08th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 29 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120045231 | TRANSFER DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A transfer device includes a controller that controls a transfer bias supply to cause a transfer bias to increase, between an image carrier and a first rotary body disposed opposite the image carrier, a potential of the first rotary body toward an opposite polarity to a charge polarity of toner of a toner image on the image carrier to be higher than a potential of the image carrier, and to change, on the basis of identified recording medium type, a returning peak value which is one of a peak value of positive polarity and a peak value of negative polarity of the transfer bias and which generates an electric field that causes the toner having moved to the recording medium from the image carrier to return to the image carrier from the recording medium in a transfer nip. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045232 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus stops the intermediate transfer belt so that a wrinkle is formed at a predetermined position of an intermediate transfer belt and, by detecting a reference mark during a preparation operation for forming an image when starting image formation, the toner image is not transferred onto the wrinkle formed in the intermediate transfer belt when formation of a toner image is started immediately after the preparation operation has been completed. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045233 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus performs control so that a wrinkle is formed at a predetermined position of an intermediate transfer belt and, when forming a toner image having such a large size that the toner image overlaps the wrinkle formed in the intermediate transfer belt, the leading edge and the trailing edge of the toner image overlap the wrinkle. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045234 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - No registration pattern can be formed with a reference density due to environmental changes. In such a case, any registration cannot be formed until an image forming apparatus is controlled to be able to form a registration pattern with the reference density. To solve this problem, a CPU included in the image forming apparatus controls pattern forming conditions so that registration patterns of respective colors can match one another in density lower than the reference density. The CPU controls each image forming unit to form a registration pattern based on the controlled pattern forming conditions. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045235 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to bear a latent image on a surface thereof, a developing unit to develop the latent image on the image bearing member with toner, a driving unit to drive the developing device, a storage unit to store a cumulative travel distance of the developing roller at predetermined timing, a total travel distance of the developing unit, and control conditions for the developing unit, a controller to obtain a difference between the total travel distance of the developing roller and the cumulative travel distance up to a predetermined point in time in image forming operation and to instruct intermittent printing in which continuous printing is limited to a certain number of pages in a predetermined time period when the difference is equal to or greater than a threshold travel distance, and an operation unit in which the control conditions are set. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045236 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a developing device for accommodating a transport toner and a carrier; a transferring device for transferring a transparent toner image from the image bearing member onto a surface of a recording material; a heating device for heating the transparent toner image; a switching portion for switching between a first mode in which the transparent toner image is transferred onto the surface of the recording material having a fixed non-transparent toner image and a second mode having an unfixed non-transparent toner image or having no image; and a controller for controlling the developing device so that transfer of the carrier during the first mode is more suppressed than in the second mode. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045237 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a transfer bias generator including a transfer bias supply that supplies a transfer bias to a transfer nip formed between an image carrier and a first rotary body, and a controller that detects a toner adhesion amount at a predetermined region of the image carrier located immediately upstream from the transfer nip and having a predetermined length in a moving direction of the image carrier. The transfer bias generator outputs at least an alternating current component under one of constant voltage control and constant current control and changes a target output value of the alternating current component according to the toner adhesion amount detected by the controller. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045238 | LASER FUSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A laser fusing apparatus including: a laser light source for emitting a laser beam; a conveyance belt for conveying a sheet with a toner image being transferred thereon and guiding the sheet to an irradiation region in which the toner image is to be irradiated with the laser light source; a heat pipe including a heat receiving portion to receive heat generated by the laser light source and a heat releasing portion to supply the received heat to the conveyance belt; and a fuser control section for controlling the laser light source so that the laser light source irradiates the laser beam to the toner image when the toner image passes the irradiation region, thereby fixing the toner image onto the sheet, wherein the conveyance belt heats the sheet and the toner image with the heat supplied from the heat radiation section. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045239 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARTUS - A fixing device includes a laser light source for irradiating an unfixed toner image formed on a recording sheet, and melts a toner by light from the laser light source to fix the toner image on the recording sheet. Here, where a conveyance speed of the recording sheet is p, a length of a light irradiation area in a conveyance direction of the recording sheet is q, time during which the toner of the unfixed image is subjected to light during conveyance is r, and energy per unit area given to the toner of the unfixed image is J, light output of the laser light source is controlled so that the energy during a constant time r | 2012-02-23 |
20120045240 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device including a fixing rotational body and fixing images on sheets of various sizes, comprising: a main excitation coil heating the rotational body by electromagnetic induction and having an effective heating length L | 2012-02-23 |
20120045241 | FIXING DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME, AND FIXING METHOD - A fixing device includes a temperature controller that controls a temperature of a fixing rotary body based on the temperature of the fixing rotary body detected by a temperature detector so as to heat the fixing rotary body to a plurality of preset target temperatures that includes a first target standby temperature, a target fixing temperature, a target idle temperature, and a second target standby temperature. When the target fixing temperature is lower than the first target standby temperature, the temperature controller separates a pressing rotary body from the fixing rotary body to idle the fixing rotary body for a predetermined idle time period before a fixing operation starts. After the fixing operation, the temperature controller controls a heater to change the temperature of the fixing rotary body to the second target standby temperature. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045242 | PRINTING DEVICE - A printing device is provided with a printing unit configured to print images on sheets, a plurality of discharge trays configured to receive printed sheets, a detection unit configured to detect a switching instruction to switch among the plurality of discharge trays, and a discharge control unit. The discharge control unit stops a currently executed print job, selects one of following print jobs which does not designate a currently used discharge tray, and switches the discharge trays such that a discharge tray other than the currently used discharge tray as a selected discharge tray to be used, starts the selected one of following print job using the selected discharge tray, when the detection unit detects the switching instruction. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045243 | BLOWER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A blower includes a fan; and an air duct having a passage formed therein, the air duct guiding the air and blowing the air onto the corona discharger, the air duct including an increasing-width portion in which a passage width gradually increases downstream in an air flow direction, a decreasing-height portion in which a passage height gradually decreases downstream in the air flow direction, an extension portion extending from a downstream end of the decreasing-height portion to a position near the corona discharger, a bent portion that is bent from a downstream end of the extension portion toward the corona discharger, an opening formed at a downstream end of the bent portion, and a plate-shaped member disposed in the passage at a position on an inner wall of any of the decreasing-height portion and the extension portion, the inner wall being on the corona discharger side. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045244 | CAP, POWDER CONTAINER, DEVELOPER SUPPLY DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A cap is configured to be attached to a developer container that discharges developer contained in the container body out of the container body through a discharge port defined in a portion of the container body. The cap includes a first attaching member and a second attaching member that are detachably assembled into one piece. When the first attaching member or the second attaching member receives a rotary force, the first attaching member and the second attaching member are separated from each other, and only the first attaching member is released from the container body. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045245 | BELT UNIT AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING THE BELT UNIT - A belt unit used for an image forming apparatus is provided. The belt unit includes a rotatable endless belt, a plurality of stretching members configured to stretch the belt, an urging member, and a contact and separation unit configured to be able to switch a position of the stretching member urged by the urging member. In moving the stretching member urged by the urging member from the separation position to the contact position, the contact and separation unit makes one end side of the stretching member urged by the urging member in a longitudinal direction coming into contact with the inner surface of the belt faster than the other end side, and temporarily decreases the movement speeds of the both ends of the stretching member in the longitudinal direction respectively before arriving at the contact position. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045246 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus containing an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image, where the electrophotographic photoreceptor has an undercoat layer containing metal oxide particles; the toner for developing an electrostatic charge image is a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image containing toner matrix particles formed in an aqueous medium; the toner has a volume median diameter (Dv50) of from 4.0 μm to 7.0 μm; and the relationship between the volume median diameter (Dv50) and the percentage in number (Dns) of toner particles having a particle diameter of from 2.00 μm to 3.56 μm satisfies the following formula (1): | 2012-02-23 |
20120045247 | Systems and Methods for Remanufacturing Imaging Components - A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface. Each prong may include an extension member extending perpendicular to the prongs and the cross-sectional area of the extension members may be less than the cross-sectional area of the prongs. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045248 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic image; a rotatable supporting member swingably supporting the rotatable supporting member, the rotatable supporting member being provided with a first gear portion and being rotatable while carrying a plurality of developing devices for developing the electrostatic image with toner; a drive transmission device for transmitting a rotational force to the rotatable supporting member, the drive transmission device being provided with a second gear portion engaged with first gear portion at an engagement position; and an opposing portion provided opposed to the rotatable supporting member with a gap therebetween which is smaller than an amount of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045249 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a first photosensitive member and a second photosensitive member that form images having different colors, a transfer belt that transfers the images formed on the first photosensitive member and the second photosensitive member onto a recording sheet, a first motor that rotatingly drives the first photosensitive member and the transfer belt, and a second motor that rotatingly drives the second photosensitive member. After the startup process of the first and second motors has been completed, the rotation speed of the second motor is controlled while maintaining the rotation speed of the first motor unchanged so that the second rotation phase of the second photosensitive member rotatingly driven by the second motor is the same as the first rotation phase of the first photosensitive member rotatingly driven by the first motor. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045250 | CHARGING MEMBER, PROCESS FOR ITS PRODUCTION, AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - To provide a charging member that can not easily cause faulty cleaning. A charging member having a conductive support and an elastic layer that is a surface layer; the elastic layer having on its surface a region having been cured by irradiation with electron rays, where the region having been cured supports at least one type of spherical particles of spherical silica particles, spherical alumina particles and spherical zirconia particles in such a state that the spherical particles are exposed at least in part to the surface of the elastic layer so as to make the surface roughened. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045251 | Charging apparatus using charging tube and image forming apparatus having the same - A charging apparatus including a charging tube which has an outer surface contacting a photoconductive medium and electrically charges a surface of the photoconductive medium, a shaft which is disposed in the charging tube and to which a charging voltage is applied, and a conductive member which is connected to the shaft and contacts an inner surface of the charging tube. A friction coefficient between the conductive member and the inner surface of the charging tube may be less than a friction coefficient between the photoconductive medium and the outer surface of the charging tube, so that a slip phenomenon of the charging tube is prevented. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045252 | DEVELOPMENT DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED THEREWITH - A development device mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a photoconductive drum in which an electrostatic latent image is formed on a surface thereof, the development device comprising: a developer tank; a development roller that is provided in the developer tank; first and second developer conveying paths; and first and second developer conveying spiral members that conveying the developer in the circulating manner in the first and second developer conveying paths, wherein at least one of the first and second developer conveying spiral members further includes an end blade that is provided at one end of the rotary shaft, the end blade includes: a spiral blade portion that is fixed to the circumferential surface of the rotary shaft; and a circumferential agitating plate portion that is fixed to a circumferential portion of the spiral blade portion. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045253 | Developing unit and image forming apparatus employing the same - A developing unit includes a toner storage portion containing toner and including a toner supply member, a development portion disposed above the toner storage portion and containing the toner supplied from the toner storage portion by the toner supply member, and including a developing roller and a supply roller to supply the toner to the developing roller, and a partition wall to divide the toner storage portion and the development portion, and including an opening portion disposed under the lowest portion of the supply roller and forming a path of the toner supplied from the toner storage portion to the development portion. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045254 | DEVELOPER REGULATOR, DEVELOPMENT DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A developer regulator to restrict an amount of a developer, including a base portion; an intermediate portion continuous with the base portion, the intermediate portion having a flat area on one face, the flat area having a roughened surface; and a distal end continuous with the intermediate portion, the distal end being bent relative to the base portion in a direction opposite the one face in which the flat area is formed. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045255 | DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Provided is a developing device employing single-component development in which in an upstream side of a most proximate area of a developing roller and a blade for regulating a toner layer, toner aggregation is made difficult to occur between the developing roller and the blade, and uniformity of the toner layer on the developing roller is increased, so as to be able to perform development which does not apply heavy stress and is excellent in uniformity. In the developing device, the blade is divided into two areas of a downstream area in a rotational direction of the developing roller including the most proximate part to the developing roller and an upstream area in a rotational direction of the developing roller not including the most proximate part, and adhesion between a toner and the blade in the upstream area is made smaller than that in the downstream area. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045256 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS THAT EMPLOYS ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC METHOD - The formation position of a primary-transferred toner image is corrected by using, as a reference, a timing at which a marker that rotates together with a rotating member is detected by a marker detecting unit for detecting the marker, after part of a preparation operation in which a processing unit is caused to contact or depart from the rotating member is finished. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045257 | ENDLESS BELT, INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER BELT UNIT, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE ENDLESS BELT - An intermediate transfer belt includes a belt body and a first and a second travelling guide ribs. The first and the second travelling guide ribs are respectively provided in a first edge portion and a second edge portion in width direction in an internal perimetric face of the belt body. A first joint of the first travelling guide rib and a second joint of the second travelling guide rib are disposed so as to be apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the belt body at least not less than a distance corresponding to a semicircle of an intermediate transfer belt drive roller. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045258 | Preheating of Marking Material-Substrate Interface for Printing and the Like - Substrate (or marking material) pre-heating is employed to facilitate fusing of the marking material with the substrate and with adjacent marking material. By heating primarily the material which becomes the interface between substrate and marking material, and by minimizing the distance between the point of heat application to the substrate (or marking material) and the marking nip in a print system, the amount of time for heat energy to dissipate prior to the application of the marking material to the substrate surface is minimized, meaning that the total amount of energy required to drive the heat source can be reduced. Addressable heating may be employed to further reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, optical heating may be used to provide rapid, on-demand heating, thereby reducing warm-up time as well as reducing unutilized heat energy. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045259 | TRANSFER DEVICE, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND TRANSFER METHOD - A transfer device includes an image carrier that carries a toner image; a nip forming member that forms a transfer nip between the nip forming member and the image carrier by contacting with a front surface of the image carrier; and a transfer bias applying unit that applies a transfer bias, thereby transferring the toner image carried on the image carrier to a recording material at a position of the transfer nip. The transfer bias applying unit applies the transfer bias in which an AC component and a DC component are superimposed and in which a peak-to-peak voltage of the AC component is larger than 6 times an absolute value of a voltage of the DC component. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045260 | FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A fixing device includes a rotary fuser member, a rotary pressure member, a first media stripper, and a second media stripper. The rotary fuser member is subjected to heating. The rotary pressure member is pressed against the fuser member to form a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium is passed in a media conveyance direction under heat and pressure as the fuser and pressure members rotate together. The first media stripper includes at least one pneumatic nozzle disposed adjacent to the fuser member to direct compressed gas toward the fixing nip along the fuser member for stripping the recording medium from the fuser member. The second media stripper includes at least one contact finger disposed in contact with the pressure member to slide against the pressure member during rotation for stripping the recording medium from the pressure member. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045261 | FUSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH THE SAME, AND HEATING APPARATUS - A fusing apparatus that including a sheet heating element for generating heat to fix a toner image being transferred onto a sheet; an endless belt; a rigid member for conducting the heat to the endless belt and being arranged to contact with the sheet heating element and the endless belt respectively; and a pressure member for pressing the sheet heating element against the rigid member, wherein the endless belt is arranged to contact with the sheet, the sheet heating element includes an elongated substrate extending in a widthwise direction of the endless belt, plural resistance heating layers which are formed on a surface of the substrate along a longitudinal direction thereof and arranged parallel to one another, and at least one conduction portion formed in at least one place of an intermediate region between one end and another of each resistance heating layer to connect the different resistance heating layers, and the pressure member presses the sheet heating element against the rigid member at a position other than a position where the conduction portion is formed. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045262 | Image forming apparatus - An image forming apparatus, including a fixing liquid applicator applying a fixing liquid including a plasticizer swelling and softening a toner forming a toner image to fix on a recording medium thereto before bearing the toner image; a transferer transferring the toner image on a toner image bearer onto the recording medium while contacting the toner image to the fixing liquid thereon; and a fixing device heating the toner image and the fixing liquid to fix the toner image thereon, wherein the fixing liquid applicator comprises an application member bearing the fixing liquid on its surface and apply the liquid on a surface of the recording medium the toner image is transferred onto; a feeder feeding the fixing liquid to the application member; and an inducement mechanism inducing the fixing liquid pooling at a delivery point where the feeder feeds the fixing liquid to the application member out of the point. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045263 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part configure to form an image on a sheet of paper; and a paper ejection tray, provided above an image forming part, including a supporting part configured to support the sheet of paper ejected after having the image formed thereonto by the image forming part, and a radiation opening configured to radiate therethrough heat from the image forming part to the outside air. The radiation opening is provided lower than the supporting part. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045264 | IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an openable cover, including a rotational shaft, capable of opening and closing an opening by being rotated about the rotational shaft relative to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus; an image forming portion for forming a toner image on a sheet; an opposing member, provided in the image forming portion, opposing the openable cover when the openable cover closes the opening; a contact member, provided on the openable cover, contactable to the opposing member; an urging member, provided on the openable cover, for urging the contact member toward the opposing member; and a locking member for locking the openable cover in a closed state relative to the main assembly. The image forming apparatus comprising a cam member, provided in the image forming portion, for moving the contact member toward and away from the opposing member by rotation of the cam member. The cam member has a shape such that when the contact member is contacted to the opposing member in a state in which the openable cover is not locked by the locking member, the cam member applies a force to the openable cover in a direction, in which the opening is open, by rotation thereof and then applies a force to the openable cover in a direction, in which the opening is closed, by rotation thereof. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045265 | CHARGE REMOVAL FROM A SHEET - A method of removing charge from a charged sheet prior to stacking the charged sheet is disclosed. The method includes moving the charged sheet through a set of nipped rollers while a first roller has an AC voltage applied thereto so that a first side of the charged sheet is in contact with the first roller and has its charge substantially dissipated, whereby charge substantially remains on a second side of the charged sheet in contact with a second roller. The method further includes using at least one non-contact charge removal device to remove charge from the second side of the charged sheet, and stacking the discharged sheet. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045266 | Collapsable Core for Printer - The present invention provides a reusable and collapsible take-up core for a printer. The core is generally a hollow member having an interior bored mated to fit over a spindle. The core comprises a wall having an interior and exterior surface, at least one axially extending ridge formed on the interior surface of the wall of the core, and an axially extending relief groove formed on the exterior surface of the wall of the core. The take-up core of the present invention provides a more efficient, less time consuming, less messy method and device for unrolling the used or spent material off the core. A method for discarding spent material (i.e. release liner) from a core of a take-up assembly of a printer is also provided. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045267 | PENCIL, IN PARTICULAR A COSMETIC PENCIL - A pencil, in particular a cosmetic pencil, comprising a cartridge, a lead held such that it can move axially relative to the cartridge, and a shaper for shaping the working end of the lead. The pencil can adopt an operating state in which twisting of the shaper relative to the lead and/or the cartridge in a first angle of rotation section leads to axial displacement of the cartridge relative to the lead in the direction away from the shaper, and in a second angle of rotation section leads to axial displacement of the lead in the direction towards the shaper. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045268 | APPLICATOR AND COSMETIC DEVICE HAVING THE APPLICATOR - The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetics, in particular a mascara applicator, having an applicator device embodied in the form of a fan, and applicator elements constituting the fan are movable from a first fan position into a second fan position and/or vice versa, with the applicator elements being folded-in closer to one another or fanned-out farther from one another in the second fan position than they are in the first fan position. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045269 | FLUID TUBE - A fluid tube includes a tube, a fluid, for example, a fluid medicine, alcohol or cosmetic fluid carried in the tube, a sealing cap heat-sealed to one end of the tube and having dentations breakable for letting the atmospheric pressure enter the tube, and a plug cap capped on the other end of the tube to seal the fluid in said tube and having rounded inside protrusions forced into friction engagement with the tube. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045270 | Cosmetic Dispenser with Roller Applicator - A dispenser includes a deformable roller and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetic product or a medicinal product. The deformable roller comprises a napped roller over molded to, and encasing, a roller pin. Both the napped roller and the roller pin may be formed of materials that are suitable for an injection over-mold manufacturing process. The deformable roller disposed configured for applying product to a body and for deforming and tangentially mating and/or un-mating with an orifice of a reservoir of the housing for sealing and/or un-sealing the reservoir. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045271 | CLAMPING ARRANGEMENTS - An underwater clamping arrangement (100, 100′) is provided for fixing at least a first and a second member (1, 2) together, to prevent relative movement between the members along at least a longitudinal axis (2L). The clamping arrangement comprises at least a fixed portion (102, 102′) attached to the first member and a reaction portion (104, 104′) attachable to the fixed portion, and a forcing portion (106, 106′). The forcing portion is arranged to apply a clamping force (4F, 4G) in a direction along a forcing axis (2F) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the reaction portion and the second member so to fix the two members together. The reaction portion and forcing portion are removable from the fixed portion when the clamping arrangement is clamped. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045272 | METHOD OF JOINING A BACKLIGHT COVER AND HEADLINER CLIP FOR A CONVERTIBLE TOP - A convertible top has a convertible top cover, a backlight, and a headliner. A connector system includes a molded ring of material affixed to the backlight and the top cover. The connector system includes a clip attached to the headliner. The molded ring may have a slot formed on an interior surface between the backlight and the cover. The clip may be inserted into the slot to secure the headliner insider the top cover. A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top is also provided. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045273 | CONNECTING DEVICE - A connecting device for connecting at least two components ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045274 | AUTOMATIC LOCKING DEVICE FOR TRACK MOUNTED GANGWAY - A locking device and apparatus is disclosed. The locking device is particularly suitable for use in combination with a device such as a track mounted gangway and safety cage to reduce the ability to reposition the gangway and safety cage along a track surface while in the lowered access position. The locking device preferably includes a lever assembly and a pivot assembly having a friction pad connected to the lever assembly. When the lever assembly and/or gangway device is adjusted in a first direction, the friction pad applies pressure on the track surface and moveability between the gangway and the track surface is reduced. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045275 | Rail channel connector and arrangement with such connector - A rail channel connector | 2012-02-23 |
20120045276 | Twist-lock T-clamp - A twist-lock T-clamp formed of a housing having spaced base and crown portions with a keel projected from the base thereof, and an aperture communicating between the base and the crown along an operational axis extending therebetween. An anchor is formed with a pair of opposing flukes extended outwardly therefrom adjacent to one end thereof. The anchor is moveable within the aperture of the housing relative to the operational axis. An axial drive mechanism is coupled between the anchor and the aperture of the housing. The axial drive mechanism is operable for moving the flukes of the anchor between an undeployed installation/removal configuration substantially aligned with the keel and spaced away from the base of the housing, and a deployed interlock configuration substantially crosswise of the keel and adjacent to the base of the housing. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045277 | CLAMPING DEVICE USING CHAIN - Disclosed is a device configured to clamp a bar member ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045278 | Method for forming a mortise and tenon for tool free joinder, and joint assembled therefrom - A method for making two items and their joinder, one having a mortise and the other a tenon to enable a substantially flush, contiguous, void-free abutment. All cuts are made with a straight router bit having a diameter “Y” from a single sheet of substrate stock having a thickness “X” such that Y≦(½)X. In the mortise, corners are given a rounding defined by Y and a length “L | 2012-02-23 |
20120045279 | WATER-PERMEABLE AND WATER-ABSORBABLE ECOLOGICAL PAVING - A water-permeable and water-absorbable ecological paving is formed of a water-permeable material that is commonly used in pavement construction and is mixed with unique hollow bodies, whereby all constituent components of the engineering material are uniformly mixed and laid to form an ecological paving layer. In addition to the water permeability of the base material, the paving layer also provide the functions of absorbing water, storing water, and retaining water, so as to reduce the likelihood of occurrence of water accumulation on the surface flooding and also to allow water to be greatly retained in the interior of the paving layer, whereby water vapor can be released from the interior to alleviate heat island effect in case of high temperature of the atmosphere. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045280 | HYDROCARBON-ADSORBING POROUS PAVEMENT STRUCTURE - A water-pervious pavement structure comprising wearing course comprising a water-pervious combination of recycled glass and aggregate bound together with a flexible adhesive binder and held within a plurality of connected, open grid pockets; and a layer of unbound recycled glass disposed under the wearing course capable of adsorbing contacting hydrocarbons carried with water through the wearing course. In a preferred embodiment, the wearing course comprises about 30 wt. % to about 80 wt. % recycled glass and about 20 wt. % to about 70 wt. % aggregate bound together by a cured resin binder within the grid pockets. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045281 | Apparatus For The Articulated Connection Of Two Vehicle Frames Of A Construction Machine - The present invention relates to an apparatus for the articulated connection of two vehicle frames, a front and a rear frame, of a construction machine, especially a vibration roller. The apparatus comprises a pivot joint with a vertical pivot axis and a crab-steering joint with a vertical rotational axis. It further comprises a connection support which connects the pivot joint and the crab-steering joint with one another, and a connecting rod which is linked on one side to the vehicle frame and on the other side to the connection support. It further comprises a steering drive for relative pivoting of the front and rear frame about the pivot axis, the steering drive being linked on the one side to one of the vehicle frames and on the other side to the connection support, and a crab-steering drive for setting a lateral offset between the front and the rear frame, the crab-steering drive being linked on one side to one of the vehicle frames and on the other to the connection support. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045282 | ROLLER SCREED WITH DUAL-DRIVE POWER UNIT - A powered roller screed ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045283 | Apparatus and Method to Remediate Contaminated Soil - An apparatus is used for remediating contaminated soil. The apparatus comprises a source of peroxone, a plurality of treatment probes for insertion into the contaminated soil, and a distribution network configured to connect the plurality of treatment probes with the source of peroxone. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045284 | METHOD FOR REMEDIATING ARSENIC-CONTAMINATED SOIL - Provided is a method for remediating arsenic-contaminated soil, including: a collection step of collecting arsenic-contaminated soil; a washing step of adding the collected soil to a washing solution, which is acidic in nature and provides reducing conditions to the soil, so as to remove arsenic from the soil and transfer the removed arsenic to the washing solution; a solid-liquid separation step of separating the soil and the washing solution from each other after the washing step; and a post-treatment step of removing arsenic from the washing solution, which was separated in the solid-liquid separation step, and employing the soil for remediation. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045285 | Offshore structure - The present invention relates to an offshore structure for sealing off and/or storing temporarily oil from an offshore well, where the offshore structure is manufactured as a double walled construction, the double walls being divided into a plurality of internal compartments. The internal compartments extend over at least a part of the offshore structure's vertical axis, where the internal compartments may be in fluid communication with each other. The offshore structure is furthermore open to ambient fluid through an open top and bottom and a plurality of openings in the outer and inner wall arranged around the circumference of the offshore structure. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045286 | GEOMEMBRANE ANCHOR SYSTEM - A containment system includes a geomembrane liner positioned over a ground surface. An anchor member is provided beneath the geomembrane liner and includes a fastening plate adapted to be secured to the geomembrane liner. The geomembrane liner is positioned over the ground surface and anchor member and is secured to the fastening plate. Dirt or other covering material may then be provided in the hole and over the geomembrane, or the geomembrane may be left exposed. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045287 | PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF POWDERED MATERIAL - Process and a device ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045288 | Thread-Milling Cutter and Thread-Milling Insert - A thread-milling cutter comprising a tool holder ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045289 | CUTTING INSERT, CUTTING TOOL, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING MACHINED PRODUCT USING THE SAME - A cutting insert having excellent chip discharge performance is provided. The cutting insert ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045290 | ELECTRICAL POWER TOOLS - An electrical power tool may include a base capable of contacting the work-piece, a tool main body detachably attached to the base, and an elevating mechanism that is capable of changing a relative position of the tool main body to the base. The elevating mechanism includes a male elevating member that is releasably integrated with the tool main body, a female elevating member that is attached to the base and is capable of relatively raising and lowering the male elevating member, and an integrating mechanism that is capable of releasably integrating the male elevating member with the tool main body. The tool main body is capable of being removed from the base while the male elevating member is left in the base when the male elevating member is released from the tool main body by operating the integrating mechanism. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045291 | SEPARATION FASTENER WITH FRANGIBLE NUT - A separation fastener assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. A frangible nut is disposed in the cavity. The nut includes a plurality of nut segments. The one-piece frangible nut greatly reduces existing assembly problems and difficulties. Adjacent nut segments are interconnected at fracture lines. A bolt has an end coupled to the nut. A movable element is disposed in the housing and movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the nut segments are restrained from radial expansion. In the second position the nut segments are permitted to radially expand for releasing the fastener assembly. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045292 | VERY HIGH STRENGTH SWIVEL ANCHOR - A method and an anchor for supporting items on a substrate such as drywall. The anchor comprises a structure configured to carry the anchoring element in a minimal cross section configuration through an insertion hole and to effect a first expansion. The anchor further comprises an adjustable cap member configured to be moved to fixedly position the anchoring element to the non-accessible side of the substrate. The anchoring element comprises a base channel member, a top channel member, and a connector-pivoting element configured to pivotally connect the top channel member to the base channel member. The top channel member is configured to be nested with the base channel member in the minimal cross section configuration and to be pivotally rotatable via the connector pivoting element in the plane parallel to the non-accessible side of the wall, with the pivotal rotation of the top channel member providing the second expansion. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045293 | REPLACEABLE THREAD LOCKING ELEMENT - Systems and methods for replaceable thread locking elements are provided. In one embodiment, a threaded fastener device comprises: a first member having a threaded region; a cutout within the ring shaped member that cuts across the threaded region; and a replaceable thread locking element removeably coupled to the ring shaped member within the cutout, the replaceable thread locking element comprising a displacement member coupled to a nipple via an extending member. The nipple is inserted into and orifice within the cutout, the nipple shaped to apply a force against the first member that holds the displacement member within the cutout. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045294 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CASING A BOOK BLOCK IN A BOOK COVER - A method and a device for casing a book block in a book cover, in which the book block is supplied to a casing-in machine in a first feed direction, taken over by the casing-in machine from a saddle plate of an endless conveyor, and glued as it is transported on the saddle plate. The book covers are supplied in a second feed direction. The book block is supplied to the casing-in machine in a feed direction different from the second feed direction of the book cover. In a first step, the book block is handed over from a first feeder to a transfer device located in a first, upstream position, is transported in a second step from the first position to a second, downstream position of the transfer device, and, in a third step, is picked up by the saddle plate from the second position of the transfer device. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045295 | RECORDING MEDIUM POST-PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM - A recording medium post-processing apparatus includes: a recording medium stacking unit on which recording media are stacked; a binding section that binds the recording media by deforming the recording media in a thickness direction, and retracts to the outside of the stacking area of the recording media after binding the recording media; a reference member that functions as a position reference used for aligning the recording media; and an alignment unit that aligns end portions of the recording media facing the reference member by moving the recording media to a position where the recording media come into contact with the reference member from a position where the recording media are separated from the reference member. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045296 | Hoist - A hoist, comprising an upper hook ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045297 | ADJUSTABLE TRACTOR ATTACHMENT FOR MOVING HAY BALES - A tractor attachment of the present invention may include a plurality of forks and also may include a spear. The plurality of forks and the spear are each attached to a tractor attachment frame such that the plurality of forks and the spears may be rotated between a lowered position and a raised position. As such, the spears and the forks may be raised or lowered depending on the needs of a user. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045298 | SHAFT FURNACE CHARGING INSTALLATION HAVING A DRIVE MECHANISM FOR A DISTRIBUTION CHUTE - The invention concerns a drive mechanism for a distribution chute ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045299 | COMPONENT PLACEMENT MACHINE - Provided is a component placement machine including a rail ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045300 | HIGH SPEED SUBSTRATE ALIGNER APPARATUS - In accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed embodiments, a substrate aligner apparatus is presented, the substrate aligner apparatus having a frame adapted to allow a substrate transporter to transport a substrate to and from the aligner apparatus, an inverted chuck capable of holding the substrate and movably connected to the frame by a chuck driveshaft engaged to the inverted chuck for moving the inverted chuck relative to the frame and effecting alignment of the substrate, a sensing device located between the chuck and chuck driveshaft for detecting a position determining feature of the substrate, and a substrate transfer mechanism movably connected to the frame and located inside the frame below the inverted chuck for moving the substrate from the inverted chuck to the substrate transporter. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045301 | Scalable stockers with automatic handling buffer - Scalable storage can be achieved with linear array storage of wafers, comprising two linear arrays of storage compartments on opposite walls, with a middle transfer mechanism. Together with a buffer station for automatic material handling system, a scalable bare wafer stocker can provide flexible and uninterrupted services to a fabrication facility. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045302 | Container Storage Facility - The present invention provides a container storage facility in which inert gas can be supplied to a container in a container storage section that can be moved between the storage position and the transfer position while preventing deterioration of the gas supply line and generation of dust to the extent possible. The container storage section of the container storage facility in accordance with the present invention includes a container support provided to be movable with respect to the fixed frame member between a storage position and a transfer position for transferring the container to and from a transporting device. The gas supply line of gas supply system for supplying the inactive gas to the container supported by the container support of the storage position includes a fixed side portion and a moving side portion which can be moved in unison with the container support. And there is provided a connecting member for connecting the fixed side portion and the moving side portion to each other as the container support is moved from the transfer position to the storage position, and for releasing the connection between the fixed side portion and the moving side portion to allow the moving side portion to move away from the fixed side portion as the container support is moved from the storage position to the transfer position. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045303 | AUTOMATED BATTERY AND DATA DELIVERY SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided that use a mobile robotic device ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045304 | HAND TRUCK - A hand truck has a frame, at least one wheel which is mounted to the frame at a lower part of the frame, at least one holding magnet for holding an object which, at least in part, has a magnetic or magnetisable outer surface, and a release mechanism mounted to the frame. The release mechanism has a release member movably mounted to the frame of the hand truck. The at least one holding magnet is attached to the release member. The release member is mounted to the frame of the hand truck such that the at least one holding magnet can be pulled backwards while the object rests against the frame, thereby providing a damage free release of the object. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045305 | Loading Device - A loading device for incorporation into a vehicle, such as an ambulance, for loading and unloading a stretcher. The loading device has a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The loading device being predisposed to the extended configuration. The loading device may include a hoist assembly to counteract the predisposition to the extended position and move the loading device to the retracted configuration. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045306 | UTILITY WAGON AND AN ATTACHABLE LEAF CHUTE - A wagon comprising a body portion, the body portion including a plurality of side portions, each of the side portions comprising wire or plastic sides. The wagon also comprises a plurality of reinforcing metal strips on a top and bottom of each of the wire sides; and a plurality of metal strips which extend from the top to the bottom of the body portion. Finally, the wagon includes a plurality of tie down straps in metal or plastic straps extending from a top portion of and side of the utility wagon. When an attachable leaf chute is combined with the utility wagon, it can also fill individual bags with leaves. The attachable leaf chute slides into and then is attached to the utility wagon. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045307 | UNIVERSAL FOLDING BOOM TRAILER - A Universal Folding Boom Trailer | 2012-02-23 |
20120045308 | Dual Arm Robot - A robot assembly for transporting a substrate is presented. The robot assembly having a first arm and a second arm supported by a column, the first arm further having a first limb, the first limb having a first set of revolute joint/line pairs configured to provide translation and rotation of the distalmost link of the first limb in the horizontal plane. The assembly further having a second arm further having a second limb, the second limb comprising a second set of revolute joint/link pairs configured to provide translation and rotation of a distalmost link of the second limb in the horizontal plane. The first limb and second limb further having proximal revolute joints having a common vertical axis of rotation and a proximal inner joint housed in a common housing. The assembly further having an actuator assembly coupled to the first set of revolute joint/link pairs and to the second set of revolute joint/link pairs to effect rotation and translation of the distalmost links of the first limb and the second limb, each of the first limb and the second limb defining, in conjunction with the actuator assembly, at least three degrees of freedom per limb, whereby the distal most links of the first limb and the second limb are independently horizontally translatable for extension and retraction. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045309 | APPARATUS FOR HANDLING LAYERS OF PALLETIZED GOODS - An apparatus for handling layers of palletized goods is disclosed including a lift head with a substantially horizontal suction face sized for a pallet including downwardly open suction chambers, which via individual valves are connected to a vacuum source, incorporated in the lift head or provided externally. The suction face is movable against a top side of an upper layer of goods on a pallet. The valves are closed if the associated suction chamber is not closed downwardly by contacting the top side of the goods on the uppermost pallet layer. The lift head along the outer sides of the suction face includes a vertically adjustable skirt with inflatable squeezing pads for exerting an inwardly directed pressure on the outer sides of at least the goods in the upper pallet layer. The skirt interacts with a two-part flexible curtain at opposing ends of the suction face each of which are connected with the adjustable skirt and from each side of the suction face are moved inwardly along the underside of the lifted pallet layer to a position in the middle under the suction face so that the two-part flexible curtain is disposed at the underside of the pallet layer which is lifted and is capable of supporting the lifted pallet layer. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045310 | Bale Destacker - Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A bale destacker may be used to disassemble stacks of bales of biomass after the bales have been brought from the field and before the bales are used for fuel. The bale destacker disassembles a stack of bales with no manual labor. A conveyor is used to move bales, first in stacks, then in pairs to and from the bale destacker. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045311 | BOX FOR STORING, PROTECTING, AND TRANSPORTING CONTAINERS - The present invention relates to a box ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045312 | VANE CARRIER ASSEMBLY - A vane carrier assembly is provided for supporting vanes within a main engine casing of a gas turbine engine. The vane carrier assembly comprises a plurality of vane support panels positioned adjacent to one another so as to define a vane support assembly. The support panels are assembled such that the support panels expand circumferentially to minimize radial expansion of the vane support assembly during operation of the gas turbine engine. A control ring is coupled to the main engine casing, and the vane support assembly is coupled to the control ring. The control ring may be formed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of the material from which the vane support assembly is formed. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045313 | FLOW DEVICE COMPRISING A CAVITY COOLING SYSTEM - A flow device having a cooling-air injection system for injecting cooling air into cavities ( | 2012-02-23 |
20120045314 | Road With Inlayed Wind Harnessing Technology - A method and apparatus is provided for harnessing the wind energy generated by vehicles passing on a roadway. A roadway is provided with a trench extending from a surface of the roadway. The trench may be provided along an extended stretch of the roadway or as a discrete trench section spaced apart along the roadway. The trench or trench section may be provided near the middle of a lane making up the roadway such that a vehicle travelling on the roadway passes over the trench. In this manner the wind displaced by the passing vehicle is directed into the trench and experienced by a wind turbine or wind generator provided within the trench. The trench is covered by a structure configured to direct the displaced wind inside the trench. The wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy that is then converted into useable power. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045315 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly for creating an air current includes an air outlet mounted on a stand. The stand includes a base and a body tiltable relative to the base. The fan assembly has a center of gravity located so that when the base is located on a substantially horizontal support surface, the projection of the center of gravity on the support surface is within the footprint of the base when the body is in a fully tilted position. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045316 | FAN ASSEMBLY - A fan assembly for creating an air current includes an air outlet mounted on a stand. The stand includes a base and a body tiltable relative to the base. The fan assembly has a center of gravity located so that when the base is located on a substantially horizontal support surface, the projection of the center of gravity on the support surface is within the footprint of the base when the body is in a fully tilted position. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045317 | FUEL ACTUATED BLEED AIR SYSTEM - A gas turbine engine bleed air system includes one or more fuel-actuated bleed air supply valves and, in some cases, a pneumatically actuated overpressure valve. Each fuel-actuated bleed air supply valve is mounted on a bleed air supply conduit and is coupled to a source of pressurized aircraft fuel. Each fuel-actuated bleed air supply valve is responsive to the pressurized aircraft fuel to move to a plurality of valve positions and to regulate compressed air pressure in the bleed air supply conduit, downstream of the fuel-actuated bleed air supply valve. The pneumatically actuated overpressure valve is mounted on the bleed air conduit downstream of each of the fuel-actuated bleed air valves and pneumatically regulates or shuts off pressure independent of fuel pressure or electrical signals. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045318 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR FLOW CONTROL - According to one aspect of the invention, an air flow control apparatus includes a guide vane to be positioned between an air inlet and a rotor of a turbomachine. Further, the guide vane includes a geometry configured to control an air flow incidence on the rotor, the guide vane further having a substantially constant aspect ratio. In addition, a body of the guide vane includes a shape memory material configured to change a geometry of the guide vane in response to energy provided by a power source. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045319 | IMPINGEMENT COOLING FOR TURBOFAN EXHAUST ASSEMBLY - A system comprises a bypass duct, a turbine case, a turbine exhaust ring and a splash plate. The turbine case is formed along a radially inner margin of the bypass duct, and the turbine exhaust ring is coaxially disposed within the turbine case. The splash plate extends axially along the turbine exhaust ring, radially spaced between the turbine exhaust ring and the turbine case. There are cooling fluid apertures in the turbine case to provide cooling fluid flow from the bypass duct onto the splash plate, and impingement holes in the splash plate to provide impingement flow onto the turbine exhaust ring. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045320 | AIR TURBINE STARTER TURBINE NOZZLE AIRFOIL - A vane profile section for an Air Turbine Starter includes an airfoil which defines an airfoil profile section through a leading edge and a trailing edge, the airfoil profile section defined by a set of X-coordinates and Y-coordinates. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045321 | WIND TURBINE NACELLE - The present invention relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine, the nacelle having a first height in its installed position and a second height in its transported position, the first height being higher than the second height, comprising a bottom part having a bottom face and two opposite side faces defining a space and a width of the bottom part and a top part. In the transported position, the top part extends inside the width or outside the width in order to cover at least part of the space. The invention also relates to a transportation kit and a transport method. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045322 | VACUUM PUMP - A multi stage vacuum pump for pumping corrosive fluid with a first flow section of material less resistant to corrosion than the material of a second flow section downstream of the first flow section. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045323 | FAN - A centrifugal fan includes an impeller including a main plate rotating about a center axis and a plurality of vanes fixed to the main plate in a circumferentially spaced-apart relationship, and a bell mouth arranged at an air intake side of the impeller to define an air inlet including a portion whose inner diameter is decreased toward the impeller. Each of the vanes preferably includes a protrusion protruding toward the bell mouth and extending into the air inlet. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045324 | HUB FLOWPATH CONTOUR - An apparatus is provided and includes a turbine including a platform, a casing and a turbine bucket having a hub coupled to the platform and a trailing edge defined relative to a direction of fluid flow through the turbine and a diffuser, defined between a central surface and a downstream section of the casing, which is fluidly coupled to the turbine and disposed downstream from the trailing edge, a slope of the hub being angled by at least 6 degrees relative to a slope of the central surface within about 0.5 turbine bucket chord lengths as measured at the hub from the trailing edge, and the central surface and the downstream section of the casing being at least substantially parallel or divergent from the trailing edge. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045325 | Fan Housing Module - A fan housing module includes a base unit and a cover unit engageable with the base unit. The base unit includes a plurality of bases integrally formed with each other to form a structure in the same array arrangement. Alternatively, the cover unit includes a plurality of covers integrally formed with each other to form a structure in the same array arrangement. Thus, after the base unit is engaged with the cover unit, each base and one of the covers together form a fan housing for assembly of a motor fan such that the motor fans form a fan array. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045326 | SLIDING CLIP METHOD FOR ANTI-ROTATION AND THRUST CONSTRAINT OF A ROLLING ELEMENT BEARING CARTRIDGE - To solve both axial and rotational constraint problems in turbochargers with rolling element bearings (REBs), a REB cartridge is mounted to the bearing housing in a way that is not rigid, thus allowing for an oil damping film At the same time, the REB cartridge is held both axially and rotationally, so that the outer race does not rotate relative to the bearing housing. This dual purpose is achieved using a special dual mode sliding clip with at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the bearing housing and at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the REB cartridge, thereby axially locating the REB cartridge and preventing rotation of the outer race. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045327 | Fluid-Working Machine with Multi-Lobe Ring Cam - A fluid-working machine for a renewable energy generation device, the fluid-working machine comprising a ring cam and a plurality of working chambers, the ring cam having an annular working surface extending around an axis of rotation of the ring cam, the annular working surface defining a plurality of waves, each working chamber having a piston, each piston in operative engagement with the ring cam working surface, the ring cam and working chambers being mounted to rotate relative to each other, cycles of working chamber volume being thereby coupled to rotation of the ring cam relative to the working chambers, characterised in that the individual waves of the ring cam working surface have an asymmetric profile. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045328 | POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A wind turbine transmission system includes a rotor, at least one hydraulic pump coupled to the rotor, a branch manifold, a plurality of hydraulic motors, and a plurality of generators each coupled to at least one of the plurality of hydraulic motors. The branch manifold includes a trunk portion defining a main flow path connected to an outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a plurality of branch portions each defining a branch flow path extending from the main flow path and connected to an inlet port of at least one of the hydraulic motors to provide fluid communication between the hydraulic pump and the plurality of hydraulic motors. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045329 | METHOD FOR CIRCULATION CONTROLLED VERTICAL AXIS AND TURBINES - A method of controlling a vertical axis wind turbines using circulation control is presented. The comprising monitoring environmental conditions and the vertical axis wind turbine to determine a current system state, and selectively blowing air through a blowing slot of a blade of the vertical axis wind turn based on the current system state to achieve a desired system state. | 2012-02-23 |
20120045330 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING PHYSICAL STRUCTURES - A system for controlling a wind turbine is disclosed. A system includes a light source and a beam scanner to scan the light pulses over the wind turbine. The system further receives backscattered light pulses and subsequently, provides a signal corresponding to the light pulses. The system adjusts a threshold of the signal based on a normalized value of a detected peak value of the signal. The system associates a time of flight with each of the received backscattered light pulse. The system generates an image of the wind turbine based on the time of flight associated with the light pulses and subsequently, compares the generated image with at least one known image of the wind turbine. The system generates a health profile of the wind turbine based on the comparison and subsequently, change one or more parameters of the wind turbine based on the health profile. | 2012-02-23 |