Patents Issued in May 9, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130111990
    Abstract: An oscillation apparatus comprising: a frame; a first proof mass coupled to the frame via a spring; a driving circuit operatively coupled to the first proof mass and the frame, wherein the driving circuit is configured to induce oscillatory motion of the first proof mass relative to the frame at a resonant frequency in a first direction; a first electron-tunneling position switch operatively coupled to the first proof mass such that the first position switch is configured to pass through a closed state during each oscillation of the proof mass, wherein the position switch comprises first and second single-atom-thick tunneling electrodes; and a sensing circuit coupled to the position switch, the sensing circuit configured to output a signal whenever the position switch passes through the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Wang, Paul D. Swanson, Richard L. Waters, Maxwell Mayekawa Kerber
  • Publication number: 20130111991
    Abstract: A gyro sensor according to the invention includes a driving portion that includes a driving support portion connected to a driving spring portion and a detecting portion that includes a detecting support portion connected to the driving support portion with the detecting spring portion interposed. The driving support portion is configured to vibrate in a first axis (X-axis) direction, and the detecting support portion is configured to be displaced in a second axis (Y-axis) direction orthogonal to the first axis (x-axis). When the resonant frequency of the driving portion is f1, the resonant frequency of the detecting portion is f2, the width of the driving spring portion is w1, and the width of the detecting spring portion is w2, Expression (1) below is satisfied. 0.87(f2/f1)?(w2/w1)?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130111992
    Abstract: A micro electromechanical system (MEMS) includes a substrate, a first curved surface located at a position above a surface of the substrate, and a second curved surface generally opposite to the first curved surface along a first axis parallel to the surface of the substrate, wherein the first curved surface is movable along the first axis in a direction toward the second curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130111993
    Abstract: A micro inertial measurement system includes a housing, a sensing module, and a damper. The sensing module includes a rigid sensing support, a measuring and controlling circuit board mounted on the rigid sensing support and an inertial sensor set on the measuring and controlling circuit board. The inertial sensor includes a gyroscope and an accelerometer. The sensing module is mounted in the housing. The damper is mounted in the housing and set in the gap between the sensing module and the inside wall of the housing. By use of the above-mentioned structure, the noise immunity of the inertial measuring system can be greatly improved, and the volume and weight of the inertial measuring system can be greatly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tao Wang
  • Publication number: 20130111994
    Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring strain and acoustic emission in an object. The device includes: a strain measurement portion operable to measure strain; an adhesive layer disposed on the strain measurement portion; and a peel-off mask disposed on the adhesive layer. In an example embodiment, the strain measurement portion includes a body, a transparent window portion, a strain measurement device and a signal processing portion. The body includes an attachment surface, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on the attachment surface for attachment of the body to the object. The transparent window portion is arranged to enable viewing of a portion of the object through the body. The strain measurement device is disposed within the transparent window portion and is operable to generate a strain signal based on strain in the object. The signal processing portion is operable to generate a processed signal based on the strain signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Resensys LLC
    Inventor: Mehdi Kalantari Khandani
  • Publication number: 20130111995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of nondestructive and contactless testing of components (3), wherein ultrasonic waves (6) are irradiated onto the surface of the component (3) at a predefinable, non-perpendicular angle of incidence (9) using an ultrasonic transmission sound transducer (1) arranged spaced apart from the surface of the component (3) and the intensity of the ultrasonic waves (7) reflected from the surface of the component (3) is detected with time resolution and/or frequency resolution by the antenna array elements (2n) of an ultrasonic antenna array (2) configured for detecting ultrasonic waves (7) and the phase shift of the ultrasonic waves guided at the surface of the test body is determined therefrom with respect to the ultrasonic waves (7) directly reflected at the surface of the component (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Bernd Koehler, Martin Barth, Joachim Bamberg, Hans-Uwe Baron
  • Publication number: 20130111996
    Abstract: A gauge profile apparatus (100) includes a gauge profile system (104) and a lap count system (106) for determining an average three-dimensional profile over the length of a sheet coil (10). The gauge profile system (104) includes a lap profile measuring device (112) which will make a distance determination between top and bottom surfaces for the sheet coil (10). The lap count system (106) includes a distance sensor (288) and camera (290) for determining the average thickness of the sheet coil (10). A second embodiment of the gauge profile system (400) is also provided, which utilizes a PDA (404), an ultrasonic tester (406) and a string encoder (432).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Miller, Nicholas D. Carlevaris-Bianco, Haley Nghiem, Eric Twiest, Brandon Wright, Han Huynh, Steve Michel, Lindsey Brown, Britt Adamczyk
  • Publication number: 20130111997
    Abstract: An ultrasonic rail inspection system designed to detect defects in a rail which result from longitudinal cracks that propagate in the horizontal and transverse plane of the rail. Detection of this type of defect is possible by directing an ultrasonic beam into the rail at a predetermined angle from the perpendicular to the surface of the rail. The predetermined angle must be sufficient to detect these normally undetectable defects and can be in the range of 8° to 14° from the perpendicular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Dominick A. Pagano
  • Publication number: 20130111998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electromagnetic acoustic transducer. An apparatus comprises a conductive material and a current inducer. The conductive material is configured to generate a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field has magnetic flux lines that are substantially fixed and the conductive material has a temperature that is equal to or less than a critical temperature at which the conductive material has substantially zero electrical resistance. The current inducer is configured to cause an electric current to flow in a test object that interacts with the magnetic field, wherein the electric current has a frequency that generates an acoustic wave in the test object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: John Ralph Hull, Michael Strasik, Richard H. Bossi
  • Publication number: 20130111999
    Abstract: A method is described for non-destructive material testing on a workpiece comprising an electrically conductive material using EMUS transducers, each of which has a magnet unit for locally introducing a magnetic field into the workpiece, and also has a radio frequency (RF) coil arrangement, which interacts with the magnetic field. The invention is distinguished in that at least two transcuers are spaced apart along a surface of the workpiece. At least a first EMUS transducer generates and also measures ultrasound waves within the workpiece and the second EMUS transducer functions as a reception transducer for at least detecting ultrasound waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Gerd Dobmann, Gerhard Hübschen, Jochen Kurz
  • Publication number: 20130112000
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic sensor, including: a case partitioning an inner space; a temperature-compensation ceramic maintaining a temperature of a sensor to be constant; sockets accommodating the temperature-compensation ceramic; a negative (?) terminal and a positive (+) terminal connected to the sockets, respectively; a piezoelectric ceramic connected to the positive (+) terminal and vibrating when power is supplied thereto; and an acoustic absorbent absorbing vibration of the piezoelectric ceramic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Boum Seock Kim, Jung Min Park, Eun Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20130112001
    Abstract: An acoustic wave detector includes: a transducer; and a light reflecting member which is positioned between the transducer and a subject surface that is irradiated with the light, and which reflects scattered light on the subject surface. The light reflecting member includes a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface positioned closer to the transducer than the first reflecting surface, and a distance between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface is an odd multiple of a half wavelength of a predetermined wavelength included in an acoustic wave generated from the light reflecting member by the scattered light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukio Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20130112002
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid collection device that can estimate the nucleic acid collection amount when collecting nucleic acids from a biological sample containing nucleic acids. The nucleic acid collection device comprises a sucking and discharging unit for sucking in and forcing out a sample containing nucleic acids, a collector for collecting the nucleic acids by sucking in and forcing out the sample using the sucking and discharging unit, a pressure measurer for measuring a discharging pressure when forcing out the sample and a sucking pressure when sucking in the sample, and measuring a differential pressure that is the difference between the discharging pressure and the sucking pressure, and an estimator for estimating the collection amount of nucleic acids collected based on the differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kozuka, Yukihiro Sukawa
  • Publication number: 20130112003
    Abstract: A pressure gauge has an indicator needle and a scale plate. A preset pressure indicating member extending along a pressure scale in a circular arc pattern is slidably attached to a front wall of a case, and provided with a first display section. An opaque shield portion provided with a second display section at one end thereof is provided to a transparent cover rotatably attached to the front wall. The transparent cover drives the preset pressure indicating member to set a preset pressure range between the first display section and the second display section which is observable from the outside through the transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KOGANEI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20130112004
    Abstract: A sensor assembly including a flexible member having a first end and a second end, a rotating member connected to the second end of the flexible member, a positional element disposed on the rotating member, and a sensor capable of sensing a movement of the positional element. A movement of the second end of the flexible member allows the rotating member and the positional element to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GAMMON TECHNICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: GAMMON TECHNICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130112005
    Abstract: A device for testing the adhesive strength of a coating on a substrate, containing a unit for generating mechanical stress in a predefinable surface area of the coating and an evaluation system, which contains a unit for image acquisition and a unit for evaluating the cracks that occur, wherein the device further contains a transport unit, by which the substrate can be moved at least from the unit for generating mechanical stress to the evaluation system, and a heating unit, by which the substrate can be heated to a predefinable temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Reinhold Bethke, Michael Eder
  • Publication number: 20130112006
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a magnitude of a compressive load applied to a piston including a compliant film disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the magnitude of the compressive load is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to a deformation of the compliant film as the compressive load is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: PAUL F. BODENWEBER, Virendra R. Jadhav, Steven P. Ostrander, Kamal Sikka, Jiantao Zheng, Jeffrey A. Zitz
  • Publication number: 20130112007
    Abstract: Appurtenances added to a pipe mitigate the effects of upstream valves, sluice gates or pipe elbows to condition the pipe flow for accurate flow rate detection by a reverse propeller meter. Further appurtenances allow the reverse propeller meter to be used in extreme debris situations such as weeds, vines and moss present in many canal systems. The system provides an electronic signal that indicates flow rate and accumulated flow volume, or the signal can be transmit to a central headquarters for remote gate control or canal automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: RSA Environmental
    Inventor: RSA Environmental
  • Publication number: 20130112008
    Abstract: A flow speed sensor arrangement is provided for measuring a flow speed of a fluid stream relative to an object. The arrangement comprises a first obstructive body having a first forward facing surface and two lateral edges and a second obstructive body having a second forward facing surface. The second obstructive body is positioned in tandem relative to the first obstructive body so that the first and second forward facing surfaces face the same direction and so that when the first forward facing surface is presented to an incoming fluid stream, the first obstructive body is between the incoming fluid flow and the second obstructive body. A sensor array is disposed on the second forward facing surface. The first and second obstructive bodies are attachable to the object so that the first forward face is presented to an incoming fluid stream when the object is immersed in the fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
    Inventor: Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130112009
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow meter and components thereof. One such component being a conduit having an inlet, an outlet, and a curved shape extending therebetween, and defining therein a flow path lying in an imaginary plane. The inlet and outlet each have an internal cross-sectional area having a first dimension in a direction along the plane and a second dimension in a direction perpendicular thereto. The first and second dimensions are the largest dimensions of each internal cross sectional area in the respective directions. The first dimension having a different magnitude of length than the second dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: PRECIM LTD.
    Inventors: Tal Mokady, Ran Gabai
  • Publication number: 20130112010
    Abstract: A sensor element is formed by, when an ? axis, a ? axis orthogonal to the ? axis, and a ? axis orthogonal to the ? axis and the ? axis are set, laminating piezoelectric substrates and electrodes in the ? axis direction. The sensor element includes connecting sections arranged such that a part of external sections of the electrodes aligns with a part of external sections of the piezoelectric substrates. The connecting sections are arranged not to align with one another in a direction of the ? axis. Conductors that electrically connect the connecting sections and external connecting sections are formed along outer peripheral sections of the piezoelectric substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130112011
    Abstract: A sensor element includes a piezoelectric substrate made of a trigonal single crystal and an electrode arranged on the piezoelectric substrate. The substrate surface of the piezoelectric substrate includes an electrical axis of crystal axes. An angle ? formed by the substrate surface and a plane including the electrical axis and an optical axis of the crystal axes is 0°<?<20°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130112012
    Abstract: A device forming a pressure sensor is provided. The device includes: a substrate made of electrical insulation material including a first reservoir, a second reservoir in communication with the first reservoir and of which two internal walls are each equipped with an electrode, and a flexible membrane made of an electrical insulation material, including a protuberance and secured to the substrate so as to enable movement of the protuberance between a position in which it is at a distance from a liquid filling the first reservoir and at least one second position in which it exerts a pressure on the liquid, thus discharging it at least partially from the first reservoir toward the second reservoir with mechanical contact with the two electrodes, the mechanical contact of the liquid with the electrodes establishing a resistance or capacitance between the electrodes. Application in the production of a touch screen is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventor: Mohamed Benwadih
  • Publication number: 20130112013
    Abstract: A ring shear apparatus for measuring a shear strength of soil samples. The ring shear apparatus considering a wall-slip effect including: an upper ring for forming a first accommodation portion having a ring shape in which soil samples are accommodated; a lower ring for forming a second accommodation portion that corresponds to the first accommodation portion of the upper ring and has a ring shape in which soil samples are accommodated, closely attached to a lower portion of the upper ring and rotatably installed relative to the upper ring; a rotating unit for rotating the lower ring relative to the upper ring; and a shear strength measuring sensor combined with the upper ring and for measuring a shear strength of the soil samples, wherein a plurality of protrusions that protrudes from the lower ring is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the lower ring along a circumferential direction of the lower ring in order to prevent the soil samples from being slid when the lower ring is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES (KIGAM)
    Inventor: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resour
  • Publication number: 20130112014
    Abstract: An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit; and a transportation device operable to transport a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a first rack and containing samples and a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a second rack and containing samples, to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation device comprises a first transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the first rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the first rack on a transport path, and a second transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the second rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the second rack on the transport path independently from movement of the first rack, is disclosed. A transportation device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sysmex Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130112015
    Abstract: A tip capable of being fitted onto the body of a device for pipetting a liquid including a distal part intended for receiving the liquid sampled by the pipetting device, said distal part having a free distal end via which the liquid is aspirated and discharged, a middle part, joined to the distal part, intended to come into contact, via its free proximal end, with the body of said pipetting device and make it possible for said tip to be fixed on said body, a proximal part joined to the middle part and passed through by the body of said pipetting device when said tip is fitted on said body, said proximal part being intended for protecting said body and preventing any contact between the pipetting device and the liquid, said tip being characterized in that the proximal part is not in contact with the body of the pipetting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BIOMERIEUX
    Inventor: Frederic Foucault
  • Publication number: 20130112016
    Abstract: A container for collecting a biological specimen is provided that includes a peripheral wall extending from a base. The container further includes a longitudinal tower disposed within the container. The tower forms a partition within the container to form at least a first chamber and a second chamber therein, wherein the first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another. In addition, the container include an insert disposed within the container opposite the base, the insert comprising at least a first opening and a second opening. The second opening provides access to the second chamber and is further configured to engage a specimen collecting device to leave a portion of the specimen collecting device within the second chamber. The first opening provides access to the first chamber and is further configured to receive a syringe therein for accessing the biological specimen. Associated systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TRIPATH IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: TriPath Imaging, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130112017
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including at least one porous material connected to a high voltage source, in which the porous material is discrete from a flow of solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Zheng Ouyang, He Wang, Nicholas E. Manicke, Robert Graham Cooks, Qian Yang, Jiangjiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20130112018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system (100) for selectively processing a sample (130) according to one of a plurality of different assays, for example for detecting a certain target component in the sample. The system comprises a plurality of (typically disposable) cartridges (110) in which the processing of a sample (130) can take place and which each contain a different set of reagents required for one of the assays. Moreover, the system comprises a manipulator (140) for introducing a sample (130) into a selected one of the cartridges. Depending on the assay to be performed with a sample (130) at hand, the appropriate cartridge (110) is chosen, and the sample is introduced into and processed in said cartridge (110). Thus a high-throughput automated laboratory system can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Nieuwenhuis, Toon Evers
  • Publication number: 20130112019
    Abstract: A physical quantity detection device includes: a base; a movable portion, provided in the base through a coupling portion, which is displaced in accordance with a change in a physical quantity; a physical quantity detection element which is fixed across the base and the movable portion; and a mass portion which is fixed to the movable portion, wherein the movable portion includes a first fixing portion to which the physical quantity detection element is fixed, a second fixing portion to which the mass portion is fixed, and a notch having a notched shape which is separated from the coupling portion, and reaches from a lateral side of the movable portion to a place intersecting a line that links the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130112020
    Abstract: A biomaterial test apparatus includes a disc having a top surface and a bottom surface, and including at least one biomaterial test site, and a magnetic substance disposed in the disc, and including a protruding portion that protrudes toward the bottom surface of the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130112021
    Abstract: A numerical controlled combination drive tower pumping unit includes a main tower frame, a power system, a drive system, a control system, a balance weight box, a balance weight pull rope, a wire rope wheel, a drive rope, and a wire rope hanger. The control system is connected to the power system to control the speed and the reversing position of the power system. The power system is mechanically connected to the wire rope wheel. The wire rope wheel is mounted on a wire rope wheel shaft. Two ends of the wire rope wheel shaft are placed on the wire rope wheel support and are respectively installed in two roller wheels. The wire rope wheel shaft or two roller wheels are placed on a rolling plane. There are limiting blocks at both ends of the rolling plane, and there are also locating blocks to fix the roller wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Hongwei Mao
  • Publication number: 20130112022
    Abstract: An electric actuator has a housing with an electric motor mounted on the housing (2). A ball screw mechanism converts rotational motion of the electric motor to an axial linear motion of a drive shaft. A side-cover (13) is detachably mounted to the housing (2). A guide member (14) is mounted on the inner wall of the side-cover (13). The guide member (14) has a substantially “C”-shaped cross-section and includes a recessed groove (14a) axially extending opposite to the drive shaft (7). A rotation-preventing pin (9), mounted on the outer circumference of the threaded screw shaft (15), engages with the guide member (14) to support the threaded screw shaft (15) so that it can be axially moved relative to the housing (2) but cannot be rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Tatsunori SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20130112023
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly is provided, including a rack and a stepped gear. The rack has an array of rack teeth. The rack is moveable in a generally linear direction as an amount of force is exerted on the rack in the linear direction. The stepped gear includes an inner step and an outer step. One of the inner step and the outer step has a set of teeth. The set of teeth are meshed with the array of rack teeth. A center axis is oriented at about a center of the outer step. An axis of rotation is offset from the center axis of the stepped gear, and is configured to create a variable gear ratio between the set of teeth of the inner step or the outer step of the stepped gear and the array of rack teeth as the rack is moved in a linear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Melvin Lee Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20130112024
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus including a rack gear and a pinion gear that are disposed within a housing and preloaded by a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly includes a bushing that is biased into engagement with the rack. A yoke plug extends through a yoke opening to provide a gear mesh load on the rack through the bushing assembly. The yoke body is axially assembled through a rack gear bore in the housing of the steering gear and a yoke assembly is inserted through a yoke bore to apply mesh preload to the bushing assembly. A method of making the yoke assembly by forming leaf springs that are over-molded to form a yoke body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: John Crossman
  • Publication number: 20130112025
    Abstract: A ball screw assembly based on heat-pipe thermal dissipation is composed of a ball screw and at least one heat pipe. The ball screw includes a threaded shaft, a nut, and a plurality of balls mounted between the threaded shaft and the nut. The at least one heat pipe defines a main body and an extended part. The main body is mounted to the ball screw. The extended part extends outwardly for a predetermined length from the ball screw for thermal dissipation or connection with a heat-dissipating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Yeau-Ren Jeng, Yu-Xian Huang
  • Publication number: 20130112026
    Abstract: Disclosed is a caulking tool used for a ring gear press-fit in the outer periphery of a flange of a differential case constituting a differential subassembly, in order to caulk a caulking portion provided on at least either end of the flange in the axial direction, with respect to a plurality of notches formed in at least either end of the ring gear in the axial direction. The notches are formed along the inner periphery of the ring gear. Each notch has a bottom part slanted at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction of the ring gear, and a plurality of protrusions which correspond to the notches and are projected from the slant portion, in order to press the caulking portion in the axial direction of the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Ukai, Makoto Taniguchi, Hirokazu Tsunekawa
  • Publication number: 20130112027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear arrangement (1), comprising a main gear (2) and a gear (4) that can be rotated relative to the main gear in the circumferential direction (3), wherein the main gear (2) or the rotatable gear (4) has at least one supporting web (12) that protrudes in the axial direction (7) and the rotatable gear (4) or the main gear (2) has at least one opening (16), in which the supporting web (12) is at least partially accommodated, wherein the opening (16) has a dimension in the circumferential direction (3) that is greater than the dimension of the supporting web (12) in the same direction, and comprising at least one spring element (10), which acts in the circumferential direction (3) of the main gear (2) and which is arranged on a lateral surface (13) of the supporting web (12) or on a lateral surface (17) of the opening (16) and at least partially within the opening (16). The spring element (10) is connected to the supporting web (12) or the lateral surface (17) of the opening (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MIBA SINTER AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventor: Helmut Buchleitner
  • Publication number: 20130112028
    Abstract: A pump rotor is an inner rotor of an internal gear pump, the inner rotor having a tooth profile, wherein a half-tooth portion of the tooth profile is formed of three tooth-profile formation circles that are elliptical or true-circular. Two of the tooth-profile formation circles are a combination of a small tooth-profile formation circle and a large tooth-profile formation circle in which the small tooth-profile formation circle is inscribed and is entirely included. A portion of the small tooth-profile formation circle forms an addendum portion of the half-tooth portion. A portion of the large tooth-profile formation circle in which the small tooth-profile formation circle is inscribed and is entirely included forms an engagement portion of the half-tooth portion. A portion of another tooth-profile formation circle that circumscribes the large tooth-profile formation circle forms a dedendum portion of the half-tooth portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130112029
    Abstract: A gearbox includes an inlet configured to receive a mixture of air and oil from an external source and a deoiler. The deoiler includes a shaft including an inlet passage and an outlet passage, both formed on an inner portion of the shaft and separated from one another, a separator unit coupled to and surrounding a portion of the shaft and including an inlet and an outlet and a pre-pressuring component coupled to the shaft that increases the pressure of the mixture of oil and air to form a pressurized mixture and provides the pressurized mixture to the inlet of the separator unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mattew Slayter, Michael R. Blewett, Adrian L. Stoicescu
  • Publication number: 20130112030
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having high pressure actuation and low pressure lube includes a hydraulic circuit (110) having a source of pressurized fluid (112), an actuation circuit (114) that delivers pressurized fluid to actuate components of the transmission, and a cooling circuit (116) used to cool components of the transmission. The source of pressurized fluid includes a motor 118, a first pump 120 operatively driven by the motor 118, and a second pump 122 selectively driven by motor 118. A clutch mechanism 124 is connected between the motor 118 and the second pump 122 so as to selectively engage and disengage the second pump 122 in driven relationship with the motor 118 so that the second pump 122 selectively supplies pressurized fluid to the cooling circuit 116 when the clutch mechanism 124 is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Keith Feldt, Melissa Koenig, Christopher S. Vangorder, Alexander Moser
  • Publication number: 20130112031
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a main base, a joint and at least one arm. The main base includes a main body, and the main body includes a mounting portion and a limiting post on a side of the mounting portion. The joint is rotatably mounted on the mounting portion and includes a limit piece corresponding to the limiting post. The at least one arm is fixed to the joint, when the arm rotates relative to the main base to a predetermined extent of rotation, the limit piece abuts against the limiting post to stop the rotation of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-PENG PAN, CHAO-QIANG LIU
  • Publication number: 20130112032
    Abstract: An adjustment assembly and adjustable steering column including a linearly slidable actuating lever are provided. The actuating lever is slidable between a first position and a second position along a linear travel path. The actuating lever includes an engaging portion which engages a gear assembly. The gear assembly is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to apply or release a clamping force on a steering column or other component. Movement of the actuating lever between the first and second positions causes rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly causes the clamping mechanism to apply or release the clamping force, depending on the direction of rotation. The adjustment assembly also includes a rake bracket to support a compression bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: NEXTEER (BEIJING) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Burns, Melvin L. Tinnin, John Schulz, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Publication number: 20130112033
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a column jacket adjustable in at least one of a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and a tilt direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is coupled to the column jacket and is moveable between a locking position and an adjustment position. A lever is pivotably mounted to the column jacket and pivotable between a neutral position and an actuated position. The lever engages a switch when in the actuated position. The switch engages an actuator to move the locking mechanism into the adjustment position when engaged by the lever in the actuated position, thereby permitting adjustment of the column jacket in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the tilt direction. When the lever is in the neutral position, the switch does not engage the actuator, and a spring urges the locking mechanism into the locking position, thereby preventing adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventor: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130112034
    Abstract: In a vehicle input device having a position detection portion configured to output a detection signal and a controller (control section) configured to receive the detection signal, the position detection portion operated by a driver is provided near an end side of the vehicle input device, and a contact operation surface on which the driver performs a contact operation is an end surface of an operation member of the position detection portion. Thus, the driver is capable of operating the vehicle input device with a finger while holding a steering wheel. In addition, by the controller determining the position of an operation of the driver on the basis of the detection signal from the position detection portion, it is made possible to detect various operations and various devices can be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130112035
    Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel. The steering wheel includes: a rim formed in an annular shape, which is to be gripped by a driver; a hub disposed at the center of the rim in a radial direction of the rim; a spoke connecting the hub to the rim in the radial direction; and a metal core member provided inside the rim, the hub, and the spoke. The metal core member includes: a hub core member provided inside the hub; a spoke core member provided inside the spoke; and a rim core member provided inside the rim. The thickness of the hub core member at the center portion thereof is larger than the thickness of the hub core member at the outer circumferential end portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Kenshi Nagata
  • Publication number: 20130112036
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a split-shaft S-cam and apparatus. The method for converting a one-piece S-cam into a two-piece comprises: cutting an S-cam along a non-bearing-surface portion resulting in an S-cam inner portion and a head portion; machining a coupling means for releasably joining the inner and head portions into each cut end; providing a nipple having, cooperating coupling means for engaging with the coupling means machined into each cut end, and a shoulder having a width equivalent to the material removed in the cutting step, the shoulder disposed between the coupling means and adapted to engage a cooperating shoulder on each of the ends; mating the coupling means with the cooperating coupling means; whereby, the two-piece S-cam allows replacement of at least a portion of an S-cam without requiring complete disassembly of a trailer brake. The coupling means and cooperating coupling means may be threaded, splined, or other well-known mechanical-type connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Dan Miller, Steven Craig
  • Publication number: 20130112037
    Abstract: A flying device is provided, including a disk configured to rotate around its axis, a ring in parallel with the disk, multiple loads coupled to the disk and the ring, multiple first pivots circularly arranged in the peripheral region of the disk and respectively coupled to the multiple loads, and multiple second pivots circularly arranged in the ring and respectively coupled to the multiple loads. The ring is positioned in parallel with the disk with a shift relative to the disk to follow the rotation of the disk through the loads, while keeping the position with respect to the disk. The rotation of the disk generates a centrifugal force biased in the direction of the shift, providing a force to move toward a direction determined by the shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Minoru Oyama
  • Publication number: 20130112038
    Abstract: A transmission for electric bicycles to detect a torque applied to a pedal crank shaft, includes a pedal crank shaft upon which the torque acts, a hollow shaft configured to connect to an output, through which the pedal crank shaft extends coaxially, and which is supported rotatably with respect to the pedal crank shaft, a sensor shaft offset in parallel with respect to the pedal crank shaft and a force sensor connected to the sensor shaft. The transmission includes a drive-side sensor transmission and an output side sensor transmission. The drive-side sensor transmission connects the pedal crank shaft to the sensor shaft and the output-side sensor transmission connects the sensor shaft to the hollow shaft, which is configured to be connected to an output, and the drive-side sensor transmission has a gear ratio which differs from the gear ratio of the output-side sensor transmission. A corresponding method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Serdar Aydogan, Martin Zlindra, Sigmund Braun
  • Publication number: 20130112039
    Abstract: A vibration-damped precision cast aluminum alloy automotive member for a vehicle powertrain and a method of its manufacture are disclosed. The vibration-damped precision cast aluminum alloy automotive member includes an internally disposed aluminum or aluminum alloy insert. An exterior surface of the insert, which includes an exposed oxide film, establishes a non-bonded interface with an interior surface of the automotive powertrain member. This non-bonded interface damps vibration propagation through the automotive powertrain member by experiencing frictional contacting movement when the automotive powertrain member is vibrationally excited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Hanna, Andrew Sansome