Patents Issued in April 9, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090090558
    Abstract: A compressible object is described that may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. Also, the compressible object has an internal pressure (i) greater than about 200 pounds per square inch at atmospheric pressure and (ii) selected for a predetermined external pressure, wherein external pressures that exceed the internal pressure reduce the volume of the compressible object and wherein the shell being designed to reduce localized strains of the compressible object during expansion and compression of the compressible object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Richard S. Polizzotti, Dennis George Peiffer, Ramesh Gupta, Norman M. Pokutylowicz, Barbara Carstensen, Michael J. Luton, Paul Matthew Spiecker
  • Publication number: 20090090559
    Abstract: A compressible object is described that may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. The shell experiences less strain when the external pressure is about equal to the internal pressure than when the external pressure is above or below a predetermined compression interval of the compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Richard S. Polizzotti, Dennis George Peiffer, Ramesh Gupta, Norman M. Pokutylowicz, Barbara Carstensen, Michael J. Luton, Paul Matthew Spiecker
  • Publication number: 20090090560
    Abstract: The invention is related to a hole boring tool having a cylindrical sleeve, a piston assembly and the seal located on the piston assembly. The piston assembly is formed of a piston, a neck extending backward from the piston, and a handle extending backward from the neck. The seal is located on an outer surface of the piston and is in contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Jacob Hinke
  • Publication number: 20090090561
    Abstract: An earth boring drill bit having a cleaning nozzle for cleaning cutting elements on the face of the drill bit. A notch is included on the nozzle face for directing an elongated and coherent fluid flow from the nozzle outlet to the cutting element face. The nozzle face may include more than one notch for cleaning elements disposed in locations around the nozzle. The nozzle may be at the ends of a row of cutting elements, or disposed in the middle of a row of cutting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Suresh G. Patel
  • Publication number: 20090090562
    Abstract: Cutting elements include an ultra-hard body, e.g., comprising diamond, that is attached to substrate, e.g., comprising a cermet. An interface exists between the body and the substrate, and an angle of departure as measured between the interface and a free edge of the cutting element within one or both of the body and substrate, is less than about 90 degrees to provide a desired stress reduction along the interface. The angle of departure can be from about 3 to 87 degrees. The desired reduced angle of departure is provided by a surface feature disposed along an outer side surface of the cutting element adjacent a free edge of the interface. The surface feature can in the form of a groove disposed circumferentially around the body and/or substrate outer side surface, that is configured to provide the desired reduced angle of departure within the body and/or substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Yuelin SHEN, John (Youhe) ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20090090563
    Abstract: Diamond-bonded constructions include a diamond-bonded body having a thermally stable region extending a distance below a diamond-bonded body surface. The thermally stable region comprises a matrix phase of bonded-together diamond crystals, and interstitial regions comprising a reaction product. The reaction product is formed by reaction between the diamond crystals and a reactive material. The reactant is a carbide former and the reaction product is a carbide. The diamond-bonded body includes a further diamond region extending from the thermally stable region that comprises the matrix phase and a Group VIII metal disposed within interstitial regions of the matrix phase. The thermally stable region is substantially free of a catalyst material used to initially form the diamond-bonded body. The diamond-bonded body may include a material layer formed from the reaction product that is disposed on a surface of the diamond-bonded body thermally stable region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Georgiy VORONIN, J. Daniel BELNAP
  • Publication number: 20090090564
    Abstract: A scale can include a low capacity sensing mechanism operatively coupled to a load, wherein the low capacity sensing mechanism may detect movement of the load. A transfer mechanism can be operatively coupled to the low capacity sensing mechanism, wherein the low capacity sensing mechanism may enable the scale to weigh both relatively heavy loads and relatively light loads to a minor division resolution associated with the low capacity sensing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Roman Kresina
  • Publication number: 20090090565
    Abstract: A scale can include a low capacity sensing mechanism operatively coupled to a load, wherein the low capacity sensing mechanism may detect movement of the load. A transfer mechanism can be operatively coupled to the low capacity sensing mechanism, wherein the low capacity sensing mechanism may enable the scale to weigh both relatively heavy loads and relatively light loads to a minor division resolution associated with the low capacity sensing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Roman Kresina
  • Publication number: 20090090566
    Abstract: A steel coil weighing apparatus includes a base having a structure capable of supporting the weighing apparatus and an article to be weighed and having a base portion capable of contact with a load cell, a platform positioned above the base and having a platform portion capable of contact with a load cell, at least one load cell positioned between the base portion and the platform portion and capable of providing a signal corresponding to the weight of an article to be weighed, and at least one guide capable of aligning the base and the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Jessica Ruth, David Allan Davolt, JR., Marcus Kortan
  • Publication number: 20090090567
    Abstract: A gesture determination apparatus, determines, every time a point coordinate is input in time sequence from an input unit, whether an input locus, which is formed from point coordinates input before the point coordinate is input and the point coordinate input from the input unit, satisfies a feature of a locus of a gesture stored in a storage unit, to output an identification information of the gesture when the input locus satisfies the feature of the locus of the gesture, determines, every time the point coordinate is input, whether point coordinates input during predetermined time before the point coordinate is input and the point coordinate input from the input unit are in a standstill state within a predetermined distance, and determines a repeat of the gesture when the standstill state is determined after the one of the gestures is determined, to output the identification information of the gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: YOJIRO TONOUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090090568
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a digital device, which controls the digital device by using a sensor sensing a touch of a human body, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling a digital device, which controls a digital device via a touch sensor and provides feedback information based on touch information of a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Dong Jin Min
  • Publication number: 20090090569
    Abstract: A sensing system includes a panel, a reflective element (RE), an image sensor (IS) and a processor electrically connected to the IS. The panel has a plane, a first area (FIA) having the first, second, third and fourth boundaries connected in order and a third area (TA) at the plane. The TA in the FIA is smaller than the FIA. The FIA and TA are quadrilaterals. The RE on the plane is disposed at the first boundary. A reflective mirror plane (RMP) of the RE perpendicular to the plane mirrors the FIA and TA to form a second area (SA) and a fourth area (FOA). The IS sensing the TA and FOA on the plane is disposed at the intersection of the third and fourth boundaries. An imaginary line passing through the IS, being perpendicular to the RMP and being located on the plane is outside the TA and FOA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Cho-Yi Lin
  • Publication number: 20090090570
    Abstract: The present invention provides track assemblies and a method that allow bringing the contact patch towards the inside (the outside) of the suspension arm, by providing a asymmetric track assembly, either by lowering at least one inside (outside) support wheel relative to the remaining support wheels, or by using a belt that comprises, transversally, at least one first profile on the outer (inner) side thereof lower than a second profile on an inner side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Jeremie ZUCHOSKI, Denis Boisvert
  • Publication number: 20090090571
    Abstract: A driving unit for a vehicle includes plural gear sets, plural switching clutches, a lever member, an output shaft, a motor generator, a separating clutch provided for interrupting a force transmission between the output shaft and the motor generator, and a separating shifter supported to be movable in a direction of a selecting movement of the lever member between a first position and a second position. The separating clutch is connected to the separating shifter to operate the separating clutch to be engaged when the separating shifter is located at the first position and to be released when the separating shifter is located at the second position. The lever member is engaged with the separating shifter located at the first position when one of the gear sets for establishing the highest shift stage is selected and operates the separating shifter to move to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: AISIN AI CO., LTD
    Inventor: Toshio TANBA
  • Publication number: 20090090572
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive having at least one first and one second drive-connected drive machine, in which an actual torque of at least one of the drive machines is influenced by a reference-forming element in that, from a combined setpoint torque, a first setpoint torque is formed for a slow influencing path and a second setpoint torque is formed for a fast influencing path for the first drive machine and a setpoint torque is generated for a fast influencing path of the second drive machine. A provision is made for the lead setpoint torque for influencing the slow influencing path of the first drive machine to be obtained from the unfiltered combined setpoint torque before the combined setpoint torque is processed in the reference-forming element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20090090573
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having an array of batteries that recharge with a generator connected to a Stirling engine, steam engine and/or steam turbine powered by combusting a solid fuel product. The battery array for this vehicle, which is a series hybrid, can be recharged using residential electrical current. A preferred solid fuel product for burning in the generator-charging engine of this vehicle is selected from cellulose, lignin and combinations thereof, most preferably in the form of pellets or small logs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel J. Boone
  • Publication number: 20090090574
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprises inverters connected electrically with a power supply line and a ground line and controlling the current flowing through each stator coil of each of first and second motor generators and a switch making or breaking the connection between the neutral of the stator coil of first motor generator and a battery. When the first motor generator is not used but the second motor generator is used, a controller brings the switch into connection state in parallel with voltage conversion operation of a booster unit and controls the inverter to perform voltage conversion operation using the stator coil of first motor generator as a reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiromichi Kuno
  • Publication number: 20090090575
    Abstract: To make even a high-voltage battery with an extraordinarily large capacity, mountable on a vehicle, a high-voltage battery is installed on a rear floor panel in a rear portion of a fuel cell electric vehicle, and a cooling fan unit for cooling the battery is connected to the high-voltage battery by an exhaust duct. In addition, the cooling fan unit is disposed on a rear side member, in the vicinity, at the vehicle-rear side, of the high voltage battery, and on the same horizontal plane that the high-voltage battery is located on. At the vehicle-rear side of the high-voltage battery, a utility box is provided. An exhaust duct connected to the cooling fan unit is disposed between the utility box and a utility box adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Satoshi NAGASAKA
  • Publication number: 20090090576
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a body frame having right and left frame members 15R and 15L and an air cleaner 10 having an air cleaner case 3 and an air filter element 6. The air cleaner case 3 includes a lower section 3a, a part of which being positioned between the frame members 15R and 15L and an upper section 3b protruding upward from the lower section 3a above the frame members 15R and 15L and laterally extending outward. The upper section 3b is positioned above the frame members 15R and 15L and laterally outward of inner ends 15a of the right and left frame members 15R and 15L. The upper section 3b has a seal section 26. The air filter element 6 is supported and sealed by the seal section 26 so as to divide the inner space of the air cleaner case 3 into an upper space and a lower space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya Nishizawa, Satoshi Terumichi, Hiroshi Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20090090577
    Abstract: An anti-drunk driving apparatus for a vehicle including: an alcohol drinking determination device which determines whether or not a first person seated in a driver's seat is drunk; a driving restriction device which restricts driving of the vehicle in a case where it is determined that the first person seated in the driver's seat is drunk by the alcohol drinking determination device; a driving intention presumption device which presumes whether or not a second person seated in the driver's seat has an intention to drive; a photograph device which photographs the faces of the first and second persons; and a person identification device which determines whether or not the first and second persons are the same by comparing their faces in images, wherein if it is determined that the first and the second persons are not the same, the driving restriction device restricts driving of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Takahashi, Shinsuke Ueda
  • Publication number: 20090090578
    Abstract: Shifter assemblies to be mounted onto a motor vehicle are provided. According to one embodiment, a shifter assembly comprises a mounting plate configured to be mounted onto a motor vehicle adjacent to a floorboard. A pivot assembly is connected to the mounting plate. The shifter assembly also comprises a first shifter lever comprising a pedal portion configured to accept a first shifter pedal, and a linkage portion coupled for pivotal movement with respect to the pivot assembly. A linkage assembly comprising first and second end portions is coupled to the linkage portion of the first shifter lever at the first end portion, and is pivotally coupled to a shifter spline at the second end portion. The motor vehicle is upshifted by pivoting the first shifter lever in a forward direction and downshifted by pivoting a second shifter lever secured to the shifter spline in a forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: James D. Ross
  • Publication number: 20090090579
    Abstract: A silencer for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. The silencer includes a silencing chamber 15a formed in a housing 16, an inlet pipe 20 connected to the housing 16 to allow the refrigerant to flow into the silencing chamber 15a, and an outlet pipe 21 connected to the housing 16 to allow the refrigerant to flow out of the silencing chamber 15a. The direction in which the inlet pipe 20 is connected to the housing 16 and the direction in which the outlet pipe 21 is connected to the housing 16 cross each other. A bend 21c projected into the silencing chamber 15a and curved toward the upstream end 20b of the inlet pipe 20 is formed at the upstream end 21b portion of the outlet pipe 21. The bend 21c is formed with an opening 21d to open the inside part thereof. As a result, the refrigerant that has flowed into the silencing chamber 15a can be guided smoothly to the outlet pipe 21 while at the same time avoiding a case in which the bend 21c suppresses the interference of the pressure wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shin Nishida, Masaaki Kawakubo, Takashi Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20090090580
    Abstract: A sandwich element for the sound-absorbing inner cladding of means of transport such as an aircraft. The sandwich element includes a three-dimensionally constructed core structure disposed between two cover layers that run substantially parallel to one another at a distance. A plurality of passages for sound transmission are incorporated in the core structure and/or in at least one cover layers, wherein at least one sound absorption layer is disposed in the area of at least one cover layer at least in parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Hotzeldt, Oliver Schindler, Steffen Erfurth, Bernd Ohlendorf
  • Publication number: 20090090581
    Abstract: A stair system for a mobile storage tank includes a platform subsystem attached to a wall of the mobile storage tank, a staircase subsystem coupled to the platform subsystem, and a rail subsystem attached to the staircase subsystem. The platform subsystem includes a retractable platform extension, and the staircase and rail subsystem are configured to be extended for use and retracted for transit and non-use modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: WICHITA TANK MANUFACTURING, LTD.
    Inventor: Theron J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20090090582
    Abstract: A shackle for supporting a platform support on an upright comprising a first side member and a second side member, an inner load bearing jaw and an outer load bearing jaw mounted on the first and second side members with the inner load bearing jaw for engaging a first surface of the upright and the outer load bearing jaw for engaging a second surface of the upright, and a locking jaw mounted on the side members and movable between an upright engaging condition to prevent the lowering of the shackle on the upright and an upright non-engaging condition to allow for the lowering of the shackle on the upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Henry J. Riblet
  • Publication number: 20090090583
    Abstract: A system and method for scanning items for purchase in a retail environment is provided that has the ability to scan multiple items within its scan field of view simultaneously or nearly simultaneously in a multi-scanning type of configuration. In addition to the simultaneous scanning, the identity of each scanned item is discovered and then added to a running tally of items to be later purchased in a point of sale terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: THE KROGER CO.
    Inventors: BRETT BRACEWELL BONNER, CHRISTOPHER TODD HJELM, WILLIAM RODNEY McCULLEN
  • Publication number: 20090090584
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for providing item bagging advisements to individuals bagging purchased items during a check-out situation. The solution can include a self-checkout system and/or a human assisted checkout system capable of providing bagging assistance. A bagged item can be detected based on information such as weight, barcode data, and the like. Based on a set of rules for preferred item grouping, items can be determined to be appropriately bagged or to be in conflict with another item. Item bagging assistance can include, but is not limited to, item conflict warning, item compatibility confirmation, and assistance based on item categorization. Visual and aural confirmation and/or warning notifications can be presented to a user based on item compatibility or incompatibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: AL CHAKRA, MONICA S. HARRIS, RUTHIE D. LYLE, HEMA SRIKANTH
  • Publication number: 20090090585
    Abstract: In a brake-by-wire system, upon application of the brake pedal (3), the actuator (55) will deactivate the device (5), which connects and disconnects the simulator, during a predefined switching time (T2-T3). The movement of the brake pedal (3) in the direction of actuation, which movement occurs during the switching time, or the reaction of the connecting and disconnecting device (5), which reaction is caused by movement of the brake pedal (3), is sensed and evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Sikorski
  • Publication number: 20090090586
    Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) piston ring includes an MR-piston-ring body disposable within a cylinder of an MR damper. The MR-piston-ring body has a radially inner surface defining a boundary of a longitudinally-extending MR passageway. The MR-piston-ring body includes a surface portion which is slidingly engagable with the cylinder and which has first and second longitudinal ends. The surface portion includes at least one surface groove each defining a secondary MR passageway and extending from the first to the second longitudinal end or each defining an MR cavity extending from one of the first and second longitudinal ends toward, but not to, the other of the first and second longitudinal ends. An MR damper including the MR piston ring is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: James Louis Lopez, JR., Jaroslaw S. Skarbek
  • Publication number: 20090090587
    Abstract: A speed responsive damper (10) comprises: a cylinder (11) in which a fluid is enclosed; a piston (13) that is slidably fitted into the cylinder and that has an orifice (19a) through which a fluid passes; a piston rod 14 whose one end is fixed to the piston and whose the other end is extended to the outside of the cylinder; and a slider 15 that is installed within the cylinder, and that moves in a predetermined range relative to the piston, and that adjusts an amount of the fluid passing through the piston, wherein the orifice is formed at a front end side of the piston. Therefore, explosive sound of air can be reduced, and swirl or slip of oil can be previously prevented, and a piston rod can be prevented from tilting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Shigemitsu Tomita
  • Publication number: 20090090588
    Abstract: A damping valve includes a valve body, the valve body having at least one through hole and a valve seating surface. There is at least one valve disk configured to mate with the valve seating surface and at least partially seal the through hole and a first spring configured to bias the at least one valve disk towards the valve seating surface. A stop ring is configured to support the first spring on a first surface and an intermediate ring is configured to be supported by the stop ring on a second surface of the stop ring opposite the first surface. A second spring is configured to bias the intermediate ring against the stop ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Stefan Berger
  • Publication number: 20090090589
    Abstract: A reel assembly includes an electrical cord, and a reel encased within a housing and capable of winding and unwinding the electrical cord. A power connector electrically couples one end of the electrical cord to a power source, such as a vehicle's cigarette lighter receptacle or 12 volt accessory power outlet. A powered device, such as a lamp, or flashlight, may be electrically coupled to an intermediate connector at the other end of the electrical cord. Connectors coupled to the electrical cord are removably attachable to the housing of the reel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: CUSTOM ACCESSORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Norman L. Matthew, Vincent Alesi
  • Publication number: 20090090590
    Abstract: A high torque capacity one-way clutch includes a first, inner annulus nested within a second, outer annulus. The inner annulus includes a plurality of transverse grooves on its outer surface as well as a centrally disposed circumferential groove. A like plurality of moveable struts having a central opening are received within respective grooves in the inner annulus and are retained there by a circumferential band passing through the openings in the struts and received in the circumferential groove. The outer annulus includes a plurality of transverse grooves on its inner surface and receives the inner annulus, struts and circumferential band. Upon relative rotation of the annuli in one direction, the struts engage the grooves and inhibit rotation between the annuli, thereby transmitting torque. Upon relative rotation in the opposite direction, the struts slide along the inner surface of the outer annulus without engaging and thus do not transmit torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: DWAYNE P. JOPPECK
  • Publication number: 20090090591
    Abstract: A method for determining a torque characteristic of a friction clutch located in a drive train of a motor vehicle in the force flow between a drive engine and a transmission and which is closed in its rest position. At least two marker points of a regulating-path-dependent torque characteristic are determined, one of which is determined at a slipping limit of the clutch. To enhance determination of the torque characteristic, a first marker point is determined with the clutch engaged, the transmission in neutral and the engine running, by slowly disengaging the clutch until a reduction in the speed of the transmission input shaft relative to the engine speed is detected. A corresponding pair of values of this marker point with the known braking torque of the input shaft and the set position are used for adapting an existing characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rainer Petzold, Peter Herter, Franz Bitzer
  • Publication number: 20090090592
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided including a controller, a plurality of vibration sensors, a clutch housing containing a lubricated clutch pack having a friction interface, a clutch piston responsive to a current command from the controller and operable for applying a compression force on the clutch pack, and a high-frequency (HF) oscillation source configured to generate at least one HF oscillation, and to direct the HF oscillation to the friction interface, wherein the controller is operable to detect clutch shudder and activate the source in response thereto to minimize the clutch shudder. The source includes HF hardware, and generates different HF oscillations applied directly to the clutch housing or to the clutch-apply current command. A method of reducing clutch shudder includes setting a threshold clutch shudder amplitude, detecting clutch shudder, and applying a HF oscillation to a friction interface to minimize clutch shudder when the detected shudder exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090090593
    Abstract: A damper assembly has a torque input member configured to be connected to engine crankshaft through a torque limit clutch. An output member has a hub configured to be mounted to a transmission input shaft. Damping springs operatively interconnects the input member and output member, enabling the input member and output member to rotate relative to each other at some angular displacements before the input torque from engine crankshaft is completely transmitted to transmission input shaft. The damping springs includes a series of long springs and a series of relatively short spring. The long springs compress before the short compress as the input member rotates relative to the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Cheng Mu, Jaroslaw Lutoslawski, Richard D. Muizelaar, Fuzheng Hu
  • Publication number: 20090090594
    Abstract: A drive control system of a crawler vehicle has a lever, a hydraulic distributor for feeding pressurized oil over a feed line to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator can engage and release a central clutch. A cable has a first end fixed to a rod of the hydraulic actuator, and a second end connected to the hydraulic distributor. The cable activates and deactivates the hydraulic distributor, depending on the position of the rod. A main pulley is integral with the lever about which the cable is wound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Lorenzo Sghedoni, Franco Pertusi
  • Publication number: 20090090595
    Abstract: A chute for directing materials from a source conveyor to a plurality of discharge conveyors, the chute comprising an upper chute section having a central vertical axis; a chute body movable between a raised position and a lowered position and rotationally connected below the upper chute section by rotation means for rotating the chute body about the central vertical axis between at least two selected rotational positions; and a plurality of lower chute sections, each lower chute section reversibly connectable at an upper end to a lower end of the chute body at one of the selected rotational positions, and at a lower end to a conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: CUMBRIA ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventors: Neil CUMBRIA, Walter CUMBRIA
  • Publication number: 20090090596
    Abstract: An entry control apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced barriers forming a pathway therebetween. The barriers are positioned adjacent a doorway to control ingress into and egress from a building or the like. An arm is pivotally mounted and extends across the pathway and permits free movement of people in one direction and selectively restricts movement in the other direction. A motion sensor is provided and a motion control system is associated with the sensor. The sensor and motion control system cooperate to selectively allow the arms to move to a normally open position for normal traffic in an approved direction. In the event a person approaches the apparatus, as if to exit, or move in the wrong direction through the pathway, the sensor detects the movement and effects operation of the motion control system that locks the arm against movement to prevent movement through the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Kucer, Nitai Friedman
  • Publication number: 20090090597
    Abstract: A gate reader assembly for positioning and identifying articles carried by conveyor systems. The gate reader assembly including a main housing for attachment to said conveyor adjacent a conveyor line of the conveyor; a sprocket rotatably mounted on said housing and having a plurality of gullets formed thereon, each gullet configured for receiving one of said articles. In addition, said sprocket is configured to rotate about an axis normal to said conveyor line via a horizontal force from said articles such that said rotating sprocket is configured to receive and move said articles along said conveyor line. The gate reader assembly additionally includes a detent mechanism disposed on the housing and slidably coupled to the sprocket for releasably restraining said sprocket from rotation thereby inhibiting said article against further movement along said conveyor line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20090090598
    Abstract: A carriage-type conveyance device using a carriage having a vertically movable object-supporting base that is controlled by a cam rail on the floor side, in which a turntable for changing the direction of the carriage has a low-floor structure. In the carriage-type conveyance device, the object-supporting base that is vertically movable between a lowered position and a lifted position is placed on a conveyance carriage (1), a cam follower roller vertically moving in association with the movement of the object-supporting body is provided at the bottom of the conveyance carriage (1), and a cam device (58) for pushing up the cam follower roller and a work section (3A) in which the object support base is supported at the lifted position are provided in a traveling route of the conveyance carriage (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Jiro Nakamura, Nobuhiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20090090599
    Abstract: A conveyor includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of rollers, and a flight. The rollers have lower surfaces configured to engage a roller-engagement surface, and upper surfaces that substantially form a plane, such that the rollers engage the roller-engagement surface and rotate to move an object supported by the rollers over the plane. The flight includes a cam configured to engage a cam surface below the conveyor belt to impart a moment on the flight, and a projection that responds to the moment by rotating from a retracted position to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Fourney
  • Publication number: 20090090600
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for aligning food products in a plurality of rows for feeding a subsequent processing operation in a production process. The apparatus includes first and second continuous belt conveyors adjacent to each other, a dispensing plate operable to delay movement of the plurality of food products and cluster the food products together. The food products are then periodically distributed onto the second continuous belt conveyor, improving dispersion of the food products thereon. Guide fingers that extend and retract over the second continuous belt conveyor contact and displace the food products into rows within channels formed by longitudinal members extending over at least a portion of the second continuous belt conveyor. The rows of food products are then conveyed to the next processing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Joaquin Alverde Trejo
  • Publication number: 20090090601
    Abstract: An electronic-component conveying apparatus that conveys an electronic component by holding the electronic component in a through hole provided in a conveying table of the apparatus, in which the electronic component can be quickly and reliably dismounted from the through hole by using compressed gas, and undesired popout of the electronic component due to a residual pressure infrequently occurs, whereby the efficiency in the conveying process can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Sasaoka, Satoru Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20090090602
    Abstract: A workpiece conveying apparatus for conveying a workpiece disposed in a through hole in a conveying table. The workpiece conveying apparatus allows the workpiece to be promptly and reliably dismounted from the through hole using compressed gas, suppresses the workpiece from unintentionally jumping out because of residual pressure of the compressed air, and increases the conveying efficiency. In an electronic-component conveying apparatus, a conveying table is arranged to face a conveying surface of a conveying stage. An electronic component as a workpiece is disposed in a through hole in the conveying table. When the conveying table is rotated, the electronic component is conveyed. In the workpiece conveying apparatus, the conveying surface has an exhaust hole at a position where the electronic component is to be dismounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Sasaoka, Satoru Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20090090603
    Abstract: In an aspect of the present invention, a system and method are provided that detect belt mis-tracking and in response, automatically adjusts. In some implementations, the system and method are implemented in conjunction with a weigh feeder or weigh belt. In other implementations, the system and method are implemented in conjunction with other devices that convey material via one or more belts. The system and method can be implemented by providing one or more sensors that detect belt mis-tracking, a motor for adjusting a belt pulley and one or more controllers that operate the motor in response to signals from the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ricciardi, SR., Marc S. Landry
  • Publication number: 20090090604
    Abstract: A device for sensing the position of a contact carrier of a contact includes a housing, a sensor supported by the housing and a latch that is movable by the contact carrier. The latch has a latch member located in proximity to the sensor and that is generally non-reflective. The sensor is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier. A method of sensing position of a contact carrier of a contact module is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Jeganathan Srinivasan, Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri, Raghunath Prabhu, Sirosh Sivasankaran, Kalyana Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20090090605
    Abstract: A touch switch for an electrical appliance having a capacitive flat electrode, a light source, a transparent cover and a printed circuit board connected to the electrode is disclosed. The light source is mounted on a face of the printed circuit board opposite the transparent cover and the printed circuit board presents a cut-out for allowing light transmission from the light source towards the transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ETTORE ARIONE, GIUSEPPE ARENA, ROBERTO LAZZAROTTO, GIORGIO BRAGHINI
  • Publication number: 20090090606
    Abstract: An emergency stop device includes a first member and a second member. The first member is provided with a magnet and the second member is provided with a screw to be attracted by the magnet for temporary combination of the first member and the second member. The first member is provided with a first sub-circuit and the second member is provided with a second sub-circuit. The first sub-circuit is electrically connected to the second sub-circuit to generate a circuitry when the first member and the second member are combined together. The circuitry will turn to a broken circuitry when the first member and the second member separate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Forhouse Corporation
    Inventor: Yao-Hung LIAO
  • Publication number: 20090090607
    Abstract: To prevent the local heating of an electronic apparatus chassis, there is provided a push button switch (10), which comprises a substrate (11) having a first contacting part (11a) and a second contacting part (11b) operable to be brought into electrical conduction with the first contacting part (11a), and a flexible electrically insulating sheet (13) covering the substrate (11) and having a click portion (13a) on the inside of which the first and second contacting parts are disposed to be brought into and out of electrical conduction therebetween in response to depression of the click portion. The electrically insulating sheet (13) includes a heat conducting layer (14) extending along the substrate (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei Ichikawa, Kiyoshi Nakanishi