Patents Issued in October 2, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080236891
    Abstract: A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Additionally, the system includes a data acquisition device configured to receive data from at least one of the vessel, the fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Huy Huynh, Robert P. Schlemmer
  • Publication number: 20080236892
    Abstract: In a method for multistage manufacture of a borehole between two earth shafts, a drilling device drills in a first direction a pilot bore between a starting shaft and an end shaft and lines the pilot bore with pipes. Subsequently, the pilot bore is expanded in a second direction opposite to the first direction to form an expansion bore which is simultaneously lined with pipes, while accumulating soil is transported into the end shaft in opposition to the second direction with the aid of a screw conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: ANDREA JULIA EWALD
  • Publication number: 20080236893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole cutting tool. The downhole cutting tool including, a cutting member mounted on a rotatable shaft, a shaft-deflecting device in operable communication with the shaft, and a motor in operable communication with the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Andreas Peter
  • Publication number: 20080236894
    Abstract: A hydraulic jar for a drilling assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the hydraulic jar includes a tubular housing, a mandrel disposed in the housing, an annulus between the mandrel and the housing, and a pressure relief mechanism disposed in the annulus. The pressure relief mechanism generally divides the annulus into first and second portions. The pressure relief mechanism includes first and second annular members in engagement with one another when the pressure in the second annulus portion is less than a predetermined value and a fluid flow path between the first and second annulus portions. The fluid flow path has a first size when the pressure in the second annulus portion is less than the predetermined value, and a second size that is larger than the first size when the pressure in the second annulus portion becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffery Ronald Clausen, Jonathan Ryan Prill, John Mitchel Cobb
  • Publication number: 20080236895
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid is prepared for further processing to recover the drilling fluid by pumping the drilling fluid through a flow meter. Surfactant may be added to the drilling fluid by using a dose pump and a flow meter. The drilling fluid and surfactant are then blended by passing them through a static mixer. A flocculating polymer is transferred via dose pumps to another static mixer where it is blended with the surfactant and drilling fluid mixture. To ensure adequate mixing and reaction, additional mixers are included through which the mixture passes. A centrifuge is used to separate solid particles from the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Catalin Ivan, Neale Browne
  • Publication number: 20080236896
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid is prepared for further processing to recover the drilling fluid by pumping the drilling fluid through a flow meter. Surfactant may be added to the drilling fluid by using a dose pump and a flow meter. The drilling fluid and surfactant are then blended by passing them through a static mixer. A flocculating polymer is transferred via dose pumps to another static mixer where it is blended with the surfactant and drilling fluid mixture. To ensure adequate mixing and reaction, additional mixers are included through which the mixture passes. A centrifuge is used to separate solid particles from the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Catalin Ivan, Neale Browne
  • Publication number: 20080236897
    Abstract: An expandable downhole tool such as an under-reamer or a stabiliser comprises a mandrel mounted for linear slidable movement relative to a main body. A fixed guide takes the form of a spline bar is disposed in an axial recess and is restrained from movement longitudinally and laterally. To retain the spline bar in position, lock blocks are provided and can be bolted to a surrounding housing of the main body in which axial recess is formed, by means of lock pins. The longitudinally slidable mandrel has two axially spaced cut-out recesses, into which can be received the lower ends of travel blocks. Cutter block has obliquely outwardly extending guide ways which are slidably mounted on similarly shaped slide ramps projecting outwardly from the spline bar. Upon increase of hydraulic pressure from below the tool, the mandrel is urged to the left against its spring biasing from the deactivated position to take up an axially displaced position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Publication number: 20080236898
    Abstract: An improved ground support member insertion device comprising means for attaching the device to a jackleg drill, a clutch assembly disposed adjacent to the attaching means and adapted for holding a ground support member while it is being inserted into a first drill hole; and, anchoring means disposed opposite the clutch assembly and adapted for temporarily anchoring the device for stabilization in a rock formation during insertion of the ground support member. An impact tool for engaging the proximate end of the ground support member providing rotation and impact to the ground support member to mix the resin and to secure the ground support member in a rock formation. The impact tool can also be used to manually or mechanically tension the ground support member once installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Roland C. Walker, Matthew S. Slatter, Phillip E. Gramlich
  • Publication number: 20080236899
    Abstract: A shrink-fit sleeve assembly comprising a bit body includes at least one sleeve port with a substantially tubular sleeve disposed therein and interferingly engaged therewith. The sleeve port includes an internal surface of substantially circular cross-section, and the tubular sleeve includes an internal nozzle port and an external surface of substantially circular cross-section. A lateral dimension of the external surface is equal to or greater than the first dimension at ambient temperature. A nozzle assembly and a method of manufacturing or retrofitting a drill bit are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: James Andy Oxford, John H. Stevens, James L. Duggan, Redd H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080236900
    Abstract: A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element having a substrate. The cutting element assembly additionally includes a superabrasive material bonded to the substrate. The substrate extends from an end surface to a back surface. A base member is also coupled to the back surface of the substrate. Additionally, a recess is defined in the base member and a structural element is coupled to the base member. The cutting element assembly also includes a biasing element configured to selectively bias the structural element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Craig H. Cooley, Timothy N. Sexton, David P. Miess, Jeffrey B. Lund
  • Publication number: 20080236901
    Abstract: An electronic scale (1) with a display unit (9), at least one control button (11 . . . 14), a digital signal processing unit (5) and a digital interface (7) to a higher-level electronic data processing (EDP) system (15). The digital signal processing unit (5) has an activatable switch or program part for locking the scale. This switch or part releases the display of the weighing result only for as long as the higher-level EDP system (15) communicates with the scale (1) and locks the display at other times. The activation of the switch or part for the locking process is stored in a power-failure-proof memory (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Jean-Claude BERTOLDI, Klaus FUELSCHER, Rainer KIRCHHOFF, Swen WEITEMEIER
  • Publication number: 20080236902
    Abstract: A handwriting input system includes a handwriting input device, a mobile information device, and a server. The mobile information device includes a position determining unit with which, on request from the handwriting input device, the mobile information device determines its own position. The mobile information device assigns a position identifier to the position data, internally stores the position data and position identifier, and sends the position identifier to the handwriting input unit. The handwriting input unit attaches the position identifier to handwriting trace data that it captures and sends to the mobile information device. The mobile information device uses the position identifier to retrieve the position data and sends the position data with the handwriting trace data to the server. The server can thereby determine the geographical location at which handwriting was entered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: OKI DATA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideaki Imaizumi
  • Publication number: 20080236903
    Abstract: A method of determining a first coordinate value of a position on a printed document with respect to a plurality of first patterns printed on the document. Each first pattern respectively represents a first sequence with each of the first sequences having a repeating first codeword of a first cyclic position code. The cycle position code has length n1 and minimum distance dmin1. The method includes sensing the document, via a sensing device, to sense h1 of the first patterns, where h1?2, and obtaining from each sensed first pattern a respective first sub-sequence of length w1 symbols, where w1?n1?dmin1+1. The method also includes the steps of mapping each of the first sub-sequences to a respective mapped codeword of the first cyclic position code, and determining a first offset indicative of the position, in the corresponding first sequence, between each mapped codeword and the first codeword.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080236904
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling capture and replay of digital media files using multimodal documents including a context manager for managing multimodal documents with a virtual media content management system coupled to the context manager. The virtual media content management system contains digital content which is adapted to be managed by the virtual media content management system. An input system is coupled to the context manager and includes a stylus operable to select digital content to be processed. The context manager is operable to issue multimodal document management instructions to the virtual media content management system to process digital content selected by the stylus based on input information from the input system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Deborra J. Zukowski, Jean-Hiram Coffy, Richard W. Heiden, Arthur J. Parkos
  • Publication number: 20080236905
    Abstract: A touch panel including a fixation side substrate and an operation side substrate disposed in opposition and adhered to each other, having a fixation side conductive film and an operation side conductive film respectively formed on opposing faces of the fixation side substrate and the operation side substrate, and being capable of detecting any contact point on the fixation side conductive film and the operation side conductive film as a 2-dimensional coordinate, wherein a bending section is formed between one end and the other end thereof, and wherein two input operation regions are defined and formed on both sides of the bending section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Michiko Endo, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20080236906
    Abstract: A portable electronic device comprising a stylus for use with a touch screen of said portable electronic device; a storage portion for storing the stylus; said stylus comprising a grip at a first end of the stylus; an elongate portion connected to the grip, said elongate portion having a contacting end for engaging the touch screen of the portable electronic device; said elongate portion adapted to slide into the storage portion of the portable electronic device in order to store said stylus with said device; said portable electronic device including an engagement means for maintaining the stylus in the stored position; said engagement means including at least one resiliently deformable portion a recess, and; a projection wherein; the stylus is maintained in position through engagement of the recess and projection and released by application of force to the at least one resiliently deformable portion sufficient to deform said portion so as to effect relative movement of the projection and recess and so permit
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Ji Woei Amos Foo, Yen Jason Chin, Tze Wei Henry Wong, Ah Hock Law
  • Publication number: 20080236907
    Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chikyung Won
  • Publication number: 20080236908
    Abstract: An electric drive unit for a vehicle wheel includes an electric motor that powers a planetary drive having a first stage gear set and a second stage gear set. Each of the first and second stage gear sets includes a sun gear that is driven by a motor output shaft. Each of the first and second stage gear sets also includes a plurality of planet gears that are in meshing engagement with a respective one of the sun gears. The first and second stage gear sets share a common ring gear. A planet carrier of the second stage gear set provides driving output to a wheel shaft that drives the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Lon Cooper, Wagner Yukio Hirao, Mark C. Smith, Adam Ritchie
  • Publication number: 20080236909
    Abstract: An active material including a metal oxide represented by the following formula (1): LixM1aM2bTiOz ??(1) where M1 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Ge, Si and Al, M2 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni and Sn, Ti has an oxidation number of +4, and x, a, b and z satisfy the following requirements: 0.01?x?0.2, 0.005?a?0.1, 0.005?b?0.1 and 2?z?2.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Tomokazu Morita, Norio Takami, Hiroki Inagaki, Yasuhiro Harada
  • Publication number: 20080236910
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an economical method of easy conversion of any internal combustion fueled vehicle into a fuel saving hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by an add-on kit, without replacing the engine and with a minimal modification of the vehicle body. The converted vehicle has a substantially longer driving range on the same amount of fuel than the vehicle before this conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph B. Kejha, Sagar N. Venkateswaran
  • Publication number: 20080236911
    Abstract: When the shift stage of a transmission is not being changed, a change gear ratio Gr of a transmission is calculated by setting an inputted rotation speed Nm2 as a control rotation speed Nm2*, and when the shift stage of the transmission is being changed, the change gear ratio Gr is calculated by setting the rotation speed that is obtained by adding a value obtained by multiplying a difference ?Nm2, which corresponds to the time differential component of the rotation speed Nm2, by a gain km to the rotation speed Nm2 (S130 to S160). By using these, torque commands Tm1* and Tm2* of motors MG1 and MG2 are set so that the engine is operated at an operation point represented by a target rotation speed Ne* and a target torque Te*, by which the engine and the motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Yoichi Tajima
  • Publication number: 20080236912
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle according to the invention, upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition with regard to a gearshift position or a drive mode, a virtual gearshift position according to a driving condition is set to a tentative target gearshift position SPtmp (steps S471 and S472). An object gearshift position SP* is set based on the tentative target gearshift position SPtmp and a boundary value Srt to have a gentle change with a variation of smaller than 1 (step S473).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Noriaki Ikemoto
  • Publication number: 20080236913
    Abstract: When an exhaust gas switching valve is in a closed state, a target rotation speed Ne* and a target torque Te* are set in the same way as when the exhaust gas switching valve is in an open state to control an engine (S120, S130). A motor torque command Tm1* is set by using the target torque Te* corrected by a correction torque ?T based on an engine rotation speed Ne, and also a motor torque command Tm2* is set so that a torque demand Tr* is delivered to a drive shaft to control motors MG1 and MG2 (SL50 to S230). Thereby, since the exhaust gas switching valve is in a closed state, even if the output from the engine decreases, the engine and the motors MG1 and MG2 can be controlled properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Ichimoto
  • Publication number: 20080236914
    Abstract: A saddle ride vehicle includes a fuel cell formed in a rectangular, parallelepiped shape disposed below a vehicle seat. The fuel cell is inclined toward a vehicle rear. A pivot shaft is disposed in a range X defined forwardly of a vertex P of a side-view rectangle of the fuel cell, and defined rearwardly of a vertex Q of the side-view rectangle, and is disposed in a range Y defined below the vertex P and defined above the vertex Q. Foot rest parts are disposed between a steering handle and the seat. The fuel cell is disposed on the side of the foot rest parts, so that the center of gravity G1 of the fuel cell is located on the vehicle body front side relative to the seating part center G2 in the front-rear direction of the center of gravity of the driver at the time of riding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Horii, Yohei Makuta, Keisuke Koitabashi, Masamoto Ito
  • Publication number: 20080236915
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train includes an internal combustion engine, an electromagnetic transmission downstream of the internal combustion engine and an axle drive downstream of the electromagnetic transmission. The electromagnetic transmission includes a first and a second electric machine and a stator in common for the first and the second electric machine. The first electric machine has a drive rotor connected to an input shaft. The second electric machine has an output drive rotor connected to an output shaft. An effective transmission ratio can be set by an axial displacement of the stator in relation to the drive rotor and the output drive rotor. A driving battery is connected to a short-circuit winding of the stator via switchable lines and power electronics having an associated controllable DC-DC converter, so that a flow of energy between the first and second electric machines and the driving battery can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd-Guido Schulze, Markus Henke, Sven Martin
  • Publication number: 20080236916
    Abstract: In a drive train for a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine and a serial hybrid drive and a method for operating a motor vehicle with such a drive train, wherein the driving performance is increased and the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine is reduced, and the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine is connected to a first electrical machine, and a second electrical machine is connected to a drive wheel of the motor vehicle, an electrical energy accumulator to which electrical energy can be supplied by the first and second first electrical machines and which can supply electrical energy to the first and second electrical machine is provided together with a control unit for dividing the power between the electrical energy accumulator and the first electrical machine, the rotational speed (n) of the first electrical machine and the power of the internal combustion engine are controlled depending on vehicle operating conditions and energy accumulator states selectively for high
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus Heller, Frank Hentschel
  • Publication number: 20080236917
    Abstract: A power plant which is capable of improving the drive efficiency and the power generation efficiency thereof when the electric power is generated using the power of a driven part thereof. A power plant has an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, and a rotary motor having a rotor. A planetary gear train includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting a planetary gear in mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear and the ring gear are connected to drive wheels. The carrier is connected to the crankshaft. The rotor is connected between one of the sun gear and the ring gear and the drive wheels. A transmission is connected between the other of the gears and the drive wheels, for varying a speed of power of the engine and transmitting the power to the drive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Noriyuki Abe, Shigemitsu Akutsu, Yoshio Okada
  • Publication number: 20080236918
    Abstract: A water-cooled engine mounted on a vehicle wherein a mass concentration keeps the center of mass at a low position. In a saddle-ride type four-wheel vehicle, a radiator and a fuel tank are supported on lower frames, and are arranged, side by side, so as to be distributed respectively on the right-hand side and on the left-hand side so as to overlap each other when viewed from a side. In addition, the fuel tank and the radiator are disposed at the rear of a front suspension arm and at the rear of an engine. As a result, the concentration of mass and the keeping of the mass at a lower position are achieved. Moreover, the fuel tank and the radiator are allowed to stretch outwards beyond the upper frames. Consequently, the fuel tank can have a larger capacity and a ventilation path that leads to the radiator can be secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Seiji Hanafusa, Akihiro Yamashita, Takuya Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080236919
    Abstract: An electric machine including an engine, generator, and motor. The electric grid is positioned between an input passage and output passage of an exhaust system of the engine. While in retard mode, excess electric power is dumped to the electric grid. Continuous airflow from the engine through the exhaust system removes the energy, in the form of heat, away from the electric grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Trevor N. Iund
  • Publication number: 20080236920
    Abstract: Our invention is a four wheel, multi-speed, all-electric motor car, used to move personnel and powered by one or in the alternative two multi-wound three phase alternating current motor(s). The forward and reverse direction of the vehicle is accomplished by moving a forward and reverse switch before starting the vehicle by engaging the operating switch. The electrical supply for the vehicle is both direct and alternating current. The conversion of the direct current to alternating current is accomplished by an inverter with direct current (from the batteries) in to the inverter, and alternating current out. The electrical supply for the vehicle is furnished by batteries charged by a stand-by rectifier or plug-in socket when the vehicle is not in use, and with solar panel and fuel cells interfacing during daytime operation. The removable batteries and hydrogen tanks at exchange stations, if so desired by the operator of the vehicle, adds to the many aptitudes of this motor car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Edward LeRoy Swindell, Stephen Galatti
  • Publication number: 20080236921
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a hybrid powertrain is proposed, the hybrid powertrain comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric energy storage device, an electric machine, and an electro-mechanical transmission. The engine and the electric machine and the transmission are operative to transmit torque therebetween to generate an output. The method comprises determining optimum engine operation and an engine capability, and an operator torque request. A limit to the engine capability is determined based upon optimum engine operation, engine capability, and states of the parameters of the electrical energy storage device. Power limits are determined. The limit to the engine capability is adjusted based upon the power limits of the energy storage device. The engine operation is controlled based upon the engine capability and the adjusted limit to the engine capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Steven C. Huseman
  • Publication number: 20080236922
    Abstract: A windshield controller for a motorcycle includes a receiver which receives a signal transmitted from a portable communication device; a start permission device which judges whether or not to permit start of an engine based on the signal received by the receiver; and a control device which controllably drives a movable windscreen disposed on a cowling at a front portion of a vehicle body, wherein the control device judges whether or not the portable communication device is away from the vehicle body based on the signal received by the receiver, and when it is judged that the portable communication device is away from the vehicle body, the control device controls to move the movable windscreen to a standby position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Haruka Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20080236923
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a front part having a steering mechanism with which a front wheel is steered based on the manipulation of the steering of a steering handle, and a swing mechanism extending from either a body frame and an engine for vertically movably supporting the steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is connected to the swing mechanism via a lower spherical bearing and an upper spherical bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Atsushi Mamiya, Ryota Okamura
  • Publication number: 20080236924
    Abstract: A fuel cell powered vehicle includes radiators disposed on left and right sides on the skew rear side of a front wheel in relation to the vehicle body front-rear direction. A secondary battery is disposed between the left and right radiators. A thin plate-shaped inner cowl is disposed between the secondary battery and the front wheel. Duct mechanisms surrounding the radiators are provided on the left and right sides of the inner cowl and inside a cowling. Each duct mechanism includes introduction ports for a running airflow, and a discharge port that is fitted with variable-type louvers. A voltage converter unit is accommodated in a straddled part of the vehicle. Radiating fins of the voltage converter include plate-like members erected in the vehicle body front-rear direction that are directed toward the upper side of the vehicle body and are exposed to the exterior of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki HORII, Masamoto ITO, Yohei MAKUTA, Jun MORIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20080236925
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a rear swing arm which has upper and lower arms and an arm body. The upper and lower arms are vertically swingably attached to either a body frame or an engine via pivot shafts that are disposed in vertically spaced relation to each other and extend parallel to each other toward a rear wheel. The arm body is swingably connected to a rear end of the upper and lower arms via support shafts for supporting the rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Atsushi Mamiya, Ryota Okamura
  • Publication number: 20080236926
    Abstract: To enhance a degree of freedom in the shape and the design of a swing arm without being influenced by the variation of a part for supporting an exhaust muffler on the side of the swing arm and a part for coupling a rear cushion unit to the side of the swing arm in a compact vehicle, a cushion bracket coupled to a lower end of the rear cushion unit and a muffler bracket that supports the exhaust muffler are provided as separate elements from the swing arm and are attached to the swing arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Noriya Shimozato, Satoru Ikami, Kengo Yano, Shohei Takiguchi, Chikashi Tizuka
  • Publication number: 20080236927
    Abstract: Power of an engine is divided to be transmitted to a power transmission path to front wheels and a power transmission path to rear wheels by a transfer mechanism where the power has just passed through a transmission so as to be transmitted to front wheels and rear wheels. In addition, a torque reduction and transmission joint is provided on the power transmission path to the rear wheels, so that the rotational drive torque to the rear wheels is reduced to be transmitted thereto. Additionally, constant velocity joints which are provided on the power transmission path to the rear wheels are configured to have a smaller torque transmission capacity and a smaller size than those of constant velocity joints which are provided on the power transmission path to the front wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kamikawa, Masahiro Inoue, Masanobu Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20080236928
    Abstract: A safety system for vehicle occupants includes at least one sensor, at least one actuator, and at least one control unit having output stages for controlling the at least one actuator. The safety system includes an arrangement for the activation of actuators not activated during an accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Hartmut Schumacher, Ruediger Karner
  • Publication number: 20080236929
    Abstract: An attention calling apparatus operates in the following manner. That is, eyes distribution pattern is generated from the behavior of the eyes of the vehicle driver captured by a camera in a predetermined time, and driver's condition is estimated based on the distribution pattern. Further, concentration of the driver on driving is estimated based on the comparison between the distribution pattern and the stored information of distribution pattern. When the distribution pattern indicates that the degree of concentration on driving is high, the driving operation is stored in storage in association with the concentration degree. When the operation situation fulfills a notification provision condition, driver's attention is called depending on the concentration degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Fukaya, Kentarou Hitomi
  • Publication number: 20080236930
    Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided. According to the method, an assembly warm-up operation is executed by increasing the temperature TSTACK of the membrane electrode assembly. Next, stoichiometry-based control of the relative humidity (RH) of one of the reactant flowfields is initiated when the temperature TSTACK exceeds a threshold temperature T0. The stoichiometry-based RH control comprises a reduction in the relative humidity from a value RHWET exceeding 100% relative humidity to a value RHDRY less than 100% relative humidity. The relative humidity value RHDRY is sufficiently low to permit reduction of an initial membrane hydration ?WET in the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Manish Sinha, Yeh-Hung Lai, John C. Fagley
  • Publication number: 20080236931
    Abstract: The invention provides a steering system e.g. for a vehicle. The system comprises a system-pump, a steering actuator, a rotary valve, a rotary meter, and a motor. The system-pump is arranged to provide a flow of a fluid to the steering actuator via the rotary valve and via the rotary meter, and the motor is arranged to provide rotation of the rotary valve and the rotary meter. To handle an emergency situation if the system-pump fails, the motor is dimensioned to operate the rotary meter as a fail-operational pump for pumping a flow of the fluid to the steering actuator if the system-pump fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS APS
    Inventors: Stephen Crow, Kjeld Buus Jensen, Preben Albrecht, John Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20080236932
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for moving an element, e.g. a rudder of a ship or a wheel of a vehicle. The element is moved by a hydraulic fluid. According to the invention, an operator indicates a desired movement, and in accordance with the desired movement, at fluid is provided from at least three fluid providers each providing a share of the fluid in parallel streams and only considering the desired movement not the shares provided by the other fluid providers. The invention allows continuation of a steering task even if one fluid provider is disabled, and the invention allows the continuation even without having to notice that one provider is disabled. Accordingly, the invention provides an improvement and simplification relative to the known hydraulic steering systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Sauer-Danfoss ApS
    Inventors: Preben Albrecht, John Kristensen, Steve Crow, Kjeld Buus Jensen
  • Publication number: 20080236933
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering system includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting a power of an electric motor to a steering mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes an intermediate gear meshed with a driving gear and a driven gear. The intermediate gear includes: an annular teeth forming portion rotatably supported by an outer periphery of a support shaft via a rolling bearing, the support shaft supported by a housing; and an annular elastic member interposed between an inner periphery of the teeth forming portion and an outer ring of the rolling bearing and interconnecting the teeth forming portion and the outer ring in a manner permitting torque transmission. An axis of the support shaft and an axis of the teeth forming portion are mutually offset, whereby an inner periphery of the elastic member is located eccentrically to an outer periphery thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Kurokawa
  • Publication number: 20080236934
    Abstract: When a current input to a step-up voltage device of an electric power steering apparatus is equal to or higher than a first threshold current and an input voltage applied to the step-up voltage device is lower than a first threshold voltage, the step-up voltage device of the electric power steering apparatus discontinuously switches an output voltage to a voltage lower than a rated step-up voltage. When the input voltage becomes lower than a second threshold voltage which is lower than the first threshold voltage, the step-up voltage device sets the output voltage to a voltage equal to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koji SASAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20080236935
    Abstract: Tubewaves are used to transmit an indication of the depth at which a condition is detected in a well. In particular, the depth is calculated based on the difference in arrival time at the surface of a first tubewave which propagates directly upward in the borehole and a second tubewave which initially travels downward and is then reflected upward. The tubewaves may be generated by a canister designed to implode at a certain pressure. After being introduced into the flowline at an above ground inlet, the canister is carried downhole by gravity and the fluid being pumped. When the canister reaches a depth at which its pressure tolerance is exceeded, it implodes and generates the tubewaves. An analyzer at the surface detects the tubewaves with a hydrophone array and generates a pressure versus depth profile of the well, i.e., one data point for each implosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Timothy Coates, Douglas E. Miller, Philip Sullivan, Francois Auzerais, Tarek M. Habashy
  • Publication number: 20080236936
    Abstract: The present invention provides a soundproof cover comprising: a sound-absorbing material having air permeability; and a skin material impregnated with a viscoelastic material and having air permeability, wherein the skin material is provided on a surface of the sound-absorbing material opposite to a sound source, and wherein the soundproof cover has a three-dimensional shape corresponding to an outer shape of the sound source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: NICHIAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Niwa, Michihiro Inagaki, Akinao Hiraoka, Motonori Kondoh, Tadashi Mori
  • Publication number: 20080236937
    Abstract: A resonator for an induction system includes an inlet and outlet with a resonator cavity arranged therebetween. A tube is arranged within the resonator cavity and at least partially extends between the inlet and outlet. In one example, at least one supplemental noise attenuation device is in communication with the arcuate tube, such as a quarter wave tube and/or Helmholtz resonator. A large opening is provided in the tube that opens into the resonator cavity. In one example, the large opening is arranged on an outer radius side and faces a large cavity portion of the resonator cavity. Additional supplemental noise attenuation is provided by a collar arranged concentrically relative to the tube providing an annular quarter wave tube that is coaxial with the direction of flow from the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Letourneau, Jason Lorne Pettipiece
  • Publication number: 20080236938
    Abstract: A duct for an induction system is provided that has an effective length between an inlet and outlet. An aperture is provided a wall of the duct at a location corresponding to a pipe resonance for attenuating noise at the pipe resonance frequency. In one example, the aperture is provided using a cluster of holes arranged at the location. Multiple apertures are arranged about a circumference of the duct, for example, at opposing sides of the duct. In one example, an aperture is provided at a distance of approximately one quarter the effective length from both the inlet and the outlet. A porous non-woven structure is arranged over the aperture to minimize pressure losses associated with the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Lorne Pettipiece
  • Publication number: 20080236939
    Abstract: An exhaust silencer assembly for use with a gas turbine engine, the exhaust silencer assembly comprising an exhaust duct extension disposed downstream from an exhaust diffuser of the gas turbine engine, and an exhaust silencer disposed downstream from the exhaust duct extension. The exhaust duct extension has a length that is at least about 50% of an inner diameter of the exhaust duct extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Napier, Jay M. Francisco
  • Publication number: 20080236940
    Abstract: A muffler for efficiently reducing noise. Front side exhaust pipes and rear side exhaust pipes extend from front cylinders and rear cylinders, respectively, of a V-type water-cooled 4-cylinder engine and are operatively connected to a catalyst chamber disposed below a crankcase. The catalyst chamber is connected to an exhaust chamber located to the rear thereof in which exhaust gas is expanded. An outlet pipe laterally projects from a lateral surface of a rear end portion of the exhaust chamber and is connected to a front pipe projecting from the lateral surface of the front portion of a muffler. The front pipe is transversely inserted into the muffler to increase a cross-section ratio, thereby efficiently reducing noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Kenji Morita, Yuichi Tanaka, Satoru Nojima