Patents Issued in December 13, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070284178
    Abstract: Mufflers are provided for a vehicle exhaust system having a combustion chamber and an exhaust pipe. The vehicle exhaust system is configured to reduce the noise of combustion gasses generated in the combustion chamber. An exemplary muffler includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being configured for mounting the muffler to the exhaust pipe leading to the engine, the distal end being configured to allow the combustion gasses to pass therethrough, and at least one vortex chamber disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The at least one vortex chamber includes a circular peripheral wall for inducing a vortex on a portion of the combustion gasses expelled from the combustion chamber during high-pressure pulsations created by the operation of a vehicle engine. The vortex impedes flow of the combustion gasses from the pipe such that acoustic energy associated with the expulsion of the combustion gasses is dissipated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Scanlon
  • Publication number: 20070284179
    Abstract: The invention mainly relates to a power transmission device (1) between an internal combustion engine (2) and vehicle wheels (3) consisting of a pair of electrical machines (4.1, 4.2) and a mechanical assembly (90), wherein said assembly (90) comprises at least two epicycloidal trains (5, 9) each of which is provided with three mutually engageable elements. According to said invention, a switching device (23.1) comprises means (23, 28) for simultaneously connecting the machine shaft (11) to two other elements (11.1, 11.2) of the mechanical assembly (90) during switching between two operating modes of the transmission device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
    Inventor: Jacques Laeuffer
  • Publication number: 20070284180
    Abstract: There is provided an electric power steering apparatus having an electric motor 12 for generating a steering assist torque to a steering mechanism and a motor control part 24 for controlling the electric motor 12 by a pulse-width modulating signal in accordance with a current command value corresponding to a steering torque. The motor control part 24 has a motor torque detection part 67 detecting a motor torque, a motor torque change rate detection part 68 calculating a motor torque change rate, and a duty ratio limiting part 64 fixing a duty ratio of the pulse-width modulating signal to a predetermined value for limiting a torque transmitted to a torque transmitting member disposed between a steering shaft of a steering mechanism and a steering road wheel when a calculated torque change rate is not less than a threshold value for judging a steering limit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kaname SUEHIRO, Shuji ENDO, Hideyuki KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20070284181
    Abstract: A vehicle steering control system is provided which can appropriately control a steering angle and provide sufficient braking force even when the brake pedal is fully pressed down during cornering thereby causing wheels to lock. When it is determined that the ABS is active during cornering while braking and the vehicle is not traveling in the intended cornering direction, a steering control section computes a front wheel steering angle correction amount for correcting the front wheel steering angle, and added in the intended cornering direction so as to set front wheels in a vehicle traveling direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Hidefumi Muranaka
  • Publication number: 20070284182
    Abstract: A waterproof earplug with sound-transmitting effect comprises mainly a pull stub and a sound-barrier membrane; the sound-barrier membrane is substantially a thin round membrane; the pull stub is furnished in the center of the sound-barrier membrane, and it extends outwards at a given length so as to facilitate a hand to grip; the sound-barrier membrane is formed into a round membrane so as to fit the curved surface of the inner helix closely to provide a waterproof effect; after the round membrane of the earplug is in close contact with the inner helix, a sound from the outside of the ear can still be tansmitted therein as a result of the resonant effect of the round membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chia-Chun Mu
  • Publication number: 20070284183
    Abstract: A method of mounting a speaker enclosure for a ceiling or wall mounted speaker which includes the selection of a flexible polymer speaker housing forming a hollow chamber having a speaker opening therein and being collapsible to a smaller size. A hole is cut into a building, ceiling or interior wall and a selected speaker housing is collapsed to a size to fit through the speaker opening in one side of a ceiling or wall. The collapsed flexible polymer speaker housing is then expanded on the other side of the ceiling or wall and attached to the ceiling or wall with an adhesive or the like adjacent the opening and a speaker attached to the ceiling or wall opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Scott R. Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20070284184
    Abstract: Provided is an acoustic loudspeaker comprising an enclosure and at least first and second loudspeaker drivers. The enclosure comprises at least one tubular sound channel of a substantially constant inside dimension acoustically coupled to the at least first and second loudspeaker drivers. The at least one tubular sound channel comprises a first opening disposed at a first end of the at least one tubular sound channel, a second opening disposed at a second end of the at least one tubular sound channel and a third opening disposed on the at least one tubular sound channel between the first and second ends. The second opening comprises a sound outlet for outputting sound conducted through the enclosure. The enclosure further comprises at least one tuning section disposed within the at least one tubular sound channel between the second and third openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Krueger
  • Publication number: 20070284185
    Abstract: A damped structural panel is provided. The damped structural panel comprises a base layer, having a rear surface and a front surface; wherein a viscous fluid is applied on the rear surface of the base layer; and a rigid supporting layer is secured to the base layer over the viscous fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Gary C. Foss
  • Publication number: 20070284186
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine includes a first muffler having a housing, a first end plate, a second end plate, an inlet pipe extending through at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate, and an outlet pipe extending through at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate. The exhaust system further includes a second muffler having a housing, a first end plate, a second end plate, an inlet pipe extending through at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate, and an outlet pipe extending through at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate. The exhaust system further includes a crossbreed pipe extending through the first end plate of the first muffler and the first end plate of the second muffler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Aaron M. Thayer, Ivan S. Arbuckle, Benjamin E. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20070284187
    Abstract: An exhaust deflector is attachable to a muffler. The exhaust deflector includes a housing having a flange that is attachable to the muffler, and an outer wall extending from the flange. The outer wall defines an aperture. A single piece mesh is in contact with the flange and cooperates with the housing to define a space. A low-density material is disposed within the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Feist, Elliot Matel
  • Publication number: 20070284188
    Abstract: An evacuation system designed to be mounted proximate a window of a multi-story building. The evacuation slide includes a storage chamber that has substantially disposed therein an inflator and the evacuation slide in its undeployed condition. The evacuation slide further consists of two main support tubes generally parallel and extending downward with each other when the slide is in its deployed condition. Interposed the main support tubes is a flexible sliding surface. Substantially disposed on the sliding surface is a plurality of speed control ridges that extend upward to control the descent rate of an individual traversing down the evacuation slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kathryn Chippindale
  • Publication number: 20070284189
    Abstract: A ladder anchor configured for attachment to a side of a ladder includes a frame having at least one bracket, a spike slidably received in the at least one bracket, and a jack arm associated with the frame and configured for engaging the spike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Saul Chady
  • Publication number: 20070284190
    Abstract: A ladder accessory configured for releasable attachment to a side of a ladder rail includes a shoe assembly having at least one of a first shoe and a second shoe, an adapter releasably attached to one of the first and second shoe, the assembly constructed and arranged for increasing traction between a standard ladder foot and a ground surface by engaging the foot without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Serayah Chady
  • Publication number: 20070284191
    Abstract: A ladder system includes a ladder having a ladder top, the ladder top having at least a first slot. A container having at least a first protrusion that engages with the first slot to hold the container to the top. A method for working from a ladder. The method includes the steps of filling a container with objects and engaging a first protrusion of the container with a first slot of a top of the ladder to hold a container to the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Kyle G. Astor, Robert J. Glenn
  • Publication number: 20070284192
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a step stool, and particularly to a folding step stool including legs that fold between an opened, use position and a collapsed, folded position. The present disclosure also relates to a tray assembly that moves relative to the legs and is used for storing or holding articles associated with use of the step stool. The step stool includes a mechanism to coordinate the movement of the tray assembly and a step of the step stool when the step stool is moved between the opened and collapsed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: COSCO MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Meyers, Todd Midkiff
  • Publication number: 20070284193
    Abstract: An oil-bearing shaft (1) through which the lubrication for components of a transmission is provided, comprising at least one longitudinal bore hole (2) and at least one oil supply bore hole (2) with one longitudinal bore hole (2), each fluid-mechanically connected, whereby the oil supply bore hole (2) is oriented with a setting angle ? is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Gabor DIOSI, Josef HAUPT, Martin BREHMER
  • Publication number: 20070284194
    Abstract: The invention provides a single component footrest for a stairlift chair which is configured, and mounted to pivot about a substantially vertical axis, to allow clearance to be achieved regardless of the stairlift installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Max Woodhams
  • Publication number: 20070284195
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for ensuring the operation of the safety circuit of an elevator or escalator, said safety circuit containing safety contacts (10, 12, 14) connected in series with a contactor (16). In the method, the largest bypass current coming to the contactor in a fault situation is defined, a testing device (202) is connected in series with the safety circuit, said testing device containing at least one resistor (26), which is used to produce a desired test current that is larger than the largest bypass current, and the neutral point (18) of the safety circuit is shifted if the contactor (16) remains energized by the aforesaid test current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nils-Robert Roschier, Olof Ahlskog
  • Publication number: 20070284196
    Abstract: In an elevator device, a drive unit has a drive sheave, a motor for rotating the drive sheave, and a motor driving portion for driving the motor. The motor driving portion is controlled by a control unit. When a car is running, the control unit monitors a load on at least one component within the drive unit, and generates a control command regarding a running speed of the car in accordance with a state of the load, and outputs the control command to the motor driving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Sakai, Takaharu Ueda
  • Publication number: 20070284197
    Abstract: A rotary oscillation damper of a motor-driven vehicle, includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical base part and a damping member. The rotary oscillation damper is constructed to form part of a brake, particularly a parking brake, wherein brake shoes or brake pads, which are arranged on the vehicle side in a fixed manner, can be pressed against the base part or parts which are connected thereto such as rings or flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicants: Hasse & Wrede GmbH, Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge Gmbh
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kiener, Eduard Gerum
  • Publication number: 20070284198
    Abstract: A brake disc, in particular for a utility vehicle, includes a brake caliper which overlaps or engages with a brake disc at least in a peripheral area and which is secured to a brake carrier by fastening elements. Each fastening element includes a guide sleeve which is mounted in a bearing point of the brake caliper and which is screwed via a threaded shaft in the brake carrier and which can be displaced in an axial manner on the brake caliper, in relation to the brake disc. A longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft, which is screwed into the brake carrier, extends in a parallel manner and at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the bearing point of the brake caliper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventor: Borislav Salapic
  • Publication number: 20070284199
    Abstract: A magnetic rail brake device of a rail vehicle comprises at least one braking magnet including a magnet coil body having a plurality of magnetic elements held thereon, and which magnetic elements are movable. The device also comprises at least one fixing strip running parallel to a longitudinal length of the magnetic coil body and directly connected to the magnetic coil body to fix the braking magnet to other components of the magnetic rail brake device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Henry Lehmann, Hermann Koidl, Lothar Schmied, Richard Rathammer, Stefan Haas
  • Publication number: 20070284200
    Abstract: A brake disc assembly comprises a rotor and a hat assembly. The hat assembly is comprised of two hat portions, each having a plurality of curved projections. The curved projections interact with radial recesses formed in the rotor to ensure a secure connection between the hat assembly and the rotor over a wide range of operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Keith Hampton
  • Publication number: 20070284201
    Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a connecting element that is fixed to a wheel axle of a motor vehicle or is embodied monolithically therewith, and a fastening flange of a disk brake caliper. The fastening flange is fixed to the connecting element. The brake mechanism is configured in such a way that the fastening flange is retained in a positive manner on the connecting element in the circumferential direction of the wheel axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
    Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Stefan Sagerer, Uwe Mauz
  • Publication number: 20070284202
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for characterizing flow of magneto-rheological suspensions through microchannels. The apparatus includes a pump for pumping a the magneto-rheological suspension; a microchannel hydraulically coupled to the pump and configured to receive the magneto-rheological suspension from the pump; a manifold hydraulically coupled between an outlet of the microchannel and the pump; a static pressure tap configured to convey a static pressure of the manifold; a pressure sensor hydraulically coupled to the pressure tap and configured to receive the static pressure conveyed therefrom; and a magnet positioned to direct a magnetic field toward the microchannel and contents disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Faramarz Gordaninejad, Joseph Whiteley
  • Publication number: 20070284203
    Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic brake actuation device includes a hydraulic master cylinder housing having a bore, a master piston and a radial seal received in the bore a push rod and a lever. The push rod is configured to move the master piston and the radial seal between a neutral position and a braking position. The lever is pivotally attached to the housing for pivotal movement between an at rest position and a brake actuation position. The lever includes a contact surface configured and arranged to move the push rod as the lever is pivoted between the at rest position and the brake actuation position. Further, the push rod includes at least one roller configured to contact to the contact surface of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Osamu Kariyama, Shinichi Takizawa, Shinya Hirotomi
  • Publication number: 20070284204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a master brake cylinder arrangement (10) for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system having a housing (12), in which two adjacent cylinder bores (18, 20) are provided, two piston arrangements (22, 24), in which a first piston arrangement (22) is received in a first cylinder bore of the cylinder bores (18) such that it is displaceable along a first longitudinal bore axis (A) and in which a second piston arrangement (24) is received in a second cylinder bore of the cylinder bores (20) such that it is displaceable along a second longitudinal bore axis (B), a force input piston (54) which can be coupled, or is coupled, to a brake pedal and which is displaceably guided along an actuating axis (C) in a cutout (56) of the housing (12), the first piston arrangement (22) and the second piston arrangement (24) being displaceable according to a movement of the force input piston (54), in which the first piston arrangement (22) delimits a first pressure chamber (26) with the housing (12), said pre
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Schluter
  • Publication number: 20070284205
    Abstract: Method of producing a plasma conductor in air with the aid of a femtosecond high-frequency pulsing and high-repetition rate laser. The plasma is used for transmitting a current between an electric or catenary wire supplying a vehicle such as a train and an electric contact, for example a pantograph arm disposed on a moving vehicle and connected to a power distribution system thereof. The plasma is in contact with the electric or catenary wire and with an electric contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Centre De National De La Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Andre Mysyrowicz, Michel Pellet
  • Publication number: 20070284206
    Abstract: A pilot plate torque transmitting assembly for a torque converter, including: a pilot plate arranged to be rotationally connected to a housing for the torque converter; a piston plate for a clutch; and at least one spring assembly rotationally connecting the pilot plate and the piston plate. The at least one spring assembly is arranged to be axially disposed between the piston plate and the housing for the torque converter. In some aspects, the piston plate is arranged to form at least a portion of a pressure release chamber for the clutch with the housing, and the assembly includes a channel between the piston plate and the pilot plate and arranged to be in fluid communication with the release chamber. In some aspects, the pilot plate or the piston plate is stamped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Michael Davis
  • Publication number: 20070284207
    Abstract: A drive lug for a piston plate in a torque converter, including a base operatively arranged for attachment to the piston plate and a protruding portion integral to the base and extending axially from the base. The protruding portion is operatively arranged to engage with a damping element in the torque converter. In some aspects, the plate is arranged for attachment with a plurality of drive lugs, while in other aspects, the drive lug is arranged for attachment to the plate with at least one rivet. In some aspects, the lug is made of a hardenable material or by forging. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an outer circumference and the drive lug is arranged to be secured proximate the outer circumference. In some aspects, the damping element further includes a spring and the drive lug is arranged to engage with the spring. In some aspects, the piston plate further includes an axial width, the drive lug further includes a radial width, and the radial width is greater than the axial width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Craig Kneidel
  • Publication number: 20070284208
    Abstract: A frictionally engaged free-wheel clutch with an exterior ring, an interior ring approximately concentric in reference thereto, and several clamping bodies arranged in the circular gap between the interior and the exterior ring, which block a rotation of the interior ring relative to the exterior one in one direction and release it in the opposite direction. Here, it is essential that the clamping body and/or the running paths of the interior and/or the exterior ring are provided with a friction-increasing coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: RINGSPANN GMBH
    Inventors: Siegfried Jackwerth, Thomas Heubach
  • Publication number: 20070284209
    Abstract: A one-way bearing, provided with a passive element on its outer periphery and connected with an axle rod with its inner periphery, comprises a collar, a lid and a plurality of braking blocks. The collar has thereon a plurality of spaced notches, and the braking blocks are respectively rotatably received in the notches of the collar. The braking blocks are provided each with a braking portion; when the axle rod rotates in one direction, the axle rod is linked up with the passive element; when the axle rod rotates in a contrary direction, the braking portions have no function, so that the power of the axle rod and the passive element will be interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: I-Heng Chen
  • Publication number: 20070284210
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a radial one-way clutch for an automotive device, including: a first annular element; a second annular element arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element in the device; at least one engagement element radially disposed between the first and second annular elements and having at least one first interlocking feature; and an annular frictional element frictionally engaged with the engagement element. One of the first and second annular elements includes at least one second interlocking feature and is rotationally locked with the frictional element. In a first rotational direction, the frictional engagement urges the engagement element to radially displace to engage the interlocking features to rotationally connect the first and second annular elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, James Habegger
  • Publication number: 20070284211
    Abstract: An electric hub having a clutch means is used in wheels of an electric wheelchair and includes a hub means, a clutch means and an elastic body. The hub means includes an outer hub and an inner hub provided in its interior. The end face on one side of the outer hub is provided with a first gear. A projecting shaft extends from one side of the inner hub to correspond to the first gear. One side of the hub means is connected to the clutch means. The clutch means includes a rotary assembly and a movable disk connected to the projecting shaft. The movable disk is movable relative to the axial direction of the projecting shaft. A mating second gear is provided to correspond to the first gear. The elastic body is provided between the inner hub and the movable disk to control the clutching operation between the outer hub and the movable disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Cheng-Shing Tin, Shen-Yang Mao, Cheng-Wei Tsai
  • Publication number: 20070284212
    Abstract: A multiplate clutch outer part is formed by pressing a steel plate. The multiplate clutch outer part includes: an end wall portion; and a cylindrical portion having its one end formed continuously with the outer peripheral end of the end wall portion, and opened at the other end. A bottom face of each of outer grooves is formed to be an inclined face which is getting far away from an axis of the cylindrical portion toward the open end of the cylindrical portion. Arc faces formed at inner corners of each of the outer grooves has an increasing radius of curvature toward the open end of the cylindrical portion. Thus, there is provided a multiplate clutch outer part for which press working capable of minimizing ironing resistance can be performed to reduce defective forming rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sano, Takahiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20070284213
    Abstract: A park-by-wire subsystem which is internally mounted within an electrically variable hybrid transmission is provided. The park-by-wire subsystem provides a means of selectively placing the electrically variable hybrid transmission in a park condition by the selective actuation of an actuator operatively connected to a lever. The lever enables selective engagement of a park pawl mechanism and incorporates multiple Hall effect switches to monitor the position of the lever. The subsystem is monitored by various switches and sensors to provide control and diagnostic feedback and is activated by a command source controlled by a first control unit. A second control unit is incorporated into the design for required control, monitoring, and diagnostic redundancies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Michael L. Duhaime, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Publication number: 20070284214
    Abstract: A portable conveying device comprising an inclining base having a conveyor belt, a plurality of articulating conveying elements having powered cargo rollers defining a conveying device transport plane, the conveying elements extendable from and retractable into the base by drive means. The drive means may include a pair of spaced-apart spur gears which have teeth that engage with rack teeth of the conveying elements. The conveying device may include a hollow universal joint having axes of rotation lying substantially in the same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Richard A. Canapa
  • Publication number: 20070284215
    Abstract: A mechanism is for a foldable vehicle conveyor having an axis, inner and outer sections and a joint connecting the sections, the outer section being pivotable between a deployed position and a folded postion at which the outer section is disposed above the inner section. A linkage displaces the outer section between the two positions and includes a drive link pivotable on the inner section and a connector link pivotably connected with the drive link and with the outer section. The linkage moves between a deployed limit position where the drive link centerline extends parallel to the conveyor axis and the connector link centerline extends perpendicularly to the conveyor axis, and a folded limit position where the drive link centerline is generally perpendicular to the conveyor axis and the connector link centerline is generally parallel to and above the conveyor axis. An actuator displaces the linkage between the two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Brian W. Rudge
  • Publication number: 20070284216
    Abstract: A workpiece machining method for a workpiece transfer system, wherein a workpiece and a workpiece carrier are introduced into a first station of the transfer system, and is subsequently machined in following stations wherein each station may comprise several manufacturing modules, and the workpiece is output in a last station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Meier, Detlef Gockel
  • Publication number: 20070284217
    Abstract: A conveyor 4 for transporting a reticle cassette 18 is provided. A lifter 16 of a rail vehicle 14 lifts the reticle cassette 18 for transferring the reticle cassette 18 between the inside of a dummy FOUP 22 and the conveyor 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Ito
  • Publication number: 20070284218
    Abstract: A narrow belt conveyor system is provided with a pop-up style diverter comprising a plurality of rows of diverter wheels in which each row raises and lowers independently of any of the other rows. Thus, each row of diverter wheels can be raised before the leading edge of a conveyed article reaches that particular row of diverter wheels and lowered after the trailing edge of the conveyed article has cleared that row. This permits the spacing between the articles to be greatly reduced, greatly increasing the article throughput rate and/or reducing the conveyor speed while achieving the same throughput rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Matthew Earl Wallace, Andew Knaut
  • Publication number: 20070284219
    Abstract: A transport installation comprising a continuous running rope supporting vehicles arranged at intervals along the rope with a preset running rate, comprises: a vehicle grouping section, arranged between a slowing-down section and an intermediate section, equipped with means for forming groups of a preset number of vehicles, a vehicle separating section, arranged between the intermediate section and a speeding-up section, to collectively stock each group coming from the intermediate section. The invention also relates to a method for controlling such an installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: POMAGALSKI SA.
    Inventor: Daniel Michel
  • Publication number: 20070284220
    Abstract: A conveyor using a roller belt with rollers arranged to rotate on oblique axes to urge articles toward a side guide. The conveyor includes an oblique-roller belt supported on a carryway for running in a direction of belt travel. Rollers extend above an outer conveying surface of the belt without contact with the carryway. Each roller rotates on an axis oblique to the direction of belt travel and intersects the side guide downstream of the roller's position. A retractable stop is movable to and from a blocking position along the carryway. In the blocking position, the stop blocks the conveyed articles from advancing in the direction of belt travel. The rollers underlying the blocked articles rotate as the belt runs by contact with the articles. The rotating rollers provide a component of force to the blocked articles directed toward the side guide to push the articles against the side guide or other articles as they accumulate under low pressure upstream of the stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Riddick, Brett Lally, Mark Costanzo
  • Publication number: 20070284221
    Abstract: A material conveying system without dust rising, having a plurality of trays; a transmission mechanism, for carrying the trays and transmitting the trays in motion; and a controller, for controlling the transmission mechanism, is characterized in that the material conveying system without dust rising further has a tank, which carries a liquid, where the transmission mechanism is immersed so that the dust resulting from abrasion of the transmission mechanism cannot float in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20070284222
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus, systems, and related methods for slowing the speed of components in transport systems. The apparatus includes a component track extending between input and output ends and sized for receiving the components, a speed control device mounted adjacent the component track and comprising a projection configured to move within the component track, a sensor positioned upstream of the input end of the component track to detect the speed of the components approaching the component track, and a controller in communication with the sensor and configured to adjust the speed of the projection within the component track based on the speed of the components approaching the component track, to decelerate the components within the component track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Dikrun Dermarderosian
  • Publication number: 20070284223
    Abstract: An auto-laundry conveyor of three-tier design using upper, lower and intermediate track rails with a narrow slot between them. Dollies are provided in an endless loop conveyor chain and each dolly comprises a combination of a center link, a pair of reversely similar tire engaging rollers, a pair of reversely similar track engaging rollers outboard of the tire engaging rollers and a pair of reversely similar stabilizing rollers outboard of the track engaging rollers. The stabilizing rollers are effectively larger in diameter; i.e., higher than the track engaging rollers so as to prevent rolling contact between the stabilizing rollers and the track surface and to receive the tread surface of an off-center tire and keep the tread surface from interfering with rolling movement of the track engaging rollers. The conveyor is manufactured in 10-foot lengths except for the entry and exit sections which are of lengths X and Y wherein X plus Y equals 10 feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: BELANGER, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Belanger, Barry Turner, David Tognetti
  • Publication number: 20070284224
    Abstract: A device that rotates the cup-shaped container while the container is conveyed along a conveyer system to enhance properly fitting of a plastic film over the container is provided. The device includes an elongate chassis on which two parallel conveyer belts are movably supported for conveying the container in the longitudinal direction. At least a portion of each belt is inclined toward each other by arranging a transversely movable member under an outer edge of each belt whereby by selectively setting the transverse position of the member, the inclination of the belt is adjusted. Due to the inclination, the container that is positioned on the conveyer belts is in tangential engagement with the belts by an outer rim thereof. The belts are driven in different speeds, and this induces different linear speeds on the portions of the outer rim that engage the belts thereby causing rotation of the container about a center axis thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Benker P. C. Liao
  • Publication number: 20070284225
    Abstract: A module for chains or belts that is molded from a plastic compound containing a magnetizable element. The molding may be performed in a standard injection molding machine equipped with a device that produces an electromagnetic or permanent magnetic field. The field lines are directed in such a way as to penetrate the mold cavities and the molded part in the desired axis, in order to electrically charge the magnetizable particles and orient them to form a permanently magnetized plastic body. After discharge of the mold, the plastic part has magnetic properties with opposite charges at opposite poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Giovanni Volpi
  • Publication number: 20070284226
    Abstract: An improved trough roller assembly for use in a continuous belt conveyor system comprises a pair of shafts disposed in a generally x-shaped configuration to support the moving belt in the upper flight section of the conveyor system and define the desired trough shape for carrying bulk materials thereon. The ends of the shafts, which are preferably made out of cold-rolled steel, rotatably connect to bearing assemblies that are cooperatively positioned on or in a pair of spaced apart support members that are mounted in a generally upright position on a frame member of the conveyor system. The bearing assemblies have a sealed bearing to reduce the likelihood of clogging or other damage from dust, bulk material or other debris that may be present. In an alternative embodiment, the support members are telescoping to allow the user to selectively change the trough shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Hinson
  • Publication number: 20070284227
    Abstract: An improved return roller assembly for use in a continuous belt conveyor system comprises a shaft disposed between a pair of sealed bearing assemblies that are mounted to the underside of a frame member to define the return flight section of the conveyor system so as to support and guide the conveyor belt. The ends of the shaft, which is preferably made out of cold-rolled steel, connect to bearings that are rotatably disposed in the bearing housing. Preferably, the bearing assemblies have a sealed bearing to reduce the likelihood of clogging or other damage from dust, bulk material or other debris that may be present and, therefore, reduce the cost and downtime associated with maintenance and repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Hinson