38th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 18 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080224468 | LOCKABLE AND POSITIONABLE SWIVEL FITTING - A coupling that can be easily and repeatedly rotationally adjusted after assembly and/or installation. The coupling can comprise a male part insertable into a female part to a first position whereat the male part is rotationally locked with respect to the female part. Upon further insertion of the male part into the female part to a second position, the male part is rotationally unlocked from the female part and the male part then can be rotated relative to the female part. Once rotational adjustment is complete, the male part can be returned to the locked position to rotationally lock the coupling. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224469 | Quick Connector - Coupling for connecting of pipe shaped sections comprising a first pipe section and a coupling device arranged to connect the first pipe section with a second pipe section. When joined together, the first pipe section is arranged to receive the second pipe section in such a way that the first pipe section and the second pipe section forms an overlapping region. The wall of the first pipe section is provided with a through hole in the overlapping region and the coupling device is adapted to protrude through the hole. The coupling device is at least at one of its ends slidably attached in such a way that a rotational displacement around, and essentially perpendicular to, the axial direction of the pipe section will give rise to a change between a first position for locking, wherein said coupling device is protruding on the inner side of the first pipe section, and a second position for release wherein the coupling device essentially not is protruding. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224470 | Connecting Elements For Construction - New and unique connecting elements are engage in a versatile manner to construct modular constructions such as construction for exhibition, furniture, platforms, toys, displays etc. The modular construction is mobile and easy to handle. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224471 | Male Coupling for Connecting to Female Threaded Coupling - In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The locking member includes a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and axially movable with respect to the body between first and second positions. After insertion of the male coupling into the female coupling and upon movement of the locking sleeve to its first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking member to move to its locking position causing the retaining formation of the locking member to engage the internal threads of the female coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the female coupling together. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224472 | System for producing electricity through the action of waves on floating platforms - A system and method for producing electricity through the action of waves on floating platforms. The hydraulic force of the water in the waves causes the platform to create a series of reverse incline planes. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The system has a mass carried on a track that moves relative to the track to create kinetic energy. One feature is to have the track and the mass tuned to the hull. Another feature is to tune the track and mass and the hull relative to the waves to increase power generated. In addition, the system has a microprocessor in one embodiment, that takes input related to waves, the mass, and the floating platforms and actively tunes parameters to increase the power generated. As a mass moves down the reverse incline planes, it gains mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224473 | Roto-synchronous electric motor - An electric motor for an automobile is herein introduced as a power source which does not require gas or any other fuel of any kind; nor does it require solar power, batteries, nor fuel cells for its operation. The vehicle will be powered by the dynamics of the physical dynamics of the electromagnetic forces of momentum. This novel idea drastically alters the perception of the automobile with its internal combustion engine, need for a radiator, muffler, anti-freeze, etc. In fact, this vehicle does not have what is usually thought of as an “engine.” It operates under the dynamics of physical laws of electromagnetic force for mechanical propulsion and strength of torque for horsepower. Otherwise, it operates in the same conventional manner as does the typical passenger automobile. Moreover, this novel idea addresses the adverse effects of air pollution upon human health, environmental ecology, global oil depletion, and protracted monetary expense. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224474 | Fluid engine - The fluid engine has one or more wheels that are turned by water. There is a shaft that goes through the turbine(s). On one end of the shaft is a generator on the other is the torque output. A pump is located at the top of the turbine housing. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224475 | Power generation - A generator is configured to generate electrical power from a natural fluid flow, such as wind. The generator has interacting devices for interacting with the fluid flow to generate relative rotation between a first mechanical member ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080224476 | PORTABLE POWER PACK, FUEL/AIR SUPPLY FOR THE PORTABLE POWER PACK, UNIFLOW SCAVENGING MICRO-ENGINE FOR THE PORTABLE POWER PACK AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - A small portable power pack includes a fuel/air supply for mixing fuel, which is supplied from outside, with outside air, thereby providing mixed gas; a uniflow scavenging micro-engine for receiving mixed gas from the fuel/air supply and igniting mixed gas to explode; a control panel for operating and controlling the uniflow scavenging micro-engine; a capacitor battery for powering the control panel and the uniflow scavenging micro-engine. The portable power pack is easily carried and used without the restriction of spaces and sites. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224477 | System And Method For Electrical Power Generation Utilizing Vehicle Traffic On Roadways - An improved system and method for electrical power generation utilizing vehicle traffic on roadways is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a power generation system comprises one or more standard hydraulic cylinders, one or more electro-mechanical generators, and one or more hydraulic accumulators coupled to a hydraulic motor. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224478 | Control System for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle to Anticipate the Need for a Mode Change - A parallel hybrid electric vehicle method and system including an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric traction motor/generator, and a controller. A control strategy is provided to prevent unpredicted or undesired engine starts by anticipating the need for the vehicle engine, while avoiding “false starting” the engine or allowing an annoying lag in performance that will occur if the engine is not started in advance of an actual requirement. The invention anticipates the need for engine starts and electromotive driving by monitoring vehicle speed and driver commands and their rates of change. The invention allows consistent performance and establishes seamless transitions between engine driving and electromotive driving. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224479 | Driving Device for Actuating a Latch Via a Lock - A driving device for actuating a latch via a lock, for a motor-vehicle door closure system, includes a coupling element including a longitudinal body having ends capable of being rotatably coupled with a part, mounted movably in axial rotation, of the lock and with a part, mounted movably in axial rotation, of the latch. At least one cylinder made from rigid plastic is fixed on the body such that longitudinal portions of the body left visible are smaller than 20 mm (millimeters). | 2008-09-18 |
20080224480 | Latch Assembly and Arrangement Including a Latch Assembly - A latch assembly includes a plate and an arm pivotable between a closed and an open position relative to the plate about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is substantially aligned with a line of entry of a connecting bar to a latched position in which, when the arm is in the closed position, the connecting bar is entirely surrounded by both the plate and the arm together and partially surrounded by the arm and the plate individually. The plate is fixed relative to the line of entry. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224481 | Electric strike - An electric strike comprising a housing and a keeper pivotally mounted to said housing. A solenoid is arranged internal to the housing and movable between fail-safe and fail-secure positions. A two position mode control slot is included in the housing and a mode control screw is included in the mode control slot. The screw is capable of being tightened in each of the two positions in the control slot. The screw is changeable between the two of the positions without removal of the screw. The solenoid is in the fail-safe position when the screw is in one of the two positions and in the fail-secure position when the screw is in the other of the two positions. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224482 | Electrical Door Latch - A latching apparatus may have a normal mode of operation in which a mechanical signal is employed to actuate a door pawl, and hence to release a door latch ratchet. An electrical actuator may be employed to send that mechanical signal, and operation of the actuator may be governed by an electronic control unit (ECU). The latch apparatus may also have a second, or emergency, mode of operation in which a second mechanical signal path is employed either to cause an augmented force to be employed to release the pawl, or to cause a sudden impulse to urge the pawl to release, the sudden impulse being driven by a release of energy from an energy storage device, in particular a mechanical energy storage device. The apparatus may include either an electrical or a mechanical door handle interrupt to prevent unwanted activation. The device may also include an auxiliary electrical back-up power source in the event of a main power source failure. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224483 | Portable handheld work apparatus - A portable handheld work apparatus has a housing ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080224484 | Door Latch - A door latch assembly for engagement in a mounted position to a side edge of a door. The device features an angled or biased latch member which employs a hooked end to engage the door stop molding of a doorjamb to secure the door in a slightly open position. The latch member is engaged to a side edge of the door using frictional engagement or mechanical engagement. The latch member is releasable from either side of the door without placing a user's fingers in between the door and jamb. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224485 | Unitized security seal - A unitized security seal having a shackle, an engagement housing with a passage for receiving the shackle, and at least two locking members spaced along the shackle, where each of the locking members has at least one undercut opening to the outer surface of the locking members, the undercuts of adjacent locking members being offset from each other, and at least one pin being located within the housing passage and oriented to engage the undercuts as the shackle is advanced through the passage to provide non-removable engagement of the shackle in the housing. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224486 | DOOR JAMB REINFORCING SYSTEM - A door jamb reinforcing system comprising a first reinforcing member, wherein the first reinforcing member comprises a plurality of first screw receiving openings for receiving mounting screws, a latch bolt receiving aperture, and at least one deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture; a strike plate; and a second reinforcing member, wherein the second reinforcing member has a substantially L-shaped cross section and comprises a plurality of corresponding second screw receiving openings for receiving mounting screws, a strike plate receiving aperture, and at least one deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture, wherein the deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture is formed to correspond to the deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture; wherein when the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are attachable to a door frame in overlying contacting abutting relation with each other and with the door jamb with mounting screws. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224487 | CRASH BOX AND BUMPER FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A crash box for placement between a bumper beam and a side rail of a motor vehicle includes a longitudinal profile made of two U-shaped shells having overlapping ends sized to realize a material doubling for increasing side stiffness and to suit the side stiffness to a load level. A flange plate is provided on a side-rail-proximal end of the longitudinal profile and has an opening for passage of the longitudinal profile. The side-rail-proximal end of the longitudinal profile is configured with a collar which is turned outwards. The collar rests against the flange plate and is joined with the flange plate. In the event of a collision, the longitudinal profile of the crash box is moved into the side rail as the longitudinal profile folds into the side rail starting from the flange plate, while the side-rail-proximal end of the longitudinal profile remains secured to the flange plate. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224488 | Remote pick-up devices - An improvement to elongate tools for engaging objects from remote distances is disclosed wherein the connection between the rod on which the engagement elements are provided and the handle of the device allows for the orientation of the rod with respect to the handle to occupy at least two pre-selected fixed positions which are at angular positions approximately 90 degrees from one another. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224489 | Combination multiple-canister carrier and lip protection device - A beaded lip protection device for canisters is disclosed, as well as multiples of the same device joined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with handles such as a pair of finger loops or a single half-loop. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224490 | Eating Utensil - An eating utensil has first and second elongated stick members extending parallel to each other and a U-shaped connector attaching the stick members together. Each of the stick members has a base portion extending in a first plane, a intermediate portion extending in a second plane, and an end portion extending in a third plane. The connector located in the first plane and attaches together the base portion of the first stick member with the base portion of the second stick member. Both of the stick members are thus curved to facilitate handling and use of the utensil | 2008-09-18 |
20080224491 | Workpiece Gripping Device - A gripper for use with a robot includes a support body for removably attaching the gripper to a moveable arm and a workpiece contact body having a groove extending along at least a portion of the contact body for engaging a curved outer edge of the workpiece. A coupling member connects the support body to the workpiece contact member and includes a flexure component that flexes to allow radial and/or tangential relative movement of the workpiece contact body with respect to the support body to diminish slippage between the workpiece and the contact body as the gripper engages the workpiece. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224492 | INTEGRATED CAR TOP CARRIER - A cargo carrier integrated a vehicle roof such that the cargo carrier is deployable from a stowed position within the vehicle roof to a deployed position that extends from the vehicle roof. The cargo carrier includes a bottom panel disposed within a recess formed in the vehicle roof, and a pair of side panels disposed within and hingedly connected to the bottom panel. The side panels are actuatable between the stowed position and the developed position. A front panel and a top panel are hingedly connected to each other and attached to the bottom panel. To deploy the cargo carrier, a deployment system is connected to the side panels for actuating the side panels between the stowed position and the deployed position. Actuation of the side panels raises the top panel and the front panel to the deployed position. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224493 | STORAGE AND ACCESS DEVICE FOR A TRUCK - A container is disclosed for a pickup truck. The container is formed as a box positioned upon the sides of the pickup truck. The sides of the container open upward to allow easy access to the interior of the compartment. Trays may be positioned within the container which can be extended for access to items within the container. Equipment may be attached to the trays and used along the side of the container and pickup truck when the tray is extended. According to another embodiment, the sides of the pickup truck are formed as doors which open upward. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224494 | TAILGATE SPRING ASSIST ASSEMBLY - A spring assist raising assembly includes a pivot pin with a noncircular cross section which is mounted to either a pivoted panel, such as a tailgate, or a stationary member, such as a vehicle body adjacent the tailgate. A spring-loaded rotatable socket is rotatably mounted to the other of the panel or member section and is keyed to receive the pivot pin and rotate with the rotation of the tailgate by such interconnection. The socket is coupled to a spiral torsion spring, in one embodiment of the invention, such that, as the panel or tailgate is lowered, the spiral torsion spring is loaded to provide a restorative force for assisting in the raising of the panel or tailgate. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224495 | Topper with retractable door for pickup trucks - A pickup truck topper is provided that has a retractable rear door that can be stored in a closed position and an open position. In the open position the topper rear door is stored in a horizontal position just under the roof of the topper. In the closed position the topper rear door is fastened on the rear of the pickup topper above the tailgate of the pickup. The topper has two horizontal tracks mounted on the inside of topper near the roof. The topper rear door has two rollers fasten thereon. The rollers glide in the tracks when the door moves between the closed and the open position. The topper rear door can be locked in closed position and the topper door can be locked in the fully open and retracted position. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224496 | Folding top for a cabriolet vehicle - A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle, that includes a first roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, a second roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, and a forced control unit. The first roof part and the second roof part are pivotable relative to a body of the vehicle, are driven by a common force-introducing unit, and are movable by means of the forced control unit. The forced control unit includes a mechanical control device, by means of which movement of the second roof part can be delayed from movement of the first roof part. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224497 | Articulating soft top convertible backlite - An automotive convertible top is provided having a side bow which in a storage position is placed on top of a forward folding backlite bow. In a preferred embodiment, the convertible top stores on top of a rear storage area of a vehicle in a small space. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224498 | Adjustable Arm Rest - An adjustable vehicle arm rest comprising a body; a spring-biased adjustable arm rest slidably engaging the body; and a flexible attachment portion coupled to the body and adapted to securely engage a vehicle door through tooth-like grips. Alternatively, covers can be adapted to removably fit over the arm rest or, the arm rest can be filled with a fluid for flexible padding. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224499 | Clutch Mechanism for Power Device - A clutch mechanism of the present power device comprises a fixed gear member, a moving gear member engaged with the fixed gear member when moving to a clutch connecting position, an armature for moving the moving gear member to the clutch connecting position when rotated relatively to the moving gear member, an electromagnetic coil unit for applying a brake resistance to the armature, and a clutch holding surface for abutting against the moving gear member when the electromagnetic coil unit is turned off in the clutch connecting state and for holding the moving gear member at a brake-clutch connecting position. The abutment of the moving gear member against the clutch holding surface is released by rotating the moving gear member relatively to the armature in a state in which the electromagnetic coil unit is operated. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224500 | Vehicle Body Composed Of At Least Two Prefabricated Modules, And Method For The Production Thereof - A motor vehicle body can be manufactured economically and assembled without any problem from prefabricated modules. This is resolved in that the modules are connected to one another in a non-detachable manner in a joint zone, such that a sheet of the one module coming into contact in the joint zone on a sheet section of another module, are joined to one another in a joining process, in which at least one of the sheet sections has been cold-formed, with positive and/or non-positive fit, and in that in at least one of the modules an access channel is formed, extending at least in sections along the joint zone and accessible from outside for introduction of a joining tool. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224501 | INVISIBLE DIVISION BAR MODULAR ASSEMBLY - A surround molding module incorporates an invisible division bar assembly. The invisible division bar includes a support or glass encapsulation that does not extend outwardly beyond the plane of the exterior surface of fixed and movable windows of the vehicle. It provides a butt joint between these window edges. The support also carries a guide member that provides tracking with a guide extending outwardly from a glass encapsulation secured to the movable window. A glass run channel is also secured to the support along the rear vertical edge of the movable window. An effective window guide tracking system is provided that has improved wind noise and a flush window appearance with no off-set. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224502 | VEHICLE FRONT STRUCTURE - A middle branch frame portion is configured such that a front end portion is connected to a front side frame via s suspension-frame attaching bolt to fasten a suspension frame, a middle portion extends to a tunnel portion that is provided at the center portion in the vehicle width direction so as to project upward, and a rear portion is provided below (vehicle outside) an upper corner portion of the tunnel portion so as to extend along the upper corner portion. Accordingly, there can be provided a vehicle front structure with a pair of front side frames provided at both sides of a vehicle body so as to extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction that can disperse the load properly even when a larger fontal-crash impact load acts. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224503 | Vehicle Roof - The invention relates to a vehicle roof, which comprises at least two rigid roof sections, which can be displaced between a closed position that covers the vehicle interior and a storage position that exposes the vehicle interior and which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction in the closed position and are stowed in a concealed storage compartment in the stored position. The roof is equipped with a sliding roof cover element that runs over the exterior and that is guided in an assembly that extends on both sides of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction. To reliably drain leaked water from the region of the guide assembly, a water drainage channel ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080224504 | TENT CHAIR - The tent chair includes a folding frame supporting a folding cover, with the frame attached to a folding or portable chair. The chair has a single rearward frame bow which is radially flexible but rigid orthogonal to the lateral bow pivot axis of the chair. A series of similar bows is pivotally attached at or toward the front of the chair. The axially orthogonal rigid rearward bow supports the cover and prevents the forward bows from collapsing the cover forwardly as it is pulled taut. One use of the device is as a hunting blind, with a quick release optionally allowing the cover to be rapidly opened. Other configurations provide for use as a photography blind, a privacy shelter for camping or beach use, ice fishing, as a wheelchair or beach lounge chair cover, etc., and may have sufficient room for more than one person. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224505 | Folding lap end table - A lap/end table that attaches to the frame of a typical folding chair. The table is connected by a bracket on one end that provides a range of motion to allow the table to be used in several positions. The positions are the lap position, the end table position, or a folded or stored position. The table is adjustable to the user and chair size by incorporating a hinge and leg that provide advantages in the different positions. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224506 | Seat With Adjustable Omnidirectional Suspension - A seat includes a bladder assembly having a plurality of pneumatic bladders arranged one within another. The compressibility of each pneumatic bladder is based at least in part on a pressure within the pneumatic bladder, and/or on a thickness of an outer layer that defines the shape of the pneumatic bladder. In a configuration, an inner bladder is inflatable independently from an outer bladder, for adjustable, targeted support and compressibility. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224507 | Compactible Juvenile Vehicle Seat With Forward-Folding Backrest and U-Shaped Backrest Frame - A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224508 | SAFETY SEAT WITH A WARNING DEVICE - A warning device is provided that includes a safety seat, a baby stroller frame and an electronic device. The safety seat has a seat body, a handle and a pair of connecting elements; the baby stroller frame has a connecting base provided with a pair of receptacles adapted for engaging with the connecting elements; and the electronic device has at least a signal generating element, a battery, electronic circuit and at least a first touching switch received in either one of the receptacles or the connecting elements for generating a safety signal when the connecting elements is fully inserted into the receptacles. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224509 | Vehicle Seat Assembly - A vehicle seat assembly is configured for mating engagement with a selectively interchangeable first trim cover portion having a first attachment member. The seat assembly includes a foam cushion, a second trim cover portion having a second attachment member, and a clip defining first and second recesses operatively connected to the foam cushion. The clip is configured such that the first attachment member is insertable into the first recess for snap-fit engagement with the clip to retain the first trim cover portion with respect to the cushion. The second attachment member is in snap-fit engagement with the clip in the second recess to retain the second trim cover portion with respect to the cushion. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224510 | Transport Seating - A novel orientation for a plurality of transport seats within a vehicle, generally consisting of a first seat facing in a first direction, and a second seat facing an opposing direction such that the lateral width of the combined seats is substantially less than in prior art examples. Specific seats and reclining orientations are also disclosed including seats having a unitary structure. A visual barrier is also disclosed, substantially disposed between the first and the second seat to provide a visual barrier between a user in a first seat and a user in a second seat. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224511 | Vehicle Seat - A vehicle seat, in particular a rear seat bench for a motor vehicle, has a seat part and a backrest which is provided with displaceable side cushions. Their position can be changed as a function of the position of the backrest. According to the invention, at least the backrest is arranged in the vehicle in a manner such that it can be displaced in or counter to the direction of travel, wherein the position of the side cushions located on the outside of the backrest can be forcibly changed as a function of the sliding position of the backrest. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224512 | Lock for Forward-Folding Backrest - A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224513 | Lock for Forward-Folding Backrest - A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224514 | Compactible Juvenile Vehicle Seat With Forward-Folding Backrest and Retractable Armrests - A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base adapted to set on a vehicle seat and a foldable backrest associated with the seat base. The juvenile vehicle seat also includes a backrest lock coupled to the foldable backrest. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224515 | FOLDABLE FRAME WITH DETACHABLE INFANT CARRIER - A foldable frame comprises a front leg frame and a rear leg frame, each having one or more leg units foldable or detachable with one another. The front leg frame and the rear leg frame are rotatable with each other such that the foldable frame can be folded to a small size. The foldable frame also utilizes a receiving frame pivotally or steadily configured on the frame body for receiving the detachable infant carrier. A recliner apparatus is further configured between the receiving frame and the frame body for adjusting the receiving frame together with the infant carrier to different reclining angle for convenient use. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224516 | Device for Mounting a Child Seat in a Car and a Child Seat - The invention concerns a device for mounting a child seat in a car comprising a frame with two frame tubes having at their ends attachment devices for connecting the frame to car mounted brackets and a slide movable along the frame tubes. The slide has a support surface for supporting the child seat and two or more hooks of which at least one is movable for coupling the child seat on the slide. According to the invention the support surface can support a first circular flange of the child seat and the hooks have a circular shape and/or are placed in a circle for gripping the first circular flange. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224517 | LUMBAR SUPPORT AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR A LUMBAR SUPPORT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LUMBAR SUPPORT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - Lumbar support and control device of a lumbar support and method for controlling a lumbar support of a motor vehicle. An electric control device is provided for a lumbar support which has a drive coupled mechanically to an adjusting mechanism for setting the seat contour of the lumbar support. The control device has at least one computer unit which controls a massaging movement of the lumbar support whereby the massaging movement is characterized through several predefinable ideal speeds. Several ideal speeds for one or more adjusting directions of the lumbar support are controllable through the computer unit. For control by the ideal speeds a drive moment of the drive is adapted to an actual load of the drive so that the massaging movement can be controlled substantially independent of the actual time-changeable or locally variable load. The drive moment is consequently changeable through the control device. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224518 | SEAT APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first lock mechanism switching between a first locked state and a first lock-released state and a second lock mechanism switching between a second locked state and a second lock-released state. The first lock mechanism includes a restraining member and a releasing member. The restraining member restrains a pivotal movement of a seatback at a predetermined angle position, at which the seatback does not interfere with a seat cushion moving between a first position and a second position thereof, when the second lock mechanism is in the second lock-released state. The releasing member is linked to the restraining member and releases a restriction to the pivotal movement of the seatback by being moved in association with a movement of the seat cushion when the second lock mechanism is in the second lock-released state. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224519 | Seat Assembly Having a Seat Cushion Rocker Mechanism - A seat assembly ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080224520 | Vehicle Seat Assembly With Stand Up Position - A seat assembly has a seat cushion that is pivotally mountable to a vehicle floor. The seat cushion is selectively movable between an operative condition and a standup condition. A seat back is pivotally mounted to the seat cushion and is selectively movably angularly relative to the seat cushion. A pair of hinges pivotally receives the seat back and is linked to the seat cushion, whereby movement of the seat cushion from the operative condition to the standup condition rotates the pair of hinges, generally aligning the seat cushion and the seat back when the seat cushion is tumbled forward. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224521 | Portable Obstetrics Chair - A portable chair for use by an obstetrics practitioner during delivery of a baby, comprising a seat for receiving the posterior of the practitioner, a height adjustment means for varying the height of the seat above a floor surface (such as in a delivery room or home environment), and a base unit configured to allow translation of the chair in a plurality of directions across the floor surface. The height adjustment means is adapted for lowering the height of the seat to a first 0 level at which the posterior of the practitioner is maintained substantially at the level of the base unit, thereby allowing the practitioner to facilitate delivery when the mother gives birth in a standing or upright position. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224522 | VEHICLE SEATS - A vehicle seat may include a seat main body, a rotation mechanism that is arranged and constructed to horizontally rotate the seat main body between a forwardly facing position and a laterally facing position, a sliding mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism. The rotation locking mechanism is arranged and constructed to prevent the seat main body from rotating when the seat main body is in a laterally facing position. The rotation locking mechanism includes a first engagement portion, a second engagement portion, and a lock releasing portion. The second engagement portion is capable of moving between a condition in which it does not engage the first engagement portion and a position in which it engages the first engagement portion when the seat main body is in the laterally facing position. The lock releasing portion is arranged and constructed to be engaged with and disengaged from the second engagement portion depending upon the sliding motion of the sliding mechanism. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224523 | Seat with Easy-Entry and Cargo Function - A vehicle seat has a seat lower component, a seat upholstered component and a backrest component provided to be rotatably moved about a first axis provided parallel to a direction aligned transverse to the primary sitting direction. The vehicle seat upholstered component is also rotatably movable relative to the seat lower component about a second axis, the second axis being provided parallel to a direction from an upholstered component use position into an upholstered component loading position and vice versa, and the backrest component is provided to be rotatably moved relative to the seat lower component about the first axis from a backrest use position into a backrest loading position, and vice versa, only when the seat upholstered component has been moved substantially into the upholstered component loading position. By folding over the seat upholstered component into its upholstered component loading position, the backrest component can move relative to the seat lower component into its loading position, i.e. the backrest loading position. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224524 | MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY - According to one embodiment of a seat assembly for a motor vehicle a seat back pivots about a hip axis, a seat bottom pivots about a knee axis, and at least one seat bottom leg is pivots about an ankle axis, so that the seat back folds down against the seat bottom and the seat bottom kneels on the floor to at least partially define a seating load floor. According to another embodiment; a seat bottom and a seat back are articulatable in a forward direction to fold the seat bottom and back down toward a floor of the vehicle to at least partially define a seating load floor. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224525 | Vehicle seat adjustment extension arm - An extension arm to facilitate the horizontal adjustment of vehicle seats with a bar activated lock releasing mechanism. The arm is fabricated of an appropriate length of a sturdy material such as metal or high impact plastic having one end attachable to the seat bar and having a gripable handle or strap at the other. The arm may also incorporate a mechanism for varying the distance from the bar to the handle by altering the position of attachment at the bar end. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224526 | Internally pulling type lift device for chair armrest - An internally pulling type lift device for a chair armrest includes an outer pipe, a guide track, an inner pipe, a follower, a locking member, a pull handle, a control knob, and a spring. Thus, the inner pipe is movable in the outer pipe so that the inner pipe will not rub the outer wall of the outer pipe during a long-term utilization, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the outer pipe. In addition, the inner pipe is locked onto or unlocked from the outer pipe by pulling or releasing the control knob, so that the lift device is operated easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating a user operating the lift device to adjust the height of the armrest. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224527 | CONTINUOUS EXTRACTION OF UNDERGROUND NARROW-VEIN METAL-BEARING DEPOSITS BY THERMAL ROCK FRAGMENTATION - A method for extracting minerals from a narrow-vein deposit by thermal fragmentation is provided. The method includes locating the vein and determining the extent thereof to form the boundaries of a stope. Access to the stope is prepared by forming a panel having an upper drift and a lower drift. Equipment for thermal fragmentation, including a burner, is installed from the upper drift. The burner moves along the panel surface in a sweeping motion, while rock chips spalled from the rock panel surface are collected. Multiple panels for processing can be realised, with lower panels being processed before upper panels, by excavating a sub-level to separate the lower and upper panels. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224528 | Method of welding brush filaments to a ferrule and resultant brush - A method of welding brush filaments to a ferrule that includes the steps of providing a welding source that produces high frequency vibrations and/or heat, brush filaments, and a ferrule having an inner face, an outer face and an opening to receive the brush filaments, positioning the brush filaments at least partially into the opening of the ferrule, positioning the welding source proximate the outer face of the ferrule, and transferring the high frequency vibrations and/or heat from the welding source to one or more locations on the outer face of the ferrule. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224529 | Method of Tapering Bristles for Toothbrushes, and Toothbrush Having Bristles Manufactured by Said Method - The present invention provides a method of tapering bristles for toothbrushes and a toothbrush having bristles manufactured using the method. One method disclosed in the present invention includes setting bristles made of polyester in a head insert, and fastening the bristles to the head insert by thermally welding portions of the bristles, protruding from a back surface of the head insert, to the head insert. The method further includes coupling the head insert to a toothbrush body and tapering ends of the bristles by immersing the bristles in a chemical. The bristles can be securely set in the toothbrush body without an anchor. Furthermore, polyester bristles, which could not be set in toothbrushes having variously shaped setting rows due to excessively high stiffness, can be set in these types of toothbrush by the toothbrush manufacturing method of the present invention. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224530 | Bicycle Multi-Speed Hub - A multi-speed hub for cantilever mounting to a bicycle frame generally includes a planetary gear mechanism, a hub shaft, a hub shell, a spoke shell, a driver and a driven gear. The hub shell is cantilever-mounted to the bicycle frame and configured to enclose the planetary gear mechanism and the hub shaft. The spoke shell, driver and driven gear are rotatably supported by the hub shell One end of the hub shaft is indirectly supported by the hub shell and the other end of the hub shaft is fixed to the bicycle frame. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224531 | Adjustable Width Drive Axle and Drive Unit - Disclosed herein is an adjustable width drive axle including: a main axle body including a telescoping portion disposed at each end of the main axle body; a sprocket affixed to each end of the main axle body, the sprocket designed to engage a drive unit; a first spacer removably affixed to the sprocket, the first spacer disposed around the telescoping portion of the main axle body; and a hub removably affixed to an end of the first spacer opposite the sprocket, wherein one or more additional spacers may be interposed between the first spacer and the hub or between the sprocket and the first spacer to adjust the width of the axle. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224532 | PARKING BRAKE INTERLOCK - A parking brake interlock is provided according to the invention. The parking brake interlock includes a parking brake inlet configured to receive a parking brake air supply, a service brake inlet configured to receive a service brake air supply, an exhaust port, and an interlock valve mechanism in communication with the parking brake inlet, the service brake inlet, and the exhaust port. The interlock valve mechanism is configured to exhaust the parking brake air supply if the service brake air pressure is not received. The interlock valve mechanism is further configured to hold the parking brake air supply in order to generate a parking brake air pressure if the service brake air pressure is received. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224533 | BRAKE CONTROL APPARATUS AND PROCESS OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes a wheel cylinder, a pump for pressurizing a brake fluid in the wheel cylinder, and an electric motor for driving the pump. A controller operates the electric motor so as to conform an internal pressure of the wheel cylinder to a desired internal pressure of the wheel cylinder, and produces a torque applied to the electric motor in a first rotational direction, while the pump is stopping from a state in which the electric motor is rotating in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction so as to allow the pump to pressurize the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224534 | Solenoid Valve Device for Vehicle Brake Systems - The invention relates to a solenoid valve arrangement for an automotive braking system which arrangement is configured as a three-position/three-way valve. The invention is improved over the prior art in that two armatures and a single armature winding are assembled together such that both armatures can be displaced by the single armature winding. Each of the two armatures is associated with a respective sealing seat and the two sealing seats are situated on one side of the solenoid valve device, viewed in the axial direction of the armatures. The two sealing seats are embodied in a particularly advantageous fashion in or on a common sealing washer. The two sealing seats are arranged in a single sealing washer in such a way that the latter can be preassembled and then inserted into a predetermined location in the final assembly of the vehicle brake system solenoid valve device. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224535 | TRACK BELT TENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A machine including: a frame assembly including one or more drive wheels and one or more idler wheels affixed to the frame assembly; a track belt disposed about the drive and the idler wheel; a hydraulic actuator arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator affixed to the idler wheel that provides a force to tension the track belt; and a tension management system in operable communication with the hydraulic cylinder that maintains a pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder within a specified range. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224536 | Transmission Line Structure for Power Line Communication and Power Line Switch Used Therein - A power line switch apparatus is provided for use in a power line communication system that transmits a signal through a power line that feeds a power supply current. In the power line switch apparatus, a switch section is inserted in the power line to make or break connection of the power line. A power line filter is connected in series to the switch section and inserted in the power line, the power line filter being used to pass the power supply current and to cut off the signal of the power line communication system. A by-pass circuit is connected in parallel with the series connection of the switch section and the power line filter, the by-pass circuit including a by-pass filter for cutting off the power supply current and passing the signal of the power line communication system. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224537 | Motor Vehicle Supply System Featuring Battery-Independent Buffering of the Generator Current - The present invention relates to a motor vehicle electrical system, comprising a generator, a battery, a high-capacity capacitor and a power distributor for controllably supplying energy to individual load circuits of the motor vehicle. The generator, the battery and the high-capacity capacitor are connected in parallel. The electrical connection line between the battery and the power distributor has a cross-section of less than 10 mm | 2008-09-18 |
20080224538 | Grid-connected fuel cell system and load using the same - The system includes a fuel cell to generate DC electricity by reacting oxygen with fuel, an inverter to convert the DC electricity generated by the fuel cell to AC electricity, a DC output terminal to output the DC electricity, and an AC output terminal to output the AC electricity, the AC output terminal being connected to an electricity system. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224539 | Accessory Power Distribution Module - A power distribution module for conveying power to one or more accessories is disclosed. The power distribution module includes a constant-hot power bus; an ignition-hot power bus; and at least one output terminal for conveying power to said one or more accessories, wherein the at least one output terminal is selectively capable of providing one of ignition-hot power to said one or more accessories from the ignition-hot power bus, and constant-hot power to said one or more accessories from the constant-hot power bus. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224540 | POWER SUPPLY DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A voltage converting unit converts a first voltage of an auxiliary power supply unit into a second voltage. A voltage determining unit determines whether the second voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. A first switch, which is arranged between the voltage converting unit and a load, switches on and off a supply of an electric power of the second voltage to the load. When it is determined that the second voltage exceeds the predetermined threshold, a voltage-conversion control unit controls the voltage converting unit to stop converting the voltage, and then a switching control unit controls the first switch to supply the electric power of the second voltage to the load. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224541 | POWER CONTROL METHOD FOR SECONDARY BATTERIES - There is provided a power control method for secondary batteries constituting, in a grid connection system supplying electric power to a power system by combining a power generator where output power fluctuates with a power storage compensator, the power storage compensator and compensating fluctuation of output power of the power generator. The method includes the steps of: dividing the secondary batteries into a “constant power control” group and a “demand responsive” group, and distributing predetermined constant input-output power out of power to be input and output provided to all the secondary batteries in order to compensate fluctuation of output power of the power generator to the “constant power control group” and the remaining input-output power to the “demand responsive” group to control input-output power of the secondary batteries respectively depending on the belonging groups. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224542 | UNIVERSAL SWITCH CONTROL APPARATUS - An equipment controller includes an actuator control module configured for connection to an actuator that provides operational control of a piece of monitored equipment; a sensing module configured to monitor a state of a parameter of the monitored equipment; an optional local control interface for the actuator control module and the sensing module; and a secondary power system to provide operational power for the actuator control modules, the sensing modules and the control interface when primary power to the equipment controller is not available. Where desired, a communications interface to permit communications with a remote operations center may be included. Some or all of the modules may be contained in water tight housings, permitting operation of the equipment controller even when fully submerged in water. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224543 | Non-contact signal transmission apparatus - A non-contact signal transmission apparatus transmits electric power and a signal in a non-contact manner via magnetic induction. The apparatus includes: a pair of annular electric power cores provided in opposing relationship to each other; a pair of electric power coils respectively provided in an annular form at one of the pair of electric power cores; and a pair of signal coils respectively provided in an annular form inside one of the pair of electric power cores. Relative permeability inside and around the signal coils is lower than relative permeability of the electric power cores. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224544 | Electric power supply device, information processing device, and display device - There is disclosed an electric power supply device including: a plurality of coils that respectively generate alternating current signals depending on a variation in magnetic flux; a plurality of rectifying units that are respectively connected to the plurality of coils, to respectively convert the alternating current signals generated by the plurality of coils connected, into a plurality of direct current signals; a restriction unit that restricts reverse flow of the plurality of direct current signals converted by the plurality of rectifying units; an electric power supply unit that extracts and supplies electric power from the plurality of direct current signals flowing through the restriction unit; and an output unit that specifies a direct current signal at a highest level among the plurality of direct current signals converted by the plurality of rectifying units, and outputs electronic information specifying which of the plurality of coils is connected to one of the plurality of rectifying units that has generated the direct current signal at the highest level. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224545 | PULSE GENERATING DEVICE AND METHOD - A pulse generating device and method are provided. The pulse generating device includes a control device, a first knob, and a second knob. The control device is configured to receive a pulse signal and generate a pulse command. After being actuated, the first knob provides a single pulse of the pulse signal to the control device for triggering the control device to generate a single pulse command. The second knob provides the pulse signal to the control device in a frequency corresponding to a twisted angle of the second knob so as to trigger the control device to repeatedly generate the pulse command. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224546 | METHOD TO ANALYZE SYSTEM RECONFIGURATION FOR AUTOMATED ISOLATION OF DISTURBANCES TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A method and system where, by tabulating the known values and parameters of a distribution system and its automated equipment in a specific manner, the automated system reconfiguration can quickly identify and thereby implement the optimal system reconfiguration for service restoration. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224547 | Reverse voltage protected integrated circuit arrangement - An integrated circuit arrangement is disclosed which comprises a semiconductor body having a substrate and at least one substrate terminal, at least one semiconductor component integrated in the semiconductor body and being connected between a first supply terminal providing a first supply potential and a second supply terminal providing a second supply potential, and switching means adapted for connecting at least one of said substrate terminals to either the first or to the second supply terminal dependent on which supply terminal provides the lower supply potential. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224548 | Braking Device For an Electric Motor - A braking device for an electric motor includes two brake pads, which are connected to brake disks, which cooperate with a brake rail. The two brake pads are rigidly connected by a connecting element, which is able to experience a certain deflection under the influence of a piezoelectric element, which is used to distance the two brake pads from each other. An assembly, which includes the two brake pads and their connecting element, is fastened on a support by a fastening device, which is elastically deformable along the direction at right angles with respect to the brake rail and to the two brake pads. The elastically deformable fastening device is formed of plates, which are connected on one end to the assembly and on the other end to the support. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224549 | Apparatus and Method for Correcting Shape of Inner Surface of Stator - An apparatus for correcting the shape of an inner surface of a stator includes a deviation sensor for measuring the shape of the inner surface of the stator fixed inside an inner surface of a housing of a rotating electric machine, a personal computer for calculating a direction of deformation and the amount of deformation of the shape of the stator inner surface based on the measured shape of the stator inner surface as well as a direction of heating and the amount of heat to be input when heating an outer side surface of the housing based on the calculated direction and amount of deformation of the shape of the stator inner surface, and a gas burner for heating the outer side surface of the housing based on the direction of heating and the amount of heat to be input calculated by the personal computer. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224550 | Magnetic Motor - There is provided a magnetic motor which comprises a rotation assembly having a rotation axis and a plurality of rotating bodies fixedly installed at an interval along the rotation axis and magnetized to have multipole; one or more electromagnets, installed in a region influenced by a magnetic field derived from the adjacent rotating bodies, whereby the rotating assembly is driven by magnetic repulsive and attractive forces between the rotating bodies and the one or more electromagnets; and a controller for sequentially controlling magnetization of the electromagnets. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224551 | Cooling an Electrical Machine - An electrical machine includes a stator and a rotor disposed in a housing of the electrical machine. The stator includes windings having a first set of end turns at a first end of the stator and having a second set of end turns at a second, opposing end of the stator. The stator has a substantially tubular shape and an interior lateral surface. The rotor extends through the interior of the stator. A flow inlet into a volume in the housing about the first end turns is located radially outside of the interior lateral surface of the stator. A flow outlet from the volume in the housing about the first end turns is located radially outside of the interior lateral surface. The inlet and the outlet are cooperatively arranged to communicate a flow of fluid substantially transverse across the first end of the stator. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224552 | Outer Rotor of Motor for Direct Drive-Type Washing Machine - Objects of the present invention is to provide an outer rotor of a motor for a direct drive drum type washing machine, in which a structure of the outer rotor is improved, to resolve throbbing of the outer rotor at the time of high speed rotation, and consequential noise, and to provide a variety of products. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224553 | Electric motor, rotary actuator and rotary apparatus - A rotary actuator including: a housing that rotatably supports thereinside a rotor shaft of an electric motor; an eccentric shaft portion that is provided on a protruding end portion of the rotor shaft that protrudes outside the housing; an external gear that is rotatably supported on the eccentric shaft portion via a bearing; an internal gear that is fixed to an outer surface of the housing and meshes with the external gear; and a transmitting portion that is provided on the external gear, and transmits rotation force to an external output shaft. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224554 | BEARING ASSEMBLY AND MOTOR USING THE BEARING ASSEMBLY - In a bearing assembly, a shaft is inserted into a sleeve, and a lower end of the shaft is attracted to a magnet chip which is held by an auxiliary yoke. A retaining member and an auxiliary washer are sandwiched between a lower end surface of the sleeve and a contact portion of the auxiliary yoke so as to retain the shaft in the sleeve. The auxiliary washer has an inner diameter larger than that of the retaining member and a maximum diameter of the lower end of the shaft. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224555 | Method and Device For Controlling a Magnetic Bearing - A detection device ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080224556 | METHODS OF CONTROLLING THE INSTABILITY IN FLUID FILM BEARINGS - A method of controlling the instability in fluid film bearings by using a magnetic bearing in combination with a fluid film bearing (whether it is a cylindrical journal bearing, an elliptic bearing, an offset-half bearing, a multi-lobe bearing, foil bearing or a tilting-pad bearing, does not really matter), wherein the fluid film bearing serves as the primary load carrying bearing and the magnetic bearing controls the instability of the fluid film bearing. This efficient combination results in bearings that can be used at high speeds without having neither stability nor reliability problems. An alternative method of controlling the instability in fluid film bearings is to disturb the flow in the axial direction, for example, a sleeve (journal) bearing can be manufactured such that the bearing axis is skewed with the shaft axis or a variable geometry bearing can be manufactured to allow for bearing angular misalignment. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224557 | ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH HALBACH ARRAYS - Electric motor configurations are provided with Halbach arrays. In one example, an electric motor includes a first plurality of magnets arranged in a first Halbach array. The first plurality of magnets is configured to provide a first magnetic field that substantially exhibits a first Halbach flux distribution. A first plurality of electromagnets comprising a first plurality of coils are arranged in a second Halbach array. A controller is adapted to selectively direct current through the first plurality of coils to induce a second magnetic field to interact with the first magnetic field. The second magnetic field substantially exhibits a second Halbach flux distribution. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224558 | INTERIOR PERMANENT MAGNET MOTOR INCLUDING ROTOR WITH FLUX BARRIERS - An electric machine includes a stator, and a rotor positioned adjacent the stator and configured to rotate with respect to the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of laminations having an outside diameter and stacked in a stackwise direction. Each lamination includes a plurality of non-linear slots positioned inward of the outside diameter. Each non-linear slot includes an inner portion spaced a first distance from the outside diameter and two end portions disposed a second distance from the outside diameter. The second distance is smaller than the first distance. The rotor also includes a plurality of permanent magnets. Each magnet is disposed in one of the non-linear slots. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224559 | BRUSH-LESS MOTOR AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DEVICE HAVING BRUSH-LESS MOTOR - A permanent magnet included in a rotor of a brush-less motor is a radial anisotropic magnet in which multi-poles are magnetized in the circumferential direction and is skew magnetized along the axial direction in such a manner that a surface to one end part of an upper side from a central part in the axial direction and a surface to an end part of a lower side from the central part are axially shifted by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction from each other. In accordance with this skew-magnetization, coggings including irregularly varying components generated in the rotor owing to the three-dimensional shapes of coil ends provided at opposite ends of a tooth | 2008-09-18 |
20080224560 | Electric Machine and Manufacturing Process for Same - To provide an electric machine capable of being improved in both fabricability and reliability, and a process for manufacturing the machine. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224561 | Electric motor, method for manufacturing electric motor, electromagnetic coil for electric motor, electronic device, and fuel cell equipped apparatus - An electric motor having an electromagnetic coil, wherein the electromagnetic coil has wiring formed by a vapor deposited insulating layer wound on the entire exterior circumference of a conductive substrate. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224562 | Armature laminations - A DC motor, has a stator housing accommodating a permanent magnet stator; a rotor, rotatably mounted confronting the stator, the rotor having a shaft, a rotor core fitted to the shaft and having asymmetric laminations, a commutator fitted to the shaft adjacent one end of the rotor core, and windings wound about poles of the rotor core and terminated on the commutator; and brush gear comprising brushes in sliding contact with the commutator for transferring electrical power to the windings, wherein the cogging torque order for the motor is greater than twenty. Preferably, the cogging torque order is 28, 36 or 44. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224563 | Method of Inserting an Undulating Winding Into a Stator of a Polyphase Rotating Electrical Machine, and Associated Stator - A method of inserting an undulating winding into an alternator stator. The method comprises the following steps consisting of shaping each phase winding into a succession of crenels comprising two lateral branches which are intended to be attached at a position for reception in a slot, positioning the windings on an insertion tool and inserting the turns into the slots of the stator in the reverse order to the winding order. The windings are wound around the insertion tool simultaneously, and the turns that succeed one another in a determined winding order belong alternatively to different windings. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224564 | TEAR RESISTANT ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER TRANSDUCERS - Described herein are several solutions that increase transducer lifetime by reducing or preventing tear propagation in a compliant electroactive polymer. One solution couples a compliant tear resistant treatment to a transducer proximate to an edge portion of the electroactive polymer. Another solution uses a tear resistant layer that couples to and covers a large surface area of the transducer. Another suitable tear resistant solution provides added material outside an active area; the added material reduces stress or strain variations in polymer material outside the active area when the electroactive polymer transducer is deflected or pre-strained | 2008-09-18 |
20080224565 | ELECTROSTATIC ACTUATOR - An electrostatic actuator includes a stator having a plurality of convex shaped electrodes formed on a surface of a base material, where the surface serves as a counter surface, and a mover disposed so as to face the stator, where the mover has a plurality of convex shaped electrodes formed on a surface of a base material and the surface serves as a counter surface. A side surface of each of the convex shaped electrodes of the stator faces a side surface of a corresponding one of the convex shaped electrodes of the mover. Planar electrodes are formed on at least one of the counter surface of the stator and the counter surface of the mover in a portion other than a portion where the convex shaped electrodes are formed, and the planar electrodes face end surfaces of the convex shaped electrodes formed on the other counter surface. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224566 | MULTILAYER CONDUCTIVE ELEMENTS - An article comprises first and second electrically responsive elements having a cutting plane which is perpendicular to an x-dimension for separating the elements. The conductive elements of the conductive layers are alternatingly exposed to one of the two opposing faces of the conductive element. | 2008-09-18 |
20080224567 | Ultrasonic sensor having piezoelectric element and acoustic matching member - An ultrasonic sensor according to the present invention is used, for example, for detecting an obstacle positioned in front of an automotive vehicle. The ultrasonic sensor includes an piezoelectric element connected to an acoustic matching member and a processing circuit, all contained in a casing. Ultrasonic waves reflected on an object are received by the acoustic matching member and converted into electrical signals in the piezoelectric element. The electrical signals are processed in the processing circuit to thereby detect a distance to the object and/or positions of the object. A surface of the acoustic matching member connected to the piezoelectric element is made larger than the piezoelectric element to form an overhang area on a conductive layer formed on the acoustic matching member. In this manner, electrical connection in the ultrasonic sensor is easily made, and detection sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor is enhanced. | 2008-09-18 |