45th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 16 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110272917 | TOWED VEHICLE HAVING TWO TOWING MODES - A towed vehicle having two towing modes has a first set of wheels positioned on a first axis defining an operative position supporting a frame. A second set of wheels is positioned on a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. The second set of wheels has a lowered operative position and a raised inoperative position. When the second set of wheels is in the lowered operative position, they lift the first set of wheels off the ground to an inoperative position. A first towing connection is provided for connecting the frame to a tow vehicle when the first set of wheels are in the operative position. A second towing connection is provided, perpendicular to the first towing connection, for connecting the frame to the tow vehicle when the second set of wheels are in the operative position. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272918 | Trailer System - A trailer system that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The trailer components can be shipped and stored in a knockdown configuration and then quickly assembled with single wrench and little mechanical skill. A plurality of structural members are bolted onto a beam set to form the trailer bed. A simple trailer axle and wheel assembled can then be attached to the trailer bed. The shipping container is used to form the surfaces of the trailer. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272919 | HITCH ASSEMBLY - A hitch assembly for attachment to a bumper beam that is concealed with a bumper fascia. In one embodiment, the hitch assembly includes a body extending through the bumper fascia and has a receiver dimensioned to receive a drawbar. To secure the drawbar to the hitch assembly, at least one pin may be provided that can move between an engaged position that secures the drawbar to the hitch assembly and a disengaged position that allows the drawbar to be released from the hitch assembly. The hitch assembly may also include a handle extending from the bumper fascia and adapted to move the pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272920 | GLIDING BOARD - A gliding board having a length measured along a longitudinal direction, between a first end and a second end, a width measured along a transverse direction, between a first edge and a second edge, and a height measured between a bottom surface and a top surface, the gliding board including a lower reinforcement and an upper reinforcement. The board includes a median longitudinal spacer, the spacer being arranged between the lower reinforcement and the upper reinforcement. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272921 | SKID FOR MOVING ON SNOW, ICE AND WATER, SUCH AS A SKI OR A SNOWBOARD - A skid for moving on snow, ice and water, such as a ski or a snowboard, consisting of a sliding surface ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272922 | BOARD FOR SLIDING ON SNOW WITH SIDEWALLS OF VARIABLE WIDTH - A ski, monoski, or snowboard includes a central longitudinal core ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272923 | FOLDING MECHANISM AND FOLDABLE STROLLER - The invention relates to a stroller. A folding mechanism and a foldable stroller with the folding mechanism are disclosed. The folding mechanism includes a pivot device, a first support member, and a second support member. The first support member is pivotally connected to the second support member by the pivot device. The second support member includes a curve portion. There is a gap formed between the first support member and the second support member by the curve portion for preventing fingers from being trapped when the first support member and the second support member pivot close to each other. Thereby, it can prevent fingers from being trapped during folding the foldable stroller, even close to the pivot device. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272924 | WHEELBARROW - One aspect is wheelbarrow including a tub and a first frame portion coupled to, and providing support for, the tub. A wheel is supported blow the first frame portion. A second frame portion is releasably coupled to the first frame portion and configured with a handle for gripping by a user. A trigger is adjacent the handle configured to release the first frame portion from the second frame portion when the trigger is actuated such that the tub is readily dumped. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272925 | CHILD BUGGY AND STORAGE ELEMENT THEREFOR - A carriage for transporting infants, includes a frame which is provided with first fastening elements to be used for detachably fastening a first load, which first load includes a first holder, the width of the frame being adjustable between a first, relatively small frame width and a second, relatively large frame width, the frame being provided with second fastening elements to be used for detachably fastening, in both the first frame width and the second frame width, a second load next to the first load. There is also described a carriage with a frame which is provided with fastening elements to be used for detachably fastening a holder in which one or more infants may be transported, the width of the frame being adjustable between a small and a large frame width and the width of the holder being also adjustable between a small and a large holder width. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272926 | INJECTION MOLDED INFLATABLE ACTIVE BOLSTER - An inflatable active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the bolster having a first body section and a second body section interconnected by a living hinge. The first and second body sections are folded about the living hinge to form a hollow chamber. The first body section provides an outer surface for facing the vehicle occupant, while the second body section provides a support surface for coupling the inflatable active bolster to a vehicle. At least one of the first and second body sections provides at least one expansible element such that upon pressurization of the hollow chamber, at least a portion of the at least one expansible element undergoes deformation to permit inflation of the hollow chamber, thereby displacing the outer surface of the first body section outwardly to an extended position. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272927 | AIRBAG FOR A VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN AIRBAG - An airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The airbag comprising a first and a second chamber, which can be inflated for the protection of a vehicle occupant; having an outflow element with an outflow duct via which the gas can flow out of the first chamber when the internal pressure in the first chamber exceeds the internal pressure in the second chamber and which can be compressed under the action of the internal pressure in the second chamber such that an outflow of gas out of the second chamber is counteracted, when the internal pressure in the first chamber is lower than the internal pressure in the second chamber, the outflow element has a two-layer material piece and the outflow duct is formed by folding in a portion of the material piece between the material layers of the material piece. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272928 | INFLATABLE AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES WITH ANTI-SLIP PATCHES - Inflatable curtain airbags can be used to mitigate the likelihood of an occupant being ejected from a vehicle through a side window. Inflatable curtain airbags are typically tethered to a vehicle structure on a car-forward side, but may not be tethered to a vehicle structure on their car-rearward side. Increased friction between the car-rearward side of the airbag and an adjacent vehicle structure can be used to help the airbag say in place, and thereby decrease the likelihood of an occupant passing the airbag and being ejected from the vehicle. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272929 | KNEE AIRBAG DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A knee airbag device for a vehicle, configured in such a manner that, when a knee airbag is inflated and expanded with the knees of a vehicle occupant located close to an airbag door, a load to the lower legs is reduced. A first tear section ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272930 | STEERING SYSTEM - A steering system for allowing an operator to control the direction of travel of a vehicle propelled on wheels. The steering system comprises a steering input device configured to include a handle pivotally coupled to a linkage assembly configured to swivel, wherein the handle is configured to move in the fore and aft direction, wherein the steering input device generates input data based on the position of the linkage assembly and/or the handle. The steering system further comprises a communication device to communicate the input data received by the steering input device to a lower steering system, wherein the lower steering system is configured to receive the input data from the steering input device and control the direction of the wheels based on the input data received. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272931 | SUPPORTING FOOT - A supporting foot for a supporting device for vehicles, such as semi-trailers, comprising a foot element with a resting portion for resting on an underlying surface, and a compensating element for receiving a supporting element and for compensating for a positional offset of same by the compensating element being movable between a first and a second position with respect to the foot element, wherein the foot element has a guiding device in order to guide the supporting element in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the guiding device is formed from guiding portions which are arranged on either side of the supporting element and at least partially overlap with a distal end portion of the supporting element. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272932 | Ski pole basket - The present invention relates to a basket for ski pole comprising a hub of flexible extensions forming an umbel in which the hub contains a center opening for a ski pole shaft to be inserted. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272933 | NOTEPAD AND ASSEMBLIES INCORPORATING THE SAME - A disposable notepad for use in wet environments having a base member, a plurality of sheets of natural and/or synthetic water resistant and/or waterproof paper stacked together to form a pad, wherein the base member is folded over to cover the top edge of the pad, one or more securement members extending through a region where the base member is folded over the pad. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272934 | Peel-away security covering for a ticket - A solution for concealing confidential information that is printed at the point of sale in a game of chance utilizing a more common type printer designed for printing on a standard grade and biodegradable direct thermal paper. This system can print and cut each individual ticket in variable lengths. The unique and innovative concept of this new system allows a second and separate biodegradable substrate to be collated in a continuous stream over top of the printed ribbon before it is cut away and delivered into the presenter. The second substrate contains a strip of a specially formulated adhesive and is adhered to the top surface of the printed ribbon as the two substrates join together while passing through mechanical nip rollers. The confidential printed information is now covered and the combined substrates are cut and delivered as one ticket unit. The ticket information is revealed by easily peeling away the adhered top layer. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272935 | Quick-coupling device for pipelines and the like - A quick-coupling device ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272936 | QUICK CONNECT COUPLING MECHANISM ADAPTER - An adapter for use with a quick connect coupling mechanism including a male member and a female member comprises a shroud, a base, and a trigger element. The shroud may be tubular in shape and may be placed on an outer sleeve of the female member. The base may be coupled to the rear edge of the shroud, extending rearward therefrom and may maintain linear motion of the adapter during usage. The trigger element may be coupled to the shroud and the base and may extend outward therefrom. The trigger element may include an arcuate forward wall that is configured to receive a finger of a user and to be pulled rearward during retraction of the outer sleeve. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272937 | COUPLING - A high pressure fluid coupling assembly comprises a nipple ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272938 | FAST CONNECTING TUBE MODULE - A connecting tube module includes first and second tube members and a leakproofing member. The first tube member has an inner wall surface that is formed with a lock groove extending in a circumferential direction, and a slide groove extending parallel to a tube axis. The lock groove has an entrance end corresponding in location to the slide groove in a direction of the tube axis and a lock end opposite to the entrance end along the circumferential direction. The second tube member has an outer wall surface provided with a protruding block. The leakproofing member is disposed between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface. When the second tube member is inserted into the first tube member, the protruding block slides along the slide groove into the entrance end and is disposed at the lock end upon relative rotation of the first and second tube members in the circumferential direction. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272939 | PNEUMATIC SEED DISTRIBUTION HOSE COUPLING ASSEMBLY - In an embodiment, a hose coupling assembly includes a collet including a head and an axial protrusion extending from the head in a first axial direction. The axial protrusion is configured to engage a hose while the axial protrusion is in a locked position, and to disengage the hose while the axial protrusion is in an unlocked position. The hose coupling assembly also includes a housing disposed about the axial protrusion and configured to receive the hose. An inner surface of the housing is shaped to enable movement of the axial protrusion toward the unlocked position in response to movement of the axial protrusion in the first axial direction, and to drive the axial protrusion toward the locked position in response to movement of the axial protrusion in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272940 | CONNECTOR FOR SPOOLABLE MEDIA - A connector ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272941 | PIPE JOINT AND SEAL WITH BAND CLAMP - First and second exhaust system pipes in one of several embodiments are joined in a fixed fluid tight joint comprising a first flared flange on a first pipe and a flared flange portion on a second pipe. The flange portion is part of a second flange on the second pipe spaced from the second pipe end edge forming a pipe segment forming a corner with the second flange. A seal is between the two flanges abutting the second pipe segment. The first flange has a convex spherical outer surface and a concave inner spherical surface engaged with a first outer convex spherical surface portion of the seal, the radius of the flange inner surface is larger than the radius of the seal first outer surface portion forming a first tangential engaged contact point. A band clamp has two depending legs which respectively engage the first flared flange of the first pipe and the second pipe flared flange portion for forcing the flanges and pipes together and against the seal. A first clamp leg engages the first flange outer convex spherical surface at a second tangential contact point. The other conical leg of the clamp engages the second pipe flared flange portion. The two tangential contact points define a plane normal to the corresponding engaged surfaces providing enhanced stress concentration from the clamp to the pipes via the first flange and seal. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272942 | Tube coupling device - A tube coupling device includes a lock nut having a peripheral flange, an adapter having a peripheral rib for engaging with the peripheral flange, a male element having an outer thread threaded to the lock nut, and a washer disposed between the adapter and the male element and to be compressed between the adapter and the male element, and the adapter includes an engaging member extended from the peripheral rib and having an area smaller than that of the peripheral rib for decreasing a contact area between the washer and the adapter, the male element includes an engaging member having a decreased area for decreasing a contact area between the washer and the male element. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272943 | CONNECTOR FOR HIGH PRESSURE REINFORCED RUBBER HOSE - An improved swage fitted end connector for high pressure large diameter reinforced flexible rubber hose utilizing sine-wave locking of the reinforcement and particularly suited to the petrochemical and drilling industries. Two embodiments of the improved connector for use with wire reinforced thin internal tube hose are disclosed: one with a diameter of 3-inches and for burst pressures up to 20,000 psi and the other for a diameter of 5-inches and for burst pressures up to 18,000 psi. All of the improved connectors will withstand the rated burst pressure of the hose without pumping off or leaking thus any hose that utilizes the improved device will fail before the connector pops off the hose. The improved connectors are designed to meet or exceed the new API temperature ranges and new API flexible specification levels which became effective in October 2006. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272944 | ELECTRIC GENERATING DEVICE FOR TRAINING MACHINE - An electric generating device for a training machine is disclosed. The device has at least an electric generator, a trestle, and an electrical storage device electrically connectable to the generator. In one embodiment there are two electric generators that are mounted spaced apart in which the rotors and stators of the generators are symmetrically arranged. The rotor and stator of each side is separately connected to the corresponding rotor and stator of the other side through a rotor bushing and a bobbin. Each rotor is a hollow cylindrical disk that has multiple permanent magnets mounted on the inner surface of the disk and arrayed in circle. Each stator has multiple sets of generator coils and is mounted inside the disk and the permanent magnets. The stators of both sides are connected to a control plate through a connecting wire. The control plate has a series/parallel circuit, has a rectifier and has a voltage regulation circuit. The trestle has an adjusting knob. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272945 | Ortiz turbine - A turbine that will produce useful mechanical force from the dynamic force of the sea wave. This is done by rectifying the bidirectional force obtained from such wave. This turbine will produce a unidirectional rotation from the bidirectional force of the wave. The turbine will adjust the pitch of its blades automatically as the air flow inside the pipe changes direction, The air flow will change the pitch of the blade, because the blade is mounted on a shaft through ball bearings. Because the blade is acting like a flag on a pole that has a long tail and also the blade has a long tail and will always change its direction in accord to the direction of the air flow. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272946 | WATER WHEEL IMPELLER BLADE TYPE ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING APPARATUS - [Problem to be Solved] A water wheel impeller blade type electric power generating apparatus with which, on the forward motion side, the hydraulic pressure applied to the impeller blade is reduced; the mud, sand, dirt, and the like will not be collected into the water wheel; and the reduction in manufacturing cost for the apparatus can be made. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272947 | Large capacity wind power generator - A large capacity wind power generator is provided, which includes an outer rotor including an upper partitioning plate having a plurality of spokes formed along a circular circumference of the upper partitioning plate at equal intervals and a side partitioning plate formed on one side surface of the outer rotor, the outer rotor having a lower surface and the other side surface which are open; and a windmill formed inside the outer rotor to be rotated by wind flowing through the outer rotor. The side partitioning plate is formed to have an area that is smaller than a half of the entire circumferential area of the outer rotor, and spaces between the respective spokes are open so as to facilitate an inflow of the wind through the side surface of the outer rotor. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272948 | Wind Driven Power Generator - A wind driven generator includes a rotor disposed in a cylindrical duct and supported by a frame for rotation in response to wind flowing through the duct. The rotor includes plural circumferentially spaced paralleled rotor blades supported for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Each blade is supported for pivotal movement to change blade pitch, angle of attack or camber as the rotor rotates. A pitch or camber control motor, self-governing wind vane mechanism, or governing mechanism is operable to move a circular cam to vary blade pitch or camber to control rotor speed. The duct is mounted on a mast having a base supported on a foundation for pivotal movement to face the wind for maximizing air flow through the duct. Electric power generators are connected to opposite ends of the rotor at respective power output or drive shafts. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272949 | WIND TURBINE GENERATOR - Provided is a wind turbine generator in which the intake air temperature of an air-cooled heat exchanger disposed in a nacelle is decreased to allow efficient heat exchange. A wind turbine generator that generates electric power in such a manner that a rotor head that rotates when receiving wind power drives a generator installed inside a nacelle, the nacelle being installed at the upper end of a tower that is vertically erected on a foundation, and the wind turbine generator including a closed-circuit lubricating-oil circulation system in which lubricating oil circulates through devices installed inside the nacelle, wherein an air-cooled heat exchanger installed in the lubricating-oil circulation system to cool the lubricating oil by heat exchange with air is provided in a region separate from nacelle air. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272950 | GENERATOR WITH A SEGMENTED STATOR - A generator, a stator segment and a wind turbine are provided. The generator has a rotor and a stator. The stator includes stator segments attached to a circular holding structure. A stator segment has at least one first connection element being in engagement with at least one second connection element of the holding structure. The engagement is detachable in an axial direction and not detachable in a radial and a circumferential direction. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272951 | WIND POWERED APPARATUS HAVING COUNTER ROTATING BLADES - A wind powered apparatus (or wind turbine) having two sets of counter rotating blades. Both sets of blades are connected to an alternator and are operable to rotate the stator and rotor thereof in opposite directions relative to one another, thereby doubling their relative speed. The apparatus is equipped with a conical front nose piece having a blunt tip that co-operates with the first and second sets of blades to improve performance of the apparatus by affecting its orientation and the rotational speed of the blades. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272952 | Electrical Generator With Improved Cooling And Exhaust Flows - An electrical generator has an internal combustion engine and an alternator mounted to the engine and operative to generate electrical power during running of the engine. The alternator and the engine are arranged vertically to reduce the footprint of the electrical generator. The components of the electrical generator are contained within an enclosure defined by a base panel, a set of upright side panels, and a roof panel. When the roof panel is removed, each of the side panels can be independently removed from engagement with the base panel, which allows for easier access to the components of the electrical generator, such as for maintenance, service, and repair. The components are arranged so that cooling and exhaust air flow paths are defined within the enclosure. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272953 | CART WITH FLEXIBLE LATCH - A cart has a container body and a lid rotatably affixed to the container body so as to be selectively rotated between an open position and a closed position. A latch has a first end adapted to be rotatably affixed to the lid. A second end is adapted to engage the container body. The first end is connected to the second end by an arched member, the arched member is capable of flexure when a force is applied at a concave surface of the arched member. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272954 | REAR-END ELEMENT AND REAR END FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - This rear-end element ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272955 | WASTE RETRIEVAL AND DISPOSAL DEVICE AND METHOD - A method for disposing of waste material, where the head of a frame is inserted in a bag until a closed front edge of the bag receives a leading edge of the head and the head is at least substantially contained within the bag, with the head fitting loosely within the bag along its side edges. The rear edge of the top panel of the bag is connected to the frame. After the waste material is received on the top panel, and while maintaining the connection between the rear edge of the top panel and the frame, the bag is inverted by moving the rear edge of the bottom panel frontwardly of the head and of the front edge of the bag before moving the rear edge of the bottom panel rearwardly over the top panel, the head and the waste material. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272956 | ROUND SLING AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - The present invention relates to a round sling, and more particularly, to a round sling and to a method for manufacturing same in which threads are twisted according to a predetermined fracture, coated with a conductor, and extrusion-molded together with a core tube. The thus-manufacturing round sling can be determined to be undamaged and used when the round sling conducts electric currents, and prevented from being used when the round sling does not conducts electric current and the round sling is determined to be damaged at a level higher than a preset damage level. Thus, the round sling of the present invention prevents negligent accidents. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272957 | Vehicle grasping apparatus - A vehicle-to-vehicle grasping apparatus which utilizes a pair of top and bottom clamp fingers to grasp the back end of a fleeing vehicle. The clamp fingers are opened and closed through the use of a pneumatic cylinder and rod. The grasping apparatus is connected to the front bumper of a motor vehicle. When not in use, the clamp fingers of the grasping apparatus are maintained in a closed position. When a fleeing vehicle is to be stopped, the chase vehicle operator would cause the pneumatic cylinder of the grasping apparatus to be pressurized so that the clamp fingers are in an open position. Once the impact or proximity triggers of the grasping apparatus come into contact with the fleeing vehicle, the clamp fingers instantly close upon the fleeing vehicle's rear bumper or trunk. By applying the chase vehicle's brakes, the fleeing vehicle will be sufficiently slowed or stopped. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272958 | Automobile and truck accessory - An accessory for an external side view mirror unit which has a frame for rigidly securing the accessory to the side view mirror unit. An upstanding handlebar extends from the frame to allow the driver of an automobile, truck, or similar motor vehicle to extend his or her arm from the motor vehicle and grasp the handlebar, thus acknowledging to passing motorcyclists that the driver of the motor vehicle is a fellow cyclist. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272959 | STORAGE ASSEMBLY HAVING RETRACTABLE POWER CORD - A storage assembly for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle provides power to an electronic device from a vehicle power system. The storage assembly includes a storage bin having an exterior surface, an opening, and a storage space accessible through the opening. The storage assembly also includes a door having an outer surface which is pivotally coupled to the storage bin. A retractable cord is attached to a detachable member which is releasably attached to the storage bin. The retractable cord includes a first end having a first connector which is configured to connect the vehicle power system and a second end having a second connector configured to connect to the electronic device. A notch is formed in the housing adjacent the opening. The notch allows the second connector to extend beyond the exterior surface of the housing when a door is in the closed position. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272960 | SOUND ABSORPTION SHEET FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND ENGINE UNDER COVER FOR MOTOR VEHICLES USING SOUND ABSORPTION SHEET - A sound absorption sheet is constructed by both films which are made of a fire-retardant polyethylene resin and layered with each other. The film has a flat film portion and a large number of air bubble portions. The flat film portion is adhered at its rear face to the flat film from the side of the front face. A large number of air bubble portions are dispersed in a staggered arrangement with each other along the planar direction of the film and raised and formed cylindrically along the thickness direction of the flat film portion in a direction separating from the film. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272961 | STRUCTURAL HYBRID ATTACHMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An integrated structural system for a vehicle is provided. The integrated structural system having a molded duct system configured to guide airflow, the molded duct system having a first section and a second section, the molded duct system configured to provide a supporting surface; and a metal structure, the metal structure integrated with the molded duct system by a means for integrating the metal structure with the molded duct system forming an integrated structural load path assembly, the integrated structural load path assembly being configured as a load bearing area to distribute a load on the supporting surface over the integrated structural load path assembly, wherein the means for integrating the metal structure with the molded duct system includes one of sonic welding, heat staking, insert molding, and gluing. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272962 | ARMREST FOAM BUN INSERT - An armrest is provided including a flexible skin overlying at least a portion of a substrate member, the skin coupled to substrate member, the flexible skin and the substrate member defining a cavity there between and an opening along one edge, and a foam bun insertable in the cavity to form the armrest, wherein the foam bun comprises a first foam portion which the flexible skin overlies and a second foam carrier portion which closes off the opening. The first foam portion has a hardness that is less than the hardness of said second foam carrier portion, the foam bun further including an integrally formed locking flange to engage with an edge of the substrate and an integrally formed skin lock to engage with an edge of the skin. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272963 | Devices and Methods for Reducing Vehicle Drag - In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for reducing the drag of a trailer is provided. The apparatus can include an aerodynamic rain gutter component having a front edge and rear edge which is positioned on the roof adjacent to the rear edge of the roof such that the front edge of the rain gutter component contacts the roof and the rear edge of the rain gutter component does not contact the roof. The apparatus can further include a pair of fairings configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a trailer in front of wheels on the bottom of a trailer, a pair of fairings configured to be positioned on opposite sides of a trailer behind the wheels on the bottom of a trailer, with both pairs of fairings placed and shaped to direct the air smoothly around the wheels and tires and through the center of the trailer. The apparatus can also include a ramp in front of the suspension components, aerodynamically shaped wings on the axles, and a rear diffuser, such components configured to direct air smoothly between the trailer suspension and the ground. The directed high energy air from the apparatus results in a reduced trailer base drag. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272964 | Devices and Methods for Reducing Vehicle Drag - In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle trailer is provided. The vehicle trailer includes a roof and a floor separated from each other by a pair of opposing walls that extend along the length of the floor. The roof, floor, and walls define a space accessible by a trailer door with each of the walls having a front edge and a rear edge and having a height that extends from the floor to the roof. The height is substantially the same along at least a portion of the length of the walls. The vehicle trailer further includes a pair of side wall fairings having a leading edge and trailing edge. Each side wall fairing is positioned on a different wall from the other adjacent to the rear edges of each of the walls such that the leading edge of each side wall fairing contacts the wall and the trailing edge of each side wall fairing does not contact the wall. Each side wall fairing has an upward incline and downward incline. The side wall fairings can be utilized with one or more other components that are described herein. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272965 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR REDUCING VEHICLE DRAG - In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle trailer is described that further includes a shelf component. The shelf component is separate from the rain gutter component. The shelf component extends from the rear wall of the trailer and includes a sloped surface. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272966 | Working Vehicle With Cabin - A working vehicle ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272967 | PIVOTAL FAN/GRILL UNIT FOR A WORK VEHICLE - A work vehicle comprises a tractor and a fan/grill unit. The fan/grill unit comprises a fan and a grill providing a portion of the exterior of the work vehicle. The fan and the grill are separately pivotally mounted to the tractor. The fan and the grill are coupled to one another in a four-bar linkage arrangement with the tractor such that the fan/grill unit is configured to pivot relative to the tractor between a closed position and an opened position. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272968 | VEHICLE - A protective vehicle body of non-metallic material comprises an integrally molded base ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272969 | LOWER STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE - A floor member includes a floor member front arranged at a front side and a floor member rear arranged at a rear side. A member rear upper is mounted on the floor member front. The floor member front and the floor member rear respectively have a front upper bead and a rear lower bead that extend in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272970 | REINFORCING STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE BODY FRONT PART - A reinforcing structure for a vehicle body front part has a reinforcing member | 2011-11-10 |
20110272971 | FRONT VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A front structure of a vehicle body includes left and right front side frames, a dashboard lower panel, and left and right floor frame. The dashboard lower panel has a rear surface with a cross member provided thereon, and a lower part inclined downwardly rearwardly of the vehicle body. Front end of each of the left and right floor frames extends forwardly upwardly along the lower part of the dashboard lower panel and is joined by an adapter to a rear end of a respective one of the left and right front side frames. The adapter is joined to the cross member with the dashboard lower panel sandwiched therebetween. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272972 | VEHICLE BODY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE - A vehicle body framework structure configured in such a manner that a load is efficiently transmitted from a front side frame to a tunnel frame. A vehicle body framework structure ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272973 | METHOD OF MOUNTING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS ON A PLASTIC PART - A reactive hot melt composition, having a softening point of at least 50° C., and being curable on heating to a temperature of 150° C. The composition comprises a blend of (a) a macrocyclic oligomer having a softening point of at least 50° C., containing at least one ring having eight or more atoms, and being able to undergo decyclization at a temperature of 150° C. or more, to produce a polymerizable species, wherein each cyclic oligomer molecule provides two or more structural repeat units of the same or different formula for the resulting polymer, and (b) a thermoplastic resin, its use as an adhesive and methods of its application. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272974 | WHOLE GLASS ROOF FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a glass roof for a motor vehicle comprising a first glass pane ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272975 | APPARATUS FOR RESTRAINING AN OBJECT IN A VEHICLE - An apparatus for restraining an object in a vehicle may have an elongated frame, a clamp member mounted to the frame at or near one end thereof, and an elongated base member movably mounted to the frame between the clamp member and an opposite end of the frame. The base member may include a curved portion having a support surface defining a curvature and a linear portion between the curved portion and the clamp member. The base member may be movable relative to the frame to an object transition position in which a free end of the linear portion extends outwardly away from the frame and the curved portion retracts upwardly toward the clamp member along a path defined by the curvature to allow the object to be received between, and removed from between, the clamp member and the support surface of the base member. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272976 | TATTOO CHAIR - A tattoo chair, comprises a backrest ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272977 | HEAD REST FOR A VEHICLE - A headrest for a vehicle seat has a first section that is oriented towards the head of a seat occupant, a second section, and a third section. The second section is arranged between the first and third sections. In the event of an accident, the first section may be displaced, due to the relative displacement of the second section, from a working position into a safety position and a comfort position in the direction of the head of the occupant. The relative movement of the sections is a rotation about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the direction of displacement. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272978 | VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat back frame, a headrest, a pressure receiving member that moves independently from the headrest, and pivoting members that are disposed in at least one of both side portions of the seat back frame, are linked to the pressure receiving member, and move independently from the headrest under a predetermined impact load. The pivoting members are linked via coupling members to a biasing element that biases the pressure receiving member toward the front of the seat back frame. The force that restores the pivoting members into an initial state is greatest during normal seating, and covers a range in which the force decreases when the pivoting members move due to a rear-end collision. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272979 | Process for Producing a Supporting Shell for a Seat - A supporting shell for a seat is provided by carrying out in-seat measurements with a plurality of test subjects, wherein the test subjects sit down on a measuring mat placed on a neutral seat frame. The measuring mat has a readily displaceable filling and adapts to the contour of the body of the respective test subject. After the test subject has sat down on the measuring mat and before the test subject leaves the same, the filling inside the measuring mat is fixed in place by applying a negative pressure. The geometric data of the surface contour of the measuring mat are determined and stored for each test subject. The measured surface contours are then superimposed onto one another. This produces an average surface contour which can subsequently be further altered slightly for adaptation to large seat users, and therefore a modified surface contour is created as a basis for the production of the supporting shell of the seat. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272980 | Electrical Connection Protection Unit - A vehicle seat having a seat with an upper seatback and a headrest including various electronic components. A connector sleeve is configured to fit within a guide sleeve on the seat to allow an electrical connector extending from the headrest to be easily and efficiently connected to an opposing electrical connector extending from the seat during assembly. The connector may be configured to maintain electrical connection between the connected electrical connectors when a removal force is applied. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272981 | Protective Seat Covers for Upholstery and Methods of Use - Seat covers for protecting furniture such as upholstered chairs and methods of their use are disclosed in the present application. In some instances, the seat covers are designed to provide resistance to water and other liquids, while providing an attractive, binding, protective cover that is both aethetically pleasing and comfortable. The seat covers can include a liquid-resistant, soft to the touch, fabric and straps oriented at corners with connectors for allowing the straps to connect with one another without the need to tie straps to one another or to a chair leg. The length of the straps and the shape of the fabric area can also be configured to provide additional functionalities which are advantageous relative to previous seat covers. Methods of using seat covers are also disclosed | 2011-11-10 |
20110272982 | Protective Seat Cover - A protective seat cover including at least one waterproof portion and at least one correspondingly shaped absorbent portion, at least one of the waterproof portion or the absorbent towel portion having attachment means to releasably attach the other of the portions thereto and at least one of the respective portions having seat attachment means to locate and maintain the seat cover relative to a seat. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272983 | CHILD RESTRAINT FOR VEHICLE - A child restraint includes a base, a seat, and an anchor belt. The anchor belt holds the base in place on a passenger seat of a vehicle. The seat mounts on the base and supports a child or infant for travel in the vehicle above the base. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272984 | Stadium Seat - A seat frame of a stadium seat includes a lower cross beam, bench-engaging support arms configured to mount over a top, flat surface of the stadium bench, and upright support members. The upright support members include rounded upper ends that may be rearwardly canted. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272985 | CHILD RESTRAINT FOR VEHICLE - A child restraint includes a base, a seat, and an anchor belt. The anchor belt holds the base in place on a passenger seat of a vehicle. The seat mounts on the base and supports a child or infant for travel in the vehicle above the base. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272986 | CHAIR CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD THEREFORE - In one embodiment, a chair includes a frame and a seat support coupled to the frame. The seat support is slidable relative to the frame from a disengaged position to an engaged position. A seat member is coupled to the seat support. The seat member is slidable relative to the seat support from a disengaged position to an engaged position. Methods of assembly are also provided. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272987 | INCLINATION ADJUSTING ASSEMBLY FOR SEAT OF CHAIR - An inclination adjusting assembly for a seat of a chair includes a disk; two coupling blocks limited at a bottom of the disk; the two coupling blocks having threaded holes, respectively to be threaded to an adjusting threaded rod so that by threadedly moving the coupling blocks, one of the coupling block fixed to a retaining sheet of the disk; an upper end of each coupling block being formed with an inclined surface; a pad being movable along the two inclined surfaces; a control rod connected to the pad; a first end of the control rod being engaged to the pad; a second end of the control rod being connected to an engaging tube; the tube having a polygonal through hole; and a polygonal post combined to the disk; a section of the polygonal post penetrating through and tightly engaging with the through hole of the tube. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272988 | DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - A drive device for a motor vehicle seat ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272989 | BEANBAG SOFA WITH RETRACTABLE HEADREST - The present invention relates to a beanbag sofa with a retractable headrest, and more particularly, to a beanbag sofa with a retractable headrest, which is configured to interpose an auxiliary outer cover having a predetermined size and communicating with an outer cover in a predetermined position of the outer cover, so that a filling material filled in the outer cover can be introduced toward an interior of the auxiliary outer cover upon opening the auxiliary outer cover, thereby selectively forming a headrest and armrests as required for a user's convenience. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272990 | CHAIR WITH HIDDEN COMBINING ELEMENTS - A chair with hidden combining elements includes a seat; each of the lateral sides of the seat being formed with a trench; two handles; and two first combining bases for connecting one inner end of a respective one of the two handles to a respective inner lateral side of the seat. The inner end of the handle is in contact to the inner lateral side of the seat. The chair further has a back portion connected to the seat; and two second combining units. Each second combining unit is installed between an inner side of a respective one of the handle and an inner side of the back portion; and the inner side of the handle is in contact with the back portion and the inner side of the back portion is in contact with the seat. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272991 | ARMREST ASSEMBLY FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SEAT - An armrest assembly including an armpan defining an elongate channel and including slide-lock structure positioned about a top opening of the channel and at opposing ends thereof for engaging an armcap, an armcap covering the channel and having complimentary slide-lock structure and defining at least one cavity for receiving overmold material of an armpad, and an overmolded armpad covering a portion of the armcap and filling the at least one cavity of the armcap to retain the armpad on the armcap. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272992 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A CONNECTION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT AND CONNECTION FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - A method for producing a connection for a motor vehicle seat, wherein a seat frame side part is welded to a seat rail to form the connection. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272993 | Cushion for a Seat and Method of Adapting Same - A seat includes a bearing structure and a number of cushions. The cushions cover the entire area of the seat surface and the backrest of the seat. Each cushion is formed of a textile spacer structure held in a fluid-tight casing. The casing has a connection for a hose line. Before a user sits on the seat, the hose line is open to the outside air. Due to the force applied by the seat user, the cushion and spacer structure are compressed, whereby simultaneously air is displaced out of the cushion. The cushions thus experience a contouring according to the body shape of the seat user. After the user sits down, the contouring can be fixed by blocking device the hose line, and thus separating the reduced air volume in the inside of the cushion from the outside air. In this way, the contouring of the seat cushions is maintained when the seat user leaves the seat. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272994 | SPRING-SOFT INTERMEDIATE MOUNTING PIECE FOR SWIVEL CHAIRS - Spring-soft intermediate mounting piece for use in a swivel chair, which comprises a chair column comprising a gas lift ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272995 | ASSISTING PASSENGERS TO SLEEP WHILE SITTING - A method and an apparatus for helping a user rest and sleep while in an upright sitting position on a seat by providing vertical and horizontal support to the user's upper body and head. The method consists of providing a seat add-on and fitting an adjustable vest ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110272996 | DUMP DEVICE FOR SIDE DUMP TRAILER - The tub is mounted to a frame for alternative movement from a position wherein the tub is centrally located with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The tub may be tilted from a position centrally located to a side dump position which is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The apparatus for moving the tub from its centrally located position to its side dump position is a barrel pivotally mounted to the tub and an extension rod which is pivotally mounted to the frame. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272997 | Method For Optimizing A Cutting Process In Road Milling Machines, As Well As Milling Machine For Machining Road Coverings - In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272998 | OMNI-DIRECTIONAL TRANSPORT DEVICE - An omni-directional transport device includes a main wheel, a plurality of auxiliary wheels, and a braking mechanism. The main wheel has a main wheel seat, a main wheel axle, and a plurality of auxiliary wheel seats. The main wheel axle connects and rotates the main wheel seat. The plurality of auxiliary wheel seats is arranged to a periphery of the main wheel seat. Each auxiliary wheel has at least one rolling wheel and an auxiliary wheel axle. The auxiliary wheel axle is rotatably arranged to the auxiliary wheel seat, and an angle is between an axis of the auxiliary wheel axle and an axis of the main wheel axle. The braking mechanism is arranged to the main wheel seat to control the rolling of the plurality of auxiliary wheels. By the assembly mentioned above, the omni-directional transport device ensures a safety by preventing an unpredictable and undesired motion. | 2011-11-10 |
20110272999 | WHEEL - A wheel, particularly for cycles or motorcycles, which comprises a rim which has, in transverse cross-section, a polygonal shape, preferably a V-shape. The rim has, at the internal region, an insert or guide which is arc-like, for the resting and sliding of a complementarily shaped end of a spoke which is shaped like an open loop. The ends of the spoke can be inserted at appropriately provided openings formed in the rim in a region that is adjacent to the arc-like guide or insert. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273000 | Bicycle Rim - A rim for a bicycle wheel that includes a tire, hub and spokes. The bicycle rim generally includes a radially outer tire-engaging portion, a radially inner spoke-engaging portion, a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend between the tire engaging and spoke-engaging portions. The tire-engaging and spoke-engaging portions and first and second sidewalls form a toroid. A maximum width of the rim is disposed closer to the spoke-engaging portion than the tire-engaging portion. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273001 | Composite Rim for a Bicycle Wheel - A composite rim for a bicycle wheel generally includes a radially outer tire-engaging portion, a radially inner spoke-engaging portion and first and second sidewalls. The second sidewall is spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend between the tire engaging and spoke-engaging portions. The rim includes at least one through-hole and a pattern of through-thickness stitching reinforcement at the through-hole. The tire-engaging and spoke-engaging portions and first and second sidewalls form a toroid. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273002 | BICYCLE WHEEL ROTATIONAL FASTENING ASSEMBLY - An assembly for the primary fastening of a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle wheel to wheel mount(s), as is commonly done by a cam operated quick release, incorporating a uniquely formed drawbar and a rotation handle wherein primary fastening is accomplished by simple rotation of the rotation handle about the drawbar axis. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273003 | Extendible Axle Member For The Rear Of An Agricultural Harvester - An extendible axle member ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110273004 | BRAKE DEVICE ARRANGEMENT AND AUXILIARY DEVICE ARRANGEMENT OF A PNEUMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - A brake device arrangement and auxiliary device arrangement of a pneumatic brake system of a vehicle include a pneumatic control valve and other pneumatic components for carrying out braking functions or auxiliary braking functions of the braking system. In order to produce a modular construction, a brake control module, which is pre-mounted on a support for producing a braking pressure, is arranged adjacent to a filter module, for treating the air on the input side, and at least one auxiliary module for fulfilling the auxiliary braking functions. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273005 | MOTORCYCLE BRAKING DEVICE - The present invention provides a motorcycle braking device which can perform a control which does not give discomforts to a rider in a front and rear wheel interlocking brake control by taking a manipulation of the rider into consideration. In the motorcycle braking device according to the present invention, in a front and rear wheel interlocking brake control, an additional target pressure associated with a brake input pressure of one of a front wheel hydraulic circuit and a rear wheel hydraulic circuit is applied to another wheel driven by the front wheel hydraulic circuit or the rear wheel hydraulic circuit. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273006 | BRAKE CONTROL APPARATUS - A brake control apparatus includes a brake unit. The brake unit includes: a first port set hydraulically connected to a master cylinder via a first fluid line set; a second port set hydraulically connected to a wheel cylinder set via a second fluid line set; a first fluid passage hydraulically connecting the first port set to the second port set; a first switching valve arranged to vary a state of fluid communication through the first fluid passage; a fluid pressure source arranged to produce a fluid pressure supplied to the second port set; a fluid accommodating section adapted to accommodate a variable amount of brake fluid; a branch fluid passage hydraulically connecting the first port set to the fluid accommodating section; and a second switching valve arranged to vary a state of fluid communication through the branch fluid passage. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273007 | NETWORK SYSTEM - Provided is a network system capable of effectively managing an energy source. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273008 | INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH SUPPLY LINE INTRA-CHIP CLOCK INTERFACE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - An integrated circuit includes a first circuit and a first power supply line for powering the first circuit. A first intra-chip clock interface generates a first clock signal on the first power supply line. A second power supply line is coupled to the first power supply line and further powers the second circuit. A second intra-chip clock interface recovers the first clock signal from the second power supply line. The second circuit operates based on the first clock signal. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273009 | POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS FOR POWERED RAIL VEHICLES - A power distribution system for a rail vehicle includes a propulsion alternator, a first bus, a Head End Power (HEP) alternator, and a second bus. The propulsion alternator is joined to an engine of the rail vehicle. The first bus is joined with the propulsion alternator and is configured to electrically couple the propulsion alternator with a propulsion electric load that propels the rail vehicle. The HEP alternator is joined to the engine. The second bus is joined with the HEP alternator and is adapted to electrically couple the HEP alternator with a non-propulsion electric load of the rail vehicle. The propulsion alternator generates a first electric current to power the propulsion electric load and the HEP alternator separately generates second electric current to power the non-propulsion electric load. The HEP alternator and the second bus are electrically separate from the propulsion alternator and the first bus. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273010 | ELECTRICAL NETWORK - The invention relates to an electrical network, which includes: two items of equipment able either to provide, or to consume electrical energy, transfer means hooked up between the two items of equipment and allowing the two items of equipment to exchange energy. The transfer means includes a reversible DC/AC converter, the converter being operated in voltage step-down or step-up DC/DC mode. In one embodiment of the invention, the first item of equipment is a high-voltage DC bus, and the network includes second items of equipment such as loads and a low-voltage DC bus to which a battery may be connected. The network includes several non-dedicated converters that can be connected between the first item of equipment and any of the second items of equipment. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273011 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR STARTING UP AIRCRAFT ENGINES - An electrical system ( | 2011-11-10 |
20110273012 | METHOD FOR MANAGING AN ELECTRICAL NETWORK - The invention relates to a method for managing an electrical network. The electrical network includes two power centers making it possible for each one to supply several loads, each power center including: an electrical power supply bus, a plurality of reversible converters making it possible to exchange energy between the bus and the various loads , routing means making it possible to vary an association between the converters and the loads, an energy storage element. According to the invention, if for a first of the power centers, the regenerated power cannot be dissipated in the other loads associated with the first center, the regenerative load dissipates its power toward the bus of the second power center. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273013 | Power supply arrangement with a first voltage supply device and a second voltage supply device - The invention relates to a current supply arrangement for, e.g., producing polysilicon with the Siemens process, with a first current supply device and a second power supply device, including two AC current regulators and a voltage sequence controller for controlling the AC current regulators, with a terminal group having two terminals for connecting a load. A terminals is connected directly, i.e., without an interconnected switch, with an output terminal of the second current supply device, and with a first switching means group associated with the terminal group, with switching means for connecting and disconnecting the terminals of the terminal group with or from output terminals of the first current supply device. The current supply arrangement also includes an additional current supply device having two AC current regulators and a voltage sequence controller for controlling the AC current regulators, additional terminal groups comprising two terminals for connecting one load. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273014 | VOLTAGE CONVERSION DEVICE AND ELECTRICAL LOAD DRIVING DEVICE - A voltage conversion device includes: first and second loop circuits having a common inductance element. Electric current alternately flows through the first or second loop circuit as a first switching element of the first loop circuit is turned on or off. A magnetic field that is formed when the first switching element is turned on and that penetrates through the first loop circuit and a magnetic field that is formed when the first switching element is turned off after it is turned on and that penetrates through the second loop circuit have the same direction. All elements that constitute the first and second loop circuits are arranged on the same surface of a substrate. The second loop circuit is connected to a second direct-current power source. The first loop circuit is connected to a first direct-current power source. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273015 | DISTRIBUTED POWER HARVESTING SYSTEMS USING DC POWER SOURCES - A photovoltaic panel with multiple photovoltaic sub-strings including serially-connected photovoltaic cells and having direct current (DC) outputs adapted for interconnection in parallel into a parallel-connected DC power source. A direct current (DC) power converter including input terminals and output terminals is adapted for coupling to the parallel-connected DC power source and for converting an input power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. The direct current (DC) power converter optionally has a control loop configured to set the input power received at the input terminals according to a previously determined criterion. The control loop may be adapted to receive a feedback signal from the input terminals for maximizing the input power. A bypass diode is typically connected in shunt across the input terminals of the converter. The bypass diode functions by passing current during a failure of any of the sub-strings and/or a partial shading of the sub-strings. The bypass diode may be a single bypass diode connected across the parallel-connected DC power source. The DC power converter may convert the input power at high current to the output power at a lower current. The output terminals may be connectible with wire cables to a load, and the DC power converter is configured to reduce energy loss through the wire cables to the load. | 2011-11-10 |
20110273016 | DISTRIBUTED POWER HARVESTING SYSTEMS USING DC POWER SOURCES - A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. A temperature signal is input responsive to the temperature. The power conversion is controlled by adjusting the input power based on the temperature signal. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter. | 2011-11-10 |