Patents Issued in March 21, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130068026
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method and an ultrasonic inspection apparatus are provided, in which bending of a propagation path of an inspection object in three dimensions is considered. The ultrasonic inspection method includes calculating the ultrasonic propagation path by using three-dimensional shape data of the inspection object and information relating to a position and a direction of an ultrasonic sensor, giving spatial coordinates along the calculated ultrasonic propagation path to each point of sound field intensity data of an ultrasonic wave received in time series by the ultrasonic sensor, and displaying ultrasonic inspection data obtained by using the sound field intensity data and the spatial coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: So Kitazawa, Naoyuki Kono, Atsushi Baba
  • Publication number: 20130068027
    Abstract: A method for monitoring wall thickness of an industrial piping component or pump/fluid machinery, including a pump casing for a pump used for pumping an abrasive fluid or slurry, comprising providing a signal containing information about a ultrasonic-based transducer pulse from a discrete ultrasonic-based transducer attached directly on an industrial piping component or pump/fluid machinery at a local point of interest and configured to inject the ultrasonic-based transducer pulse into the industrial piping component or pump/fluid machinery at the local point of interest and sense the ultrasonic-based transducer pulse reflected off a wall of the industrial piping component or pump/fluid machinery at the local point of interest; and determining with an electronic monitoring system the thickness of the wall of the industrial piping component or pump/fluid machinery at the local point of interest based at least partly on the signal received containing information about the discrete ultrasonic-based transducer pu
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: James M. Sullivan, Mark R. Fernald
  • Publication number: 20130068028
    Abstract: An in-line inspection tool is disclosed for inspecting the wall of a pipeline while traveling therethrough. The in-line inspection tool may include a transmitter, a signal generator, one or more receivers, and a decoder. The signal generator may generate a pseudorandom signal, generate an inspection signal, and drive the transmitter with a convolution of the pseudorandom signal and the inspection signal. The transmitter may transmit the convoluted signal to the wall of the pipeline. One or more receivers may receive from the wall of the pipeline a received signal comprising at least one of the convoluted signal and a reflection of the convoluted signal. The decoder may identify the inspection signal within the received signal by cross correlating the received signal and the pseudorandom signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: PURE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: PURE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130068029
    Abstract: A process device has a process seal for coupling to an industrial process. The process device includes a process device body having an isolation cavity and an isolation passageway extending from the isolation cavity to a pressure sensor. The isolation cavity and isolation passageway filled with an isolation fluid. An isolation diaphragm is positioned to isolate the isolation cavity from process fluid. The isolation diaphragm has a process fluid side and an isolation fluid side. A weld ring is positioned around a periphery of the process fluid side of the isolation diaphragm. The weld ring is formed of a first material compatible with the isolation diaphragm and a second material compatible with the process device body. A weld secures the weld ring to the process device body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Mark G. Romo, Vonne D. Linse, Andrew J. Klosinski
  • Publication number: 20130068030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal protection element (1), which is arranged on the front side for protecting a diaphragm (11) of a pressure sensor (10) to which pressure is applied. According to the invention, the thermal protection element (1) has, in the region of the sensor diaphragm (11), lamellae (2) which run parallel or are configured as circular arc segments (8) and cover 40% to 60% of the diaphragm surface, with the ratio between the cross-sectional height (h) of the lamellae (2) and the cross-sectional width (b) thereof being 8:1 to 12:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: PIEZOCRYST ADVANCED SENSORICS GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Friedl, Wolfgang Michelitsch
  • Publication number: 20130068031
    Abstract: The bolt tension monitoring system provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system includes a housing adapted for being retained on a head of a bolt to be monitored. The system further includes a force transducer positioned between the head of the bolt and a surface in which the bolt is fastened and measures tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface. A controller circuit within the housing calculates the difference between currently measured tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface and an initially measured tension. A wireless transponder mounted in the housing transmits an alert signal if the calculated difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: SAMIR MEKID, ABDELHAFID BOUHRAOUA
  • Publication number: 20130068032
    Abstract: A detector including: a control device configured to provide an electrical control signal in response to a mechanical stress; an emission transducer configured to convert the electrical control signal into a detection signal; a supply piezoelectric element connected electrically to the control device and configured to provide, when mechanically excited, an electrical supply energy to the control device; and a device for mechanically exciting the supply piezoelectric element using the mechanical stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Nikolovski
  • Publication number: 20130068033
    Abstract: An annular assembly, or ring cell, is provided for testing the load bearing capacity of piles. The ring cell walls of the annular assembly can be made of stamped material. The ring cell walls can be an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall. Alternately, the ring cell walls can have a “U”-type shape cross-section including an outer ring wall, an inner ring wall, and a top wall. Fluid can be provided to the annular assembly through fluid supply lines into an expansion zone. The expansion zone can be a space having a bladder for filling with fluid. In another embodiment, the expansion zone can be a space between a filler material capable of withstanding high pressure separated with a membrane. The pressure of the fluid in the expansion zone can be monitored during testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: LOADTEST , INC.
    Inventor: LOADTEST , INC.
  • Publication number: 20130068034
    Abstract: A measurement unit for tensile or compressive stress can includes a CCD camera for detecting an interference light, the interference light being formed with a measurement beam from a measured region and a reference beam from a reference mirror. A first objective lens can have the reference mirror. An image processing apparatus can measure the three-dimensional shape of the measured region from the position of the first objective lens at which the interference light provides the maximum contrast and can measure the distance between two gauge points on the basis of the three-dimensional shape. When strain is generated on a micromaterial, the strain against the measured tensile stress is measured on the basis of the tensile stress and the distance between the two gauge points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: SIGMA KOKI CO., LTD., KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kazuki Takashima, Masaaki Otsu, Mitsuhiro Matsuda, Hiroaki Kurahara, Hidetaka Maeda, Tadahiro Yonekura
  • Publication number: 20130068035
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that relate to determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line, including determining a flow velocity parameter which is related to the flow velocity of the fluid flow in the fluid line using a flow sensor and obtaining a vibration signal from the fluid flow using a vibration sensor comprising a target disposed in the fluid flow which vibrates in response to fluid flow in the fluid line. The signal may be analysed to determine an energy parameter which is related to the energy of the vibration signal within a frequency band, and a phase composition parameter, such as a dryness parameter, relating to the phase compositions of the fluid flow is determined using the flow velocity parameter and the energy parameter. An apparatus for determining the phase compositions of a multiphase fluid flow in a fluid line is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SPIRAX-SARCO LIMITED
    Inventors: BEN FRISBY, JEREMY MILLER
  • Publication number: 20130068036
    Abstract: A vortex flow meter that senses the alternating pressure variations generated by a fixed vortex shedding generator. The alternating pressure variations of the vortices within the rows on each side of the vortex shedding generator act upon flexible elements producing forces on long columns that are transmitted to remotely located piezoelectric force sensors. The alternating forces upon the two columns are used to determine the passage of a vortex and thereby the flow. Improved output signal by minimizing loss of parasitic energy. 97% of the available signal is applied to the piezoelectric force sensors as compared to conventional 60%. Process influences such as vibration in all planes and pumping pulsations are equal and opposing and are rejected by the sensor. A capability of operating at extreme process temperatures is assured for the high temperature of the process is dissipated to the environment along the long columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: George E. Sgourakes
  • Publication number: 20130068037
    Abstract: A multi-degree of freedom transducer for converting manually applied forces and torques into electrical signals, and configured to be fixed to a base object. The transducer comprises a handle bar having two ends and a first longitudinal direction, and a supporting assembly suitable for fixing the two ends of the handle bar to the base object. The supporting assembly comprising a frame structure at each of the ends of the handle bar, wherein each of the frame structures comprises at least two measuring beams. At least one of the measuring beams includes a second longitudinal direction and at least one other of the measuring beams includes a third longitudinal direction Each of the at least two measuring beams comprises two strain gauges configured to sense strain in the third longitudinal direction and arranged on two different, non-parallel side surfaces of each of the at least two measuring beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130068038
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on a first substrate and a deformable electrode structure. The deformable electrode structure overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode that changes with the deformation of the deformable electrode structure. The deformable electrode structure comprises a spacing component configured to provide spacing between the deformable electrode structure and the first electrode and the second electrode. Finally, a transmission component is configured such that biasing the transmission component causes the deformable electrode structure to deform and change the variable capacitance. A measurement of the variable capacitance can be used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the transmission component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert James Bolender, Narain Kumar Vijayashanker, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Shwetank Kumar
  • Publication number: 20130068039
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a specimen conveyance apparatus including: a main body having a plate-like shape and including a storage chamber having a recess-like shape formed thereon; a cover member covering the main body; a sealing member inserted between the main body and the cover member and blocking the storage chamber and the outside; a suction pipe installed within the main body, having a suction valve, and sucking external air; a filter installed within the main body, removing a reactive gas and particulate foreign material from air sucked through the suction pipe, and allowing an inert gas to pass therethrough toward the storage chamber; a discharge pipe installed within the main body, having a discharge valve, and discharging a gas to the outside; and a pump discharging a gas present in the storage chamber to the outside through the discharge pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seon Young MYOUNG, Seong Chan PARK, Suk Jin HAM
  • Publication number: 20130068040
    Abstract: A rapid analyte collection and testing device, said device comprising a) a casing, said casing having) a first casing section, said first casing section containing an encapsulated buffer section containing a buffer, and asecond casing section, said second casing section comprising a window on a side of said second section, a complementary mechanism for attachment to said first casing section, an opening at a proximal end of said second casing section; and a non permeable platform strip positioned lengthwise within and extending beyond the second casing section. The non-permeable platform further contains a swab, said swab positioned at the distal end of said non-permeable platform strip, a lateral flow assay positioned downstream from said swab, and a tag, positioned upstream from the capture reagent site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Lawrence Loomis, Leslie Kirkegaard, Glen Ford, Robert Greenfield
  • Publication number: 20130068041
    Abstract: A pipetting apparatus including a pipetting head with a plurality of pipetting channels disposed in an arrangement pattern. Each pipetting channel includes a plunger and a cylinder. The plurality of pipetting channels includes at least two groups of pipetting channels with different diameters including a group of larger pipetting channels and a group of smaller pipetting channels. Each of the at least two groups of pipetting channels is disposed in an arrangement pattern in the pipetting head. Larger pipette tips communicate with the group of larger pipetting channels or smaller pipette tips communicate with the group of smaller pipetting channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CYBIO AG
    Inventor: CyBio AG
  • Publication number: 20130068042
    Abstract: A device is provided for the complete uptake of liquids from vessels using removal units having removal tips. The removal tips or the vessel bottoms are configured or arranged relative to one another such that the area of the surface of a vessel bottom on which the respective removal tip would touch down, when that removal tip is inserted into the vessel, and the end surface of the removal tip are tilted relative to each another, at least on a portion of the two surfaces. That is to say, the surfaces are not parallel there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: PERKINELMER CHEMAGEN TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Lothar Á Brassard, Uwe Jäntges
  • Publication number: 20130068043
    Abstract: Described is a device for collecting a fluid sample, such as a biological fluid sample. The device includes a planar collection substrate having an absorbent material. The planar collection substrate includes an impermeable region and a sample collection region. The impermeable region is impermeable to the fluid sample and is embedded in the planar collection substrate in a spatial pattern. The sample collection region is in an area excluded from the spatial pattern and has a shape and a size defined by the spatial pattern. The sample collection region is configured to receive a known volume of the fluid sample. In an alternative form, the device includes a sample collection element disposed in an impermeable planar holder and, in another alternative form, the device includes an absorbent material disposed inside an impermeable tube wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Moon Chul Jung, Edouard S. P. Bouvier, Geoff C. Gerhardt
  • Publication number: 20130068044
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the mass of liquid within collapsible, bulk fabric storage containers is provided wherein a number of pressure pads arranged in a grid pattern supports the container and undergo deflection creating an increase in the pressure of fluid within their interior which may be measured and correlated to the mass of the liquid within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: John F. Justak
  • Publication number: 20130068045
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for dynamic simulation of wind velocity and pressure. In one embodiment, among others, a dynamic wind simulator includes a fan and a fast-acting damper connected to an inlet of the fan. The fast-acting damper configured to modulate airflow provided by the fan at frequencies up to 10 Hz. In another embodiment, a system includes a fan and an air outlet path of the fan connected to a testing assembly configured to support a specimen for testing. An air inlet path of the fan includes a fast-acting damper configured to modulate airflow provided by the fan to the testing assembly at frequencies up to 10 Hz. The testing assembly may include a pressure chamber and/or a test section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Forrest James Masters, Henry L. Upjohn, II, Kenneth R. Bowditch, James Paul Jesteadt, Yan Shen, Cedric Adam, Bob Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20130068046
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided for engaging a PTO assembly with a primary drive shaft of a vehicle engine. The clutch assembly includes a synchronizing clutch for rotating an output member and a primary clutch positionable to rotationally connect the output member to the primary drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Waterous Company
    Inventor: Waterous Company
  • Publication number: 20130068047
    Abstract: The present application describes techniques for the harvesting of kinetic energy from the movement of people and/or vehicles. A motion converter is discussed which converts linear progression caused by traffic-related impulse forces, to be converted to rotational motion for driving the rotor of an electricity generator. An assembly for harvesting energy including the motion converter and a floor unit are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Laurence Kemball-Cook, Philip Tucker
  • Publication number: 20130068048
    Abstract: A device for pressing a rack onto a pinion engaging the rack, more particularly for a steering system of a motor vehicle, comprises a pressure piece which is slidably guided in a housing and which is loaded in the direction of the rack, and an adjusting device. Devices made of metal are known from the prior art, which, however, generate excessive noise emissions during operation. Therefore, the pressure piece is made of plastic and the adjusting device is made of metal and/or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Helmut BAREIS
  • Publication number: 20130068049
    Abstract: A rotational driveshaft coupler that converts a rotating shaft motion into two orthogonal oscillations and at the opposite side of this coupler, a third oscillator converts the oscillations back to a rotational motion. At least one slip free seal can be constructed from the coupler to its housing to separate the space occupied by the output shaft from the space occupied by the input shaft. Each of the three oscillating motions can be guided by bearings, gears and tracks to reduce frictions and heat generation. Permanent magnet pairs are used to prevent bifurcation and force the output shaft to follow the rotation direction of the input shaft. Unlike in magnetic coupling, the torque transmission here is direct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Chung Chang
  • Publication number: 20130068050
    Abstract: The invention includes: a base; a table supported by the base; a tubular rod connected to a side of the table via a joint; a drive mechanism that moves the rod forward and backward; and a laser interferometer that detects displacement of the table relative to the base. The joint is provided by a supplying-discharging static-pressure joint and includes: a movement surface that is connected to the table and is orthogonal to a moving direction of the table; a drive surface that is connected to the rod and faces the movement surface; and a fluid supply channel supplying fluid to a static-pressure clearance between the movement surface and the drive surface. The laser interferometer includes a laser path having an optical axis along the moving direction passing through the inside of the rod of which a pressure is reduced and the drive surface and reflect on the movement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisayoshi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20130068051
    Abstract: A precision feeding device that drives a table supported by a base in a predetermined moving direction includes: a rod connected to the table; a drive mechanism that drives to move the rod forward and backward in the moving direction; and a laser interferometer that detects a displacement of the rod relative to the base. The drive mechanism includes a linear motor that symmetrically applies a drive force on the rod relative to an axis in the moving direction. A laser path of the laser interferometer passes through the rod and extends in the moving direction, so that a moving axis of the rod, a thrust axis of the drive mechanism and a detection axis of the laser interferometer are aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hisayoshi SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20130068052
    Abstract: The ball screw system comprises a screw having an external threading, a nut having an internal threading and a series of balls being engaged in said threadings to link the screw and the nut, the nut comprising ball recirculation means comprising at least one ball deflection element inserted into a through hole of the wall of the nut, from outside to inside as far as abutment means, in which the nut is equipped with a retaining ring which bears on a peripheral wall of this nut, over at least a part of its length, and which bears permanently against the bottom of at least one groove formed on an external face of said deflection element and in which the retaining ring is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Eric ALLEGRI
  • Publication number: 20130068053
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a ballscrew assembly. In this regard, a ballscrew assembly is provided comprising a ballscrew having a ballscrew stop, a ballnut having a ballnut stop, wherein contact between the ballnut stop and the ballscrew stop impede rotation of the ballscrew relative to the ballnut. The ballnut stop may comprise an axial mating surface and the ballscrew stop may comprise an axial mating surface. Additionally, the ballnut may comprise threads axially spaced a first distance apart and the ballnut stop comprises a surface having length equal to the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric D. Cahill, David Bernard Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Publication number: 20130068054
    Abstract: An actuating device includes a base link, a first link, a second link, a translating link, a shaft, and a drive. The base link includes a base plate, a first joint, and a second joint. The base plate extends between the first joint and the second joint. The first link is mounted to the first joint to allow rotation of the first link relative to the base plate at the first joint. The second link is mounted to the second joint to allow rotation of the second link relative to the base plate at the second joint. The drive includes an arc surface and is mounted to the translating link such that, when operating the actuating device, a position of the arc surface is fixed relative to the translating plate. The shaft is mounted to the arc surface to cause translation of the translating link as the shaft rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur Quaid
  • Publication number: 20130068055
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a main body, a pivoting arm, which is arranged pivotably on the main body at a bearing, and a lever device for assisting a pivoting movement of the pivoting arm. The lever device, which assists the pivoting movement of the pivoting arm on the main body of the kitchen appliance, makes it possible to provide an operation which is safe for a user, since the movement of the pivoting arm is always controlled by the lever device. Furthermore, pivoting of the pivoting arm can be provided without direct interaction of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Andrej Blagotinsek, Ales Brecko, Marko Uplaznik
  • Publication number: 20130068056
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain has a first driver, a first clutch to selectively couple the first driver with an engine, an energy storage device coupled to the first driver, a second driver coupled to the energy storage device and connected to a driveshaft, and a second clutch that selectively couples the first and second drivers. In one embodiment, the first clutch is opened and the second clutch is closed during a vehicle operating condition requiring high torque, the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is opened during a transient vehicle operating condition, and the first clutch and the second clutch are closed during a steady-state vehicle operating condition. Additional clutches may be included to reduce energy losses or provide multiple mechanical ratios. The drivers themselves may be pumps, motors, generators, combined pump/motors, or combined motor/generators, making the invention suitable for both hydraulic implementation and electric implementation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Brian L. Van Batavia, Timothy I. Meehan, Michael W. Olson, David L. Makis, Michael J. Voigt, David S. Remba, Don R. Draper
  • Publication number: 20130068057
    Abstract: An idler gear assembly for a generator includes a first gear configured for coupling to a second gear. The first gear includes a first shaft aligned along a first shaft axis, the first shaft having a first shoulder with a first axial face and a second shoulder with a second axial face diametrically opposed from the first axial face, diametrically opposed first and second grooves about a circumference of the first shoulder and a first set of teeth circumferentially located about the first shaft axis, the first shaft includes a first axial distance from the first axial face to the second axial face. The second gear includes a second shaft aligned along a second shaft axis, the second shaft having a diametrically opposed first and second tangs, and a second set of teeth circumferentially located about the second shaft axis, the second shaft includes a second axial distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew P. Grosskopf
  • Publication number: 20130068058
    Abstract: Ball screw system comprising a screw having an external threading, a nut having an internal threading and a series of balls being engaged in the threadings to link the screw and the nut, the nut comprising ball recirculation means comprising at least one ball deflection element inserted into a through hole of the wall of the nut, from outside to inside as far as abutment means, in which the nut is equipped with a retaining means which bears on a peripheral wall of this nut, over at least a part of its length, and which bears on an external face of the deflection element, the permanent retaining means being self-held and ensuring that the deflection element is held permanently in the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Eric ALLEGRI, Christophe DURAND
  • Publication number: 20130068059
    Abstract: A nut (1, 13, 21, 25) for a planetary roller screw drive is provided. A sleeve (14) which is produced by metal forming is provided, and two rings (16) that lie at a fixed distance with respect to each other in the axial direction are provided in this sleeve. In order to engage planets (3), the one ring (16) has the one groove profile (18), and the other ring (16) has the other groove profile (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kurz, Dietmar Rudy, Rainer Kleber, Thomas Motz, Horst Gredy, Matthias Dohr
  • Publication number: 20130068060
    Abstract: A flexspline protective structure includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member and a plurality of fixing members. The second rotation member is sleeved on the first rotation member. The plurality of fixing members fix the first rotation member and the second rotation member together and are capable of breaking off in the event of jamming or other mischance to enable the second rotation member to rotate freely relative to the first rotation member. The disclosure presents a robot arm mechanism equipped with the flexspline protective structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-MING XU, CHIA-PENG DAY, ZHEN-XING LIU
  • Publication number: 20130068061
    Abstract: A robot arm (50) of the present invention includes, as a direct acting extensible/retractable joint (J3), an arm section (2) constituted by an upper structure group (20) and a lower structure group (21). Groups (20) and (21), having an arrangement in which structures are connected in series, partially engage so as to form a direct rigid combined structure, and are separated so as to release the rigid structure. An arm length can be adjusted arbitrarily. Section (2) can have a plane surface having no gap to prevent entry of a finger/dust. Separation of Groups (20) and (21) allows an upper structure (22) and a lower structure (23) to rotate around their rotational axes, to realize compact storage inside a robot arm supporting member (1). It is thus possible to prevent significantly entry of a finger/dust, and provide a compact direct acting extensible and retractable arm mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Woo-Keun Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130068062
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column having an energy-absorbing device that includes a first element and a second element which engages the first element and moves with respect thereto during a vehicle impact to carry out mechanical deformation that absorbs energy. The first element is an elongated metal plate which extends in the longitudinal direction of the steering column and the second element has at least one guide element which is guided along the first element during a relative movement of the first and second elements and in so doing deforms the first element. The guide element is guided along an outer side of one of the longitudinal edges of the metal plate and engages therewith, which longitudinal edges extend in the longitudinal direction of the steering column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: PROGRESS-WERK OBERKIRCH AG
    Inventor: Florian Kircher
  • Publication number: 20130068063
    Abstract: A faucet control handle structure includes a control handle and two transforming heads, wherein the control handle has two wedging ribs cross each other at the periphery of an opening of the control handle, and two transforming heads have an inserting slot on one side and a connecting surface on the other side. Two connecting slots cross with each other are recessedly formed at the connecting surface, and the connecting slots are engaged with the wedging ribs of the control handle. According to the disclosed structure, since the control handle's receiving space has detachable transforming heads, the faucet handle in the present invention can be used in different water control bases with different sizes to increase the practicability of the faucet handle, and further increase the convenience during the assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ALEXANDER YEH INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Publication number: 20130068064
    Abstract: A roller tappet (1) is proposed for a high-pressure fuel pump of an internal combustion engine, having a housing (2), in the case of the drive-side end (3) of which two surfaces (5) which lie diametrically opposite one another and are depressed by an outer shell (4) of the housing (2) are applied with in each case one receptacle (6), in which surfaces (5) a pin (8) is mounted which carries a cam roller (7), wherein an inner shell (9) of the housing (2), axially below the cam roller (7) as viewed in the direction remote from the drive, is penetrated by a bridge piece (10), the output-side end (11) of which has a rest (12) for a tappet following part, wherein the outer shell (4) of the housing (2) which is non-stepped as least as far as possible apart from the surfaces (5) is provided as a closed circumferential ring (14), as viewed in the drive direction immediately above upper sides (13) of the surfaces (5), which upper sides (13) run through the housing (2) in the manner of chords, which closed circumferenti
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Geyer, Stefan Dorn
  • Publication number: 20130068065
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes an inertia mass and a rotating shaft or hub with an elastomeric ring between the inertia mass and the rotating shaft or hub. A large portion of said elastomeric member is located in a channel located either in the inertia mass or in the hub. This allows one to achieve high contact pressure without creating a significant fatigue on the elastomeric member. This can be used with either a crankshaft damper or an internal or external drive shaft damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Suhale Manzoor, Bruce G. Christenson
  • Publication number: 20130068066
    Abstract: A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: RACE FACE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Race Face Performance Products Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130068067
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rear-cover for a transmission made of an aluminum alloy which includes a sealing contact part in contact with a sealing of a retainer that is partially subjected to an anodizing coating process to form an aluminum oxide film thereon and is directly in contact with the sealing of the retainer, and a method for preparing the transmission rear-cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Chang Yeol Yoo
  • Publication number: 20130068068
    Abstract: A transmission (20) with three or more parallel power paths (21, 22, 23) transferring torque from the input shaft (40) to the output shaft (60). Each of said power paths consists of a summation gearbox (100, 200, 300), an electric machine (400, 500, 600) and a sub transmission (700, 800, 900). Each of said sub transmissions has one or more independently selectable gear ratios. The outputs (702, 802, 902) of said sub transmissions drive together said output shaft. Controlling toque and speed of said electric machines allows controlling torque and speed at the inputs (701, 801, 901) of said sub transmissions and allows said power paths to have different total gear ratios from said input shaft to said output shaft engaged at the same time. With this arrangement an infinitely variable transmission with hybrid functionalities and a very compact mechanical design and reduced weight can be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Holger Witt
  • Publication number: 20130068069
    Abstract: A powder metallurgy lubricant includes an aromatic carboxylic acid represented by a formula (1), (Z)n-Ar—COOH ??(1) where Ar represents an aryl group and Z represents a substituent directly bonded to the above aryl group and is one of R, OR, OCOR and COOR, R representing one of an alkyl group, alkenyl group and alkynyl group and n being an integer in a range from 1 to 4. Z may be mutually the same or different when n is 2 or larger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Sekiguchi, Akihiro Shishikura, Nobuhide Tanino
  • Publication number: 20130068070
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bottle opening device comprising first and second receptacles to receive at least a portion of a neck of a bottle, with the first receptacle including a wrapper cutting apparatus having at least one cutting element configured to cut a sever in a wrapper on the neck of the bottle, wherein the cutting element is movable towards and away from the wrapper on the neck of the bottle, and the second receptacle including a stopper extractor apparatus configured to remove a stopper from the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BROOKSTONE PURCHASING, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Publication number: 20130068071
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench has a wrench body, a clamping element and a ratcheting jaw. The wrench body has a handle, a head and a thumbscrew. The head is formed on a front end of the handle and has a connecting block, a fixed jaw, a curved slot, a positioning pin, a mounting recess and a sliding slot. The clamping element is movably connected to the wrench body and has a rear end, a front end, a sliding bar and a movable jaw. The sliding bar is formed on the rear end of the clamping element, is mounted in the sliding slot and engages the thumbscrew and has multiple teeth. The ratcheting jaw is a curved block capable of sliding forward and retracting backward inside the curved slot and has a backward area, a forward area, a guide hole, an engaging surface, an abutting surface, an engaging protrusion and a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Kung-Cheng CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130068072
    Abstract: A drive tool device includes a drive shaft having a handle member, and having two stems secured together, the handle member is formed on one of the stems and includes a non-circular cross section and includes a density gradually increased from the one end portion toward the other end portion of the handle member, and includes a center of gravity located closer to the other end portion of the handle member. The drive shaft includes a narrowed neck portion and an inclined surface, and the handle member is formed and located between the narrowed neck portion and the inclined surface of the drive shaft and includes a relatively swelled or protruded or expanded structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yi Chen Li, Yu Hui Ho
  • Publication number: 20130068073
    Abstract: A fastener driver configured for use with a rotary power tool having a chuck. The fastener driver includes a drive including a shank, an elongated extension including an aperture that extends through the elongated extension, and the drive is removably coupled to the elongated extension. The fastener driver further includes a driver including an aperture that extends through the driver and a drive to engage a fastener to rotate the fastener, and the driver is removably coupled to elongated extension to allow the fastener to pass through the aperture of the driver and into the aperture of the elongated extension. The fastener driver further includes a connector that couples the driver to the drive for co-rotation without the elongated extension when the elongated extension is not utilized and the connector couples the driver, the elongated extension, and the drive for co-rotation when the elongated extension is utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130068074
    Abstract: A driver handle includes stored bits and passages to retain the bits during a transition from storage to use. A rod extends from the rear of each bit and an enlarged bulb is formed on the end of each rod. The passages provide passage of the bulb and a narrow slot reaching from the passage to the exterior of the driver handle allowing passage of the rod. The bits are thus movably retained in the driver handle and may be withdrawn while leaving the bulb in the handle. The bit is then moved to a shaft extending from the handle for use and the bulb slides through the passage without escaping from the driver handle preventing the bit from being separated from the driver handle and being misplaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Mohamad Matar
  • Publication number: 20130068075
    Abstract: A design for a rotary drive both for a tool and for a workpiece to be rotationally driven is proposed. This rotary drive design contains a cylindrical basic shape which deviates from a circular cylindrical shape. The contour or the cross section through this basic shape has a plurality of rounded projections and rounded recesses arranged between said projections. The projections tangentially touch a circle having a maximum radius, while the recesses, for their part, tangentially touch a circle having a minimum radius. Deviating from this cylindrical basic shape, in the regions between the projections are configured conical surfaces, which are not instrumental in the transmission of torques, but take care of centering and alignment between the tool and the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Guenter Stiebitz, Patrick Roll, Joachim Glattbach