Patents Issued in November 6, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080272620
    Abstract: A covering system for a rear storage space of a vehicle, with two guide rails running parallel and arranged on both sides of the rear storage space, includes a largely dimensionally stable closing surface element which has guide devices on both sides. The guide devices are arranged movably within the guide rails and make it possible for the largely dimensionally stable closing surface element to be movable along the guide rails between a lower and an upper end position. At least one pivoting section of the closing surface element is designed such that it can be pivoted downward at least in the upper end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Seeg
  • Publication number: 20080272621
    Abstract: A door shock absorber is disclosed. The door shock absorber is to be typically used with dump bodies with doors that frequently enter into contact with the rear external structure of the dump body. The shock absorber comprises a spring and an actuator supporting the spring for absorption of any impact between the door and the rear dump body structure or any other type of base structure. The spring retractably traverses a casing between a deployed position and a retracted position. The actuator actuates the spring between the deployed position, the retracted position, and at least one intermediate position between the deployed position and the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Racine
  • Publication number: 20080272622
    Abstract: The multi-segmented headliner for a vehicle includes an elongated intermediate segment, an elongated first side segment, and an elongated second side segment. In one configuration the segments are separate and form the complete headliner on assembly inside the roof of the vehicle. In another configuration the segments are joined together in a single piece, with the side segments being movable relative to the intermediate segment. Both configurations permit the replacement of the headliner of a van or sport utility by moving the headliner either in separate segments, or folded if a single piece, through the opening defined by the rear door or liftgate of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lara Daniv Zarewych, Jeffrey T. Baxter
  • Publication number: 20080272623
    Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle includes a panel assembly having a transparent roof panel (14), a privacy panel (18), and a transparent display panel (16). An image generator (40) is configured to display an image on the display panel (16) and a control system operates the image generator (40) and actuates the privacy panel (18) between a transparent mode and an opaque mode. The system may also includes a perimeter trim member (20) having a perimeter ventilation system surrounding the panels. The transparent display panel (16) may also be provided with a user interface region having instruments, displays and touch-activated switches (52). The system may also include ambient lighting bands (60) adjacent to the perimeter of the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Mark P. Kadzban, Matthew A. Kalis, Scott A. Hansen, Nels R. Smith, Jennifer A. Werth
  • Publication number: 20080272624
    Abstract: A roof is provided with support elements of a roof load carrier that can swivel into a roof channel. The roof load carrier is used by swiveling the support elements out of the roof channel into a position projecting over the outer skin of the roof. The free ends of the support elements exhibit receiving means for attachment to a transverse carrier of the roof load carrier. When the roof load carrier is not in use, only the transverse carriers are disassembled and taken along in a corresponding hold in the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel DONICKE
  • Publication number: 20080272625
    Abstract: An arrangement for closing an opening of a motor vehicle, which has a pane (14), a shatter-proofing element (30) attached to the pane or a function element located on the pane, the shatter-proofing element being connected to the vehicle body or a retaining element (18) which is connected to the vehicle body by means of a first permanent elastic cement bond (20). Furthermore, a peripheral foam (12) is provided in the edge area of the pane and is connected to the vehicle body or the retaining element by a second permanent elastic cement bond (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Werner Paetz, Eric Binder
  • Publication number: 20080272626
    Abstract: A convertible roof includes an outer cover with a recess defined therein. The roof has a front roof edge which joins the windshield frame when the convertible roof is in a closed position. The front region of the roof includes a rigid assembly disposed under the cover. The rigid assembly includes a frame part. A sun roof part is received in the recess defined by the cover and is openable to a position raised out of a plane defined by the roof cover. The recess defined by the cover is open to the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Udo Heselhaus
  • Publication number: 20080272627
    Abstract: An adjustable enclosure for a vehicle is disclosed where the roof and rear portions of the enclosure can be moved to expose portions of the vehicle previously enclosed. The adjustable enclosure includes roof panels that can slide and collapse on top of each other to be conveniently stored above another part or inside of the vehicle. A truck bed can be enclosed with the current invention where the roof panels can be stored above the cab of a truck. The adjustable enclosure can also be used on a sport utility vehicle where the rear portion of the roof can collapse over the front portion. This adjustable enclosure enables the same vehicle to be used as both a fully enclosed vehicle, capable of comfortably transporting passengers or other items, and a partially open vehicle, capable of transporting oversized items or otherwise exposing the rear portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jacob Jurgen Joab
  • Publication number: 20080272628
    Abstract: A kit of office furniture fitness combined utilities for systematic and periodic working operators' posture changing with and by static body-spirit exercises, comprises ergonomic devices: A mobile torso-shield assembly connected to the operators desk, Two shin-rest supports, and cross-hinged sit, all connected to the operators chair. Said units are easily controlled means providing multiple and various body isometric fitness-positions to the operators entire body during working time. Posture changings with various chest-supports, spine relief, entire body isometric fitness exercising while operating, help office workers to improve their shape, physical and mental health, mood, spirit, and raise working output. Said utilities are designed as built-in-parts of modified furniture, and/or as additional kits of separate units to existing tables, desks and chairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Yuriy B. Lazar
  • Publication number: 20080272629
    Abstract: A collapsible emergency vehicle chair cot that includes a support system and a movement system is described. The movement system is coupled to the support system and utilizes rotational movement to assist in moving the chair cot over a surface. The support system and movement system are configured to be collapsible to facilitate using the chair cot with an emergency vehicle. The chair cot may include at least two removable platforms for supporting a patient in a seated position. Furthermore, the chair cot may include one or more options for transporting equipment, including an equipment transport basket that may take the place of the removable platforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan R. Walkingshaw, Tad Clark, Mark Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20080272630
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat back and a load floor panel associated with the seat assembly. The seat back has a back surface that includes a first retaining feature. The load floor panel has a first attachment feature. The first retaining feature engages the first attachment feature when the load floor panel is in a stored position. The load floor panel is detached from the seat assembly when the load floor panel is in a cover position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Christopher Jones, Roger Knutson
  • Publication number: 20080272631
    Abstract: A head restraint for a vehicle seat is provided. The head restraint includes a head restraint subsection and a driving device. The head restraint subsection is movable from a use position to a safety position, while the driving device is configured to move the head restraint subsection from the use position to the safety position. The driving device includes at least two components which are movable with respect to each other under the action of a first force. At least one component has an oblique surface which acts on the other component and is inclined in relation to a direction of the first force. Movement of the at least one component under the action of the first force transmits a second force on the other component in a direction different than the first force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Silvio Hartlaub
  • Publication number: 20080272632
    Abstract: Presented herein is an article of furniture, wherein said article of furniture functionally integrates the shapes of at least two characters, and an upper portion of at least one character is adapted to accommodate at least one part of a human body, and a lower portion of at least one character is adapted to engage a supporting surface on which said article of furniture is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Eran EZRA
  • Publication number: 20080272633
    Abstract: A child seat anchor apparatus includes at least one sensor for measuring tension exerted on a system including a pair of anchor brackets disposed between the bottom and back cushions of a vehicle seat. In a first mechanization, the anchor brackets are directly coupled to individual sensors mounted on an anchor frame that is bolted to the seat frame. In a second mechanization, the anchor brackets are fastened to an anchor frame that is pivotably mounted on the seat frame, and the anchor frame is additionally coupled to the seat frame through a single sensor responsive to the tension exerted on the anchor frame by the anchor brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Eric C. Hayden, Royce L. Rennaker, Chance L. Scales, Duane D. Fortune
  • Publication number: 20080272634
    Abstract: Headrest (5) for seats (10) of motor vehicles (4). It comprises a body (6) of essentially prismatic shape whose front face (11), which corresponds to the direction of travel of the vehicle (4), is adapted to receive, at rest, the back of the head of the occupant of said seat (10), whilst its rear face (12) faces the rear part of the vehicle's passenger compartment, the headrest (5) being provided with means (8) for its removable fastening to the seat (10) of the vehicle. The body (6) of the headrest (5) has coupled to it a communications module (7) adapted so as to link up, by means of radio waves, with a data-transmission unit (1), the communications module (7) being provided with at least one accessible screen (14) and acting as an interactive link with the data-transmission unit (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: TOUCHSYSTEMS, S.L.
    Inventors: Angela Vasquez, Peter Czwiertnia
  • Publication number: 20080272635
    Abstract: An orthopedic back support for displacing a person's weight from the lower area of the spine by providing support for the upper torso and for use with a chair or seat having a seat base and a seat back. A flexible fabric cross piece is connected between vertical members to provide back support. The cross piece may include vertical channels or sleeves at opposite sides to receive and support the vertical members. A flexible strap is connected to the fabric or the vertical members and adapted to be positioned behind a seat or a head rest. The entire unit is portable or may be fabricated as part of a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: John G. Rutty
  • Publication number: 20080272636
    Abstract: A chair back according to embodiments of the present invention includes a rigid support member for reclinable attachment to a base, a flexible frame member having a flexible frame and a mesh, the mesh at least partially spanning the frame, and a seat attachment member moving in synchronization with the rigid support member at a different rate than the rigid support member during reclining of the rigid support member, wherein a first portion of the flexible frame member is affixed to the rigid support member, wherein a second portion of the flexible frame member flexes freely, wherein the seat attachment member contacts at least part of the second portion of the flexible frame member, wherein the first portion moves with the rigid support member and the second portion moves with the seat attachment member such that a curvature of the second portion increases as the rigid support member reclines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Jesse Hahn, Corey Susie, Bruce Fifield, Federico Ferretti, Alessandro Sgotto, Dagmara Siemieniec, Martin Broen
  • Publication number: 20080272637
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pivotable backrest including a counterbalance electric and/or pneumatic drive, a locking/unlocking mechanism and an adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Czinki, Hans Schmodde, Clemens Lowinski, Piotr Szableswki, Richard Boudinot, Sven Natus, Robert Schule
  • Publication number: 20080272638
    Abstract: A synchronization mechanism for a correlated movement of a seat and a backrest of an office chair contains a basic support placeable on a chair post, a seat support and a backrest support. To provide a synchronization mechanism for which an adjustment of a spring tension to change the “tilting resistance” of the backrest is not required, a mechanism is proposed whereby the backrest support that is pivotable around a swivel axis is directly linked in a pivotable manner to the basic support, and to the rear end section of the seat support, such that a backward tilt of the backrest induces a lifting of the rear area of the seat support. The seat support is so linked to the basic support as to cause a lifting of the front area of the seat support when the user of the office chair “lifts” him/herself up by leaning against the backrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: BOCK 1 GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Hermann Bock
  • Publication number: 20080272639
    Abstract: A gear-driven adjusting assembly for continuous adjustment of seat angle is disclosed. A external gear plate of the gear transmission mechanism is mounted in a internal gear plate with a eccentricity therebetween. An external cam of a gap removing mechanism is mounted between a central boss of the internal gear plate and the inner hole of the external gear plate. An internal cam is mounted between the inner hole of the external cam and the central boss of the internal gear plate, and a spring is mounted between the two cams, which form an eccentric cam mechanism. A central shaft of a driving mechanism is provided in the hole of the central boss of the internal gear plate, a driving block of the driving mechanism is provided between the internal cam and external cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Hubei Aviation Precision Machinery Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xing Huang, Qing Cui, Zhengkun Huang
  • Publication number: 20080272640
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of attaching a pair of support arms to a chair for the purpose of positioning a towel or canopy. Each support arm provides a hooking means for fitment to common chairs, and a long arcuate towel-supporting member through which one end of a towel is threaded. The device may be readily transported from one place to another, may be easily attached to nearly any type of outdoor chair, is ideally composed of a pair of single pieces of plastic, and may be easily detached and packed away until used again at a later time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Ron Boyle, David Harris
  • Publication number: 20080272641
    Abstract: A dump vehicle comprising a chassis and a dump bed with a cylinder laterally constrained by a stabilizer. The cylinder is supported on a support structure and pivotably connected thereto and to the dump bed. The stabilizer includes a retainer extending at least partially around the cylinder and having arms extending downwardly from the retainer and outwardly from the cylinder. The stabilizer constrains the cylinder laterally, at least partially absorbing side loads imposed on the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: CHAMPION HOIST & EQUIPMENT CO., LLC
    Inventors: James P. Godwin, Fernie E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080272642
    Abstract: An positionally stable wheel cover for displaying a design while a wheel is rotating. The wheel cover is mounted on the rim of a wheel through a mounting wire and a support bracket is mounted on the mounting wire. The support bracket is equipped with an internal base with a hollow hub into which another hub of an external base with a bearing mounted is inserted. The external base is able to rotating independently from the internal base and from the support bracket. A display cover is mounted on the external base and a design can then be placed on the display cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Leslie Hsiao, G.C. M. de Jong
  • Publication number: 20080272643
    Abstract: The present invention describes a non-rotating display bicycle wheel cover assembly that remains absolutely upright in relation to the rotation of the bicycle wheel and in relation to a parked bicycle wheel. The invention consists of twin disk assemblies mounted to both sides of a conventional bicycle wheel and inturn to the front and rear of a bicycle frame. The disk assemblies are manufactured of lightweight inexpensive material that is formed to the convex shape of the outer surface of a bicycle wheel and includes an overmolded, captive friction bearing made of a high density, self lubricating plastic. A plastic retaining mechanism is secured to the outer disk fascia and a bicycle frame member to hold the disk in an upright position at all times whether the bicycle is in motion or in repose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Scott James Young, Mark Eugene Young, Todd Harrison Hutcheson
  • Publication number: 20080272644
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes a hub, a plurality of spokes and a rim. The plurality of spokes radially extend from the hub. The rim is carried at outer ends of the plurality of spokes and circumscribe the wheel. At least the plurality of spokes is injection molded of a magnesium alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: DURRANI RACING COMPONENTS
    Inventor: Sheryar Durrani
  • Publication number: 20080272645
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thru-axle system for wheel securement in which the thru-axle head is held by means of a conical seat in the corresponding dropout of a frame or fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Gratz
  • Publication number: 20080272646
    Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus includes a fluid pressure control unit which includes: a housing unit enclosing a pump, a motor fixed to a first side surface of the housing unit; a control section provided on a second side surface of the housing unit and arranged to control the motor; and a physical quantity sensor fixed to the control section. There are further provided a plurality of mount portions to support the housing unit to a vehicle body elastically. The physical quantity sensor is located between the mount portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Chiharu Nakazawa, Kazuya Terashima, Katsuma Tsuruoka
  • Publication number: 20080272647
    Abstract: Means to Solve A crawler belt 20 comprises an endless steel belt 21 (high-tensile-strength belt) and a belt main body 22 made of rubber and attached around an outer periphery of the steel belt 21. The steel belt 21 has engagement holes 21a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction thereof. The belt main body 22 has escape recesses 23a formed therein. A wheel 10 has projections 12a arranged at even intervals in a circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The projections 12a are adapted to be engaged with the engagement holes 21a of the steel belt 21 and at the same time to enter the escape recesses 23a of the belt main body 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicants: The Circle for the Promotion of Science and Engineering, Topy Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Hirose, Shingo Tsukui
  • Publication number: 20080272648
    Abstract: A highly durable elastic crawler with a tensile cord having both ends thereof overlapped mutually in a crawler body thus being circumferentially wound around the crawler is provided. An elastic crawler includes; a crawler body including an endless belt-like elastic body; metal cores embedded in the crawler body, each of the metal cores including vanes and arranged at predetermined intervals circumferentially; and tensile cords transversely arranged, wound around the outer circumference side of the vanes, and embedded in the crawler body while vicinity portions of both ends of the tensile cords are overlapped mutually. An inner circumference side end is arranged at an outer circumference side of any one of the vanes. The distance between the vicinity portion of the inner circumference side end and the outer circumference side portion of the tensile cord overlapped there is increased from the vicinity portion toward the inner circumference side end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Satoru Kondo, Yoshio Ueno
  • Publication number: 20080272649
    Abstract: An electrical connectivity system for use in a vehicle includes a first plurality of electrical devices a first plurality of electrical devices coupled to at least one utility carrier and a control module coupled to the at least one utility carrier. The first plurality of electrical devices are configured to communicate a plurality of utilities on the at least one utility carrier. The control module is also coupled to a second plurality of electrical devices and is configured to control the selection and distribution of the plurality of utilities to the second plurality of electrical devices. The control module includes a user interface configured to receive user input commands regarding the selection of utilities distributed to the second plurality of electrical devices. The control module and second plurality of electrical devices may be mounted to a modular system in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Eric S. Deuel, Lance M. Hilbelink, Leif Norland, Scott T. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080272650
    Abstract: A power system includes a power adapter, a first power sub-system, and a second power sub-system. The power adapter provides a first DC power. The first power sub-system includes a first converter and a first controlling circuit. The first converter converts a first DC voltage into a second DC voltage, and the first controlling circuit controls a boot time of the first converter. The second power sub-system includes a second converter and a second controlling circuit. The second converter converts the first DC voltage into a third DC voltage, and the second controlling circuit controls the boot time of the second converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Chuan-Hsing Chen
  • Publication number: 20080272651
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include circuits and methods for electrical current control. In one embodiment, a regulator provides power to the anode end of a set of LED strings. A current setting circuit derives its current from a current reference and generates multiple matching currents that drive the low side (cathode end) of the set of LED strings. The current setting circuit also contains a feedback signal to the regulator that helps maintain a desired voltage level to the anode end of the LED strings. This embodiment is designed to be expandable and drive any number of LED strings. The present invention may be implemented with a high or low side driver scheme to drive the current. Also, the present invention may be implemented with bipolar, nmos, pmos, or any device that operates as a transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: PacificTech Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Lok-Cheung Fong
  • Publication number: 20080272652
    Abstract: An integrated circuit 2 is provided with logic blocks 16 which draw their power from virtual supply rails 8, 10. These virtual supply rails 8, 10 are connected by switch blocks 12, 14 to main supply rails 4, 6. The switch blocks 12, 14 are subject to modulation to maintain the virtual supply rails 8, 10 at an intermediate voltage level such that a reduced voltage difference is applied across the logic block 16. This intermediate voltage level is used in a state retention mode in which the clock signal clk to the logic block 16 is stopped and state signal values are maintained therein using this reduced virtual power rail derived voltage difference. When it is desired to resume processing then the full virtual rail voltages are restored by rendering the switch blocks 12, 14 fully conductive and then the clock is restarted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Sachin Satish Idgunji, David Walter Flynn, Robert Campbell Aitken
  • Publication number: 20080272653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell that can be utilized as a stable electric power source for cloudy weather. An output voltage V1 of the solar cell 1 is lowered by a DC-DC converter 5. When a battery V2 is charged with an output of the converter 5, the converter 5 is stopped and the power of only the battery V2 is supplied to a low-voltage inverter circuit 6. The electric power supplied from the converter 5 is increased by boosting the output voltage of the converter 5 as well as starting to supply electric power from the battery V2. While the electric power of the converter 5 is increased, the performance of the solar cell 1 is judged. When the performance is decreased, the output voltage from the converter 5 is lowered and the amount of electric power supplied from the battery 2 is increased relatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Inoue, Yasuhiro Nakada
  • Publication number: 20080272654
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes primary and secondary power sources and a voltage converter. The primary power source provides power to a notification appliance circuit of a notification system. The secondary power source includes at least one battery. The voltage converter is coupled between the battery and the notification appliance circuit of the notification system, and is configured to generate a regulated DC voltage from an output voltage generated by the second power source. In general, the secondary power source is employed when the primary power source is not available or otherwise is not functioning. However, the secondary power source may also be employed in other circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Karen D. Lontka
  • Publication number: 20080272655
    Abstract: An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with remote capabilities, and systems and methods of implementing the same, are disclosed. An exemplary UPS system with remote capabilities includes a battery unit and a remote unit configured to be physically separated from the battery unit so that a user can electrically connect an electronic device to the battery unit without having to physically connecting the electronic device directly to the battery unit. The UPS system also includes a user interface on the remote unit. The user interface is operable to output status of the battery to a user even if the user is separated from the battery unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Brooks Vaughan, Brandon W. Fears, Keith J. Kuehn, Darrel G. Gaston, Douglas R. Woellner
  • Publication number: 20080272656
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing standby power to a node of a distributed system of devices. The apparatus includes: a current manager operable to manage supply of current to a device at the node; a normal current supplier operable to supply normal operating current to the device; and a super capacitor at the node operable to supply standby operating current to the device under control of the current manager when the normal current supplier fails to supply the normal operating current to the device. The apparatus preferably further comprises a switching regulator, operable in electrical communication with the super capacitor and the device, to regulate the standby operating current to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James S. Mason
  • Publication number: 20080272657
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device provides a choice of external pins (connections) that may be user selectable for coupling an external filter/stabilization capacitor to an internal voltage regulator. However, connecting the output of a internal voltage regulator to an uncharged external filter/stabilization capacitor (or to a capacitor charged to a different voltage level than the internal regulation voltage) through a low impedance path can cause the regulator output voltage to sag/spike if the internal voltage regulator tries to charge/discharge the capacitor up/down to equilibrium with the regulator output voltage. To minimize this potential sag/spike, the voltage on the external filter/stabilization capacitor may be adjusted in a controlled manner to substantially the same voltage as the voltage on the output of the internal voltage regulator, and then the internal voltage regulator is operationally coupled through a low impedance to the external regulator filter/stabilization capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Richard HULL, Vivien DELPORT, Zacharias Marthinus SMIT, Sean STEEDMAN, Jerrold S. ZDENEK, Michael CHARLES, Ruan LOURENS
  • Publication number: 20080272658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing isolated high and low direct current power supplies to a Power Device using a sealed high Power Device Gate Driver having a single transformer, wherein the Gate Driver integrates the power supplies, gating control and gate control, gate drive and Power Device diagnostics into a sealed unit, wherein the unit may be further sealed hermetically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Hassan Ali Kojori, Robert D. Paton, Andrew Eftychiou
  • Publication number: 20080272659
    Abstract: An electromagnetic force driving actuator and a circuit breaker using the same is disclosed. The actuator comprises a casing that forms two paths having a certain length in longitudinal direction, and forms a middle wall by the two paths; a main magnetic field generation element that is allocated on the both face wall of the two paths of the casing; and a moving element that, as the middle wall is located in the center, a coil, which is bound in the orthogonal direction to longitudinal direction of the paths, is in a body that its left and right sides passes through the paths and its front and back side are exposed to outside, when forward direction or reverse direction current is provided in the coil, moves forward and backward along the longitudinal direction of the paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Hyun-Kyo Jeong, Jong-Ho Kang
  • Publication number: 20080272660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet module for fixing to a shaft (4), said module comprising a magnet holder (8) consisting of an injection moulded plastic material, and a magnet element (9). The magnet holder (8) and magnet element (9) are embodied as separate components, the magnet element (9) being injected into the plastic material of the magnet holder (8) and the magnet holder (8) being connected to the shaft (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Joachim Becker, Robert Maly, Dirk Bergmann, Mirco Beier
  • Publication number: 20080272661
    Abstract: A rotor assembly cooling system (100) and method of using same are provided. A portion of the rotor shaft (103) is hollow, the rotor shaft including an open end (107) and a closed end (105). A coolant feed tube (109) is rigidly attached to the rotor shaft (103) using one or more support members (111), thus causing the shaft and the feed tube to rotate at the same rate. Coolant is pumped through the feed tube until it exits the end of the feed tube and flows against the inside surface of the closed end of the rotor shaft causing the coolant to change direction and flow back through the coolant flow region, this region being defined as the space between the outer surface of the feed tube and the inner surface of the hollow rotor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peng Zhou, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Grant Dufresne Cutler, Peteris Koch Augenbergs
  • Publication number: 20080272662
    Abstract: A compact electrical motor (10) especially suitable for being used for applications that do not require a constant revolution speed and a precise position control comprising a rotor (24), a stator (26), at least one electrical winding (28) and at least one further electrical winding (30) arranged coaxially to said stator (26), a shaft (18) whereto the rotor (24) is fixed, with said motor powered in alternating current, with constant number of revolutions and frequency synchronized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Elio Cavagna, Giovanni Torti
  • Publication number: 20080272663
    Abstract: A magneto rotor in which a plurality of magnets are secured on an inner periphery of a peripheral wall portion of a cup-like rotor yoke, and a magnet protecting cover is provided that integrally has a cylindrical portion that covers inner peripheries of the magnets, and an outer flange that is formed at one axial end of the cylindrical portion and covers end surfaces of the magnets, wherein an annular protrusion protruding toward the opening of the rotor yoke is formed on an area closer to an inner periphery of the outer flange of the magnet protecting cover, an annular adhesive storage portion is formed between the peripheral wall portion closer to the open end of the rotor yoke and the annular protrusion, a groove opening into the adhesive storage portion and continuing circumferentially of the rotor yoke is also formed in the peripheral wall portion closer to the open end of the rotor yoke, and the adhesive storage portion and the groove are filled with an adhesive to seal a boundary between the outer flan
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., KOKUSAN DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Watanabe, Reiji Sato
  • Publication number: 20080272664
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing and controlling a permanent magnet electro-mechanical device that functions as a motor or generator are disclosed. The electro-mechanical device uses control coils to steer magnetic flux of permanent magnets placed between stator segments. The control coils can be wound around the bridge of a stator segment, the poles of a stator segment or both. The electro-mechanical device can be single phase or multi-phase and can include controllers, sensors, a thermal/electrical insulating structure, or a reluctance gap. The stator poles are grouped and designed with an angular spacing that is based on the number of permanent magnets. The electro-mechanical device has a higher power density than conventional motors and generators and operates more efficiently, while operating at cooler temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Charles J. FLYNN
  • Publication number: 20080272665
    Abstract: A motor includes a stator, a rotor, a shaft (50) and two end caps (10, 40), which are assembled together. According to the precision requirements, the outer circumference of the rotor core (20), and the outer circumference, the inner bore (33), the end surfaces of the stator core (30) are subjected to grind. The ground rotor core (20) is nested in the ground stator core inner bore (33), wherein the punched outer diameter of the rotor core (20) is equal to the punched diameter of the inner bore (33) of the stator core (30). The shaft (50) is pressed directly into the shaft bore of the rotor core (20) so as to tightly fit with the shaft bore of the rotor core (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Yeungfei Tse
  • Publication number: 20080272666
    Abstract: An axial gap EDM deploys as a stator coils a series of two parallel serpentine windings that each circumscribe an arc segment of a circle. Each arc segment that forms the stator winding assembly is powered as a separate phase. The two winding are readily formed by shaping one or more wire segment. Preferably the parallel winding are arranged to overlap with a half period rotational offset such that the radial directed serpentine segments of that are disposed above and below the stator disk are interlaced when viewed in projection through the disk. In one embodiment, each series of serpentine winding are separated by a gap so that they can be inserted on the stator disk from the edge. A separate rotor disk is adjacent each side of this stator disk. In another embodiment, each series of serpentine winding are separated by a gap, so they can be inserted to surround a single rotor disk which has two series of magnets disposed on opposite sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Halstead
  • Publication number: 20080272667
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a stator and a rotor core positioned adjacent the stator and rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotor core includes a plurality of bar apertures, a plurality of elongated flux barriers separate from the bar apertures and positioned radially inward of the bar apertures, and a plurality of magnet slots separate from the bar slots and positioned radially inward of a portion of the bar apertures. The electric machine also includes a plurality of magnets, each positioned in one of the magnet slots. A plurality of conductive bars are each positioned in one of the bar apertures and includes a first end and a second end. A first end ring is coupled to the first end of each of the bars and a second end ring is coupled to the second end of each of the bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dan M. Ionel, Stephen J. Dellinger, Jeremiah Mattingly, Alan E. Lesak
  • Publication number: 20080272668
    Abstract: A three-phase DC motor includes a rotor having plurality of magnetic poles, and a stator. The stator has three corners. The second corner is adjacent to a first direction of the first corner. The third corner is adjacent to a second direction of the first corner. The first corner, the second corner, and the third corner extend forwards to the rotor to form a first winding slot, a second winding slot, and a third winding slot respectively. A first winding, a second winding, and a third winding respectively wind around the first winding slot, the second winding slot, and the third winding slot. The mechanical angle between the first winding slot and the second winding slot is between 75 and 85 degrees. The mechanical angle between the first winding slot and the third winding slot is also between 75 and 85 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Li-Te Kuo, Chau-Shin Jang
  • Publication number: 20080272669
    Abstract: The electrical machine (1) has a stator (2) and a rotor (5), wherein the stator (2) has stator slots (8), in which a stator winding (4) with redundant and at least three-phase winding systems (U1, V1, W1; U2, V2, W2) is laid. According to the invention, the electrical machine (1) has a large number of poles with a pole number (PZ) of at least four, a number (NZ) of stator slots (8) which corresponds to the product of a phase number and the square of the pole number (PZ) of the electrical machine (1) or an integral multiple thereof, and a number of winding systems (U1, V1, W1; . . . ; U4, V4, W4) which corresponds to the pole number (PZ). In each case a number of in-phase winding sections (U1-U4, V1-V4, W1-W4) which corresponds to the pole number (PZ) are combined to form a group of phase winding sections (PU, PV, PW). The phase winding section groups (PU, PV, PW) are laid, phase-cyclically and pole-for-pole, in the stator slots (8) of the stator (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Axel Mohle, Maria Bade