Patents Issued in April 3, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140091589
    Abstract: A storage console for a vehicle is provided and may include a housing movable from a stowed position to an upright position. The housing may include a top surface that is substantially flush with a floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and is spaced apart from the floor in the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Kenric P. Socks
  • Publication number: 20140091590
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a propshaft, a vehicle body and a seat assembly. The propshaft is coupled to a source of rotary power and a rear axle of the vehicle. The source of rotary power may be disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. The vehicle body includes an occupant cabin defined by a floor panel and a back wall panel. The floor panel is disposed above the propshaft and defines a lower boundary of the occupant cabin. The back wall panel extends upward from the floor panel and defines a rearward boundary of the occupant cabin. The seat assembly is disposed above the propshaft and is movable between a seating position and a stowed position. The seat assembly may be at least partially received in a space of the vehicle body that is separate from the occupant cabin when the seat assembly is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Mather, Kenric P. Socks
  • Publication number: 20140091591
    Abstract: A latch mechanism of a vehicle seat reclining device includes a plurality of latch holes formed in a rail along a central axial line, a slider hole penetrating through a slider so as to face the respective latch holes, a support portion provided on the slider, and a movable portion displaceably supported by the support portion and having a latch projection that is engageable with the respective latch holes while passing through the slider hole. A clearance is defined in the direction of the central axial line between the slider hole and the latch projection. One or more shock absorbing members is (are) provided on opposing first and second inner surfaces of the slider hole and abut against the latch projection while being resiliently deformed to suppress the generation of undesirable rattling noise in case a force causes the latch projection to oscillate within the engaged latch hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji ISHII, Satoshi UMEZU
  • Publication number: 20140091592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sun visor for a vehicle which has a visor body and a fastening region, wherein the fastening region is for fastening the visor body to a counterpart attached to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Jacky Dolisy
  • Publication number: 20140091593
    Abstract: A vehicle structure, comprising a front wheelhouse covering a front wheel, the front wheel comprising a rear face and a slant face which slants forward and inward from an inward end portion, in a vehicle width direction, of the rear face, a footrest, on which a passenger's foot is placed, the footrest being arranged near and on an inward side of the slant face of the front wheelhouse in a plan view of a vehicle, and a gusset connected to the rear face of the front wheelhouse and extending inward from a connection portion thereof to the rear face, wherein an inward end portion, in the vehicle width direction, of the gusset is arranged in the vicinity of a front-side portion of the footrest such that the footrest is restrained from moving forward by contacting the inward end portion of the gusset in a vehicle collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiro OBAYASHI, Masanori FUKUDA, Ryohei MIYAHARA, Tomoshi MITSUNARI
  • Publication number: 20140091594
    Abstract: An instrument panel assembly of an automotive vehicle is provided wherein the instrument panel is operable to hold a meter cluster. The meter cluster is positioned adjacent to a shifter of an automotive vehicle. The meter cluster is mounted within the center of the vehicle. The instrument panel includes a main panel having a plurality of apertures located adjacent to the meter cluster. A mounting aperture for the meter cluster is provided wherein the meter cluster is mounted to the mounting aperture for the meter cluster. The plurality of apertures on the main panel located adjacent to the meter cluster are operable to weaken the structure of the main panel to facilitate a controlled collapse of the instrument panel when the shifter hits the meter cluster. The positioning of the apertures located adjacent to the meter cluster prevents damage to the meter cluster during the accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Porcs, Raymond David Howe
  • Publication number: 20140091595
    Abstract: A frontal impact countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle, the countermeasure assembly comprising: a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a bumper extending generally laterally to the longitudinal direction of the front side rail and having an outboard end; and a pivot link having outer and inner mounting portions, the outer mounting portion being pivotably engaged with the bumper in a region of the outboard end to define a front pivot joint, the inner mounting portion being pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint, the rear pivot joint being located rearward and inward relative to the front pivot joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Naipaul D. Ramoutar, Taichi Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20140091596
    Abstract: A front cowl structure for a saddle riding type vehicle, capable of containing a stick phenomenon of an airflow in the front cowl. A pair of headlights is disposed on leading end lateral sides of a front cowl. Each of the headlights has a lens surface that includes at least a part formed to face downwardly. A front cowl structure has headlight neighboring openings formed on sides in a vehicle rearward of the lens surface, the headlight neighboring openings communicating with an inside of the front cowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rui MAEDA, Yoshinori KOROGI, Atsushi TAKASAKI, Shunji YOKOKAWA
  • Publication number: 20140091597
    Abstract: In a cowling fastening structure (1) for fastening a first cowling member (2) and a second cowling member (3) to each other by using a clip (30), the two cowling members are provided with opposing walls (13, 21) having a mutually aligned through holes (15, 26) formed therein, the clip is provided with a first member (31) and a second member (32) joined by a hinge (33). A free end of the first member formed with an engagement hole (39) is passed through the through holes, and a free end of the second member formed with an engagement claw (44) is passed around the opposing walls so as to engage the engagement claw with the engagement hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: NIFCO INC., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Inoue, Yotaro Abe, Hajime Naoi
  • Publication number: 20140091598
    Abstract: A front vehicle body structure may include a front side member extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a fender apron upper member disposed in an outer direction of the front side member in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a fender apron front reinforcement member extending in the traverse direction of the vehicle and connecting the fender apron upper member and the front side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ki Bong Park, Log Won Do
  • Publication number: 20140091599
    Abstract: A front sub-assembly for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The front sub-assembly includes a pair of spaced apart substantially hollow side assemblies. Each of the side assemblies includes an upper side member and a lower side member. The front ends of the side assemblies are joined together by a front cross member that includes a front cross member reinforcing bracket and an internal mass dampener. The rear ends of the side assemblies are joined by an upper cross member and a lower cross member. A plurality of brackets, including body mount brackets, a steering gear bracket, an exhaust mount bracket, and a roll restrictor bracket are also strategically provided. The brackets as well as other components are preferably formed from stamped steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Marchena, Mark Andrew Kessen
  • Publication number: 20140091600
    Abstract: An overslam bumper comprising a coupling device, a base member fixed to the coupling device, a striking member defining a striking surface for receiving a load exerted thereon, and a linking member connecting the base member and the striking member. The overslam bumper is configured such that upon receipt of the load at the striking surface, the load is transferred through the striking member to the linking member to an extent that the linking member will deflect, and upon deflection of the linking member, the striking member is operable to abut the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Mark L. Lusky, Krzysztof P. Michalowski, Daniel James, Michael E. LaFleur
  • Publication number: 20140091601
    Abstract: A reverse drive assembly for recliner in which a motor is mounted at the end of the horizontal track, proximate to the rear of the recliner. A traveler assembly having a reverse transfer linkage having a greater bend is positioned along the track forward of the motor, wherein the traveler assembly actuates extension of an ottoman assembly and the reclining of a seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: John R. Breen, Peter J. Fynboh, Jeffrey Cooper, Joseph L. Anibas, Nicholas J. Robinson, Richard E. Gorka, Lucas R. Walz
  • Publication number: 20140091602
    Abstract: A fellow passenger's seat (42) in a motorcycle includes a seat main body (54), having a cushioning material (62) covered by a surface skin (60), and a hand strap (56) disposed on an outer surface of the seat main body (54) and adapted to be gripped by a fellow passenger. The hand strap (56) includes a grip area (66) at a front end face (64) of the seat main body (54). A predetermined region (R) of the cushioning material (62), which confronts the grip area (66) of the hand strap (56), is more tenderized than a seating region (S) on which a rider is seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: KENJI IDAKA
  • Publication number: 20140091603
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring device for anchoring a bicycle saddle to a seatpost. The anchoring device comprises a first component adapted to receive a frame of the saddle, a second component detachable fixed on the first component for holding the frame of the saddle, and a third component adapted to be fixed to the seatpost. The first component and the third component are detachably mounted to each other in a male-female manner that allows a quick release of the saddle from the seatpost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TIEN HSIN INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Roberto Monaco
  • Publication number: 20140091604
    Abstract: The assembly for aircraft cockpit comprising a seat in which a crew member is intended to sit and a display and control device. The display and control device is configured to be mounted relative to the seat displaceable between a first position in which the display and control device is arranged to be used in front by the crew member when the latter is sitting in the seat and a second position in which the display and control device is arranged to be used by said crew member to the side and leave free the frontal zone of the crew member when the latter is sitting in the seat. The invention also relates to an aircraft cockpit and an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Nicolas Chatrenet, Eric Petit, Laurent Saint-Marc
  • Publication number: 20140091605
    Abstract: Dynamic furniture supports a seated or reclining user. The furniture includes a base, an actuator, a seat platform, and a back platform. The actuator is in circular connection to the base. The seat platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The back platform is in circular or excentric connection to the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly, seat platform and back platform may be restricted in movement along paths by assemblies of the circular or excentric connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EXCITING ING.
    Inventors: Scott ERB, Mark M. Erb
  • Publication number: 20140091606
    Abstract: A power mechanism for a recliner having a limiter controlling the relative angle between a transfer linkage and arm affixed to the drive axle as the transfer linkage applies tangential force to the arm to rotate the drive axle. The limiter prevents the relative angle between the transfer linkage from over collapsing to minimize strain on the linkage assembly and the motor driving the rotation of the drive axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Lucas R. Waltz, Peter J. Fynboh, Jeffrey Cooper, Joseph L. Anibas, Nicholas J. Robinson, Richard E. Gorka, John R. Breen, Timothy A. Brandtner
  • Publication number: 20140091607
    Abstract: A seat reclining apparatus includes a first and second plates and a lock mechanism which locks/unlocks relative rotation therebetween. The first plate includes an engaging protrusion on a side engaged in a holding portion, and a protrusion-corresponding recess formed on the other side of the first plate recessed at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion. The engaging protrusion includes a pressure receiving portion on a peripheral edge thereof and engages with an inner peripheral surface of the holding portion to receive a force therefrom when a load is exerted on a seatback frame in the locked state. The first plate includes an annular bridging portion connecting the peripheral edges of the engaging protrusion and the protrusion-corresponding recess; the annular bridging portion including a thin-wall portion, and a thick-wall portion corresponding to the pressure receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriaki MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20140091608
    Abstract: A chair and method of construction with the chair being comprised of a single flat sheet of a bendable material capable of supporting a human body. A longitudinal slit extends between the upper and lower edges and is spaced from the upper edge. The slit is offset from an adjacent side edge wherein the slit separates portions of the sheet into a large area portion and a small area portion. The large area portion is bent with alternating bends, to provide a chair configuration with support of a back, hips, thighs, and knees of a person seated thereon. The small area portion of the sheet is bent with alternating bends to provide an armrest support for the person seated on the chair. The chair is directly supported on the ground at the bend configured for supporting the hips and at the lower edge of the sheet, without any separate leg elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Barbara SCHOENENBERGER
  • Publication number: 20140091609
    Abstract: A seating unit includes a spring unit mounted in a frame, the spring unit having spring structures with end and middle stacked arches and interconnected to one another by tie bars, the spring unit being mounted in a frame having side rails, bottom slats, a continuous front rail, side rails, reinforcing blocks and brackets formed and arranged as a space frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FLEXSTEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Todd r. VAN DER JAGT, James J. WELTER
  • Publication number: 20140091610
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a vehicle seat track cover includes a substrate configured to be positioned over a seat track and a slot formed along the substrate. The slot is configured to facilitate passage of a seat support from the seat track to a vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth Clark, David Allen
  • Publication number: 20140091611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tipping haul body such as a tipping trailer (10). The tipping trailer (10) includes at least one axle (12) and a tub base (40). The tub base (40) is arranged to support the load of a payload receiving tub (20) of the trailer (10) and to transmit that load via the at least one axle (12) to a ground surface. The tub base (40) and the tub (20) are arranged to be connected together and to pivot together about a pivot axis (P1) when the trailer (10) is activated to dump a payload from the tub (20). The invention also relates to a tipping and suspension unit for a haul body such as trailer or a dolly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AIR TIP PYT LTD
    Inventor: Clarke M. Petrick
  • Publication number: 20140091612
    Abstract: A mobile mining machine includes a movable machine base frame having a boom, a swinging device for swinging the boom, and a tilting device for tilting the boom. At least one tool drum is coupled to the boom for rotation about a drum axis and rotatable tool carriers are arranged on a circumference of the tool drum. The boom has a supporting arm, on which the tool drum is mounted, and a separate swinging base, which is swingable about a swing axis in relation to the machine base frame by the swinging device. The supporting arm and the swinging base are connected to one another by a system of guide bars, by way of which a setting angle of the drum axis in relation to the swing axis is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Jan Rowher, Jens Steinberg, Joachim Raschka, Frank Herrmann, Christian Schreiter, Ulrich Bechem, Oliver Kortmann, Johannes Krings
  • Publication number: 20140091613
    Abstract: A method of making a cosmetic applicator assembly is described. The cosmetic applicator assembly includes an applicator head comprising an applicator front portion having at least a first surface, a second surface, and a multiplicity of apertures extending between the first surface and the second surface, at least one applicator component protruding from the at one least aperture and attachable to the applicator front portion, and an applicator back portion fixed to the applicator front portion so as to cover the second surface of the applicator front portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Albea Services SAS
    Inventors: Michel Limongi, Eric Kerman, Uresti Osvaldo, Thomas Clos
  • Publication number: 20140091614
    Abstract: A bicycle hub kit includes a hub axle, a hub shell, a bearing unit, first and second end nuts, and a retaining member. The bearing unit has a first ring, a second ring, and a plurality of rollers. The first and second end nuts are interchangeably coupled to an axle end of the hub axle. The retaining member retains an axial position of the first ring of the bearing unit with respect to the hub axle. The retaining member is disposed between the first ring of the bearing unit and one of the first and second end nuts. The first and second end nuts have first and second through holes, respectively. The second through hole of the second end nut has an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the first through hole of the first end nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Hiroshi FUJITA
  • Publication number: 20140091615
    Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a track-type machine includes a circular body. The circular body includes a central hub portion, an annular flange portion integral with the central hub portion, and a circumferential rim portion to define an annular cavity along with the central hub portion and the annular flange portion. A sound dampening coating provided on the circular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel I. Knobloch, John M. Plouzek, Jay H. Cline, Aaron K. Amstutz, David W. McKeever, Peter M. Zuehls
  • Publication number: 20140091616
    Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a track-type machine includes a circular body, and a sound dampening member. The circular body includes a central hub portion, an annular flange portion integral with the central hub portion, and a circumferential rim portion to define an annular cavity along with the central hub portion and the annular flange portion. The sound dampening member disposed in the annular cavity and a retainer plate positioned adjacent to the sound dampening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Tagore Joseph Xavier, Daniel I. Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20140091617
    Abstract: A circuit breaker module includes a breaker circuit connected to a first electrical lead and a second electrical lead, a housing surrounding the breaker circuit, wherein said first and second electrical leads extend through the housing, and wherein the housing is at least partially constructed of a thermally conductive polymer, and a heat dissipation feature contacting the housing, wherein the heat dissipation feature is operable to dissipate heat from the breaker circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Horowy, Debabrata Pal
  • Publication number: 20140091618
    Abstract: Provided is a voltage discharging device. The voltage discharging device includes a battery, an inverter converting a DC power supplied from the battery into an AC power to output the converted AC power, a motor driven by the AC power outputted through the inverter, a main relay disposed between the battery and the inverter to switch the DC power supplied from the battery into the inverter, and a control unit detecting a key-off signal of the vehicle to discharge a DC link voltage of the inverter when the key-off signal is detected. The control unit discharges the DC link voltage by applying one of first and second forced discharging logics different from each other according to a driving state of the vehicle at a time point at which the key-off signal is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Han Uk JEONG
  • Publication number: 20140091619
    Abstract: A vehicle power source device reliably turns on a high voltage battery even if the output voltage of a low-voltage ancillary battery drops at the start of driving the vehicle. A request to run on a high-voltage battery (to turn on a relay contact point) is made by means of the operation to start driving a vehicle. A low-voltage ancillary battery and an auxiliary battery supply power to a power source circuit. A relay control unit supplied with power from the power source circuit turns on the relay contact point and turns on the high-voltage battery. When the high-voltage battery is on, the auxiliary battery is charged by means of a step-down circuit. The auxiliary battery holds the charged power by means of a diode without the power being consumed by a group of low-voltage loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Yoshimi
  • Publication number: 20140091620
    Abstract: An electric energy converter generates a first output signal (S1) and a second output signal (S2) and includes switching elements (10), the converter including at least two bridge arms (10a, 10b, 10c) adapted to generate the first output signal (S1), with a transformer generating the second output signal (S2) simultaneously with the first output signal. The bridge arms (10a, 10b, 10c) are controlled such as to generate the second output signal (S2), the second output signal (S2) being a function of a midpoint voltage equivalent to the sum of the output voltages (E1, E2, E3) of the bridge arms (10a, 10b, 10c) in relation to a midpoint of the input voltage at the switching elements (10). The use thereof in a train is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Philippe Aubin, Martin Coyaud
  • Publication number: 20140091621
    Abstract: A structure for providing power to external mobile devices has a first power supply module and a second power supply module. The first power supply module has a first voltage source outputting an activation current to a main circuit of an external mobile device when activated. The second power supply module has a first boost circuit and an activation circuit. A second voltage source from a computer supplies power to the first boost circuit through the first boost circuit to output a first operating current to the main circuit through the activation circuit to replace the activation current supplied from the first power supply module. The structure further has a blocking circuit blocking the first voltage source to keep supplying power for the purpose of energy conservation and carbon reduction when the external mobile device is powered off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: YUAN-SHAN HSU, WEN-HSIANG HSIAO, KUANG-FENG LIN
  • Publication number: 20140091622
    Abstract: A modular power conversion system. The modular power conversion system includes at least one first electric resource, a modular power stage, at least one second electric resource, and wherein the modular power stage comprising at last one module including power electronics for converting power between the at least one first electronic resource and the at least one second electric resource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Donald J. Lucas, Jason M. Sachs
  • Publication number: 20140091623
    Abstract: A battery input receives a power discharge from a first battery of a local device. A controllable charging circuit generates a charging signal based on the power discharge, a charge status of the first battery, a charge status of one or more second battery for at least one of one or more external devices, and a load balancing plan associated with the local device and at least one of the one or more external devices. A charging output to route the charging signal to at least one of the one or more external devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Keith Shippy, Jennifer Healey, Gustavo Domingo Yaguez, Mark Price
  • Publication number: 20140091624
    Abstract: A method for controlling a voltage based on a temperature and a terminal supporting the same are provided. The terminal includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of at least one location of the inside and of the outside of at least one system and a voltage control unit for adjusting the voltage supplied to the at least one system according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chulwoo PARK, Chuleun YUN, Kwangsub LEE, Seyoung JANG
  • Publication number: 20140091625
    Abstract: A photovoltaic power circuit is provided and includes a plurality of strings of connected photovoltaic panels operable to generate DC current from solar radiation. Each of the strings is connected to a solar inverter by a pair of fuses. A detection circuit is provided that is operable to detect when one of the fuses opens as a result of a fault, regardless whether the fault is temporary or continuing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Truettner
  • Publication number: 20140091626
    Abstract: A wireless power transfer system is disclosed that includes a power station and a chargeable device. The power station transmits discovery beacons in order to detect a chargeable device within its vicinity using any available communication protocols and/or standards. Once a device is discovered, the power station can perform coil selection with the device in order to select preferred coils for power transfer. In addition, the chargeable device is capable of detecting the beacon signal and providing a response to notify the power station of its presence. The chargeable device is capable of performing its own coil selection for further optimization and includes various assistance functionality to aid a user in optimizing a connection with the power station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: John WALLEY, Reinier Van Der Lee, Yasantha Rajakarunanayake, Vadim Bishtein
  • Publication number: 20140091627
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include systems, methods and apparatus for providing a gate driver circuit for an alternative energy power supply. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a gate drive circuit for an alternative energy power supply may be provided. The gate drive circuit may include one or more switching device units operated in parallel. The gate driver circuit is configured to selectively control the multiple the switching devices in order to balance currents between each of the parallel-connected switching devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, Alan Carroll Lovell
  • Publication number: 20140091628
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a voltage from both a PV array and a battery source received by a common PV inverter includes a PV module configured to generate a DC output from received solar irradiation and a DC storage device configured to supply a DC output. The system further includes a power inverter configured to invert the DC output from the PV module and the DC output from the DC storage device to an AC output. The power inverter includes a first input electrically coupled to the PV module to receive the DC output therefrom; and a second input electrically coupled to the DC storage device to receive the DC output therefrom. The system further includes a controller configured to selectively control the inversion of the DC output from the PV module and selectively control the inversion of the DC output from the DC storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Scott Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140091629
    Abstract: A converter which converts first AC power input from an external power system to DC power, a storage device charged with the DC power from the converter, an inverter which converts DC power from the storage device to second AC power, an output AC power generating unit to which the first AC power and the second AC power are input, the unit which generates output AC power, and a controller which obtains external power information indicating a relationship between a power supply and a power demand in the external power system through a network and outputs a control signal to control the output AC power generating unit according to the external power information are provided. The controller controls the output AC power generating unit according to a state of a margin of the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ishibashi, Hiroaki Kitano, Shigeru Tajima, Tetsu Natsume
  • Publication number: 20140091630
    Abstract: A power generation system includes at least one generator that generates a medium voltage direct current that has a positive DC voltage output and a negative DC voltage output. The system also provides a medium voltage DC (MVDC) cable system with a positive pole cable and a negative pole cable, wherein the positive pole cable is connected to the positive DC voltage output and the negative pole cable is connected to the negative DC voltage output. A substation is connected to the MVDC cable system and includes at least one DC/DC step-up converter to step-up the medium voltage direct current to a high voltage direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: HONGRAE KIM, Jun Ll, Zhenyuan Wang, Joseph A. Carr, Eddy C. Aeloiza, Darren D. Tremelling
  • Publication number: 20140091631
    Abstract: A system includes a boost converter configured to amplify input voltage received from one or more power sources into output voltage. The system also includes a current sensor configured to sense a current of the input voltage for example, by induction. The system further includes a controller configured to adjust an amplification of the boost converter in response to the current sensed by the current sensor. When utilized in each of a plurality of power source modules coupled to a common load, the power source modules adjust the amplifications of their boost converters towards equalization of their output voltages and their currents in response to sensed currents of the input voltages changing through demand of the common load. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FLUIDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Mark NADEN, Ramkumar Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20140091632
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example power management system. The power management system includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. A first generator is inside the first enclosure and a second generator is inside the second enclosure. The power management system further includes a paralleling enclosure and a paralleling module inside the paralleling enclosure. The paralleling module includes at least one switching device within the paralleling enclosure to electrically connect the first generator to the second generator. The paralleling enclosure further includes a plurality of connectors that permit electrical connection between the paralleling module and the first generator, the second generator and an output without opening the paralleling enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Chad Stenson
  • Publication number: 20140091633
    Abstract: Adaptive multi-pathway wireless charging is described. In one aspect, embodiments enable one or more wireless charging pathways to be established concurrently in a wireless charging environment. The wireless charging pathways use same or different frequencies, powers, wireless power transfer (WPT) standards, and WPT configurations. Embodiments for adaptively configuring wireless charging based on detected events or changes in WPT characteristics are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: John WALLEY, Reinier van der LEE
  • Publication number: 20140091634
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for detecting wireless charging transmit characteristics. One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of detecting a transmit characteristic in a wireless power transmission device. The device includes a series element electrically coupled to a transmit coil. The method includes determining real and imaginary components of a first voltage at a first terminal of the series element. The method further includes determining real and imaginary components of a second voltage at a second terminal of the series element. The method further includes determining real and imaginary components of a current through the series element, based on the determined first and second voltages. The method further includes determining transmit characteristics such as nodal voltages, currents, power and impedances based on determined voltages and currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gabriel Isaac Mayo, Ryan Tseng, Edward Kenneth Kallal
  • Publication number: 20140091635
    Abstract: A wireless power supply apparatus includes a power reception coil, an actual load and an auxiliary load. The power reception coil functions as a repeater for receiving electric power in a non-contact manner by magnetic resonance with a power transmission coil to which electric power is supplied from a power supply unit and relaying transfer of the electric power from the power transmission coil. The actual load is connected to the power reception coil and is powered by the electric power received by the power reception coil. The auxiliary load is inserted parallel to the power reception coil and the actual load and forms a closed circuit with the power reception coil when supply of the electric power to the actual load is interrupted to be in an open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Masayoshi SUGINO, Katsumi YUASA, Keisuke HAMASAKI, Hiroshi KONDOH, Shigeru TAKEDA, Yasuyuki HASEO
  • Publication number: 20140091636
    Abstract: Methods and systems for wireless transmission of power to a battery-operated device include a power receiving apparatus featuring at least one receiving resonator and a housing dimensioned to engage with a battery compartment of a battery-operated device, and a power transmitting apparatus including: a first pair of spaced source resonators, where each source resonator in the first pair features a loop of conducting material surrounding a common first axis; a second pair of spaced source resonators, where each source resonator in the second pair features a loop of conducting material surrounding a common second axis different from the first axis; and a controller coupled to the first and second pairs of source resonators and configured to provide non-radiative wireless power transfer from the power transmitting apparatus to the power receiving apparatus by alternately activating the first and second pairs of source resonators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Robert B. Ofstein, Volkan Efe, Andre B. Kurs, Alexander P. McCauley, Arunanshu M. Roy, Empar Rollano, Abdel Sam Rhoufiry, Benjamin K Sampson, Morris P. Kesler, Matthew J. MacDonald, Eric R. Giler, Katherine L. Hall, Simone Agha
  • Publication number: 20140091637
    Abstract: An automatic tuning assist circuit is coupled with a transmission antenna. Multiple switches SW and a first auxiliary capacitor CA are arranged between a first terminal and a second terminal of the automatic tuning assist circuit. A first control unit is configured to switch on and off the multiple switches SW in synchronization with a driving voltage VDRV. A power supply is configured to apply the driving voltage VDRV across a series circuit that comprises the transmission antenna and the automatic tuning assist circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki ENDO, Yasuo Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20140091638
    Abstract: A power providing system for transferring power from an inductive power outlet to an inductive power receiver. The power providing system includes a targeting apparatus capable of detecting the location of the inductive power receiver adjacent to said extended surface and driving a primary inductor in the vicinity of the inductive power receiver. Optionally, the inductive power outlet includes a moving primary inductor which may move into alignment with the receiver. Alternatively, the inductive power outlet includes an array of primary inductors and a primary inductor may be selected in the locality of the inductive power receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Powermat Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi AZANCOT, Amir BEN-SHALOM, Oola GREENWALD, Arik ROFE