Patents Issued in October 9, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080246247
    Abstract: An electrical device mounting structure on a motorcycle which includes a resilient support member having a spring-flexural resilience and supporting an electrical device unit. The resilient support member has a first portion secured to a vehicle body or a member connected to the vehicle body. The resilient support member also has a second portion provided separate from the first portion and closer to the electrical device. The second portion is supported on the vehicle body or the member connected to the vehicle body via an elastic member having an attenuating property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventor: Tomohiro HOSHI
  • Publication number: 20080246248
    Abstract: A hybrid scooter-bicycle is disclosed, comprising a front wheel, a rear wheel, a front fork assembly, and a frame. The front fork assembly comprises a stem and a fork and is operably connected to the front wheel. The front end of the frame comprises a head tube, which is configured to receive the stem of the front fork assembly. The frame further comprises a singular tube extending downward from the head tube to a first intermediate portion of the frame. The frame further comprises a platform for a rider to stand upon. The platform comprises two tubular and substantially parallel frame elements which branch from the singular tube at the first intermediate portion and extend horizontally to a second intermediate portion. The hybrid bicycle scooter also comprises a rear fork, which extends upwardly from the second intermediate portion to the rear end of the frame. The rear fork comprises two substantially parallel prongs to which the rear wheel is operably connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Samer Rabadi, Andrew Lucero
  • Publication number: 20080246249
    Abstract: A bicycle seat suspension suitable for use on other vehicles and equipment which is both lightweight and durable and can be constructed from inexpensive material such as steel or aluminum. The seat suspension consists of a top frame and a bottom frame joined together at the front by a pinned hinge and at the rear by a triple hinge slightly elevated at the top. Suspension is provided by various sprung configurations, one of which is a centrally located spring operated by means of an adjustable push rod, another by means of dual shock absorbing Springs. The actual configuration dependant on frame construction and or rider weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Frank Pokrywka
  • Publication number: 20080246250
    Abstract: A gauge mount for a motorcycle with a gauge encasement attached to a triple tree and one or more gauge mount locations attached to the gauge encasement. The gauge mount locations are located on the rearward facing side of the triple tree, facing the seat of the motorcycle. Each gauge mount location is adapted to receive a gauge housing. Each gauge housing connects a gauge to the gauge encasement. The gauges are preferably tilted upward to be more easily viewed by the rider while operating the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kerry J. LaCour
  • Publication number: 20080246251
    Abstract: Attachments for a manual wheelchair are provided for navigating a wheelchair over obstacles and uneven terrain, such as a typical curb on a street. The attachments provide for regulating the movement of the wheelchair as the wheelchair descends the curb and to prevent the wheelchair from flipping over during such movement. The attachments include a front caster wheel slider assembly on each side of the wheelchair, a follower wheel assembly and a track belt damping bar. The front caster wheel slider assembly includes a piston that will quickly push the front caster wheels down after they roll over the top edge of the curb. The follower wheel assembly acts a sensor that will release the piston in the assembly after the front caster wheels roll over the top edge of the curb. As the back wheels of the wheelchair roll over and down the curb, the track belt damping bar slows the descent of the wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Avital Fast, Devdas Shetty, Moshe Raz, Giora Rothman
  • Publication number: 20080246252
    Abstract: A vehicle trailer is provided. The vehicle trailer includes an elongated trailer for transporting cargo. A heating device includes an elongated waterproof mat disposed on a top surface of the trailer. The mat has a heating system for heating the mat. A power supply unit is operably associated with the heating system for operating the heating system and thereby causing the mat to be heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent McDonald
  • Publication number: 20080246253
    Abstract: The trailer steering mechanism automatically steers the wheels of a trailer in accordance with the tow vehicle steering and articulation between the tow vehicle and trailer during backing maneuvers in order to facilitate backing maneuvers and to prevent or greatly reduce the possibility of jackknifing between tow vehicle and trailer. The mechanism includes a pivotally attached steering frame connected between the steerable wheels of the trailer and one or more hydraulic cylinders that, when locked, create a very strong link between the tow vehicle and the trailer and its steering system. The hydraulic cylinders are able to withstand great loads, and more importantly, are able to disengage while under great load without jamming. The hydraulic cylinders provide links that exert lateral force to the trailer to push or pull the trailer into a turn while backing, in addition to controlling the steering mechanism of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald G. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20080246254
    Abstract: A foldable mirror assembly used to assist an operator to align a hitch on a trailer to the hitch of a vehicle while hitching a vehicle to a trailer, consisting of a base for mounting to the rear of a vehicle, support arms that pivot upwards and outwards to the rear of the vehicle, that support a convex mirror that is angled to give the operator a line of sight to the rear of the vehicle. The support and mirror components fold substantially flat to the base which enables the base to remain installed on the rear of the vehicle in the closed position while not in use. Alternatively, The assembly can be removably attached, and therefore folded to the closed position, and then removed and stored after using.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Tyerman
  • Publication number: 20080246255
    Abstract: The skiing device has a platform and a first axle and a second axle. The first skid has a third axle and a fourth axle. The second skid has a fifth axle and a sixth axle. The first arm is rotatably attached to the first axle and the third axle. The second arm is rotatably attached to the second axle and the fourth axle. A third arm is rotatably attached to the first axle and the fifth axle. A fourth arm is rotatably attached to the second axle and the sixth axle. The first axle is located a distance d1 from the second axle. The third axle is located a distance d2 from the fourth axle. The fifth axle is located a distance d2 from the sixth axle wherein the distance d1 being greater than the distance d2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Erik Henrik Hallsten
  • Publication number: 20080246256
    Abstract: A collapsible golf trolley comprises a frame (176, 276) defined by at least two, preferably four, frame members (171, 172, 173, 174, 203), and a wheel structure (122, 222). The frame members are pivotally interconnected at hinges (106;177, 205), whereby in a first configuration, the frame members define a casing (100, 200) for the wheel structure parts, the casing having a length which is shorter than the sum of the lengths of each of the frame members. In a second configuration, the frame members coextend in a longitudinal direction to define the frame (176, 276). There is further provided a collapsible wheel structure having arms (150, 152, 258, 252) defining pivotally interconnected arm sections (154, 156, 158, 160;254, 256, 258, 260) which, in a first, folded configuration define a partial cylindrical shape, and which in a second, unfolded configuration form an S-shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Nordict A/S
    Inventor: George Manus
  • Publication number: 20080246257
    Abstract: An axle module (2) for a vehicle having an electrical on-board circuit (1), an electrical on-board circuit voltage and at least one electrically driven actuator (7). The axle module has a step-up converter (10) and a control device (11) to convert the on-board circuit voltage into an axle voltage, that is higher than the on-board circuit voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Horst KRIMMEL
  • Publication number: 20080246258
    Abstract: A burst disk for use in an inflator having an orifice. The burst disk includes a surface that may be disposed adjacent to the orifice. This surface includes a first side, a second side, and a non-circular perimeter, wherein at least one diagonal across the first side is greater than or equal to the diameter of the orifice. The burst disk may be generally square or rectangular in shape. By forming the burst disk in this manner, a lesser amount of raw material is needed to make the burst disk. Also, a lesser amount of material is wasted during the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Kenneth Clark
  • Publication number: 20080246259
    Abstract: In an airbag (2), a length extending from a sewn portion (10) to a right periphery of a presser plate (13) is set such that a length (L1) is shorter than a length (L2) wherein the length (L2) is at an attachment side base cloth (3) side and the length (L1) is at a cloth-like piece (9) side. When the airbag (2) is expanded in emergency situations, the attachment side base cloth (3) is expanded while it moves away outwardly from the cloth-like piece (9), thereby opening a vent hole (8), so that the airbag (2) is eased in abrupt expansion directing toward an occupant. When the airbag (2) becomes a sufficient size to protect the occupant, it bends instantaneously a retaining plate (17) to release the parallel portion (9B) of the cloth-like piece (9) from the presser plate (13), so that the cloth-like piece (9) is brought into intimate contact with the attachment side base cloth (3) to close the vent hole (8), thereby protecting the occupant with reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki YAMAJI, Hidetaka Azuma
  • Publication number: 20080246260
    Abstract: A containment device for an inflator, the containment device comprising: an outlet plate having an outlet opening; a burst disk disposed over the outlet opening; an initiator having a support member; a movable support disposed between the support member and the burst disk, the support providing support to the burst disk; wherein activation of the initiator causes the movable support to move which allows the burst disk to rupture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Donald E. Warren, David A. Pray
  • Publication number: 20080246261
    Abstract: A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module, the control device comprising: a releasable retention device, a first end of the releasable retention device being releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion; and a sensing device for releasing the releasable retention device from the first location, the sensing device being fixedly secured to the inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a second location remote from the first location and releasably secured to the releasable retention device, the sensing device being configured to release the releasable retention device from the first location when the second location of the inflatable cushion travels a predetermined distance during inflation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: James L. Webber, Laura Hawthorn, Ryan Pinsenschaum
  • Publication number: 20080246262
    Abstract: An automobile ballast device includes a bladder member configured to hold various amounts of matter and having an inlet for selectively allowing the matter to enter the bladder member. The automobile ballast device further includes a plurality of lower panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform below the bladder member, each lower panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective lower panel. Similarly, the automobile ballast device includes a plurality of upper panels configured to collectively form a unitary platform atop the bladder member, each upper panel having an interlocking member complementary to an interlocking member of another respective upper panel. The ballast device also includes a plurality of spacers, each spacer being coupled to respective lower upper panels for maintaining a selected distance therebetween. Each spacer includes indicia indicative of a volume or weight of ballast matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Edie A. Adams, Caren M. Wiersema
  • Publication number: 20080246263
    Abstract: A structural member for a vehicle has a slot extending into one structural wall thereof, for receiving and holding a bolt, wherein said structural member including said slot has been formed by extrusion. The slot extends the length of the structural member for slidably receiving the head of one or more bolts wherein the land area of each bolt head extends beyond the slot opening to overlay the wall area carrying the slot. Each bolt carries at least two flat faces below its head wherein the juxtaposed edges of the slot carrying wall retains, i.e., refrains, the bolt from rotating. The slot includes an interior wall or sidewalls continuous with the slotted structural wall. The structural member may include an I-beam, a rectangular tube, a C-channel and the like. Corners are radiuses and right angles are avoided to reduce or remove stress risers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: LOAD RITE TRAILERS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary M. McPherson
  • Publication number: 20080246264
    Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle having a pivoted head rest and a pivoted seat back that follows a human head and torso forward during the accident of the vehicle, but prevent backwards motion. A U-shaped air bag, the head rest, and seat back prevent whip-lash and also side-impact-whip-lash by immobilizing the head and torso during a frontal or side impact crash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Sten R. Gerfast
  • Publication number: 20080246265
    Abstract: A portable seatbelt device for attachment to a seat to restrain a person to the seat includes a carrying case and a lap belt having a portion attached to the carrying case. The lap belt is operable to wrap around the person in the vicinity of the person's waist to thereby restrain the person to the device. An exit belt is included having a first portion, a length of which is attached to the carrying case, and a second portion extending from the carrying case with a buckle connector attached thereto. At least one retractable mechanism is attached to the first portion of the exit belt and contains at least one retractable belt. The retractable belt is operable to extend out from the retractable mechanism and around a portion of the seat and connect with the connector attached to the second portion of the exit belt to thereby wrap around the person in the vicinity of the person's shoulders to restrain the person to the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Clint Walton, Ronald Leung, Sundar Krishnamurty, Anne M. Schewe, Joshua Doolittle
  • Publication number: 20080246266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torsion bar (1), for application in belt winders for safety belts, provided on the end sections thereof with embodiments of drive and/or locking elements (2, 3), for positive connection to corresponding devices. The torsion bar (1) and the drive and/or locking elements (2, 3) provided on the ends thereof is produced in one piece from a non-ferrous metal, using varying impact extrusions in order to achieve different torques with constant dimensions or the drive and/or locking elements (2, 3) with various diameters for the torsion bar (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SFS INTEC HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Oesterle, Ernst Sieber
  • Publication number: 20080246267
    Abstract: To further reduce variation in the maximum limited load by a seat belt load limiting mechanism composed of a torsion bar and a shearing member. When a spool rotates in the belt withdrawing direction relative to the locking base, energy absorbing (EA) mechanism action only by shear deformation of shear pins is first conducted so that the entire EA load is only the EA load by the shear pins. After the EA load by the shear pins becomes the maximum EA load, the seat belt is withdrawn by a predetermined amount and the EA action by torsional deformation of a torsion bar is conducted in addition to the EA action by the shear pins. Since the EA action only by the shear pins is first conducted, it is possible to reduce variation in the maximum limited load during the shear deformation of the shear pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Koji Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20080246268
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor including a spool for winding up a seat belt, a locking mechanism having a locking member that is prevented from rotating in a belt withdrawing direction in the event of an emergency, and a seat belt load limiting mechanism for limiting load applied to the seat belt when the spool rotates relative to the locking member. The load limiting mechanism comprises a torsion bar that rotationally connects the spool and the locking member and is torsionally deformable when the spool rotates relative to the locking member, and a shearing member that is disposed to extend both in the spool and the locking member, the shearing member being shear-deformable when the spool rotates relative to the locking member. At least a portion of the area of the shearing member positioned in the spool is fixed to the spool in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Koji Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20080246269
    Abstract: A sports board for use in supporting a rider on snow covered slope and other gliding surface comprising: an elongated foam board with a semi-rigid foam core having a top riding surface and a bottom planning surface, the board having one or both end portions having an upturned shape acting as the leading end of the gliding board, the foam core having a aperture inside which an air chamber retains and the air chamber locating at the rider supporting region provides additional resilience to the foam board; a top skin covering the riding surface of the foam core; and a bottom skin covering the planning surface of the foam core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Loi Hui Cheung, Kwong Kee Cheung
  • Publication number: 20080246270
    Abstract: The included drawings are illustrations of Logos and art work created for the sole purpose of identifying, marketing and branding Brothers XX20 Inc. program services and organizational mission/charter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Victor L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080246271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing liquid for sealing mailpieces containing water and a penetration agent, to the uses thereof and to letter-closing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Gerhardt, Wolfgang Muhl
  • Publication number: 20080246272
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security device comprising a security element composed of: a carrier substrate (1) provided with at least one optically variable effects generating structure (2) situated in defined areas of the said carrier, a first reflective layer (3) visible at least where it coincides with the said optically variable effects generating structures (2) and comprising a reflection enhancing material, at least one second distinctive reflective layer (4) situated only outside the optically variable effects generating structures (2) and comprising a reflective material different from that of the first layer (3). These layers (3,4) can comprise further patterns (7). The invention relates to a security support (9) or document comprising the said security device too.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Natalie Vast, Matthias Muller, Friedrich Kastner
  • Publication number: 20080246273
    Abstract: A latch body (10) incorporates spring-loaded latches (11) and (12) which secure the inner tube assembly in place by latching against a shoulder in an adaptor coupling. At the lower end of the latch body (10) there are water inlet ports (13), a landing shoulder (14) and water outlet ports (15). The valve mechanism (20) includes a piston (21) slidable within upper cylinder (22) above the inlet ports (12) which has a recess (23) at its upper end for receiving a ball (24) and a sealing flange (25), at its lower end. The upper cylinder (22) has a recess (26) in which part of the ball can seat to cock the piston. A second cylinder (27) between the inlet ports (13) and outlet ports (15) carries a spring guide (28) having a valve seat (30) at its upper end. A spring (31) acts against the sealing flange (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SHELLJET PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Leslie Michael Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080246274
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling comprising a receiving part (2) and a fixing part (1) which can be introduced into the receiving part (2), which comprises at least one rear snap-on piece (6) enabling an insertion part (15) to be connected to the receiving part (2) by rear catching a retaining ring (17). The fixing part (1) comprises an annular sleeve (4), wherein each rear snap-on piece (6) and at least one blocking piece (8) are attached by means of a flexible strip (5, 7). After inserting the insertion part (15), each blocking piece (8) is blocked in a radial manner in the inward direction by the insertion part (15) in the movement of the spring by the insertion part (15), such that it is opposite the stop wall (29) of an abutment wall (30). Each rear snap-on piece (6) is covered by a cover wall (27) such that access from the outside to each blocking piece (8) is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede
  • Publication number: 20080246275
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and compact design of a rotary transmission leadthrough (10) provided with a gas return line, in particular for filling a vehicle fuel tank comprising a rapid-action connection coupling (1), which is connected to the supply line (12) and to a return line (42). According to the invention, the supply line (12) and the return line (42) are arranged in a coaxial manner in relation to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Publication number: 20080246276
    Abstract: A penetration fitting is provided for forming a sealed penetration through an aperture of a sump wall. The penetration fitting includes a flanged coupling comprising a generally rigid coupler and an integral first flange extending around a portion of the coupler. The first flange is adapted to abut and be sealed against a first side of the sump wall around the aperture. The ends of the coupler further define first and second fittings, the second fitting adapted to extend through the aperture. A ring flange is provided that is adapted to be adhered to an outer circumferential portion of the coupler and to abut and be adhered to a second side of the sump wall around the aperture. Once sealed to the sump wall, the associated piping connections can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Sergio M. Bravo, Don K. Mukai
  • Publication number: 20080246277
    Abstract: The piping component is comprised in part of a metal housing that is positionable with a metal pipe. The metal housing forms an opening in which a piping component body is inserted. The body of the piping component can be fastened to the metal housing using an epoxy adhesive, a set screw connection, a threaded connection, press fit connection, a key connection or a pin connection or a combination of these connections. The body is comprised of plastic, which is less expensive than metal and facilitates forming, including machining or molding, while maintaining its structural integrity in a hostile fluid environment, such as in oil or gas. Piping components such as flowmeters, flow conditioners, small volume provers, static mixers, samplers, and valves are contemplated for use with these multiple materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Savant Measurement Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Gallagher, Michael D. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20080246278
    Abstract: A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tub e outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that isolates any stress riser resulting from embedding action from vibration effects. The fitting components, and particularly the ring, may be case hardened, the fitting may include a self-gauging feature to indicate sufficient pull-up to percent excessive pull-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventor: Peter C. WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20080246279
    Abstract: A pipe clip for fastening a pipe to a wall, ceiling or other support, including a clip body having an opening for fitting the pipe clip around the pipe, which opening is delimited by a first and a second end of the clip body. The pipe clip further includes a tightening element, which is connected to the first end of the clip body or acts upon the first end of the clip body and has a shank. The pipe clip further includes a female fastening element, which is fitted on the second end of the clip body and into which the shank of the tightening element pokes. The female fastening element includes a base plate having a pass-through opening for the shank, as well as at least one clamping plate, which extends at a distance from the base plate and which is provided with a pass-through opening for the shank. The clamping plate is connected to the base plate by means of a resilient hinged part. In an unloaded state, the pass-through openings in the base plate and the clamping plate partially overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Jan van Walraven
  • Publication number: 20080246280
    Abstract: A generating system includes an outer wall unit having an outlet conduit, an inner wall unit spaced from the outer wall unit, a receiving channel located between the outer wall unit and the inner wall unit to receive salt water of the sea to deliver the salt water to the outlet conduit, and a generating unit including a plurality of generating watermills driven by a flowing power of the salt water. The salt water directly flows from the receiving channel to the outlet conduit to drive and rotate the generating watermills so as to provide a generating function. Thus, the generating system is mounted on the sea coast to form an oceanic trench to collect the salt water of the sea to provide a generating function to produce an electric energy by using the natural resource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Shu Lu
  • Publication number: 20080246281
    Abstract: This invention provides a small, high efficiency, oil-free turbine-driven alternator (i.e. turboalternator) suitable for conversion of stored energy in a process gas to electrical power, facilitating recapture of energy during operation that would otherwise be wasted. The turboalternator includes a turbine and a generating device operatively connected together by a rotating shaft capable of rotating at high speeds. The rotating shaft is supported by foil gas bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Giridhari L. Agrawal, Charles William Buckley
  • Publication number: 20080246282
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating small-scale hydropower from a home water supply. As contemplated herein, a hydro-powered system battery charger may produce electric power from the flow of water from a domestic water service. Power is generated as water from a domestic water source passes through a system housing. The water drives a Pelton wheel located within a cavity in the housing. As the Pelton wheel rotates, it drives a gear driven generator. A battery may store the energy generated thereby to satisfy concurrent or later demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Philip John Hathaway, Philip Jeffrey Hathaway, Jennifer Ann Hathaway
  • Publication number: 20080246283
    Abstract: A buoyancy vehicle apparatus includes a water or liquid source, such as a water tank, and a buoyant mass in communication with an electrical generator. The buoyant mass is lifted from a lower level to a higher level to store energy. The mass is stored at the predetermined height and released to travel downward when the electricity is needed. After the mass is released and pulled down by gravity, it will drive the generator to produce electricity. The system can store this energy with no loss in power over a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: James C. Perin
  • Publication number: 20080246284
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a turbine for use in a wind-based power generation system includes a plurality of separate blade parts that contain locating and coupling structures to permit the separate parts to be coupled to one another in a stacked manner to form a shaped blade of the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Blue Green Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Pelman, David Elias Hegeman, Todd Christopher Robinson, Jeffrey C. Weintraub, Oliver Patrick Sjahsam
  • Publication number: 20080246285
    Abstract: A vehicular system includes a battery, an engine, an electric generator that is driven by the engine to generate electric power and thereby charge the battery, a first control apparatus that controls the battery and electric generator, a drive shaft, a CVT that transmits rotation of the engine to the drive shaft, and a second control apparatus that controls the engine and CVT. Further, the first control apparatus includes: means for detecting charge/discharge current of the battery; means for monitoring the SOC of the battery; means for informing, when there is a decrease in the SOC of the battery, the second control apparatus of the decrease in the SOC; means for setting a target charge current of the battery for recovering the decreased SOC; and means for controlling the electric generator to increase the amount of the electric power, thereby supplying the battery with the target charge current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tadatoshi Asada
  • Publication number: 20080246286
    Abstract: A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: CARDINAL HEALTH 303, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Allen Ostrowski
  • Publication number: 20080246287
    Abstract: A window lock with an automatic latch retention mechanism and an associated method of securing adjustable frame members of a window are provided. The lock generally includes a housing that can be secured to a first window frame member, a latch member slidably mounted in the housing, a rotatably handle configured to actuate the latch member, and a retention mechanism configured to automatically retain the latch member in the retracted position until the first and second window frame members are relatively adjusted to a closed configuration. The lock can automatically adjust to a locked configuration when the window is closed and remain in an unlocked configuration while being adjusted. The rotatable handle, which can be used to retract the latch member, is configured to provide an indication of the configuration of the lock so that a user can easily identify whether the lock is locked or unlocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Ramesh Satram, Robert Joseph Kinsella, Camden Bennett White
  • Publication number: 20080246288
    Abstract: A latch assembly comprises a first portion (32) defining an opening and a second portion (54) slidably disposed in the opening for movement of the first portion along the second portion. The second portion includes a stop which is larger than the opening for preventing further movement of the first portion along the second portion in a first direction. A securing element releasably connects the first portion and the second portion in a first relative axially connected position. In a mortise lock (20), the first portion and the second portion are thus movable together relative to the housing so that the first portion at least partially non-rotatably projects outwardly from the opening in the edge wall of the housing in an extended position and is inside the housing in a retracted position. Disconnecting the first portion from the second portion allows the first portion to move along the second portion in the first direction to a second axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Chris Hodgin, J. Steven Gray
  • Publication number: 20080246289
    Abstract: A radiator guard assembly for a vehicle that includes a first frame rail, a second frame rail, a bumper assembly coupled to the first and second frame rails, and a radiator coupled to the first and second frame rails is provided. The radiator guard assembly includes a radiator guard, and a pair of mounting brackets for coupling the radiator guard to the first and second frame rails and axially downstream from the bumper. The radiator guard is configured to substantially prevent an object from undesirably contacting the radiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Russell Dale Skinner, Edward Eugene Clayton
  • Publication number: 20080246290
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for manufacturing a gripping means for fixing of a detail intended to be handled by aid of a robot arm on a robot and said gripping means comprises an optional number of suction cup provided arms (2) having vacuum channels (8) integrated in a collecting channel (7). Said gripping means (1) is manufactured by freeforming in a solid material unit having integrated vacuum channels (8), which are assembled in an integrated collecting channel (7) in the centre (3) of the gripping means (1) and which in turn is assembled to a connecting channel (9) integrated to said collecting channel (7), in the outer end of which a vacuum nipple (5) is connectable in providing a gripping means, which is directly adapted to its function and as to its material is optimized to the lowest weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kenny Johansson
  • Publication number: 20080246291
    Abstract: A paper clip removing device capable of removing a paper clip made of a shape memory alloy, that has such a shape that a plurality of documents are bound at a normal temperature and a document bundle is released in a heated state, when the paper clip is on any positions on an end side of a document is provided. When a paper clip made of a shape memory alloy, that has such a shape that a plurality of documents are bound at a normal temperature and a document bundle is released in a heated state, is removed, the paper clip removing device detects a position of the paper clip to heat the paper clip and deforms the paper clip into a shape of releasing a document bundle to attract and remove the paper clip, resulting that the paper clip is collected in the collecting box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kazumasa TONAMI
  • Publication number: 20080246292
    Abstract: A load acceptance hook for suspending a load provides for the movement of loads by simple means and despite a high load-bearing capacity has a reduced weight in relation to known hooks. This is achieved by the fact that it is formed at least in sections by a latticed framework, the braces of which are arranged and dimensioned depending on the stresses taking effect locally with the load suspended in the load acceptance hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventor: Steffen Schwanbeck
  • Publication number: 20080246293
    Abstract: In a vehicle outer handle system including a circuit board which includes an electric part and which is contained in an operating handle, the operating handle is die-formed of a synthetic resin in such a manner that a protecting means covering the circuit board is mold-coupled to the operating handle. Thus, a special water-proofing counter measure is not required, leading to a reduction in number of operating steps and a reduction in number of parts. Further, the generation of an abnormal sound during operation of the operating handle is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Hiroto Fujiwara, Yuho Otsuta, Kyoutarou Yoshii
  • Publication number: 20080246294
    Abstract: The side-view mirror at the driver side or the passenger side of a motor vehicle has a chamber on a top side of the side-view mirror's housing. The chamber has an opening facing a back side of the motor vehicle, which is sealed by a transparent screen. A circuit element having a light-producing element is installed in the chamber. The light-producing element protrudes a through hole of a reflection member. The circuit element is series-connected to a control circuit for flashing the light-producing element and a door-open switch. When a door on the same side as the side-view mirror is opened or closed, the door-open switch is closed or opened accordingly, which in turn allows electricity to be delivered to or disrupted from the light-producing element and the control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: FU MING HSIAO
  • Publication number: 20080246295
    Abstract: A transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Bejin
  • Publication number: 20080246296
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided having at least one seat cushion for carrying a vehicle occupant, and having a static-reducing device positioned in sufficient proximity to the occupant for dissipating an electrostatic charge from the seat. The static-reducing device includes conductive threading woven into the seat cushion or into piping along the seat cushion seams, conductive wiring connected to the base to form a conductive path for dissipating the electrostatic charge, or a humidity-absorbing layer. A vehicle is also provided having a floor and a vehicle seat having a cushion and a base mounted to the floor. The cushion is operatively connected to the base and has a static-reducing device adapted to reduce electrostatic charge of the seat to thereby minimize the electrostatic discharge between the seat and a passenger when the passenger exits the vehicle, the static-reducing device including conductive threading, conductive wiring, or a humidity-absorbing mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Diane K. McQueen, Jennifer P. Lawall, Steven E. Morris, James N. Contes