Patents Issued in December 20, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070290496
    Abstract: An amount of webbing that is pulled-out after operation of a pretensioner mechanism is reduced. In a webbing retractor 10, a lock pawl 78 is set in a non-meshable state in which it cannot mesh with a lock gear 26. At a time when a pretensioner mechanism 34 operates and a clutch plate 42 rotates in a take-up direction, a lock stopper 86 rotates together with the clutch plate 42 and releases engagement with the lock pawl 78. Therefore, the lock pawl 78 is rotated by a compression coil spring 70 and changed to a meshable state. In this way, immediately after rotational force in a pull-out direction is applied to the lock gear 26 due to load from a vehicle occupant after operation of the pretensioner mechanism 34, the lock pawl 78 meshes with the lock gear 26, and pulling-out of a webbing 20 is impeded. Therefore, an amount of the webbing 20 which is pulled-out can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takamatsu, Tomonori Nagata, Kazuhiko Aihara, Masaki Yasuda, Toshio Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20070290497
    Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicles with reconfigured, or flexed panel, bodies. The bodies include at least one reconfigured, or flexed, body panel that is retained in a biased, or flexed, configuration and/or against its internal bias to move from the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the body has an exterior shape that is determined at least in part by the at least one flexed body panel. In some embodiments, the at least one body panel is integrally formed with other portions of the ride-on's body, and in some embodiments, a portion of the body panel remains in an unflexed configuration when another portion of the body panel is retained in the flexed configuration. In some embodiments, the vehicles include at least one retainer that engages a flexed panel and retains the panel in a defined position relative to another portion of the ride-on's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Albert L. Arendt, John L. Jones, Michael B. Zielinski
  • Publication number: 20070290498
    Abstract: The paper fastener compressor assembly includes a compressor bar having two opposed passages therein for the insertion of the prongs of the compressor base therethrough. A movable cover is hinged to the compressor bar along a common edge, with the cover also sliding axially along the hinge line when closed. The assembly is installed by opening the cover and placing the compressor bar over the extended prongs of the base, and folding the prongs over atop the compressor bar. The cover is then closed over the folded prongs and slid into registry atop the compressor bar to secure the edge of the cover opposite its hinge edge to the compressor bar. A locking tab is provided along the hinge edge of the compressor bar. When the locking tab is crimped, axial movement of the cover is prevented, thus securing the assembly permanently and preventing alteration of the file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Keith G. Foreman, Craig R. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20070290499
    Abstract: A method and system for creating an identification document (10) are provided. According to the method, data is acquired identifying an individual. The data includes an image of the individual, biometric data and personal identification data. The acquired data is recorded on a central database. On an identity document substrate, such as a card, a first two-dimensional symbolic barcode (20) is printed which has a relatively high density and includes the image of the individual, biometric data such as a fingerprint or voiceprint and personal identification data. A second two-dimensional symbolic barcode (22) is also printed on the identification document, having a relatively low density and including the personal identification data and data for use in a biometric identification process, such as a password to be spoken by the holder of the identification document. The invention extends to a method and system for creating an identification document are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Gavin Tame
  • Publication number: 20070290500
    Abstract: A method of preparing documents for the transmission of secure information comprises the steps of preparing a first laminar element (13; 37) with a peripheral region (15) separable from a central region (14), printing the secure information on the central region (14) of the first laminar element (13; 37), or on a central region (19) of a second laminar element (12; 36), positioning the two laminar elements (13; 37, 12; 36) in face-to-face relation, with the face of the element bearing the information facing the said other element, and securing the element together around the peripheral regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Prater
  • Publication number: 20070290501
    Abstract: A pipe coupling cartridge for insertion in a port bore comprising a body (14) for receiving a pipe therein, said body (14) having a smaller external diameter portion (24) and a larger external diameter portion (25), the smaller diameter portion (24) having a gripping mechanism (27) and a sealing member (28) mounted thereon and adapted to be received in the port bore (2, 3), wherein the larger diameter portion (25) forms a support to be received within at least a tapered port bore (3). This invention also relates to a gripping mechanism (27) comprising an annular ring having a first portion that extends substantially parallel to the radial direction and a second portion (35) that extends at an angle to the radial direction, wherein the gripping mechanism (27) is secured to the cartridge (1) by its first portion which is held against the body (14) by a securing ring (32). An environmental seal (38) for preventing the ingress of foreign bodies into a port bore (2, 3) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Norgren Limited
    Inventor: Paul Aston
  • Publication number: 20070290502
    Abstract: A penetration system for a pipe entering a duct wall at a pipe stub. The penetration system may include a thermal sleeve surrounding the pipe stub and a bellows positioned below the thermal sleeve and about the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Carlos Serafim Albuquerque Fernandes, Nicholas Philip Poccia, Leroy Omar Tomlinson, Laurence Ambrose Kenny
  • Publication number: 20070290503
    Abstract: A connection for sub-sea use employs locking dogs that are isolated from seawater and a backup system for operating the backup sleeve to the dogs. The normal actuation system for the backup sleeve is also isolated from seawater exposure. The set position of the backup sleeve is positively retained against the prospect of axial movement that could be triggered by transmitted vibration into the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Edmund McHugh, Finbarr Evans, Declan Elliott
  • Publication number: 20070290504
    Abstract: A diode assembly comprises a diode, an electrical lead extending from the diode and a pre-fabricated connector placing the lead of the diode in electrical communication with another electrical component or an electrical circuit, such as a resistor. Preferably, the pre-fabricated connector comprises a tubular sleeve. In use, the leads are placed into openings at ends of the sleeve and the sleeve is preferably crimped so that it mechanically engages the leads. In one embodiment, the connector forms a conductive path between the leads or places the leads in direct contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Oliver Mou
  • Publication number: 20070290505
    Abstract: A sealing structure formed at an end of a heat pipe, includes a two-layer structure, which can be divided into two walls and a rib interconnecting the walls together, wherein the rib points to a center of the heat pipe. A method for manufacturing the sealing structure includes following steps: (1) providing a metallic pipe with an end sealed and an opposite open portion; (2) pressing the open portion of the pipe to form the two-layer sealing structure by using a pair of pressing molds, wherein the pair of pressing molds comprises a first pressing mold and a second pressing mold, the first mold having an M-shaped convex portion, the second mold having an M-shaped concave portion corresponding to the convex portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHENG-HUI LIN, JING-LIAO LI, WEI YU
  • Publication number: 20070290506
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a rotor having a hub, at least one rotor blade coupled to the hub, and a rotor shaft coupled to said hub for rotation therewith. The wind turbine also includes an electrical generator coupled to the rotor shaft, and a generator-side frequency converter electrically coupled to the electrical generator for converting variable frequency AC received from the electrical generator into DC. The generator-side frequency converter is electrically coupled to an electrical load and is configured to at least one of supply reactive power to the electrical load and absorb reactive power from the electrical load. The wind turbine also includes a grid-side frequency converter electrically coupled to the generator-side frequency converter for converting DC received from the generator-side frequency converter into fixed frequency AC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Reigh Walling
  • Publication number: 20070290507
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Andrew, John Ford, Timothy Melsert
  • Publication number: 20070290508
    Abstract: A wave motion generator having a bore hole at a coastline of an ocean. The bore hole lower end communicates with the ocean underwater while the upper end is above water level, allowing wave motion within the bore hole. A float disposed within the bore hole may travel along the borehole between at least two positions. A linkage attached to the float converts the motion of the float to rotary motion of a generator shaft so as to induce electric current in the generator. The linkage may be pneumatic, in which the float motion induces pressurized air to drive a turbine, or it may be a chain drive, a shaft drive, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Burcik
  • Publication number: 20070290509
    Abstract: A wind energy plant with a rotor, which is coupled to a gear via a rotor shaft, the rotor shaft being double bearing mounted via one rotor side bearing and one gear side bearing, wherein a connection between rotor shaft and gear is provided at the gear side of the gear side bearing, and the gear side bearing props up on a machine carrier via at least one supporting equipment and the gear is detachably connected with the supporting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Nitzpon
  • Publication number: 20070290510
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combustion generator device releasably engageable with a portable generator, including a housing defining an intake conduit, an interior chamber, and an outlet conduit having defining a fluid flow path. The intake conduit defines a first longitudinal axis, the interior chamber defines a second longitudinal axis, and the outlet conduit defines a third longitudinal axis, such that the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially perpendicular, the second and third longitudinal axes are substantially perpendicular, and an angle between the first longitudinal axis of the intake conduit and the third longitudinal axis of the outlet conduit is between approximately 110 and 120 degrees. A catalytic conversion assembly may be positioned within at least a portion of the interior chamber, and a muffler assembly may be positioned within at least a portion of the outlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert ARATARI
  • Publication number: 20070290511
    Abstract: The two-point mortise latch of the present invention includes, a central actuator having teeth that are meshed with the teeth of a gear wheel, wherein the gear wheel and the central actuator are pivotally connected to at least one hook, via the hook arm. Wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the hooks have guide protrusions that are set in a guide their respective guide areas. The hooks are designed to contact the bottom interior surface of the keeper housing when latched. The central actuator and gear are meshed together via teeth. In addition, the central actuator and gear wheel are biased with springs so as to facilitate opening and closing of the door latch. The components of the present invention are retained inside of the housing, which is set inside the lock stile of a door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Luke Liang, Toni Liang, David Chen
  • Publication number: 20070290512
    Abstract: A hooking device includes a hook for clasping the latching device, a spring mounted to the hook for providing a restoration force to the hook, and a base securing the hook and the spring thereon. The hook includes a main portion, a catch portion, and a pair of shaft portions extending from the other end along opposite direction. The spring includes two winding portions, two first arms extending from ends of the winding portions, the first arms acting on the hook; and two second arms extending from the other ends of the winding portions. The base includes a base plate defining an opening, two supporting plates accommodating the shaft portions, two bearing plates extending from the base plate, the second arms acting on the bearing plate, and an elastic arm extending from the base plate pushing on the other end of the main portion of the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: CHIEN-MING FAN, Jung-Hsiang Lee, Chang-Lin Yang
  • Publication number: 20070290513
    Abstract: Latch assembly of a keeper structure and a latch structure has a frame a frame recess, a guide pin received in said frame recess for oscillating rotation, the guide pin having a handle tab for rotating the guide pin and a dog projecting from said guide pin. A latch tongue is slidably mounted in a latch tongue guide and has a tongue dog cooperating structure for advancing and retracting the latch tongue responsive to rotation of the dog on the guide pin. The guide pin is spring biased to project the latch tongue toward the latch structure. The dog cooperating structure and dog are relatively proportioned to permit rearward movement of the latch tongue without commensurately moving the handle tab upon displacing engagement of the keeper structure and the latch tongue but to move the handle tab and latch tongue together in forward movement of the latch tongue into keeper structure latching engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Hauber
  • Publication number: 20070290514
    Abstract: An adjustable-backset deadbolt lock with a dual-adjustment capability including a simple push-and-twist operation to adjust the relief of the outer casing, as well as a second adjustment capability for adjusting the deadbolt travel. The deadbolt lock generally comprises a latch case defined by opposing walls having an aperture there through, and a guide tab projecting forwardly from the latch case. An annular frontal casing is inserted onto the latch case and receives the guide tab in a track. The frontal casing remains rotatable on the latch case, the track engaging the guide tab during rotation to extend or retract the frontal casing. The track includes two stop positions so that the frontal casing may be adjusted by an indexed push-and-twist adjustment between two positions relative to the latch case as indexed by the stop positions. The lock also includes a deadbolt with adjustable travel via a two-part bolt cam that is turned to extend/retract the bolt extension and deadbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jason M. Halac
  • Publication number: 20070290515
    Abstract: There is provided apparatus for protection of a vehicle from damage by other vehicles attempting to undesirably encroach to the front or rear of the vehicle. The apparatus includes extendable and retractable bumper portions that when extended form a safety enclosure for activities at the rear of a vehicle. The apparatus includes sensors for monitoring encroaching objects and may be electrically or hydraulically operated, either automatically or upon demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Duc T. Doan
  • Publication number: 20070290516
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus (10) for gripping penetrable objects. The apparatus includes at least two needles (2) placed at an angle to each other and an actuation unit (3) connected to the needles (2) to thrust these in a lengthwise direction between an extended and a retracted position. A tool block (1) for securing the actuation units (3) includes a fixed contact surface (8) towards the object that is to be lifted, such that the needles (2) can be led in and out of the tool block (1) between the extended and the retracted position. Guides (2a) for the needles (2) are placed in the tool block (1) such that the needles create a cross (9) when they are in an extended position. A method for gripping objects that can be penetrated is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jan Buljo
  • Publication number: 20070290517
    Abstract: A non-contact transport apparatus comprises a top plate with a supply port for supplying air thereto, a diffuser plate having a plurality of discharge holes for discharging air, and a sheet-shaped nozzle plate interposed between the top plate and the diffuser plate and having a plurality of nozzles therein. The top plate, the nozzle plate and the diffuser plate are stacked and integrally connected to one another through a plurality of connecting bolts. Air is supplied from the supply port and via flow passages to the plurality of nozzles. Air is directed to the outside from the plurality of discharge holes, via radially formed nozzles oriented in a radially outward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Masahiko Someya, Masaru Saitoh, Yukihisa Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20070290518
    Abstract: As aspect of the invention provides an article holding assembly that is attachable to a mounting member. An aspect of the invention provides a console assembly that is attachable to a mounting member in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: John M. Tiesler
  • Publication number: 20070290519
    Abstract: A vehicle cockpit includes a head-up display, a transverse beam, and an end wall for separating the cockpit from the engine compartment. To fit the head-up display in a relatively easy manner, attachment means are provided for pre-fitting or pre-installing the head-up display on the transverse beam and for a final fitting of the head-up display on a further supporting body part. As a result, the transverse beam with the pre-fitted head-up display can be inserted in the vehicle as a module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Gunther, Ralf Leupert, Levente Szoke, Thomas Vorberg
  • Publication number: 20070290520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a molded tube (10) that is connected to the bodywork (13) and/or a mounting plate that is connected to the bodywork (13), which is particularly a mounting plate for a wiper motor. The windshield wiper device is located in a region, which is often an impact zone in a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. As a result, the components of the windshield wiper device often represent a high risk of injury to pedestrians. The objective of the invention is to improve the windshield wiper device so that the risk of injury to pedestrians is reduced during a collision with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Rapp, Thomas Steimel
  • Publication number: 20070290521
    Abstract: A convertible cargo bed assembly for a utility vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a single piece molded main body having a pair of integrally formed hip restraints that each include a passenger hand hold integrally formed within the respective hip restraint. The assembly additionally includes a molded pivoting panel that has a cargo deck side and a seat side. The cargo deck side functions as a portion of a cargo deck when the pivoting panel is in a deployed position. The seat side has at least one full-sized seat cushion coupled thereto. That is the full-sized seat cushion is approximately the same size as the forward facing driver's and passenger's seats. Therefore, when the pivoting panel is transitioned from the deployed position to a stowed position, wherein the convertible cargo bed provides a full-sized rear facing seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Steven Houston
  • Publication number: 20070290522
    Abstract: Several embodiments of sidewall assemblies having side posts and plastic liners affixed to an outer side sheet of a van or trailer. The liners have edges extending in contacting relationship with the edge portions of the side posts in connected relationship. Protuberances and foam material extend between the plastic liners and the side sheet for added strength. Slots may be provided in the posts for securement purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Wolfgang Graaff, Thomas Huddle
  • Publication number: 20070290523
    Abstract: There is provided a shock absorbing structure for a vehicle that exhibits more stable shock absorbing performance regardless of the shape of an installation space. The shock absorbing structure comprises: a plurality of shock absorbing members for absorbing an externally applied shock by being deformed by the application of the shock; and at least one connecting body each connecting adjacent ones of the shock absorbing members, wherein each of the at least one connecting body is provided with a spacer member which has a configuration corresponding to at least a part of that of a gap which is formed between each of the shock absorbing members and at least one of the vehicle interior component and the body structural component, when the plurality of shock absorbing members are installed in the installation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20070290524
    Abstract: A vehicle cockpit of modular construction includes at least one crossmember extending over the width of the cockpit and at least two submodules, each of which accommodates preassembled components. The submodules can each be fastened to the crossmember. The submodules are self-supporting so that they are able to be freely handled as preassembled subassemblies and so that they pass on their own weight and external loads directly to the crossmember. Installation and fitting the vehicle cockpit of modular construction includes first preassembling a plurality of submodules with a variety of different components groupings, selecting ones of the preassembled submodules to be installed, and connecting the selected submodules to the crossmember.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Levente Szoke, Thomas Vorberg
  • Publication number: 20070290525
    Abstract: A body reinforcement device comprises a rigid reinforcement member that connects two vehicle body portions to be reinforced. The body reinforcement device also comprises a damping force member that spans the space between the two vehicle body portions. The rigid reinforcement member and the damping force member preferably extend generally parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Masahiro Satou, Katsuhiro Kondou
  • Publication number: 20070290526
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a center frame and crawler frames of a base carrier of a construction machine, which can increase durability without complicating the structure is provided. A crawler frame mounting structure for a construction machine includes a center frame configured to rotatably support an upper rotating body, fastening portions for fastening the center frame to crawler frames on right and left sides by front and rear leg portions, and end plates having widths wider than the width between attachment positions of a pair of vertical plates. The end plates including tie bolt holes formed on both right and left ends are welded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaji Takeuchi, Tadashi Ekawa
  • Publication number: 20070290527
    Abstract: A folding device for connecting legs of a highchair includes first and second folding members, a toothed wheel, and an actuator. The first folding member is formed with a positioning groove, and the second folding member is formed with a position limiting unit. The toothed wheel includes a wheel body that is disposed between the first and second folding members and that has a periphery provided with a primary tooth engaging the positioning groove. The primary tooth engages the position limiting unit to lock the second folding member from movement relative to the first folding member when the second folding member is at an expanded position. The actuator is operated to release the second folding member from the locking action of the toothed wheel when moving the second folding member back to a folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shun-Min CHEN, Hong-Bin XU
  • Publication number: 20070290528
    Abstract: A collapsible highchair with a locking device includes a first frame, a second frame which is pivotally connected to the first frame in “X” shape, a seat portion pivotally connected to upper sections of the frames, a backrest connected to the upper section of the first frame, a locking device secured to top end of upper section of the second frame, and an armrest one end of which is pivotally connected to the first frame and another end is engaged with the locking device. The locking device includes a first case and a second case, both of which cover the second frame. The first case is integrally formed with an elastic actuating portion. When the actuating portion is engaged with an opening on the armrest, the highchair is in a stretched state. When the actuating portion is pressed to disengage from the opening, the highchair is in a collapsible state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Zhi Ren Zhong
  • Publication number: 20070290529
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device in a chair (1), especially a chair with an adjustable back of the chair (2) and head rest (3), in that in between a section of the head rest (3) and an attachment section on the chair construction is arranged a connecting element (18) with for example a rod (17), which by movement of the adjustable back of the chair (2) is arranged to affect the angle of the head rest (3) in relation to the back of the chair (2), and for the purpose of giving instructions on a head rest that by simple means be uncoupled in a reclined position of the back of the chair, there is according to the invention proposed a groove (21), a blocking device (22) and a coupling organ (24) which come into effect in the reclined position of the back of the chair, either in a manual or automatic way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Ekornes ASA
    Inventors: Arve Ekornes, Jostein Bueide, Jan Krovel
  • Publication number: 20070290530
    Abstract: A reclining bench seat for a recreational vehicle has a frame on which a seat part and a backrest part are arranged. The backrest part can be pivoted between a sitting position and a lying position. In the lying position, the rear of the backrest part is arranged so as to be located at the top. In order to be able to perform the pivoting between the sitting position and the lying position easily and without changing the design of the seat part, the frame, including the seat part and the backrest part, is mounted such that it can be pivoted in its entirety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Reinhold Brueckner
  • Publication number: 20070290531
    Abstract: A picnic table may include a table and one or more seat members disposed about the table. One end of each seat member is preferably pivotally attached to the table by a support structure so that the seat member may pivot or rotate between various positions relative to the table top. One or more feet may be connected to the support structures and the feet may be sized and configured to facilitate movement of the seat members relative to the table top. The picnic table may also include a frame and the frame may include a plurality of elongated support members with a first end and a second end. The elongated support members may be interconnected to form a generally polygon-shaped structure and an end of each support member may extend beyond the perimeter of the generally polygon-shaped structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Jered Larsen, S. Nye, L. Strong, Robert Astle, Edward VanNimwegen, Donald Waite
  • Publication number: 20070290532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined sensor and heating element (1) which is particularly suitable for a motor vehicle seal. Said sensor and heating element comprises a sensor mat which comprises a carrier film (2) and a cover film (3), sensors (6) which are arranged between the carrier film (2) and the cover film (3), and sensor conductor paths, in addition to a heating conductor arrangement. According to the invention, the conductor paths (4) of the heating conductor arrangement are integrated into the sensor mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventor: Thorsten Frank
  • Publication number: 20070290533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heated cushion (100) for a vehicle seat, comprising an upper part (110) having a first and a second main surface and a lower part (130) having a first and a second main surface. The parts (110, 130) are arranged with their first main surfaces one against the other and on one first main surface there is disposed a heating coil (120). The upper part (110) and the lower part (130), on their respective first main surfaces, each have one half (115, 135) of a fastening system in Velcro material, and the heating coil (120) is secured in its main surface by the Velcro elements (115, 135) of the main surface. Expediently, at least one part (110, 130) is made in a fabric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AB
    Inventor: Daniel Josefsson
  • Publication number: 20070290534
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a seat includes a stiff substantially continuous first sheet suspended at three points on a stiff substantially continuous second sheet. In one embodiment, the first sheet defines a generally flat first wing and a first nose projecting forward from a center of the first wing, the second sheet defines a bow shaped second wing and a second nose projecting forward from a center of the second wing, and the second wing is positioned under the first wing such that left and right sides of the first wing are supported on uplifted ends of the second wing and the first nose is supported on the second nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jeri Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20070290535
    Abstract: A vehicle safety seat may comprise, among other things, a vehicle seat having a seat base configured to be mounted to a support surface of a motor vehicle, and a roll sensor mounted to the seat base. The vehicle seat may be a suspension seat. The vehicle seat may have other sensors, event detection systems or the like mounted thereto. The vehicle seat may include a number of vehicle/occupant safety mechanisms integral therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: INDIANA MILLS & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery Meredith, James Chinni, Marius Magdun, Chris Jessup, Douglas Bittner, David Merrick
  • Publication number: 20070290536
    Abstract: A pop-up display suitable for use in a seat back of an occupant seat, such as but not limited to those employed within vehicles to carry vehicle occupants. The display being configured to pop-up from the seat back in response to mechanical and/or electrical stimulation. The mechanical actuation optionally being localized relative to the display such that the occupant may be required to be in reach of the display in order to impart the mechanical stimulation. The electrical actuation optionally being imparted with electrical signals communicated thereto by a switch or vehicle controller such that the display may be ejected without being in reach of the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, Sam Hanlon
  • Publication number: 20070290537
    Abstract: A recliner includes a backrest, a seat, a leg and a reclining apparatus. The reclining apparatus includes a base, two ears and a rear support. The base is installed on the leg. The ears are pivotally installed on the base on one hand and pivotally connected to the seat on the other hand. The rear support includes a lower section pivotally installed on the base and formed with an ear pivotally connected to the seat and an upper section for supporting the backrest. Thus, the seat is moved backwards and downwards when the backrest is pivoted backwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: TUNG YU OA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Hong Lin
  • Publication number: 20070290538
    Abstract: A chair has two independent body supports which move in similar rotation and inverse elevation to one another to change from a chair configuration, one support higher than the other, to a spine tensioning apparatus, supports near equal in elevation. Preferably body supports are spaced apart from one another such that the only interconnecting human link between the two supports, when in a near equal elevation configuration, is the human spine. The spine, in this configuration is then subjected to similar forces as a simple beam supported by two separate forces, tension, compression, shear and moment. The spine is aided by and through tension and compression and increased blood flow and afforded the ability for spinal muscle, nerve and soft tissue development and maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Walter
  • Publication number: 20070290539
    Abstract: A chair is equipped with a leg column 1, a seat 3, and a back support 4. An intermediate supporting member 9 is fitted to an upper end of the leg column 1, the seat 3 and a back frame 5 are fitted to the intermediate supporting member 9, and the back support 4 is fitted to an upper end of the back frame 5 via a joint unit 11. The seat 3 has an elongated shape when viewed from the top, and is fitted to the intermediate supporting member 9 to swivel horizontally. The back support 4 can be turned freely around a first axis 13 and also can be turned freely around a second axis 12. Since the seat 3 and the back support 4 can be changed into various modes, a using mode of the chair can be changed variously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Isao Hosoe, Hiroshi Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Ito
  • Publication number: 20070290540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting (10) for the seat of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising a first fitting part (11), a second fitting part (12) which is mechanically linked to the first fitting part (11), a locking eccentric, and a running eccentric (131), wherein the running eccentric (131) is mounted in relation to the first fitting part (11) and second fitting part (12) by way of a rolling bearing or sliding bearing bushing (28,33), wherein friction between the running eccentric (131) and the sliding bearing bushings (28,33) or between at least one sliding bearing bushing (28, 33) and the associated fitting part (11, 12) is lower than the friction between the locking eccentric and at least one of the fitting parts (11, 12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Voss, Tobias Ewald, Ulrich Lehmann, Artur Komainda, Rainer Messerschmidt, Grit Scholz, Andreas Norbisrath, Jurgen Stemmer, Heinrich Busch, Holger Finner, Dirk Angermann, Markus Vesper, Gregor Vossmann
  • Publication number: 20070290541
    Abstract: A footrest of a one-legged seating device includes a fixation device and a ring frame. The fixation device is integrally molded of plastic and includes a hub having a central hole and a plurality of spokes around the hub. The ring frame is a metal tube shaped into a ring. Using injection molding, the ring frame is wrapped by and fixed to circumferential ends of the spokes. A sleeve and a pressed sheet are provided between the central hole of the hub and a supporting post. A locking bolt is screwed into the fixation device. The locking bolt presses to the pressed sheet, the pressed sheet to the sleeve, and the sleeve to the supporting post. Therefore the footrest is fixed to the supporting post at a desired height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Tao Tsai
  • Publication number: 20070290542
    Abstract: A cushion body is provided with a core material formed by a melamine resin foam body, and a surface layer material formed by a polyurethane resin foam body in which an expandable graphite is dispersed, and covering a periphery of the core material. A through hole extending along a thickness direction of the cushion body is formed at a predetermined position of the core material. A surface layer material fills the through hole, and the core material and the surface layer material are integrally formed. The cushion body increases a lightweight property of the cushion body by the core material formed by the melamine resin foam body, increases a fire retardant property of the cushion body by the expandable graphite, and increases cushioning and durability properties of the cushion body by the polyurethane resin foam body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: INOAC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirotaka Wada
  • Publication number: 20070290543
    Abstract: Motorcycle Passenger Connector is a double harness design to link a motorcycle passenger and a motorcycle operator. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a connector with clasps and two harnesses with straps and a connector chain. To use the preferred embodiment of Motorcycle Passenger Connector, the motorcycle operator and the passenger would use the straps and buckles to secure the harnesses around their waists. The motorcycle operator would arrange his harness to have the straps and buckle on his front while the harness would be arranged on his back with the chain emanating from the rear. The motorcycle passenger would arrange his harness to have the straps and buckle on the rear of his body while the harness would be on his front with the chain emanating from the front. Both the motorcycle operator and the passenger would then climb on the motorcycle, and the passenger would fasten both chains to the connector using the clasps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jelani N. James
  • Publication number: 20070290544
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a pavement degradation machine has a motorized vehicle adapted to traverse a paved surface. At least one piston apparatus has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end adapted for attachment to an underside of the motorized vehicle and the distal end extending towards the paved surface and comprising a rotary bit. The piston apparatus has a shaft disposed within a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted for axial motion and the shaft is adapted for rotational motion independent of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David Hall, David Wahlquist, Neil Cannon
  • Publication number: 20070290545
    Abstract: An attack tool for degrading materials is disclosed which comprises a base segment comprising an attachment to a driving mechanism, a first wear-resistant segment bonded to the base segment, a second wear-resistant segment bonded to the first wear-resistant segment at a brazed joint opposite the base segment, and an outer diameter of both the wear-resistant segments proximate the joint comprising a finish ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ron Crockett, Jeff Jepson, Joe Fox, Michael Barnhill