of this kind, a simple height adjustment of the side cheek can be achieved, for example for the purpose of facilitating entry into a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: SCHUKRA GERATEBAU AG
    Inventors: Sven Schiener, Veit Stossel
  • Publication number: 20070222265
    Abstract: An adjustable reclining chair including a seat configured to support a user, a chair back, a base and a control mechanism mounted on the base. The control mechanism coupling the chair back to the seat with the chair back located generally adjacent to the user's back when the user is seated upon the seat. The control mechanism including a resistance adjustment mechanism for varying the control mechanism's resistance to a reclining force applied by the user to the chair back in order to move the chair back rearward from an upright position. The resistance adjustment mechanism activated by the weight of the user when seated in the chair, such that easy adjustment of the resistance is facilitated with the chair in an upright position. The resistance adjustment mechanism including a resilient member placed under a load during reclining of the chair to provide resistance to the reclining force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: HNI Corporation
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, John R. Koch, Marcus C. Koepke
  • Publication number: 20070222266
    Abstract: A chair is provided comprising a seat assembly including a seat back and a seat bottom and a support frame including a left leg assembly and right leg assembly connected by a transverse support member. The seat back is pivotably connected to each of the leg assemblies such that an upper portion of the seat back pivots in relation to the leg assemblies between a first seat back position and a second seat back position. The seat bottom is rotatable in relation to the seat back between an upright position and a horizontal position. The seat bottom is slidingly engaged with the leg assemblies such that pivoting of the seat backward from the first seat back position to the second seat back position causes the seat bottom to slide forward from a first seat bottom position to a second seat bottom position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Ditto Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Lucci, Paolo Orlandini
  • Publication number: 20070222267
    Abstract: In a swinging apparatus (rotatively moving and swinging apparatus), a swing arm 51 positions a rotatively moving pedestal 45 and a cushion base 51. The swing arm 51 is swung around a driving shaft 60 to swing the cushion base 51, that is, to elevate or lower the cushion base 51 and to move it forward or backward. The cushion base 51 supports a seat portion 30. When the seat is in a forward position in which it is directed toward the front of the vehicle, the swing arm 55 diagonally connects the members 51 and 45 together (Z type). This prevents, in the forward position, the swing arm 55 from extending upward from the cushion base 51 or the rotatively moving pedestal 45 from extending laterally from the seat portion 30. Therefore, the size of the apparatus can be reduced across the width and height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Hisasi Tsujimoto, Sigeru Yasufuku, Hideo Tsuzuki, Hidenori Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20070222268
    Abstract: An ergonomic chair having a seat with selectively located slot patterns or spring mechanisms to reduce pressure on the occupant of the seat and a flexible back that allows the occupant to recline while at the same time providing lumbar support. An embodiment of the chair may be telescopically stacked in a space-saving configuration of a plurality of identical chairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Manuel Saez, Lachezar Tsvetanov
  • Publication number: 20070222269
    Abstract: The child's head support is adapted to support the head of the child seated in a car seat. The head support has a head and body taking the form of a plush animal. The top of the head provides a resting surface for the chin of a toddler, alleviating strain on the toddler's neck when the toddler leans forward to sleep or rest. The ears of the head support contain a flexible frame allowing the ears to be shaped to cradle the toddler's head. The cradling ears limit side-to-side motion of the toddler's head. A pair of legs attached to the head support is adapted to lie beneath/above the legs of the toddler, providing support for the head support. The legs contain a flexible frame, allowing the legs to be shaped to fit beneath the child's legs. An internal, adjustable length central frame provides support for the overall device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Tara J. Stoeckel, Brent A. Stoeckel
  • Publication number: 20070222270
    Abstract: A tiltable vehicle seat has a tiltable metallic seat pan that tilts upon rapid vehicle deceleration. The metallic seat pan is supported for movement between a normal seating position and a tilted or deployed position. The seat pan includes a deformable anti-submarining beam that extends laterally across the seat pan. The deformable anti-submarining beam is deformable in response to a prescribed deformation force exerted from the general direction of a buttocks supporting end thereof with the seat pan in the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John Combest
  • Publication number: 20070222271
    Abstract: A child safety chair restraining system for a table set that includes a strap that comprises two ends with part of an attachment device on at least one end and a strap receiver that comprises an adhesive back and at least one part of an attachment device on the front. The adhesive back of the strap receiver attaches to the underside of a table while the strap wraps around and restrains the chair and attaches to the attachment device on the strap receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Richard F. Henry
  • Publication number: 20070222272
    Abstract: A seat belt anchor (“anchor”) for a vehicle. The anchor is comprised of a bracket and a pair of nested plates. The bracket has a first plate portion and a second plate portion extending from the first plate portion. The second plate portion is attached to the nested plates, which extend substantially across the second plate portion. The nested plates are comprised of an intermediate plate and an outer plate. The intermediate plate is fixedly attached to the second plate portion. Also, the outer plate is rotatably attached to the intermediate plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Taylor
  • Publication number: 20070222273
    Abstract: A wheel supported grain wagon includes a container with sloping side walls extending to an incline bottom wall, and a gravity discharge opening is formed within one of the side walls adjacent the bottom wall. A door panel is supported by tracks for movement between an upper open position and a lower close position covering the opening. A grain discharge chute extends from the opening and has opposite side walls connected by a bottom wall. The chute is adjustably supported by a pair of horizontally aligned pivot pins projecting into corresponding slots within a pair of side support brackets secured to the container. The slots extend generally perpendicular to the side wall and have longitudinally spaced bottom notches which selectively receive the pivot pins in response to manually lifting and shifting the discharge chute for selectively positioning the outer edge of the discharge chute at different elevations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: James Wood
  • Publication number: 20070222274
    Abstract: A floor covering removal machine for removing a floor covering that is secured to a floor that includes a drive frame formed with an underside caster assembly, and feed, ejection, and oppositely arranged cutter sides. A variable speed, reversible, motorized drum is mounted about the frame and cooperates with a gripping idler roller that is releasably biased toward the drum to establish a grip interface which conveys the floor covering from the feed to the ejection sides. In operation, the floor covering is pulled through the grip interface and thereby removed from the floor. The machine also may include a collapsible guide handle extending from the drive frame and a motor speed control. Optional retractable floor covering cutters are included that are deployable in a floor contour-following configuration. An optional alignment laser pointer is mounted on the frame for alignment during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Herbert Manners
  • Publication number: 20070222275
    Abstract: There is disclosed a wheel (1) that comprises a hollow central body (2), in which a coupling element (6) to be coupled to a wheel shaft (5) and to the central body (2) is present. The coupling element (6) is a coupling element that is exchangeable in dependence on the fact whether the wheel shaft (5) is a driven shaft or not. In the case of a wheel driven by the wheel shaft (5), the wheel (1) comprises a insert (6-2) as the coupling element. In the case of a wheel (1) not driven via the wheel shaft (5), comprises a shaft bearing (6-1) as the coupling element. One and the same wheel can be used in a vehicle as a driven wheel but also as a non-driven wheel, which can be realised by exchanging the coupling element (6). Furthermore the wheel can be used as a front wheel, but also as a rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Johan Vrielink
  • Publication number: 20070222276
    Abstract: The balance comprising a felloe (3), arms (4) connecting the felloe (3) to the balance staff and inertia blocks (11) is characterized in that the felloe (3) includes studs (7) in its inner surface, a threaded hole (9) into which said inertia blocks (11) are screwed from the inside, without passing beyond the external surface of the felloe (3), passing through said felloe (3) and said studs (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: NIVAROX-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Verardo, Emmanuel Graf, Alexandre Fussinger
  • Publication number: 20070222277
    Abstract: A tire rim shield to protect a tire rim while cleaning a rubber tire attached to such tire rim. The tire rim protector includes a predetermined shaped member. Such dome shaped member having a predetermined diameter and extends upwardly a predetermined distance. There is a handle member disposed on an outer surface of such dome shaped member substantially at a center thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Adam Israel
  • Publication number: 20070222278
    Abstract: A wheel of a bicycle has a standard or undersized hub mounted on a wide rim using offset spokes in order to correspondingly offset the hub and a rear cog or pulley to one side. The offset hub provides chain or belt clearance between a chain or belt, a tire and a rim edge of the wide rim. An undersized tire may be mounted to the wide rim by providing mirrored inclined surfaces such that tire beads of the undersized tire may ride on the mirrored inclined surfaces and are thereby guided outwardly from a center trough of the wide rim to opposing bead seats of the wide rim during inflation of a tube disposed within the undersized tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Gary Hoisington
  • Publication number: 20070222279
    Abstract: According to the invention, the fabricated vehicle wheel includes a conventional full wheel rim and a unique wheel disc joined to the wheel rim. The wheel disc includes an inner wheel mounting pad, an outer annular rim connecting flange and a plurality of radial spokes connecting the inner wheel mounting pad to the rim connecting flange. The rim connecting flange extends in an axial direction and defines a side edge surface extending between each pair of adjacent spokes. A plurality of windows are formed in the wheel disc. Each of the windows has a predetermined shape defined by the adjacent spokes and the side edge surface of the rim connecting flange. The rim connecting flange and the side edge surface are configured such that the window extends to an outermost periphery of the wheel disc. The inner wheel mounting pad includes at least one rib provided therein. The rib has an outer surface and an inner surface, at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface is provided with a flat planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Montgomery Csapo, Thomas Czarniecki, John Holm, Thomas Heck, Gunter Stelzer, Karl Rode, Werner Kermelk, Alan Coleman
  • Publication number: 20070222280
    Abstract: An axle driving system which houses in a housing thereof a hydrostatic transmission, axles, and a driving gear train for connecting output means of the hydraulic transmission and axles, so as to transmit power from a driving source to the hydrostatic transmission and to change the speed, thereby driving the axles. A first chamber therein contains the hydrostatic transmission and a second chamber therein contains the driving gear train. Both the first and second chambers are independent of each other so as to prevent a foreign object, such as iron powder produced in the driving gear train, from entering the hydrostatic transmission. The system includes an L-like-shaped center section on which the hydrostatic transmission is offset such that an imaginary plane which includes a motor mounting surface passes in proximity to the axis of a pump shaft. The pump shaft is disposed perpendicular to the axles. The motor shaft is disposed in parallel thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Robert ABEND, Hideaki Okada, Ryota Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20070222281
    Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, a differential assembly rotatably supported within the housing, a differential cover and a gasket assembly positioned between the housing and the differential cover. The gasket assembly includes a body and a magnet coupled to the body. The magnet is positioned in communication with a lubricant located within the interior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Beutler
  • Publication number: 20070222282
    Abstract: A brake connector having a pressure sensor attached thereto is protected from an environment. In particular, the brake connector may be attachable to a transmission case of the motorcycle. The pressure sensor may be disposed between the engine and the transmission case or behind the transmission case when the brake connector is attached to the transmission case such that the engine and/or transmission case protects the pressure sensor from projectiles such as road debris. A protective cover may also cover the pressure sensor to protect the pressure sensor from road debris and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth Thurm, Scott Longnecker
  • Publication number: 20070222283
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a brake release system for a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle has a braking device that is positioned within the towed vehicle and is configured to depress a brake pedal of the towed vehicle. The braking device includes a brake actuator that is configured to controllably press on the towed vehicle's brake pedal. The brake release system is in communication with the brake actuator. The brake release system is configured to monitor when the brake pedal has been depressed for a predetermined period of time and when the brake release system determines that the predetermined period of time has been exceeded; the brake release system deactivates the brake actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Skinner, M. Walker, Terry Elstad
  • Publication number: 20070222284
    Abstract: At least one of first and second actuator driving devices is supplied with electric power securely. When failure occurs in any one of main power line, auxiliary power line, first and second power supply lines and first and second relays, the first to third relays are controlled to be opened and closed so that failure part is separated or failure part is isolated from part where failure does not occur or supply of electric power to failure part is cut off or electric power is supplied to part to which electric power cannot be supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Matsubara, Hitoshi Kobayashi, Toshiyuki Innami, Kimio Nishino, Toshiharu Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20070222285
    Abstract: Improved anti-lock brake systems (ABS) employed on aircraft and land vehicles and methods of operating same employing a sliding mode observer (SMO) incorporated into an ABS algorithm requiring only measurement of wheel speed to regulate the application of braking torque are disclosed. Braking is optimized simply by maintaining an SMO estimate of differential wheel torque (road/tire torque minus applied brake torque) derived from wheel speed at an extremum via applying or releasing the brakes as the extremum is passed through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: William B. Ribbens, Ronald J. Fredricks
  • Publication number: 20070222286
    Abstract: The present invention provides a turning control apparatus for a vehicle to improve turning ability and to avoid degradation of acceleration ability. The turning control apparatus comprises: a driving torque controller (31) for adjusting driving torque between a left and right wheels (14L and 14R); means (62) for calculating a necessary yaw momentum value indicating degree of necessary yaw momentum for the turning of the vehicle; and means (63) for clipping the necessary yaw momentum value as a target yaw momentum at a maximum yaw momentum value, which is defined according to difference between the inside-wheel rotation speed and the outside-wheel rotation speed (?), if the necessary yaw momentum value is over the maximum yaw momentum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takami Miura
  • Publication number: 20070222287
    Abstract: An automotive regenerative and friction braking system uses a separate brake system control module and a powertrain control module. The brake system control module normally operates the friction and regenerative brakes in a coordinated, or series, configuration. In the event that the brake system control module becomes inoperative, the powertrain control module will operate the regenerative braking system in a parallel, or independent, configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Crombez, Matt Smith
  • Publication number: 20070222288
    Abstract: An electric drive vehicle having an induction motor for braking or driving wheels, a motor controller for controlling the induction motor, and mechanical brakes for braking the wheels, wherein while the vehicle is in halt in a state that the mechanical breaks are not operating, the motor controller applies DC voltage or AC voltage in a frequency range of ?1 Hz to +1 Hz to the stator of the induction motor to make the induction motor generate torque for stopping the vehicle and maintain the vehicle in a halt state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Akira Kikuchi, Takashi Ikimi, Keizo Shimada, Naoshi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20070222289
    Abstract: A driving force control apparatus is configured to automatically apply a braking force to a plurality of wheels in order to descend down a hill at a constant speed, such that the wheels can be prevented from being locked by the braking force, and the vehicle speed can be prevented from increasing. In order for a vehicle to travel at a preset speed, the vehicle driving force control apparatus detects the speeds of the wheels subjected to a braking force, and switches the vehicle from a four-wheel drive (4WD) mode in which driving force is distributed to all of the wheels to a two-wheel drive (2WD) mode in which driving force is distributed to only the front wheels. The switch is made when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a lower limit threshold. The front wheels are prevented from locking, and increases in the vehicle speed are suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Fukuda, Masamichi Ando
  • Publication number: 20070222290
    Abstract: A braking device for an electrically driven rotor comprises a drive signal generating circuit for an electrically driven rotor, an output stage, a motor for the electrically driven rotor, driven by the output stage, and a monitor circuit for detecting interruption of an electric power supply for the motor. The output stage has a MOSFET of an upper stage side and a MOSFET of a lower side, and a diode inserted between a gate of the MOSFET of the lower stage side and the electric power supply. An electromagnetic brake is generated and applied on the electrically driven rotor when the MOSFET of the upper stage side is turned OFF and the MOSFET of the lower stage side is turned ON by a control signal from the monitor circuit, and an exciter coil of the motor is shorted when the electric power supply is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Shuichi Matsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20070222291
    Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus is equipped with an immobilizer ECU, a remote security ECU, a communication ECU, and the like. The immobilizer ECU controls prohibition and permission of a drive operation of an engine based upon an identification signal transmitted from an electronic key. The immobilizer ECU also controls prohibition and permission of the drive operation of the engine based upon a remote set signal and a remote unset signal, which are transmitted form a base station. In a case that the immobilizer ECU prohibits the drive operation of the engine based upon the identification signal of the key, even when the remote unset signal is outputted, the immobilizer ECU maintains to prohibit the drive operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20070222292
    Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus is equipped with an immobilizer ECU, a remote security ECU, a communication ECU, and the like. The immobilizer ECU controls prohibition and permission of a drive operation of an engine based upon an identification signal transmitted from an electronic key. The immobilizer ECU also controls the prohibition and permission of the drive operation of the engine based upon a remote set signal and a remote unset signal, which are transmitted from a base station. A remote immobilizer function for prohibiting the operation of the engine based on the identification signal is set until the remote unset signal is transmitted when the remote unset signal is transmitted from the base station, on condition that the travel of the vehicle is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20070222293
    Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus is equipped with an immobilizer ECU, a remote security ECU, a communication ECU, and the like. The immobilizer ECU controls prohibition and permission of a drive operation of an engine based upon an identification signal transmitted from an electronic key. The immobilizer ECU also controls prohibition and permission of the drive operation of the engine based upon a remote set signal and a remote unset signal, which are transmitted form a base station. In a case that the immobilizer ECU permits the drive operation of the engine based upon the identification signal of the key, even when the remote set signal is outputted, the immobilizer ECU maintains to permit the drive operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20070222294
    Abstract: An underfrequency load shedding protection system for stably managing a power system by recovering a power system frequency to within a predetermined range when the power system frequency drops. An underfrequency level detection unit judges an underfrequency level of the power system frequency when the power system frequency drops resulting from power generation shortage in the power system and a load shedding unit sequentially sheds loads determined in advance based on a staying time when the power system frequency stays at any one of the underfrequency levels judged by the underfrequency level detection unit and sheds on this occasion more loads quickly when the underfrequency level at which the power system frequency stays is large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Jirou Tsukida, Tadaaki Yasuda, Shinichi Imai
  • Publication number: 20070222295
    Abstract: A power load management system for regulating power demand from a distribution panel of a residence or building is disclosed. Load control switches placed in-line between circuit breakers of the distribution panel and the loads they control, such as a water heater, pump, AC unit etc., provide load feedback data to a load management CPU. The load management CPU monitors the load feedback data and other operational parameters for selectively switching load control switches to the open circuit state to ensure that the total load demanded does not exceed the demand limits imposed by the power source. The load management CPU includes adaptive algorithms to automatically prioritize loads based on user and utility applied weighting factors, and patterns of loading based on time and date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Wareham, Stephen MacNeil, Michael MacLean, Shane Samson
  • Publication number: 20070222296
    Abstract: In a power adapter having multiple power outputs, a first information handling system (IHS) is coupled to a first power output included by the multiple power outputs. A second IHS is coupled to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs. A controller is coupled to each IHS and each power output. In response to the first IHS being decoupled from the first power output, an amount of power that is supplied to the second power output is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Erin Price, Robert Allen
  • Publication number: 20070222297
    Abstract: A power supply device includes a DC power output module for outputting a DC power source, a DC power transformation module coupled to the DC power output module for transforming a voltage level of the DC power source, a diode including an input end coupled to an output end of the DC power transformation module and an output end, and a charge storing module coupled to the output end of the diode for storing charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Min-Hui Hung
  • Publication number: 20070222298
    Abstract: A high efficiency lighting system maintains normal lighting conditions by lighting fixtures requiring DC electrical power. A power control device receives AC electrical power from a public utility converts AC power to DC power and delivers low voltage DC electrical power to lighting fixtures. A standby battery is provided to maintain power during power outages. Optionally, a photovoltaic DC electrical power source may be connected to the power control device, to provide alternate DC electrical power. In a further embodiment, a gas driven cogenerator unit may supply DC electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: William Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20070222299
    Abstract: A number of wave correction filters are disclosed which respond to power surges or spikes outside the intended frequency and/or voltage for a load device. The circuits respond to such undesired frequencies and voltage levels by sensing and separating them from the desired voltage and frequencies and connecting the energy from such undesired voltages and/or frequencies to resistors where it is dissipated as heat. In this way, the resulting energy is prevented from distorting the input voltage to the load device. It is also retained in the filter and prevented from traveling through a ground connection to pollute other related circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Pickett, Theodore Thibault, Edward Price
  • Publication number: 20070222300
    Abstract: The interfacing of a controller having an output with components (e.g., a triac) that require more current to successfully drive than the amount of current that is drawn by the circuit or controller which is being driven. The extra current drawn may be efficiently used, rather than wasted, for other circuitry such as a power supply for the electronics of the controllers or other devices. Also, another source may automatically come into place to provide current for the power supply or other circuitry when the driving controller becomes inactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Cory Grabinger, Ivo Chromy
  • Publication number: 20070222301
    Abstract: A power manager for managing power delivered to a battery operated peripheral device is disclosed. The power manager includes an input current limiter arranged to suppress a power surge associated with an insertion event by a power cable arranged to provide an external voltage. A voltage converter unit coupled to the input current limiter converts the received external voltage to a supply voltage that is transmitted by way of a main bus to a voltage sensor unit coupled thereto. During the insertion event, a comparator unit coupled to the voltage sensor, sends a first switching signal to a switchover circuit that responds by connecting the peripheral device and an uncharged battery to the main bus such that the supply voltage is provided thereto. When the battery is substantially fully charged, the switchover circuit responds by electrically disconnecting the battery so as to not overcharge the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony Fadell, Christoph Krah