Patents Issued in December 25, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080315585
    Abstract: A wind turbine control system for twin turbines mounted in common on an accelerator comprising a DC boost converter having pulse width capability, power, speed, current and voltage sensors responsive to an generator driven by one turbine, and a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Russell H. Marvin
  • Publication number: 20080315586
    Abstract: Improved generator output circuitry for twin turbine includes boost DC converters for each of a pair of generators with their output introduced to a single inverter, which serves both generators and converters in common. The inverter output then proceeds in conventional AC form through a disconnect switch to a power grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Russel Hugh Marvin
  • Publication number: 20080315587
    Abstract: A pyramid electric generator for harvesting the vibrational energies of Earth's atomic oscillators according to the present invention comprises: (1) an antenna/waveguide that is geometrically optimized; (2) a secondary coil wound with an insulated conductor on a nonconductive coil form, the coil being attached electrically to the conducting surface of the antenna/waveguide such that the secondary coil is attached near the point at which the electric field contacts the antenna/waveguide; (3) the antenna/waveguide connected with the secondary coil serving as a quasi-capacitive series element to provide a specific resonant frequency; and (4) a primary coil of a few turns wound around the secondary coil, the secondary coil being positioned coaxially within the primary coil and acting as a resonant step-up transformer winding, inductively coupled with the primary coil. The generator resonantly couples into specific frequencies of Earth's atomic oscillators and extracts electric energy therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Grandics
  • Publication number: 20080315588
    Abstract: Presented is an improved concept for deriving power from flowing fluid currents in the form of a radial outflow turbine that drives a generator. Fluid normally enters the turbine rotor axially and exits radially through power generating elements. Such power generating elements may be airfoil or more blunt shaped where, in the latter instance, rotor rotational power is generated by trailing edge vortex forces acting on the power generating elements. The instant invention turbogenerator may be utilized in either gas or liquid and examples of both are given. Drive fluids are normally derived from the earth's natural occurring fluid currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Publication number: 20080315589
    Abstract: An energy recovery system for a process means (100) comprises a compressor (1), a turbine (2) and a generator (4) being arranged to be driven by a main shaft (3). It also comprises a heat exchanger (5) on a first side being fluidly arranged between the compressor (1) and the turbine (2) and on a second side being fluidly arranged downstream of a process means (100). Heat emanating from exhausts of said process means (100) is transferred to an airflow of the compressor turbine (1, 2) assembly, which airflow is expanded in the turbine (2) which then powers the compressor (1) and the generator (4). Energy is thus recovered from the process, which energy is transformed into electricity so that the overall efficiency of the process is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Compower AB
    Inventor: Lars Malmrup
  • Publication number: 20080315590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for harnessing the force of gravity. The purpose of the present invention refers to the combined or separate production of energy and/or the pumping of fluid or gases, using a system including a support point on which a long surface can pivot by mean of hinges or bolts. The aforementioned surface is characterized in that it comprises surfaces which are joined at each end by means of hinges such that they can move vertically, the vertical position thereof being maintained under the action of the force exerted by one or more weights which can be moved from one surface to the other and vice versa by means of mechanisms using motors of any type. In this way, when one end surface is lowered, the other surface is raised, thereby actuating the pistons which move inside cylinders which are joined by rods to the end surfaces and which can generate a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Juan Reyes-Florido
  • Publication number: 20080315591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing regenerative and renewable hydraulic energy, comprising at least one generator for producing electric energy, and a drive shaft which is connected to the generator and which comprises a plurality of blades which extend at least partially into the passing water and are set rotating by the water. Said blades are offset in relation to each other and along the drive shaft. The invention also relates to a system which consists of a plurality of said inventive devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Georg Hamann
  • Publication number: 20080315592
    Abstract: An omni-direction array 22 of wind turbine assemblies 10 is positioned upon and about the periphery of the roof of a building. Each wind turbine assembly 10 comprises a self supporting modular box-shaped housing 12 having an inlet and outlet for accelerating the flow of air therethrough. Turbine 14 having a ring gear 18 positioned about the periphery thereof in mechanical communication with a plurality of generators 20 for converting wind energy into electricity. Parabolic collectors 16 are positioned and attached to the inlet and outlet of the housing 12 for collecting, concentrating, directing and accelerating wind through the turbine 14 in the throat section of the assembly. Each self supporting box-shaped modular housing 12 is structurally communicated with other housings 12 by interlocking mating surfaces 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Branco
  • Publication number: 20080315593
    Abstract: In one aspect a Wind Dam is provided comprising a Wind Capture Mechanism and a controller which is configured to be installed on buildings within cities. The wind capture mechanism comprises a Sail with Guide Wires, Wind Flaps an Exhaust Wind Guide a Center Mast a Spar and a wind vane. The Base Unit comprises a Heat exchanger a turbine a Sail Rotation mechanism a Gear mechanism a Rotor and a U Shaped Tube a Drain a Siphon tube and a Protective grill. The controller operates a control algorithm which uses sensor data to adjust controls which operate the wind dam. The Wind dam is specifically configured to be installed on building roofs within cities and to convert wind energy into heating or cooling or generate electricity. The Wind Dam may also be used to cancel building sway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20080315594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power current generator comprising a bearing, a tubular stator that carries a race of the bearing, a tubular rotor coaxial with the tubular stator that can rotate in relation to the stator, a hub connected to the rotor, and at least two blades radially extending away from the hub. According to the invention, the stator and the rotor are formed with substantially tubular cross sections and are concentric to one another. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator carry permanent magnets and windings. The stator and rotor extend beyond either side of the magnets and the windings in order to accommodate an antifriction bearing on at least one side. The tubular nature of the rotor and stator allows easy passage of workers within the generator for maintenance thereof and of the blades. Additionally, the tubular nature facilitates air flow through the structure and out the blades, cooling equipment within the structure and aiding de-icing of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: High Technology Investments, BV
    Inventors: Matteo Casazza, Andreas Mair, Otto Pabst
  • Publication number: 20080315595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand-alone device for generating electrical energy comprising:—an excitation coil (2) furnished with a central opening, —a magnetic circuit passing through the central opening of the coil and formed of a fixed part (3) and a movable part (5) that can move with respect to the fixed part (3) so as to vary the magnetic flux through the excitation coil (2), characterized in that, —the magnetic circuit passes through the central opening of the excitation coil (2) several times, forming at least one loop. The invention also relates to a remote control device comprising a transmitter coupled to a remote receiver and a stand-alone device (1) for generating electrical energy so as to generate an electric current intended to power its transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Christian Bataille, Christophe Cartier-Millon, Stephane Follic, Jean-Pierre Pin, Didier Vigouroux
  • Publication number: 20080315596
    Abstract: The system described here is an improvement on ways to provide security and supply chain tracking for shipping containers. The system has a bolt-type seal lock module mounted on the container that has data storage capability and the capability to sense when the bolt is cut or certain environmental changes like impact. The system also includes a bolt-type seal lock that has data storage capability. The electronics module can be connected via wireless means to a centralized data base for the interchange of data. Individual modules or seal locks can be networked with each other to transmit data to and from a stack of metal shipping containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Terry, Daniel Kenney
  • Publication number: 20080315597
    Abstract: A bumper beam structure for a vehicle includes a height-raising wall provided on an upper portion of a beam body to be fixedly on left and right frames of a vehicle body. The height-raising wall includes: a bottom wall portion fixed to the upper portion of the beam body; a running-up preventing wall portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall portion; a first reinforcing wall portion connecting to the respective one end of the running-up preventing and bottom wall portions; and a second reinforcing wall portion connecting to the respective other ends of the running-up preventing and bottom wall portions. With such a height-raising wall, the bumper beam structure can interfere with another vehicle of a higher height to prevent the other vehicle from running up onto the vehicle provided with the bumper beam structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Ichikawa, Keiichi Honda, Kojiro Okabe
  • Publication number: 20080315598
    Abstract: A collision detection apparatus for a vehicle having a vehicle bumper, which includes a bumper reinforcement includes a chamber member, a pressure sensor, and a collision detecting device. The chamber member is provided inside the vehicle bumper at a front surface of the bumper reinforcement. The pressure sensor is configured to sense change of pressure in the chamber space. The chamber member includes a deformable part and a non-deformable part, each of which extends in a vehicle width direction. The deformable part is compressed to be deformed between the collision object and the bumper reinforcement in a case, where the collision object collides with the vehicle bumper. The non-deformable part is limited from being compressed to be deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Takafuji, Shuji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080315599
    Abstract: An attachable and detachable handgrip, primarily used with plastic bags, canvas bags and other items with handles, is disclosed. The attachable handgrip comprises a single piece of flat, pliable material that will hold its shape, yet yield easily to force. Paperboard or plastic are two such possible materials. This material is to be cut to a width suitable for the widest example within reason for the human hand, or approximately 3.5 inches. The material may be cut at a length that makes it practical to roll the material, or in the case of plastic, be extruded into a spiral roll. The space between the layers of the roll should be such that it practically accommodates the handles of the items being attached with handles. The end of the material that is the inside of the spiral will have a slight bend to it so that when the handle is unrolled and held a short distance away from the end, a hook is formed for the items to be placed on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Forrest Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080315600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a uniform pan holder assembly adapted to receive a drywall pan and including a support having a pair of uprights spanning a cross member and terminating at an arcuate edge, the uprights and cross member defining a supporting area. Each arcuate edge is generally associated with the top edge and adapted to retain the pan within the supporting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brett W. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080315601
    Abstract: A post hole digger for producing a hole in the ground, including a first shaft pivotally coupled to a second shaft by a pivot joint defining a pivot axis. A first blade is coupled to the first shaft, the first blade extending from the first shaft toward the second shaft on one side of the pivot axis, and a second blade is coupled to the second shaft, the second blade extending from the second shaft toward the first shaft on an opposite side of the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Libscomb, Jason Crowell
  • Publication number: 20080315602
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis J. Chesness
  • Publication number: 20080315603
    Abstract: A pick and place system including: moving a vacuum probe in a linear direction using a linear actuator system, moving the vacuum probe in a rotary direction using a rotary actuator system, and applying a vacuum to the vacuum probe to pick up a micro-device after moving the vacuum probe in the linear direction or rotary direction for pickup and movement of the micro-device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: DATA I/O CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rossen Atanassov Rachkov
  • Publication number: 20080315604
    Abstract: There is disclosed a lifting sling system for connecting various loads to a lifting hook (1), comprising a small number of combinable lifting sling units (10, 20), each consisting of a number of pre-assembled parts (11, 12, 13; 21, 22, 23). These units include at least one dual lifting sling unit (20) and possibly no more than two single lifting sling units (10). The units can be combined in a small number of predetermined combinations in accordance with information provided on an information carrier (32) which is permanently attached to the lifting sling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Frenolink Forvaltnings AB
    Inventor: Lars Fredriksson
  • Publication number: 20080315605
    Abstract: An illuminable picker comprises a cylindrical member including cells provided therein, a control member disposed at the rear end of the cylindrical member and including a bolt for fitting a spring thereon, as the bolt is pressed to move, it may contact with the electrode output end of the cells, a sleeve mounted at the front end of the cylindrical member for confining the cells and including a spring fitted thereon and a string fixed at the front end thereof, the string including an expandable claw attached at the front end thereof, a tube secured at the front end of the sleeve for inserting the string and positioning the claw, a bulb affixed on the tube and including anode and cathode output wires, the anode output wire fixed on the tube, while the cathode output wire passing through the sleeve and contacting with the cathode output end of the cells, thereby simultaneously obtaining the picking and illumining purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Leo Shih
  • Publication number: 20080315606
    Abstract: A console assembly configured for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle. The console assembly includes a lower console module having a housing extending generally horizontally adjacent a floor of the passenger seating area and an upper console module having a housing disposed adjacent and operatively connected to the lower console module. One or more panels are pivotally connected to the upper console module adjustable between at least a stored position disposed adjacent the upper console module housing and a deployed position wherein the one or more panels form a presentation surface for use in the passenger seating area of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Christopher Jones
  • Publication number: 20080315607
    Abstract: A slide assembly is provided to couple a slide-out component disposed in an opening of a vehicle body to the vehicle body. The slide assembly includes a complementary contoured guide member, roller(s), and a support member, all generally enclosed by a mountable housing. The support member and roller(s) are coupled to roll along the guide member. In a particular embodiment, rollers are mounted in pairs on the top and bottom sides of the guide member. Due to the complementary contours of the roller and guide member, the slide assembly has a self-aligning characteristic. In one embodiment, the guide member includes a single portion that is horizontal with respect to the vehicle body, and only allows movement of the slide-out component in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: William W. Herson, Robert A. Nolen
  • Publication number: 20080315608
    Abstract: A load-carrying bed system for a vehicle having a cargo bed includes a bed floor defining a cargo receiving area and first and second sidewalls disposed along lateral sides of the bed floor. A forward wall is disposed along a forward side of the bed floor and laterally between the first and second sidewall. A tailgate is disposed along the rearward side of the bed floor and laterally between the first and second sidewalls. A cargo bed divider is movable between a stowed state wherein the cargo bed divider is stowed in a cargo bed divider cavity defined in the tailgate and a dividing state wherein the cargo bed divider has a first end removably secured to the first sidewall and a second end removably secured to second sidewall to divide the bed floor into distinct storage areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Aaron L. Heller
  • Publication number: 20080315609
    Abstract: A pair of seat backs are arranged in a vehicle width direction. A pair of floor brackets attach outer end portions of the seat backs in the vehicle width direction to a floor of the vehicle. A pair of center hinge brackets attach inner end portions of the seat backs in the vehicle width direction to the floor. A supporting bar is separated from the floor, is extended in the vehicle width direction and is disposed behind the seat backs. The seat backs are independently pivotably attached to the floor. Both end portions of the supporting bar in the vehicle width direction are attached to the floor brackets. A center portion of the supporting bar in the vehicle width direction is attached to the center hinge brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuki Maruno, Masashi Wada
  • Publication number: 20080315610
    Abstract: There is provided an instrument panel capable of uniformly brightening the interior of a storage part without special provision of a light source. In the instrument panel including an operation part (2) having an operation panel (3) for controlling a vehicle; a light source (6) for illuminating the operation panel (3), which the light source (6) is provided in the operation part (2); and the storage part (4) arranged adjacent to the operation part (2), an opening (7) is provided between the operation part (2) and the storage part (4); a tray (8) is provided between the opening (7) and the storage part (4) as a wall surface; and the tray (8) is formed of a material capable of transmitting the light of the light source (6), which is transmitted via the opening (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Mitsuru Sutou, Keiichi Masada, Toshiyuki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080315611
    Abstract: A support brace supports the instrument panel above the floor pan of an automotive chassis and includes a lap joint that dampens the transmission of low range vibrations through the support brace to the instrument panel. The support brace is formed in two pieces, an upper member and a lower member, that have an overlap section between them. The overlap sections are joined to an elastomeric pad to form the re-configured support brace. The elastomeric pad can be bonded to the overlap sections or joined with rubber buttons inserted through holes formed in the overlap sections. The overlap sections are vertically spaced above the floor pan to position the elastomeric pad above the heat generated by the vehicle exhaust system. The elastomeric pad can be formed in segments with vertically oriented spaces between the individual segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Richard R. Durocher
  • Publication number: 20080315612
    Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel includes: a panel module receiver; and a removable panel module operable to engage and disengage from the panel module receiver in response to user-manipulation, wherein the panel module includes an attachment mechanism operable to permit releasable attachment of at least one user-selectable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Anthony D'Alessandro
  • Publication number: 20080315613
    Abstract: A rear lid closes a rear compartment of a passenger vehicle. The rear lid, when fitted, is attached to the vehicle and is composed of an inner part and an outer part. The rear lid contains a spoiler device which can be displaced between an inoperative position and an operative position and interacts with an adjustment device. In order to simplify producibility of the rear lid, the inner part is formed by an assembly carrier which forms the supporting structure of the rear lid and to which at least the adjustment device of the spoiler device is fastened. The outer part is formed by the spoiler device and a panel device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mathias Froeschle, Markus Schulzki
  • Publication number: 20080315614
    Abstract: A visor for a vehicle includes a core portion having a hinge region and a first peripheral edge. A pliable cover material is formed with a U-shaped section extending at least partially along a second peripheral edge so that the cover material is fittable over the core portion with the U shaped section of the second peripheral edge extending over the first peripheral edge. The core portion and cover material are foldable about the hinge region so that the second peripheral edge of the cover material forms a tucked edge on the visor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: L.Robert Hamelink, Scott T. Williams, Jon Frens
  • Publication number: 20080315615
    Abstract: A side-window roll-up shade for the front doors of motor vehicles which has a relatively short wind-up shaft housed in the region of a back edge of the window in the door frame. A short guide rail extends above the top edge of the window for guiding a slide, which is connected to a tip of the roll-up shade. For driving the roll-up shade, an electric drive with a cord is provided, with the cord extending around the window opening as a closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jan LEKAR
  • Publication number: 20080315616
    Abstract: A glare reducing shield as a sun visor extender for use with traditional existing sun visor and the side window of a vehicle comprises a support bar, elastic band and glare reducing shields which may be in different color and transparent, magnets are used in the easy removable attachments, storages and provides flexibility to shift shield in ways that can deflect or reduce light from different directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jilin Wang
  • Publication number: 20080315617
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle roof (20) comprises a forward roof element (22) and a rearward roof element (24). An unchangeable, upwardly opened, recessed storage area (14) for the roof elements is defined in a rear trunk lid (12). The forward roof element may be pivoted relative to the rearward roof element about a first axis (A1) that is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane. The forward roof element and the rearward roof element also may be pivoted together about a second axis (A2) that extends perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal plane. At least the forward roof element is curved such that, in the open position of the vehicle roof, i.e. when it is folded onto the rearward roof element and is stored in the storage area, it forms a substantially continuous, curved outer shell together with the rear trunk lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Andre Kracht
  • Publication number: 20080315618
    Abstract: An assembly carrier for installation into a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly carrier comprising a large-area carrier body which is molded at least partially from fiber-reinforced plastic, fastening points, which are provided on the carrier body, for fastening functional components of a motor vehicle to the carrier body, and a gate mark which projects from the carrier body and which represents a section of the path along which the molding compound for molding the assembly carrier was conducted into a cavity, which forms the carrier body, of a molding die. The gate mark has at least one longitudinally extended gate section which is curved—in cross section through the carrier body and the gate mark—and whose longitudinal sides which are situated opposite, and which face away from, one another run in each case along a curved path and merge in each case along the respective path into the carrier body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Salzmann, Udo Taubmann, Harald Kruger, Martin Schlechtriemen
  • Publication number: 20080315619
    Abstract: A vehicle side door structure includes an inner panel, an outer panel that is positioned on the outside of the inner panel in the vehicle-width direction, and that forms a closed space in cooperation with the inner panel. In addition, an impact beam extends in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and is arranged within the closed space at a position close to the outer panel, a bracket is attached to the inner panel and holds, at a portion which is on the inner side of the inner panel in the vehicle-width direction, a collision detector, and a load transmission member connects the impact beam to the inner panel at a portion that overlaps the bracket from a lateral view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukio Oka
  • Publication number: 20080315620
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism for coupling a trim panel to a door module is disclosed, wherein the mechanism may include a hook disposed on a first mating surface of one of the door panel and the door module, the hook including a V-shaped neck extending away from the first mating surface, the neck including a first bearing surface directed substantially toward the first mating surface and an engaging element disposed at a distal end of the neck; and a receiver disposed on a second mating surface of the other of the door panel and the door module, the receiver including a V-shaped slot operable to receive the V-shaped neck of the hook and a second bearing surface operable to engage the first bearing surface of the hook and to prevent separation of the first and second mating surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: FAURECUA INTERIOR SYSTEMS U.S.A., INC.
    Inventors: James O. Campbell, JR., Dave Gunthner, Sreedhar K. Mogulluri, Sandeep Jadhav
  • Publication number: 20080315621
    Abstract: A trim panel for the interior of the cab of a motor vehicle has a first and a second main direction of extension. The trim panel includes a first part and a second part, with the second part being significantly less rigid than the first part in a direction which is essentially perpendicular towards at least one of the directions of extension. The panel includes a continuous carrier made in a first material with a certain first rigidity, and the first part is obtained by letting the carrier material be exposed and visible, and the second part is obtained by means of a second material with a second rigidity covering a part of the carrier. There is a third material with a third rigidity arranged between the first and the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Andreas Alvehav, Bo Olofsson
  • Publication number: 20080315622
    Abstract: In a wheel pant device (12), wheel pant plates (34 and 36) that form this wheel pant device are able to be rotated in at least a vehicle width direction. By detecting a driving state of a vehicle using a detecting device and rotating the wheel pant plates of the wheel pant device (12) in response to that detected driving state, the airflow acting on the vehicle can be controlled, thereby enabling the driving performance of the vehicle to be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Kazunori Oda
  • Publication number: 20080315623
    Abstract: A drag reduction device for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a substantially flat plate member preferably rotatably connected to a tailgate assembly. The tailgate assembly has at least one, but preferably two panels defining a cavity. The plate member can be selectively positioned at a first position and a second, third, or forth position. When in the first position, the plate member is inside the cavity. In the second position, the plate member is substantially vertical, and partially extending outside the cavity. In the third position, the plate member is extending forward, preferably in a horizontal orientation outside the cavity. When in the fourth position, the plate member is extending rearward, preferably in a horizontal orientation outside the cavity. The plate member is of sufficient length when in the second, third, and fourth positions to thereby reduce the coefficient of drag and lift on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Bahram Khalighi
  • Publication number: 20080315624
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an insulated food tray transportation wagon primarily for use in correctional facility kitchen applications under extreme conditions of operation. The single-piece, low-weight, insulated food tray transportation wagon is equipped with sliding panels designed to wedge into place by either friction at any intermediate position to limit the need for an external locking mechanism or by using a step-based notched locking mechanism. The wagon also provides for a flat-panel geometry system to minimize heat transfer between the outside and the inside volume. The wagon also possesses a thin, shell-molded casing made of flame-retardant material and shell insulation for reducing the weight of the wagon to improve maneuverability and prevent damage from burning objects in contact with the wagon. The wagon is also equipped with a series of bottom drains made in the bottom portion of the enclosure to allow liquids and small objects such as food waste to evacuate after washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph CLAFFY
  • Publication number: 20080315625
    Abstract: A structure to couple exterior components of a vehicle includes a first exterior component and a second exterior component located apart from the first exterior component, wherein the first exterior component comprises an upper protrusion configured to overlap the second exterior component, and wherein the first exterior component comprises a side protrusion configured to overlap the second exterior component. A method to couple exterior components of a vehicle includes providing a protrusion about at least a portion of a first exterior component, installing the first exterior component proximal to a second exterior component, overlapping the protrusion of the first exterior component about a at least a portion of the second exterior component, interposing an elastic member between a peripheral surface of the first exterior component and an edge of the second exterior component, and positioning the elastic member beneath the protrusion of the first exterior component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Suzuki, Nobuhiro Iwai, Taro Ikeda, Naoki Tanaka, Hiroyuki Okuyama, Michiaki Okabe, Tsuyoshi Iwasaki, Toru Mogi, Koji Ishimaru, Takashi Ashida
  • Publication number: 20080315626
    Abstract: A device for the reduction of injuries in the event of a motor-vehicle accident comprises an adapter inserted between the vehicle bodywork and adjacent internal vehicle components to reduce the free space distance between the bodywork and the components. The free space distance is the shortest direct distance between a vehicle component and the adjacent bodywork which is free from other parts. The adapter changes the energy transfer involved in a collision between a person and the vehicle, in order to reduce the risk of injury to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Lutter, Boris Koch, Ralf Zimnol, Ulrich Grosser, Martin Klocke, Ulrich Dajek, Alexander Ickes, Anja Jaschke
  • Publication number: 20080315627
    Abstract: An automotive body and trim assembly is provided that utilizes locating features on only a single sheet metal layer of a multi-layer body frame pillar to position a trim member, thus minimizing variability in the final assembled position of the trim member. The single sheet metal layer has both a fore-aft-locating feature and a cross-car-locating feature. A fore-aft-positioning feature and a cross-car-positioning feature on the pillar trim member are spaced to permit contact with the fore-aft-locating feature and the cross-car-locating feature, respectively when the pillar trim member is assembled with the body frame pillar, so that only the single sheet metal layer determines the fore-aft and cross-car position of the pillar trim member. A method of assembling a pillar trim member and a body frame pillar having multiple sheet metal layers is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Marks, Steven P. Balgaard, Hirde N. Bhatia, Victoria L. Enyedy, Wayne S. Wilson, Charles S. Boughton
  • Publication number: 20080315628
    Abstract: Deformation by camber recovery etc. due to non-uniform residual stress is suppressed, and occurrence of crack and burr is suppressed by improving press forming property of a roof side T-shaped portion, so that a reinforcing member having a predetermined shape accuracy is manufactured easily and inexpensively by pressing. A reinforcing member (12) is constructed by three members, i.e. an upper member (20), a lower member (22) and a central member (24). A tensile strength of the upper member (20) is selected lower than that of the central member (24), and is higher than that of the lower member (22). In comparison to a case where the upper member (20) and the central member (24) are constructed integrally by an ultra-high tensile steel plate, fluctuation of internally generated residual stress is made small. Shape accuracy is thereby improved by the reduced deforming amount due to camber recovery etc., thus press forming being facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Akira Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20080315629
    Abstract: A vehicle body floor structure includes: a floor panel; a floor cross member provided on the floor panel and joined to left and side sills provided on left and right sides of the floor panel; and left and right front floor frames provided on the floor panel and extending from a dashboard cross member to a substantial middle region of the floor panel through a recessed portion of the floor cross member. The left and right front floor frames each have a rear section located rearwardly of the floor cross member, and these rear sections are bent outwardly to be joined to the left and right side sills, respectively. Each of the front floor frames may be provided on the upper surface of a downwardly concaved floor section of the floor panel and extend between the concaved floor section and the floor cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Abe, Yasunobu Onoda, Yoshiyuki Toba
  • Publication number: 20080315630
    Abstract: Motor vehicle with a body having a floor structure and at least one reinforcing element for reinforcing the floor structure, wherein the reinforcing element is designed wave-shaped, wherein the waves run across the vehicle longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Stanislaw Klimek
  • Publication number: 20080315631
    Abstract: A cross-shaped chassis frame (1) formed by abutting and connecting the end parts of side members (12) to the outer face of a front end cross member (11), wherein the side members (12) are formed of hollow pipes, the end parts of the side members (12) are gradually expanded to form joined parts (20) expanded in flare skirt shape, and the outer edges of the joined parts (20) are allowed to abut on and welded to the outer face of the front end cross member (11), whereby the side members (12) can be jointed to the outer face of the front end cross member (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Fumikazu Taguchi, Kiyomi Kunihashi, Mitsuyori Gurita
  • Publication number: 20080315632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with an opening roof. The roof is provided with at least one roof piece and a rear piece that are pivotally interconnected and can be moved between a closed position in which the same close a roof opening or a rear opening and a stowed position at the rear end in which the same unblock the openings while being swiveled towards each other by the internal faces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: WEBASTO AG
    Inventor: Claudio Ivano Righetti
  • Publication number: 20080315633
    Abstract: The invention relates to the actuation of an openable roof system, for example of a cabriolet canopy system, in which a synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) is provided during the adjustment (t? to t3) for opening and/or closing the vehicle roof system, in which synchronized adjusting phase (Ts) a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator are hydraulically coupled for the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of two components of the vehicle roof system. In order to increase operational reliability, in particular to reduce the risk of undesired collisions of the components, the invention provides monitoring of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) of the two components during the synchronized adjusting phase (Ts), and in the event of a deviation of the synchronized movement (s1, s2) from a predefined nominal synchronized movement being detected, correction of the synchronized movement by at least partially suspending the hydraulic coupling of the two hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Antreich, Markus Gross, Christof Morscheit
  • Publication number: 20080315634
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seat, in particular for an open motorcar, having an air supply device for supplying an air flow from an air output opening to the head, neck and shoulder area of a passenger. The air supply device includes a heating or cooling system for heating or cooling the air flow. This air supply device is a more efficient heating or cooling system for a motor vehicle seat. For this purpose, the air supply device comprises a sandwich that includes at least one heating or cooling layer and at least one air penetrable layer and a structure which makes it possible to convert the air flow into turbulent or diffused steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Hartmann, Karl Pfahler, Lothar Renner, Dirk Weisser