Patents Issued in October 11, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070235258
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fold-up scaffold system that includes multiple spaced vertical beams adapted to be supported at one end on a floor of a building and at least one first scaffold section extending across at least a first of two of the vertical beams. The system also includes at least one second scaffold section extending across at least a second of two of the vertical beams, where the first and second scaffold sections have means at opposite ends for pivotally supporting the first and the second scaffold sections respectively to the first and second of two of the vertical beams and at least two air cylinders for each of the first and the second scaffold sections connected respectively between the first and the second scaffold sections and the at least first of two of the vertical beams and the at least second of two of the vertical beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Erwin Lowe
  • Publication number: 20070235259
    Abstract: A foldable climbing tree stand platform includes a first section having a first arm rotatably coupled to the first section and a second section having a second arm rotatably coupled to the second section. A hinge rotatably couples the first section to the second section, wherein a platform position is obtained when the first section and the second section are substantially coplanar, and a packed position is obtained when the first section and the second section are rotationally folded onto each other and the first arm and the second arm are contained therein. A securing member is connected between the arms, wherein the sections may selectively engage an upright support and the securing member selectively surrounds the upright support for providing cantilevered support when folded into the platform position. A foldable climbing tree stand system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Randy Tolliver, Robert Tolliver
  • Publication number: 20070235260
    Abstract: A climbing tree stand platform includes a platform member having a back member and a front member separated by a first side member and a second side member, a first arm and a second arm that each extend angularly upward from the platform toward the back member, and a securing member connected between the first arm and the second arm. A first elasticized member having a first end is connected to the platform member toward the first side member and a second elasticized member having a first end is connected to the platform member toward the second side member. The back member of the platform member may selectively engage an upright support or tree while the securing member selectively surrounds it, thereby providing cantilevered support for the platform member. The first elasticized member and the second elasticized member are operatively attachable to a second platform member. A climbing tree stand system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Randy Tolliver, Robert Tolliver
  • Publication number: 20070235261
    Abstract: A tree stand includes a planar load supporting platform having an inner end for abutting a tree trunk, a pair of two-section arms pivotally connected to sides of the platform for rotation between positions against such platform sides and erect positions in which they define armrests, a belt having a pair of ends slidable in said arms for forming a loop around a tree trunk to hold the stand on the tree, and a latch on the arms for locking the belt in the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Lewis Forrest
  • Publication number: 20070235262
    Abstract: A device for lubricating an oil seal of an engine which is simple in construction and low in manufacturing cost without need for providing piping for supplying lube oil to the oil seal and with which lube oil can be supplied sufficiently and properly to the oil seal to prevent overheat of the oil seal which induces oil leak and occurrence of damage of the oil seal. The lubricating device has an oil seal which contacts a side face of a disk plate fixed to an end of a crankshaft of the engine and seals a gear room of the engine from outside, wherein an oil injection nozzle is attached to an end face of a crankcase of the engine such that said oil injection nozzle is communicated to a main oil gallery of the engine and oil in the main oil gallery is sprayed toward the oil seal to its slide contacting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Miyuki Takahashi, Masaki Endo
  • Publication number: 20070235263
    Abstract: A method for displaying an array of packages including providing at least one first package including a product therein. The first package has at least a first display face and a first display face area that includes first indicia having a first area and representing the name of the product or the product manufacturer and second indicia having a second area including an equity building advertising message for the product in the package. The second area of the second indicia is greater than the first area of the first indicia on the first display face of the first package. The method also includes providing at least a second package including a product therein. The second display face includes the first indicia of the first package and does not include the second indicia of the first package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Dennis Legault, Sundar Raman, Marchoe Dill, Jacques Hagopian, Jennifer Pustinger, Kristine Noschang, Surya Menon
  • Publication number: 20070235264
    Abstract: A modular merchandising system includes a base assembly and a termination panel assembly disposed in a retail environment. The base assembly includes tubular posts, and at least a first side panel member, a rear panel member, a horizontal surface member coupled to the tubular posts. The horizontal surface member defines a first merchandise display and service area. The first area has at least one of an inventory of merchandise and components, operable by prospective purchasers, for providing services complementary to the inventory of merchandise. The services including one of inputting data retrieved from a previously purchased item from the inventory, editing the data and outputting the inputted data or the edited data. The base assembly also includes at least one drawer. The drawer defines a second merchandise service area having components for providing complementary services. The termination panel assembly includes a pair of tubular posts and a second side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Squitieri, Simon Hopkins, Kurt Haldin, Jay Matusow, Christopher Anderson
  • Publication number: 20070235265
    Abstract: An incline lift unit (2) comprises a conveying unit (5), a load unit (4) which is rotatably connected to the latter, a positioning device (20), and a locking device (100). The positioning device is designed to turn the load unit with respect to the conveying unit in such a manner that, in use, the load unit assumes a desired load orientation relative to the force of gravity. The locking device comprises a locking means (133). The locking means locks the rotatable connection between the load unit and the positioning device if the load unit has assumed an undesirable load orientation. The locking device comprises a reference element (131) which is movable with respect to the load unit and the conveying unit, its position with respect to the load unit being determined by the direction of the force of gravity. The load unit is able to assume at least a neutral position and a locking position at the desired and undesired load orientation, respectively, with respect to the reference element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Vroegindeweij
  • Publication number: 20070235266
    Abstract: A lifting device having a base, a platform, scissor means operably connected to said base and platform removing said platform from a lowered position to a raised position, drive means for moving said scissor means and lever means operably connected to said drive means and said scissor means for moving said platform between said lowered position and raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Roy Dantas, Jack Nobre, Kyle Smith
  • Publication number: 20070235267
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a running clearance position for an electromechanical actuator, wherein the running clearance is based on an actuator ram position attained during an advancement of the actuator ram using a current limit that is less than a current limit used for the application of braking force to a brake stack. Generated is a commandable running clearance position as a function of the position value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Liebert
  • Publication number: 20070235268
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle brake uses an electric motor to adjust brake clearance based on brake temperature and wheel speed. A temperature sensor transmits brake temperature data to a controller. If a brake is dragging during non-braking events, the controller identifies an increase in brake temperature and actuates the electric motor to increase brake clearance. The controller also adjusts brake clearance to accommodate for brake wear. When wheel speed is above a predetermined speed value, the controller actuates the electric motor to move a non-rotating brake component toward a rotating brake component until a predetermined temperature increase is sensed. Once the predetermined temperature increase is identified, the electric motor moves the non-rotating brake component away from the rotating brake component to provide an optimized brake clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: LaVerne Caron
  • Publication number: 20070235269
    Abstract: A motion-restraint arrangement (48) with elongate lines of elements (10), wherein each line of elements (10) has a number of individual elements (12) which can be erected by spring elements (20) from a small-volume thin storage condition into a large-volume active condition. Each respective individual element (12) has flexible lateral edge elements (16, 18), which in the active condition define a parallelepiped. The spring elements (20) extend in spatially diagonal relationship between the corners (22) of the respective parallelepiped (14). A motion-restraint arrangement (48) which is easy and inexpensive to produce and which has optimum restraint properties is obtained in that the spatially diagonal spring elements (20) are formed by spring wires (24), which extend in a zigzag shape in the longitudinal direction of the respective line of elements (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Andreas Ganghofer, Peter Kreuzer, Roland Muller
  • Publication number: 20070235270
    Abstract: An insert for a casting mold used to produce a sound dampening rotor of a caliper disc brake is provided. The insert includes a ring having an inner diameter, an outer diameter and at least one tab. The insert also includes an inner core made from a refractory material, the inner core being adjacent to the ring. The tab of the ring is operable to position the ring relative to the inner core. Furthermore, the ring and the inner core together can be placed within the casting mold and afford for the desirable and accurate placement of the sound dampening ring within a cast sound dampening composite rotor of a caliper disc brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP-WAUPACA DIVISION
    Inventors: Gregory Miskinis, Jon Ernst, Richard Madson
  • Publication number: 20070235271
    Abstract: An actuator has a rotatable input member coupled to a drive member such that rotation of the rotatable input member under an input load causes rotation of the drive member on a first axis. The drive member is coupled to a driven member such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the driven member on a second axis which is laterally offset from the first axis. A coupling between the drive member and the driven member is arranged to provide a rotational reduction from the drive member to the driven member. The driven member is arranged for connection to a wire of a Bowden cable having a sleeve seatable in relation to a housing for the actuator such that rotation of the driven member causes extension or retraction of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Elliot, Wayne Harris
  • Publication number: 20070235272
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrical field (“E-field”) sensor systems that sense displacement or change in displacement of one body relative to another. In general, the bodies 110, 112 are within an electrical field and displacement of a body causes a change in the E-field. A field sensor 290 detects this change and a processor 275 translates it to a change in position of the displaced body 110. The E-fields are generated by electrodes (or an electrode and a ground member) that generate the E-field. The systems include detectors 240 that detect changes in the E-field, such as capacitance, and transmit these to the processor 275.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Sieh, William McWhorter, Bradley Stewart
  • Publication number: 20070235273
    Abstract: A mass damper is provided for damping a mass. The mass damper includes a housing configured to couple to the mass and a plurality of electrostatically charged particles disposed within the housing, where the particles do not clump to one another or stick to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Hadden, Thomas Kreider, Mason Peck
  • Publication number: 20070235274
    Abstract: A composite helmet is provided for a body mount. The helmet includes an interior structural load bearing skeleton including an elongated cylinder, and a disk or washer mold-bonded with the polymeric or elastomeric portion of the helmet. The elastomeric portion of the helmet includes an elongated axial portion that encompasses the metal cylinder and an over-mold layer, if desired, over the metal disk. In some instances, a ring is incorporated into the shroud for increased strength and rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Nicholls
  • Publication number: 20070235275
    Abstract: A tractor truck configured for towing trailers of different air connection configuration. The truck has a first and a second tractor protection valve, each configured to be located on the tractor at a location remote from the other. Each tractor protection valve location is proximate a typical position at which a mating connection on a trailer will be located when hitched to the tractor. The truck also has a selector which is operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which the first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to an interconnected trailer and a second configuration in which the second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to a different interconnected trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald Neil Judy
  • Publication number: 20070235276
    Abstract: The invention relates to an active vibration isolation system which detects structural vibration of the mass to be isolated via a sensor and also takes account of these disturbance variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: INTEGRATED DYNAMICS ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Heiland
  • Publication number: 20070235277
    Abstract: A fluid-filled clutch arrangement includes a housing; a piston mounted with freedom of axial movement in the housing, the piston being sealed against the housing, the piston having a drive side bounding a drive side pressure space from a takeoff side bounding a takeoff side pressure space; a clutch which can establish and release a working connection between a drive and a takeoff as a function of the position of the piston relative to the clutch; and a partition wall bounding the takeoff side pressure space opposite the piston, the partition wall being active between the takeoff side pressure space and a cooling space. At least one supply line connects a fluid supply source to at least one of the drive-side pressure space, the takeoff side pressure space, and the cooling space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Heuler, Jurgen Dacho
  • Publication number: 20070235278
    Abstract: A clutch (1), in particular a friction clutch, with a diaphragm spring exerting stress on a pressure plate of the clutch and connected to a disengaging device (4, 9) that acts on its radial inner area and can be activated by way of an electromechanical actuator (5) and is intended to cancel the stress exerted by the diaphragm spring on the pressure plate when the clutch is engaged. The clutch (1) can be achieved by serially integrating a pressure spring (10) into the mechanical transmission path between the electromechanical actuator that activates the disengaging device and the disengaging device itself so that, when the clutch is in an engaged state, a defined basic force is exerted on the disengaging device while vibration decoupling of the electromechanical actuator is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Eckhardt Lubke
  • Publication number: 20070235279
    Abstract: An automotive oil-bath clutch has at least one disk mounted inside a housing to rotate about a longitudinal axis; the housing being bounded by a lateral wall extending about the disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Publication number: 20070235280
    Abstract: A clutch-release device for a friction clutch installed in a housing in a vehicle includes a guide tube and a clutch-release bearing, which is free to shift position in the axial direction on the tube by means of a bearing carrier. One bearing ring of the clutch-release bearing is connected to the clutch-release element of the friction clutch to transmit the actuating force for actuating the friction clutch. The other bearing ring is mounted nonrotatably on the bearing carrier. For lubrication, the clutch-release bearing is provided with a relubrication unit provided with a freely controllable actuation unit for the as-needed lubrication of the clutch-release bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20070235281
    Abstract: An electric actuator for an automatic transmission includes an adapter to transmit rotary motion between the adapter and the automatic transmission. An electric motor has an output shaft operably connected to the adapter by a gear set which includes a ring gear. The gear set reduces speed and increases torque supplied by the output shaft of the electric motor and applied to the adapter. A release mechanism is operably connected to the gear set and includes a lock member movable between a first position wherein the lock member is in engagement with the ring gear to lock the ring gear against rotary motion in both directions and a second position wherein the lock member is out of engagement with the ring gear to permit rotary motion of the ring gear in said both directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Yong Wang
  • Publication number: 20070235282
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for providing promotions at vending machines, such as by providing vending machine subscriptions to a category of products, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Paul Breitenbach, Sih Lee, V. O'Neil, Paul Signorelli, Daniel Tedesco, James Jorasch, Geoffrey Gelman
  • Publication number: 20070235283
    Abstract: An ecosystem validator which ensures that an information handling system, as configured by the user, is a valid hardware-software combination, the validator also performs a local environment scan of the user's existing ecosystem setup and uses the information obtained during this scan to ensure proper configuration of the information handling system for integration into the ecosystem. This scan includes, but is not limited to, existing computer systems, printers, networks, cameras, personal music devices and other consumer electronics. Based upon the information obtained, the information handling system is configured to seamlessly integrate into the ecosystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Collins, Darryl Konopka
  • Publication number: 20070235284
    Abstract: A footstep guide rail (3) (rail body 3a) is arranged so that a level H of a horizontal surface is set at the position obtained by adding a designated offset 6 to a tangential line L of a drive sprocket (9) and the footstep guide rail (3) is provided, at its one end on an introductory side of the drive sprocket (9), with a curved part (13). At a reference position closest to the drive sprocket (9), the horizontal surface of the footstep guide rail (3) is changed to the curved part (13). Consequently, it is possible to absorb velocity unevenness of one footstep roller approaching the drive sprocket (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Ishikawa, Tadashi Munakata, Yoshio Ogimura, Nobuhiko Teshima, Shigeo Nakagaki, Hitoshi Kawamoto, Kenichi Fujii, Yoshifumi Ikeda, Kazuhisa Hara, Takayuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20070235285
    Abstract: A footstep guide rail (3) (rail body 3a) is arranged so that a level H of a horizontal surface is set at the position obtained by adding a designated offset ? to a tangential line L of a drive sprocket (9) and the footstep guide rail (3) is provided, at its one end on an introductory side of the drive sprocket (9), with a curved part (13). At a reference position closest to the drive sprocket (9), the horizontal surface of the footstep guide rail (3) is changed to the curved part (13). Consequently, it is possible to absorb velocity unevenness of one footstep roller approaching the drive sprocket (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Ishikawa, Tadashi Munakata, Yoshio Ogimura, Nobuhiko Teshima, Shigeo Nakagaki, Hitoshi Kawamoto, Kenichi Fujii, Yoshifumi Ikeda, Kazuhisa Hara, Takayuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20070235286
    Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system also comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: NEW ENGLAND MACHINERY, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Perazzo, David Pletz, Michael Ruth, John Barrett
  • Publication number: 20070235287
    Abstract: In a semiconductor fabrication facility, a conveyor transports substrate carriers. The substrate carriers are unloaded from the conveyor and loaded onto the conveyor without stopping the conveyor. A load and/or unload mechanism lifts the substrate carriers from the conveyor during unloading operations, while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Similarly, during loading operations, the load/unload mechanism lowers a substrate carrier into engagement with the conveyor while matching the horizontal speed of the conveyor. Individual substrates, without carriers, may be similarly loaded and/or unloaded from a conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Rice, Robert Lowrance, Martin Elliott, Jeffrey Hudgens, Eric Englhardt
  • Publication number: 20070235288
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a stream of articles, the apparatus including a first conveyor belt conveying a stream of articles along a conveying surface, a second conveyor belt disposed parallel to the first conveyor belt and having a conveying surface, and a carrier arranged to travel along a path parallel to the first and second conveyor belts. A first drive mechanism drives the first conveyor belt at a first speed in a first direction, and a second drive mechanism drives the second conveyor belt at a second speed in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A diverter element is affixed to the carrier and extends across at least a portion of the conveying surfaces of the first and second conveyor belts to divert articles in the stream on the first conveyor belt onto the second conveyor belt. A differential drive mechanism drives the carrier at a speed and in a direction that depend on the first speed and the second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: HARTNESS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Horton, David Bogle, John Hawkins, Joseph DePaso
  • Publication number: 20070235289
    Abstract: A floating conveyor belt (20) for a belt conveyor forms a loop and includes a surface (32) for receiving transportable products arranged on one face thereof and a surface (30) supported by a support structure and arranged on the other surface thereof. The belt (20) is embodied in the form of an unflattened tube over the main part thereof and contains the product receiving surface (32) arranged thereinside, thereby delimiting a closed tubular space for confining transported products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Rene Brunone
  • Publication number: 20070235290
    Abstract: A spiral-link belt for use as, for example, a conveyor belt comprising a belt body formed of a series of cross-machine direction (CD) spiral coils linked by pintles in the CD to form an endless loop and a plurality of CD drive bars. Each CD drive bar is formed of linked spiral coils integrated into the belt body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Dominique Perrin, Jean-Louis Monnerie
  • Publication number: 20070235291
    Abstract: A set of roller conveyors is described, the members of which include a plurality of driven rollers disposed in two parallel tracks. Each member of the set has at least one electric feed-in block, which is connectable to the locally available system voltage and from this generates an output voltage, which is the same for all members of the set and is lower than or equal to the lowest system voltage, for which a member of the set is designed. The drive motors of the driven rollers are in this case designed for the output voltage of the feed-in block. In this way, the manufacturer of the roller conveyors may carry out the design, warehousing, and assembly of a roller conveyor independently of the different system voltages available from site to site and in this way may considerably reduce the costs associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Werner Swoboda
  • Publication number: 20070235292
    Abstract: A foldable conveyor belt used in an apparatus, such as a grape harvesting machine, whereby the belt separates different dimensions material such as grapes form the pedicles. The belt includes a series of aligned projections along a base and defining a channel pattern, each projection having a free end, the projections supporting the grapes and the pedicles to be separated. For the cleaning of grapes and pedicles the width of the channel pattern is greater than the pedicles but smaller than the grapes. The belt is then folded longitudinally and inwardly causing the projections to capture the pedicles or part extending in the channels. As the pedicles are captured the belt is inverted causing only the grapes to fall away, typically to another belt. The belt is then unfolded but is still inverted causing the now free pedicles to drop onto yet another belt. Thus the grapes and the pedicles are efficiently separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Scott Messenger
  • Publication number: 20070235293
    Abstract: A converter circuit is specified for switching of a multiplicity of switching voltage levels, which have n first switching groups (1.1, . . . , 1.n) for each phase (R, S, T), with the n-th first switching group (1.n) being formed by a first drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (2) and a second drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (3), and with the first first switching group (1.1) to the (n?1)-th switching group (1.(n?1)) each being formed by a first drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (2) and a second drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switch (3), and by a capacitor (4) which is connected to the first and second drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switches (2, 3) with each of the n first switching groups (1.1, . . . , 1.n) being connected in a linked form to the respectively adjacent first switching group (1.1, . . . , 1.n), and with the first and the second drivable bidirectional power semiconductor switches (2, 3) in the first first switching group (1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD
    Inventors: Peter Steimer, Peter Barbosa, Luc Meysenc
  • Publication number: 20070235294
    Abstract: A rotary input apparatus is disclosed. The rotary input apparatus comprising a wheel of circular shape having an insertion hole, a center key inserted into the insertion hole and having one or more securing grooves, a magnet joined to a surface of the wheel to co-operate with the wheel and magnetized to have alternating N- and S-poles, a detection element positioned to face the magnet for detecting the rotation of the magnet, a printed circuit board on which the detection element mounted, a base to which the printed circuit board is secured and which has one or more support protrusions that are inserted into the securing grooves, and a holder joined to the base and interposed between the wheel and the base to rotatably support the wheel, allows greater aesthetic value as the center key is not rotated and always maintains a constant orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eung-Cheon Kang
  • Publication number: 20070235295
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a medical equipment product, has an integral user input device with a plurality of manually actuatable keys representing a predetermined item of data or function specific to the associated product. The data is entered or function carried out by actuating the keys of the device. Visually perceptible indicia are associated with a selected plurality of the keys that are indicative of the item of data or function represented by the keys. E-ink may be used for to form the indicia. The visually perceptible indicia for the keys are established in a given language and can be altered from those of the given language to those in another language. This permits operation of the product with keys labeled in differing languages. The user input device may also have status indicators for the apparatus and/or input device with changeable indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Shubhra Verma, Donald Brodnick
  • Publication number: 20070235296
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thin key sheet that is relatively free from breakage due to depressing operation. When key tops are depressed, float-supporting portions of rubber moldings and a film sheet undergo deformation, and a depression load can be borne by both the float-supporting portions and the film sheet, so the load on the float-supporting portions is mitigated, making the float-supporting portions less subject to breakage. Further, since the film sheet exists between the rubber moldings and a resin plate, it is possible to prevent the rubber moldings from being rubbed against a side wall of a frame portion, making it possible to prevent breakage due to rubbing between the rubber moldings and the resin plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Yoshioka, Akira Senzui
  • Publication number: 20070235297
    Abstract: A seat control unit for adjusting a vehicle seat includes a touch sensor having a touch-sensitive fabric. The touch-sensitive fabric is disposed on a support layer which may be formed by a vehicle interior component such as the vehicle seat, an interior door panel or an armrest. The touch sensor generates signals in response to a force exerted on the touch-sensitive fabric. A control circuit is connected the touch sensor and receives the signals generated by the touch sensor. The control circuit determines a position of the force exerted on the touch-sensitive fabric and generates control signals for controlling the vehicle seat in dependence on the position of the force exerted on the touch-sensitive fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Arne Stoschek, Brian Ng, Michael Derse, Philippe Alessandrini, Steffen Ross, Sven Strohband
  • Publication number: 20070235298
    Abstract: A tail cap assembly for a light beam generator includes a jack, while a remote dual switch connected by a cable to a plug is removably connectable to the tail cap jack. The remote dual switch preferably includes a momentary tape switch and a pushbutton actuable CONSTANT ON/OFF switch in a resilient housing that is removably securable to a rail of a rail mount structure secured to a firearm or other gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Kim
  • Publication number: 20070235299
    Abstract: A multi-port RF MEMS switch, a switch matrix having several multi-port RF MEMS switches and an interconnect network have a monolithic structure with clamped-clamped beams, cantilever beams or thermally operated actuators. A method of fabricating a monolithic switch has clamped-clamped beams or cantilever beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Mojgan Daneshmand, Raafat Mansour
  • Publication number: 20070235300
    Abstract: Located within a GFCI is a movable contact bearing arm which cooperates with at least one fixed contact. When the movable arm is moved up to allow the at least one contact on the arm to close with at least one fixed contact, the GFCI is in a conducting state and current flows from a source of electricity through the closed contacts to a load and to the contacts of a receptacle. When the movable arm is moved down to open the contacts, the GFCI is in a non-conducting state and current cannot flow from the source of electricity to either the load or the receptacle contacts. In this invention, the up and down movement of the movable contact bearing arm is harnessed to move a blocking member located within the housing of the GFCI to a first position to block at least one opening of the receptacle as the movable arm is moved down or to a second position to allow the prongs of a plug to enter the openings of the receptacle as the movable arm is moved up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Frantz Germain, Stephen Stewart
  • Publication number: 20070235301
    Abstract: A key ring (160) is attached by a lanyard to part of an air craft. Upon the air crew ejecting a leash retains the pull pin (120) within the air craft to remove the pin from the housing (140). This activates a personal locator beacon. Removal of the pin (120) allows a plunger switch extending upwardly from the locator beacon to be released to activate the beacon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: SIGNATURE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Brian Clayton
  • Publication number: 20070235302
    Abstract: A pressure switch employs electrical contacts isolated from pressure media. By employing a snap action blade in a snap over center configuration, it is possible to provide a hysteresis effect in which the switch actuates at one pressure and deactuates at a different pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Severson, Steve Veselaski
  • Publication number: 20070235303
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a multiple throw switching device can be achieved on a single substrate by organizing a micro-fluidic switch into spokes radiating outward from the center of a wafer such that each spoke (switch throw) controls a switched output and each switch throw, in turn, is controlled by an individual stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy Beerling
  • Publication number: 20070235304
    Abstract: A waterproof structure for switch pins includes a pin exposed outside a switch to be connected to an electric wire. The pin and the electric wire are covered by a waterproof insulation material through an injection forming process to become an integrated manner. The pin and electric wire are fully waterproof. The electric wire also can be fastened firmly to the pin to prevent separation of the two.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20070235305
    Abstract: A bezel assembly includes a bezel, a button, a rotating member, and an elastic member engagable with the bezel and the rotating member for restoring the rotating member. The bezel defines a through hole therein, and the button is installed in the through hole. The rotating member is mounted to an inside surface of the bezel, and the rotating member is engagable with the button and rotatable upon manipulation of the button for controlling a functional component behind the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YONG-SONG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20070235306
    Abstract: A key switch structure includes a key top, a membrane sheet, a plate member, and a light source. The key top on which an unpainted character portion that is permeable to light is formed. The membrane sheet comprises a contact portion and is permeable to light. The plate member is disposed below the membrane sheet and is permeable to light. The light source is disposed below the plate member. The unpainted character portion of the key top is lighted via the plate member and the membrane sheet by causing the light source to emit light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimi Chiba, Zenzo Tozuka, Shigeru Yamada
  • Publication number: 20070235307
    Abstract: A keyboard structure. The keyboard structure includes a base plate, a light guide member, a membrane circuit board, a key assembly and a light-emitting element. The light guide member is disposed on the base plate. The membrane circuit board is disposed on the light guide member. The key assembly is disposed on the membrane circuit board, with a key cap and a resilient element between the key cap and the membrane circuit board. The light-emitting element is adjacent to the light guide member and is disposed under the membrane circuit board. Light from the light-emitting element enters the resilient element and key cap via the light guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Pin-Chien Liao, Chien-Shih Hsu