Patents Issued in May 19, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110113869
    Abstract: An abnormal combustion detection method is disclosed for spark-ignition internal-combustion engines, from combustion indicators. Combustion indicators, such as CA10 and MIP, are determined which are converted to new indicators having lower dispersions than those of indicators for normal combustions that are not converted. A parameter characterizing a distribution of N values of the new combustion indicators, acquired over N cycles preceding the cycle in progress, is then determined. The start of an abnormal combustion is thereafter detected by comparing this parameter with a threshold, and the course of the abnormal combustion detected in the combustion chamber is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent DUVAL, Alexandre Pagot, Benoist Thirouard, Jean-Marc Zaccardi
  • Publication number: 20110113870
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of detecting a cylinder-to-cylinder gap abnormality of an air fuel ratio with sufficient accuracy according to an individual specificity of an air fuel ratio detecting module. Particularly, the method may be used for an engine to detect the cylinder-to-cylinder gap abnormality of the air fuel ratio of supplied air fuel mixture abnormality based on an output value of a linear O2 sensor. Under a first predetermined condition, an output characteristic of the sensor is measured. The measured output characteristic is compared with a reference characteristic set in advance to calculate a correction value for correcting the sensor output according to the individual specificity of the sensor. Subsequently, under a second predetermined condition, the sensor output value is corrected based on the calculated correction value to detect the abnormality based on the corrected output value of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Suetsugu, Kenji Kojima
  • Publication number: 20110113871
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for measuring an output characteristic of an air fuel ratio sensor based on an output value of the air fuel ratio sensor at the time of changing a fuel injection amount. Under a predetermined condition, an increase in the fuel injection amount is started from a particular cylinder and the increase in the fuel injection amount is continued for a given time period, or a decrease in the fuel injection amount is started from the particular cylinder and the decrease in the fuel injection amount is continued for the given time period. Therefore, the output characteristic of the air fuel ratio detecting module can be measured with sufficient accuracy, regardless of the contacting strength of emission gas for every cylinder against the air fuel ratio detecting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime SUETSUGU, Makoto MATSUMAE
  • Publication number: 20110113872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-zone furnace for heating and tempering reactors and pipes in devices. The multi-zone furnace according to the invention is modularly constructed, wherein it is e.g. possible to efficiently heat or cool the furnace or also individual zones of the furnace. Furthermore, exchangeable cassettes provide the advantage that the reactors and the components, which are connected to the reactors, are particularly well accessible, wherein reconverting work is facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: THE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT THE HIGH TROUGHPUT EXPERIMENTATION COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Dejmek, Luca Mazzoncini, Andreas Hass, Markus Friess, Oliver Koechel, Georg Vassiliadis
  • Publication number: 20110113873
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for monitoring a sliding state of a piston ring. The present invention detects a cycle of rotation of a piston ring based on a temperature at a predetermined site of a cylinder liner, and determines a sign of burning of a piston based on a state of the rotation. As a result, it is possible to detect a sign of burning of a piston by an apparatus less expensive than apparatuses using a conventional technique of detecting a capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Saito, Kouji Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20110113874
    Abstract: A brake pedal stroke sensor apparatus may include a frame, a hinge shaft fixed to the frame, a pedal arm pivotally coupled to the hinge shaft and rotating with respect to the hinge shaft, an angle sensor that is coaxially aligned to the hinge shaft and fixed to the frame, a sensor lever connected to a rotational shaft of the angle sensor and extending with a predetermined length, and a drive pin formed to the hinge shaft in a predetermined distance from a rotational axis of the hinge shaft and engaged to a distal end portion of the sensor lever so as to transmit change of a rotary angle of the pedal arm to the angle sensor in accordance with a rotation of the pedal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joon Young PARK, Eansoo CHO
  • Publication number: 20110113875
    Abstract: The present invention provides a master tire for inspecting the accuracy of a tire tester easily and securely. A master tire 100 according to the present invention is equipped with an upper-lower rim member 120, a cylindrical member 110 equivalent to the tread portion of a tire, and leaf spring 130 secured to the cylindrical member 110 and the rim member 120 with bolts 140 and bolts 142. A spindle 21 is secured to the rim member 120 so that the center axis thereof is not displaced. The rim member 120 is vertical to or slightly inclined with respect to the spindle 21. The cylindrical member 110 is made of a metallic material, such as iron or aluminum, or a hard plastic having stable characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Toru Okada, Koichi Honke
  • Publication number: 20110113876
    Abstract: A tire module for detecting tire condition variables, the module being mounted on an inside of a tire in an area deformed during tread shuffle and including at least one carrier, on which at least one electronic component is disposed, and at least one piezo-sensitive sensor, the piezo-sensitive sensor being disposed such that it is at least partially deformed during deformation of the tire during tread shuffle, and the deformation of the piezo-sensitive sensor being used to determine at least one shuffle variable, and the tire module including at least one battery for at least partially supplying energy to the at least one electronic component, and to use of the tire module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG.
    Inventor: Stefan Kammann
  • Publication number: 20110113877
    Abstract: Capillary depth gauge (1) including at least one capillary tube (2) of triangular section arranged against a background (3) opposite an observation surface (5) and visible by transparency from the observation surface when the tubular section is substantially filled with water, at least one reflection surface (4), visible by reflection from said observation surface when the tubular section is substantially filled with air, said tube forming an isosceles triangle whose equal angles (?) have an angular value of between 48 and 60 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Nicolas REBEAUD, Michel Sagardoyburu
  • Publication number: 20110113878
    Abstract: In a liquid level sensor according to the present invention, a first detecting electrode being always in a liquid to be measured, a second detecting electrode which measures a level of the liquid to be measured, and a third detecting electrode being always out of the liquid to be measured are arranged, an operation of charging capacitor 45 for a time being in proportion to a ratio of a length of a part of the second detecting electrode in the liquid to be measured to a total length of the second detecting electrode and an operation of discharging the electric charge of the capacitor for a time being in proportion to a ratio of a length of a part of the second detecting electrode being out of the liquid to be measured to the total length of the second detecting electrode is repeated. With this configuration, the liquid level can be precisely detected without arranging a complex operational device even though a dielectric constant or a temperature of the liquid to be measured changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mikihiro Ohshima, Motoki Ogata, Yoshinori Takashima, Takeshi Kashiwagi
  • Publication number: 20110113879
    Abstract: An inertial sensor, comprises a detection element detecting an amount of a physical quantity in a detection axis direction, a plurality of support members having flexibility and supporting nearly a center of the detection element, and a package substrate housing the detection element and the plurality of support members. In a case when an X-axis is defined as an extending direction of the plurality of support members, a Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis in a plane including the detection element, and a Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, one of load components in a direction of the Y-axis of the detection member applied to the plurality of support members is nearly equal to other among the plurality of support members, and one of load components in a direction of the Z-axis is nearly equal to the other among the plurality of support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: EPSON TOYOCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki MATSUNAGA, Kenji Sato
  • Publication number: 20110113880
    Abstract: A micromechanical acceleration sensor includes at least a first seismic mass which is suspended in a deflectable manner, at least one readout device for detecting the deflection of the first seismic mass and at least one resetting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Continental Teves Ag & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Bernhard Schmid, Roland Hilser
  • Publication number: 20110113881
    Abstract: There is provided an acceleration sensor including: a weight portion; plural fixed portions formed above a bottom plate around a periphery of the weight portion; a beam portion coupling the fixed portions and the weight portion, and holding the weight portion at a position separated from the bottom plate; a detection portion provided at the beam portion and detecting deformation of the beam portion; a frame portion provided so as to project out from the bottom plate and surround the fixed portions at a position separated from the fixed portions; and a lid portion of plate shape that seals an opening of the frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: OKI SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeharu Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20110113882
    Abstract: A front wheel drive bearing defect amplifier is attached to a wheel gauge mount. The amplifier includes a magnet which is positioned approximately at the center of the wheel assembly. A spacing block, including a hollow aluminum handle, is pivotally mounted onto the magnet. A shaft or pin interconnects the magnet and the aluminum block and allows rotation of the magnet, in fixed engagement with the wheel assembly. The shaft is loosely fitted through a hole in the block. Opposite ends of the shaft are rigidly secured with the magnet so as to rotate with the magnet. An aluminum tube defines a handle having one end of the handle force fitted into an opening in the aluminum block. An opposite end of the aluminum tube or handle is to be held by the hand of the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Joe French
  • Publication number: 20110113883
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ultrasonic probe for Internal Rotating Inspection System (called IRIS) for inspecting tube-like structures from the inside of the tubes. The improved design deploys a rotor with rotor blades and a slotted stator located close to the emitting face of the transducer, to direct the flow of water such that air bubbles are carried away from a zone immediately in front of the transducer emitting face. Inspection accuracy and efficiency is significantly improved when air bubbles are effectively removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Olympus NDT Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy Bourgelas
  • Publication number: 20110113884
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the condition of a flexible pipeline comprising the step of scanning the pipeline with an ultrasonic scanner to produce and/or record a signal indicative or the level of flooding within the annulus of the pipeline and/or indicative of the integrity of the layers of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: John Nicholas Marsden, Stuart Andrew Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20110113885
    Abstract: An ultrasonic testing equipment includes a linear array ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rolling direction of a test object and a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit executes following (1) to (6). (1) Generating an aperture synthetic image of testing signals of each section of the test object. (2) Generating a maximum value distribution of testing signals in the arrangement direction of transducers. (3) Calculating the width of a defect in each section based on the maximum value distribution. (4) Generating a maximum value distribution of the testing signals in the rolling direction based on the maximum value distribution of a plurality of sections of the test object. (5) Calculating the length of the defect based on the maximum value distribution of the testing signals in the rolling direction. (6) Calculating the area of the defect based on the calculated defect length and the calculated defect width of each section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshio Ueda, Masaki Yamano, Masami Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20110113886
    Abstract: Improved coupling apparatus (10) for coupling an ultrasound probe (24) to an object (26) is described. The apparatus (10) is particularly suitable for use within medical devices. The coupling apparatus (10) comprising first (14) and second (18) deformable coupler located on separate sides of an intermediate layer (16). Employing the first coupler (14) allows the apparatus (10) to be coupled to the probe (24) while the second coupler (18) provides a means for coupling the apparatus (10) to the object (26). The intermediate layer (16) acoustically connects the first (14) and second couplers (18) while providing structural strength for the apparatus (10). Optionally a sheath or cover (157) may be incorporated within the coupling apparatus (141) so as to improve the hygiene and sterile nature of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Greater Glasgow Health Board
    Inventors: Naiara Elejalde, Malcolm John Watson, George A. Corner
  • Publication number: 20110113887
    Abstract: With a certain pipeline, either buried or deposited on a sea/lake bottom, the formation of critical faults is determined and localized, which arise in the walls of the pipeline, or the development of an already localized fault is monitored, through sensors regularly distributed along the pipeline, and fixed to the same by means of a plate equipped with a pass-through hole in which the sensor is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro De Lorenzo, Giuseppe Giunta
  • Publication number: 20110113888
    Abstract: An alignment device with one or two optoelectronic transmitting and/or receiving units and an evaluation unit. At least one optoelectronic transmitting and/or receiving unit contains an inclinometer. Furthermore, the transmitting and/or receiving unit is connected to a vibration sensor which can be the inclinometer. Both the result of the alignment process and also the result of the vibration measurement are communicated to the user as an easily understandable characteristic on a display of the evaluation unit. For vibration measurement at a non-rotating part of a machine, an accelerometer/inclinometer sensor may be used for measuring acceleration forces resulting from machine vibrations to be measured and for measuring gravity and an electronic evaluation unit determining the orientation of the sensor with regard to gravity from a stationary component of the sensor output and determining sensor orientation from evaluation of non-stationary components of sensor output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: PRUEFTECHNIK DIETER BUSCH AG
    Inventors: Dieter BUSCH, Heinrich LYSEN
  • Publication number: 20110113889
    Abstract: A pressure transfer device comprises a pressure transfer device body and an isolating diaphragm, wherein, between the surface of the body of the pressure transmitting device and the isolating diaphragm, a pressure chamber is formed, whose volume is dependent on the position of the isolating diaphragm. The isolating diaphragm has a material thickness and a deflectable working region with an area A, wherein the isolating diaphragm has a reference position, in which the pressure chamber contains a reference volume Vref, and the isolating diaphragm is deflectable from the reference position at least so far in two directions, that the volume of the pressure chamber varies between values of up to Vref+/??Vdesired, wherein associated with a volume change ?V is a dimensionless deflection measure w, with w(?V):=(3·?V)/(A·h), wherein ?Vdesired is dimensioned in such a way, that |w(?Vdesired)|?2.5; wherein, in the case of all w(?V), for which |w(?V)|?|w?(?V)|, wherein |w?(?V)|?0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Dieter Funken, Igor Getman
  • Publication number: 20110113890
    Abstract: There is disclosed a high pressure sensing header which is relatively insensitive to mounting torque. The header comprises an outer torque isolating shell which surround an inner “H” section header. The inner “H” section header has a thick diaphragm and is surrounded by the torque isolating shell which is secured to the “H” section header at a peripheral flange of the “H” section header. In this manner when the header is installed, the installation force is absorbed by the outer shell and there is no installation force or torque exhibited by the inner “H” section which will respond only to stress due to pressure. The torque isolating shell also contains a top surface which has a counterbore that accommodates a crush ring. When the unit is installed, the crush ring is crushed against an installation wall to enable the inner header to receive pressure without experiencing significant installation force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: ANTHONY D. KURTZ, Adam Kane, Boaz Kochman
  • Publication number: 20110113891
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying stress-induced offset compensation and/or scale factor correction in sensor devices are provided. One sensor device (100, 300, 500, 700) includes an integrated circuit device (110, 310, 510, 710), a transducer (120, 320, 520, 720) coupled to the ASIC device, and a stress sensor (130, 330, 530, 730) coupled to the transducer or the integrated circuit device and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. Another sensor device (900) includes a transducer, a sensor package (940) enclosing the transducer, and a stress sensor (930) coupled to the sensor device package and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. A method includes detecting, via a stress sensor, an amount of stress being applied to the sensor device and adjusting, via the stress sensor and independent of the transducer, an output of the sensor device by the detected amount of stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Hayner, Todd F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110113892
    Abstract: A device includes a structure, a strain sensor and a light curable adhesive. The structure has a structure surface. The light curable adhesive bonds the strain sensor to the structure surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christoper P. Townsend, Steven W. Mundell, David L. Churchill
  • Publication number: 20110113893
    Abstract: A device for mounting on a structure surface includes a component, a circuit, a moisture barrier, and a protective cover. The moisture barrier is within the protective cover. The component and the circuit are within the moisture barrier. The component is for bonding to the structure surface with a bond susceptible to damage from moisture. The circuit includes a radio frequency transmitter. The circuit is for providing data derived from the component to the radio frequency transmitter for external transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Christoper P. Townsend, Steven W. Mundell, David L. Churchill
  • Publication number: 20110113894
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow monitor for monitoring the flow of flowing media, wherein a paddle projecting into the flow transfers the rotating movement of the paddle onto a display device by means of a magnetic gear comprising a plurality of individual magnets corresponding with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Reiner Brill, Kai Haemel, Ulrich Rehnelt, Karsten Viereck
  • Publication number: 20110113895
    Abstract: A magneto-inductive flow measuring device having a measuring transducer, wherein the measuring transducer includes a measuring tube which can be flowed through by a measured substance, includes a magnet system for producing a magnetic field, and at has least one electrode inserted into the measuring tube for registering an electrical voltage. A securement device is provided, which serves for securing the electrode on the measuring tube, wherein the securement device is at least partially composed of plastic, and wherein the securement device is connected with the measuring tube by a plastics welding technology. As well as to a method for manufacture of a magneto-inductive flow measuring device, wherein the magneto-inductive flow measuring device has a measuring tube, wherein the measuring tube has at least one bore, wherein an electrode is inserted into the bore and wherein the electrode is secured to the measuring tube by means of a plastics welding technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Roger Kerrom, Beat Tschudin, Raphel Hess
  • Publication number: 20110113896
    Abstract: For monitoring the tube arrangement, the measuring system of the invention includes, connected to the transmitter electronics, a temperature measuring arrangement having a first temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal dependent on a temperature of a first of the measuring tubes of the tube arrangement and at least a second temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal dependent on a temperature of a second of the measuring tubes of the tube arrangement. In the method of the invention, it is provided that, in the case of medium flowing through the tube arrangement, a temperature difference existing between the at least two measuring tubes as a result plugging is ascertained and, in case the ascertained temperature difference deviates from a predetermined limit value for the temperature difference representing a non-plugged tube arrangement, a partial plugging of the tube arrangement, especially a plugging of exactly one of the measuring tubes, is signaled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Wolfgang Drahm, Christof Huber, Vivek Kumar, Alfred Rieder, Hao Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110113897
    Abstract: For use with cranes or hoists, the traditional shackle-bolt through-hole in the shackle-bar is elongated into a slot. A sub-unit comprising a cell-block, a load-cell, a load-block, and one of the shackle-bolts, is placed in the slot. The load-cell, of suitable size, is housed in a very robust manner, and yet the load capacity of the shackle-bar is unaffected by being so modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Weigh Point Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald Sidney SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20110113898
    Abstract: In a piezoelectric vibration type force sensor according to the present invention, vibration is restricted by a friction force between a piezoelectric body and a restricting member, and hence a range of sensing forces can be expanded compared with a case in which the vibration is restricted directly from a direction that is the same as an vibration direction. A conventional structure, in which a lead wire is soldered directly for electrically connecting the piezoelectric body to an external control circuit, causes a restriction of the vibration due to a solder attached to the piezoelectric body, resulting in narrowing the sensing range. Using the piezoelectric vibration type force sensor, the range of sensing forces can be expanded by making a state in which conducting portions of the piezoelectric body and the restricting member are not fixed but contact with each other for keeping electric conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuuichi Sato, Yuichi Someya, Hideyuki Nishida, Takao Yokomatsu, Kentaro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20110113899
    Abstract: A transport device includes a first segment fixedly coupled to a wall. The transport device also includes at least one second segment coupled to the first segment. The at least one second segment includes at least one of a fluid-driven device, a rack and pinion drive device, and a carriage. The transport device further includes an automated position control system. The control system includes at least one axial positioning device coupled to the at least one second segment. The control system also includes at least one axial position feedback device coupled to at least one of the first segment and the at least one second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Steven E. Dahler, Peter Alan Gregg, Christopher R. Banares
  • Publication number: 20110113900
    Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: HYCLONE LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael E. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20110113901
    Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method for processing a sample of material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a multi-layered structure including a plurality of deformable chambers and a flow passage or passages in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of deformable chambers. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure device having a pressure pattern to compress or squeeze at least one deformable chamber of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Bernard A. Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20110113902
    Abstract: A method for determining the amount of laundry in a laundry treating appliance comprises a drum defining a treating chamber for receiving the laundry and a motor for rotating the drum that may be operated to simulate a spring to oscillate the drum relative to a predetermined rotational position. The angular decay of the drum relative to the predetermined position may be determined and used to determine the amount of laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dietmar E. Lilie, Rodrigo S. Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20110113903
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted for controlling a lamp unit mounted on an automobile body, and includes a housing for housing input and output rods, a deceleration unit and a transmission piece. The deceleration unit includes a planet gear connected to an eccentric engaging end portion of the input rod, meshing with a ring gear fixed in the housing, and connected to the transmission piece. The output rod has a coupling end portion extending out of the housing and coupled to the lamp unit, and a rack meshing with a center gear portion of the transmission piece. When an operating end portion of the input rod rotates, the transmission piece is driven to rotate in response to movement of the planet gear with the engaging end portion of the input rod such that the output rod is movable in response to rotation of the transmission piece, thereby driving movement of the lamp unit relative to the automobile body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: MAXZONE VEHICLE LIGHTING CORP.
    Inventors: Yu-Chieh Wang, Jia-Jyun Jyu, Jian-Jhih Li
  • Publication number: 20110113904
    Abstract: A folding-top drive has a motor (13) that transmits forces to a first gear (14) and then to a folding-top linkage via a second gear (15). The first gear (14) and a guide (23) are pivoted to a housing (19) and a spring (22) acts on the guide (23). The first gear is guided on the guide (23) so that the guide (23) can be moved automatically with the first gear (14) counter to the force of the spring (22) from a first position where the gears (14, 15) engage to a second position where the gears (14, 15) are disengaged if a force on the first gear exceeds a defined limit. Additionally, the spring (22) can move the guide (12) automatically with the first gear (14) from the second position to the first position if the force on the first gear falls below the defined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, MAGNA CAR TOP SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Timo Czechtizky, Horst Schmidt, Holger Engbers
  • Publication number: 20110113905
    Abstract: A lubricating unit (20) for use with a threaded unit drive (10), composed of a spindle (12) extending in a longitudinal direction (11) and a nut (14) enclosing the spindle (12), includes a hollow-cylindrical housing (30) that has a base body (31) with an annular cavity (32) closed on the end face using a separate cover (36). A storage slab (70) composed of foam material is accommodated in the cavity (32) and is bent to form a ring. At least one oil-filling recess (79) extends through the storage slab (70). Fastening means (23) are provided on the longitudinal end face of the housing (30) opposite the cover (36) for fastening the housing (30) to the nut (14). The cover (36) is connected in an adhesive manner to the base body (31). At least one oil-filling opening (37) open toward the oil-filling recess (79) is provided in the housing (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Dietz, Andre Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20110113906
    Abstract: A device comprising a body part (101) and a functional module (102) is presented. The functional module is situated at least partly in a cavity (121) of the body part and is connected to the body part with a supporting mechanism (103, 104, 105, 106) arranged to allow the functional module to be turned relative to the body part. The supporting mechanism is arranged to move an axis of rotation of the functional module in parallel with a surface of the cavity as a response to turning the functional module relative to the body part. Due to the fact that the axis of rotation is moved when turning the functional module, the free space that is needed around the functional module can be minimized. The device can be e.g. a mobile phone and the functional module can be e.g. a camera element of the mobile phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pasi Kemppinen
  • Publication number: 20110113907
    Abstract: The hybrid propulsion system for an internal combustion engine having a mechanical gearbox and an electric machine. A gear shift device includes a plurality of sliding engagement sleeves, each arranged to connect a driven gearwheel for rotation with the respective secondary shaft, a corresponding plurality of sliding shift forks, each arranged to cause a respective engagement sleeve to slide between a neutral position and at least one shift position, a rotary drum having on its outer cylindrical surface a corresponding plurality of guide grooves in each of which a respective stud slidably engages for translation with a respective shift fork in the sliding direction of this latter, and an actuation unit arranged to cause the drum to rotate stepwise among a plurality of angular positions each corresponding to predetermined positions of the engagement sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Fabio Pesola, Gianluigi Pregnolato, Andrea Piazza, Marco Garabello, Valter Pastorello
  • Publication number: 20110113908
    Abstract: RPM Multiplier consists of a succession of gears of two different toothed radii each, the smallest ones engage with the biggest and let the successive biggest gears turn in relation to the previous biggest as the smallest. Magnets and electromagnets are placed in the gear teeth and support rails with the purpose of reducing friction. Torque Increaser model B consists of at least a pair of gear rotors, which incorporate electromagnets or magnets; the electromagnetic or magnetic force is used to move the generator together with the main rotor of the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Martin CORRADINI
  • Publication number: 20110113909
    Abstract: A gearbox includes two coaxial primary shafts, a secondary shaft and a lay shaft. The two primary shafts carry fixed gearwheels acting as driving gearwheels of the gear trains associated with the forward gears and with the reverse gear. The secondary shaft carries idle gearwheels acting as driven or intermediate gearwheels of the gear trains associated with the forward gears and with the reverse gear, and a final reduction pinion. The lay shaft carries a first idle gearwheel acting as driven gearwheel of a first gear train associated with the reverse gear, a second idle gearwheel acting as driven gearwheel of a second gear train associated with one of the forward gears, and a fixed gearwheel acting as parking gearwheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: C.R.F. SOCIETA' CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Fabio Pesola, Gianluigi Pregnolato, Andrea Piazza, Marco Garabello, Valter Pastorello
  • Publication number: 20110113910
    Abstract: A portable electric generator that can be applied to a portable electronic device is provided. The portable electric generator includes a case defining a receiving space, a wheel member rotatably coupled to the case, a driving gear coupled to the wheel member or a shaft of the wheel member, a first one-way rotational gear rotating by a torque transmitted from the driving gear, a second one-way rotational gear rotating by the torque transmitted from the driving gear, a direction change gear rotating by a torque from the second one-way rotational gear, a power transmission gear receiving a torque of the first one-way rotational gear and a torque of the direction change gear, and a generator unit for generating electricity by receiving a torque from the power transmission gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SEOBY ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Sung-Sub Lee
  • Publication number: 20110113911
    Abstract: The invention relates to the gearing of a gearwheel having a plurality of teeth. The gearwheel has a useful area and a base area of the particular tooth flank form. Viewed in normal section, the tooth base area extends from a base circle up to a useful circle. The tooth flanks of adjacent teeth in normal section are each implemented as symmetrical to one another, the axis of symmetry intersecting the base circle in the base point. According to the invention, the tooth flanks are implemented in the tooth base area as a tangent function from a relevant diameter. The tangent function merges at the relevant diameter in a constant tangent into the tooth flank form of the useful area. The tangent function merges in the tooth base area in a constant tangent into an orbit, which is tangentially applied in the base point to the base circle. Significant increases of the tooth base strength may thus be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Roth Zsolt, Etzold Mathias
  • Publication number: 20110113912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear actuator for shifting a gear, with an alley switch actuator (12), a gear switch actuator (14) and a shift finger (36), which can be moved by an alley switch actuator (12) and a gear switch actuator (14) for the purpose of transferring a switching movement to the gear. An alley switch sliding element (34), connected with the alley switch actuator (12) and a gear switch sliding element (32), connected with the gear shift actuator (14), are provided according to the invention. The shift finger (36) is supported movably at the alley switch sliding element (34) and at the gear switch sliding element (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Mike Heurich, Reiner Hölscher, Holger Kelpe, Ingo Meyer, Marcus Schulz, Andreas Sievers, Jan Spremberg, Tino Wiggers
  • Publication number: 20110113913
    Abstract: A gear shifting mechanism for vehicle automatic transmission, including a housing, a spline shaft installed in the housing, an axial position sensor and a radial rotary position sensor installed on the spline shaft, a shift finger connected with the spline shaft through a spline, a gear selecting device and a gear shifting device respectively selected and shifted a gear through the shift finger. The gear selecting device utilizes a gear selecting proportional electromagnet for moving the shift finger, and controls the automatic gear shift by adjusting the current. The gear selecting device utilizes restoring springs, and the restoring springs are multiple levels disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Yong Zheng, Xinghui Lian
  • Publication number: 20110113914
    Abstract: A parallel robot includes a base plate, two first actuators located on the base plate, a mobile platform, and two kinematic chains respectively interconnecting the base plate and the mobile platform. Each kinematic chain includes a driving bar assembly and a driven bar assembly. The driving bar assembly is connected to one of two first actuators. The driving bar includes two substantially parallel first transmission bars. Each of the first transmission bars includes a rotating portion rotatably connected to the base plate. The driven bar assembly interconnects the driving bar assembly and the mobile platform. Each of the two first actuators rotates two rotating portions of the two first transmission bars in the same direction simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: GUO-QING ZHANG, ZHI-MING ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20110113915
    Abstract: A parallel robot includes a fixed platform, a movable platform, a plurality of control arms, a rotation arm, a plurality of first actuators, and a second actuator. The control arms are rotatably connected to the fixed platform and the movable platform, respectively. Opposite ends of the rotation arm are universally rotatably connected to the fixed platform and the movable platform, respectively. The first actuators are to respectively move the control arms. The second actuator is to drive the rotation arm to rotate around the center axis of the rotation arm. Each control arm includes a first transmission unit including a transmission member. Each first actuator includes a transmission gear to engage the transmission member of the control arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRICISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: GUO-QING ZHANG, ZHI-MING ZHAO, YONG FENG
  • Publication number: 20110113916
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a robot includes a connecting member and a supporting member fixed on the connecting member. The connecting member defines a first cavity therethrough along an axis of the connecting member. The supporting member defines a second cavity communicating with the first cavity of the connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20110113917
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a middle joint, an upper arm rotatably connected to the middle joint, a driver rotating the upper arm mounted on the middle joint, and a transmission mechanism transferring the power of the driver to the upper arm. The driver includes an output shaft. The transmission mechanism includes a first gear coupled to the output shaft of the driver, a second gear mounted on the outer circumference of the arm, a third gear meshed with the first gear, and a fourth gear coinciding with the third gear and meshed with the second gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HNG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20110113918
    Abstract: An exemplary translational branch joint for a parallel robot includes a swing arm connected to a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes two parallel connecting bars, a first link member, a second link member, and joint members. The first link member and the second link member connect the connecting bars. Each joint member comprises a first joint portion and a second joint portion extending from the first joint portion. The first joint portion has a first axis, and the second joint portion has a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first joint portions of the joint members are rotatably connected to ends of the first link member and the second link member, and the second joint portions of the joint members are rotatably connected to ends of the connecting bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHI-MING ZHAO