Patents Issued in February 21, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130042676
    Abstract: A tire-pressure mount apparatus having a compartment in communication with a wheel and tire assembly. The compartment has a removable closure with a tire-pressure sensor and a valve stem mounted thereon so as to permit simultaneous removal of the tire-pressure sensor and valve stem when the closure is removed from the compartment, thus providing access thereto without requiring disassembly of the wheel and tire assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: LINDSAY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Publication number: 20130042677
    Abstract: Method for quantitatively assessing connectivity for well pairs at varying frequencies. A time series of measurements (12) is chosen for each of the two wells such that the particular measurements will be sensitive to subsurface connectivity if it exists (11). The two time series may then be pre-processed by resampling to time intervals commensurate with response time between the two wells (13), detrending the measurements (14), and detecting and eliminating spiking noises (15). Then the time series are transformed to the frequency domain where coherence and phase between the two series are compared for varying frequencies (16). This comparison is used to make a determination of connectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: John W. Snedden, David M. Chorneyko, Charlie S. Kim, Neal L. Adair
  • Publication number: 20130042678
    Abstract: Included are systems and methods for determining a fill level of an inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir as a source for medicine, where the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir has a monotonically decreasing fill level. Some embodiments of a device include a stop surface designed and arranged such that the stop surface contacts the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir while the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir is filled above a predetermined level. Similarly, some embodiments of the device additionally include a release detector that generates an output signal indicative of contact between the stop surface and the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir being released and a processing unit for determining the fill level of the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir from an output signal of the release detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventor: Gerald Studer
  • Publication number: 20130042679
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a gravitational force includes an optomechanical oscillator that deforms under the gravitational force to cause a shift in resonance associated with the optomechanical oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chee Wei Wong, Ying Li, Jiangjun Zheng, Daniel J. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20130042680
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring gravitational force is provided having at least one optomechanical oscillator, the at least one optomechanical oscillator having an initial resonance, and a second resonance when displaced by gravitational force; and at least one photonic crystal having at least one cavity coupling optical and mechanical degrees of freedom of the oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Chee Wei Wong, Ying Li, Jianjung Zheng, Daniel Rogers
  • Publication number: 20130042681
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical structure, and a micromechanical structure. The micromechanical structure encompasses a first micromechanical functional layer, made of a first material, that comprises a buried conduit having a first end and a second end; a micromechanical sensor structure having a cap in a second micromechanical functional layer that is disposed above the first micromechanical functional layer; an edge region in the second micromechanical functional layer, such that the edge region surrounds the sensor structure and defines an inner side containing the sensor structure and an outer side facing away from the sensor structure; such that the first end is located on the outer side and the second end on the inner side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Johannes Classen, Jochen Reinmuth, Sebastian Guenther, Pia Bustian-Todorov
  • Publication number: 20130042682
    Abstract: A device for detecting vibrations on a machine (12) with at least one machine element (11) which rotates around an axis of rotation, with a measurement head (1) for detachable coupling to at least one measuring point (13, 61, 62, 63) of the machine, with a sensor arrangement (2) for measuring vibrations in at least one sensor measurement direction which is fixed with respect to the measurement head, and an arrangement (42, 43, 44, 45) for detecting the current three-dimensional orientation of the sensor measurement direction, with at least one gyroscope (42, 43, 44), and an arrangement (46) for assignment of vibration measurement and the corresponding orientation of the sensor measurement direction during the respective vibration measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: PRÜFTECHNIK DIETER BUSCH AG
    Inventors: Dieter BUSCH, Alexander KUCHLER, Karl KRACH
  • Publication number: 20130042683
    Abstract: Vibrating structure gyrometer with at least one tuning fork, produced by micro-machining from a thin plate, the said tuning fork comprising a pair of mobile inertial assemblies (EIM1, EIM2) linked by a coupling assembly (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bernard Chaumet
  • Publication number: 20130042684
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a base substrate provided with a first recess part, and a sensor part located on the first recess part and swingably supported in a depth direction of the first recess part by a support part, wherein the sensor part is sectioned into a first part and a second part by the support part, includes a movable electrode part in the first part and the second part, a through hole is provided at least at an end side in the second part larger in mass than the first part, and the base substrate includes a fixed electrode part in a position opposed to the movable electrode part in the first recessed part, and a second recess part deeper than the first recess part is provided in a position opposed to the end side of the sensor part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro YODA
  • Publication number: 20130042685
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a base substrate, a movable part located on the base substrate and provided on a principal surface of the base substrate, a movable electrode part provided in the movable part, and a fixed electrode part provided on the principal surface of the base substrate and located to be opposed to a movable electrode finger, and the fixed electrode part is connected to fixed electrode wiring provided at the principal surface side of the base substrate, the movable electrode part is connected to movable electrode wiring provided at the principal surface side of the base substrate, and a shield part is provided between the fixed electrode wiring and the movable electrode wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro YODA
  • Publication number: 20130042686
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inertia sensing apparatus, comprising a substrate, a first and second inertia sensing elements. The first inertia sensing element is connected to a substrate and has a containment space. The second inertia sensing element is connected to the substrate and is disposed in the containment space of the first inertia sensing element, wherein the first inertia sensing element and the second sensing element are connected to the substrate, and the first inertia sensing element and the second sensing element are not connected to each other, the first inertia sensing element and the second sensing element individually and independently detect at least one inertia motion of the inertia sensing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SITRONIX TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: CHIUNG-WEN LIN, HUAN-HSIANG WENG, CHIA YU WU
  • Publication number: 20130042687
    Abstract: A piezoresistive transducer is disclosed having a framework including a support element attached to a bending element that undergoes a deformation relative to the support element when a force acts on the bending element including a neutral fiber whose length does not change during the deformation. At least one piezoresistive expansion body is attached to the support element that exhibits a piezoresistive material and converts the deformation of the bending element into an electrically detectable change in resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Külls, Siegfried Nau
  • Publication number: 20130042688
    Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus for detecting a photoacoustic image of a detected object is provided. The photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a laser probe and a transparent ultrasonic sensor. The laser probe is configured to emit a laser beam. The transparent ultrasonic sensor is disposed over the laser probe. The laser beam emitted from the laser probe passes through the transparent ultrasonic sensor to be transmitted to the detected object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shih-Bin Luo, Hsiu-Hsiang Chen, De-Yi Chiou, Wan-Ting Tien
  • Publication number: 20130042689
    Abstract: A sound wave testing device is provided. The sound wave testing device comprises at least one sound output unit for providing at least one first sound signal, at least one sound-collecting element disposed above the at least one sound output unit, at least one sound-receiving unit disposed at one end of the at least one sound-collecting element, and an isolating element disposed between the at least one sound output unit and the at least one sound-collecting element, in which the solar panel is disposed on the isolating element. The at least one first sound signal is transformed into at least one second sound signal while passing through the solar panel. The at least one second sound signal is received and transmitted to at least one sound-receiving unit, and the at least one second sound signal is transformed into at least one digital signal for output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Kun Ta Lee
  • Publication number: 20130042690
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic sensor including: a case; a piezoelectric element mounted on an inner side bottom surface of the case; a first sound absorbing material having a through-hole formed at an area thereof corresponding to a mounting area of the piezoelectric element and including the piezoelectric element disposed at a portion thereof based on a thickness of the through-hole; and a second sound absorbing material formed on the first sound absorbing material so as to cover the entire surface of the first sound absorbing material including the through-hole, wherein the through-hole formed has a thickness thicker than that of the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Boum Seock Kim, Eun Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20130042691
    Abstract: A vibration table having an upper surface defining a plane and on which test products are mounted by bolts that engage spaced internally threaded openings in the upper surface. The vibration table has mounted vibrators for generating vibrations in x-, y- and z-axes lying in the plane of the upper surface. Variation in the magnitude of the vibrations generated in the x-, y- and z-axes over the surface of the table are minimized by providing an upper surface that is circular in the plane of the upper surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HANSE ENVIRONMENTAL
    Inventor: John K. Hanse
  • Publication number: 20130042692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane for a pressure dome suitable for cooperation with a pressure sensor. The membrane comprises a resilient circular wall suitable for closing one side of the pressure dome so as to define a partition between the inside of the pressure dome and the outside; and a circular rim suitable for being joined to a main body of the pressure dome. The membrane is characterized in that the resilient circular wall, when there is no difference between the pressures acting respectively on the inner surface and on the outer surface, has an outwardly convex form. The invention also relates to a pressure dome comprising the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Massimo Fini, Reinhold Reiter, Luca Donarini
  • Publication number: 20130042693
    Abstract: Cannula assemblies with pressure sensors made of stacked coplanar layers and ambulatory infusion systems comprising the same are disclosed. The cannula assemblies include a hub and an infusion cannula. The hub includes a pressure sensor and a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the infusion cannula. The pressure sensor is formed from a stack of coplanar layers including a top layer, a base layer an electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The fluid channel is positioned between the top layer and the base layer. The electrode layer is positioned between the top layer and the base layer and coupled to the fluid channel. The counter-electrode layer is positioned between the top layer and the electrode layer. A spacer layer having a through cut-out defining an electrode cavity is disposed between the top layer and the base layer such that the electrode layer extends across the electrode cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventor: Roche Diagnostics International AG
  • Publication number: 20130042694
    Abstract: An enclosed, flat covered leadless pressure sensor assembly suitable for extreme environment operation including dynamic, ultra-high temperature heating, light and heat flash, and high-speed, flow-related environments. The pressure sensor assembly comprises a substrate comprising a micromachined sensing diaphragm defined on a first side. A cover is attached to the first side of the substrate such that it covers at least the sensing diaphragm. The top surface of the cover is substantially flat, thereby promoting uniformity in the distribution of stress and thermal effects across a top surface of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: ALEXANDER NED, Leo Geras, Joseph VanDeWeert
  • Publication number: 20130042695
    Abstract: A disclosed pressure-responsive sensor includes a flexible element contained within an enclosure and a membrane configured to exert an electrostatic force on the flexible element to cause the flexible element to respond to pressure variations on the membrane. A disclosed pressure-sensing method includes electrostatically coupling a membrane to a flexible element contained within an enclosure to transfer a pressure response of the membrane to the flexible element. Motion of the flexible element is converted into a pressure signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: FREDERICK JAMES BARR, Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn, Anders Göran Mattsson
  • Publication number: 20130042696
    Abstract: Provided is a material testing system provided with: an upper gripper 21 and a lower gripper 22 that grip a test piece 10; a video camera 18 that photographs the upper gripper 21 and the lower gripper 22 and the test piece 10; a first display part 25; a second display part 26; and a setting support section 61 that, in order to do test preparation where the test piece 10 is made to be gripped by the upper gripper 21 and the lower gripper 22, on the second display part 26, together with an image around the upper gripper 21 and the lower gripper 22, displays setting position indicators that support at least any one of positioning of the grippers, attachment of the test piece, and placement of gage marks to be marked on the test piece that is in a state of being gripped by the grippers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takehiko Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20130042697
    Abstract: A fixture facilitates using a linear force of a uni-axial test machine to subject a test sample to bending forces. The test machine includes a frame and a crosshead. To generate the linear force, the crosshead translates with reference to the frame in a plane of motion. The fixture includes an upper connecting link, a lower connecting link, and two transverse arms. The upper connecting link is configured to attach to the crosshead for receiving the linear force, and the lower connecting link is configured to attach to the frame. The two transverse arms are pivotably carried between the upper and lower links. Each transverse arm has an inner end configured to attach to the test sample, the test sample being suspended between the arms. The transverse arms pivot in opposite directions in response to the linear force applied to the upper connecting link, exposing the sample to bending forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Elazer R. Edelman, Kay Dee Furman, Gerard J. Desany
  • Publication number: 20130042698
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining at least one flow characteristic of an essentially laminarly flowing, gaseous or liquid medium in a pipeline. Distinguishing features include: that at least one modulation element introduced into, or placed in, the pipeline produces, at least for the case, in which the medium is flowing with a velocity different from zero, a change in density of the medium, at least at times, in the vicinity of the modulation element; that at least one mechanically oscillatable unit introduced into, or placed in, the pipeline and spaced from the modulation element is excited to resonant oscillations; that mechanical oscillations are received by the mechanically oscillatable unit and converted into an electrical, received signal, wherein the received signal is sensitive to the density change; and that the at least one flow characteristic of the medium is determined from the reaction of the received signal of the mechanically oscillatable unit to the density change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Mayr, Volker Dreyer, Sergej Lopatin
  • Publication number: 20130042699
    Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include a fluid switch, at least two fluid paths from the fluid switch, and a sensor which measures a frequency of fluctuations in flow through the fluidic oscillator. A method of measuring a flow rate of a fluid can include flowing the fluid through a fluidic oscillator, a majority of the fluid flowing alternately via at least two fluid paths from a fluid switch of the fluidic oscillator, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the flow alternating between the fluid paths. Another fluidic oscillator can include a fluid input, at least two fluid paths from the fluid input to respective fluid outputs, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the fluidic oscillator flows alternately via the fluid paths, and a sensor which detects pressure fluctuations due to the flow alternating between the fluid paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert L. PIPKIN, Travis W. CAVENDER, Neal G. SKINNER
  • Publication number: 20130042700
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter with a measuring tube through which a medium can flow, at least one actuator and at least one sensor, wherein the measuring tube is bent between its input and output ends into a first winding and a second winding, the first winding and the second winding merging into one another at a transitional section of the measuring tube. The first winding and the second winding run in parallel winding planes and wherein the first winding and the second winding can be excited to oscillation by the actuator and the oscillations detected by the sensor. The Coriolis mass flowmeter is comparably insensitive to the coupling of external oscillations in that oscillating sections of the first winding and the second winding are bent into a V shape that opens in a direction toward the transitional section of the measuring tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Tao WANG, Yousif HUSSAIN
  • Publication number: 20130042701
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flowmeter with at least one measurement tube (2) for forming a flow channel, at least one vibration generator and at least one vibration pick-up, the measurement tube (2) having one inlet end (4), two vibration sections (3a, 3b) and one outlet end (5) and being bent at least in sections such that two U-shaped or V-shaped vibration sections (3a, 3b) which run in essentially parallel planes are formed, and the vibration sections (3a, 3b) can be excited to vibrations by the vibration generator. The flow channel, except for the inlet end (4), the vibration sections (3a, 3b) and the outlet end (5), runs within a solid base (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: KROHNE AG
    Inventors: Yousif Hussain, Tao Wang
  • Publication number: 20130042702
    Abstract: A force sensor and a measuring method of resistance variation thereof are provided. The force sensor includes a first substrate, multiple first electrodes, a second substrate, multiple second electrodes, and a piezoresistive layer. The first electrodes are disposed on the first substrate while the second electrodes facing the first electrodes are disposed on the second substrate. The multiple second electrodes are electrically isolated to each other. Orthogonal projections of the two adjacent second electrodes respectively overlap the corresponding first electrode. The piezoresistive layer is located between the first and the second electrodes and disposed on at least one kind of the first and the second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chia-Sheng Huang, Yan-Rung Lin, Chang-Ho Liou
  • Publication number: 20130042703
    Abstract: An improved sample chamber for laser assisted spectroscopy integrates valve mechanisms into the sample drawer, permitting the sample chamber to automatically bypass, purge and resume flow as the sample drawer is opened and closed to insert samples for processing. Integrating valve mechanisms into the sample drawer in this manner eliminates the need for external valves to be operated to bypass, purge and resume flow, thereby increasing system throughput and reducing system complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert HUTCHINSON, Leif SUMMERFIELD, Shane HILLIARD, Jay WILKINS
  • Publication number: 20130042704
    Abstract: A machine which has a platform for a specimen container and is constructed to spin the platform to produce centrifugation of the specimen is provided with a linkage that can selectively convert the spinning to a more complex form of motion effective to produce disruption of the specimen on the platform. Preferably, the linkage causes tilting of the platform about the axis of spinning, thereby providing a conical form of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the linkage is constructed to provide the complex motion when the platform is rotated in one direction and to provide spinning when the platform is rotated in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Donald Van Duyne, Eric Gold, John Martin
  • Publication number: 20130042705
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring the thickness of a strip includes a support having a measuring zone and a measuring sensor having a measuring tip for cooperation with the support in the measuring zone, with the measuring sensor having an indicator element. A bearing arrangement movably supports the measuring sensor substantially normal to the support and is constructed as a fluid bearing. A position sensor records a position of the indicator element of the measuring sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Thomastik-Infeld Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Bernd Kolmanz, Alexander Magrutsch
  • Publication number: 20130042706
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting high voltage insulators is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes a first platform having first and second linkages, at least one outer gripping mechanism having first and second arms extending outwardly from the first platform, a second slidable platform adapted to slide along the first and second linkages, and at least one inner gripping mechanism having third and fourth arms extending outwardly from the second slidable platform. The outer and inner gripping mechanisms are adapted to move between an open position where the insulator is received by the outer and inner gripping mechanisms and a closed position where the outer and inner gripping mechanisms engage the insulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Phillips, Jason Cary Nave
  • Publication number: 20130042707
    Abstract: A compound differentially threaded element engages two or more longitudinally severed segments of a mating threaded element to provide differential linear motion. Different thread types may include pitch, thread starts, handedness or thread-form. Combinations of differential threads may be selected to enable fine or coarse linear motion without correspondingly fine or coarse thread pitches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TWIN TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Twin Turbine Technologies LLC
  • Publication number: 20130042708
    Abstract: A slim line mechanism is provided and includes a first body having a stationary track coupled thereto, a first mechanism, which is supportable between the stationary track and the first body and configured to be driven in a first direction, a second mechanism, which is configured to be driven by the first mechanism in a second direction transverse with respect to the first direction, a system by which the first and second mechanisms are coupled to one another and connectors by which the first body is supportively connectable with the first and second mechanisms such that movements thereof in the first and second directions, respectively, are permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert K. Mullady, Mitchell L. Zapotoski
  • Publication number: 20130042709
    Abstract: A change-gear transmission having an input shaft, a main shaft having at least one main shaft gear, a plurality of countershafts spanning between the input shaft and main shaft gear, and gear synchronizers between selectable gears. The bore of main shaft gears have a minimal radial clearance fit with its mating parts to prevent gear synchronizer wear, while the meshing between the input shaft gears and countershaft gears is equally distributed using a means to equalize the torque transfer between countershafts. The countershafts are rotatably supported and displace axially between bearing or bushing supports, while the meshed gears comprise a helical gear tooth arrangement to create axial load on the countershaft if excessive and uneven load is sensed in one countershaft over another. This presents a new and unique countershaft meshing design that allows multiple countershafts to achieve equal load sharing while permitting gear synchronizers use on the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jianwen Li, Peiling Dou, Junyi Jesse Li
  • Publication number: 20130042710
    Abstract: A speed reducing mechanism includes a speed reducer and a bearing engaged with the speed reducer. The speed reducer includes a driving member, a first transmission member and a second transmission member. The driving member is connected to the first transmission member. The first transmission member forms a plurality of first engaging teeth, and the second transmission member forms a plurality of second engaging teeth. The total number or count of the first engaging teeth is different from that of the second engaging teeth. The bearing includes a bearing cone, a bearing cup, and roller bearings mounted between the bearing cone and the bearing cup. The first transmission member is fixed to the bearing cup, and the second transmission member is fixed to the bearing cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-MING XU, ZHEN-HUA XU
  • Publication number: 20130042711
    Abstract: A double involute pinion-face gear drive system provides transmission of torque and speed, or direction of movement modification between non-intersecting shafts at right angles to one another. Specifically, the system includes three distinct types of gear drives, in which a double involute cylindrical pinion mounted on one of the two axes, engages a rotatable disk-shaped gear mounted on the second axis, disposed orthogonally offset at a prescribed center distance relative to the first axis. The teeth of the cylindrical pinion are curved in an abridged, normal or extended involute shape and may include an involute-shaped tooth depth profile in a plane passing through the tooth pitch point and orthogonal to the axis of the pinion. Likewise, the teeth of the face gear are curved in abridged, normal or extended involute shape in the lengthwise direction of the teeth and may include a straight line shaped tooth depth profile. These gear drive systems can be simultaneously bi-rotational and bi-directional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ioan Napau, Mircea Napau
  • Publication number: 20130042712
    Abstract: A decelerating-side tooth surface of each tooth of a drive gear contacts a corresponding one of teeth of a driven gear to transmit torque when torque transmitted between the drive gear and the driven gear is maximum, and is formed as follows. The decelerating-side tooth surface protrudes toward the corresponding tooth of the driven gear and has a circular arc curvature to a facewidth direction of the corresponding tooth. The decelerating-side tooth surface is formed so that a center of the circular arc curvature is located apart in a facewidth direction of the tooth of the drive gear from a plane perpendicular to the facewidth direction in a middle in the facewidth direction toward an opposite side from a portion of the decelerating-side tooth surface that contacts the corresponding tooth of the driven gear at the time when the transmitted torque is maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Seiji Hiroshima, Shinjiro Kuze, Makoto Takahashi, Naoki Hanada
  • Publication number: 20130042713
    Abstract: A gearbox housing to enclose a gearbox with a geartrain and a lubrication system includes a frame made of a first material to carry gearbox loads; and a shell made of a second material to connecting to the frame and to keep lubrication sealed within the lubrication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Melissa A. Bell, Jeffrey L. Moore
  • Publication number: 20130042714
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes a support body, a moving platform, a pivot shaft, a plurality of driving devices, a plurality of transfer branch joints, and a base. The support body includes a main body, and an installing portion opposite to the main body; the pivot shaft is rotatably connected with the main body and the moving platform; the driving devices are positioned at a bottom of the main body; each transfer branch joint is movably connected with the moving platform and one corresponding driving device; the installing base includes a bottom base, and two supporting arms extending from opposite sides of the bottom base; the bottom base and the two supporting arms cooperatively forming a receiving space; the bottom base and the two supporting arms are detachable in relation to the installing portion and the main body; the main body is received in the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhen-Xing LIU, Xiao-Ming XU
  • Publication number: 20130042715
    Abstract: A serial robot includes a base, first and second segments, a proximal joint joining the base to the first segment, and a distal joint. The distal joint that joins the segments is serially arranged and distal with respect to the proximal joint. The robot includes first and second actuators. A first tendon extends from the first actuator to the proximal joint and is selectively moveable via the first actuator. A second tendon extends from the second actuator to the distal joint and is selectively moveable via the second actuator. The robot includes a transmission having at least one gear element which assists rotation of the distal joint when an input force is applied to the proximal and/or distal joints by the first and/or second actuators. A robotic hand having the above robot is also disclosed, as is a robotic system having a torso, arm, and the above-described hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dalong Gao, Chris A. Ihrke
  • Publication number: 20130042716
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a first shroud portion comprising an outer tube, a second shroud portion which comprises an inner tube, and a clamp mechanism that includes a part that is fixed relative to the outer tube, the first and second shroud portions being releasably engaged by the clamp mechanism to selectively permit an amount of relative movement between the first and second shroud portions that is required during adjustment of the steering column assembly, the assembly further including an energy absorbing member which includes a strap that interconnects the inner tube and the part of the clamp bolt assembly, the assembly being so arranged that upon collapse the inner tube moves relative to the clamp assembly whereupon the energy absorbing member is deformed beyond its elastic limit, thereby absorbing energy in the system to control the collapse of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TRW LIMITED
    Inventors: Niclas Davies, Patrick Anthony Duffy
  • Publication number: 20130042717
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a steering column of a motor vehicle for axial and/or vertical positioning of a steering wheel connected to the steering column is provided. The adjusting device comprises a locking device and an electric switch configured to actuate the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dirk EHRLICH, Thomas DEGENSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20130042718
    Abstract: A conformable shape memory article comprises a deformable enclosure covering and discrete particles disposed within the enclosure covering, wherein the discrete particles comprise a shape memory polymer, or the discrete particles have a hollow shell structure comprising a shape memory alloy. In a more specific embodiment, the enclosure is elastically deformable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Robin Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20130042719
    Abstract: A Multi-Level Handlebars Stem device for bicycles or stationary bicycles or other vehicles comprising a steerer bracket, such steerer bracket connecting to a steerer tube or stem adaptor, wherein the steerer bracket is connected to an upper bar and a lower bar at their first ends with through pins, wherein the upper and lower are connected to a handlebar clamp at their second ends by through pins, whereby a lock pin housed in the lower bar engages a notched wheel of the steerer bracket allowing the upper and lower bars to rotate with respect to the steerer tube or stem adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Josef Tuma
  • Publication number: 20130042720
    Abstract: A removable pedal positioner to engage a crank arm and a pedal of a bicycle to position the pedal in a generally horizontal position. One embodiment comprises a bridge, at least one prong, and a mounting post. The mounting post engages the crank arm while the at least one prong extends past the crank arm to position the pedal in a generally horizontal position. In other embodiments, the positioner utilizes a flexible clamp to secure the positioner to the crank arm thereby positioning the pedal in a generally horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan Kelley
  • Publication number: 20130042721
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle. The transfer case may include a rotation direction portion and an output mode portion configured to be driven by the rotation direction portion. The rotation direction portion may provide torque in different directions to the output mode portion. The output mode portion may selectively provide output torque to one or more outputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Klemm, Todd R. Ekonen
  • Publication number: 20130042722
    Abstract: The present technology provides an illustrative apparatus for recycle electric arc furnace (EAF) dust and method of use related to the same. The apparatus has a heat controlling region coupled to a separation volume and includes at least one magnet and a cooling region. The heating controlling region operates at a temperature sufficient to transform at least some of the EAF dust into a mixture of gaseous zinc and one or more additional metals. The magnet separates the iron-rich material from the mixture of gaseous zinc and one or more additional metals and the cooling region condenses the gaseous zinc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Publication number: 20130042723
    Abstract: The ratchet tool has a housing, a ratchet mechanism and a locking plate. The housing includes a chamber and multiple locking grooves. The ratchet mechanism is mounted rotatably through the housing. The locking plate is mounted in the chamber of the housing and has multiple wings. The wings correspond to and engage the locking grooves of the housing in order to lock the ratchet mechanism and the housing. Therefore, users can easily assemble and disassemble the ratchet mechanism and the housing by taking out the locking plate when a broken component needs to be repaired or changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Tzu-Chien Wang
  • Publication number: 20130042724
    Abstract: An oil filter wrench for use in tightening or loosening an oil filter includes a band assembly configured to be placed over the oil filter; a handle assembly attached to the band assembly for use in tightening and turning the band assembly; and a layer of flexible or compressible high friction material applied over a portion of the band assembly to reduce slippage between the band assembly and the oil filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Hulings, Mike Williams
  • Publication number: 20130042725
    Abstract: An open end wrench head including first and second jaws that are adapted to engage a workpiece located in a hard-to-reach area. The jaws can include a chamfered portion on the end of the jaws that allows the wrench to be presented at an angle to the workpiece and still maximize the engagement area between the wrench and the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Jonathan M. Andersen