Patents Issued in February 14, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080036258
    Abstract: A seat frame assembly is provided for compactly folding a motor vehicle seat. The seat frame assembly includes at least one side frame member. An actuator is operatively coupled to the side frame member. An elongated control arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the side frame member and an opposite distal end. A control link includes one end pivotally coupled to the side frame member and an opposing end operatively coupled to the distal end of the control arm. A seat cushion linkage assembly is operably coupled between one of the control arm and control link and the actuator for moving each of the control arm and control link between a stowed position generally parallel with and adjacent to the side frame member and a support position spaced from the side frame member in response to actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Holdampf, Arnold Wickham, Christopher Welch
  • Publication number: 20080036259
    Abstract: An auxiliary Yoga exercising device generally comprises a main base, a handle rod, and a seat cushion. The main base has an angle-adjusting unit on the front center. The angle-adjusting unit has a pair of pivotal-connecting plates fixed thereon and spaced apart by a determined distance. The pivotal-connecting plates have several pin holes arranged at several predetermined angles. The angle-adjusting unit allows the height of the handle rod to be adjustable. The seat cushion has several hooking trenches on both sides for pivotally holding the handle rod. The seat cushion is rotatable about the handle rod. Depending on the required swaying angle, the handle rod is pivotally coupled with the hooking trenches such that the seat cushion is rotatable about the handle rod. Accordingly, the purpose of performing multiple Yoga motions can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Huang
  • Publication number: 20080036260
    Abstract: Apparatus for operation of a vehicle seat slider are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a cable assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to a slider mechanism of a vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Ritter, Bobby Woodward
  • Publication number: 20080036261
    Abstract: A movable backrest for a chair comprises a frame that is fixed to the chair, at least a flexible connecting element connected to the frame, and at least a backrest connected to the connecting element. Since the connecting element is flexible, the backrest and the back of the user can be moved simultaneously along with the movement of the back of the user, providing a comfortable support to the back of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Po Hsuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20080036262
    Abstract: An active headrest includes a panel inside a seat frame, a panel link supporting the panel and rotating in response to raising of the panel, and a frame which is raised by the panel. A self locking device of the active headrest includes: a guide cylinder in the seat back frame, defining a receiving indentation therein; a return spring in the receiving indentation; and a locking piston in the receiving indentation, a first end of the locking piston being coupled to the return spring, and a second end of the locking piston being exposed to outside the guide cylinder, wherein the locking piston is kept in the guide cylinder by the panel link at the non-operated position of the active headrest, and pressed outside of the guide cylinder by the return spring to restrain rotation of the panel link at the operated position of the active headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Sang Do Park, Kwang Bin Im
  • Publication number: 20080036263
    Abstract: A foldable seat headrest assembly including a locking mechanism that includes a lock lever that can be manipulated by a manual release handle that selectively locks the headrest pad component against a groove formed in a portion of a lock post so as to keep the headrest assembly in an upright position. The groove provides both a back stop and a forward stop for the lock lever. When the lock lever is disengaged from the groove by manipulating the release handle in a downward motion, a dump spring allows the headrest portion to assume a folded or dumped position. In the folded or dumped position, the headrest portion fits compactly against the back portion of the seat. The manual release handle can be associated with either the left or the right side of the headrest assembly allowing the same assembly to be used on either side of a vehicle, e.g., the driver or passenger side of the vehicle, as well in the front and rear seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Little
  • Publication number: 20080036264
    Abstract: A height adjustable chair armrest comprises a lower tube, an upper tube, and a push member. Two circular supporting units are provided on upper and lower ends of the lower tube so that the lower tube has an exact contact with the upper tube and a smooth adjustment can be achieved. A flexible gripper secured to one side of the upper tube receives urgently a fastener provided on one side of the push member so that pressing the push member will make a first protrusion at a lower section of the push member to depart from one of a plurality of holes of the lower tube so as to adjust the height of the armrest. Meanwhile, a protrusion protrudes from an inner side of the upper tube for cooperating with a bar groove extending vertically on the lower tube to provide a smooth guide of movement of the upper tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Toung-Chun Pan
  • Publication number: 20080036265
    Abstract: A height adjustable chair armrest has a lower tube, an upper tube, and a push member. Two circular supporting units are provided on upper and lower ends of the lower tube so that the lower tube has an exact contact with the upper tube and a smooth adjustment can be achieved. A flexible gripper secured to one side of the upper tube receives urgently a fastener provided on one side of the push member so that pressing the push member will make a first protrusion at a lower section of the push member to depart from one of a plurality of holes of the lower tube so as to adjust the height of the armrest. Meanwhile, a protrusion protrudes from an inner side of the upper tube for cooperating with a bar groove extending vertically on the lower tube to provide a smooth guide of movement of the upper tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Toung-Chun Pan
  • Publication number: 20080036266
    Abstract: A seating unit includes a rearwardly-open base frame with a pair of uprights on opposite rear side portions in spaced apart positions. A molded back has corner sections with cavities for matably telescopingly engaging the uprights, and a beam section extending between the corner sections for stabilizing the rear side portions when the molded back is engaging the uprights. A seat fastened to the base frame engages the molded back to retain the molded back on the upright sections. A cushion attached by a line of adhesive is perforated inward of the line, such that a majority of the cushion can be pulled off by tearing along the perforation line, allowing quick separation for recycling. The uprights have reduced an upper diameter for aesthetics but extend upwardly sufficiently to support armrest on the back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Russell T. Holdredge, Mark J. Dinneweth
  • Publication number: 20080036267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a backrest attachment device for a chair (1). It comprises a metal bow (7) with two bends that is designed such that a shorter intermediate piece (9) with a 90° bend is connected to a comparatively long flank (8), the shorter intermediate piece (9) in turn having connected to it a shorter end piece (10) with a 90° bend, wherein the intended level formed by the long flank (8) and the intermediate piece (9) and the intended level formed by the intermediate piece (9) and the end piece (10) are perpendicular to each other, and the metal bow (7) can be inserted with its long flank (8) through an elongated hole (11) introduced into the backrest frame (6) and interlocked with a simple rotary motion in an interlocking mechanism (12) within the backrest frame (6), and wherein the end piece (10) of the metal bow (7) can be connected to the frame (4) of the chair (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: SEDUS STOLL AG
    Inventors: Klaus MAIER, Kurt Buntru
  • Publication number: 20080036268
    Abstract: The present invention includes a hydro-shearing apparatus, a hydro-shearing system, and a method of mining waste coal. The hydro-shearing apparatus includes a fluid supply line adapted to permit the transporting of fluid, a nozzle adapted to emit the fluid, a pump adapted to recover at least the fluid, and a fluid discharge line adapted to permit the transporting of at least the fluid. The method may include positioning the hydro-shearing apparatus at least fifty feet away from a high wall of waste coal, manipulating the hydro-shearing apparatus to a vertical position within twenty feet of the top of the high wall of waste coal, operating the hydro-shearing apparatus such that a fluid stream contacts waste coal material, recovering the coal product with the pump of the hydro-shearing apparatus, and transporting the coal product away from the hydro-shearing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: John J. Glista
  • Publication number: 20080036269
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation pick comprises a bolster disposed intermediate a shank and an impact tip. The shank comprises an outer diameter and first and second ends. The shank is coupled to the bolster through the first end and the second end is adapted for insertion into a central bore of a holder attached to a driving mechanism. The shank comprises a hollow portion disposed within the outer diameter and between the first and second ends. The hollow portion may comprise an opening that is disposed in the second end. In some embodiments the hollow portion may comprise a length that is at least as great as the outer diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David Hall, Ronald Crockett, Scott Dahigren, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036270
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder. The holder is attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. A pick comprises a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip, and the shank is disposed in the central bore of the holder. The impact tip comprises an impact surface diamond or cubic boron nitride. At least one rolling element is disposed intermediate an inner bore surface and the shank, and is adapted for low-friction rotation with respect to both the inner bore surface and the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald B. Crockett, Jeff Jepson, Francis Leany
  • Publication number: 20080036271
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a degradation drum comprises a generally cylindrical body comprising inner and outer diameters. At least one degradation assembly is disposed on the outer diameter and it comprises a holder and a pick shank secured within a bore of the holder. At least one lubricant reservoir is disposed within the inner diameter and is in fluid communication with the bore of the holder through a fluid pathway. In some embodiments, the lubricant reservoir maintains a fluid pressure on the pick shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Tyson J. Wilde, Jad A. Mills
  • Publication number: 20080036272
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036273
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036274
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder which is secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein the retainer sleeve has an inner surface with a hardness greater than 58 HRc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036275
    Abstract: A degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank. The body has a wear resistant tip with a hardness of at least 60 HRc. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an annular gap of 0.002 to 0.010 inches exists between at least a portion of the sleeve and the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson, Tyson J. Wilde
  • Publication number: 20080036276
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprising a longitudinal central bore. The bore has an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. The pick has a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. The impact tip has a diamond surface. The degradation assembly also has a lubrication mechanism adapted to apply lubrication to the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald B. Crockett, Jeff Jepson, Francis Leany
  • Publication number: 20080036277
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. The bore comprises an opening at a distal end from the driving mechanism. A pick comprising a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip is connected to the holder, the shank being disposed in the central bore of the holder and the body extending from the opening of the bore. A tensioning mechanism is disposed within the bore and is adapted to put the shank in axial tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Publication number: 20080036278
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear-resistant base has a shank and a metal segment. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the metal segment and the shank has a wear-resistant surface. The wear-resistant surface has a hardness greater than 60 HRc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036279
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The bore of the holder comprises an inner surface comprising a hardness greater than 58 HRc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036280
    Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Scott Dahlgren, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036281
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation pick comprises a bolster disposed intermediate a shank and an impact tip. The shank comprises an outer diameter and first and second ends. The shank is coupled to the bolster through the first end and the second end is adapted for insertion into a central bore of a holder attached to a driving mechanism. The shank comprises a hollow portion disposed within the outer diameter and between the first and second ends. The hollow portion may comprise an opening that is disposed in the second end. In some embodiments the hollow portion may comprise a length that is at least as great as the outer diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David Hall, Ronald Crockett, Scott Dahlgren, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036282
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear resistant base has a shank and metal segment. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the metal segment opposite the shank. At least one hard insert is bonded to the metal segment proximate the shank, wherein the insert has a hardness greater than 60 HRc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036283
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism A first end of a generally frustoconical first cemented metal carbide segment bonded to the base. A second metal carbide segment is bonded to a second end of the first carbide segment at an interface opposite the base. The first end has a cross sectional thickness of about 0.250 to 0.750 inches and the second end has a cross sectional thickness of about 1 to 1.50 inches. The first cemented metal carbide segment also has a volume of 0.250 cubic inches to 0.600 cubic inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Ronald Crockett, Jeff Jepson
  • Publication number: 20080036284
    Abstract: A wheel assembly with an in-wheel motor, which transmits rotational output of an output shaft of a motor to a wheel via a counter gear, is such that a bearing on a vehicle outside, from among bearings provided on the vehicle inside and the vehicle outside in a vehicle width direction which rotatably support the output shaft of the motor, and a bearing on the vehicle inside, from among bearings provided on the vehicle inside and the vehicle outside in the vehicle width direction which rotatably support a rotating center shaft of the counter gear, are housed inside a main structure portion of a knuckle that defines a load transfer path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi MURATA
  • Publication number: 20080036285
    Abstract: A rim assembly comprises a rim including a peripheral rim portion for the mounting of a wheel; a wheel cover affixed to the rim and configured to rotate about an axis of the rim; and an oscillator attached to the wheel cover and configured to move back and forth between a first position and a second position based on rotation of the wheel cover about the axis. The oscillator is configured to protract axially away from the wheel cover when moving from the first position toward the second position and to retract axially toward the wheel cover when moving from the second position toward the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicants: Bouncing Brain Productions Subsidiary 11, LLC, Oscillators, LLC
    Inventors: Jon R. Davis, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Chris Hoy, Ian D. Kovacevich, Tom Philpott, Andrew Donati, Andrew Peeler
  • Publication number: 20080036286
    Abstract: Wheel to be incorporated in vehicles of automatic movement and control, preferably robot type vehicles for use over rugged terrains, with slopes, rough, muddy or slippery in general, whereby such wheel is comprised of a single body which comprises two zones: a first zone which defines the center or central body of the wheel and a second zone comprised of multiple flexible flaps and which are born radially at the point where said first zone ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Robin CASTELLI, Pablo Suarez
  • Publication number: 20080036287
    Abstract: A spoke and nipple assembly for a spoked wheel is described, which assembly is arranged to connect a rim and a hub in order to constitute the spoked wheel, wherein the nipple includes a shank which extends from an abutment member arranged to hold the nipple in one of the rim and the hub as far as the vicinity of the other of the rim and the hub, in order to constitute a predominant portion of the spoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Fabio Alberio, Guido Cappellotto
  • Publication number: 20080036288
    Abstract: A wheel shock absorbing apparatus includes: a hub, one or more bearings seated within the hub, and an axle. At least two outer end caps, each with an axle mounting hole and an offset inwardly opening cavity, enclose the ends of the hub. A springing element is positioned within each cavity in the end caps, and an inner body unit is located between the outer end caps. An actuation stud projects from the inner body unit into the cavities to contact the springing element. Fastening elements secure the outer end caps together on opposite side of the inner body unit. A pivot stud allows the respective outer end caps and inner body unit to pivot with respect to one another, which causes the actuation stud to contact the spring element, which absorbs shocks as the wheel travels over a surface during locomotion of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Morten Lund
  • Publication number: 20080036289
    Abstract: A tubular vehicle axle includes a primary air brake actuator within the axle. A tubular wall of the axle defines a pressure vessel of the primary actuator. The primary actuator has an output axis coincident with a rotary axis of the axle. An auxiliary air actuator can be directly operable on the primary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Thompson, John Robertson, Albert Juanpere, Richard Bellingham, Michael Gaywood, Martin Taylor, Sridhar Aprameya, Shan Shih, Jonathan Christopher Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080036290
    Abstract: An axle bearing apparatus includes a hub shaft for common use with a driving wheel bearing apparatus and a driven wheel bearing apparatus, the hub shaft including an axle-mounting flange formed at its outer end portion, and a cylindrical portion formed at an inner side of the flange and having a through hole formed in a center portion of the cylindrical portion, and a bearing portion press-fitted on the cylindrical portion of the hub shaft and including an inner ring, an outer ring and rolling elements disposed between the inner and outer rings. The hub shaft is used for the driven wheel bearing apparatus, and alternatively the through hole in the hub shaft is enlarged in diameter, and a spline are formed axially in an inner surface of the diameter-enlarged through hole, and the hub shaft thus processed is used for the driving wheel bearing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeru Inoue, Takumi Harada, Yutaka Koma
  • Publication number: 20080036291
    Abstract: In braking pressure control unit for a vehicle braking system, a space is formed, which is neighboring to electric brushless motors and arranged at ends of electromagnetic valves in a direction of a motor shaft of the electric motor. A printed circuit board for a motor driving circuit and a printed circuit board for a valve control circuit are arranged side-by-side in the space in the direction of the motor shaft. As a result, a longitudinal direction of the braking pressure control unit is suppressed to a small amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Moriharu SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20080036292
    Abstract: In a braking pressure control unit for a vehicle braking system, an electric motor is arranged at one side of a hydraulic pressure control block, while electromagnetic valves and an electronic control unit are arranged at the other side of thereof. A connector portion to be connected with an external terminal and an accommodation space are formed in a casing of the braking pressure control unit, such that the connector portion and the accommodation space protrude outwardly from an outer periphery of the hydraulic pressure control block in a direction perpendicular to a direction of a motor shaft of the electric motor, and that the accommodation space is neighboring to the connector portion. And a large-sized electrical part included in a motor driving circuit is accommodated in the accommodation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Moriharu Sakai, Tetsuya Yoshijima
  • Publication number: 20080036293
    Abstract: A control apparatus of a motor for anti-skid control includes calculating device for calculating a vehicle body deceleration corresponding value that is a value corresponding to a vehicle body deceleration of the vehicle during an anti-skid control is executed, controlling device for: determining a target speed of a motor and controlling the speed of the motor on the basis of a target speed equivalent value that is equivalent to the determined target speed, and correcting device for correcting the target speed on the basis of a difference between a reference control pattern and an actual control pattern, when a condition indicating that the difference exists between the reference control pattern of the anti-skid control on the basis of the determined target speed and the actual control pattern of the anti-skid control that is actually executed is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Kentaro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080036294
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus for controlling brakes of a vehicle having wheels, the apparatus including a stopped-state detecting portion which detects, based on a speed of at least one of the wheels detected by at least one wheel-speed sensor, a stopped state of the vehicle; an operation-force limiting portion which limits, based on a detection of the stopped state of the vehicle by the stopped-state detecting portion, an operation force of at least one of the brakes, such that an upper limit of the operation force is an intermediate level of an operation-force range used when the stopped state is not detected; a sensor ignoring portion which ignores, when an electric voltage supplied from a power source to the at least one wheel-speed sensor is not higher than a reference value, the at least one wheel-speed sensor; a limitation canceling portion which cancels, when the sensor ignoring portion ignores the at least one wheel-speed sensor, a limitation of the operation force by the operation-force limiting portio
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki YAMAMOTO, Masaaki Komazawa, Yasushi Hanaki
  • Publication number: 20080036295
    Abstract: A brake hydraulic pressure control unit includes motors mounted on one end of a hydraulic block so as to be aligned along a vertical direction. Each motor drives one of two sets of pumps. Solenoid valves and an electronic control unit are provided at the other end of the hydraulic block. Half of the solenoid valves and other component parts, which form a first hydraulic circuit, are provided in a vertically elongated area on the left-hand side of the pump mounting portions, and the other half of the solenoid valves and other component parts, which form a second hydraulic circuit, are provided in a vertically elongated area on the right-hand side of the pump mounting portions, with the component parts of each of the first and second hydraulic circuits overlapping each other in the lateral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Moriharu Sakai
  • Publication number: 20080036296
    Abstract: A method, and a system using the method, of controlling a towing vehicle that is connected to a vehicle trailer. The method includes sensing a set of vehicle targets and a set of vehicle conditions in response to the set of vehicle targets. The method also includes determining a plurality of differences between the set of vehicle targets and the set of vehicle conditions, determining a trend of the plurality of differences, generating at least one of a symmetric signal and an asymmetric signal based on the trend, and actuating a vehicle system with the at least one of a symmetric signal and an asymmetric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Hsien-cheng Wu, Flavio Nardi, Jin-Jae Chen, Eric Hartman
  • Publication number: 20080036297
    Abstract: An idler wheel assembly including a shaft having a first diameter and including at least one circumferential groove, the shaft having second diameter less than the first diameter at the groove, and at least one idler wheel. The idler wheel includes a rim having an outside diameter greater than the first diameter and a split hub concentric with and coupled to the rim and having a normally circular shape with an inner diameter less than the first diameter and greater than the second diameter, wherein upon compression of the rim the split hub is configured to deflect from the normally circular shape such that the inner diameter of the split hub increases to exceed at least the first diameter to enable the split hub to be slid over the shaft to the groove, and upon removal of the compression to the rim, the split hub is configured to return to the normally circular shape such that the split hub fits into and is retained within the groove and is free to spin about the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: James R. Gilbertson
  • Publication number: 20080036298
    Abstract: A system comprised of switches, fuses, microprocessor-based monitoring, and a pilot display that provides a method to bypass computer-controlled switching of aircraft power circuits. A backup circuit in addition to the computer-controlled switching circuit provides a method to guarantee power delivery in the case of a failure of the computer-controlled switch. The system provides the pilot with an indication when the backup circuit is engaged. When the other devices are turned off and/or the engine is shut down, an indication can be provided to the pilot that the backup circuit is on. An indication can also be provided to the pilot that the switch is in the off position when it should be on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries, Jake Dostal
  • Publication number: 20080036299
    Abstract: A standby power supply apparatus is provided in which a supply voltage of the standby power source, supplied before electronic apparatuses such as TVs or video players are switched on, is reduced by half to sharply reduce the consumption of the standby electric power. According to the standby power supply apparatus, it is possible to reduce by half the electric power loss due to switching the standby power converter controlling the standby electric power of the power supply apparatus on and off. Additionally, the standby electric power can be sharply reduced without an additional increase in manufacturing costs of the power supply apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-hyung Lee, Se-ra Lee
  • Publication number: 20080036300
    Abstract: A device, device(s), method and/or apparatus that can utilize 1 or more/various forms of inputs for energy This may be done to perform or enhance various functions or purposes or to provide additional capability such as power, energy, storage, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Robert Segal
  • Publication number: 20080036301
    Abstract: The features of this invention allow construction and operation of a variety of high voltage, high repetition rated pulse generators of the Marx type that are switched with photon initiated semiconductor switches. The Photon Initiated Switches can be constructed with bulk materials or in layered devices such as thyristors. Variations on the invention permit the formation of nearly rectangular, flat-topped, high voltage pulses. Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results without departing from the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Fox McDonald
  • Publication number: 20080036302
    Abstract: A motor is disclosed. The motor, which includes a stationary member, a rotating member coupled to the stationary member that rotates about an imaginary rotational axis, a plate coupled to or mounted on the rotating member to support the rotating member, a cap covering at least a portion of the plate to form a predetermined space between the plate and the cap, and fluid placed in the space between the plate and the cap, may maintain a uniform pressure in its interior to increase stability and provide an increased sealing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Duck-Young Kim, Ta-Kyoung Lee
  • Publication number: 20080036303
    Abstract: An electrically-powered linear motor for a whole body vibration (WBV) machine is disclosed for producing and imparting vibrations to a platform for supporting a user. The linear motor comprises one or more pairs of generally aligned coils for producing electromagnetic responses in one or more magnets, each disposed generally intermediate a pair of coils. Current is intermittently passed through the coils to produce vibrations within a desirable frequency range in the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Clive Graham Stevens
  • Publication number: 20080036304
    Abstract: A high performance focusing actuator of a voice coil motor comprises a retaining unit having a plastic retaining frame; a center portion of the plastic retaining frame being a receiving space; two opposite corners of the receiving space being chamfered; an inner side of each chamfered side being formed with a slide portion; and a metal rear cover plate having a shape corresponding to that of the plastic retaining frame; the metal rear cover plate having an open space coaxial with the receiving space of the plastic retaining frame; an outer side of the metal rear cover plate having four outer plates; each of two opposite corners of each outer plate being formed with an inclined guide surface corresponding to the slide portion of the plastic retaining frame; an iron receiving gap being formed between an inclined guide surface and outer plate; and each iron receiving gap receiving a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Chi-Hsin Ho, Chih-Chien Liu
  • Publication number: 20080036305
    Abstract: A high-efficiency permanent magnet linear motor optimized for low speed, high thrust applications, and a direct-drive oil well lift device powered by the motor. The motor comprises a high ratio of conductor volume to core cross-section area (14) and a plurality of individual, rectangular core-winding units (22) with a straight flux path through the cores (10) of the winding units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Davor Jack Raos
  • Publication number: 20080036306
    Abstract: Electrical generators are provided by causing permanent magnets to travel through hollow passageways having electrical conductors flanking or surrounding the space within the passageways. The conductors are disposed in undulating patterns the amplitudes of which are aligned in selected correlated positions relative to the lengths of the passageways and directions of the magnetic flux lines in order to maximize the electromagnetically generated voltage and current in the conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: INCELEX, LLC
    Inventor: Berj A. Terzian
  • Publication number: 20080036307
    Abstract: Vibration-based electrical power generation is provided. In one aspect, a vibration-based power generator is embodied within a machine dampener and includes an electromotive power generation module and a piezoelectric power generation module. A power storage device is operably coupled to the electromotive power generation module and the piezoelectric power generation module. In another aspect, a device for generating electrical energy based is provided. The device includes a housing operably coupleable to a source of vibration. The housing defines a chamber inside. A first circular permanent magnet is located within the chamber and has an outer diameter. A ring-type permanent magnet is located around the first circular permanent magnet and defines an annular space therebetween. At least one voice coil portion is located in the annular space and is coupled to a flexure structure to allow the voice coil portion(s) to move within the flux of the permanent magnets in response to vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Liangju Lu, Swapan Chakraborty, John McIntire