Patents Issued in January 20, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110011665
    Abstract: A self-propelled low-emission off-road vehicle has an internal combustion engine supported in an engine compartment and also includes a vehicle cooling assembly and an engine exhaust treatment device positioned in the compartment. The vehicle cooling assembly includes a powered fan and an enclosure with a heat exchanger operable to discharge heat produced by the vehicle. The enclosure presents an inlet, outlet, and air flow plenum, with the fan directing air flow along a path between the inlet and outlet. The exhaust treatment device is operable to treat engine exhaust flow. The exhaust treatment device is positioned at least partly in the air flow plenum and in the path between the inlet and outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua A. Peterson, Shawn M. Entriken
  • Publication number: 20110011666
    Abstract: An input gear rotates integrally with an input shaft, and an output gear rotates integrally with an output shaft. Pinion gears are rotatably supported by pinion gear shaft members, respectively, and are meshed with both of the input gear and the output gear. An inner end part of each pinion gear shaft member is fitted to an inner peripheral wall of a corresponding primary hole of an inner ring member, and an outer end part of each pinion gear shaft member is fitted to an inner peripheral wall of a corresponding secondary hole of an outer ring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi HORI, Nobuhiko Uryu
  • Publication number: 20110011667
    Abstract: Disclosed is a torque angle sensor and an electronic power steering apparatus having the torque angle sensor, which includes an upper case, an upper side of which is assembled with a sensor housing, a rotor assembled with an inside of the upper case, the rotor fitted around an outer surface of the output shaft extending through the rotor and assembled with an inside of the upper case, a lower case, a lower side of which is assembled with a spacer cover, and a middle case assembled between the upper case and the lower case. The upper case includes holding parts opposed to each other and formed on an upper surface of the upper case, which is assembled with the sensor housing, and a seating spring protruding downward with inclination from an end of one of the holding parts and elastically bent when the upper case is assembled with the sensor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Rae-cheong Kang
  • Publication number: 20110011668
    Abstract: A seismic wave generating device and methods for generating seismic waves having a relatively strong longitudinal energy and a relatively weak transverse energy are disclosed. A device may have a hollow casing and a striking member passing through the hollow casing, the striking member or the hollow casing bearing a spacing member. A method may drive the hollow casing into the earth, then remove earth from within the hollow casing. The method may place a striking member through the hollow casing and may drive the striking member further into the earth to create seismic waves with a relatively strong longitudinal energy and a relatively weak transverse energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Terralliance Technologies ,Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Hampshire, Brock Hemmingsen, Mike Douglas
  • Publication number: 20110011669
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing noise and wear in a flapper configured exhaust tip for a marine exhaust system. A metallic flapper is located at an end portion of an exhaust tip of the exhaust pipe. An elastomeric flapper assembly is provided covering the exhaust tip and includes a lip portion configured to provide noise reduction by functioning as a stop for a tip portion of the metallic flapper. The metallic flapper is positioned such that a tip thereof contacts the elastomeric flapper assembly rather than the metallic exhaust pipe. Such contact with an elastomeric flapper assembly reduces noise previously produced by flapper contact with the hot exhaust pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Zelinski
  • Publication number: 20110011670
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a muffling structure of a vent pipe and a muffling structure of a case, which is capable of muffling in a wide frequency range and preventing vent resistance in the air pipe or the case from deterioration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Kosaku Ishida, Yoshitaka Watanabe, Kazutaka Hara
  • Publication number: 20110011671
    Abstract: A manual belaying descending device for belaying a climber and for controlled descending, on a single or double rope, comprised of an aluminum body having two slots. Each slot is for a rope to pass through and adjacent to the slots is the main opening of the device for receiving one or multiple carabiners, in a manner that at least one loop of the rope may pass through at least one carabiner and a friction claw coupled with fixed stop means transversely offset to said openings for limiting the movement of the rope by providing paths of resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Young Chu
  • Publication number: 20110011672
    Abstract: Rope equipment with a pivoting rope clamp including first and second members mechanically connected to each other so that they are free to rotate relative to each other and so that a rope can be secured to (for example, threaded through) the rope equipment. At some relative rotational position, or range of relative rotational positions, the first and second members will be sufficient spaced apart so that the equipment can slide relatively freely with respect to the rope. However, if the relative rotation position changes too much in either rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), then the first and second members will clamp down on the rope and prevent it from sliding with respect to the rope equipment. Preferably, the first member is provided with friction braking holes to help constrain the rope to the rope equipment and also to provide some degree of friction braking on sliding motion between the rope and the rope equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: GOLFIRE, INC.
    Inventor: John D. Price, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110011673
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable unit for evacuation purposes, said inflatable unit comprising at least a first inflatable chamber (1) and a second inflatable chamber (2), said chambers abutting each other, an opening, which is arranged between the two inflatable chambers (1, 2), a pressure source with an inflating gas, which pressure source is connected to the first inflatable chamber (1), a one-way valve (3), which is arranged in connection with the opening between the inflatable chambers, so that the inflating gas only can pass from the first chamber (1) to the second chamber (2). The one-way valve (3) comprises at least a first sheet (4), which is made of a flexible material, said first sheet (4) being adapted to be a sleeve (5) or be part of a sleeve (5). Furthermore, the sleeve (5) has a first end (7) and a second end (8), and at least openings (9, 10) at both ends (7, 8), said sleeve (5) being substantially closed between the ends (7, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT A/S
    Inventor: Gert Smedmann Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20110011674
    Abstract: A ladder equipped with a safety bar comprises a first support supported on the ground, including a plurality of horizontal bars. A fixed bracket has one end fixed to the upper portion. A second support is rotatably combined with the other end portion of the fixed bracket. A foothold is between the first and second supports and is rotatably combined toward the second support on one side. A safety is installed in a C-shaped fashion toward the front side from the fixed bracket. Rotating devices are installed in the first and second supports. Each of the rotating devices comprises a first circular rotating unit having a groove on the outer circumferential surface. A second circular rotating unit rotatably inserted into the groove. A hinge axis penetrates centers of the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit and axially combines the first and second rotating units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Man Seob KIM
  • Publication number: 20110011675
    Abstract: In an first aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket assembly for mounting on the trailer; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; and a plurality of rungs pivotally connected to both the first and second side rails. The ladder is collapsible to decrease a distance between the first and second side rails. In a second aspect, a ladder for mounting on a vehicle trailer includes an attachment bracket; a first side rail; a second side rail parallel to the first side rail; a plurality of rungs connecting the first and second side rails; and a pivotal connection. The first and second side rails define a plane and the pivotal connection allows for rotation of the plane about a vertical axis. The pivotal connection is disposed between the attachment bracket and the first side rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Bow Step, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ebbenga, Amy Lee, Daniel Lin
  • Publication number: 20110011676
    Abstract: A firefighting roof ladder accessory that is designed to be supported by one rail and at least two rungs of a roof ladder. The accessory comprises a beam having two ends, at one end of said beam is secured a ladder rail box having disposed therein at least two bi-hooks for hooking onto said rungs, and secured to the other end of said beam a foot support, said accessory being designed to be used on a roof ladder having hooks to secure the ladder on the roof during fire fighting activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Oscar DeLair
  • Publication number: 20110011677
    Abstract: A fall arrest safety net assembly has the form of a bag constructed of wire mesh, with a closed end and an opposing open mouth about which a plurality of eyes are spaced. An elongate line has opposing first and second ends, first and second line portions of the line being disposed adjacent the first and second ends respectively, an intermediate portion of the line located between the first and second line portions. A choker fitting has two faces between which a plurality of openings extend, and an end fixture on the choker fitting. The first portion of the line is connected in a ring by the choker fitting, the first end being fixed to the end fixture, the first portion extending through the eyes for drawing the mouth closed, and the intermediate portion extending through the openings in the choker fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MRM Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Schlipper
  • Publication number: 20110011678
    Abstract: Expandable load bearing device for use on a ladder and comprising an outer member (20), an inner member (21) movable within the outer member, and ratchet means having a pawl (26) attachable to the outer member and a rack (22) attachable to the inner member, the pawl being movable into and out of engagement with the rack to prevent the movement of the inner member towards the outer member, and the pawl having a shoulder (36d) arranged to bear upon a load transfer member (24) on the outer member when the pawl is in engagement with the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Lance Rodney Sheffield
  • Publication number: 20110011679
    Abstract: A ladder comprises two stiles and at least a step unit mounted between the two stiles. The step unit includes a hollow step, an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is fit into the hollow step, at an end of which a position restriction portion is located to prevent the inner sleeve from moving out, and the outer sleeve is adapted to surround the end of the hollow step. Besides, a fastener is set, the fastening end of which is passed through the stile, the outer sleeve and fastened in the inner sleeve. The present technique solution has a high supporting strength and a high shear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Publication number: 20110011680
    Abstract: A lubricant applicator includes a base, a plurality of elastic members, and a plate member. The base includes a hollow space for receiving lubricant. The elastic support member is mounted within the hollow space of the base. The plate member is received in the hollow space and supported by the elastic support member. The plate member comprises a first slot and a plurality of through openings formed in an upper surface thereof. The first slot is shaped to accommodate a golden finger interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ER-PENG HUANG, YONG-YOU MING
  • Publication number: 20110011681
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a car traveling up and down along a hoistway; a buffer for stopping the car at an end of the hoistway; brakes for braking travel of the car; a car traveling-information acquisition mechanism for acquiring information as to speed of the car; and a brake control unit for controlling the brake by comparing a speed of the car with a speed pattern curve created based upon a speed curve of the car when braking force is forcedly exerted by the brakes to enable the buffer to absorb a shock at the collision of the car with the buffer to a level below a predetermined specified value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rikio Kondo, Hiroshi Kigawa
  • Publication number: 20110011682
    Abstract: An elevator drive has a brake device with compression springs to actuate brake levers, and brake linings on a brake drum creating a braking force. A sensor is provided to detect the movement of a brake magnet armature tappet. A bracket is attached to the brake magnet tappet on one end and a distance piece carrying the sensor housing is arranged on the other end. A restoring lug is attached to the existing mechanical indicator. A monitor evaluates the sensor signal and turns off the elevator drive in the event of dangerous operational states via a safety circuit. The system allows the state of the brake device to be monitored. The more the brake linings wear off due to abrasion, the smaller the distance between the armature and the brake magnet housing. If the armature is in contact with the brake magnet housing, the braking ability of the brake linings is completely void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Karl ERNY, Urs Lindegger, Rudolf Eckenstein
  • Publication number: 20110011683
    Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle brake comprises a housing with a first piston bore and a second piston bore, a first piston disposed in the first piston bore, a first piston rod attached to the first piston and extending from the first piston toward the outside of the housing for coupling to a first brake arm, and a second piston disposed in the second piston bore. The first piston moves along a first piston axis, and the second piston moves along a second piston axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Kenji Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20110011684
    Abstract: An apparatus for a bicycle brake comprises a housing with a first piston bore, a first piston disposed in the first piston bore, and a first piston rod fixedly attached to the first piston and extending from the first piston toward the outside of the housing. The first piston rod includes a first brake arm coupling portion for coupling to a first brake arm, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts a distance of the first brake arm coupling portion relative to the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Kenji Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20110011685
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary damper in which both yields and braking characteristics can be enhanced. The rotary damper of the invention includes a valve mechanism which comprises an operating chamber 7 through which fluid can pass, a valve body 8 which forwardly moves from a natural state position when the valve body 8 receives fluid pressure and which can forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7, and a first spring 9 capable of giving a resistance to the forward movement of the valve body 8. The valve mechanism can reduce a flow rate of fluid which passes through the operating chamber 7 by a flow path 14 formed between the valve body 8 and a peripheral wall 7a of the operating chamber 7. A reducing amount of fluid can be increased as a moving distance of the valve body 8 which forwardly moves in the operating chamber 7 is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic Ishikawa
    Inventors: Hidenori Kanno, Ryota Shimura, Masanori Itagaki
  • Publication number: 20110011686
    Abstract: A damper unit which brakes the speed of movement of a moving body by using a piston damper provided with a cylinder and a piston rod which is connected to a piston inside the cylinder, is provided. The damper unit includes a case wherein the above-mentioned piston damper is disposed; a transmitting member slidably provided inside the case and transmitting an external force accompanied by the movement of the above-mentioned moving body; a link member whose one end side is attached to the above-mentioned case so as to become the rotational center, and also whose the other end side is pivotally supported by the above-mentioned transmitting member; and a connecting member connected between both ends of the link member and being in contact with or connected to either the piston rod or the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Motohiko Kimura
  • Publication number: 20110011687
    Abstract: An S cam assembly, includes an S cam member having a shank, the shank having a machined shank outer margin, a tubular bushing holder member disposable annular to the shank, and a single S cam bushing member disposable intermediate the shank machined shank outer margin and an inside margin of the bushing holder when the bushing holder is in the annular disposition relative to the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20110011688
    Abstract: This invention is a control device to vary the contact conditions of the tread of a vehicle to improve driving functions, such as skid prevention, noise reduction, road surface protection or road marking, by the choice of the appropriate trodden tips in given road conditions. The trodden tips and connected parts are unified to make a unit which is attached or detached with a simple connection such as the insertion at a convenient position, which enables the device to function properly with a lowered safety factor, reducing the size only to avoid damages of the device and around.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Masao Inuzuka
  • Publication number: 20110011689
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a hydraulic power transmission, the hydraulic power transmission including a pump impeller configured to rotate, a turbine runner configured to rotate in response to fluid transmitted from the pump impeller, a lock-up clutch adapted to directly connect the turbine runner to a power source and an impeller clutch adapted to disconnect the pump impeller from the power source, wherein the hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes a switching valve provided at a fluid passage connecting the impeller clutch and a hydraulic pressure source and selectively connecting the impeller clutch to one of the hydraulic pressure source and a first control valve controlling a hydraulic pressure applied to the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110011690
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a torque converter, the torque converter including a pump impeller configured to rotate, a turbine runner configured to rotate in response to fluid transmitted from the pump impeller and a lock-up clutch adapted to directly connect the turbine runner to a power source, includes a control valve outputting a lock-up pressure for engaging the lock-up clutch by controlling a hydraulic pressure outputted by a hydraulic pressure source and a relay valve including a first switching portion for selectively allowing and interrupting a communication between the control valve and the lock-up clutch, wherein the relay valve interrupts the communication between the control valve and the lock-up clutch by means of the first switching portion when a value of the lock-up pressure outputted by the control valve is a predetermined value or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu SAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110011691
    Abstract: A lockup device has a piston, an input member, and a damper mechanism. The damper mechanism has a plurality of first elastic members, a plurality of second elastic members, an intermediate member, and an output member. The intermediate member supports the first and second elastic members such that the first and second elastic members operate in series and can undergo elastic deformation in a rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Tomiyama
  • Publication number: 20110011692
    Abstract: A drive train, in particular, a hybrid drive train with a torque converter, which can be operatively connected with a drive through a clutch. The clutch includes an emergency operation actuation device with at least one emergency operation actuation element, which defines a centrifugal oil cavity which includes oil and which is coupled with the drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kuehnle, Thorsten Krause, Dominique Engelmann, Parviz Movlazada, Benjamin Voegtle
  • Publication number: 20110011693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a positive locking roller stop device having a rotational mechanism attached to a shaft that allows rotational motion to be transmitted to a work piece, such as a flywheel, in one direction at high rotational speeds but allowing for free-wheeling with minimal friction wheeling of a work piece such as a flywheel with minimal friction when the power source is reduced, preventing the slower shaft speed from reducing the speed of the work piece. The positive locking roller stop includes two parallel disks, one of which is mounted to a shaft and held in a fixed position while the other is mounted to the same shaft on a bearing allowing for rotation of the disk independent of the rotation of the shaft. The free rotation disk has a plurality of spring arm/rollers attached to the surface facing the fixed disk while the fixed disk has a plurality of inclined notches cut in the surface facing the rotating disk, or inclined ramps positioned above the surface facing the rotating disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick J. Dugas
  • Publication number: 20110011694
    Abstract: A clutch for transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a locking plate having an engagement groove, a carrier disposed adjacent the locking plate, an engagement member rotatably supported in an aperture of the carrier, an apply biasing element, a release plate, a release biasing element, and an electromagnet. The engagement member is rotatable between an engagement position and a release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Scott H. Wittkopp, Norman Schoenek
  • Publication number: 20110011695
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of using the apparatus to disengage a shifting collar from a fixed holding feature with reduced force regardless of whether the vehicle is positioned on an inclined or a declined slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Allan Ernest Geyer
  • Publication number: 20110011696
    Abstract: When, according to the invention, a coupling is provided between a driving shaft (1) and a hub (6), the shaft (1) being configured with several sets of grooves (2, 3) in which an elastic cord (4) may extend, the cord (4) in the deep track (2) will have a slight or poor engagement with the hub (6), while the cord in the low track (3) will be pressed out into firm engagement with the hub (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: HH PATENT A/S
    Inventor: Keld Otting Hundebøl
  • Publication number: 20110011697
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch that can be easily miniaturized in a direction of a rotational axis of the clutch comprises a driven gear adapted to be rotatably driven by a motor; a rotor rotatable with the rotational axis that is shared with the driven gear and having an electromagnetic coil provided at one end thereof along the rotational axis; an armature mounted between the driven gear and the rotor to be rotatable in unison with the driven gear, and attracted by the rotor when current is applied to the electromagnetic coil; a clutch case accommodating the driven gear, the rotor and the armature therein; a pair of slip rings mounted on one of the rotor at a region adjacent the clutch case that faces away from the armature, and the clutch case at a region adjacent the rotor; the pair of slip rings being coaxial with the rotational axis and having different radii; and a pair of brush elements mounted on the other of the rotor and the clutch case to come into contact with the pair of slip rings from a radial dire
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ishida, Naoya Oku
  • Publication number: 20110011698
    Abstract: The hinge assembly of the present invention is a novel configuration that utilizes multiple arcuate shaped clevis elements. The configuration produces a compact, stable, and efficient means for transmitting an actuation force to retract or deploy one or more sections of a folding chute assembly utilized on transit concrete mixing vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Shaber, Thomas G. Lindblom
  • Publication number: 20110011699
    Abstract: A security gate mechanism for a currency handling apparatus having a currency passageway includes a rotatable gate having a slit therein. The slit is aligned with the currency passageway when the rotatable gate is in an initial position. A drive wheel is coupled to the rotary gate for driving the rotatable gate in first and second directions, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. A positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate in the initial position such that the slit in the rotatable gate is substantially aligned with the passageway. The positioning member is arranged to be engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the second direction, but it is not engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas E. Shuren, Robert J. Clauser
  • Publication number: 20110011700
    Abstract: In an escalator or travelator configured to travel in two directions and including a step or pallet belt returned in first and second return portions facing away from each other, a monitoring device and method for detecting steps or pallets of the step or pallet belt is provided. The device includes a first detector configured to detect the steps or pallets in one of the directions of travel, a second detector configured to detect the steps or pallets in the other direction of travel, and an electronic analyzer/controller functionally coupled with each of the first and second detectors. The electronic analyzer/controller is configured to receive and compare signals from the first and second detectors for the two directions of travel and derive therefrom a signal for halting the escalator or travelator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Antti PLATHIN, Dirk LANGE
  • Publication number: 20110011701
    Abstract: Under a state in which a long material (structural steel (A)) is sandwiched by pinch rollers (drive roller (21) and idle rollers (22)) of a pinch roller apparatus (20), the drive roller (21) is driven to rotate, and the structural steel (A) is conveyed forward. When a rear end portion of the structural steel (A) reaches a vicinity of the pinch roller apparatus (20), the rear end portion of the structural steel (A) is held by a holding portion (32) provided at a front end portion of a feed bar (36) of a feed bar device (30), and the feed bar (36) is caused to slide toward a working machine. Consequently, the structural steel (A) is conveyed forward through the pinch roller apparatus (20) and is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Taichi OKIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20110011702
    Abstract: The material sample collector is adapted to divert a sample of material from a trough conveyor for analysis of the sample. The collector includes at least one, and preferably two or more, laterally offset wheels rotating on axles. The wheels are in a vertical plane forming an acute dihedral angle with a vertical plane in which the central longitudinal axis of the conveyor is disposed. Each wheel subtends an elliptical segment extending across a portion of the width of the conveyor when viewed from an end of the conveyor. A sample chute extends laterally from the conveyor. The wheels are normally raised above the conveyor and its contents, and lowered when a sample is taken. The lowered wheels bear against the conveyor and/or its contents, diverting material from the conveyor onto a chute. The device is preferably manually operated, but may be powered and automated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Claes E. Jansson, Tord L. Holmqvist
  • Publication number: 20110011703
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus which performs long-distance transfer at a high speed, while preventing dimensions of the apparatus from increasing. Specifically, a transfer apparatus transfers a work to a pressing machine The transfer apparatus is provided with a base section, a follower arm, which is connected to the base section on the base-section end side such that the follower arm can rotate and vertically slide, and a first driving arm which is rotatably connected to the base section on the base-section end side. The transfer apparatus also includes a driving arm, which is rotatably connected to the first driving arm on the base-section end side and rotatably connected to the follower arm on the leading end side, and a holding apparatus arranged on the leading end side of the follower arm for holding the work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kageyama, Hiroyuki Nobuta, Yasuhiro Matsui, Tatsuya Sato
  • Publication number: 20110011704
    Abstract: A non-contact conveyance system of the invention has a static pressure table for levitating a conveyance object upward, a pair of conveying units having vibrating plates and actuators and a moving unit for moving the conveying units in a conveying direction. Then, retaining forces are applied to front and rear edge portions of the conveyance object facing to the vibrating plates by exciting deflection standing waves in the vibrating plates by the actuators. Then, when the conveying units are moved while applying the retaining forces to the edge portions of the conveyance object, the conveyance object is conveyed following the move of the conveying units. Thereby, a number of parts may be cut and the system may be downsized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan
    Inventor: Hiromi Isobe
  • Publication number: 20110011705
    Abstract: A belt transport device includes: a drive roller which is driven by a power source; a driven roller which is held in a rotatable manner; an endless belt which is wound on the drive roller and the driven roller; a band-like detecting section which is arranged on the endless belt in a circumferential direction of the endless belt; a sensor which detects the band-like detecting section; a displacement unit which displaces a relative positional relationship between the band-like detecting section and the sensor in a width direction of the endless belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio TABATA, Toshiyuki SUZUKI, Atsushi OSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20110011706
    Abstract: A device for testing substrates includes magnetic elements, preferably printed products printed with magnetic printing ink. The device has a powered suction belt travelling around it, which transports the substrates under a measuring device and is assigned to the top of at least one extractable air space. At least one suction fan is assigned to the suction belt and is connected to the air space. At least the suction belt is made of a non-ferromagnetic material. Each suction fan assigned to the suction belt takes the form of a motorless fan, which is connected to a remote power source by way of a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Gerhard Meyer
  • Publication number: 20110011707
    Abstract: A switch assembly is provided for a steering wheel. The assembly comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel hub, a steering column and a switch unit. The switch unit is arranged at the steering wheel hub in such fashion that it may either be operated in the synchronous mode, in which it follows the rotation of the steering wheel when the latter is rotated, or in the fixed mode, in which it remains in a fixed position, even when the steering wheel is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel DONICKE
  • Publication number: 20110011708
    Abstract: A medical system (10?) is disclosed that uses at least two-foot activated controllers (160, 165). These foot-activated controllers (160, 165) communicate with a common mon medical device (12, 30). However, the foot-activated controller (160) controls more functionality than the foot-activated controller (165) in relation to the medical device (12, 30) in common communication therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Ellafrits
  • Publication number: 20110011709
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical switch with a contact system arranged within a housing, which has fixed contact elements and a switch contact element, an operating device for switching action on the contact system, in which, via elastic deformation of the switch contact element, the switch contact element can be brought into a rest position and into a switching position, the fixed contact elements being galvanically separated from each other in the rest position contactless relative to each other and the fixed contact elements being electrically connected to each other in the switching position via the switch contact element, such that the switch contact element has a switching section and a fastening section, the fastening section being spaced from the switching section, the switching section serving for electrical connection of the fixed contact elements and the fastening section guaranteeing reliable fastening of the switch contact element in housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: PETER ULOMEK
  • Publication number: 20110011710
    Abstract: An enclosure described herein satisfies the requirements of a NEMA 4X enclosure, and is capable of being used in food and beverage plants, and other washdown environments. The enclosure includes a housing and a removable cover coupled to the enclosure. The cover is flush with the housing, and both the housing and the cover have a smooth exterior finish. A sealing gasket having a thickness greater than the cover is positioned between the cover and the housing. The enclosure generally houses at least one switch therein. The cover includes a handle and switch mechanism that controls the switch(es) when the cover is coupled to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Rohit Sumerchand Dodal, Chadwick Garfield Smith
  • Publication number: 20110011711
    Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes optical sensors and units each comprising an optically transmissive key member; a scissors-shaped structure having a top secured to the key member; a light guide diaphragm under the scissors-shaped structure; an insulating diaphragm under the light guide diaphragm and including a light source on a top surface, a positive conductor connected to a positive terminal of the light source and on the top surface, a negative conductor connected to a negative terminal of the light source and on a bottom surface, and a bus having one end interconnecting the positive and negative conductors, and the other end connected to the sensor; a film circuit board under the insulating diaphragm and including a holed rubber dome with the key member positioned therein; and a base board with the scissors-shaped structure retained thereon. Brightness is adjusted in response to light condition as sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Publication number: 20110011712
    Abstract: A device may include a housing, a button and a member coupled to the button. The device may also include a power source configured to supply power to the member. When power is supplied to the member, the member is configured to exert a force on the button to cause movement of the button such that an upper surface of the button protrudes above an upper surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Klinghult
  • Publication number: 20110011713
    Abstract: A supporting structure for use in a keyswitch and the keyswitch are provided. The keyswitch comprises a keycap, a base and the supporting structure. The supporting structure comprises two supporting arms and two latch sets, wherein the two supporting arms intersect based on a virtual axis and are disposed between the keycap and the base. Each of the latch sets is correspondingly disposed on two opposite ends of each of the supporting arms. The two supporting arms are adapted to be detachably connected with each latch set and perform an arc motion with respect to the virtual axis, therefore, moving the keycap upwards and downwards above the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: BEHAVIOR TECH COMPUTER CORP.
    Inventor: Chien Wei Su
  • Publication number: 20110011714
    Abstract: A circuit breaker, may comprise a circuit board, a resetting button, a tripping button, a lock pin and an elevator. The resetting button may comprise a locking device with a resetting drawbar having a resetting spring on an upper portion, a tripping spring on a middle portion, and a hook at a lower end. A lock pin below the resetting drawbar, may comprise a lock pin slope for selectively contacting the hook. The tripping button may comprise a tripping device configured to selectively contact the locking device. The tripping device may comprise a tripping block, a loosening block slope configured to selectively contact the lock pin slope, and a moveable spring between the tripping block and the circuit board. The elevator may house the portion of the resetting drawbar covered by the tripping spring, and the hook may align with the bottom of the elevator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Zhejiang Trimone Electric Science & Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaohua Gao