Patents Issued in December 2, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100300195
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for measuring the cut resistance of polymeric and elastomeric materials having specimen holding and tensioning devices arranged on a common axis; a blade cutting device located orthogonally to the axis of the first and second specimen tensioning devices and a cutting block assembly located on the same axis as the cutting device and on the opposite side of the specimen tensioning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: William Herbert Coulter, Mark Allan Lamontia
  • Publication number: 20100300196
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a media sensor which a sheet carrying device has at a halfway part in a sheet carrying path, a damper table which stores a frequency band of vibration to be absorbed for each type of vibration isolator, and a controller which samples an output from the media sensor, performs Fourier transform on a waveform acquired as a result of the sampling, thus calculates a frequency, then searches the damper table on the basis of the resulting frequency, reads an optimum vibration isolator, and outputs the optimum vibration isolator to a control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tokihiko ISE
  • Publication number: 20100300197
    Abstract: A device for determining the flow regime and/or the direction of a fluid flow close to an element exposed to the flow, such as a sail, includes at least one dog-vane (1). The device further includes at least one flexible strip (2), one region (5) of the strip being fastened to the element (7) exposed to the flow and another region (15) of the strip being free relative to the element, so as to enable the strip and the free region extending substantially parallel to the element to flex, the dog-vane being fixed via one of its ends to the free region of the flexible strip. The device includes conversion element (3, 3?, 3A, 3B, 3?A, 3?B, 3C, 3D, 3?C, 3?D) for converting the deformations undergone by the strip into an electrical signal, relative to a reference position, and processing element (4) for processing the electrical signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: MER AGITEE
    Inventors: Dimitri Voisin, Michel Desjoyeaux, Clement Rive
  • Publication number: 20100300198
    Abstract: An Omnidirectional rain gauge measures an azimuth and zenith direction of flying rainwater. The Omnidirectional rain gauge includes catchment and measurement units. The catchment unit has a plural conical cylinders having individually different heights, and being overlaid so that bottom vertexes of the plural conical cylinders coincide with or come close to each other. The overlaid plural conical cylinders are partitioned by partitions, arranged radially in a plurality of horizontal azimuth directions, to form a plurality of catchment cells. Each of the plurality of partitions is shaped as semicircle following a virtual spherical outer circumference. Diameter of each of top opening parts opposite to the bottom vertexes, of the overlaid plural conical cylinders is sized to follow virtual spherical outer circumference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicants: MTS INSTITUTE INC., EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Masuyoshi MATSUDA, Makoto SHIMAMURA, Osamu SUZUKI, Shigeru KISHI
  • Publication number: 20100300199
    Abstract: A positive displacement fluid flow meter comprises a chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotor is displaceable within the chamber, rotation of the rotor being related to the volume of fluid passing through the chamber. The chamber has a surface proximate which an end surface of the rotor passes, the chamber surface and/or the rotor end surface having at least one recess to retain at least a portion of debris carried by the metered fluid. The recess is preferably formed so as not to provide fluid, communication, from the inlet to the outlet across the rotor end surface. A lid closes an end of the chamber which in use is subject to the pressure of fluid within the chamber. The lid is engaged at its periphery to a wall of the chamber, and is preferably flexible adjacent its periphery to reduce the transmission of bending stresses between the periphery of the lid and the remainder thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ELSTER METERING LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian Holmes Higgin, Ian Young, Ivor Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100300200
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the absorption and displacement of a fluid by a material. The apparatus comprises a container having graduated marks for measuring the volume, and change in volume, of a fluid (such as, but not limited to, a liquid) and a section for holding the material to be evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Bryce P. Simons
  • Publication number: 20100300201
    Abstract: A micromachined thermal and mechanical isolator for MEMS die that may include two layers, a first layer with an active temperature regulator comprising a built-in heater and temperature sensor and a second layer having mechanical isolation beams supporting the die. The isolator may be inserted between a MEMS die of a disc resonator gyroscope (DRG) chip and the leadless chip carrier (LCC) package to isolate the die from stress and temperature gradients. Thermal and mechanical stress to the DRG can be significantly reduced in addition to mitigating temperature sensitivity of the DRG chip. The small form can drastically reduce cost and power consumption of the MEMS inertial sensor and enable new applications such as smart munitions, compact and integrated space navigation solutions, with significant potential cost savings over the existing inertial systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Howard H. Ge, A. Dorian Challoner
  • Publication number: 20100300202
    Abstract: Packaging techniques for planar resonator gyroscopes, such as disc resonator gyroscopes (DRGs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaged resonator gyroscope comprises a carrier, a substrate layer mounted to the carrier, a baseplate coupled to the substrate to define a cavity between the substrate and the baseplate, and a resonator mounted to the baseplate and suspended in the cavity. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Richard J. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20100300203
    Abstract: A sensor includes an acceleration detector, an angular velocity detector, a driver, and first to fourth springs. Each detector includes a pair of fixed electrodes, a pair of movable electrodes, and a pair of supporting members for supporting the movable electrodes. The driver causes the supporting members to vibrate in opposite phases in a first direction. The first spring couples the supporting members of the acceleration detector and has elasticity in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second spring couples the supporting members of the acceleration detector to a base and has elasticity in both directions. The third spring couples the supporting members of the acceleration detector to the supporting members of the angular velocity detector and has elasticity in both directions. The fourth spring couples the supporting members to the movable electrodes of the angular velocity detector and has elasticity in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keisuke GOTOH
  • Publication number: 20100300204
    Abstract: A micromechanical acceleration sensor includes a substrate with a substrate surface arranged in one plane, a first counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface, a second counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface, and a rocking mass arranged above the first counter-electrode and the second counter-electrode. The rocking mass is in this case connected to the substrate via a torsion spring which permits tilting of the rocking mass about an axis of rotation. Further provided are a first compensation counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface and a second compensation counter-electrode arranged on the substrate surface. In addition, a first compensation electrode is arranged above the first compensation counter-electrode and a second compensation electrode is arranged above the second compensation counter-electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jochen REINMUTH
  • Publication number: 20100300205
    Abstract: A covered acceleration sensor element includes a weight portion, a support frame portion surrounding the weight portion, a plurality of flexible beam portions for connecting the weight portion to the support frame portion to support the weight portion, piezoresistance elements provided on the beam portions, and wirings for connecting them. An upper cover and a lower cover enclosing the periphery of the weight portion together with the support frame portion are joined to the face and back of the support frame portion. Acceleration in the directions of three axes, i.e., a first axis in the joining thickness direction, a second axis in a plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis in the plane and perpendicular to the second axis, or acceleration in the direction of any of the axes, is detected from changes in the resistances of the piezoresistance elements. The support frame portion is separated by separation grooves into an inner frame and an outer frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: TOREX SEMICONDUCTOR LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi KAZAMA, Masakatsu Saitoh, Ryoji Okada, Yasuhiro Hamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100300206
    Abstract: A vibration excitator including a main body, a stinger which is adapted to move relative to the main body, in a particular working direction, an actuator coupled to the main body and the stinger, wherein the stinger has a first end that is coupled to the main body, and an opposite second end that is intended for attachment to an object to be examined, wherein the stinger has an elastic centre point, wherein the main body has a centre of gravity, and wherein L1=L3 applies, wherein L1 is the distance between the elastic centre point and the second stinger end, measured along the said working direction, and wherein L3 is the distance between the centre of gravity and the second stinger end, measured along the said working direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Gerardus van der Linden
  • Publication number: 20100300207
    Abstract: MEMS pressure sensing elements, the fabrication methods of the sensing elements, and the packaging methods using the new sensing elements are introduced to provide a way for a harsh media absolute pressure sensing and eliminating the negative effects caused by the gel used in the prior art. The invention uses vertical conductive vias to electrically connect the enclosed circuit to the outside, and uses a fusion bond method to attach a cap with the embedded conductive vias over a device die having a circuit for example a piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge to sense pressure. New packaging methods comprise a) a two-pocket housing structure and using a surface mounting method to attach a new sensing element into one pocket by a ball grid array (BGA), and b) a single pocket structure and using conventional die attach and wire bonding. Both methods can be used for harsh media pressure sensing but without the negative effects caused by the gel in prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: TEMIC AUTOMOTIVE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: XIAOYI DING, JEFFREY J. FRYE, JEN-HUANG ALBERT CHIOU
  • Publication number: 20100300208
    Abstract: A capacitive electro-mechanical transducer includes a cell, the cell including a first electrode and a second electrode that is disposed opposite the first electrode with a gap therebetween; and a pressure-adjusting unit for adjusting pressure in the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazunari Fujii, Yoshitaka Zaitsu
  • Publication number: 20100300209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a strain gauge, comprising at least one optical waveguide (5) fastened to a thin support (1). The optical waveguide (5) has at least one section (10) with a fiber Bragg grating (6), which serves the detection of strain. The invention is characterized in that the optical waveguide (5) outside of the fiber Bragg grating section (10) is covered on both sides of said section by two fastening elements (3, 4). In this way, the optical waveguide (5) outside of the fiber Bragg grating section (10) is fastened to the support (1) with force fit. Between the two lateral fastening elements (3, 4), a relatively soft elastic fixing element (2) is fastened around the optical waveguide (2), the element fixing at least the fiber Bragg grating section (10) with positive fit to the support (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Manfred Kreuzer, Tobias Kipp, Thomas Kleckers
  • Publication number: 20100300210
    Abstract: A system includes a structure and a component. The component including an energy providing device and a protective cover. The structure has a structure surface. The protective cover has a protective cover attachment surface mounted on the structure surface. The energy providing device is located within the protective cover. The protective cover has a protective cover outer surface. The protective cover outer surface is oriented to face a first direction from which an impact load may strike the protective cover outer surface and shear the protective cover from the structure surface. The protective cover outer surface has an outer surface shape facing the first direction. At least a portion of an impact load striking any region of the protective cover outer surface facing the first direction is transferred by the outer surface shape into a compression load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christoper P. Townsend, Steven W. Mundell, David L. Churchill
  • Publication number: 20100300211
    Abstract: There is provided an electromagnetic flow meter that applies magnetic fields with a first frequency and a second frequency, to a fluid to be measured, calculates a first flow rate, calculates a second flow rate, performs low-pass filtering on the first flow rate to calculate a first low-pass filtered flow rate, and performs low-pass filtering on the second flow rate to calculate a second low-pass filtered flow rate, the electromagnetic flow meter including: an abnormality detecting unit that detects an abnormal state in which, the fluid is at non-full level on the basis of at least one of the first flow rate and the second flow rate; and an abnormality removing unit that removes the abnormal state on the basis of the first low-pass filtered flow rate and the second low-pass filtered flow rate, when the abnormality detecting unit does not determine that the fluid is in the abnormal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fujikazu SUGAWARA, Tooru SHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20100300212
    Abstract: Electrode for a magneto-inductive flow measuring device for determining volume flow of an electrically conductive medium flowing through a measuring tube. The measuring tube, or at least the portion of it which comes in contact with the medium, is not electrically conductive; wherein the electrode exhibits an electrode shaft and an electrode head. The electrode head contacts the medium, and the electrode shaft exhibits frustoconically shaped sealing lips arranged one after the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the electrode. The electrode shaft is pressed into a bore in the wall of the measuring tube. The maximum diameter of the sealing lip nearest the electrode head is greater than the diameter of the bore, and, at least in a part of the electrode shaft, the maximum diameter of any following sealing lip is greater than the maximum diameter of the preceding sealing lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser FLowtec AG
    Inventor: Roger Kerrom
  • Publication number: 20100300213
    Abstract: A turbine flow meter comprises a flow pipe which includes an axial through bore and a meter cartridge which is positioned in the through bore. The meter cartridge includes a tubular cartridge housing through which a fluid to be measured is directed and a rotor which is rotatably supported in the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing is slidably received in a first portion of the through bore and comprises an outer diameter which is less than the diameter of that portion of the through bore. The meter cartridge is retained in the through bore by a retainer, which in turn is retained in the through bore by a ring seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Fink, James R. Soltau, Donald L. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20100300214
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (7) for monitoring the tension (17) and pinch force (19) associated with the contact of angled stub rollers (91) with a glass ribbon (23) are provided. The apparatus (7) includes a support member (39) which supports the shaft (13) of the stub roller (91). The support member (39) undergoes linear displacement (45) in response to tension (17) in the glass ribbon (23) and rotation (59) in response to a pinch force (19). The linear displacement (45) and rotation (59) are detected and converted to force values by a calibration procedure. By monitoring these forces, glass attributes such as residual stress can be improved which is of importance in glass sheets used in such applications as the manufacture of liquid crystal displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond C. Cady, James P. Peris, G. Clinton Shay
  • Publication number: 20100300215
    Abstract: A load cell includes a cylindrical ring with one end closed by a membrane configured to receive a load or force to be measured. A sensor carrier plate is arranged in a cavity formed by the ring and the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is coupled to the membrane to undergo a displacement upon deflection of the membrane. The sensor carrier plate has an inner and an outer portion and carries in the outer portion at least one sensor adapted for sensing the displacement and generating a signal based on the load or force applied to the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is movably coupled to the membrane at a location between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one further sensor is arranged in the inner portion generating a signal changing with opposite sign with respect to the signal of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: SiemensAG
    Inventor: Nils Aage Juul Eilersen
  • Publication number: 20100300216
    Abstract: A method applying a biological specimen to an analytic plate by using an applicator device to apply a coating to the analytic plate and adhering the biological sample to the plate. The coating is substantially transparent, translucent or invisible, and is substantially flush with the surface of the analytic plate. The coating is preferably comprised of a polysiloxane, siloxane, silicone, a silane, a silicon fluid, or a combination thereof and optionally an acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Lee H. Angros
  • Publication number: 20100300217
    Abstract: A specimen processing device is disclosed that comprises: a processing unit configured to aspirate a specimen from a specimen container accommodating the specimen, and to process the aspirated specimen; a state transition section configured to make the processing unit undergo transition to a pause state; an instruction accepting section configured to accept an instruction to start processing of the specimen when the processing unit is in the pause state; and a pause state releasing section configured to release the processing unit from the pause state to make the processing unit perform the processing of specimen when the instruction to start the processing is accepted by the instruction accepting section. A specimen processing method using a specimen processing device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Toru Mizumoto
  • Publication number: 20100300218
    Abstract: A method for reducing corrosion product transport in a power producing facility. The method includes the steps of selecting a chemical dispersant adapted to reduce the deposition of corrosion products in the recirculation path, and using at least one chemical injector to inject the chemical dispersant into a fluid contained in the recirculation path during recirculation path cleanup to increase corrosion product removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Paul Fruzzetti, Charles Marks
  • Publication number: 20100300219
    Abstract: Provided is a sub-sampler used for taking a sub-sample from a core sample filled in a liner of a corer. The sub-sampler includes agitation preventing walls 100a, 100b and 100c including a top surface 10 having a predetermined length, a side surface 20 extended to be bent in a downward direction from one end of the top surface 10, and a contact surface 30 extended such that one end of the side surface meets the other end of the top surface 10; and a cut piece 200 that allows an arrangement gap between one agitation preventing wall 100a and any other agitation preventing wall 100b to be regular and that is connected to the side surface 20 in order to close one side surface of the arranged agitation preventing walls 100a, 100b and 100c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventor: Inkwon Um
  • Publication number: 20100300220
    Abstract: The method serves for monitoring an energy conversion device such as for example a pump assembly, a compressor or likewise. The energy conversion device consists of several function units which are functionally linked to one another. Power-dependent variables of at least one function unit are automatically detected in temporal intervals and/or computed and compared to one another or values derived therefrom and/or to predefined values. A corresponding signal is produced in dependence of this comparison, via which signal, the efficiency reduction of a function unit or the complete device may be specified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Pierre Vadstrup, Jette Egebaek Vadstrup, Carsten Skovmose Kallesoe
  • Publication number: 20100300221
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a standardized surface contaminated by an aerosol deposited on its surface is described. Aerosols are propelled horizontally onto a vertical surface. The standardized contaminated surface is used to evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning and removing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Sang Don Lee, Shawn P. Ryan, Emily G. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20100300222
    Abstract: A vibration actuator comprising: a vibration portion which contacts a relative movement portion, and produces necessary vibration for a relative movement of the relative movement portion; a first member provided to hold the relative movement portion between the first member and the vibration portion, and moves relative to the vibration portion in response to movement of the relative movement portion with respect to the vibration portion; a second member which faces the first member via a rolling member, and supports the first member so that the first member is movable relative to the vibration portion; and a pressing member which generate a pressing force between the second member and the vibration portion so that the vibration portion and the relative movement portion are in contact with each othercome in contact with each other; and wherein the first member comprises a plastic substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuteru HINO
  • Publication number: 20100300223
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining power from reciprocal motion, particularly for waves, are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Farb
  • Publication number: 20100300224
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spindle drive with a first load path which is formed by a first nut which meshes with a threaded bolt and a second load path which is formed by a second nut which likewise meshes with the threaded bolt and which is arranged such that it is movable relative to the first nut in the axial direction of the threaded bolt in at least one state of the spindle drive, with the spindle drive having a sensor unit which is made such that it detects a relative movement between the first nut and the second nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Frederick Bassett
  • Publication number: 20100300225
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving system for a belt axis of a winch in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems existing in conventional driving systems, such as a complicated structure and poor reliability. The driving system for the belt axis of the winch is positioned at the extension end of the belt axis on one side of a winch support. The driving system includes a rotary body and a fixed base, in which the fixed base is connected to the extension end of the belt axis via a connection means and the inner end of the rotary body is set on the fixed base. An insertion pore is positioned at the outer end of the rotary body. A spring is provided between the rotary body and the fixed base, under the action of which the inner end face of the rotary body is attached to the outer end face of the fixed base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Buqin RUAN
  • Publication number: 20100300226
    Abstract: A transmission generally includes a shaft member having a continuous cylindrical surface portion longitudinally disposed next to a cylindrical outer surface portion interrupted by longitudinal grooves. A first gear assembly has a first clutch spring that holds a first set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a first output gear. A second gear assembly has a second clutch spring that holds a second set of rolling members between lobes that extend from a second output gear. The first gear assembly and the second gear assembly are configured to move longitudinally along the shaft member to a position where at least one of the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly is engaged for rotation with the shaft member when a value of torque at the shaft member is below a torque threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bodine, Barry E. Plato, Kevin S. Agan, Joao Norona
  • Publication number: 20100300227
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system comprising components that can be combined to form modules, forming a plurality of drives and outputs having different properties, each combination of the components respectively containing a lower housing part, at least one motor, and a gear reduction consisting of a pinion and a toothed wheel. The drive system according to the invention is characterised by the following combinations of features: a) in order to create a basic drive, the toothed wheel comprises a reversible thread with a non-self-locking pitch and positive locking for an output, b) a control spring, a brake spring, an output, and a brake ring are used to produce a load moment block with a linear correlation between the braking moment (Mb) and the friction coefficient (?), and c) furthermore, different upper housing parts can be arranged on the drive system in order to create different drives and outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Schuele
  • Publication number: 20100300228
    Abstract: A speed reduction device for a power seat adapted to be fixed to a seat frame, the speed reduction device includes a worm gear rotating with a motor output shaft, a helical gear meshed with the worm gear and rotating with a drive shaft driving a movable portion of the power seat, and a casing accommodating the worm gear and the helical gear. The casing includes a casing body rotatably supporting the worm gear, a casing cover tightened to the casing body, annular fitting portions fitted to each other, a first engagement portion formed at an outer circumferential side of the annular fitting portion of one of the casing body and the casing cover, a second engagement portion formed at the other of the casing body and the casing cover and engaging with the first engagement portion, and a tightening means tightening the casing cover to the casing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshitaka KOGA, Eiichiro Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20100300229
    Abstract: The invention aims to improve not only the resistance to abrasion and scoring, but also the fatigue strength against pitting and chipping, without increasing the number of steps of the manufacturing process. The tooth face 2 of the gear is smoothed by gyro polishing. In the thus smoothed tooth face 2, a multitude of microscopic recesses 3 are randomly formed by liquid honing in which microscopic hard particles are collided with the tooth surface together with liquid. By the liquid honing, a large compressive residual stress is produced on the tooth face 2. This improves not only the resistance to abrasion and scoring, but also the fatigue strength against pitting and chipping, without increasing the number of steps of the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Masanori Sato, Katsufumi Abe
  • Publication number: 20100300230
    Abstract: A device for the relative movement between an input member and an output member, the device comprising an input member (100); an output member (108); an intermediate member (104) coupling the input member (100) and the output member (108); a first kinematics bond (102) coupling the intermediate member (104) and the input member (100); the first kinematics bond (102) providing at least two rotational degrees of freedom; and a second kinematics bond (106) coupling the intermediate member (104) and the output member (108), the second kinematics bond (106) being adapted to transmit rotational motions between the intermediate member (104) and the output member (108) and to offset rotation axes of at least two rotational degrees of freedom of the output member (108).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: FORCE DIMENSION
    Inventor: Patrick Helmer
  • Publication number: 20100300231
    Abstract: In a shift lever device, when the shift lever is operated from a position C to a position N, a pusher slides along a select sliding region of an indexing section due to biasing force. In the indexing section, an anchor is formed at positions over the entire range of the select sliding region by a secondary resin penetrating completely into a through hole in a primary resin. Therefore, lifting of the secondary resin relative to the primary resin can be suppressed during molding of the secondary resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Daisuke MATSUBA
  • Publication number: 20100300232
    Abstract: An automated motorcycle transmission comprises a shift actuator (1) for engaging the gears of the transmission. The shift actuator (1) is a three-position actuator with self-maintaining end position stability which has first and second stable end positions and a stable central position. The shift actuator (1), when in the first end position, corresponds to a first gear of the transmission, the shift actuator (1), when in the second end position, corresponds to other gears of the transmission, and the shift actuator (1), when in the central position, corresponds to a neutral position of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Mauro ZANELLA, Michael PANTKE
  • Publication number: 20100300233
    Abstract: A shift gate selector for an automated transmission of a motor vehicle comprises a selector rod (1) and first and second electromagnetic actuators (M1, M2) made as 2-position magnets, in particular bistable position magnets, which are actively connected to the selector rod (1) and are arranged in such a manner that depending on the combination of the positions of the actuators (M1, M2), one of four possible selection positions is obtained, each corresponding to a gate (W1, W2, W3, W4) to be selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Kai HEINRICH
  • Publication number: 20100300234
    Abstract: An actuating device for selecting gear steps in a gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that can be moved between at least two drive-setting positions and a locking mechanism for restricting the movement range of the lever and locking certain positions or for locking the selector lever. The locking mechanism comprises a locking recess connected to the selector lever and a blocking cam that can be rotated by an actuator. The cam engages in the locking recess. Complex locking tasks are possible with the simplified actuating device. In addition, the range of movement of the selector lever can be freely positioned largely variably and its width can be changed. Furthermore, the selector lever of the actuating device is movable by the actuator or locked in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Ludger Rake, Sascha Rosentreter, Daniel Heitmann
  • Publication number: 20100300235
    Abstract: A shift lever head attached to a free end of a shift lever by the first end region thereof for actuating a transmission of a motor vehicle. A receptacle open toward a second end region opposite the first end region is formed in the shift lever head, an input unit having a touch-sensitive and/or proximity-sensitive input surface being disposed in said receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Hostmann, Nhu Nguyen Thien
  • Publication number: 20100300236
    Abstract: In an adjustable steering column adjustable, a steering shaft is mounted in a body tube arranged in an intermediate carrier mounted on a fixed support member. The body tube is immobilized onto the fixed support member by a clamping system. The position-keeping device includes teeth that, in the event of an impact, are mutually engageable by means of a press system mounted in the intermediate carrier and under the action of the clamping system. The teeth belong to of the press system and are on the body tube. The teeth have characteristics defined such that in the event of an impact, the breaking force of the teeth has a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ZF SYSTEMSES DE DIRECTION NACAM, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Pascal Goulay, Nicolas Genet
  • Publication number: 20100300237
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a bracket, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface; a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within an inner surface of the outer jacket, an outer surface of the outer jacket located within the inner surface of the spaced arms; and a locking device that passes through and is coupled to the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket by respective application or release of a predetermined clamping force to the outer surface of the arm, outer bracket and inner bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason R. Ridgway, Malgorzata Renata Szeliga
  • Publication number: 20100300238
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a vehicle, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface. The assembly also includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within the outer jacket between the spaced arms. The assembly further includes a locking device that passes through the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket. Still further, the assembly includes an energy absorbing device comprising an energy absorbing strap that is fixed to the inner jacket at a first portion thereof and slidably disposed within the outer jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason R. Ridgway, Albert Clifford Huber
  • Publication number: 20100300239
    Abstract: An improved coupling means, in particular for adjustable pieces of furniture, is distinguished by the following features: the coupling means (51) comprises a transmission and coupling means (67, 167), the transmission and coupling means (67, 167) is constructed in such a way that the at least one secondary transmission means (133; 133a, 133b) is always adjusted whether one primary transmission means (131; 131a, 131b) is actuated or whether the other primary transmission means (131; 131a, 131b) is actuated, and at least two catch decoupling means (155; 155a; 155b) are provided in such a way that when the at least one primary transmission means (131; 131a or 131b) is adjusted, disengaged by an adjustment of the associated actuation means (15; 15a, 15b), the transmission and coupling means (67, 167) is always also entrained and adjusted, while the second catch decoupling means (155b) cooperates with the transmission and coupling means (67, 167) in such a way that the adjusting or pivoting transmission and cou
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Josef RUTZ
  • Publication number: 20100300240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating hysteresis equipped in an electronic accelerator pedal for a vehicle, which makes it possible not only to reduce the manufacturing cost, weight, and fuel consumption by reducing the number of parts of an apparatus for generating hysteresis, but achieve a compact configuration by reducing the size of a housing. Further, it is possible to facilitate assembly, reduce assembly time, and improve productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: DONGHEE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Donghwan KIM, Yonghwan MO
  • Publication number: 20100300241
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a parking brake includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block; a locking device adapted to secure the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position; an activation rod guided inside the manual brake lever, the activation rod operatively connected to the locking device; and a position-adjustable end stop movable between an engaged position and a released position. The position-adjustable end stop is adapted to delimit pivotable movement of the manual brake lever to a maximum value setting when in the engaged position, and the position-adjustable end stop is adapted to permit movement of the manual brake lever past the maximum value setting when in the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Dietz-automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Baris BARCIN
  • Publication number: 20100300242
    Abstract: An improved locking mechanism, in particular for locking a table top in the work position thereof and for releasing the table top in order to pivot it for example into an approximately vertically extending storage position, is distinguished in that the locking mechanism (47) comprises between the fully locked position and the fully released position at least one intermediate position, in which the table top (5) is pivotable only through a restricted angular range in a manner delimited by stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Josef Rutz
  • Publication number: 20100300243
    Abstract: A pedal covering having an elastic covering cap, adapted to a foot-pedal. In one embodiment, the pedal covering includes a plurality of protuberances, a plate including a base that is disposed on the elastic covering cap and which includes a plurality of holes in which the protuberances are inserted. The plate has at least one main projection including a first segment that extends continuously from the base and a second segment continuous to the first segment, the maximum width of the second segment being greater than the maximum width of the first segment. In addition, the elastic covering cap includes, for each main projection, a housing with a groove, the width of the groove being smaller than the maximum width of the second segment, and the groove being passed through by the main projection, with the result that the second segment comes up against the elastic covering cap once it has passed through the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: BATZ, S. COOP
    Inventors: Joseba Palacio Argüelles, Fernando Burguera Albizuri, Asier Guijarro Plaza
  • Publication number: 20100300244
    Abstract: A bearing component and bearing assembly are disclosed. The bearing component includes structure for providing a hard rotation stop, in one embodiment, the anti-rotation structure includes a slot formed in at least one bearing component having a surface for supporting a bearing shell. The slot has a longitudinal axis at an oblique angle to a plane perpendicular to the surface for supporting the bearing shell, in other embodiments, a groove extends radially outward from a surface of at least one component for supporting a bearing shell to a side of the component. The groove has a depth that increases as a function of distance in a direction parallel with a center axis of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dale G. GIBBY, Joseph RENNEKAMP, Kent H. CLARK