Patents Issued in December 6, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120304754
    Abstract: A system detects deflated tires based on a resonance frequency of tires with a vehicle and a relative comparison value of rotation speeds of the tires. The system includes: a rotation information detection means for detecting rotation information of the tires; a rotation speed calculation means for calculating rotation speeds of the tires; a resonance frequency assumption means for assuming a resonance frequency of the tires; and a determination means for detection of deflated tires using a decreased pressure determination index calculated by a relative comparison of the rotation speeds of the tires and the resonance frequency. The determination means is so configured as to reduce the second threshold to be compared with the decreased pressure determination index to a value equal to or higher than 1% and equal to or lower than 90% and to detect deflated tires when the decreased pressure determination index exceeds the reduced threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Yuji Oshiro, Seigou Sakagami, Masashi Kitano, Hiroaki Kawasaki, Tomonori Sakai, Shinya Notomi, Kazunari Okada
  • Publication number: 20120304755
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring device with an inclinable valve stem is disclosed. The tire pressure monitoring device includes: a main body having a channel, wherein the channel includes a socket segment near one end thereof; the valve stem being movably fixed to a wheel rim and having a domed end movably received in the socket segment wherein the domed end has a threaded hole axially passing therethrough; and a positioning bolt being positioned in the channel from an opposite end of the channel and coupled with the threaded hole, so that the domed end of the valve stem is movably positioned in the socket segment and when the domed end moves, an angle between the connected valve stem and the main body is changed, thereby allowing the main body to abut against the wheel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih CHUANG, Hsin-Chieh Chen
  • Publication number: 20120304756
    Abstract: A system for determining a material property at an interface between a first layer and a second layer includes a transmitter outputting electromagnetic radiation to the sample, a receiver receiving electromagnetic radiation that was reflected by or transmitted though the sample, and a data acquisition device. The data acquisition device is configured to digitize the electro-magnetic radiation reflected by or transmitted though the sample to yield waveform data, wherein the waveform data represents the radiation reflected by or transmitted though the sample, the waveform data having a first magnitude, a second magnitude and a third magnitude. The material property to be determined is generally the adhesive strength between the first and second layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: PICOMETRIX, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. White, Gregory D. Fichter, Irl Duling, David Zimdars
  • Publication number: 20120304757
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatus to estimate one or more volumes of one or more components of a fluid in a sample chamber of a downhole tool are described. An example method includes obtaining a sample chamber volume measurement, a flowline volume measurement and a supplemental volume measurement. The example method includes drawing the fluid into the sample chamber until the sample chamber is substantially full and measuring a characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a first time to obtain a first characteristic measurement. The example method also includes adding a supplemental volume corresponding to the supplemental volume measurement to over-pressurize the sample chamber after measuring the characteristic at the first time and measuring the characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a second time to obtain a second characteristic measurement. The second time is after the sample chamber is over-pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: GO FUJISAWA, ANDREW J. CARNEGIE, JACK H. HARFOUSHIAN, SAIFON DAUNGKAEW SIRIMONGKOLKITTI, OLIVER C. MULLINS
  • Publication number: 20120304758
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of a fluid downhole. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth. A cantilever is disposed at the carrier and configured to move in the fluid upon receiving a stimulus. An actuator is disposed at the cantilever and configured to provide the stimulus at a frequency less than a lowest resonant frequency of the cantilever. A sensor is disposed at the cantilever and configured to sense a strain imposed on the cantilever due to movement of the cantilever in the fluid in order to estimate the property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Sunil Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120304759
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for use with a fluid transport system is provided. The sensor assembly includes at least two sensors that are configured to measure a rate of flow of a fluid channeled through a pipeline of the fluid transport system. Moreover, the sensor assembly includes an annular collar that is coupled to the two sensors. The collar includes at least a first opening and at least a second opening defined therein. The first opening and the second opening are each sized to receive the two sensors therein such that the two sensors are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. A first sensor of the two sensors is positioned downstream from a second sensor of the two sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Solomon Feldman, Toan Huu Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120304760
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a flow of liquid in a pipe are provided. The apparatus may include a temperature sensor attached to a pipe of a heat exchanger system to measure a temperature of the pipe, and a controller to determine whether a liquid is present in the pipe, based on a change in the measured temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Tae Joon KIM, Ji Young JEONG, Yong Bum LEE, In Koo HWANG, Jae Hyuk EOH, Jong Man KIM, Yeong Ii KIM
  • Publication number: 20120304761
    Abstract: A fluid level measurement system includes a fluid level sensor, a voltage application circuit, and a measurement circuit. The fluid level sensor includes a rotating member rotating depending on a fluid level, a supporting member for rotatably supporting the rotating member, and a variable resistor having a resistance depending on a rotation angle of the rotating member. The application circuit applies an AC voltage to the resistor. The measurement circuit measures the fluid level based on the resistance. A resistive portion of the resistor is held by the supporting member and extends around the rotation center of the rotating member. A movable portion of the resistor is held by the rotating member and has a contact surface made of mainly gold. When the rotating member rotates, the movable portion moves along the resistive portion with the contact surface in contact with the resistive portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isao Miyagawa, Hiroshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20120304762
    Abstract: A method for producing a pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN) article comprises introducing a nitrogen containing gas and a boron containing gas into a heated reactor furnace under temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to form a PBN deposit and pulsing the flow of the reactant gases between an on and an off state. The method provides a multi-layered PBN article that exhibits a relatively weak bonding interface between adjacent PBN layers to allow for the layers to be peeled away from one another in a controlled manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Caixuan XU, Subbanna MANJUNATH, Takayuki TOGAWA
  • Publication number: 20120304763
    Abstract: One or more methods and apparatuses for determining a characteristic, such as volume, of an excavated void of a construction material are provided. The one or more methods may include excavating a void defined in a construction material, interacting with the void using a material interacting device for determining at least one measurement thereof, manipulating the at least one measurement to determine a characteristic of the void such as the volume thereof, obtaining at least one measurement of the material, and determining a characteristic of the void based on the measurements obtained. The apparatus may include at least one material interacting device configured to interact with a surface of a construction material and a surface of a void defined therein for determining at least one respective measurement thereof and manipulate a plurality of the at least one measurement so as determine a characteristic of the void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
  • Publication number: 20120304764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a balancing machine for measuring the rotating unbalance of a tool holder in two different clampings, comprising a spindle which can be set into rotation. The spindle comprises an automatically actuatable coupling, by which the tool holder can be coupled rigidly to the spindle in a first position in order to rotate with the spindle around the rotational axis of the tool holder and the tool holder can be coupled rigidly to the spindle in a second position in order to rotate with the spindle around the rotational axis of the tool holder. The balancing machine also comprises at least one measuring sensor for determining the rotating unbalance of the tool holder rotating in the spindle unit, wherein the device has a brake which retains the tool holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: FRANZ HAIMER MASCHINENBAU KG
    Inventor: Franz Haimer
  • Publication number: 20120304765
    Abstract: A module includes a sensor device, a mounting substrate that has a plurality of mounting faces, a portion between the mounting faces adjacent to each other being foldable, a supporting member having fixing faces, wherein the sensor device is mounted on at least one of the mounting faces, each of the mounting faces is disposed along each of the fixing faces, and the sensor device is disposed on the supporting member side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayasu SAKUMA, Yoshihiro KOBAYASHI, Shojiro KITAMURA, Taketo CHINO, Michiharu OGAMI
  • Publication number: 20120304766
    Abstract: A sensor device includes: a sensor component including a package, connection terminals including first connection terminals on a terminal forming surface of the package and a sensor element housed in the package; and mounting leads including a one-end part coupled to one first connection terminal so that a main surface thereof faces a main surface of the one first connection terminal face; an intermediate part extending toward a mounting surface of the sensor device from the one-end part; and another-end part. The sensor component is tilted or orthogonal relative to the mounting surface. The connection terminals are provided along one of the sides forming an outline of the terminal forming surface, the one side being tilted or orthogonal with respect to the mounting surface. The intermediate part includes an angled part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayuki MATSUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20120304767
    Abstract: A sensor module generates sensor data in response to an impact to protective headgear, wherein the sensor module includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope and wherein the sensor data includes linear acceleration data and rotational velocity data. A device processing module generates event data in response to the sensor data. A device interface sends the event data to a monitoring device when the device interface is coupled to the monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: THL HOLDING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler
  • Publication number: 20120304768
    Abstract: A module includes a first rigid substrate including an analog circuit; a second rigid substrate including a digital circuit; a third rigid substrate including an angular velocity sensor; a first connecting portion that connects the first rigid substrate and the second rigid substrate so as to electrically connect the analog circuit and the digital circuit, and that has flexibility; and a second connecting portion that connects the first rigid substrate and the third rigid substrate so as to electrically connect the analog circuit and the angular velocity sensor, and that has flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayasu SAKUMA, Yoshihiro KOBAYASHI, Shojiro KITAMURA, Taketo CHINO, Michiharu OGAMI
  • Publication number: 20120304769
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a physical quantity detector is for a physical quantity detector including a flat frame-like base part, a flat plate-like moving part which is arranged inside the base part and has one end thereof connected to the base part via a joint part, and a physical quantity detection element laid on the base part and the moving part. The method includes: integrally forming the base part, the joint part, the moving part, and a connecting part which is provided on a free end side of the moving part and connects the base part and the moving part to each other; laying and fixing the physical quantity detection element on the base part and the moving part; and cutting off the connecting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun WATANABE, Kazuyuki NAKASENDO, Takahiro KAMETA
  • Publication number: 20120304770
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a driving control module for an inertial force. The driving control module includes a timing control unit that applies a driving signal and a sensing signal; a driving unit that receives the driving signal from the timing control unit and applies the driving signal to a sensor; a sensing unit that receives the sensing signal from the timing control unit, applies the sensing signal to a sensor, and senses stabilization driving and inertial force of the sensor; and a driving control unit that locks application of the driving signal from the timing control unit to the driving unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Rin Kim, Byoung Won Hwang, Jung Won Lee, Ho Seop Jeong
  • Publication number: 20120304771
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection method for a lithium ion secondary battery in which an electrolyte and an electrode group are disposed in one container, the electrode group including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, wherein a sensor for detecting acoustic emission is attached to the outside of the container and acoustic emission generated in the battery container is detected upon provision of charge or discharge current and stopping of provision thereof between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Specifically, the amplitude intensity of the acoustic emission is measured that is generated upon provision of charge-discharge currents having different values, linear approximation is conducted for the charge-discharge current value and the amplitude intensity of the acoustic emission, and the number of times of charge-discharge cycles that has been provided so far to the battery is estimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunenori YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120304772
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor, including a diaphragm cup, a housing and a decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and housing having a lateral surface, the decoupling element being at least partially made from an elastic material and having a continuous recess bounded by an inner wall of the decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and/or the housing being at least partially situated in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Schneider, Frank Hoenes, Olaf Jordanek
  • Publication number: 20120304773
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect a defect in a three-dimensional integrated structure by ultrasound scanning and to non-destructively detect the presence of a void that can occur in a process in a through silicon via (TSV) arranged in a board, such as a silicon wafer. To avoid measurement by ultrasound scanning over a board surface from being impeded by an object, such as a (solder) bump, scattering ultrasound, one or more TSVs belonging to a test element group (TEG) are selected from among a plurality of TSVs such that physical obstruction in the vicinity of the TEG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Horibe, Fumiaki Yamada
  • Publication number: 20120304774
    Abstract: A laser beam having a single wavelength emitted from a laser light source is converted at a wavelength shifter into a laser beam having at least two wavelengths, which is further demultiplexed at a beam splitter into a laser beam having a first wavelength and a laser beam having a second wavelength. The output power and pulse width of the laser beam having the first wavelength are adjusted by a first controller so as to reach levels appropriate for generating ultrasonic vibrations without causing damage to an inspection object. The output power and pulse width of the laser beam having the second wavelength are adjusted by a second controller so as to reach appropriate levels for detecting the above-described ultrasonic vibrations. These laser beams are multiplexed by a multiplexer into a single laser beam to be focused onto a surface of the inspection object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Masahito Ishioka
  • Publication number: 20120304775
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a system for identifying an anomalous movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device, the system comprising: at least one sensing device for sensing a vibration signal of the reciprocating element; a processing apparatus for separating the vibration signal into a first component having a first frequency range and a second component having a second frequency range different than the first frequency range; and a device for at least one of analyzing or displaying at least one of the first or the second components of the vibration signal, wherein the vibration signal includes positional data of the reciprocating element along at least one axis of the reciprocating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian F. Howard, Roger A. Hala, L John Kitchens, JR., Stephen Edward Plaisance
  • Publication number: 20120304776
    Abstract: The electrostatic sensors of bridge or cantilever type with multiple electrodes, the electrostatic sensors of comb type and piezoelectric sensors are used for the single molecule detection of ligands. The electrical driving of sensors is separated in some cases from the sensing for increased sensitivity. The large arrays of sensors with individual or common sensing circuits are employed to further improve detection sensitivity. The fabrication of the sensors, their functionalization for detection of many chemical and biological species and electrical circuitry, packaging, microfluidic subsystem and the system architecture are also disclosed. The individual, specific sensing of single species or simultaneous detection of multiple species is realized. The freeze drying or critical point drying after exposure of sensors to ligands present in liquids and detection in reduced pressure or vacuum is employed for increased sensitivity, down to the single molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Vlad Joseph Novotny
  • Publication number: 20120304777
    Abstract: A dual port pressure sensor has a lead frame having a flag having a first opening and a second opening. The lead frame has a flag having a first opening and a second opening. An encapsulant holds the lead frame. The encapsulant is over a top of the flag and a bottom of the flag is uncovered by the encapsulant. A first opening in the encapsulant is aligned with and larger than the first opening in the flag, and a second opening in the encapsulant is aligned with the second opening in the flag. A pressure sensor transducer is attached to the bottom of the flag and covers the first opening in the flag and provides an electrically detectable correlation to a pressure differential based on a first pressure received on its top side and a second pressure received on its bottom side. An integrated circuit is attached to the bottom of the flag and is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. A lid forming an enclosure with the bottom of the flag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: STEPHEN R. HOOPER, William G. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120304778
    Abstract: A stress-detecting element includes a support body, a support film, a first piezoelectric element, first and second elastic parts. The support body has an opening part with first and second rectilinear sections extending parallel to each other. The support film blocks off the opening part. The first piezoelectric element straddles the first rectilinear section from an interior area to an exterior area of the opening part as seen in plan view. The first elastic part straddles the first rectilinear section from the interior area to the exterior area of the opening part. The second elastic part straddles the second rectilinear section from the interior area to the exterior area of the opening part. The first and second elastic parts respectively have first and second elastic end sections disposed in the interior area of the opening part and spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoaki NAKAMURA, Tsutomu NISHIWAKI
  • Publication number: 20120304779
    Abstract: An electronic flow meter includes a magnetic sensor, phase-A and phase-B drivers, a phase-A comparator, a phase-B comparator, a two-phase encoder, and a rotational speed timer. The two-phase encoder determines a normal/reverse direction where the impeller is rotated based on event signals sampled by the phase-A and the phase-B comparators, respectively, causing a counter to count up or to count down according to the normal/reverse direction as determined, thereby outputting an event count signal. The rotational speed timer calculates a rotational frequency of the impeller from the event count signal outputted by the two-phase encoder and sets frequencies of respective sampling signals of the phase-A and the phase-B comparators at a time when the rotational frequency of the impeller is measured next, and respective drive periods of the phase-A and the phase-B drivers in accordance with the rotational frequency of the impeller as calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshiharu ONO, Osamu KARINO, Yoshihiro SHIMIZU, Yoshihiro MIYAGAWA, Hiroyuki KAWAJIRI, Takehiro FURUKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120304780
    Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter (8) for measuring the flow of a flowing medium having a measuring tube (1) with a cross section that changes along its length and preferably the cross section in the middle section of the measuring tube (1) is less than at the beginning and end of the measuring tube (1), preferably the cross section of the measuring tube (1) is rectangular in its middle section and wherein the housing (2) preferably has a circular cross section. The inlet section (5) of the measuring tube (1) is formed of two segments (5a and 5b), of which a first segment (5a), in terms of flow direction, has a cross section that increases in the direction of flow and a downstream adjoining second segment (5b) has a cross section that decreases in the direction of flow. Optionally, the outlet section (6) is similarly formed of two sections (6a, 6b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: KROHNE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Sven Walbrecker, Stefan Neuburger, Josef Neven
  • Publication number: 20120304781
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilize a rate of drop in pressure upstream of a gas flow controller (GFC) to accurately measure a rate of flow through the GFC. Measurement of the gas flow through the many gas flow controllers in production use today is enabled, without requiring any special or sophisticated pressure regulators or other special components. Various provisions ensure that none of the changes in pressure that occur during or after the measurement perturb the constant flow of gas through the GFC under test. A pressure regulator is coupled to a gas source. The GFC is positioned downstream of the pressure regulator. A pressure transducer is measuring pressure in a volume between the pressure regulator and the GFC, wherein means are provided for increasing the pressure in the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Pivotal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. MONKOWSKI, Jialing Chen, Tao Ding, James MacAllen Chalmers
  • Publication number: 20120304782
    Abstract: A method of evaluating the stickiness of an outer surface of an absorbent article comprises the steps of: (i) providing an absorbent article on a stationary horizontal surface, the absorbent article having an outer surface facing away from the stationary horizontal surface, (ii) affixing an adhesive substrate to the outer surface of the absorbent article, (iii) grasping an end portion of the adhesive substrate, and (iv) lifting the end portion of the adhesive substrate in a direction away from the stationary horizontal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Christian Klebba
  • Publication number: 20120304783
    Abstract: A bicycle hub apparatus comprises an axle, a hub member supported for rotation around the hub axle, an intermediate drive member supported for rotation around the hub axle and having a first portion and a second portion, a sensor shaft supported for rotation around the hub axle and having a first portion and a second portion, and a force sensor unit disposed on the sensor shaft. The first portion of the intermediate drive member is structured to receive an external rotational driving force, the first portion of the sensor shaft is coupled to the second portion of the intermediate drive member to receive the rotational driving force, and the second portion of the sensor shaft is coupled to the hub member for communicating the rotational driving force to the hub member. The intermediate drive member and the sensor shaft are coupled to each other within the hub member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitamura, Michihiro Kodama
  • Publication number: 20120304784
    Abstract: A device includes a guard member, at least one bias sensor, a display, and a measurement sensor. The guard member includes an aperture on an axis. The at least one bias sensor is coupled to the guard member. The at least one bias sensor is configured to provide a bias signal corresponding to a bias force on the guard member. The bias force is aligned parallel with the axis. The display is coupled to the at least one bias sensor and is configured to provide a visible indication of the bias force. The measurement sensor is configured to provide an output signal corresponding to a measured force proximate the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: NONIN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Philip O. Isaacson, Bryant Austin Jones, Timothy L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120304785
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a detecting device for recovering of release film and a recovery apparatus for release film. The recovery apparatus comprises clips for gripping release film, the detecting device comprises: a detecting sensor; a mobile module coupled onto one clipping arm of the clip. When the release film is gripped by the clip, the release film shifts the mobile module to a first position where the mobile module portion enters the detection scope of the detecting sensor; when the release film is not gripped by the clip, the mobile module shifts to a second position, where the whole mobile module portion withdraws out of the detection scope of the detecting sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinjun WANG, Kweonho PARK, You ZHENG, Haibin LIU, Xu LI, Yujie WANG
  • Publication number: 20120304786
    Abstract: A microassembly method and system utilizing multiple probes. Multiple manipulation actuators can be utilized for maintaining/holding one or more probes and an assembly substrate. Multiple microscope cameras can be configured to provide three distinct workspace configurations. At the center of each manipulation actuator is a die stage, which supports the assembly substrate upon which parts are assembled. A glue dispenser can also provide glue to a part prior to placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: John Wason, John T. Wen, Jason Gorman, Nicholas Dagalakis
  • Publication number: 20120304787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic actuator comprising a body (1) defining a cylindrical cavity of longitudinal axis (X); a rod (3) mounted to slide telescopically in the cylinder along the said axis; a nut (7) secured to the rod; a lead screw (4) mounted on the cylinder to extend along and rotate about the said axis (X) and collaborate with the nut in such a way that a rotation of the lead screw causes a telescopic movement of the rod in the cylinder; means (8, 9, 10) for driving the rotation of the lead screw. According to the invention, the nut is mounted on the rod to be axially retained thereon by retaining means (12, 13, 14; 30 to 38) which can be made to release the nut axially from the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTI-DOWTY
    Inventors: Marc QUENERCH'DU, Gérard BALDUCCI
  • Publication number: 20120304788
    Abstract: An actuator comprises a rotatable nut arranged to be driven for rotation by a motor, an axially translatable shaft cooperable with the nut and arranged such that rotation of the nut drives the shaft for axial movement, and a steering rack coupled to the shaft by a coupling arrangement so as to be driven for axial movement by the shaft, wherein the coupling accommodates limited relative lateral movement between the shaft and the steering rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Antony Morgan, John Herbert Harvey
  • Publication number: 20120304789
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes an input shaft to which a driving force of a first driving source is inputted, a first shaft idly rotating relative to the input shaft and being connectable with the input shaft, the first shaft being provided with a plurality of drive gears, a single drive gear idly rotating relative to the input shaft and being connectable with the input shaft, a second shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and being provided with a first idler gear and a second idler gear, an output shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and outputting the driving force to a wheel, and a plurality of driven gears idly rotating relative to the output shaft and being connectable with the output shaft, the plurality of driven gears engaging with the plurality of drive gears, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro MISU, Kyosuke MORI, Wataru HAGIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120304790
    Abstract: A propulsion system includes two electric motors, a gearbox with at least three forward gears and a control unit to control the electric motors and the engagement of the gears. The gearbox includes two primary shafts, one associated to with the odd gears and the other with the even gears and are permanently connected each to a respective electric motor. The control unit controls the two electric motors and the engagement of the gears of the gearbox to provide at least a first operating mode in which the first gear and the second gear are engaged at the same time and a second operating mode in which the second gear and the third gear are engaged at the same time. In each of these operating modes the torque being transmitted by both the electric motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: OERLIKON GRAZIANO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Simone Bologna
  • Publication number: 20120304791
    Abstract: In an elliptical rim neutral line of each axially perpendicular cross section in a tooth trace direction of a flexible externally toothed gear of a wave gear device, external teeth are applied with addendum modification along the external teeth tooth trace direction so that the bending stress generated at the root rim surface of the external teeth that is caused by flexing of the flexible externally toothed gear is averaged out, the maximum value thereof can be reduced, and the transferred torque of the wave gear device can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Shoichi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20120304792
    Abstract: An operable transmission comprising toothed wheels. In order to operate the transmission with a lubricant and coolant which is environmentally friendly while providing improved heat dissipation and temperature-independent viscosity, the transmission contains a mixture of water and a glycol or similar, in which graphite particles are suspended. The mixture contains 40 to 60 percent per weight of the glycol and 2 to 25 percent by weight of graphite in the form of flaky graphite particles having a grain size of less than 12 micrometers, the remainder being composed of water and other admixtures and/or additives. Also disclosed are the lubricant and coolant as well as a method for starting a transmission operated with the lubricant and coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Franz Mayr
  • Publication number: 20120304793
    Abstract: A ball screw has a chain received in a circulation path of the ball screw, and the chain comprises a plurality of partition portions and a connecting portion for connecting the partition portions, a plurality of rolling elements are retained in the chain in such a manner that between each two neighboring partition portions is arranged a rolling element, each of the rolling elements is partially in contact with the return passage of each of the return assemblies to define receiving spaces in the return passage for accommodation of the connecting portion, so that the chain can be moved more smoothly in the return passage, and the manufacturing cost of the return assembly is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Yan-Yu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120304794
    Abstract: A shift securing device of a manual gearbox that is shifted by a selector shaft disposed axially parallel to the gearbox shafts. The selector shaft slides axially and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the selector shaft and can be selectively coupled to a shift fork guided on a shift rail and/or rocker. An axially fixed and rotatable locking body supports locking elements for form-locking the uncoupled shift rail and/or rocker. The locking body is a box frame having two transverse and two longitudinal members. The transverse members have bearing holes in which the selector shaft is accommodated in an axially movable manner. The locking body is rotationally fixed to the selector shaft by a carrier that engages in one of the longitudinal members in a form-locking manner. The locking body is fixed to the housing by an axial bearing disposed on a transverse member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Uwe Beer
  • Publication number: 20120304795
    Abstract: A position lock for an adjustable steering column comprises a plurality of discs stacked for rotation on a control shaft and engaged to a gear profile of a stationary bracket. The discs are engaged to the gear profile so as to be caused to rotate relatively to one another as the steering column undergoes movement in the relevant direction. The discs are configured to resist rotation relative to one another when subjected to a compressive load, and the control shaft is engaged to a cam for selectively applying a compressive load to the discs. A method for selectively controlling motion of a steering column comprises coupling motion of the steering column to the relative movements of a plurality of discs, constraining the discs to rotate relative to one another as the steering column undergoes motion in the relevant direction, and selectively adjusting resistance to relative rotation the discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Publication number: 20120304796
    Abstract: A steering column is configured for positional adjustments in first and second directions and comprises a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column. The position lock comprises a stationary bracket disposed about the steering column. A control shaft is coupled to the steering column, approximately perpendicular to the first and second directions, so as to couple movement of the steering column with translation of the control shaft. Movable lock plates are arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft. Each of the movable lock-plates is positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate that is retained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the stationary bracket. The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Publication number: 20120304797
    Abstract: An exemplary adjustable steering column comprises a gear positioned and configured to cause a shaft to rotate about its central axis as the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more telescoping friction plates arranged and configured so as to rotate with the shaft when the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more raking friction plates, each raking friction plate being positioned in frictional contact with at least one of the one or more telescoping friction plates and configured to exhibit a different rotation than the one or more telescoping friction plates when the steering column telescopes. The shaft imposes a compressive load between the one or more telescoping friction plates and the one or more raking friction plates so as to induce friction between the telescoping friction plates and the raking friction plates and thereby resist their relative movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Publication number: 20120304798
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable safety steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one clamping device (100) which, for the purpose of fixing the length of the adjustable steering column (10), has a torsion spring (130) which clamps a casing tube (110) for a steering shaft (110) at a position that can be adjusted by way of releasing the torsion spring (130), the casing tube being inserted in the clamping device (100). At least in the vicinity of one end of the torsion spring (130) at least one stop element (141, 142, 143) is arranged, against which the torsion spring (130) strikes during an axial displacement (V) of the casing tube (110) which is directed toward the receiving tube, whereby the coil of the torsion spring (130) assumes an oblique position, which can be limited. An adjustable crash function is thus implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KG, COBURG
    Inventors: Linda Loffler, Sebastian Heinze, Christian Saxstetter
  • Publication number: 20120304799
    Abstract: An active eco pedal apparatus with an the actuator which includes a VCM having a pair of first and second coils through which a current flows in opposite directions, and a pair of first and second magnets interacting with the electric field generated by the pair of the first and second coils, in which additional repulsive force is generated from the VCM supplied by the current, in addition to basic moving forces, thereby increasing thrust to push a pedal and thus remarkably improving the efficiency of an eco mode, in which since the actuator is controlled in a single-phase manner by a single-phase driver chip without using a hall sensor having high error possibility, it is possible to improve the reliability of operation, and in which since the number of FETs is reduced, the system is configured to have a compact size, and costs are lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: DH HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-Sang NOH, Jung-Yeol AN, Jong-Man LEE, Jong-Geun CHA, Mo-Se KIM
  • Publication number: 20120304800
    Abstract: When an accelerator opening exceeds an opening threshold value, a base pedaling force of an accelerator pedal is increased. An increment to a pedaling force is changed in accordance with the accelerator opening in a manner to make the pedaling force approach a characteristic that the pedaling force increases at a constant rate with respect to increase of the accelerator opening. For example, when a mechanism is employed which has a convex-up characteristic wherein the rate of increase of base pedaling force decreases as the accelerator opening increases, the increment is set to increase as the accelerator opening increases. Conversely, when a mechanism is employed which has a convex-down characteristic wherein the rate of base pedaling force increases as the accelerator opening increases, the increment is set to decrease as the accelerator opening increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Sakaguchi, Masao Shiomi, Masahiro Omori
  • Publication number: 20120304801
    Abstract: A lever mountable to a handle bar of a vehicle, manipulated by at least one finger of a rider and having an arm with a distal end and a proximal end. The arm extends away from the handle bar, and the proximal end connects to the handle bar. At least one finger contour is located on the arm between the distal and proximal ends, and follows at least one finger to allow the at least one finger of the user to manipulate the arm. The lever also has a retainer located near at least one finger contour, and retains the fingers on the arm. The finger contour can contour at least two fingers. The retainer projects away from the arm and can be curved so as to secure the fingers to the arm. A handlebar of a vehicle having a lever as described is also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jean L'ECUYER
  • Publication number: 20120304802
    Abstract: Rotary actuator comprising a first rotatable part, having a control surface with an undulating or sawtooth profile, and a fixed second part, having at least one detent element running on the control surface, wherein the detent element (10) is accommodated, in a manner which allows movement against a restoring force, in an aperture (8) which tapers in a V shape towards the first part, the detent element being accommodated with play between the side walls (12, 13) bounding the aperture (8), wherein the detent element (8) interacts with the radially oriented control surface (5) in such a way that, as it runs up a projection on the control surface (5) as a result of a movement of the first part (2), it is moved against one side wall (12, 13) and, upon passing beyond the projection, strikes against the other side wall (13, 12) owing to the restoring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Christian Wall, Sten Währisch
  • Publication number: 20120304803
    Abstract: Handlebars having a master tube, two handgrips at opposite ends of the master tube, a stem for attaching to a fork, and at least one portion with doubled section, the cross section of which comprises an upper outer wall, a lower outer wall, an upper inner wall and a lower inner wall. The upper outer wall is distanced from and joined to the upper inner wall, the lower outer wall is distanced from and joined to the lower inner wall, and the upper inner wall is distanced from the lower inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.I.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan