Patents Issued in February 5, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090031814
    Abstract: A marker detection apparatus detects a marker attached to a target sample from samples flowing in a sample flow, including: an electric field formation section that forms a quasi-electrostatic field in a path of the sample flow; and a detection section that detects, when the target sample labeled by the marker that is a particle made from a piezoelectric or electrostrictive substance of a unique vibration frequency gets into the quasi-electrostatic field, the vibration of the particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Kiyoaki TAKIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090031815
    Abstract: A vibration test apparatus is disclosed. The vibration test apparatus includes a platform assembly, which receives a vibration input from a vibration source and imparts a multi-axial vibration to a test specimen on the platform assembly. In illustrated embodiments the platform assembly includes one or more platforms having an adjustable incline angle. The incline angle is adjusted to provide the desired output vibration based upon a measured or determined vibration profile and the input vibration from the vibration source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jui Jing Lim, Xiong Liu, Ying Su, Thia Kong Beng, Yi Ren Hong, Kok Tong Soh
  • Publication number: 20090031816
    Abstract: The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have been solved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety of different DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test station using a universal test station connector. The tray allows for the association therewith of a personality module which serves to provide the proper physical connections and to electrically condition the test station to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allows for sealed environmental testing of the DUT without impacting any physical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray also allows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion without interfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT and without imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT and the test station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: David Henderson, Sean P. Cortright, Calvin Krug, Ryan Kelley
  • Publication number: 20090031817
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor is provided that includes a diaphragm, a resistive element arranged at an upper portion of the diaphragm, an insulating film arranged on an upper face of the resistive element and an upper face of the diaphragm, a via that penetrates through a portion of the insulating film and comes into contact with the resistive element, and wiring that is electrically connected to the resistive element through the via. The insulating film includes a concave portion having a bottom face that is substantially flat. The wiring is arranged on the bottom face of the concave portion, and the depth of the concave portion is substantially equal to the thickness of the wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Yasuhide Fujioka
  • Publication number: 20090031818
    Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to a pressure sensor having a flexure supported piezo resistive sensing element are disclosed
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: James C. McKinnell, Eric L. Nikkel, Jennifer L. Wu, Adel B. Jilani
  • Publication number: 20090031819
    Abstract: The invention provides a load sensor which is driven by a low electric power consumption, can measure at a high precision, and has a high reliability without being broken. The load sensor is structured such that a detection rod for detecting a strain is provided in an inner portion of a hole formed near a center of a pin via a shock relaxation material and a semiconductor strain sensor is provided in the detection rod, in a load sensor detecting a load applied to the pin from a strain generated in an inner portion of the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Hiromi Shimazu, Yohei Tanno, Hiroyuki Ohta, Ryuji Takada, Takayuki Shimodaira
  • Publication number: 20090031820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for simultaneously exposing a disk-shaped test specimen to a flowing and pressurized test gas and mechanical load as well as an associated test method. The test device is comprised of the following components: a specimen seat, which is designed in such a way that an edge area of the test specimen rests on the specimen seat and an inner area of the test specimen is accessible from its upper side and lower side; a ram arranged above the specimen seat, with which a presettable mechanical load can be exerted on the upper side of the test specimen; and a gas feed plate arranged beneath the specimen seat, with which the test gas can be conveyed to the lower side of the test specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Axel Kranzmann, Daniela Hunert
  • Publication number: 20090031821
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a variable displacement piston pump that supplies fluid to one or more loads. If fluid is being supplied through a metering valve to a load, then the variable displacement piston pump is controlled to operate in accordance with a variable flow/variable discharge pressure scheme. However, if fluid is not being supplied through the metering valve to the load, then the variable displacement piston pump is controlled to operate in accordance with a variable flow/constant discharge pressure scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: William Scott Rowan, Larry Portolese, Brad McRoberts, George Wieger
  • Publication number: 20090031822
    Abstract: A single crystal semiconductor including a Wheatstone bridge circuit formed of an impurity diffusion layer whose longitudinal direction is aligned with a particular crystal orientation is connected to a rotating body. A rotating body dynamic quantity measuring device and a system using the measuring device are fatigue- and corrosion-resistant because of the single crystal semiconductor used and are not easily affected by temperature variations because of the bridge circuit considering a single crystal anisotropy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Hiroyuki OHTA, Takashi Sumigawa
  • Publication number: 20090031823
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting the tension, moving direction, and length of a connector. The detecting apparatus includes a connector including one end connected inside the movement detecting apparatus and other end disposed at an outer side of the movement detecting apparatus, a tension detector measuring a tension force applied to the connector by detecting a minute change in a parameter of the tension detector when the other end of the connector is pulled away from the movement detecting apparatus, a direction detector measuring a movement of the connector in horizontal and vertical directions in a plane substantially perpendicular to the tension so as to detect a direction of the tension force applied to the connector, and a length detector detecting a length of the connector extended from the movement detecting apparatus by the tension force applied to the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Nakju Doh, Won Pil Yu, Sang Ik Na, Yu-Cheol Lee, Hyo-Sung Ahn
  • Publication number: 20090031824
    Abstract: A device and method for acquiring deviations between a desired contour and an actual contour of a flexible component, in particular of a large-format metal sheet, taking into account the component's own weight. The device includes a plurality of stamps, arranged on a base area to form a stamp field, for accommodating the component at points of support, wherein each stamp comprises at least one force measuring sensor for measuring a weight force Fm that acts at the point of support, and at least one distance measuring sensor for measuring a travel path Sm travelled by the stamp. For each point of support a theoretical weight force Fg and/or a theoretical travel path Sg can be determined from component data, wherein the force measuring sensors and the distance measuring sensors are coupled to the computing unit, and the stamps are designed so as to be controlled by the computing unit, and independently of each other can travel at least essentially perpendicularly to the base area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Freerk Syassen
  • Publication number: 20090031825
    Abstract: A detecting device including a pressure sensor that is deformed by a load from an outside and causes stress dispersion includes a slip detecting unit that calculates a pressure center position using a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, calculates a movement value of the calculated pressure center position using a temporal change of the pressure center position, and detects a slip on the basis of the calculated movement value of the pressure center position. The pressure sensor has a multilayer structure in which two detecting units that detect pressure are arranged to hold a viscoelastic body made of a viscoelastic material that is deformed by a load from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Takeo KISHIDA, Toshimitsu Tsuboi, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Shizuka Yata
  • Publication number: 20090031826
    Abstract: A high throughput workstation includes: a sample deposition and annealing robot, a pan/sample weighing robot, and a thermal analyzer equipped with autosampler and data analysis system. After deposition, the solvent can be removed and multiple samples annealed simultaneously in a controlled manner. The sample pans are weighed before and after the samples are prepared using a robotic weigher. The high throughput workstation facilitates analysis of thermal properties of samples obtained via parallel plate reaction (PPR) in substantially less time than corresponding manual techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Pamela J. Stirn, Andrew J. Pasztor, JR., Mary Beth Seasholtz, Joseph A. Blazy, Richard C. Winterton, Paul L. Morabito, David V. Dellar
  • Publication number: 20090031827
    Abstract: The current invention is a device that is operated by an operation button. The user chooses the required sample and determines its quantity and then presses the button to extract the sample during several seconds in a special pot while another sample is extracted at the same time and put in the same pot to mix the samples then to heat, cool or mixed them together or shaking the sample (vibrate movement) in different speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF KUWAIT
    Inventor: Sadeq Ahmad AL-Qassem
  • Publication number: 20090031828
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the size of small particles for a condensation particle counter, in which method a particle containing aerosol flow is divided into a sample flow and a sheath flow. The sheath flow is filtered, saturated with vapor and formed to a vortex flow in a saturator which vortex-flow continues in a condenser. The sample flow is introduced to the centre of the vortex flow of the saturated sheath flow in the condenser for causing the vapor in the saturated sheath flow to condense on the particles in the sample flow thus increasing the size of the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Dekati Oy
    Inventors: Vidmantas Ulevicius, Markku Kulmala, Genrik Mordas, Vytautas Matulevicius, Vytautas Grigoraitis, Kaarle Hameri, Pasi Aalto
  • Publication number: 20090031829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical tool including a plurality of flow paths 21 each including a detection cell 26 for detecting a particular component contained in a sample and configured to move the sample by capillarity, and a common path 22 connecting the plurality of flow paths 21 to each other. Each of the flow paths 21 includes a water stopper 29 for preventing the sample from flowing into the common path 22. Preferably, the water stopper 29 suppresses the movement of the sample by differentiating a cross sectional area at a target portion in a direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction from a cross sectional area at a portion near the target portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20090031830
    Abstract: A flow cell for monitoring operating fluid in an environment with elevated temperature and/or pressure comprises a body having a body aperture. The body aperture provides opposing inlet and outlet flow slits that are disposed within a wall maintained by the body aperture. The body aperture is configured to receive upper and lower transparent plates that are separated by a pair of spaced shims. The spaced shims define a flow channel between the plates, which is aligned with the inlet and outlet flow slits. A retainer is attached by suitable fasteners to retain the plates and shims in place, and thus sealing the flow of operating fluid through the flow channel from the external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph P. Kolp, Thomas J. Sebok
  • Publication number: 20090031831
    Abstract: One embodiment is a micro hemispheric resonator gyro having: a plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes; a hemispheric resonator; a guard ring having first and second opposed sides, the guard ring containing the plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes, and the hemispheric resonator; a top cover operatively coupled to the first side of the guard ring; and a bottom cover operatively coupled to the second side of the guard ring; wherein the plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes, the hemispheric resonator, the guard ring, the top cover and the bottom cover form a micro hemispheric resonator gyro.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090031832
    Abstract: The Inner-Forcer milli-Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (mHRG) is a small, low cost, high performance gyroscope. It may have an extremely simplified design, with in one embodiment of the present method and apparatus only five major parts total, with most parts filling multiple functions. The method and apparatus in one embodiment may have: a resonator; and a body operatively coupled to the resonator, the unitary body integrally having electrodes, an electrode support unit, a weld ring and a plurality of electrically conductive pins, the plurality of electrodes operatively coupled to the electrically conductive pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Youngmin A. Choi, David M. Rozelle
  • Publication number: 20090031833
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for a carrier can prevent drive transmission units used for reciprocation of the carrier from becoming damaged, dented, or deformed even when an apparatus receives vibration or impact from the outside. The driving mechanism includes first and second pinion components held by a carrier, first and second rack segments fixed to a main apparatus body, and a connector rack segment fixed between the first and second rack segments. When the carrier performs recording, the first pinion component engages with the first rack segment. When the carrier is at a home position, the second pinion component engages with the second rack segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshihide Wada
  • Publication number: 20090031834
    Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus that shortens the time from starting to finishing a shift motion and suppresses overload applied to a shift actuator. A transmission apparatus has a plurality of shift gear pairs with different transmission gear ratios, and a gear selecting mechanism that selects a shift gear pair transmitting power. A shift motor drives the gear selecting mechanism. A shift power transmission mechanism transmits power of the motor to the gear selecting mechanism. A mechanical fuse within the shift power transmission mechanism generates an irreversible state change such that the transmission power becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value if the transmission power exceeds the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20090031835
    Abstract: A shift control ECU includes the steps of storing a position of a shift lever; starting a count-up timer when the shift lever comes to a neutral position; and recognizing a driver's request for the neutral position when a count-up timer value attains TN(1) if the stored shift lever position is a home position and when a count-up timer value attains TN(2) if the stored shift lever position is not the home position. Here, TN(1) is set to be smaller than TN(2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji INOUE, Yasushi Kobiki, Toshiharu Asai, Takehiro Uchida, Yasuo Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20090031836
    Abstract: A synchronizer actuating system with selectives for use in dual clutch transmission is provided. The synchronizer actuating system includes an apply finger and a fork mounted on a shift rail. The fork grips a synchronizer sleeve that supports a synchronizer. The synchronizer is moveable to a neutral position. A three area piston assembly is operable to engage and actuate the apply finger. The three area piston assembly includes a hydraulic neutral position. A selective element is coupled to the synchronizer actuating system to calibrate the hydraulic neutral position of the three area piston assembly to the neutral position of the synchronizer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Brian Tooman, Fredrik Englund, Robert Roessner, Henryk Sowul
  • Publication number: 20090031837
    Abstract: In a synchronizing device of a transmission, in which when a coupling sleeve is slidingly moved on a synchronizer hub during gear shift operation, the coupling sleeve is engaged with a balk ring by a rotating synchronizing action, and then the coupling sleeve is further slidingly moved until the coupling sleeve is engaged with a clutch gear to complete the gear shift operation, the synchronizing device includes a guide rail mechanism, provided between the coupling sleeve and the synchronizer hub, to suppress a fall of the coupling sleeve during the sliding movement of the coupling sleeve. The guide rail mechanism is set in a sliding-movement range from a neutral position of the coupling sleeve to at least a position where a coupling-sleeve chamfer and a balk-ring chamfer abut with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Masashi Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20090031838
    Abstract: An electric motor 1 and a worm gear 11 were housed in a case, an output shaft 2 of the electric motor 1 and a fitting hole 11C of the worm gear 11 were fitted so as to be capable of freely transmitting torque and of freely moving relatively in a direction of an axis X, and a tip of the output shaft 2 and an inner end of the fitting hole 11C set a gap D of separation in the direction of the axis X. Furthermore, a support section 30 making contact with an end section of a shaft section 11A of the worm gear 11 at the side of the electric motor 1 thereof was provided inside the case, and a thrust force resulting from dynamic inertia of the wheel gear 11 upon stopping of the electric motor 1 and acting on the worm gear 11 was borne by the support section 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norio Konomoto, Akira Muramatsu, Kazutaka Kojima, Kazuhisa Hidaka, Yukinobu Kunimatsu
  • Publication number: 20090031839
    Abstract: [Problems] A motor shaft for a micromotor where a high reduction ratio can be obtained by a speed-reduction gear mechanism and where high coaxiality between the motor shaft and a pinion can be achieved. [Means for Solving problems] The invention is based on the fact that, because a micromotor has a very small motor torque, even a pinion having a diameter smaller than that of a shaft has sufficient strength for the motor torque. Based on this, the motor shaft of the invention has a pinion integrally formed on the front end side of the shaft and the pinion has an outer diameter equal to or less than that of the shaft. Because the pinion can be sufficiently reduced in diameter, a high reduction ratio can be obtained by a speed-reduction gear mechanism. In addition, since the pinion can be integrally formed on the motor shaft, high coaxiality between the shaft and the pinion can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: NAMIKI SEIMITSU HOUSEKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukiharu Shimizu, Eri Fukushima, Daichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20090031840
    Abstract: A control device comprising: a reference frame; a stick; a pivot mounting the stick to the reference frame and defining a pivot axis; and an actuator for rotating the stick about the pivot axis. Mass balance is achieved by offsetting the centres of mass of the actuator and the stick from the pivot axis. Typically a line joining the centres of mass of the actuator and the stick substantially passes through the pivot axis. The actuator is a rotary actuator having a stator coupled to the stick and a rotor coupled to the reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Cowling
  • Publication number: 20090031841
    Abstract: A bicycle control device is provided with a brake bracket, a brake lever, a first gearshift operating part, a second gearshift operating part, a first electrical switch, and a second electrical switch. The brake bracket is mountable to a handlebar. The brake lever is pivotally mounted to the brake bracket. The first gearshift operating part is movable relative to the brake lever. The second gearshift operating part is separate from the first gearshift operating part and movable relative to the brake lever. The first electrical switch is operated with the first gearshift operating part. The second electrical switch is operated with the second gearshift operating part. The second gearshift operating part is arranged such that when the first gearshift operating part is moved relative to the brake lever, the second gearshift operating part moves relative to the brake lever along with the first gearshift operating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Toshio TETSUKA
  • Publication number: 20090031842
    Abstract: A working mechanism for a medical manipulator and a cleaning method therefor are provided. A working unit of a medical manipulator is equipped with a hollow connecting shaft, wires of a motive force transmitting member disposed in the connecting shaft, and a distal end working unit disposed on one end of the connecting shaft and which is moved by the wires. A cover covers at least a portion of the distal end working unit. A gap is provided between the cover and the connecting shaft, with oblong holes being disposed laterally on right and left sides of the cover. A cleaning agent is made to flow through the holes and the gap and/or a brush may be inserted through the holes and the gap for cleaning the distal end working unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicants: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Junko Kawai, Makoto Jinno
  • Publication number: 20090031843
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed having lower and upper steering column members that are slidingly interengaged. The upper column member is attached to a structural part of the motor vehicle by a ride down mechanism that allows the upper steering column to move in the event of a collision. A load transfer means is provided to bypass the ride down mechanism when an adjustment lever is moved to a position allowing the position of the upper steering column member to be adjusted thereby preventing accidental damage occurring to the ride down mechanism due to operator abuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Mark Marable, Marcus John Scott Ward, Timothy Scott, Gregor Whelan
  • Publication number: 20090031844
    Abstract: A tilt-type steering apparatus includes a steering column swingably supported by a tilt pivot shaft and rotatably supporting a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached, and a tilt bracket fixed to a vehicle body member and tiltably holding the steering column Stress cushioning member is disposed between the steering column and the tilt bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Iwakawa, Osamu Tatewaki
  • Publication number: 20090031845
    Abstract: A Bowden cable adjusting device is provided for one or more Bowden cables (1?, 1?). The Bowden cable adjusting device (3) has a housing (4) with a detachable locking device (6) for adjustably connecting the housing (4) to a transmission element (5), which can be connected to one or more Bowden cables (1?, 1?). The Bowden cable adjusting device (3) has a mounting securing device (7) for the transmission element (5). The mounting securing device (7) can be deactivated. A process for mounting and adjusting a Bowden cable arrangement is also provided, wherein the mounting securing device (7) may be deactivated and the Bowden cable adjusting device (3) is shortened while adjusting the distance between the actuating member (2) and the Bowden cable (1?, 1?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Christoph KAINZNER
  • Publication number: 20090031846
    Abstract: A control device for a derailleur of a bicycle is described, comprising a support body, a cable-winding bush supported for rotation with respect to the support body, an indexer mechanism housed in the support body and suitable for controlling the angular position of the cable-winding bush, and a single manual actuation lever, the indexer mechanism comprising a toothed wheel integral in rotation with the cable-winding bush and having a first and a second plurality of slanting teeth, a first pawl integral with a driven arm of the lever and brought into thrusting engagement upon the first teeth while the lever is manually moved in a first direction beyond a predetermined rotation threshold, and a second pawl driven out of retention engagement with the second teeth by the driven arm of the lever while the lever is manually moved in the first direction up to the predetermined rotation threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: CAPAGNOLO S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Pra', Marco Caiazzo
  • Publication number: 20090031847
    Abstract: End caps are retained by handlebar grip clamps. The grip clamps include recesses to attach to protrusions on an outside end of handlebar grips, interior circumferential portions which clamp against the handlebar, and outward facing mouths with inside grooves. The grip clamps may be loosely attached to the handle grips allowing insertable portions of the end caps to be inserted into the mouths. The insertable portions include tapered portions to facilitate insertion into the mouths of the loosely tightened clamps, and raised captured portions and recessed portions for retention of the end caps by the inside grooves of the mouths. The grip clamps may then be tightened onto the handlebars and thereby both lock the handlebar grips onto the handlebars and retain the end caps. Damaged end caps may later be replaced by loosening the clamps without requiring removal of the clamps or the grips for easy repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: EARL DAVID GRIMES
  • Publication number: 20090031848
    Abstract: This dishwasher utilizes a rod 58 whose upper end is linked to the proximal end of a rotary arm 10, and compression springs 53 and 54 linked to the proximal end of the rotary arm 10 via the rod 58. Thus, even if the compression springs 53 and 54 break, the elastic force of the compression springs 53 and 54 themselves is maintained, and furthermore, the compression springs 53 and 54 continue to be supported by the lower end of the rod 58 in a state of being positionally restricted with respect to a dishwasher main body 2. This prevents a door 7 in an open state from suddenly falling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Tameishi
  • Publication number: 20090031849
    Abstract: A suspension link assembly is provided. The link assembly includes a link member having a head portion and a shank. The head portion has a concave surface. The head portion further includes a convex surface. At least one bushing is provided. The bushing has convex and concave surfaces for respectively engaging the concave and convex surfaces of the head portion. A tapered aperture extends through the head portion from the convex surface to the concave surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Larry J. Verbowski
  • Publication number: 20090031850
    Abstract: The pedal includes a pedal body (1) rotationally mounted on a pedal shaft. The pedal body (1) includes a fixed front catch element (4) and a movable rear catch element (6) that work with a retaining plate (3) fixed underneath the footwear of the cyclist. The movable rear catch element (6) is mounted to be able to pivot between a retaining position of the plate (3) and a position of release of the plate (3) by the pivoting of the rear catch element (6) in opposition to the action of an elastic return element (10). The elastic return element (10) is composed of an elastic leaf that forms a spring located in a longitudinal housing (11) of the pedal body (10) open to the rear, the leaf (10) being able to be stressed along its longitudinal axis in buckling during pivoting of the rear catch element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: LOOK CYCLE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Jean-Marc HILLAIRET, Frederic ROUDERGUES
  • Publication number: 20090031851
    Abstract: A guard for use on a cutting knife of a slitting machine has a body with an opening sized to permit a cutting wheel mounted in the cutting knife to extend through the opening. The body has two ends, with an attachment member associated with each end. The attachment members are shaped to engage receiving members on the cutting knife, so that the guard may be removably attached to the cutting knife. The guard acts as a blade guard, covering the cutting wheel fully when the cutting wheel is retracted, such as during machine set-ups. The opening allows the cutting wheel to be actuated into position during machine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Omni Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Centner, Don Culbertson
  • Publication number: 20090031852
    Abstract: A variable transmission ratio apparatus for effectively preventing ratcheting between a flexible spline and a circular spline caused by a steering operation performing in a locked state. A variable transmission ratio apparatus includes a strain wave gear mechanism for adding rotation resulting from motor drive to rotation from an input shaft resulting from a steering operation and transmitting the added rotation to an output shaft, a housing accommodating the strain wave gear mechanism and the motor and fixed to a non-rotating portion, and a lock device for locking the housing and a motor shaft in a manner prohibiting relative rotation therebetween. Among the circular splines forming the strain wave gear mechanism, the number of teeth of the circular spline connected to the output shaft is greater than the number of teeth of the circular spline connected to the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyasu Yamamori, Hidetoshi Fujiwara, Osamu Watanabe, Yoshinori Suzuki, Hirotsune Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20090031853
    Abstract: A combination gear having a simple structure is provided at low cost without increasing a number of components. In at least two gears adjacent in an axial line direction and having a same rotation direction, three engaging portions arranged in a regular triangle are formed at an end of one of the adjacent gears and a regular triangle engaging hole is formed at an end of another gear. The engaging portions and the engaging hole fit together with play remaining, and when one of the gears rotates, the three engaging portions and three surfaces of the engaging hole engage such that the other gear rotates coaxially, and when rotation stops, the engaging portions and the engaging hole move in a direction orthogonal to the axial line by a play amount and become eccentric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizuno, Isamu Kugimiya, Takeshi Hashimoto, Naoto Yoshida, Nozomu Kondo
  • Publication number: 20090031854
    Abstract: An apparatus for the combustion of gas exiting from an electric arc furnace for the preheating of scraps entering the furnace itself foresees an insertion device of comburent substance into a preheating chamber or loading tunnel of the scrap metal having an inlet section of the scrap metal, a seal section to prevent an uncontrolled entrance of air in the tunnel, a heating section and an unloading section of the scrap metal in the furnace. Said insertion device of the comburent substance comprises one or more adjustable openings placed in the loading tunnel, and said apparatus comprises a device or a series of devices, also not equipped with autonomous movement, of mechanical seal nature placed in the insertion or inlet section of the scrap metal in the loading tunnel or preheating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Techint Compagnia Tecnica Internazionale S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Argenta, Silvio Reali, Claudio Lodati, Mauro Bianchi Ferri
  • Publication number: 20090031855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
  • Publication number: 20090031856
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, comprising: dissociating at least one metal precursor selected from the group consisting of silver, gold and palladium; reducing the dissociated metal precursor; and isolating the capped metal nanoparticles with an alkyl amine. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles which can be performed with a simpler equipment compared to the gas phase method, can provide metal nanoparticles in high yield by only using alkyl amine without using any surfactant in high concentration which further allows mass production, can provide metal nanoparticles having high dispersion stability and uniform size of 1-40 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Kwi-Jong Lee, Jaewoo Joung
  • Publication number: 20090031857
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the ore content and for further treatment of the ore, the ore content of the crushed ore being monitored in said method on-line and the information on the ore content being utilized in the further treatment of the ore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: MINE ON-LINE SERVICE OY
    Inventor: Ilpo Auranen
  • Publication number: 20090031858
    Abstract: A method of cold starting a molten bath-based direct smelting process for producing molten iron in a vessel (3) is disclosed. The method includes a step of preheating the vessel before supplying solid feed materials into the vessel. The method also includes a subsequent step of supplying an oxygen-containing gas and solid feed materials including material for forming slag, iron-containing feed material, and carbonaceous material into the vessel and generating heat and forming a bath of molten material that includes molten iron and molten slag in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Iain William Farr, Rodney James Dry
  • Publication number: 20090031859
    Abstract: A hearth material is laid in the form of a layer on the hearth prior to supply of a mixture containing a carbonaceous reducing agent and iron oxides onto a hearth of a reduction melting furnace, thereby forming a renewable hearth capable of being renewed, and the metallic iron is produced while renewing a part or the whole of the renewable hearth, which has deteriorated during operation, with the hearth material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: MIDREX INTERNATIONAL B. V. Zurich Branch
    Inventors: Osamu TSUGE, Yasuhiro Tanigaki, Isao Kobayashi, Koji Tokuda, Shoichi Kikuchi, Shuzo Ito
  • Publication number: 20090031860
    Abstract: For the production of stainless steel of the ferritic AISI 4xx group of steels, particularly the AISI 430 group of steels, based on liquid pig iron and FeCr solids, the invention proposes the use of the AOD (Argon Oxygen Decarburization) process in which oxygen and inert gas (inactive gas) together are blown into the bath through nozzles and top-blown onto the surface of the bath by a blowing lance. The aim of the treatment is to conclude a smelting charge within an optimal time period, to achieve the intended tapping temperature and composition, and to minimize chromium losses. This is achieved by a correspondingly applied technology and by means of a metallurgic process model which observes, prognosticates and controls the treatment of the smelting charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Johann Reichel
  • Publication number: 20090031861
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously stripping or recovering values from a value bearing material, typically a slurry or solution thereof. The resin and value bearing material are contacted in a counter-current manner in a contact zone to load the resin with values from the value bearing material. The resin is fluidised by the value bearing material in the contact zone. The loaded resin is passed through a first washing zone to displace excess value bearing material. The loaded resin then passes through a stripping zone, typically an acid or alkali, to strip the values from the resin and form an eluate, which is treated further to recover the values. The stripped resin is washed in a second washing zone, to displace excess stripping agent, and returned to the contact zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Futuremet (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger H. Wintle
  • Publication number: 20090031862
    Abstract: A recovery process for at least one precious metal contained in an ore, includes: comminuting the ore to obtain particles smaller than a predetermined particle size; separating the particles into at least two groups, each group being characterized by a particle size range; and leaching separately each group of particles with a reagent adapted to dissolve the at least one precious metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Mohamed Ourriban, Rock Gagnon, Paul Blatter
  • Publication number: 20090031863
    Abstract: Methods for forming earth-boring tools include providing a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between a first element and a second element and sintering the first element, the second element, and the boding agent to form a bond between the first element and the second element at the interface. The methods may be used, for example, to bond together portions of a body of an earth-boring tool (which may facilitate, for example, the formation of cutting element pockets) or to bond cutting elements to a body of an earth-boring tool (e.g., a bit body of a fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit or a cone of a roller cone earth-boring drill bit). At least partially formed earth-boring tools include a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between two or more elements, at least one of which may comprise a green or brown structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Lyons, Jimmy W. Eason, Redd H. Smith, John H. Stevens