Patents Issued in July 24, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080173717
    Abstract: A smart card comprising: a memory for storing information; at least one transmitting or receiving antenna; and a low frequency circuit, for handling information associated with said antenna and said memory, which information is modulated at a modulation frequency of between 5 kHz and 100 kHz. Preferably the antenna is an acoustic antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: BeepCard Ltd.
    Inventors: Amit Antebi, Alon Atsmon, Zvi Lev, Moshe Cohen
  • Publication number: 20080173718
    Abstract: All light-emitting devices 71 to 73 are caused to emit lights, and the colored lights by light-emitting devices 71 to 73 are radiated to two-dimensional barcode 10 to read barcode information only of a black pattern by CMOS imager 20. Information corresponding to this barcode information is displayed on display section 90. When a user selects information by using input section 100 from among all the information, a light-emitting device corresponding to the selection is caused to emit a light, and a reading operation is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: NEC INFRONTIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukiyasu Ibe
  • Publication number: 20080173719
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a display module comprises a temperature sensor configured to provide temperature information; a transmission interface, coupled to an external chip of the IC card; a processing module, coupled to the temperature sensor and the transmission interface, comprising: a storage device comprising an application software program; and a processing unit, coupled to the storage device, configured to be capable of executing the application software program to access data from the external chip via the transmission interface, obtaining the temperature information from the temperature sensor, and outputting a control signal according to the temperature information and data; a display driver, coupled to the processing module, configured to be capable of receiving the control signal and generating a driving signal according to the control signal; and a display film capable of displaying images, coupled to the display driver, and configured to be capable of displaying information according to the driving si
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Chein-Hsun Wang
  • Publication number: 20080173720
    Abstract: A tag tape and a tag tape roll that can realize a uniform roll winding state, and an RFID label produced using them are provided. A tag tape in which a plurality of RFID circuit elements provided with an IC chip storing information and a loop antenna for transmission/reception of information is continuously arranged in a tape longitudinal direction with a predetermined interval is provided with an extension part of a protection member that compensates a difference of a thickness in a portion of the tag tape where the RFID circuit element is arranged and a thickness in a portion other than that of the tag tape in a tape width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Takaaki Kato, Takuya Nagai
  • Publication number: 20080173721
    Abstract: A secure and confidential card display package and a method of manufacturing the same. The secure and confidential card display package includes a carrier, a stored value card, and a matching code. The card carrier is constructed, for example, of a laminated material. The stored value card is integrally formed with and selectively detachable along a line of weakness from the card carrier, the stored value card having a coded cover adapted to cover a confidential code at a first portion of the stored value card and a corresponding code at a second portion of the stored value card, and the matching code is disposed on the coded cover and adapted to correspond to the corresponding code at the second portion of the stored value card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michael H. K. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080173722
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable flow mixing valve for use in a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning module. The module is particularly suited for use in a vehicle. The variable flow mixing valve includes drive means which drive a mixing door and a baffle between various positions in order to allow a relatively warm flow of air, from a first chamber, to mix with a relatively cool flow of air from a second chamber. The baffle and door are linked in such a way as to provide an aperture therebetween through which, in use, the first and/or second flows of air pass. A parking area is also provided for the baffle and is shaped in order to reflect airflow back toward the first and second chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Frederic Leoni
  • Publication number: 20080173723
    Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for heating, cooling, and humidifying a space using a steam-based HVAC system having a steam source, at least one radiator located in a space to be heated or humidified, and a steam and condensate transfer apparatus extending between the steam source and the radiator. The steam and condensate transfer apparatus can have an inner tube configured for transferring steam disposed within an outer tube configured for transferring condensate and the inner tube can be centered within the outer tube such that the outer tube forms an annulus around the inner tube. The tube-in-tube conduit system or double-tube conduit system can take the form of Lego®-like components that can be fitted together to form the structure needed to deliver steam to light-weight flat-panel radiators located within all areas to be heated and/or humidified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Igor Zhadanovsky
  • Publication number: 20080173724
    Abstract: A track superstructure for a railway on a subgrade (12) inclined transversely to the length thereof, comprises a ballast structure (16) of individual ballast stones (18), and sleepers (20) embedded in the ballast structure, on which rails (24) may be mounted, the ballast structure (16) comprising load dissipation regions (26) beneath the sleepers (20), said regions receiving loads acting vertically on the ballast structure (16) via said sleepers (20) when a train rides on the rails (24) and transferring these loads to the subgrade (12) below the ballast structure (16). This transfer is characterized in that substantially only the voids between the ballast stones (18) within the load dissipation regions (26) of the ballast structure (16) are filled with a foam material (28), especially a PU foam material, for fixing the ballast stones (18) in a stable position, and an elastic drain layer (14) is arranged between the ballast structure (16) and the subgrade (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: MSB-Management GmbH
    Inventor: Tim Frenzel
  • Publication number: 20080173725
    Abstract: Coating adhesion on wooden members, such as wooden railroad crossties, is improved through use of three surface-treating techniques prior to application of the coating. The first technique involves forming grooves on the surface of the wooden article, the second technique involves exposing the wooden article to heat to reduce the moisture content of the surface of the wooden article, and the third technique involves creating incisions on the surface of the wooden article to further promote adhesion. The techniques may be advantageously used together to further enhance coating adhesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Gibbs Group Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Barrie GIBBS
  • Publication number: 20080173726
    Abstract: Disclosed is a track traveling toy, including: a track; at least a part of the track being made to be a double track; and automotive vehicle stopping sections which are respectively provided to railway tracks of the double track, wherein an automotive vehicle entering the railway track on one side operates the stopping section of the railway track on the one side to stop the automotive vehicle on the railway track, and operates the stopping section on the other railway track to release a stopping state of an automotive vehicle on the railway track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20080173727
    Abstract: An aspirator includes a plurality aspirator tubes, each preferably extending at approximately 70 degrees from a central axis and including a fin extending a limited distance below the aspirator tube outlet. The design improves mixing and gas contact, yet has reduced power requirements, by using a plurality of debris-shedding, finned aspirator tubes to inject approximately 35% more air than the best prior art designs at the same rotational speed. Further, the aspirator of the present invention improves motor life by reducing the average current draw on the motor. The aspirator is useful in many applications, including sewage and wastewater treatment, oxygenation, fermentation, aeration, hydrogenation, oxidation, and oil-sand separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Trent Lydic, Nilesh Dingankar
  • Publication number: 20080173728
    Abstract: Provided herein is a system useful for producing polymeric coatings on substrates, by means of a spray that is produced from impinging a compressed gas on a mixture that comprises an organic polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive component. When a coating is produced from two components in accordance with the invention, each component is metered to an atomizing nozzle through peristaltic pumps, which enable increased control over flow characteristics as compared with prior art methods, and which importantly also enables greatly-reduced levels of wasted chemical components and attendant alleviated need for the use of volatile or expensive solvents in equipment cleaning operations. Uncured coating precursor material is allowed greater residence time on the target substrate prior to final cure using a system an process of the invention, which results in coatings having greater integrity over those produced using prior art equipment and methods, as well as reduced overall cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick Ilfrey
  • Publication number: 20080173729
    Abstract: The present invention related to an ultrasonic nebulizer apparatus and a method for adjusting an operation frequency and checking an operating state of the ultrasonic nebulizer apparatus. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a current detecting element for actively detecting an electrical current passed through it early. By detecting the current to determine a resonance frequency and whether deviated from a predetermined normal range, the nebulizer apparatus according to the present invention can check the operating state and operate at the resonance frequency for increasing efficiency and saving power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Shih-Yi Weng, Yi-Hsin Huang, Shu-Mei Wu
  • Publication number: 20080173730
    Abstract: A wash arm retainer for a warewasher having at least one wash arm with a plurality of nozzles and being in fluid communication with an adapter for receiving a flow of fluid, includes a housing defining a through bore and having a first end and a second end, a cam surface formed in the housing and having a clamping position and a release position, and a cap rod slidably disposed in the through bore and provided with an actuator handle projecting from the rod and constructed and arranged for following the cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Adam T. Clavelle
  • Publication number: 20080173731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injection system for a combustion engine. The system comprises a source of fuel, an injector and a means for delivering pressurized fuel strokes to said injector, said injector being arranged for generating at least two fuel jets with different jet parameters at closely adjacent locations and having directions such that the jets interact with each other along a surface interface therebetween so as to generate a fine spray. The jet breakup time is shortened and the droplet size is substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Murad M. Ismailov
  • Publication number: 20080173732
    Abstract: An adjustable counterbalanced weight that attaches to the nozzle end of a power washer wand which greatly reduces or balances the up lifting force on the nozzle caused by the pressurized water existing the nozzle. The up lifting force on the nozzle end of the wand creates extra work on the user. This result is less fatigue for the user and also enables the wand to be extended in order to reach high or distant surfaces without the use of a ladder or scaffold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: John F. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080173733
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel injector having high-flow orifices in its tip includes removing a bulb from a fuel injector tip having at least one spray orifice with a first diameter, and friction welding a slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a fused interface of material of the slug and material of the fuel injector tip. The method further includes modifying the slug subsequent to friction welding the slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a new bulb from the slug having at least one spray orifice therein with a different diameter than that of the removed bulb. A remanufactured fuel injector, and fuel injector tip, includes an injector tip body having a first tip portion of a first material and a second tip portion of a material compatible for friction welding with the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Karen Raab, James D. Sparks, Scott A. Johnston, Sami El-Sayed
  • Publication number: 20080173734
    Abstract: A fuel injection device has a nozzle body formed with an injection hole for injecting fuel and a nozzle needle reciprocating in the nozzle body to open and to close the injection hole. The nozzle needle has a sliding portion capable of moving in the nozzle body in a sliding manner, an insertion portion, of which diameter is smaller than that of the sliding portion, and a pressure receiving portion connecting the sliding portion with the insertion portion. The nozzle body has a guide portion for slidably holding the sliding portion and a fuel sump chamber formed on the injection hole side of the guide portion. The insertion portion is inserted through the fuel sump chamber. A clearance decreasing toward the fuel sump chamber is provided between the guide portion and the sliding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Senta Tojo, Takaharu Sako
  • Publication number: 20080173735
    Abstract: An MOCVD reactor such as a rotating disc reactor (10) is equipped with a gas injector head having diffusers (129) disposed between adjacent gas inlets. The diffusers taper in the downstream direction. The injector head desirably has inlets (117) for a first gas such as a metal alkyl disposed in radial rows which terminate radially inward from the reactor wall to minimize deposition of the reactants on the reactor wall. The injector head desirably also has inlets (125) for a second gas such as ammonia arranged in a field between the rows of first gas inlets, and additionally has a center inlet (135) for the second gas coaxial with the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Bojan Mitrovic, Alex Gurary, Eric A. Armour
  • Publication number: 20080173736
    Abstract: An mobile material placer with a placer conveyor having a high-speed direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The placer conveyor includes a frame, at least a drive axle and a secondary axle rotatably coupled to the frame, each axle having at least one roller mounted thereon. An endless belt extends around and frictionally engages the rollers. A direct hydraulic drive mechanism is provided and causes the drive to rotate. The rotating axle causes the rollers to rotate and thereby drive the endless belt at a high-speed. The direct hydraulic drive mechanism is configured to drive the endless belt at a linear velocity of at least 3,000 ft/min.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Rexius Forest By-Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Looney
  • Publication number: 20080173737
    Abstract: A machine configured to distribute blowing wool from a bag of compressed blowing wool into distribution hoses includes a shredding chamber having an outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool. A discharge mechanism is mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber. The discharge mechanism is configured for distributing the blowing wool from a discharge mechanism outlet end into an airstream. An outlet plate assembly is mounted at the outlet end of the discharge mechanism. The outlet plate assembly is configured to receive distribution hoses of different size diameters. The outlet plate assembly is configured to provide a sealing transition for the airstream from the discharge mechanism outlet end to the distribution hoses. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism and the outlet plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Michael E. Evans, Michael W. Johnson, Christopher M. Relyea, Anthony Diaz
  • Publication number: 20080173738
    Abstract: A granular material grinder and method of use includes a hammer mill for reducing incoming granular material into particulate material, a microgrinder for reducing the particulate matter into microground powder by particulate matter to particulate matter collisions, and a product collector to collect the microground powder portion. The granular material grinder having the feature of being operated in a closed system to facilitate efficient recovery of grain into microground powder and operable in a cooled inert gas to prevent any compound degradation due to temperature or oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: ROGER A. MONTAG
  • Publication number: 20080173739
    Abstract: A process for milling amorphous solids using a milling apparatus can result in particles having a median particle diameter d50 of <1.5 ?m. The process includes: operating a mill in a milling phase with an operating medium selected from the group consisting of gas, vapor, steam, a gas containing steam and mixtures thereof, and heating a milling chamber in a heat-up phase before the actual operation with the operating medium in such a way that a temperature in the milling chamber, the mill exit or both, is higher than a dew point of the operating medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Meier, Ulrich Brinkmann, Christian Panz, Doris Misselich, Christian Goetz
  • Publication number: 20080173740
    Abstract: A work vehicle including an engine and a transmission operatively engaging the engine. The transmission has at least one input shaft and at least one output shaft, wherein a ratio of a rotational speed of the output shaft with respect to a rotational speed of the input shaft may be changed by said transmission. The work vehicle further includes a cutter drum operatively engaging said transmission and a controller, wherein the controller selects the transmission ratio based on an input of a user of the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Carl D. Parker, E. Leroy Henderson
  • Publication number: 20080173741
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to shredder openings or throats. Specifically, this invention teaches a shredder housing with a top throat to allow material to be disposed of from above the shredder, as well as a side throat to allow for material to be disposed of from the side of the shredder. This is accomplished by placing a guiding member in the throat to assist both the top and side input. In addition, two side throats substantially opposite each other allow for multiple users to simultaneously use the shredder. Finally, the guiding member can serve as a handle to assist in lifting the housing from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Tie Chun Wang, Simon Huang, Herman Chang
  • Publication number: 20080173742
    Abstract: A yarn package support for a creel has a support arm that is pivotal about a vertical axis between a loading position and a use position. In the loading position, the package support arm is positioned to load a spool of stranded material, such as yarn or thread. In the use position, the spool and support arm are positioned so that the yarn may be feed into a weaving apparatus. The pivot arrangement permits a laborer to reposition the support arm in a single handed action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: David Chadwick
  • Publication number: 20080173743
    Abstract: A spinning reel includes a reel unit, a rotation transmission mechanism, a handle assembly, a rotor, a spool shaft, an oscillating mechanism, and a spool. The reel unit includes a reel body that has a first opening, and a first lid member that covers the first opening. The rotation transmission mechanism includes a master gear shaft that is rotatably mounted to the reel unit, and a master gear that is disposed on the master gear shaft integrally rotatably about a first shaft axis X. The reel body includes a first rotation support portion that rotatably supports the master gear shaft on a master gear side of the spool shaft. The first lid member includes a second rotation support portion that rotatably supports the master gear shaft on a first lid member side of the master gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Kei SAITO
  • Publication number: 20080173744
    Abstract: The electric reel for fishing includes a spool rotatably supported between the side plates of a reel body and a driving motor arranged on the reel body for driving and rotating the spool. A concave part is formed on the reel body, an armature is rotatably arranged inside the concave part and a magnet constituting a magnetic field is mounted on the inner surface of the concave part opposed to the armature to constitute a driving motor for driving and rotating the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Daiwa Seiko, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi TERAUCHI
  • Publication number: 20080173745
    Abstract: A handle shaft support structure rotatably supports a handle shaft on a reel unit, and includes a boss portion, a roller type one-way clutch, and a pair of seal members. The boss portion is a cylindrical member that is detachably mounted to the reel unit. The one-way clutch includes an outer ring that is non-rotatably coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the boss portion, an inner ring that is arranged on the outer periphery of the handle shaft and is integrally rotatably coupled to the handle shaft, and rolling elements that are arranged between the outer and inner rings. The one-way clutch supports the handle shaft rotatably only in one direction. The pair of seal members are members that are arranged on the both sides of the one-way clutch to seal the one-way clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Kunio TAKECHI, Ken'ichi KAWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20080173746
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus in which a step on an outer peripheral surface of a reel hub is eliminated and a tape is not damaged. In a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, an end of a tape accommodated in a tape cassette has a coupling element 8, and the coupling element 8 is pulled out by a tape-pulling-out element 40 and the tape is taken up around a drive reel 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Takumi Nishimura, Eiichi Mori
  • Publication number: 20080173747
    Abstract: A magnetic tape is wound up in a roll on a pate reel without irregular windings in the roll. A rotary shaft with the tape reel coupled thereto is shifted in one direction of tape width is shifted by a predetermined distance until the magnetic tape at its edge is contiguous or subcontiguous to a reel flange to additionally form a predetermined number of turns of the magnetic tape on a magnetic tape roll so as thereby to form an annular peripheral lip portion laterally extending at one side of the magnetic tape roll when the magnetic tape roll grows as large in size as predetermined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki TSUCHIYA
  • Publication number: 20080173748
    Abstract: This seatbelt apparatus of a vehicle is provided with: a seatbelt; a belt reel on which the seatbelt is wound; a motor that drives a rotation of the belt reel; a controller that controls a driving amount of the motor; a winding position detection device that detects a winding position of the belt reel. The controller performs a first control mode in which a substantially constant electricity is supplied to the motor, and a second control mode in which the electricity supplied to the motor is controlled based on a predetermined rule; and sets an initial value for the second control mode based on changes in the winding position detected by the winding position detection device, while changing from the first control mode to the second control mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shotaro Odate, Yoshitaka Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080173749
    Abstract: There are provided a tape reel and a take-up reel at which it is possible to easily and inexpensively manufacture a hub having, at an outer peripheral surface thereof, a portion whose diameter is larger than diameters of each of the end portions of the hub, and a recording tape cartridge having the tape reel and a drive device having the take-up reel. At a tape reel 20 having a hub 22, which is made of resin on which a recording tape T is wound, and flanges 24, 26, which are provided at both end portions of the hub 22, a ring-shaped member 48, whose outer diameter is larger than an inner diameter of at least one portion of the hub 22, is press-fit in at an inner side of the hub 22. The tape reel 20 which has the hub 22 having, at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface, a portion whose diameter is larger than diameters of each of the end portions of the hub, is thereby easily formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki SHIGA
  • Publication number: 20080173750
    Abstract: A processing portion (3) is arranged in a position above and on a lateral side (right side in the drawing) of a roll body accommodating portion (2), and an engagement portion (11a) of a guide plate (11), which is positioned between the roll body accommodating portion (2) and the processing portion (3), engaging with a continuous sheet (1) is positioned while being biased to an opposite side (left side in the drawing) of the processing portion (3) with respect to a position directly above a central axis of a roll body (1a), or preferably to an opposite side (left side in the drawing) of the processing portion (3) with respect to an outermost end of the roll body (1a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20080173751
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] An object of this invention is to provide a fishing line spool which is capable of securely holding a fishing line wound around the fishing line spool and reduced in cost. [Solution] The fishing line spool is provided with a hollow core, a pair of flanges, and doors which are formed integrally. The doors are provided on outer peripheries of the flanges. The doors change postures between a closed posture in which tips of the doors are brought into contact to each other and an open posture in which the tips depart from each other. Each of the doors is formed from an elastic disc. Each of the doors is so curved that the tips of the doors press against each other in the closed posture. A pinching plate for pinching a fishing line is provided on the tip of each of the doors. The hollow core, the flanges, and the doors are made from a biodegradable resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Fujita Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080173752
    Abstract: A transmission gearbox for a rotary-wing aircraft includes a main gearbox and a variable speed gearbox in meshing engagement with the main rotor gearbox. The variable speed gearbox permits at least two different RPMs for the main rotor system without disengaging the engine(s) or changing engine RPMs. The variable speed gearbox includes a clutch, preferably a multi-plate clutch, and a freewheel unit for each engine. A gear path drives the main gearbox in a “high rotor speed mode” when the clutch is engaged to drive the main rotor system at high rotor rpm for hover flight profile. A reduced gear path drives the main gearbox in a “low rotor speed mode” when the clutch is disengaged and power is transferred through the freewheel unit, to drive the main rotor system at lower rotor rpm for high speed flight. The variable speed gearbox may be configured for a tail drive system that operates at a continuous speed, a tail drive system that changes speed with the main rotor shaft or for no tail drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Xavier Palcic, Todd Garcia, Yuriy Gmirya
  • Publication number: 20080173753
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an alert if a rotary wing aircraft is approaching a hazardous situation. In an example method a processor receives a wind value and a rate of descent value. An alert signal is generated if the received wind value is greater than a tailwind threshold value and the rate of descent value is greater than a rate of descent threshold value. The generated alert is outputted to an output device, such as a display device or speakers. The alert signal is further generated if the rotary wing aircraft is on approach to landing, a rate of change of heading is less than a predefined value, or a rate of change in speed is less than a predefined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ishihara, Steve C. Johnson, Kevin J Conner
  • Publication number: 20080173754
    Abstract: A method for damping vibrations in a tail boom of a rotary-wing aircraft includes the steps of detecting tail boom vibrations induced by external vibration excitation, and generating and introducing strains into the tail boom based on the detected tail boom vibrations. The strains are applied over a surface area and are out-of-phase with respect to the detected tail boom vibrations so as to damp the externally excited induced tail boom vibrations. In addition, a rotary-wing aircraft, includes a fuselage, a cockpit area integrated into the fuselage, a tail boom arranged on the fuselage and a tail boom vibration-damping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Henning Strehlow, Heiner Rottmayr, Johannes K. Duerr, Helmut W. Zaglauer
  • Publication number: 20080173755
    Abstract: Disclosed is a floor panel, in particular for covering floors of cargo holds of aircraft. The floor panel is formed by a plurality of milled profiles, which are friction stir welded in each case along their longitudinal edges, with preference continuously to form longitudinal (butt) seams. The milled profiles each form a beam “of equal stress”, with an upper flange and a lower flange which are spaced apart from one another along their extent. The milled profiles have in each case a double-T-shaped cross-sectional profile, the upper flanges and the lower flanges being respectively connected by webs. With preference, the milled profiles are milled out in one piece from solid material of a sufficiently tough aluminium alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Herrmann Benthien
  • Publication number: 20080173756
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lining framework for fastening seats in an aircraft. The lining framework preferably comprises three seat rails, which are arranged in a spaced apart manner parallel to each other along both side walls of the fuselage cell. Sitting surfaces of a plurality of seats are suspended on the seat rails by textile straps consisting of high-strength, woven plastic material. At least two straps are arranged between the upper seat rail and two frames of the fuselage cell of the aircraft. In this case, a strap length is measured so that forces from the fuselage cell cannot be transmitted into the lining framework. By the same token, however, forces from the lining framework can be introduced into the fuselage cell by means of the straps so that the lining framework can be designed statically lighter. This leads to a weight reduction of the lining framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Herrmann Benthien
  • Publication number: 20080173757
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an aircraft structure. In one advantageous embodiment, the aircraft structure may have a rib, a plurality of stringers, and a set of shear ties. The plurality of stringers may have skin flanges at ends of the plurality of stringers capable of being fastened to skin for the aircraft structure. The set of shear ties may extend from the rib and have a set of elongate members in which the set of elongate members are attached to the plurality of stringers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Tanner, Ian C. Burford, Thomas V. Gendzwill, Gregory B. Doty, James R. Huck, Dean E. Wilson, Brian H. Korenaga
  • Publication number: 20080173758
    Abstract: Disclosed is a crash paddle for reinforcing a primary fuselage structure of an aircraft. The crash paddle may be used for connecting the floor to the primary fuselage structure. The crash paddle includes a beam with in particular an H-shaped cross-sectional geometry, butt straps being arranged at both ends of the beam for connecting the crash paddle. In the region of the ends of the beam, the beam respectively has a resting surface 13, 14, the geometrical shape of which substantially corresponds to a hollow cylinder halved in the longitudinal direction. Placed around both resting surfaces and the longitudinal sides of the beam, in a peripheral groove is at least one endless loop. The endless loops respectively comprise an arrangement of reinforcing fibers, which is formed by a plurality of reinforcing fibers, such as for example carbon fibers, running substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Herrmann Benthien
  • Publication number: 20080173759
    Abstract: In the case of apparatuses which are intended in particular for aircraft construction and have a movement device for objects such as films, cloths, lids or the like, expanding band drives are in each case used for this purpose, whose expanding bands carry out limited linear movements, in which case the apparatuses can be used as waterless toilets, supply containers for hand towels which can be rolled up and/or unrolled, as a sun protection device for aircraft cabin windows, as a conveyor belt for luggage or transport containers with closable lids for on-board luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: WITTENSTEIN AG
    Inventor: Alexander Eck
  • Publication number: 20080173760
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system for opening and closing an aircraft landing-gear compartment comprising a plurality of hatches mounted on a fairing of the aircraft. It has, in particular, main hatches with crosswise opening and at least one secondary hatch with longitudinal opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS FRANCE
    Inventors: Jaouen Ponsart, Yannick Vandomel
  • Publication number: 20080173761
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fitting for introducing great loads into a fuselage cell of an aircraft, in particular those which emanate from undercarriage components or are introduced into them. The fitting has a shoulder plate for bearing against the inside of the skin of the fuselage cell for example over its full surface area. Arranged underneath the shoulder plate is a vertical lug shackle with a lug for introducing the loads, wherein the lug shackle is led to the outside through a clearance in the skin of the fuselage cell. At least one approximately upright fastening shackle is provided on the upper side of the shoulder plate for connecting the fitting to a frame web. According to the invention, the loads occurring are introduced into the frame, substantially “moment-free” in the region of a neutral fiber, so that the said frame is not exposed to any appreciable flexural stresses and can be of a more lightweight design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Herrmann Benthien
  • Publication number: 20080173762
    Abstract: An aircraft refuelling system of an aircraft is provided. The refuelling system comprises a refuelling connector (34) mounted as part of the aircraft and configured to detachably connect to the fuel outlet (2) of a fuel supply apparatus separate from the aircraft, and a fuel pressure regulator (36) having an inlet in communication with a fuel inlet (35) of the refuelling connector (34) and having an outlet in communication with refuelling pipework (39) of the aircraft. The fuel pressure regulator (36), regulates the pressure of fuel in the refuelling pipework (39) when fuel is being passed into the refuelling pipework (39) from the fuel inlet (35) of the refuelling connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventor: Michael Crowley
  • Publication number: 20080173763
    Abstract: A fuel jettison system which provides pilot-initiated automatic operation to jettison fuel down to a 60 minute useable fuel remaining level while the manual operation, requiring the pilot to hold down the jettison panel switch, jettisons fuel down to a 20-minute useable fuel remaining level. The pilot can interrupt jettisoning at any time. This termination sequence operates in either automatic or manual mode. The port and starboard main fuel tanks jettison fuel independently through independent shutoff valves and associated circuit logic to thereby maintain aircraft balance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Morgia, Anthony P. Cutting
  • Publication number: 20080173764
    Abstract: A parachute for low altitude deployment is provided. The parachute of the current application is comprised of a canopy formed of pieces of fabric sewed together, pluralities of HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) film tubes, reinforced with sheaths made of same material of the canopy, extending from the center of the canopy in a spoke-wise manner, a connector which has pluralities of arms that are connected to the HDPE film tubes reinforced with sheaths made of same material of the canopy, a compressed air container, a HDPE film tubes reinforced with sheaths made of same material of the canopy that connects the compressed air container and the connector, and a harness firmly attached to an out-door jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Yeung Sung Oh
  • Publication number: 20080173765
    Abstract: The present invention provides an airframe structure of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: a hollow body section which can be subjected to an internal pressure; a membrane arrangement which has at least one single-part, multi-curved membrane component for sealing off the internal pressure from an external pressure which acts on the hollow body section and differs from the internal pressure; and a joining structure for a pressuretight joining of the membrane arrangement to a region of the hollow body section; wherein the membrane arrangement forms a receiving well which is accessible from outside the hollow body section, extends at least partially into the hollow body -section and is for receiving a component of the aircraft or spacecraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Muller, Lars Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20080173766
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a distributed active flow control (“DAFC”) system that maintains attached airflow over a highly cambered airfoil employed by an aircraft or other similar applications. The DAFC system includes a primary power source comprised of one or more aircraft engines, one or more power conversion units, and optionally, one or more auxiliary power units. The power conversion units are coupled to one or more aircraft engines for supplying power to a distribution network. The distribution network disperses power from the one or more power conversion units to active flow control units disposed within one or more aircraft flight control surfaces (e.g., the aircraft wing, the tail, the flaps, the slats, the ailerons, and the like). In one embodiment, an auxiliary power unit is included for providing a redundant and auxiliary power supply to the distribution network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Manley