Patents Issued in August 19, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100207357
    Abstract: The invention comprises a coupler converter/adapter for use with vehicles to be towed such as utility trailers. The coupler converter is configured with a first attachment mechanism configured for being associated with a vehicle to be towed's coupling device. The coupler converter is further configured with a second attachment mechanism that is different from the first attachment mechanism, such second attachment mechanism configured for being associated with a trailer hitch associated with a tow vehicle. The coupler converter is configured to be stowed on the utility trailer when not being used. In one configuration, the coupler converter can be used as a coupler lock to deter theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: William Cory Hathcock, Mitchell Olin Setzer, SR., William Monty Simmons, Larry Richard Setzer, SR.
  • Publication number: 20100207358
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device that assists a user in positioning a tow vehicle next to a trailer such that the hitch component affixed to the tow vehicle aligns properly with, and connects easily to, the hitch component affixed to the trailer. This invention particularly relates to a laser guided alignment apparatus that aligns a hitch component mounted on a tow vehicle to a trailer with either a bumper ball or gooseneck hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Ryder
  • Publication number: 20100207359
    Abstract: A versatile bicycle trailer that turns into a wheel barrow is disclosed. This trailer comprises of a single wheel which follows directly inline with the bicycle tires and sustains a low centre of gravity, maneuvering easily around sharp turns and corners. The trailer has handles which are in closed position when the trailer is connected to a bicycle. The handles open when the trailer is not connected to the bicycle, therefore, allowing the trailer to be used as a wheelbarrow to carry cargo. Special kickstand holds the bicycle standing upright for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Staniszewski
  • Publication number: 20100207360
    Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20100207361
    Abstract: Ski-fastening is fixed on a ski or on a platform attached to a ski or on a platform of a safety platform binding. Ski fastening includes a heel seat stop, a forepart fixing item, a forepart stop and a main body for fixing other parts of one's leg. The body of the holder is pendulously attached to the main body. The holder contains a height-adjustment component, on which there is a rotationally embedded calf support with an item for shank fixation. Ski-fastening further includes a holder's control component for pendulous movement and an item for fetlock fixation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Milan Krampla
  • Publication number: 20100207362
    Abstract: A driver airbag assembly may include an airbag cover including a switch insert hole, a cushion module provided in back of the airbag cover and engaged with the airbag cover, a mounting plate coupled to the airbag cover in the back thereof to support a rear end portion of the cushion module between the airbag cover and the mounting plate, and having a wing which extends laterally, and a remote control switch unit having a main body disposed between the airbag cover and the mounting plate, a switch part disposed in the main body and exposed to outside of the airbag cover through the switch insert hole, and a subsidiary body interposed and secured between the main body and the wing of the mounting plate and slidable laterally along the main body to be removable from a predetermined position of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byung Woo NO
  • Publication number: 20100207363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle seat (1) having an upholstered component (3) which is covered by flexible covering (4), and a safety device which is arranged in the upholstered component (3) and has an airbag (5) which is coupled to a gas generator (6). The gas generator (6) is activated when sensor data relating to an accident or an imminent accident are present to inflate the airbag (5) with gas and unfold the airbag. An activator (8) is provided by means of which the airbag (5) or separate gas cushion (7) can be additionally repeatedly inflated with gas in a reversible fashion. The covering (4) is of an inelastic design, at least in certain areas, and has an elastic section (9) which is arranged in the covering (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventors: Rikard Fredriksson, Ralf Zauritz, Frederic Charpentier
  • Publication number: 20100207364
    Abstract: A vehicle air bag device may include an air bag having an integrally formed inflator insertion portion 4 into which an inflator 5 for discharging a gas is inserted. A bracket that is formed to attach the inflator to a vehicle body includes an inflator side mounting portion 8 mounted onto an outer side of the inflator insertion portion so as to partially cover the inflator insertion portion partially. A strip-form body 10 is disposed over and attaches the bracket, the inflator insertion portion, and the inflator such that the strip-form body. The strip-form body and the inflation insertion portion are displaced from each other by a step formed by the bracket, thereby forming a gap disposed between the strip-form body and said inflation insertion portion. A seal portion formed on the bracket is sealingly aligned with the strip-form body and seals the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABE
    Inventors: Takashi Arima, Hideho Fukuda, Yoshihiro Ohba, Hironori Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20100207365
    Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoplastic elastomer composition and a composite molded body. Specifically disclosed is a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing the following component (A1), component (B1) and component (C1). Component (A1): 70-90% by weight of a propylene polymer unit (?1) obtained in a first step by polymerizing a monomer mainly composed of propylene, and an ethylene copolymer unit obtained in a second step by copolymerizing ethylene with propylene and/or an ?-olefin having 4 or more carbon atoms Component (B1): an ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 125° C.) of 20-100 and a weight ratio between the monomer unit derived from ethylene and the monomer unit derived from propylene of from 30/70 to 75/25 Component (C1): an ethylene copolymer as a copolymer of ethylene and an ?-olefin having 4 or more carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Kohsuke Ohtani, Yasuhito Ijichi
  • Publication number: 20100207366
    Abstract: An automotive PSIR hidden chute assembly contained behind an automotive instrument panel. The PSIR may include chute forward and rearward doors, first and second chute flanges, and an instrument panel, each constructed of a first hard material, and first and second chute hinges, first and second chute sidewalls and a chute end wall, each constructed of a second tough ductile material, such that the first material and the second material have different thermal expansion properties and different elastic modulus properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Gregg S. Evans, Mathew Gabriel
  • Publication number: 20100207367
    Abstract: An airbag device for protecting a vehicle occupant in case of a crash, including at least one region that can be inflated with gas, which in the inflated state forms a gas cushion for a vehicle occupant to be protected in the form of a side airbag, at least a first material layer of the inflatable region extending in front of a lateral vehicle structure of a motor vehicle in the inflated state of the airbag device, and at least a second material layer of the inflatable region of the inflatable region, that opposes the first material layer in the inflated state of the airbag device, wherein at least one fastening flap is provided at the airbag device via which the airbag device can be fastened to a motor vehicle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Christian Weyrich, Stefan Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20100207368
    Abstract: An airbag module including an airbag, an airbag covering, that defines an interior space of the airbag, that can be filled with gas for inflating the airbag, a gas generator for providing the gas needed for inflating the airbag, an insertion opening of the airbag covering, wherein the gas generator is inserted through the insertion opening into the interior space of the airbag, so that gas provided by the gas generator enters the interior space of the airbag, a boundary region of the insertion opening delimiting the insertion opening, which boundary region annularly encompasses the gas generator, and a sealing means for sealing the insertion opening. The sealing means is arranged between the boundary region and the gas generator so that the sealing means is widened by the gas provided by the gas generator and pressed against the boundary region of the insertion opening for sealing the insertion opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Christian Weyrich
  • Publication number: 20100207369
    Abstract: A vehicle air bag system, which can facilitate confirmation of a state of an introduction part of an air bag housed in a cover, includes an air bag having an introduction part into which an inflator is inserted, and a general part that inflates and expands vertically downward in a vehicle interior. A cover houses the introduction part and the general part in parallel. An observation window is formed in the cover at a position corresponding to the introduction part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kohei Okimoto, Masatoshi Yokota
  • Publication number: 20100207370
    Abstract: An automobile door bracket includes an attachment section and a corrugated section. The door bracket is placed within an automobile door assembly to function as a side impact countermeasure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. HABA, Chaman SAHU, Behrooz MEHDIAN, Mohammed A. NAIM
  • Publication number: 20100207371
    Abstract: A trailer having a pair of closed, rectangular frame rails; a plurality of round pipe cross members, each cross member extending completely through each rectangular frame rail; and a plurality of axle suspension supports mounted on each rectangular frame rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Beall Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony John Van Houdt, Douglas D. Drader, Daniel S. Urquhart, Gordon Scott Groshong, Jason L. Kennedy, Paul David Krohnert
  • Publication number: 20100207372
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension assemblies including air spring assemblies and components of the vehicle suspension assemblies are described. A vehicle suspension assembly that is attachable to a pair of vehicle frame rails includes a pair of support beams and a cross member, such as a cross tube, extending between and connected to the pair of support beams. Each support beam includes a locator-tab and each air spring assembly includes a locator-tab-slot for receiving a locator-tab of a support beam. The cross tube is fastened to the air spring assembly via a retention strap that wraps around portions of the cross tube. The locator-tabs and locator-tab-slots may be operable, alone or in combination with the retention strap, as a lateral restraint. In this regard, the lateral restraint may restrain the air spring from moving in a lateral direction between two frame rails to which the vehicle suspension assembly attaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: HENDRICKSON USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Lynch Phillips, Anthony Joseph Bills
  • Publication number: 20100207373
    Abstract: A deflector for a safety belt system of a motor vehicle with a metal core, which has a mounting aperture in the upper section (12) and a belt loop in the lower section, and a plastic element that encompasses at least some sections of the metal core. The plastic element having a first section (30), which is fixed on the metal core, and a second section (50) connected to the first section (30) by means of a film hinge (60), which in the fully assembled state covers at least the front side of the upper section (12) of the metal core and engages with the first section. In order to reliably prevent the second section (50) from becoming detached from the first section (30) in case an expanding curtain airbag makes impact on the second section, one of the two sections of the plastic element has a nose (40) with a first contact surface beside the film hinge, which in the fully assembled state is in contact with a second contact surface of the other section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Arno Kardel, Knut Janzen
  • Publication number: 20100207374
    Abstract: A bicycle fender allowing different color selection includes a frame and a panel. The frame has a body at the periphery formed in a shape of the fender, and at least one carved out zone and at least one fastening element to be coupled with the panel to form changeable color and pattern combinations that can be selected and installed according to users' requirements and preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: HSU KUO-CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20100207375
    Abstract: A book product is described comprising a plurality of sheets. Each sheet is provided with at least one binding preweakening pattern along at least one side parallel to the edge between straight lateral edges of the sheet. The binding preweakening patterns of sheets lying on top of one another are aligned with one another. An elastic binding device is arranged in the area of the binding preweakening patterns, the elastic binding device holding the sheets together. Further, a sheet for insertion into the book product is described. The sheets can be easily inserted into and removed from the book product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: COLLECTOBOOK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Hermann Gruber
  • Publication number: 20100207376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a substrate (22) and an opaque metallization 24, 26) arranged on the substrate. According to the invention in the security element is provided, that the metallization (24, 26) comprises a first opaque metal layer (24) and a second opaque metal layer (26) arranged above the first metal layer (24), and that the two metal layers (24, 26) have substantially the same tone of color in the visible spectral region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Manfred Heim, Bernhard Wiedner, Marius Dichtl, Mario Keller
  • Publication number: 20100207377
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a sheet material comprising at least two fibrous plies juxtaposed one on top of the other, including the following steps: a first paper ply is produced by filtration of an aqueous suspension of fibers on the wire of a cylinder mould or of a former, a partly transparent element being inserted into the ply during the formation of the ply, and such that the transparent element is placed in the elongate region of zero thickness; a second paper ply is produced on the wire of a second cylinder mould so as to form at least one recess in the second ply; the two plies are joined together so that at least one recess in the second ply is located facing the elongate region of zero thickness of the first ply; and the structure thus obtained is dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ARJOWIGGINS SECURITY
    Inventors: Michel Camus, Pierre Doublet
  • Publication number: 20100207378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for delivering secret information to a client as a posted letter. In the method, the information, such as a code, is printed and enclosed into an envelope on which the client's address information is printed. According to the invention, a print carrier (1) is provided for printing the secret code, such as a PIN number (2), and concealed client identification information (3) on a same printing surface; the print carrier is glued and folded to form a closed envelope (4) in such manner that the secret code is enclosed inside the envelope but the identification information remains visible; and the identification information is read and used for printing the client's address information (5) onto the closed envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: MAIL SYSTEMS OY
    Inventors: Esko Maaranen, Miika Finnberg, Risto Nokelainen, Eino Korkiakoski
  • Publication number: 20100207379
    Abstract: A fluid conduit coupling for a turbofan engine wherein the engine has a gas path defined by inner and outer duct walls and the exterior surface of the outer duct wall is readily accessible for visual inspection. In one example, a first fluid line extends across the gas path between the inner and outer duct walls and a second fluid line is connected to the first fluid line at the level of the outer duct wall. The first fluid line may include a female coupling member and the second fluid member may include a mating male coupling member. An annular sealing member is associated with the first and second couplings and a leak path is defined between the annular sealing member and the exterior surface of the outer duct wall, whereby fluid may be detected by visual inspection of the outer duct wall if a leak should occur at the annular sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Bryan W. Olver
  • Publication number: 20100207380
    Abstract: A welded joint of a lined pipeline has a main pipe and an extension piece having a generally tubular shape, an inner wall and an annular weld connecting the extension piece to the main pipe. A liner extends through the main pipe and partially into the extension piece. A compression ring includes a flange and a compression portion. The compression portion engages the liner internally and compresses the liner radially outwardly against the extension piece so that the liner is sealed with the compression ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: INA ACQUISITION CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew Venable, Randall Egner
  • Publication number: 20100207381
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a connector intended for a pipe, including an end piece which is mounted to the end of a pipe. The connector includes a sleeve covering said pipe end in order to crimp same onto the mounting end. According to the invention, the sleeve includes an annular chamber, while the armoring wires have free ends which are folded back against the outer polymer sheath, said sealed annular chamber surrounding the aforementioned pipe end. The annular chamber is then dilated with the injection of a fluid in order to maintain the free ends engaged between the outer polymer sheath and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Alain Cornut Gentille
  • Publication number: 20100207382
    Abstract: A moulded electrofusion fitting (10) for connection to a plastics pipeline, comprises a hollow body (16) formed with a tubular opening that has a longitudinal axis (82) and is adapted to receive an end of the pipeline as a close sliding fit. An electrofusion element (22) is formed in the internal surface (52c) in the opening, spaced from its end (52b). Fingers (52) are on the end of the opening, circumferentially spaced around the opening and separated by slots (53) between them. Cam surfaces in the form of ribs (60) are defined on the fingers, and a grip ring (50) is received on the fingers and includes wedge elements in the form of grooves (62). These are adapted to fit the ribs so that, when a pipeline is inserted in the opening and the grip ring is rotated about said axis, the ribs and grooves engage to press the fingers radially inwardly against the reaction of the grip ring whereby, said pipe is gripped by said grip ring and centralised in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: RADIUS SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Mario John Christodoulou, Lawrence Adam Faulkner Richards, Derek John Muckle
  • Publication number: 20100207383
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Janis, Folkert Fred Koch, Wolfgang Ott, Christopher Robin Drake, Brian Michael Piety, Mark David Resendes
  • Publication number: 20100207384
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Janis, Folkert Fred Koch, Wolfgang Ott, Christopher Robin Drake, Brian Michael Piety, Mark David Resendes
  • Publication number: 20100207385
    Abstract: A clamp with which ends of two tubular members can be connected by simple work. The clamp has a support member, a first arm having one end pivotably supported by a support member, a second arm having one end pivotably supported by the support member and placed to face the first arm, a first long hole formed in the first arm on its support member side, a second long hole formed in the second arm on its support member side, and a connection member having a first pin-like member engaging with the first long hole and also having a second pin-like member engaging with the second long hole. The connection member is movable so as to separate from and approaches the support member with the distance from the connection member to the first pin-like member and the second pin-like member maintained constant. The first long hole and/or the second long hole is formed so as to extend in the direction crossing the direction X of movement of the connection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SUMCO TECHXIV CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomokazu Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20100207386
    Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe gasket fabricated of a thermoset material is provided having a first pipe engaging surface and an exterior surface, with the exterior surface having applied thereto a water-based, flexible, slip-coating. The slip-coating comprises polyurethane, a cross-linking agent, and a dispersion of a friction reducing compound. The friction reducing compound can be selected from a fluoropolymer, silicone, or graphite, either alone or in combinations thereof. Depending on the method of fabrication, the slip-coating can be sprayed onto the thermoset material after the thermoset material has been extruded, but before the extrudate's fabrication into a gasket. Alternatively, the slip-coating can be sprayed onto the gasket following its assembly. Still further, the slip-coating can be applied to the thermoset material by dipping the thermoset material into the water-based, flexible, slip-coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Biesenberger, Kevin S. Kish
  • Publication number: 20100207387
    Abstract: A hose fitting that includes a body having a connection portion configured for connection to an external component, a tubular nipple portion configured for insertion into an end of a hose, and a union portion joining the nipple portion to the connecting portion. The socket also has a crimp portion extending from the union portion of the socket. A swage collar having a tapered inner surface radially inwardly deforms the socket when the swage collar is moved axially over the socket to retain a hose between the socket and the nipple portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter J. Stroempl, Nagarajan Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20100207388
    Abstract: A supplemental power source for a building or other structure is provided. Power is generated by converting mechanical energy derived from a fluid into electrical energy. The fluid can be, for example, in the form of air in a building air duck or water in building water lines. The invention includes a specially designed turbine enclosure through which the fluid passes. The enclosure has a Venturi area which results in movement of the fluid at a rapid speed through the turbine. An electric generator with a ratable blade also is provided within the Venturi area in order to take advantage of the faster moving fluid. The faster the fluid moves, the more energy can be converted by the generator. The generator can be constructed with a plurality of electric coils and magnets which can be arranged in series/parallel combinations depending on the power requirements of a particular application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Johannes F. Nyffenegger
  • Publication number: 20100207389
    Abstract: A wind turbine for generating an electric voltage from mechanical energy derived from wind is provided. The invention includes a specially designed turbine enclosure through which the wind passes. The enclosure has a Venturi area which results in movement of the wind at a rapid speed through the turbine. An electric generator with a ratable blade also is provided within the Venturi area in order to take advantage of the faster moving wind. The faster the wind moves, the more energy can be converted by the generator. The generator can be constructed with a plurality of electric coils and magnets which can be arranged in series/parallel combinations depending on the power requirements of a particular application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Johannes F. Nyffenegger
  • Publication number: 20100207390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a converter comprising a pump which is driven directly or indirectly by a natural force such as a water swell, it being possible for a hydraulic machine to be driven by the pump. The hydraulic machine is force-coupled to an electrical machine which may function as a generator or a motor. According to the present invention, the force acting on the pump is regulated via a control loop as a function of oscillation parameters of the natural force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Zimmermann, Christian Langenstein, Nik Scharmann, Louis Verdegem
  • Publication number: 20100207391
    Abstract: Extracting energy from waves, even large ones, is a challenge. The current application describes adjustments to wave turbine systems that work with small waves especially well. Configuring the waves, blades, and generators as part of the system is the subject of the current application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Farb
  • Publication number: 20100207392
    Abstract: Provided is a power generating device comprising a weight suspended from a buoy via a zip-line and at least two gears disposed on said zip-line which are coupled to a drive shafts, which in turn are coupled to an electric generator. The device converts the mechanical power of oscillating ocean waves into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: ANDREW L. BENDER
  • Publication number: 20100207393
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating electricity using tidal, wave or current flow in a body of water, comprising: an arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes, each first pipe (10) being provided with a series of holes (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) spaced along its length, and the first pipes being arranged relative to the second pipes such that a venturi is defined between the walls of adjacent first and second pipes near the holes; a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; an impeller located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the impeller; wherein water from the body can enter the flow conduit via the inlet, and the first pipes are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that flow of water past the arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes causes the first pipes (10) to act as venturi pumps inducing flow from the inside of the first pipes through the holes (12, 13) so as to draw water through the flow conduit and drive the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: VERDERG LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Roberts
  • Publication number: 20100207394
    Abstract: A device for utilizing water flow kinetic energy continuously comprises at least one water pump, at least one flume and plural hydro-generators. The water pump is employed to continuously supply water from a water supply to an upper head end of a flume, and then the water will naturally flow from the upper head end of the flume to a lower tail end to drive the plural hydro-generators disposed on the flume to generate power. The flume has a length larger than a distance between the water supply and an upper head end of the flume. The water is finally discharged to a desired position or back to the upper head end by a water pump disposed at the lower tail end of the flume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Kwong-Keung Leung
  • Publication number: 20100207395
    Abstract: An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Shawn M. Frayne
  • Publication number: 20100207396
    Abstract: A system for converting wind power to electrical power comprising a transmission module with multiple power flows to an output and a first generator coupled to the output, wherein the first generator operates at substantially constant speed for the multiple power flows. A method is also disclosed that operates a system that converts wind power to electrical power utilizing a transmission module and comprises the steps of operating the transmission module with a first power flow to an output coupled to a generator, and operating the transmission module with a second power flow to the output coupled to the generator, wherein the generator operates at substantially constant speed for the first and second power flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Bernard Joseph Simon
  • Publication number: 20100207397
    Abstract: An electric drive has at least one electric motor and a power converter feeding electrical motor current thereto. A current desired-value emitter generates a reference signal. An additional circuit is coupled to the current desired-value emitter so as to receive the reference signal and generates a current desired-value signal. A current regulator is coupled to the additional circuit so as to receive the current desired-value signal. The current regulator generates a control signal to the power converter so as to regulate the motor current as a function of the current desired-value signal. The additional circuit has a first mode wherein the current desired-value signal corresponds to the reference signal and a second mode wherein the current desired-value signal is a pulsed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SSB-ANTRIEBSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hermann Kestermann, Josef Upsing
  • Publication number: 20100207398
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hydraulic drive train with energy dissipation for electrical generation. The disclosure is particularly adapted to wind-driven embodiments wherein the input power can fluctuate quickly. A hydraulic pump is provided in the nacelle of the windmill and powered by the wind turbine shaft. This hydraulic pump provides high pressure oil to generators, typically at ground level. The generators are protected from high pressure oil spikes by a pressure relief valve. Electric pumps on the ground level provide or supercharge the oil to the hydraulic pump in the nacelle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: WINDERA POWER SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Richard Burt
  • Publication number: 20100207399
    Abstract: A pyramid electric generator for harvesting the vibrational energies of Earth's atomic oscillators according to the present invention comprises: (1) an antenna/waveguide that is geometrically optimized; (2) a coil wound with an insulated conductor on a nonconductive coil form, the coil being connected at its top lead to the conducting surface of the antenna/waveguide such that the coil is connected near the point at which the electric field contacts the antenna/waveguide, the antenna/waveguide serving as a quasi-capacitive series element to provide a specific resonant frequency; (3) the bottom lead of the coil is connected to a driver operating in the LF or ELF bands. In another mode of operation, a secondary coil is positioned coaxially within the first coil acting as a resonant step-up transformer winding. The generator resonantly couples into specific frequencies of Earth's atomic oscillators and extracts electric energy thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Grandics
  • Publication number: 20100207400
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes a ratchet movable between an open position and a closed position, a first door release lever operatively connected to the ratchet, a second door release lever, and a lock lever movable along a lock lever path including a first lock lever position wherein the second door release lever is operatively disconnected from the first door release lever, a second lock lever position wherein the lock lever operatively connects the second door release lever to the first door release lever, and a third lock lever position wherein the lock lever carries out an additional function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Kris Tomaszewski, Francesco Cumbo
  • Publication number: 20100207401
    Abstract: A vehicle door latch apparatus includes a meshing portion assembly and an operating portion assembly. The meshing portion assembly includes: a latch; and a pawl engaging with the latch for preventing a rotation of the latch. The operating portion assembly includes: a casing including a shaft portion and a slit; and an operation lever pivotally supported on the shaft portion and including a shaft hole. The slit is provided in a wall portion of the casing at right angles to a rotating plane of the operation lever. The operation lever enters the slit in a waiting position. A movement of the operation lever in a direction of a rotating axis thereof is prevented by loosely fitting the shaft hole on the shaft portion and by entering the operation lever to the slit in a state where the meshing portion assembly is not attached to the operating portion assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Takao Taga
  • Publication number: 20100207402
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a door. The apparatuses including a door clamp having a stop, a base attached to the stop, a jamb bracket attached to the stop, and a fastener coupled to the jamb bracket. The methods including positioning a stop portion of a clamp horizontally, sliding the stop portion of the clamp under a door and past a far side of the door, rotating the clamp such that the stop portion is vertical, moving the clamp to adjacent a doorjamb, and placing a pin extending through the clamp into the door jamb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: J. Robert Ploskunak
  • Publication number: 20100207403
    Abstract: A latch for a window sash is disclosed. The latch includes a cover with a handle, a chassis, a bolt biased towards an extended position and containing a notch, a plunger biased towards the extended position and containing a guide, a rotary latch, pivotally connected to the chassis, containing a guide slot for receiving the guide and a protrusion biased towards the notch. The latch is operated wherein the bolt is locked in a retracted position when the handle slides the bolt inwardly towards the chassis and the protrusion engages the notch as the rotary latch rotates towards the notch, and wherein the bolt is released to the extended position when the plunger slides inwardly towards the chassis and the protrusion disengages from the notch as the rotary latch rotates away from the notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ROTO FRANK OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Bourgoin, Jeff Briggs
  • Publication number: 20100207404
    Abstract: An inertial blocking member subassembly is activated by an inertial force vector. A release handle assembly has a framework, a door handle grip, and a bell crank actuator. The subassembly has a blocking member and a biasing element. The blocking member is associated with the framework, and movable in at least one of rotation about an axis of rotation and translation. The biasing element is associated with the blocking member for biasing the blocking member to a first position. The blocking member center of gravity is offset from the axis of rotation. When the force vector acts on the center of gravity, the blocking member can rotate into a second position. When the center of gravity, axis of rotation, and force vector are aligned, the blocking member remains in the second position until the force vector has attenuated. The biasing element can rotate the blocking member to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ADAC PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Cort Corwin, Jeffrey Craig Stokes, Drew Fouchea
  • Publication number: 20100207405
    Abstract: A bar guide for guiding locking bars on sheet metal cabinet doors, or the like, comprises a carrier which can be secured, e.g., spot welded, to the inside surface of the door leaf and a guide element which can be mounted on the carrier and which has a guide surface whose distance from the inside surface of the door leaf is adjustable. According to the invention, the carrier which is spot welded to the door leaf is a pin with a circumferential thread, and an adjusting screw or adjusting nut can be screwed, or is screwed, on this pin. The guide element is a housing which encloses the adjusting screw and which has a guide channel forming the guide surface for the locking bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Publication number: 20100207406
    Abstract: An omni-positional hoist ring assembly including a bushing element that includes a sleeve with an axial length, and proximal and distal ends. A load bearing flange is radially disposed about the proximal end of the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal thread extending at least part way of the axial length of the sleeve. A mounting screw element has a major axis, a head, and a shank disposed generally co-axially around the major axis. The shank includes a threaded shank portion and a bearing portion. The bearing portion is a generally cylindrical axially extending portion of the shank that has a diameter approximately equal to the minor diameter of the thread in the threaded shank portion. A thrust washer element is provided between the head and the distal end of the sleeve. A body element receives the in-turned opposed ends of the legs of a lifting loop element in sockets. The lifting loop is free to pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John Thomeczek