Patents Issued in May 1, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140116144
    Abstract: A method comprises positioning an ultrasonic probe against a surface of an item. The probe includes a chamber formed in part by a flexible membrane, which is opposite the surface. The method further comprises moving the probe along the surface while varying chamber pressure to flex the membrane to accommodate the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Barry A. Fetzer, James C. Kennedy, Thomas E. Riechers
  • Publication number: 20140116145
    Abstract: A structural health monitoring system capable of maintaining electrical contact with sensors affixed to a rotating structure. One such structural health monitoring system comprises a rotatable structure, a plurality of sensors each affixed to the rotatable structure, and an interface. The interface has an inner housing and an outer housing, and maintains a plurality of individual electrical connections, each of the individual electrical connections being an electrical connection between one of the sensors and an electrical contact maintained on the outer housing, the electrical connections configured to be maintained during rotation of the structure. The inner housing is affixed to the structure and the outer housing is rotationally coupled to the inner housing, so that the inner housing is free to rotate with respect to the outer housing during rotation of the structure and the sensors, while maintaining the electrical connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ACELLENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph POLLOCK, Howard Hungchi CHUNG, Roger HUANG, Fu-Kuo CHANG, Irene LI, Jeffrey Dean Bergman
  • Publication number: 20140116146
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Publication number: 20140116147
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes an ultrasonic transducer device, a flexible substrate and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic transducer device has a substrate, an ultrasonic element array, a plurality of signal electrode lines formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the ultrasonic element array, and a plurality of signal terminals arranged on the substrate. In the flexible substrate, a plurality of signal lines are formed along a first direction. Each of the signal electrode lines has an electrode layer in which at least one signal electrode among some of the ultrasonic elements extends on the substrate. A long side direction of the integrated circuit device extends along a second direction which intersects with the first direction, and each of terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal lines of the flexible substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kogo ENDO
  • Publication number: 20140116148
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes an ultrasonic transducer device, a flexible substrate, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic transducer device has an ultrasonic element array, and a plurality of signal terminals. In the flexible substrate, a plurality of signal lines are formed along a first direction. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the flexible substrate such that a long side direction is along a second direction. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals arranged along the second direction, and a transmission circuit provided for each of the terminals to output a transmission signal. Each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal lines of the flexible substrate. A plurality of the transmission circuits are arranged along the second direction in a state in which the integrated circuit device is mounted on the flexible substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kogo Endo
  • Publication number: 20140116149
    Abstract: A sensor may include a sensor membrane, wherein one side of the sensor membrane at least partly has a glob top and wherein the glob top furthermore has structurings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Walter DIEZ, Franz-Peter KALZ, Bernhard WINKLER
  • Publication number: 20140116150
    Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of cementing comprising: providing a settable composition comprising water and a cementitious component having a determined reactive index; and allowing the settable composition to set to form a hardened mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ronnie G. Morgan, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20140116151
    Abstract: An optical fiber, which is less likely to increase its transmission loss even when it is exposed to a high-humidity environment or immersed in water, is provided. The optical fiber comprises a glass fiber and at least two coating layers (a soft layer and a hard layer) coated at the circumference of the glass fiber, wherein the limit-adhesion strength between the glass fiber and the coating layer under a hot and humid environment is 0.5N/10 nm or more. Preferably, the glass-transition temperature of the hard layer is less than 90° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd
  • Publication number: 20140116152
    Abstract: A system and method for determining an angular position of a spine of an elongated cylindrical object. The system includes a support structure configured to hold an elongated cylindrical object. The support structure includes a stop shaped and positioned to arrest and prevent lateral motion of an elongated cylindrical object beyond a predefined position. The support structure includes a first rotation facilitation device and a second rotation facilitation device configured to facilitate free rotation of an elongated cylindrical object about a long axis thereof. The system includes a weight configured to provide a consistent deflection force. The weight includes a third rotation facilitation device configured to facilitate free rotation of an elongated cylindrical object engaged therewith about a long axis thereof. The system includes a marking slot disposed through a surface of the support structure and configured to provide an aperture to mark an elongated cylindrical object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Wilson Johnston, Matthew John Volker
  • Publication number: 20140116153
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring inefficient flow rates in a liquid-flow distribution system, such as that which is used in agricultural liquid application equipment. This may include blockages or punctures in a liquid line. The system generally includes a plurality of gauges for monitoring the supply line flow rate in a liquid application system which are monitored by a number of sensors. Immediate feedback is presented to the operator of the vehicle inside the cab. The system alerts the operator when a blockage, loss, or increase of flow rate has occurred in one of the liquid lines. The system may merely indicate that one of the lines is blocked, or the system may be more sophisticated such that it can indicate which line is blocked and adjust the flow in that line in an attempt to clear the blockage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jason T. Stewart, Bradley R. Thurow, David C. Batcheller, Robert M. Allen, Steven S. Bailey, Christopher L. Giese
  • Publication number: 20140116154
    Abstract: A pitot tube includes a substantially cylindrical body portion and a tip portion extending along a pitot tube axis from the body portion. The tip portion includes an inlet opening and a radially tapering outer surface extending from the body portion toward the inlet opening. Another pitot tube includes a substantially cylindrical body portion and a tip portion extending along a pitot tube axis from the body portion. The tip portion includes an inlet opening. One or more electrical coils including one or more coil wraps are located at an interior of the pitot tube. One or more bulkeads are located between a forwardmost coil wrap and a drainage feature to limit travel of particles ingested into the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Seidel, Timothy Thomas Golly, Paul Robert Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140116155
    Abstract: A control and measurement system for a coriolis flowmeter having a flowtube, a driver adapted to vibrate the flowtube, and a pair of sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of movement of the flowtube when it is being vibrated by the driver, wherein the sensors are positioned relative to one another so the signals from the sensors are indicative of a mass flow rate of fluid through the flowtube. A digital drive signal generator is adapted to generate a variable digital drive signal for controlling operation of the driver. The digital drive signal generator can be adapted to cause the driver to resist motion of the flowtube during a first time period and amplify motion of the flowtube during a second time period. The digital drive signal generator can also be adapted to initiate motion of the flowtube by sending one or more square wave signals to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, David W. Clarke, James H. Vignos
  • Publication number: 20140116156
    Abstract: A control and measurement system for a coriolis flowmeter having a flowtube, a driver adapted to vibrate the flowtube, and a pair of sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of movement of the flowtube when it is being vibrated by the driver, wherein the sensors are positioned relative to one another so the signals from the sensors are indicative of a mass flow rate of fluid through the flowtube. A digital drive signal generator is adapted to generate a variable digital drive signal for controlling operation of the driver. The digital drive signal generator can be adapted to cause the driver to resist motion of the flowtube during a first time period and amplify motion of the flowtube during a second time period. The digital drive signal generator can also be adapted to initiate motion of the flowtube by sending one or more square wave signals to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, David W. Clarke, James H. Vignos
  • Publication number: 20140116157
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a resistance to penetration as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including temperature, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer hardness according to depth based on the sensed resistance to penetration and identifying areas of concern which may indicate an avalanche risk. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: AVATECH, INC.
    Inventors: James Loren CHRISTIAN, Samuel Tileston WHITTEMORE, Brinton J.W. MARKLE
  • Publication number: 20140116158
    Abstract: A device, method and system for measuring analytes in a solution or suspension. The device includes a housing, a sample chamber, one or more pumps, one or more detectors, one or more stirrers, electrical contacts, a magnetic manipulator and a lid. A sample cartridge for a device that measures analytes, the cartridge comprising a first outer compartment, a second outer compartment, and a middle compartment, wherein the first outer compartment and the second outer compartment are interconnected to the middle compartment by channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Binergy Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelley Minteer, Vojtech Svoboda
  • Publication number: 20140116159
    Abstract: A sample injector (500) for injecting a fluid into a fluidic path, wherein the sample injector (500) comprises a robot arm (502) configured for moving an injection needle (506), when being connected to the robot arm (502), between a fluid container (510) containing the fluid and a seat (508) in fluid communication with the fluidic path, the injection needle (506) configured for aspirating the fluid from the fluid container (510), when the injection needle (506) has been moved to the fluid container (510), and for injecting aspirated fluid into the fluidic path, when the injection needle (506) is accommodated in the seat (508), and the seat (508) configured for accommodating the injection needle (506) and providing fluid communication with the fluidic path, wherein the robot arm (502) is configured for selectively disconnecting the injection needle (506) from the robot arm (502) when the injection needle (506) is accommodated in the seat (508), and wherein the robot arm (502) is configured for performing a fur
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Zimmerman, David Jenaro
  • Publication number: 20140116160
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to sample holders that can be used to retain a sample support effective for use in direct sample analysis. In some embodiments, the sample support can include a first and a second plate with apertures to permit a sample to be analyzed using direct sample analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Paul L. St. Cyr, Michael L. DelVecchio, Leonard J. Weisgable, John T. Buturla, Steve M. Pignataro
  • Publication number: 20140116161
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to sample platforms that are configured to permit electrical coupling between a sample support and electrical ground. In some examples, a sample platform configured to receive a sample support effective to retain a sample for direct sample analysis and comprising an aperture for receiving at least one electrical coupler configured to engage the sample support and provide electrical coupling between the sample support and ground is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Paul L. St. Cyr, Michael L. DelVecchio
  • Publication number: 20140116162
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a temperature of a layer of snow as the sensing unit is being driven into the layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer temperature according to depth based on the sensed temperature. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: AvaTech, Inc.
    Inventors: James Loren CHRISTIAN, Samuel Tileston WHITTEMORE, Brinton Johnston Wadsworth MARKLE
  • Publication number: 20140116163
    Abstract: A device can have an outer frame and an actuator. The actuator can have a movable frame and a fixed frame. At least one torsional flexure and at least one hinge flexure can cooperate to provide comparatively high lateral stiffness between the outer frame and the movable frame and can cooperate to provide comparatively low rotational stiffness between the outer frame and the movable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation MEMS
    Inventors: Roman C. Gutierrez, Robert J. Calvet, Ankur Jain, Xiaolei Liu, Guiqin Wang
  • Publication number: 20140116164
    Abstract: A drive assembly is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear housing comprising a. support surface for a hand of a user, a gear drive mechanism disposed within the gear housing, and a handle member disposed on the gear housing proximate to the support surface. The gear drive mechanism includes a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation and engaged to the handle member, a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and a driven member engaged to the implement and driven by the second drive gear about a third axis of rotation that extends through the support surface. The driven member is disposed at least partially outside of the gear housing and is driven only when the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position. The handle member does not cross the third axis of rotation during such movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: E. Mark Harris, Markus Klotz
  • Publication number: 20140116165
    Abstract: A rolling hinge device comprises two substantially parallel winding cylinders, longitudinal link element-forming winding means, the winding means being able to maintain a predetermined distance between the winding cylinders and being wound around winding cylinders, and at least two flexible tracks, a flexible track being fixed to each winding cylinder, the flexible tracks being arranged facing one another and having a point of contact, a prestressing force being applied at said point of contact of the flexible tracks under the effect of the winding means. At least one flexible track comprises at least one slot produced over at least a part of its length, the slot delimiting a plurality of flexible beam sections of determined profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Yannick BAUDASSE, Stephane VEZAIN, Didier STANEK
  • Publication number: 20140116166
    Abstract: A linear device is provided which can greatly reduce an amount of leakage of fine particles that are produced between a rolling element raceway and rolling elements to the outside of the device and which is therefore suitable for a semiconductor production apparatus or liquid crystal display panel production apparatus or other clean environment. In a linear device, each of a pair of seal members is formed to a shape which has a clearance of 0.025 to 0.15 mm in range with respect to a raceway member when cut along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the raceway member in a state attached to a moving member. Grease with a worked penetration of 175 to 250 is coated between the rolling element raceway and the rolling elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Yamamoto, Tsutomu Ookubo
  • Publication number: 20140116167
    Abstract: Provided is simple construction, in a mechanical apparatus such as a rack and pinion steering gear unit, for fastening a bearing that supports thrust loads to a member of the mechanical apparatus using a tapered snap ring, such that there is high rigidity against thrust loads. With the outer ring 17 of the bearing 15 positioned with respect to the housing 11a so that the axial length L27 between the circumferential edge of the axial one side surface 32a of the locking groove 27 and the axial one side surface 34 of the outer ring 17 is less than the maximum thickness T28a of the tapered snap ring 28a, the tapered snap ring 28a is locked into the locking groove 27. The gap 35 is provided between the axial other side surface 31 of the tapered snap ring 28a and the axial other side surface 33 of the locking groove 33.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20140116168
    Abstract: A furniture device (1) comprising a fundament (3), a support member (5) comprising a first section (7), a second section (9) and a pivoting member (15) adapted to pivot the second section between a first and a second orientation. The pivoting member comprising an arm arrangement (20, 20a, 20b) comprising a first arm (22) extending between the fundament and the second section and comprising a displaceable end (50), a second arm (40) extending between the fundament and the second section, a first pivot (24) between the first arm and the fundament and a second pivot (42) between the second arm and the fundament. The pivoting member comprises a pivoting mechanism (30) adapted to pivot the second section from the first orientation to the second orientation by inducing a displacement of the displaceable end towards the second pivot (42) while the first and the second arm act on the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: PASS OF SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Michael Viberg
  • Publication number: 20140116169
    Abstract: A first synchronizing sleeve (21) is provided in a second main shaft (5) and a first idling gear (12a) is connected to the second main shaft (5) by the first synchronizing sleeve (21) to transmit a driving force to a first sub-shaft (6) or a second sub-shaft (7) or a second synchronizing sleeve (22) is provided in the second sub-shaft (7) to transmit the driving force to a second idling gear (11b) or a third idling gear (13c) and the driving forces respectively transmitted thereto and shifted are output to a differential gear (110) by a first fixed gear (14a) fixedly provided in the second sub-shaft (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Ushiroda, Takuya Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20140116170
    Abstract: An in-line shift bevel gear forward/reverse mechanism comprises bevel gears, a locking device for forward drive and a stop means for reverse drive. The locking device includes a female spline mounted to a differential unit and a male spline mounted to a flanged hub which is slidably mounted on an input shaft of the mechanism and locks the input shaft to the differential unit for forward drive. The differential unit is automatically unlocked when linkage means actuates a stop means for the differential unit and stops the differential unit from rotating for reverse drive. The mechanism also provides a neutral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony W. Fini, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140116171
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a gear speed reduction mechanism which includes an input shaft, an input pinion provided on the input shaft, a rotary shaft other than the input shaft, and a gear incorporated to the rotary shaft, and a casing which accommodates the gear speed reduction mechanism. The casing is made of resin and includes a casing body which includes an incorporating opening for incorporating the gear and a cover which closes the incorporating opening. The casing body includes an input side opening with the opening being a size that the input pinion can be inserted but the gear cannot be inserted. In addition, the rotary shaft is supported by a bearing support which is formed in the casing body, and the bearing support of the rotary shaft is not formed on the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140116172
    Abstract: There is provided a reduction gear unit including: a pinion; a bearing that is located on each of both sides of the pinion; a large gear that meshes with the pinion; a gear case that stores therein lubricant oil, and accommodates the pinion and the gear; and pinion bearing caps each of which includes an annular portion, wherein the annular portion extends from outside of the gear case toward inside thereof and parallel to a pinion shaft, and includes an end portion in which an end surface in an extending-direction is provided on a side of the pinion with respect to an extended line of a gear-side end surface of an inner race of the bearing, and an inner peripheral surface of the end portion is formed so that a diameter is decreased from a gear-side end surface of an outer race toward the end surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Terasawa
  • Publication number: 20140116173
    Abstract: A steering system includes a wheel rotatable between on-center and off-center positions, and a shaft having teeth. The shaft defines a cavity and is rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the teeth. The system includes a nut having cogs defining grooves therebetween, wherein each tooth is matable with a groove. The system includes a lash adjuster translatable within the cavity, and a retainer contacting the adjuster and shaft, and configured for positioning the shaft along the axis as the wheel rotates. A center one of the gear teeth meshes with one of the grooves to define a first gap having a first thickness therebetween when the wheel is in the on-center position. An outer one of the gear teeth meshes with an outer groove to define a second gap having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness when the wheel is in the off-center position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Marco E. Rodriquez, Miroslaw Zaloga, Christopher J. Mielke
  • Publication number: 20140116174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gear system (1) comprising a main gear (2) and a gear (4) rotatable relative thereto in circumferential direction (3), comprising spring elements (8), by means of which the rotatable gear (4) is pretensioned in circumferential direction (3) against the main gear (2), wherein the spring elements (8) are connected on the one hand to the main gear (2) and on the other hand to the rotatable gear (4), and wherein the spring elements (8) each have a longitudinal middle axis (19) running obliquely relative to an axial end face (18) of the rotatable gear (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Miba Sinter Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Christian SANDNER
  • Publication number: 20140116175
    Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic pressurization system for use with a vehicle including a transmission having a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic circuit, and a main pump is disclosed herein. The auxiliary hydraulic pressurization system includes an auxiliary pump and a controller. The auxiliary pump has a low side adapted to be coupled to the hydraulic reservoir and a high side adapted to be coupled to the hydraulic circuit. The controller is electrically connectable to the auxiliary pump and is configured to turn on the auxiliary pump in response to receipt of a signal indicating that the vehicle is in a stop condition to maintain hydraulic pressurization of the hydraulic circuit of the transmission when the vehicle is in the stop condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Phillip McCauley, Charles Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140116176
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shift lever for a vehicle transmission, which includes a rod provided in a mounting space to move linearly and having an upper part having an upper inclined surface and successive engaging grooves. An engaging protrusion is provided on an inner wall of a support section such that, when the rod moves, the engaging protrusion is engaged with one of the engaging grooves to afford a brisk, clear operation action when changing gears. A button is provided such that one end thereof extends to the inclined surface of the upper part of the rod, and another end thereof is exposed to the outside to enable that end to be pressed down to push the rod down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jee Hyuck CHOI, Eun Sik KIM, Jeong Seon MIN, Hee Soo YANG, Bum Jun KIM, Yang Rae CHO, Dong Sik JEONG
  • Publication number: 20140116177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearshifting device (1), which is intended for a transmission and comprises a selector lever (2) that can be moved in such a manner that different shift positions (P, R, N, D, S, M+, M?) can be selected in at least two gearshift gates (3, 4) and that it is possible to shift between one of the gearshift gates (3, 4) and the at least one other gearshift gate (4, 3), and comprises at least one lock (5), which is used to block the traversing path of the selector lever (2) with respect to one of the gearshift gates (3, 4), in order to shift from one of the shift positions (P, R, N, D, S) into another of the shift positions (P, R, N, D, S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ECS Engineered Control Systems AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Pätzold
  • Publication number: 20140116178
    Abstract: A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel and a detent mechanism having an idle location, a first location, and a second location, the detent mechanism is coupled to the steering wheel. The system also includes a paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and the detent mechanism, the paddle shifter having an idle position with no associated function when the paddle shifter is in the idle location, a first operating position with an associated first function when the paddle shifter is in the first location, and a second operating position with an associated second function when the paddle shifter is in the second location. The associated first function is different from the associated second function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Sata
  • Publication number: 20140116179
    Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a gear change in a vehicle. The system including a steering wheel, first and second paddle shifters coupled to the steering wheel or column, a switch having an activate state and a deactivate state and coupled to the steering wheel, a center console, an instrument panel, or an integrated display, and a locking mechanism connected to the first and second paddle shifters to inhibit movement or functioning of the first and second paddle shifters when the switch is in the deactivate state and to allow movement or functioning of the first and second paddle shifters when the switch is in the activate state as a stand-alone lock out method or integrated with an electronic lock out method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Sata
  • Publication number: 20140116180
    Abstract: A connecting device of a vehicle drive-train, located outside a variable-speed transmission, for rotationally coupling a shaft to a drive-train element. A sliding sleeve is rotationally fixed on the shaft but slides axially between first and second positions. In the first position, the shaft is rotationally disengaged from the drive-train element and, in the second position, they are rotationally coupled. An actuator displaces the sliding sleeve between the first and second positions, with a shift groove along a peripheral contour of the sliding sleeve and engagement members for engaging in the groove. The sliding sleeve can rotate and move axially relative to the engagement members and the groove is shaped as a curved guiding such that, when the engagement members engage in the groove and the sliding sleeve rotates relative to the engagement member, the sliding sleeve moves axially between the first and second positions by virtue of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Reiner Keller, Frank Richter
  • Publication number: 20140116181
    Abstract: A climate control system and method for a vehicle includes a first rotary control for adjusting a first temperature setting, a second rotary control for adjusting a second temperature setting, and a master rotary control for adjusting both the first and second temperature settings. The first temperature setting is adjusted when the first rotary control knob is rotated independent of the second temperature setting. The second temperature setting is adjusted when the second rotary control knob is rotated independent of the first temperature setting. The first temperature setting and the second temperature setting are together adjusted when a master rotary control knob is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hajime Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140116182
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first robot arm, a second robot arm, a third robot arm, a connecting base, a first driving assembly, a second driving assembly, a third driving assembly, and a cable receiving tube. The connecting base includes a housing and a protection cover. A sidewall of the housing defines an opening. The protection cover covers the opening and is mounted on the housing. An end of the housing defines a cable inlet. The first driving assembly rotates the first robot arm. The second driving assembly rotates the second robot arm. The third driving assembly rotates the third robot arm. The cable receiving tube is received in the first robot arm, the second robot arm, and the third robot arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicants: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: BO LONG
  • Publication number: 20140116183
    Abstract: A hand control device for controlling a peripheral system is disclosed. The hand control device can include a handle configured to be grasped by a user. The handle can comprise a body portion to be supported against a palm of the user. The hand control device can also include a finger control supported about the handle and comprising a rotatable joint to facilitate control based on flexion/extension of an index finger of the user. In addition, the hand control device can include a thumb control supported about the handle and comprising first and second rotatable joints to facilitate control based on flexion/extension and abduction/adduction of a thumb of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Shane Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140116184
    Abstract: A steering wheel retention assembly for retaining a steering wheel hub on a steering shaft of a vehicle steering column includes a mounting portion formed on one of the steering wheel hub and the steering shaft, a receiving portion formed on the other of the steering wheel hub and the steering shaft, and a one-piece retention mechanism positioned in the mounting portion. The retention mechanism includes a resilient locking portion movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking portion projects into the receiving portion in the locked position and is withdrawn from the receiving portion in the unlocked position. The locking portion is biased toward the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Michael W. Clark, Melvin Lee Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20140116185
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket defining an internal cavity, a clamping shaft, a retainer disposed at an outboard end of the clamping shaft, and an inner clamping block disposed in the internal cavity. A steering control shaft is supported for rotation about a longitudinal column axis through the internal cavity. The clamping shaft defines a clamping axis and has an in-board end that is configured to interact with the inner clamping block. The inner clamping block is configured for interacting with the clamping shaft to impose a compressive load on the upper column jacket between the retainer and the inner clamping block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20140116186
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a column jacket, a lock control shaft, a band clamp disposed about the column jacket, and a cam disposed about the lock control shaft. A band clamp is disposed about the column jacket and comprises a circumferential band joined to a clamp arm. The clamp arm extends in a radially outward direction from the column jacket and defines a first shoulder facing toward a radially inward direction and a controlled surface facing in a first direction away from both the lock control shaft and the shaft head. The cam defines a defines a first control surface for interacting with the controlled surface such that, as the lock control shaft is placed in tension, the first control surface causes a band clamp radius to decrease and the band clamp to bear against the upper column jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20140116187
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a lock control shaft, a clamping block, a control wedge, and a wedge block. The clamping block is disposed about the upper column jacket and includes a first clamp arm and a second clamp arm. The first clamp arm defines a first cavity disposed along a cavity axis, and the second clamp arm defines a second cavity disposed along the cavity axis. The second clamp arm defines a clamp arm control opening that intersects with the second cavity. A control wedge has a control surface and is disposed in the clamp arm control opening. A wedge block is disposed in the first cavity and the second cavity and has a controlled surface positioned and configured to cooperate with the control surface to cause the clamping block to bear against the upper column jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20140116188
    Abstract: A vibrator includes first and second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portions, a base end-side weight portion, and a base end-side weight portion joining portion. The end portions of the first and second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portions in an X-axis positive direction face each other across a distance in a Y-axis direction, and the end portions thereof in an X-axis negative direction are joined to each other. The base end-side weight portion is disposed between the first and second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portions. The base end-side weight portion joining portion extends from a joining portion between the first circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portion and the second circular or substantially circular arc-shaped beam portion in the X-axis positive direction, and joined to the base end-side weight portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsumi FUJIMOTO, Toshimaro YONEDA, Takuo HADA, Hideya HORIUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140116189
    Abstract: A terminal supporting apparatus 10 supports at least one of two ends of a control cable having an inner cable and an outer cable. The terminal supporting apparatus 10 includes: a hub 12 attached to an end of the outer cable, and having a flange on an outer periphery thereof; a cushion member 14 disposed to surround the outer periphery of the hub, and being in contact with the flange at both a front surface and a rear surface of the flange; and a housing 17 having a housing part that houses the cushion member. When an angle formed between an axis of the housing part and an axis of the hub is varied in a range of 0.0° to 6.0°, a diagonal static spring constant of the cushion member in an axial direction thereof may be in a range of 350 to 600 N/mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Nono, Masahiko Aoki, Yoshikatsu Tsuge, Kazumichi Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20140116190
    Abstract: A bicycle cable is configured to be inserted in a hollow member of a bicycle. The bicycle cable basically includes a cable body and a pair of plastic tape pieces. The plastic tape pieces are attached to the cable body such that the cable body is interposed between the plastic tape pieces with a thermal adhesive layer sealing the plastic tape pieces to together with thermal adhesion. The plastic tape pieces form a pair of longitudinal extending fins projecting outwardly on both sides of the cable main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoko SUGII, Naoya KATO, Satoru SASAKI, Takashi SAKAMOTO, Yoshihisa KOBAYASHI, Yuichi MORISHITA
  • Publication number: 20140116191
    Abstract: A pedal assembly protects a driver, in which a pedal arm 50 is prevented from pivoting to a driver and forced to pivot forward away from the driver in a collision or a rear-end collision, so that it is possible to maximally preclude an injury of the leg of the driver due to the pedal arm 50.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicants: DONG HEE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Eun Sik Kim, Jeong Seon Min, Ean Soo Cho, Yang Rae Cho, Wi Sang Park
  • Publication number: 20140116192
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pedal assembly (1) comprising a base (2) provided with at least one fastening member (3) designed to allow said base to be fastened the floor of a vehicle (4), as well as at least one pedal (6) having an arm (7) that is articulated on said base (2) around a tilting axis (XX?) supported by said base, the base including, between the fastening member (3) and the tilting axis (XX?), a hollow barrel segment (11) created along a main axis (ZZ?) oriented substantially from said fastening member toward said tilting axis (XX?), and the wall (12) of which forms, in transverse cross-section relative to the main axis (ZZ?), a closed contour around said main axis (ZZ?), and in that the arm (7) of the pedal is subdivided into two branches (14, 15) forming a yoke (16) that is articulated around the tilting axis (XX?) outside the wall (12) of said barrel segment (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MGI COUTIER
    Inventors: Pavan HEMMEGE VENKATAPPA, Eric FERRETTE, Jacques GUEVEL BADOU
  • Publication number: 20140116193
    Abstract: A brake pedal simulator apparatus for a vehicle for implementing a change in a foot effort applied to a brake pedal for each stroke, may include a pedal arm including one end hinge-connected to one side of a frame and the other end in which a pad may be mounted, a link unit including a plurality of links mutually connected between the frame and the pedal arm, and an elastic member elastically supporting the link unit and configured to form reaction force by elastic force in the pedal arm according to the each stroke by the foot effort applied to the pedal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Gab Bae JEON