Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100225106 | MULTIFUNCTION FLUID CONNECTOR FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE POWER SYSTEM - A multifunction fluid connector for an automotive vehicle power system includes a base component having at least one passage for conducting a fluid, with the passage ending in a bore which is closed by a multifunction fluid connector having three functional states in which the connector is either closed, or open to allow attachment of a hose or other conductor in fluid communication with the passage through the base component. In a final state, a fluid handling device such as a PCV valve, a MAP sensor, an EGR valve or other type of fluid handling component may be situated within the bore of the base component. | 09-09-2010 |
20100294225 | INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR MULTICYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An intake manifold for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes a number of inlet runners operatively connected with a mounting flange. A sealing region circumscribes only an outer periphery of the mounting flange and does not extend between adjacent ones of the intake runners. The sealing region includes a continuous groove formed in the mounting flange and a sealing composition applied to the groove. | 11-25-2010 |
20100294227 | INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An intake manifold system for an internal combustion engine includes inlet runners attached to a mounting flange. The inlet runners may be one piece with the mounting flange. A charge air control is mounted within the mounting flange, with the charge air control including a control shaft passage formed in the mounting flange, and a control shaft extending the length of the control shaft passage. The control shaft is journaled within the control shaft passage and carries a number of charge air control elements mounted for rotation with the control shaft. | 11-25-2010 |
20110168110 | TURBOCHARGED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An internal combustion engine includes a number of power cylinders furnishing exhaust gases to at least two turbochargers having a common air inlet housing which is divided into a separate compressor housing for each of the turbochargers. | 07-14-2011 |
20110315131 | Vacuum Port Having a Flow Disruptor - An intake system of an engine is provided. The intake system including an intake manifold, a vacuum port located in said intake manifold and in an air-flow path downstream of a throttle body and upstream of a plurality of intake runners, the vacuum port including a molded flow disruptor including a cross-beam traversing an outlet of the vacuum port, the cross-beam oriented at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to an axis of a throat in the intake manifold, and a vacuum passage coupling the vacuum port to a vehicle subsystem. | 12-29-2011 |
20130139777 | Intake Manifold with Overmolded Structural Enhancement - A composite intake manifold coupled to a V-engine is provided. The composite intake manifold includes a supporting member overmolded in an unsupported region of the composite intake manifold. | 06-06-2013 |
20140047700 | Composite Engine Part and Fastener Assembly and Method of Securing a Composite Part to an Engine - A method of securing a composite plastic part to an engine with a bolt or a bolt and washer. The bolt has a head including teeth that are adapted to engage either the part or the washer. The bolt is tightened to cause the teeth to compress the surface of the part to resist rotation that may become loosened as a result of vibration of the engine. The part may be an intake manifold, a cam cover or an oil pan. Locking features, such as teeth, may be provided on the clamping surface of the bolt and on both surfaces of the washer. Alternatively, a knurled or serrated surface may be provided instead of the teeth. | 02-20-2014 |
20140230781 | CHARGE MOTION CONTROL VALVE AND INTAKE RUNNER SYSTEM - A plural port intake manifold with outlets aligned along a common cylinder head plane and each intake port containing, a valve unit including a valve plate that is rotatable by a shaft along an axis of rotation recessed within an inner wall as well as a welded connection encircling each intake port upstream of the axis. The system may allow the use of a plate CMCV that can fully retract into the intake runner when not in use. | 08-21-2014 |
20150300223 | OIL SEPARATOR IN A POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE - An oil separator in a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is described herein. The oil separator includes an oil separation conduit in fluidic communication with an intake conduit and an oil reservoir and an entry conduit including an entry conduit orifice arranged at an angle of between 80 and 100 degrees with regard to the oil separation conduit, the entry conduit orifice opening into the separation conduit at a point between the separation conduit outlet and the separation conduit inlet. | 10-22-2015 |
20160047283 | INTAKE MANIFOLD PORTS AND PCV PASSAGES INTEGRATED INTO CAM COVER - An internal combustion engine having manifold ports and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) passages integrated into the cam cover is disclosed. The engine system comprises a cam cover having an internal, gas-passing passage, a PCV valve associated with the passage, an oil separator associated with the PCV valve, and an intake manifold having a port, the port associated with the PCV valve. An oil separator is fitted between the passage and the PCV valve. The oil separator is mounted on the cam cover. A manifold chamber is also provided and the PCV oil separator is associated with the manifold chamber. | 02-18-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110253080 | Intake Manifold with Overmolded Structural Enhancement - A composite intake manifold coupled to a V-engine is provided. The composite intake manifold includes a supporting member overmolded in an unsupported region of the composite intake manifold. | 10-20-2011 |
20130112159 | PCV SYSTEM HAVING INTERNAL ROUTING - A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided herein. The PCV system includes an engine assembly, the engine assembly including an engine block, a cylinder head, a valve cover, and an intake manifold and a PCV passage providing fluidic communication between a crankcase of the engine assembly and a cylinder intake port of the engine assembly without hoses or conduits external to the engine assembly. | 05-09-2013 |
20140352641 | SEALING SOLUTION FOR REDUCED DIAMETER INTAKE MANIFOLD POST - A sealing arrangement for a post for an intake manifold having a first portion and a second portion held together is set forth. Each of the portions extends from a shell half that, when the two shells are attached to one another, form the intake manifold. Each of the portions includes a face. A groove is formed on at least one of the portions. A seal is fitted in the groove. A fastener hole is formed in the portions. In one portion the fastener hole passes through the portion and in the other a thread is formed by a thread forming fastener. The seal may be positioned in a groove formed on a post face, in a groove formed adjacent the opening of the fastener-receiving hole in the post, or in a groove formed on an interior wall of the post adjacent a cap fitted over the head of the thread forming fastener. | 12-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110314999 | VEHICLE ARMOR - The disclosed vehicle armor includes a first layer forming an interior bottom surface of the cabin and comprised of a high-strength metal material, a second layer forming an exterior bottom surface of the cabin and comprised of a high-strength metal material, and, a middle layer sandwiched between the first and second layers and comprised of a polymer material. The underbelly device is configured having a plurality of high areas and low areas creating deflection faces and separation distances between an interior of the cabin and an exterior threat. A second, multi-layer composite structure, forming an interior floor of the cabin, may be incorporated as a fragmentation penetration barrier. | 12-29-2011 |
20140130622 | BARRIER ASSEMBLY - A barrier assembly for a motor vehicle having a shift lever and a kit for assembling the barrier assembly are disclosed. The barrier assembly has a retainer, a lever plate, seals and spacers. The retainer has a retainer aperture extending from a first surface to a second surface. The lever plate is moveable and has a lever opening extending from a first face to a second face. A gliding surface allows the lever plate to move in a planar motion parallel to the retainer while supported on the retainer. A first seal is located on the first face of the lever plate proximal to the lever opening. A second seal is located on the first face of the lever plate distal to the lever opening. Spacers project from the retainer distal to the retainer aperture. | 05-15-2014 |
20140182449 | VEHICLE FLOOR - A blast absorption structure and system for use in absorbing blast forces exerted upon an armored vehicle is disclosed. The blast absorption structure includes a first absorption component and a second absorption component, wherein the first and second absorption components deform to absorb and slow the forces prior to reaching an occupant of the cabin. Deformation of the first and second components reduces the blast force load transmitted through the vehicle structure to the occupants' lower extremities, thereby avoiding catastrophic injury to the lower extremities. | 07-03-2014 |
20140202323 | VEHICLE FLOOR - Blast absorbing structures and system for use in absorbing blast forces exerted on a floor of a personnel cabin of a vehicle, are disclosed. The blast absorbing flexing structure comprises a bottom section forming a floor of the cabin, a first side section and opposing second side section, each side section extending from the bottom section and including a plurality of steps along a length of the second side section. The steps flex in response to a blast force. In another embodiment, the blast absorbing expanding structure comprises a force abatement device forming a floor of the cabin, a cover plate having a plurality of slots arranged around a perimeter of the plate. The cover plate is movable between a neutral position and a blast force position to diminish the blast forces prior to the blast forces to reaching an occupant of the cabin. | 07-24-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100104843 | ALUMINUM BORON CARBIDE COMPOSITE AND METHOD TO FORM SAID COMPOSITE - An improved aluminum-boron carbide (ABC) composite has been discovered that is comprised of a continuous network of AlB | 04-29-2010 |
20110104464 | METAL-INFILTRATED TITANIUM-SILICON-CARBIDE AND TITANIUM-ALUMINUM-CARBIDE BODIES - Densified composites of a metal such as copper or aluminum with a titanium-silicon-carbide or titanium-aluminum-carbide ceramic material are prepared by forming the ceramic material into a body, and infiltrating the body with the molten metal. The metal is able to rapidly penetrate into void spaces, between grain boundaries and even into the crystal structure of the ceramic grains to form a composite. The starting ceramic material may be previously densified, in which case various types of gradient structures can be produced easily. The process can be operated at low pressures, and so the hot pressing methods that normally must be used to densify these ceramic materials can be avoided. | 05-05-2011 |
20110135948 | Composition for making metal matrix composites - In one embodiment, a composition ( | 06-09-2011 |
20110312484 | ALUMINUM BORON CARBIDE COMPOSITE AND METHOD TO FORM SAID COMPOSITE - An improved aluminum-boron carbide (ABC) composite has been discovered that is comprised of a continuous network of AlB | 12-22-2011 |
20130149440 | METHOD FOR APPLYING DISCRIMINATING LAYER ONTO POROUS CERAMIC FILTERS VIA GAS-BORNE PREFABRICATED POROUS ASSEMBLIES - A porous discriminating layer is formed on a ceramic support having at least one porous wall by (a) establishing a flow of a gas stream containing highly porous particles through the support to deposit a layer of the highly porous particles of a ceramic or ceramic precursor onto wall(s) of the support and (b) calcining said deposited layer to form the discriminating layer. This method is an inexpensive and effective route to forming a discriminating layer onto the porous wall. | 06-13-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100127697 | Linear position sensor with anti-rotation device - An anti-rotation device or assembly for preventing the rotation of a magnet in a linear position sensor and eliminating the risk of undesired magnetic field measurements and incorrect sensor signal outputs. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation device is an anti-rotation plate which is fixed to the housing of the linear position sensor and a magnet carrier which includes at least one finger extending into a receptacle defined in either the edge or the body of the magnet carrier to prevent the magnet carrier from rotating relative to the plate. In another embodiment, the magnet carrier includes a key and the magnet includes a groove. The key extends into the groove for preventing the rotation of the magnet in the magnet carrier. | 05-27-2010 |
20100207616 | Rotary Position Sensor - A sensor assembly for sensing a movable object which, in one embodiment, includes a housing defining an interior cavity. A rotor is retained in the cavity. The rotor defines a central bore and a magnet is mounted in an off-center pocket defined by the rotor. The rotor is coupled to the shaft of the movable object whose position is to be measured. A sensor is also retained in the cavity in a relationship at least partially overlying the magnet and adapted to sense at least the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet to generate an electrical signal indicative of the position of the movable object. In another embodiment, the rotor and sensor are mounted in separate interior housing cavities separated by an interior housing wall. | 08-19-2010 |
20110079138 | Actuator and Sensor Assembly - An actuator and sensor assembly comprising respective sensor and actuator housings defining an interior chamber. Clips on the sensor housing engage the actuator housing for coupling the sensor and actuator housings together. The sensor housing includes a wall defining a pocket. A connector with a sensor couples to the sensor housing in a relationship wherein the sensor extends into the sensor housing pocket. A movable piston is located in the interior chamber and a tube thereon defines a receptacle for a magnet located adjacent the pocket. The piston is seated on a flexible diaphragm. An actuator shaft includes one end coupled to the piston and an opposite end coupled to a movable object. A plurality of pins in the actuator housing mount the assembly to a support bracket. The sensor senses changes in the magnetic field in response to changes in the position of the magnet relative to the sensor. | 04-07-2011 |
20120055790 | Gas Sensor Assembly with Interior Heat Dissipation, Sealing, and Support Plug - A gas sensor assembly including a substrate located in a housing. The substrate includes a high temperature gas sensor end and a lower temperature electronics end. A heat transfer, sealing, and support plug is mounted in the housing to the substrate. The plug seals the sensor end from the electronics end and transfers the heat generated at the high temperature sensor end successively through the substrate, the thermally conductive plug, the housing, and into the outside air. In one embodiment, the housing includes a collar which surrounds a portion of the substrate and is coupled to and supported on one end of the plug and a jacket which surrounds the electronics end of the substrate and includes a neck coupled to and supported on an opposite end of the plug. | 03-08-2012 |
20130176018 | LINEAR POSITION SENSOR WITH ANTI-ROTATION DEVICE - A sensor used to sense the position of an attached movable object. The sensor can be mounted to a pneumatic actuator. The sensor includes a housing that has a pair of cavities or pockets separated by a wall. A magnet carrier is positioned within one of the cavities and a magnet is coupled to the magnet carrier. The magnet carrier is coupled to the moveable object. A magnetic sensor is positioned in the other of the cavities. The magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the movable object. | 07-11-2013 |
20130241539 | Rotary Position Sensor - A sensor assembly for sensing a movable object which, in one embodiment, includes a housing defining an interior cavity. A rotor is retained in the cavity. The rotor defines a central bore and a magnet is mounted in an off-center pocket defined by the rotor. The rotor is coupled to the shaft of the movable object whose position is to be measured. A sensor is also retained in the cavity in a relationship at least partially overlying the magnet and adapted to sense at least the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet to generate an electrical signal indicative of the position of the movable object. In another embodiment, the rotor and sensor are mounted in separate interior housing cavities separated by an interior housing wall. | 09-19-2013 |
20140152296 | Rotary Position Sensor - A sensor assembly for sensing a movable object which, in one embodiment, includes a housing defining an interior cavity. A rotor is retained in the cavity. The rotor defines a central bore and a magnet is mounted in an off-center pocket defined by the rotor. The rotor is coupled to the shaft of the movable object whose position is to be measured. A sensor is also retained in the cavity in a relationship at least partially overlying the magnet and adapted to sense at least the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnet to generate an electrical signal indicative of the position of the movable object. In another embodiment, the rotor and sensor are mounted in separate interior housing cavities separated by an interior housing wall. | 06-05-2014 |
20140176128 | Actuator and Sensor Assembly - An actuator and sensor assembly comprising respective sensor and actuator housings defining an interior chamber. Clips on the sensor housing engage the actuator housing for coupling the sensor and actuator housings together. The sensor housing includes a wall defining a pocket. A connector with a sensor couples to the sensor housing in a relationship wherein the sensor extends into the sensor housing pocket. A movable piston is located in the interior chamber and a tube thereon defines a receptacle for a magnet located adjacent the pocket. The piston is seated on a flexible diaphragm. An actuator shaft includes one end coupled to the piston and an opposite end coupled to a movable object. A plurality of pins in the actuator housing mount the assembly to a support bracket. The sensor senses changes in the magnetic field in response to changes in the position of the magnet relative to the sensor. | 06-26-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090198420 | VEHICLE PANEL CONTROL SYSTEM - A system includes a controller and a sensor. The controller is configured to transmit a panel control signal to a motor for the motor to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions. The sensor is configured to detect an object in the path of the panel without monitoring the motor. The sensor is further configured to generate an object signal indicative of an object detected in the path of the panel. Upon receipt of the object signal, the controller is further configured to transmit a panel control signal to the motor to move the panel along the path in an opening direction towards the opened position in order to prevent the panel from entrapping the object. The controller is further configured to communicate with at least one vehicle module over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN). | 08-06-2009 |
20110001722 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY CONTROL INTERFACE HAVING CAPACTIVE TOUCH SWITCHES - A system for enabling an operator to control a vehicle accessory includes a control interface and a processor. The control interface has a display surface and a touch area defined by an electrically conductive layer adjacent the display surface. The conductive layer capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object upon the object touching or being in proximity with the touch area while the conductive layer is driven with an electrical charge. The processor drives the conductive layer with the electrical charge, detects the capacitive coupling of the conductive layer to the object upon the object touching or being in proximity with the touch area while the conductive layer is driven, generates a signal indicative of the object touching or being in proximity with the touch area upon detecting the capacitive coupling of the conductive layer to the object, and provides the signal to the accessory for controlling the accessory accordingly. | 01-06-2011 |
20110041409 | Vehicle Assemblies Having Fascia Panels with Capacitance Sensors Operative for Detecting Proximal Objects - A vehicle assembly includes an electrically non-conductive fascia panel and an electrical conductor mounted to the fascia panel. The conductor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the fascia panel while the conductor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the conductor changes due to the conductor capacitively coupling with the object. The assembly may further include a controller operable for driving the conductor with the electrical charge and for measuring the capacitance of the conductor to determine whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the fascia panel. The controller controls a vehicle function such as movement of a movable panel like a lift gate associated with the fascia panel depending on whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the fascia panel. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043325 | KEYLESS ENTRY ASSEMBLY HAVING CAPACITANCE SENSOR OPERATIVE FOR DETECTING OBJECTS - A keyless entry assembly includes a vehicle opening movable between locked and unlocked positions, an electrical conductor (i.e., a capacitance sensor) mounted to the vehicle opening, and a controller. The conductor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to (or touching) the conductor while the conductor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the conductor changes due to the conductor capacitively coupling with the object. The conductor is in the shape of an emblem identifying a vehicle associated with the vehicle opening. The controller is operable for driving the conductor with the electrical charge and measuring the capacitance of the conductor to determine whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the conductor. The controller is further operable for controlling the vehicle opening to move the vehicle opening between the positions upon determining that the object is proximal to (or touching) the conductor. | 02-24-2011 |
20110057773 | Keyless Entry Assembly Having Capacitance Sensor Operative for Detecting Objects - A keyless entry assembly includes a carrier with an electrical conductor thereon, a light pipe having an indicator, and a controller. The light pipe is connected to the carrier such that the indicator and conductor are in alignment. The light pipe is operable for receiving light to illuminate the indicator. The carrier with the light pipe connected thereto is mountable to a user accessible portion of a vehicle. The conductor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the conductor while the conductor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the conductor changes due to the conductor capacitively coupling with the object. The controller is operable for driving the conductor with the electrical charge, measuring the conductor capacitance to determine whether an electrically conductive object is proximal to the conductor, and controlling a vehicle operation as a function of the object being proximal to the conductor. | 03-10-2011 |
20110160935 | VEHICLE PANEL CONTROL SYSTEM - A system includes a controller and a sensor. The controller is configured to transmit a panel control signal to move a movable panel of a vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions. The sensor is configured to detect for an object in the path of the panel and to generate an object signal indicative of an object detected in the path of the panel. Upon receipt of the object signal, the controller is further configured to transmit a panel control signal to move the panel towards the opened position in order to prevent the panel from entrapping the object. The controller is further configured to communicate with at least one vehicle module over an in-vehicle local area network (LAN). | 06-30-2011 |
20110187492 | Fascia Panel Assembly Having Capacitance Sensor Operative for Detecting Objects - A fascia panel assembly includes an electrically non-conductive fascia panel, an electrically non-conductive isolator, and a capacitance sensor. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the sensor while the sensor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The isolator is sandwiched between the fascia panel and the isolator. | 08-04-2011 |
20110313619 | Vehicle Keyless Entry Assembly Having Capacitance Sensor Operative for Detecting Objects - A keyless entry assembly for a vehicle includes a sensor carrier, a sensor in the form of an electrically conductive pad, and a controller. The sensor is mounted to the sensor carrier and the sensor carrier is positioned adjacent a panel such that the sensor is adjacent the panel. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the panel while the sensor is driven with electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The controller is operable for driving the sensor with the electrical charge and controlling a vehicle operation as a function of the capacitance of the sensor. | 12-22-2011 |
20120109455 | USER INTERFACE WITH PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR OBJECT TRACKING - A system or method for tracking items proximate a user interface device include a user interface device having at least one solid-state touch-sensitive region and a receiver for wirelessly receiving a signal from at least one item to determine proximity of the item relative to the user interface device. The device may also include a display screen for displaying controls and information. The user interface device may be permanently or removably mounted in a vehicle and used to interface with vehicle systems and personal electronic devices for control and information display. Tracked items or objects may include passive or active data tags and communicate identification information and optionally position information to the user interface device. The device may alert the user to movement of tracked objects, and/or confirm presence of a group of objects intended for a particular task or project. | 05-03-2012 |
20130311039 | VEHICLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A CAPACITIVE SENSOR - An illustrative assembly includes a panel and a capacitive sensor. The panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to a closure of a vehicle body. The sensor is positioned on the panel such that at least a portion of the sensor is perpendicular to the closure of the vehicle body as the panel moves between the opened and closed positions. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the closure of the vehicle body such that capacitance of the sensor changes. | 11-21-2013 |
20140019913 | USER INTERFACE WITH PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR OBJECT TRACKING - A system or method for tracking items proximate a user interface device include a user interface device having at least one solid-state touch-sensitive region and a receiver for wirelessly receiving a signal from at least one item to determine proximity of the item relative to the user interface device. The device may also include a display screen for displaying controls and information. The user interface device may be permanently or removably mounted in a vehicle and used to interface with vehicle systems and personal electronic devices for control and information display. Tracked items or objects may include passive or active data tags and communicate identification information and optionally position information to the user interface device. The device may alert the user to movement of tracked objects, and/or confirm presence of a group of objects intended for a particular task or project. The device may use various wired or wireless devices to control selections and/or a cursor on the display. | 01-16-2014 |
20150234531 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY CONTROL INTERFACE HAVING CAPACITIVE TOUCH SWITCHES - A system including a control interface including a display panel and a processor, the display panel including a touch surface, an electronically non-conductive touch surface, and a plurality of touch areas having an array of electrically conductive rows and columns, which capacitivily couples to a conductive object, moving into close proximity to one of the conductive rows and columns, while being driven with an electrical charge, and the processor detecting the capacitive coupling of the conductive row to the conductive object, generating a signal and providing the signal wirelessly to one of an accessory and remote device, based on a first movement, followed by a second movement when a pattern or sequence has been detected, remotely communicating to a wireless device using a transceiver associated with the processor, and controlling at least one of the remote accessories in accordance with an output command from the wireless device. | 08-20-2015 |
20150267455 | VEHICLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A CAPACITIVE SENSOR - An illustrative assembly includes a panel and a capacitive sensor. The panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to a closure of a vehicle body. The sensor is positioned on the panel such that at least a portion of the sensor is perpendicular to the closure of the vehicle body as the panel moves between the opened and closed positions. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the closure of the vehicle body such that capacitance of the sensor changes. | 09-24-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080248673 | Detachable coupling for a remote inspection device - A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device and one or more light sources are embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image. The flexible cable can be removably attached to other components with a detachable coupling. | 10-09-2008 |
20090167851 | Imager Assembly For Remote Inspection Device - An imager assembly for a remote inspection device includes an imager body. A circuit board retainer is slidably received through an end of the imager body. The circuit board retainer has deflectable legs separated by a slot. A circuit board assembly has an imager device connected to a first circuit board. A second circuit board is electrically connected to the first circuit board. The second circuit board is received in the slot of the circuit board retainer and frictionally engaged by the deflectable legs. A flexible tube has a first end connected to an end of the imager body using a first ferrule. A male connector is connected to a second end of the flexible tube using a second ferrule. A wiring harness is disposed through a bore of the flexible tube. | 07-02-2009 |
20090196459 | Image manipulation and processing techniques for remote inspection device - A remote inspection apparatus has an imager disposed in an imager head and capturing image data. An active display unit receives the image data in digital form and graphically renders the image data on an active display. Movement tracking sensors track movement of the imager head and/or image display unit. In some aspects, a computer processor located in the active display unit employs information from movement tracking sensors tracking movement of the imager head to generate and display a marker indicating a position of the imager head. In additional aspects, the computer processor employs information from movement tracking sensors tracking movement of the active display unit to control movement of the imager head. In other aspects, the computer processor employs information from movement tracking sensors tracking movement of the active display unit to modify the image data rendered on the active display. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198990 | Accessory support system for remote inspection device - A remote inspection apparatus has an active display unit receiving image data in digital form and graphically rendering the image data on an active display. A communication medium connects devices to the active display unit, such as an imager head capturing the image data. A computer readable medium records one or more instances of software for operating the one or more devices. A computer processor located in the active display unit that operates a boot loader program to detects and sequentially interrogate the devices by different protocols in order to determine appropriate software to load and operate the devices. | 08-06-2009 |
20090284649 | REMOTE INSPECTION DEVICE - A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging device is able to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the distal end of the flexible cable. One or more light sources also protrude from the outwardly facing end of the cylindrical imager housing along a perimeter of the imaging device such that the imaging device is recessed between the light sources. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image. | 11-19-2009 |
20110273556 | INSULATOR DESIGN FOR VIDEO INSPECTION DEVICES - A method is provided for manufacturing a remote video inspection device. The method includes: applying an insulating coating to an exterior surface of a conduit; forming an imager housing on one end of the conduit using an overmolding process, the imager housing having a cavity configured to receive a circuit board assembly having an imaging device disposed thereon; feeding wires through the conduit and electrically coupling the wires to the circuit board assembly; inserting the circuit board assembly into the cavity of the imager housing; affixing a cap over the cavity of the imager housing; sliding an insulating finger guard over an opposing end of the conduit; affixing the finger guard along the conduit at a location proximate to the opposing end of the cable, such that the finger guard extends radially outward from the cable; and attaching a connector to the opposing end of the conduit. In this way, the remote inspection device has been designed to meet certain electrical safety standards. | 11-10-2011 |