Patents Issued in May 13, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100116530
    Abstract: A multilayered wiring board is composed of n wiring layers and (n?1) resin base material layers, which are alternately laminated. The (n?1) resin base material layers include fiber bundles impregnated with resin. The n wiring layers include wiring patterns and resin. When half of the wiring layers in the thickness direction of the multilayered wiring board differ in the copper remaining ratio from the other half, the multilayered wiring board might be warped during heating. The crossing point density of fiber bundles in each resin base material layer is adjusted so as to cancel the warpage caused by the difference in the copper remaining ratio between the wiring layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Toru OKAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20100116531
    Abstract: A component having a multilayer solderable or bondable connecting surface on a substrate is proposed, which, in addition to the electrically conductive pad metallization and the UBM metallization also has an electrically conductive stress compensation layer that is arranged between the substrate and the pad metallization or between the pad metallization and the UBM metallization. The insensitivity to stress of the connecting metallization is achieved by means of a stress compensation layer whose modulus of elasticity is less than that of the UBM metallization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Maier, Michael Obesser, Konrad Kastner, Juergen Portmann, Ulrich Bauernschmitt
  • Publication number: 20100116532
    Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition which is effective in avoiding troubles in the step of plating with various metals in printed wiring board production, such as under-film metal deposition and film peeling, and which forms a wiring-protecting film excellent in adhesion, flexibility, insulation reliability, and heat resistance. The photosensitive resin composition comprises (A) a carboxylated polymer, (B) a compound having at least two photopolymerizable unsaturated double bonds, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, and (D) a nitrogen compound represented by a specific feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Funaki, Etsuo Ohkawado, Kousuke Hirota, Syuji Tahara
  • Publication number: 20100116533
    Abstract: An adhesive film including a first adhesive layer containing a first main resin component and dispersed conductive particles, and a second adhesive layer containing a second main resin component and adhering to the first adhesive layer, each of the adhesive layers containing a secondary resin component, wherein the first main resin component has a glass transition temperature higher than that of the secondary resin component, and the second main resin component has a glass transition temperature higher than that of the secondary resin component and lower than that of the first main resin component, and a reaction peak temperature of each of the adhesive layers is lower than the glass transition temperature of the first main resin component and higher than the glass transition temperature of the second main resin component, and is a temperature at which a calorific value of the adhesive layer is maximum during temperature rise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SONY CHEMICAL & INFORMATION DEVICE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ishimatsu, Hiroki Ozeki
  • Publication number: 20100116534
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board having a flow preventing dam and a manufacturing method thereof The printed circuit board includes a base substrate having a solder pad, a solder bump formed on the solder pad of the base substrate, and a flow preventing dam formed on a peripheral area of the base substrate using a dry film resist. The flow preventing dam can prevent the outflow of an underfill solution and can be simply formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Won Choi, Seung Wan Kim
  • Publication number: 20100116535
    Abstract: A thin-film device incorporates a device main body and four terminal electrodes. The device main body has four side surfaces. The terminal electrodes are disposed to touch respective portions of the side surfaces. The device main body includes a lower conductor layer that is not used to form a passive element, and an upper conductor layer used to form the passive element. The upper and lower conductor layers include respective lead electrode portions that have respective end faces located at the side surfaces of the device main body. At the side surfaces of the device main body, the end face of the lead electrode portion of the lower conductor layer and the end face of the lead electrode portion of the upper conductor layer are electrically and physically connected to each other. The terminal electrodes touch these end faces and are thereby connected to the upper and lower conductor layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Kuwajima, Masahiro Miyazaki, Akira Furuya
  • Publication number: 20100116536
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printed circuit board having a buried solder bump, in which a circuit pattern and a solder bump formed on the circuit pattern are buried in an insulating layer, thus improving the degree of matching between the solder bump and the circuit pattern and obviating a need for an additional coining process of the solder bump. A manufacturing method thereof is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myung Sam Kang
  • Publication number: 20100116537
    Abstract: An end of a first line and an end of a second line of a first write wiring pattern are arranged on both sides of a third line of a second write wiring pattern. Circular connection portions are provided at the ends of the first line and the second line. Through holes are formed in portions of a cover insulating layer above the connection portions, respectively. First connecting layers made of copper, for example, are formed to fill the through holes of the cover insulating layer. A substantially rectangular second connecting layer made of copper, for example, is formed to integrally cover upper ends of the connecting layers. This causes the first and second lines to be electrically connected to each other through the first and second connecting layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun ISHII, Toshiki NAITOU, Mitsuru HONJO
  • Publication number: 20100116538
    Abstract: A printed wiring board includes a land formed on a surface layer, at least one power supply pattern formed on a layer except the surface layer on which the land is formed, a plurality of vias which includes a first via electrically connected to the power supply pattern and a second via electrically connected to the power supply pattern and the first via and the second via are electrically connected to the land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Tetsuro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100116539
    Abstract: A circuit board and a semiconductor package having the same are provided. The circuit board comprises a base substrate having interconnections, and solder ball lands disposed on one surface of the base substrate. The solder ball lands respectively have land holes having different sizes. The land hole disposed at the center portion of the base substrate and the land hole disposed at the edge portion of the base substrate may have different sizes. For example, the sizes of the land holes may increase from the center portion of the base substrate to the edge portion thereof, and alternatively, the sizes of the land holes may decrease from the center portion of the base substrate to the edge portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Sang-Gui Jo, Seung-Kon Mok, Han-Shin Youn
  • Publication number: 20100116540
    Abstract: An end of a first line and an end of a second line of a first write wiring pattern are arranged on both sides of a third line of a second write wiring pattern. Circular connection portions are provided at the ends of the first line and the second line. In addition, through holes are formed in respective portions of a base insulating layer below the connection portions. Each connection portion comes in contact with a connecting region of a suspension body within the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun ISHII, Toshiki NAITOU, Mitsuru HONJO
  • Publication number: 20100116541
    Abstract: A cable has a core made of an insulated wire, a shield layer provided at an outer periphery of the core, a reinforcing layer provided at an outer periphery of the shield layer, and a sheath provided at an outer periphery of the reinforcing layer. The insulated wire has a wire conductor and an insulating layer covering an outer periphery of the wire conductor. The shield layer is formed from tinsel-coppers. Each of the tinsel-copper has a core string and a copper foil provided around the core string. The reinforcing layer is formed by braiding fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: HITACHI CABLE, LTD.
    Inventor: Hirotaka Eshima
  • Publication number: 20100116542
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal coated fabric having excellent electromagnetic shielding properties. The metal coated fabric of the present invention has a layer of a flame retardant composition on at least one surface thereof, the flame retardant composition being prepared without using a halogen compound or antimony compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SEIREN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Sugihara, Toru Takegawa, Terufumi Iwaki, Katsuo Sasa
  • Publication number: 20100116543
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave suppression sheet (1) includes moisture-resistant films (11a), (11b) and an acrylate based polymer gel containing x wt % of an alcohol. The electromagnetic wave suppression sheet (1) is formed by molding so that its thickness (t2) y in mm will be in a region formed by interconnecting a point a (10, 1.0), a point b (10, 3.0) and a point c (20, 1.0), totaling at three points, in an xy coordinate system (x, y). This yields a high non-freezing properties and a high incombustibility of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SONY CHEMICAL & INFORMATION DEVICE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshito Ikeda, Norikazu Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100116544
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. The intumescent cover supports the intumescent member and circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the intumescent member, wherein expansion of the intumescent member is impeded by the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20100116545
    Abstract: A weather resistant variable enclosure frame configured to enclose at least one electronic component is provided. The weather resistant variable enclosure frame includes a top and bottom endplate each having a channel on at least one side surface, and at least one cut-to-length supporting structure attached to the top endplate and the bottom endplate to offset the top endplate from the bottom endplate. The supporting structure has at least one channel that extends the length of the supporting structure. At least one opening is formed by the endplates and the supporting structure, so that the channels in the endplates and the at least one supporting structure combine to form at least one continuous channel configured to hold at least one respective continuous seal. When panels are attached to cover the at least one opening, a weather resistant enclosure is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: STEVE LEWISON
  • Publication number: 20100116546
    Abstract: A case having a signal transmission line includes a case body and a signal transmission line. The case body has a surface with at least one groove disposed thereon. The signal transmission line is positioned within the groove, and has a core for transmitting a signal. The case having a signal transmission line further includes an insulating layer. The insulating layer is located between the groove and the core, so as to insulate the core from the case body. By employing the case body or a conductive layer coated in the groove to serve as a metal ground layer, the external electromagnetic wave interference can be avoided when transmitting a signal via the signal transmission line, and the manufacturing cost of the signal transmission line can be effectively reduced as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Smart Approach CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Lung LIN
  • Publication number: 20100116547
    Abstract: A combined cable connector and cable untangler is disclosed. The combined cable connector and untangler comprises a single elongated body with at least one through hole extending along the whole body length. The cable connector is adapted to be used with a portable electronic device. The cable connector enables the cable to be adapted in length and prevents it from being entangled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Stefan MAGNUSSON
  • Publication number: 20100116548
    Abstract: An insulated wire and a wiring harness possessing sufficient flame retardancy and wear resistance superior to a conventional insulated wire. An insulated wire includes a conductor, and an insulator made up of multiple layers which covers the conductor, wherein the outermost layer is made from a resin composition containing a flame retardant, and the innermost layer is made from a resin composition containing a smaller flame retardant than in the outermost layer or no flame retardant. The outermost and innermost layers preferably contain respectively 30-250 parts by mass of the flame retardant and 5-50 parts by mass of the flame retardant to 100 parts by mass of the respective resin ingredients. The innermost layer has a thickness preferably ½ or less than the insulator, while the insulator has a thickness of preferably 0.5 mm or less. A wiring harness includes the insulated wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Nonaka
  • Publication number: 20100116549
    Abstract: An electrical cable includes a core having a conductor, insulation surrounding the conductor, and an outer sheath surrounding the core. A portion of the conductor is stripped bare at a free end and a cavity is formed within the insulation at the cable free end. First and second shims are concentrically secured to the exposed portion of the conductor such that end portions of the shims are positioned adjacent to the cavity. The bare conductor is secured within a barrel portion of a terminal lug. A first sealing mastic material is disposed within the cavity and heated to encapsulate end portions of the shims. A second sealing mastic material is applied around the lug barrel portion, first and second shims, and a portion of the outer sheath. A heat shrinkable tube having an inner surface of zinc oxide stress control mastic material is secured around the second sealing mastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Sherif I. Kamel, Kathryn Marie Maher, Owen Gregory
  • Publication number: 20100116550
    Abstract: For use in a drilling operation that includes uphole electronic equipment (120) and a drill string (12) suspended in an earth borehole (11), the drill string having at least one downhole tool (100) thereon, the drill string having a section of wired drill pipe (WDP) that is part of a communication link between the downhole tool and the uphole electronic equipment; an interface (140) for communicating between the section of wired drill pipe and a communication source/destination, including: a housing having a generally cylindrical outer shape and having a passage therethrough; the housing having a WDP end connectable to the section of wired drill pipe and a further end connectable to the communication source/destination; a WDP circuit module disposed within the housing, the WDP circuit module being electrically coupleable with the wired drill pipe section; and a further circuit module, disposed within the housing, the further circuit module being electrically coupled with the WDP circuit module and electricall
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Remi Hutin, David Santoso, Lise Hvatum, Chritopher P. Reed, Maghu Madhavan, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Publication number: 20100116551
    Abstract: An apparatus for steering a drill string is disclosed herein, the apparatus comprising a drilling motor comprising a rotor, a stator, and at least one fluid passage for flowing drilling fluid to the stator. A blade is fixedly disposed on the exterior surface of the stator. A diverter valve controls the flow rate of drilling fluid to the stator, to provide counter rotational movement to the stator with respect to the rotor. Placement and movement of the blade is thereby controlled. When the blade is rotated such that it remains stationary with respect to a fixed point in a borehole, the drill bit is turned. When the blade is counter-rotated in a constant motion with respect to the rotor, the drill bit continues to drill in a straight direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert C. Southard
  • Publication number: 20100116552
    Abstract: A drilling fluid delivery system for use in drilling boreholes with a drill bit, the system comprising: a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit; a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit; and a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits which, in use, receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit, separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings, the first stream being returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream being directed to the secondary flow circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER
    Inventor: Pierre-Jérôme Acquaviva
  • Publication number: 20100116553
    Abstract: A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe, while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas and configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Matthew Spiecker, Pavlin B. Entchev, Ramesh Gupta, Richard Polizzotti, Barbara Carstensen, Dennis G. Peiffer, Norman Pokutylowicz
  • Publication number: 20100116554
    Abstract: A turbo-gear supplied with operating fluid for driving a drill bit is proposed. It preferably comprises a non-rotatable casing, an upper shaft rotatably mounted in the casing, coupled with blades configured to receive pressure of the operating fluid causing rotation of the upper shaft, a lower shaft mounted in the casing, having inside a cylindrical channel, an intermediate shaft rotatably mounted in the casing, disposed below the upper shaft and above the lower shaft. The shafts are associated with each other through conventional gears having predetermined transmission coefficients. The inner space of the turbo-gear is configured to pass the operating fluid therethrough. Preferably, the turbo-gear is combined with a bushing-connector shaped as a hollow cylinder, having means for assembling with the turbo-gear and the bit. The turbo-gear is assembled with a non-rotatable string of pipes, through which the operating fluid is supplied. The turbo-gear allows extending the lifespan of pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Yuriy Yatsenko
  • Publication number: 20100116555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shield structure of a rock drilling apparatus for dampening noise, the rock drilling apparatus comprising a feed beam whose one end is a drilling end, whereby the drilling end of the feed beam comprises a first shield part mounted immovably relative to the feed beam, and a second shield part mounted movably relative to the feed beam. A tubular shield flexible at least in its longitudinal direction is mounted between the shield parts, the shield being tightly attached by its ends to the first and the second shield part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Seppo Peltola, Ari Haavisto
  • Publication number: 20100116556
    Abstract: A reamer for subterranean wellbores may include a composite framework, which may include one or more high strength stems, each having one or more reamer bodies coupled thereto. The body may include a plurality of plates coupled together and may include additional components formed integrally therewith or coupled thereto. A method of forming a reaming tool may include forming a high strength stem and a reamer body and coupling the body to the stem. A method of using the reaming tool may include coupling one or more bodies in a drill string and reaming a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert J. BUSKE
  • Publication number: 20100116557
    Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, the bit body comprising a first matrix region and a second matrix region, wherein the first matrix region is formed from a moldable matrix material having carbide particles with a unimodal particle size distribution; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Lockwood, Youhe Zhang, Yuelin Shen
  • Publication number: 20100116558
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW & RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, John E. Stelly
  • Publication number: 20100116559
    Abstract: Removable luggage scale devices are disclosed herein that include: at least one measuring device, at least one gripping member coupled to the measuring device, at least one coupling unit, wherein the coupling unit couples the at least one measuring device to at least one piece of luggage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry Moon
  • Publication number: 20100116560
    Abstract: A digitizer includes a case having an input portion; at least three first projected portions fixed to the case, the first projected portions coming into contact with a placement surface so as to support the case on the placement surface; and a second projected portion arranged inside of an area defined by connecting the points at which the first projected portions are fixed to the case. The second projected portion is configured such that, when a force substantially parallel to the placement surface is applied to the case, the first projected portions slide against the placement surface so that the case rotates relative to the placement surface with the second projected portion as a rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: WACOM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuta Sato
  • Publication number: 20100116561
    Abstract: A resistive touch panel includes a first-direction first electrode group and a first-direction second electrode group. The first-direction first electrode group includes multiple electrodes having sequentially arranged and alternate one unit length and two unit length. The first-direction second electrode group includes multiple electrodes having sequentially arranged and alternate two unit length and one unit length. Two ends of multiple first-group strip-shaped ITO layers in the first direction are connected between the first-direction first electrode group and the first-direction second electrode group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: HUNG-YI LIN, Yung-Lang Huang
  • Publication number: 20100116562
    Abstract: A haptically-enabled system includes a touch sensitive surface and an eccentric rotating mass (“ERM”) actuator coupled to the touch sensitive surface. The ERM actuator includes a motor, a housing and a constrained mass. The system further includes a drive circuit that creates a haptic effect on the touch sensitive surface by coupling an alternating current signal to the ERM actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant
  • Publication number: 20100116563
    Abstract: Surface impacts are located and characterized based on an acoustic signal produced by the impact despite the presence of signal dispersion. Acoustic signals from the surface may be compared to acoustic signals detected external to the surface in order to eliminate spurious impact sensing due to external sounds. Low-frequency acoustic signals may be sensed and identified as explicit hard “bangs” which are of limited utility for pointing and tracking applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. Paradiso, Che King Leo, Nisha Checka
  • Publication number: 20100116564
    Abstract: A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a load bearing member movably mounted for receiving an input force to be sensed, the load bearing member being biased against the direction of the input force. The sensor also has a light source, a photo-detector for sensing levels of illumination from the light source and circuitry for converting a range of illumination levels sensed by the photo-detector into a range of output signals. During use, the illumination level sensed by the photo-detector varies with movement of the load bearing member such that the output signal from the circuitry is indicative of the input force. Using an optical sensor avoids the need to use a delicate piezo-resistive sensor that requires careful tolerancing during production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun
  • Publication number: 20100116565
    Abstract: A solar cell system for vehicles and a control method thereof, wherein even when a change of electric power generated from a solar cell is high, the variable voltage devices and the constant voltage devices selectively distribute the electric power according to the electric power without changing voltage. Accordingly, energy efficiency can be improved, the number of components can be reduced without using a voltage converter, and energy conversion loss can be decreased. Further, electric power generated from the solar cell is used for ventilation, air purification, cool and warmth, and convenience devices of a vehicle. Thus, a driver is provided with a controlled environment when riding on the vehicle. Accordingly, the present invention can meet a driver's requirements for the utilization of convenience devices and can provide a comfortable interior environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Kil Sang Jang, Dae Woong Lee
  • Publication number: 20100116566
    Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: IROBOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy R. Ohm, Michael Bassett
  • Publication number: 20100116567
    Abstract: Apparatuses for assisting motion of vehicles are disclosed here. Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus comprising, a charge-storage unit, an electromotor coupled to the charge-storage unit, wherein, at least a portion of the power supplied to the electromotor is supplied by the charge-storage unit. The apparatus may further include, a wheel powered by the electromotor to rotate in a plane about an axis, a housing, and a handle coupled to the housing, the handle being physically configured to, when, in operation, couple to an external entity to whom motion assistance is to be provided. The external entity may be a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle although other objects may be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Yadon Arad
  • Publication number: 20100116568
    Abstract: The invention provides an electric vehicle which can cool a power unit by cold airstreams without causing dew drops and a temperature rise in a vehicle interior. The electric vehicle travels by operating a motor, and includes a duct having one end joined to the air conditioning unit and the other end joined to the power unit and serving as an airstream flow path via which cold airstreams are guided from an air conditioning unit to the power unit. The duct is shaped in accordance with a shape of a vehicle interior near a front passenger's seat, and being positioned under a floor at the front passenger's seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki
    Inventor: Masaru KADOI
  • Publication number: 20100116569
    Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The self-contained axle includes a housing removably coupled to the support structure and an output shaft extending from the housing. An electric motor is coupled to the housing and drives the output shaft. Two wheel end assemblies are coupled to the output shaft, and an independent suspension assembly is coupled between each wheel end assembly and the housing, so that the independent suspension assemblies and the wheel end assemblies and the electric motor and the housing are removable from the vehicle as a unit by detaching the housing from the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Jon J. Morrow, Eric Braun, Nader Nasr, Gary Schmiedel, Martin Schimke, Donald H. Verhoff, Christopher K. Yakes
  • Publication number: 20100116570
    Abstract: A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a casing in which the plurality of battery cells are housed; a plurality of conductive members used to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells; a first chamber, formed in the casing, in which the plurality of battery cells are disposed; and a second chamber, formed in the casing and isolated from the first chamber, into which emitted matter from the battery cells is released, wherein: the conductive members and the battery cells are connected together within the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: Hitachi Vehicle Energy, Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuo SUGAWARA, Seiichi Satoh, Yoshihisa Tsurumi, Masato Isogai, Sadashi Seto
  • Publication number: 20100116571
    Abstract: A vehicle is a hybrid vehicle including an engine driven by fuel, and the vehicle includes a motor-generator driven by electric power and a charge plug to which a connector is removably connected, the charge plug being capable of at least one of being supplied with electric power from the connector and supplying electric power to the connector. An engine is arranged to be offset toward one side surface and the charge plug is provided in the other side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100116572
    Abstract: An autonomous modular wheel assembly includes at least one connector for connecting the wheel control assembly to a vehicle axle, one or more suspension arms that support the assembly with respect to the axle, an electric drive motor connected to a the vehicle wheel, a steering bearing, and a steering actuator. The electric drive motor and steering bearing control the operation of the vehicle wheel in response to commands received via the actuator. The connector has one or more electrical connection points for providing power and information to the wheel assembly. The robot wheel increases the vehicle steering range to up to 150 degrees and enables new vehicle drive modes. The traditional +/?30 degrees of front wheel steering are enabled, as well as at least three new drive modes: four wheel parallel and converse steering, spin on spot steering, and 90 degree sideways motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Peter Alfons Schmitt, William J. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100116573
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an in-wheel motor vehicle to increase design freedom of an electric motor mounted in a wheel, dynamic performance of the vehicle, and cooling performance of a brake device. The in-wheel motor vehicle includes a wheel rotatably mounted to a vehicle body, an electric motor mounted in the wheel to drive the wheel, an axle extending from the wheel to the vehicle body so as to be rotated together with the wheel, and a brake device mounted to the vehicle body at a position spaced apart from the wheel for braking of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Myoung June KIM
  • Publication number: 20100116574
    Abstract: A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) for a hybrid electric vehicle includes a power supply module that includes at least one battery. A startup module includes N supercapacitors arranged in parallel with the at least one battery, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal 1, and an adjustable power supply arranged in series with at least one of the N supercapacitors and in parallel with the at least one battery, wherein the adjustable power supply maintains a voltage across the N supercapacitors below a predetermined voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Curt Douglas Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20100116575
    Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes: a boost converter that boosts a power supply voltage and outputs a boosted voltage; an inverter that receives the boosted voltage from the boost converter and controls a rotating electric machine for travel; and a control device that performs control to limit the boosted voltage when it is determined that the rotating electric machine is in a locked state and both an accelerator and a brake are not operated to be on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Natsuki Nozawa, Takashi Hamatani
  • Publication number: 20100116576
    Abstract: In a fuel cell vehicle of the present invention, a floor panel is constructed to have a center tunnel formed to extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. A fluid distributor provided below the floor panel is at least partly located in the center tunnel and is operative to distribute a supply of a fluid in a vehicle width direction. At least one fuel cell stack is provided adjacent to the fluid distributor in the vehicle width direction below the floor panel and is operative to receive the distributive supply of the fluid from the fluid distributor. This fuel cell system has an efficient component layout from the total standpoint of the operability and the space efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasunobu Jufuku, Hiroshi Arisawa
  • Publication number: 20100116577
    Abstract: An enhanced mobility device is disclosed. The device has an enclosure defining an interior and an exterior and having a floor defining an opening therein. At least one access opening allows passage between the exterior and interior. A plurality of clamps attach to the interior of the enclosure. The access opening is sized to allow passage of a personal mobility device from the exterior to the interior where the mobility device may be secured to the enclosure for transport by the plurality of clamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Dick Bixler, Nancy Cudney
  • Publication number: 20100116578
    Abstract: A hybrid turbo transmission for reduced energy consumption is disclosed. A hybrid turbo transmission configured as a multi-purpose unit (MPU). The MPU recovers energy from the cooling system, exhaust system, ram pressure and the breaking system. The MPU unit is an automatic transmission, supercharger, air compressor for other uses, and starter for the engine using a multi-purpose unit that will eliminate the need for a torque converter or clutch, flywheel, catalytic converter, starter and supercharger. The MPU reduces pollution to near zero and reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient on the vehicle. The MPU uses two or more in-line compressors to transfer power from the power source, such as an internal combustion engine (ICE) to a turbine or multi-stage turbine that acts as an automatic transmission. The hybrid turbo transmission system uses plug-in power as a second source of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: REZ MUSTAFA
  • Publication number: 20100116579
    Abstract: A bent axis hydromodule that utilizes a bearing carrier assembly between the trunnion of a yoke and the frame of the bent axis hydromodule. The bearing carrier receives the trunnion and is secured to the frame by at least one fastening element that extends axially perpendicular to the trunnion axis that causes the fastening element preload force to be in the same direction as primary loading of that joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SAUER-DANFOSS INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Wright, Doug Kardell