Patents Issued in January 29, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150031458
    Abstract: An operating device has an operating shaft, engagement protrusions, and a movable body. The movable body can rotate relative to the operating shaft. The movable body engages with the engagement protrusions at positions separate from its rotation center. The movable body rotates relative to the operating shaft through the engagement with the engagement protrusions according to the translation of the operating shaft. A base abuts against the movable body in the rotational direction of this movable body and receives a force due to the movement of the operating shaft from the movable body. Sensors detect the force acting on the base. According to this, an operating device having a novel structure allowing detection of the translation of the operating shaft is implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Aki Yoguchi
  • Publication number: 20150031459
    Abstract: A project unit having a game platform function by mounting a mobile communication device is provided. The project unit includes a first body unit including a mounting unit configured to detachably mount the mobile communication device, a projector connected to the first body unit and configured to project an image in a predetermined direction, a second body unit coupled to the first body unit and configured to selectively move or rotate, and a control unit electrically connected to the first body unit, the projector, and the second body unit, and configured to control the projector and the second body unit, wherein the projector projects a game image transmitted from the mobile communication device through the control unit, and at least one of the first body unit and the second body unit includes a plurality of plate members which are disassembled and assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ROBOTIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Byoung-Soo KIM
  • Publication number: 20150031460
    Abstract: Systems and methods for use in playing biotic games having a biologically active material as a component. Various games that provide for one or more human players to interact with biologically active materials are disclosed. The game apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge having a chamber in which a biologically active component such as a single-celled organism or a biologically active compound is contained. A stimulus controller accepts instructions from a human user and provides a stimulus to the biologically active component. A response receiver accepts a signal indicative of a response of the biologically active component. A display is provided to display to the user information indicative of the response of the biologically active component, and a game score. A computer-based game controller includes a set of pre-defined rules of play that define a game and that comprise pre-defined rules of scoring for the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Hans Ingmar Riedel-Kruse
  • Publication number: 20150031461
    Abstract: An example system includes: a contactless communication part that performs contactless communication with a data storage medium having a contactless communication function; a data writing part that writes data to the data storage medium by the contactless communication part; a storage part that stores the data written by the data writing part; and a corruption determination part that determines whether the data stored in the data storage medium is corrupted or not. When the corruption determination part determines that the data is corrupted, the data writing part writes the data stored in the storage part, to the data storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicants: NINTENDO CO., LTD., AMBRELLA CO., LTD., THE POKÉMON COMPANY
    Inventors: HIROSHI MOMOSE, KAORI ANDO, HIDEAKI ARAKI, TAKAYUKI ITO, NAYUTA TAGA, YOSHIHIRO HATTA
  • Publication number: 20150031462
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring video games are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to identify a video game include generating a memory signature based on a pattern of memory locations of a game medium accessed by a device to play the video game. Such example methods also include determining an identity of the video game based on the memory signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Bradley R. Lawrence, III, Arun Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20150031463
    Abstract: A universal joint member for transmitting torque between two shafts of a drive mechanism includes a first pivot axis for pivoting connection to a first shaft of the drive mechanism, wherein the first pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first shaft; and a second pivot axis for pivoting connection to a second shaft of the drive mechanism, the second pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis and substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the second shaft. A cavity extends through the universal joint member for receiving a pivot pin along the second pivot axis, wherein the pivot pin is configured to connect the universal joint member to the second shaft. A universal joint assembly for a drive mechanism includes a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft, and a universal joint member for transmitting torque between the first and second shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Florian Lenz, Samuel Rufo Gonzalez, Mathias Kliem, Werner Hufenbach
  • Publication number: 20150031464
    Abstract: This patent request addressed to a flexible elastic rotating shaft drive developed for transmission of tri-mechanical power between two points. That it brings as its main characteristics the condition to flex between transmission points to horizontal, vertical, transversal and pendular angles, and also presents the condition of stretching, bending and contracting to the rest starting point, keeping the rotating transmission continuous and intermittent. In which it is formed by a helical spring (2) which works together with a chain (4) fixed in the locking pin (6 and 6a), in its free rotation by bearings (9 and 9a) housed in the support bearing (10 and 10a) forming a compact set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Janice Silvestri
  • Publication number: 20150031465
    Abstract: A putting practice system and apparatus including a main unit, putting pad and rail. The main unit has a bored hole through a top surface into a hollow portion of the main unit. The putting pad has a front end and a rear end and is located at a distance to the main unit. At least one rail is between the main unit and putting pad, the rail having a center portion, a left side, and a right side extending the entire length of the rail between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew D. McWilliam, PGA
  • Publication number: 20150031466
    Abstract: Embodiments of the Putting Trainer are comprised of two side guides and a middle guide. The middle guide is comprised of an essentially solid core with a plurality of notches to accept the side guides. The center guide is further comprised of a semi-circular notch. This semi-circular notch accepts the placement of the golf ball for the putting practice. The putting trainer is used by placing the side guides in the appropriate position on the middle guide. The side guides can be placed in the appropriate slots, in the middle guide by inserting the side guides with the tab in the appropriate slot. The middle guide is further comprised of holes formed in tabs located on either end of the middle guide through which a golf tee can be placed to hold the putting trainer in the appropriate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Dean Oaks
  • Publication number: 20150031467
    Abstract: A club includes a head, a shaft, and a grip. A club length L1 is 43 inches or greater and 48 inches or less. A ratio (Wh/Wc) between a head weight Wh and a club weight We is equal to or greater than 0.70. An inertia moment Ix about swing axis is 6.90×103 (kg·cm2) or greater and 7.50×103 (kg·cm2) or less. A static moment Mt (kg·cm) of the club is equal to or greater than 16.3 (kg·cm). The frequency of vibration of club is 240 (cpm) or greater and 280 (cpm) or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Takashi NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20150031468
    Abstract: A golf club 1 includes a head 3 and a shaft 5. The head 3 has a head body M3, a grounding member Y1 and a movement restricting member Y2. The head body M3 has a sole s3. The sole s3 has a slide part S1 that can slide the grounding member Y1. The movement restricting member Y2 restricts slide movement of the grounding member Y1 while allowing the grounding member Y1 to be fixed at a plurality of slide positions. A face angle can be varied depending on the plurality of slide positions of the grounding member Y1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kiyofumi MATSUNAGA, Naruhiro MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20150031469
    Abstract: A golf club 52 includes a shaft 56, a head 54 including a hosel, a sleeve 58 fixed to a tip part of the shaft 56, a grip 60 fixed to a back end part of the shaft 56, and a connecting member 10 which can be connected to the sleeve 58. The shaft 56 is detachably attached to the head 54. The shaft 56 includes an exposed part Ex. The sleeve 58 can be fixed to the head 54 at a plurality of circumferential direction fixed positions. A three-dimensional angle of the shaft 56 to the head 54 is changed depending on the circumferential direction fixed positions of the sleeve 58. The head 54 includes a head marking Hm. The exposed part Ex includes a shaft marking Sm for confirming the circumferential direction fixed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kota YAMASAWA, Kiyofumi MATSUNAGA, Naruhiro MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20150031470
    Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a face angle adjusting mechanism 20 provided on a sole s4. The face angle adjusting mechanism 20 has a grounding member 22 which can be protruded from the sole s4, a storing part 24 storing the grounding member 22, and a coil spring 26 pressing the grounding member 22 so that the grounding member 22 is protruded from the storing part 24. The grounding member 22 is set so that a protruding amount of the grounding member 22 from the sole s4 is varied depending on its position of rotation angle about its axis in a state where the grounding member 22 is stored in the storing part 24. By changing a position of rotation angle of the grounding member 22, the protruding amount of the grounding member 22 is changed thereby to change a face angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Kiyofumi MATSUNAGA, Naruhiro MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20150031471
    Abstract: An iron golf club head has a strike plate mounted securely in a front face of a head body. The head body has a sealed cavity formed in back of the strike plate so that only the peripheral edge of the strike plate is connected to the head body. When the iron golf club head strikes the golf ball, the strike plate deforms to independently bear the striking force and the cavity provides room to receive the deformation of the strike plate. Therefore, the rebounding effect is enhanced when the iron golf club head hits the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Chi-Hung Su
  • Publication number: 20150031472
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a golf club head with a tapered sole weight. Other embodiments for related club heads and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan M. Stokke, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Publication number: 20150031473
    Abstract: A sole with a shaft adjusting hole for a golf club head includes a recessed portion adjacent to a striking portion and a root of the gold club head. The recessed portion includes a shaft adjusting hole. The sole of the golf club head is a plate separate from the striking portion and a crown of the golf club head. The shaft adjusting hole includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upward from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall includes a plurality of inclined plane faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Ching-Lin Wu
  • Publication number: 20150031474
    Abstract: A head for a ball striking device includes a face having a striking surface and a rear side located behind the face, a rear member connected to the rear side of the face member and having a front surface confronting the rear side of the face member, and a resilient material separating the rear member from the face member, such that the resilient member engages the rear member and the face member and is configured to transfer momentum between the face member and the rear member. The face member has projections extending rearwardly from the rear side of the face member proximate the heel and toe sides of the head. The rear member has receivers in the front surface on the heel and toe sides of the head, where the projections are received in the corresponding receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: David N. Franklin, Brian Kammerer
  • Publication number: 20150031475
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoplastic composition, preferably including: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
  • Publication number: 20150031476
    Abstract: Provided is a spherical polyhedron division structure of a golf ball where dimples are arranged to have a well-defined symmetry and a dimple pattern. In the spherical polyhedron division structure, wherein an arbitrary point on a surface of a spherical body constituting a golf ball is defined as a pole, a great circle dividing the spherical body into a northern hemisphere and a southern hemisphere with respect to the pole as a reference point is defined as an equator, the surface of the spherical body is divided into six areas formed by segments connecting the pole and points obtained by dividing the equator in units of 60°, each area is divided into spherical polygons formed by four spherical rectangles and two spherical triangles having sides with different lengths, and the spherical polygons arranged in different adjacent areas are symmetric with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: VOLVIK INC.
    Inventors: In Hong HWANG, Kyung Ahn MOON
  • Publication number: 20150031477
    Abstract: A golf ball has a large number of dimples on a surface thereof. The golf ball meets the following mathematical formula (I): Su?9.0*So?6.04??(I), Where: So represents a ratio of a sum of spherical surface areas of all the dimples to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball; and Su represents a standard deviation (mm2) of the spherical surface areas of all the dimples. Preferably, the ratio So is equal to or greater than 0.780. Preferably, the standard deviation Su is equal to or less than 2.150 mm2. Preferably, a number of the dimples is equal to or greater than 300 but equal to or less than 390. Preferably, an average Sa of the spherical surface areas s of all the dimples is equal to or greater than 14.00 mm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Takahiro SAJIMA, Hyoungchol KIM
  • Publication number: 20150031478
    Abstract: An inside foot soccer pass training device is disclosed. The passing device includes a curved race and a foot carriage that can travel from one end of the race to the other. The curved race guides the foot carriage into a proper technical position, which allows a user to improve their technique of the inside foot soccer pass. Embodiments include multiple tracks, an overall tensioner designed to strengthen inner leg muscles, an impact device designed to mimic the feel of hitting an actual soccer ball, and electric force monitors to compute both the impact the foot carriage makes on the impact device and the force on the foot carriage as it moves along the race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Miles Alden-Dunn
  • Publication number: 20150031479
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a baseball and softball pitcher's “leg drive” for training and coaching purposes and for developing a strong leg drive. The apparatus includes a lower ground engaging plate and an upper pitcher's foot supporting plate. The plates are slidingly secured to one another such that the upper plate is linearly moveable relative to the lower plate. A force measuring element is provided between the upper and lower plates. A pitchers rubber is secured to the upper plate. A pitcher uses the apparatus by stepping on the upper plate and pushing against the rubber while pitching, thereby linearly moving the upper plate against the element. The element thereby provides an output indicative of the pitcher's leg drive. The element can be a load cell or a spring mechanism. An audible sound is generated when the spring force is overcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Richard E. Dunno, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150031480
    Abstract: A game for at least 2 players wherein one of the players attempts to score points by hurling a plastic ball with the aid of a scoop racket into one of three scoring areas of their opponents “goal”. Opposing players stand at opposite ends of a playing field with said goal(s) positioned in front of each player. Goals are situated a certain distance apart from each other, the three scoring areas are mounted at adjustable heights above the playing surface and can be positioned in a common plane (or not). Said scoring areas are of various diameters and point values. Said scoring areas are distinctly apart from each other (not abutted) and are attached to a fixed post (standard). Points are awarded to players for hurling the ball into one of their opponent's scoring areas with point values inversely proportional to the diameter of the scoring area scored upon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: William F. Kidd, III, Andrew E. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20150031481
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for stitching a thread with a high coefficient of friction upon a stripe member present on the game ball. At least one stitching is thus formed upon the stripe member. The stitching formed from the thread enhances the grip and/or spin characteristics of the resulting game ball, improving handling and playability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: PSI 91, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Frank, Daniel P. Touhey
  • Publication number: 20150031482
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball having one or more grip zones that have greater frictional interaction compared to the outer surface of the game ball. The grip zones are made by stitching of a coated thread upon at least one cover panel to create the grip zone. The grip zone formed from the coated thread enhances the handling characteristics and playability of the resulting game ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: John P. Frank, Daniel P. Touhey, Louis Swiszcz
  • Publication number: 20150031483
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a main body, a chain cage, a first pulley, a second pulley and a chain contact member. The main body is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The chain cage is pivotally coupled to the main body movement between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The first pulley is rotatably coupled to one of the chain cage and the main body. The second pulley is rotatably mounted to the chain cage to move therewith relative to the main body. The chain contact member is coupled to the main body. The chain contact member includes a non-rotatable chain contact portion that projects into a chain path between the first and second pulleys while the chain cage is in the first orientation, and that is located outside of the chain path between the first and second pulleys while the chain cage is in the second orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Sota YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150031484
    Abstract: A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner includes an arm that is rotatable about a first axis and a spring. The spring has at least one inner winding, an outer winding, and a transition zone. The outer winding has an outer coil that defines an outer diameter. The inner winding has an inner coil that defines an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the inner coil is less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner winding is received by the outer winding. The outer winding and the inner winding of the spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis and into tensioning engagement with the power transmitting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: James Kevin Lindstrom
  • Publication number: 20150031485
    Abstract: A tensioner is disclosed that may be part of a power system where the tensioner provides tension to an endless power transmitting element such as a belt, chain, or other continuous loop. The tensioner has an arm that is rotatable about a first axis. The tensioner also includes an outer spring and at least one inner spring. The outer spring has an outer coil that defines an outer diameter. The inner spring has an inner coil that defines an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the inner coil is less than the outer diameter of the outer coil such that at least a portion of the inner spring is received by the outer spring. The outer spring and the inner spring both urge the arm to rotate about the first axis and into tensioning engagement with the power transmitting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: James Kevin Lindstrom
  • Publication number: 20150031486
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an endless metal ring by cutting an annular member made of maraging steel containing molybdenum into a ring element having a predetermined width, wherein a melted-solidified layer is formed on an outer circumference of the annular member, and the melted-solidified layers are arranged to be continuous in a circumferential direction of the ring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Nishida, Ichiro Aoto, Ryo Adomi
  • Publication number: 20150031487
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device having a control device making another first planetary gear device constituent member and a second planetary gear device constituent member non-rotatable by a brake to perform electric motor running for running with power of a second electric motor while an engine is put into a non-drive state, when the engine is started during the electric motor running the control device causing a first electric motor to rotate the engine while the other first planetary gear device constituent member and the one second planetary gear device constituent member are kept non-rotatable by the brake, and when the brake is released after start of the engine, the control device controlling the first electric motor before release of the brake so a torque applied to the brake due to power of the engine reaches a magnitude balancing with a torque applied to the brake due to a running load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kiyokami, Norihiro Yamamura
  • Publication number: 20150031488
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device comprising: an engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor disposed on a first axis; a first axis output portion outputting power of the first axis; a second axis input portion that is an input portion of a second axis to which power from the first axis output portion is input, the second axis being parallel to the first axis; a second axis output portion outputting power of the second axis; a transmission changing speed between the second axis input portion and the second axis output portion, the transmission being disposed on the second axis; and a third axis input portion that is an input portion of a third axis to which power from the second axis output portion is input, the third axis being parallel to the first axis, the first axis output portion, the second axis input portion, the second axis output portion, and the third axis input portion all being disposed between the first electric motor and the second electric motor in a direction of the first axis, the trans
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Makoto Funahashi, Atsushi Tabata, Keita Imai, Sho Mizushino
  • Publication number: 20150031490
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a differential casing defining first and second output shaft openings. The differential casing can have a case housing portion that defines fluid porting therein. The case housing portion including a hub extending therefrom. The hub can have an inner hub portion and an outer hub portion. The outer hub portion can be stepped down from the inner hub portion. The hub can include a stepped annular face at a transition between the inner and the outer hub portions. A hydraulic transfer bushing can be received by the outer hub of the case housing portion. The hydraulic transfer bushing can define fluid porting therein. The hydraulic transfer bushing can be disposed on the outer hub at a location where the fluid communication porting is fluidly connected to the fluid porting of the case housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Publication number: 20150031491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power shift transmission (10). The power shift transmission comprises an input shaft (18), a first output shaft (20) arranged coaxially to the input shaft (18), a planetary transmission (22) having a planet gear carrier (28), which is connected to the input shaft (18), and at least one dual-stage planetary gear set (30), the dual-stage planetary gear set (30) engaging on the input side with an input-side sun gear (52) and on the output side with an output-side sun gear (44) in each case, and at least two shift elements (24, 26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Ulrich Otten, Martin Schaller
  • Publication number: 20150031492
    Abstract: Transmissions with at least three gearing-arrangements with similar first and second gearing-arrangements that produce a number of transmissions having an eleven forward-speed and two reverse-speed ratios, having ten forward-speed and three reverse-speed ratios, and having five forward-speed and one reverse-speed ratios by selective engagement of three shift-elements in various combinations. Some embodiments include four simple planetary-gearsets and six shift-elements of which two or three are brakes. Another embodiment includes a double-pinion planetary-gearset and six shift-elements of which three are brakes. Other embodiments include three simple planetary-gearsets and five shift-elements of which one or two are brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Scott Lippert, Jeremy Lynn Hargis
  • Publication number: 20150031493
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission having eight forward and one reverse gear includes planetary gearsets, shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3), which can couple, via brake (03), the housing and couples the ring gear of gearset (P3). The input shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and can couple, via clutch (15), shaft (5), which couples the ring and sun gears of respective gearsets (P2, P3). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6) and the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (8) couples the carrier and sun gear of respective gearsets (P3, P4). Shaft (4) couples the carrier of gearset (P4) and can couple, via brake (04), the housing. The input shaft couples the ring gear of gearset (P4) and, via clutch (27), couples shaft (7), which couples the carrier of gearset (P2). Clutch (56, 67, 57) engages to block gearset (P2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Timo Wehlen
  • Publication number: 20150031494
    Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided to adjust the speed between input and output members. The transmission is configured with four planetary gears having, (i) first to third rotary elements, (ii) fourth to sixth, (iii) seventh to ninth, and (iv) tenth to twelfth rotary elements. Three couplings are provided between (i) first and sixth rotary elements, (ii) second and ninth rotary elements, and (iii) third and eighth rotary elements. Three clutches are provided between (i) second coupling element and tenth rotary element, (ii) fifth and twelfth rotary elements, and (iii) fourth and tenth rotary elements. Three brakes are provided at (i) the fifth rotary element, (ii) the fourth rotary element, and (iii) seventh rotary element. The input member is connected to the tenth rotary element and the output member is connected to the third coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Otake, Toru Souda, Satoru Kasuya, Nobukazu Ike, Hiroshi Kato, Shinji Oita, Masaru Morise
  • Publication number: 20150031495
    Abstract: A multi-ratio transmission with nine forward and one reverse gear. Sun gears of first and third gearsets (P1, P3) are couplable, via brake (04), a housing. Carrier of third gearset (P3) and sun gear of second gearset (P2) are couplable, via clutch (13), to input shaft or coupled, via brake (03), housing. Input shaft detachably couples, via clutch (16), ring gear of third gearset (P3), and, via clutch (18), carrier of second gearset (P2) and detachably couples, via clutch (78), ring gear of fourth gearset (P4). Ring gear of second gearset (P2) and carrier of first gearset (P2, P1) are connected to one another. Output shaft couples carrier and ring gear of the fourth and first gearsets (P4, P1) to one another. The sun gear of fourth gearset (P4) is coupled to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Publication number: 20150031496
    Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements each establish at least one reverse gear ratio and between nine and fifteen forward gear ratios. A shiftable gearing arrangement establishes a variety of gear ratios speed ratio between the input and a first shaft. In some embodiments, a fixed speed ratio is established upstream or downstream of the shiftable gearing arrangement. In reverse and low gear ratios, a low clutch couples the first shaft to the output. In the high gear ratios, a combining planetary gear set establishes a linear speed relationship between the first shaft, a second shaft rotating at a speed proportional to the input, and the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Edward Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150031497
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear, including input and output shafts, planetary gearsets, gear stages, shift elements and shafts. Input shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and, via clutch (15), can couple shaft (5) that couples the ring and sun gears respectively of gearsets (P2, P3). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6), which couples the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (3) couples the sun gear of gearset (P1), can couple the housing via brake (03), and can couple shaft (8), which couples the ring gear of gearset (P3). The carrier of gearset (P2) couples shaft (4), which can couple the output shaft (2) via gear stage (S1) and clutch (24). The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7), which couples gear stage (S2), which couples the output shaft. A clutch (46, 56 or 45) can engage to block gearset (P2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Timo Wehlen
  • Publication number: 20150031498
    Abstract: A multistage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear, including an input and output shafts, planetary gearsets, gear stages, shift elements and shafts. The input shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and, via clutch (15), can couple shaft (5) that couples the sun gear of gearset (P3) and, via clutch (58), can couple shaft (8) connected to the ring gear of gearset (P2). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6) connected to the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (3) couples the sun and ring gears of respective gearsets (P1, P3) and can couple, via brake (03), the housing. The carrier of gearset (P2) couples shaft (4) gear stage (S1) which couples the output shaft. The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7) gear stage (S2) which couples the output shaft. Clutch (56) can couple shafts (5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Timo Wehlen
  • Publication number: 20150031499
    Abstract: An assembly includes a sun gear that includes a external gear teeth and internal axial spline teeth, a drive hub including a first sleeve portion formed with lateral holes, and insert assemblies, each insert assembly including a sleeve located in one of the holes and secured to the first sleeve portion, a plunger located in the sleeve for displacement along the sleeve, and a spring urging the plunger laterally outward toward engagement with the spline teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne M. Wischerath
  • Publication number: 20150031500
    Abstract: Disclosed is a continuously variable transmission including: a pair of pressing means that form a torque transmission contact portion in a disk overlapping area where the input disk and the output disk are overlapped; target slip rate setting means that is configured to set a target slip rate between the input disk and the output disk in the torque transmission contact portion to a value higher than a torque transmission start slip rate in the torque transmission contact portion; and control means that is configured to control a force for clamping and pressing both the disks using the pressing means such that an actual slip rate in the torque transmission contact portion becomes the target slip rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tange
  • Publication number: 20150031501
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle having a continuously variable transmission is provided. The continuously variable transmission further includes a forward disconnect clutch configured to selectively couple and decouple the continuously variable transmission and a first set of drive wheels. The hybrid-electric vehicle further includes a rear e-axle assembly, which allows the vehicle to operate in an electric-only mode, in which the vehicle is propelled with power generated solely by at least one electric power component. When the vehicle is operated in electric-only mode, the transmission disconnect clutch is disengaged, such that the continuously variable transmission is decoupled from the first set of drive wheels to allow the continuously variable transmission to operate in a low loss state. A method of transitioning an all-wheel drive hybrid-electric vehicle between an electric only mode and a hybrid mode, i.e., completing a “flying start,” is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Tolkacz, Robert L. Moses, Min-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20150031502
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a hybrid vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising at least an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, wherein an automated manual transmission is connected between the internal combustion engine and an output, wherein the electric machine is coupled via a friction clutch to a shaft of the automated manual transmission. Wherein in the automated manual transmission, by interruption of the drive torque provided by the hybrid drive on the output, shifts are executed in such a way that in a first phase the drive torque provided at the output is first reduced, subsequently in a second phase the actual gear shift is executed and following that in a third phase drive torque is built up at the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Johannes KALTENBACH, Christian Mittelberger, Viktor Haeberle
  • Publication number: 20150031503
    Abstract: A control device of a hybrid system includes an engine; a motor/generator; an automatic clutch to a first engaging unit side of which an engine rotary shaft is connected; a differential device provided with a plurality of rotational elements to each of which an MG rotary shaft and a second engaging unit side of the automatic clutch are separately connected; a first transmission a rotary shaft of which is connected to the rotational element to which the second engaging unit is connected; a second transmission a rotary shaft of which is connected to another rotational element; and an output shaft connected to a driving wheel side, wherein at the time of EV driving, transmission control is performed and the automatic clutch is disengaged such that the first transmission and the second transmission can perform torque transmission between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruo Isomura, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Publication number: 20150031504
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a control system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising a prime mover and a driveline, the control system being configured selectively to control the driveline to assume a first state in which a transmission of the driveline is substantially fully connected to the prime mover and a second state in which when the vehicle is stationary the transmission is at least partially disconnected or decoupled from the prime mover thereby to reduce a torque loading on the prime mover, the control system being configured to control the driveline to assume the second state when the vehicle is held stationary by brake means in response to actuation of driver operable brake control means, the control system being operable upon release of the brake control means to verify that a first portion of a powertrain of the vehicle is rotating at a speed exceeding a prescribed threshold and to command the driveline to assume the first state before permitting release of
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Tim Reynolds, Craig Percy
  • Publication number: 20150031505
    Abstract: A hybrid electric weight device applying to exercise equipment, comprising: a frame body, a load mechanism having a main shaft, a motor torque member and a spring member, a force mechanism having at least a set of rods, load cells and handles, an acceleration processing board having an acceleration sensor and a microprocessor, a digital watch arranged on the frame body for users inputting an exercise set value; and a servo controller. When operating the force mechanism, the users feel the load generated by both motor torque member and spring member of the load mechanism; the servo controller continues to compare differences in the value of the load cell, digital watch and acceleration processing board and then corrects the current value to drive the motor torque member for the users feeling smooth while operating the force mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: CHIA HUA FITNESS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LI-MIN HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20150031506
    Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO, sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO, level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: MARTIN P. FOLEY, Jerry R. Grychowski
  • Publication number: 20150031507
    Abstract: A system for extending a finger of a hand comprises structural elements configured to be inserted into a flexed finger and capable of providing a controllable force to extend the finger. In some embodiments, structural elements comprise a cam connected to a spacer, the spacer connected to a first strut, and a second strut holding a loading assembly, an end piece and a spring. The loading assembly compresses or relaxes the spring, which exerts a variable force on the end piece, which rotates the cam and the first strut about an extension angle. When the extension angle is minimal, the first and second struts are substantially parallel. A method of extending a finger of a hand substantially fixed in a flexed position comprises inserting a system comprising structural elements into the finger and thereafter providing a force to extend the finger and maintaining the force for a period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: DYNASPLINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Russell L. Vedeloff, George R. Hepburn, Stacey Gausling
  • Publication number: 20150031508
    Abstract: The present invention, the Multifaceted Linear Training Device, is a pliable exercise device that allows the user to perform various resistance exercises. This exercise invention consists of a resilient pliable outer shell, a supple padded inner sheath, and a flexible weighted inner mass with a multitude of fastening straps and handles designed to enhance the strength training effectiveness of this device. These handles provide an ergonomic user interface for this resistance system and thus a unique method to exercise the entire body. When the straps and handles are combined, this innovative device may be transformed into a weight vest and worn during exercise. This multifaceted resistance system allows the user a choice of dead, dynamic, or progressive weight training options. This invention may also be integrated with free-weights and other traditional workout equipment to create new enhanced training exercises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Morgan Goldberg