23rd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 16 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090140505 | Shopping Cart Security Device - A device and method for temporarily maintaining and securing valuables in a shopping cart is disclosed. The device is manufactured to fit in the upper basket area of standard shopping carts. The device can be modified to fit in alternative shopping cart designs and sizes. The device is generally manufactured from a flat panel which forms a lid enclosure over the small basket of a shopping cart. The device is secured to the back side of a shopping cart basket and can flip up so that valuables may be stored inside the small basket. The device is then flipped down and is secured in the front of the small basket of the cart nearest to the shopper. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140506 | MOTOR VEHICLE ADJUSTABLE TOE LINK - A toe link for the suspension system of a vehicle includes means for adjusting the axial length of the toe link while preventing relative rotation of the extending ends of the toe link. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140507 | Bicycle with front and rear disk brakes operable approximately simultaneously - A bicycle includes front and rear disk brake units. The rear disk brake unit includes a rear brake lever unit, a rear brake disk, a rear caliper device, and a rear brake oil tube interconnecting the rear brake lever unit and the rear caliper device and having a first inner diameter. The front disk brake unit includes a front brake lever unit, a front brake disk, a front caliper device, and a front brake oil tube interconnecting the front brake lever unit and the front caliper device and having a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter so as to allow for approximate simultaneous clamping of the front and rear caliper devices on the front and rear brake disks, respectively, when the front and rear brake lever units are operated simultaneously. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140508 | BICYCLE FORK ASSEMBLY - A fork assembly for a bicycle including a frame having a head tube. The fork assembly includes a fork having a fork crown, a steerer tube, and a transition that couples the fork crown to the steerer tube. The transition is adapted to be positioned within the head tube, and defines a transition point between the transition and the steerer tube. The transition has an outer dimension that increases from the steerer tube toward the fork crown. The fork assembly also includes a bearing located adjacent the transition point and configured to rotatably support the fork within the head tube. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140509 | Airbag Device - An airbag device comprising an airbag ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140510 | Porous igniter coating for use in automotive airbag inflators - An ignition composition effective to form a porous igniter substance capable of adhering to an associated inflator apparatus surface for use in an automotive inflatable restraint system and a method for preparing a porous igniter coating formed from the ignition composition are provided. The ignition composition includes a fuel, an oxidizer, a polymeric binder and a blowing agent effective, upon decomposition, to increase the surface area of the porous igniter substance. The porous igniter substance or coating is formed by heating the ignition composition to a predetermined temperature. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140511 | Easel Display Photograph Album - An album for photographs and similar collectable items comprises a set of one or more straps extending from the album and arranged to either wrap around the edges of the album to hold it closed, or to provide stability to the album when it is opened in an easel configuration for display of the album contents. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140512 | Devices and Methods for Supporting Printed Mattter - A book block is contemplated to be bound in its individual sections through various techniques. These sections will be attached to the book cover and/or additional sections by a mechanical way. The user of the book will then be allowed to select and detach individual sections of the book without destroying the integrity of the entire book block. Likewise, publishers of the book are now able to update and/or replace sections of an entire book block without needing to reprint and republish the whole book. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140513 | PRESCRIPTION CONTAINERS AND LABELING METHOD - An improved container for storing prescription medication and an improved prescription container labeling system. A method of storing medication using the labeling system and containers. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140514 | TUBE COUPLINGS - A tube coupling for receiving and holding an end of a tube includes a coupling body having a hollow stem adapted to engage in a tube to be secured to the coupling body. A cap is mounted on the coupling body and encircles the stem with a gap between the cap and stem to receive the tube engaged over the stem. A tube locking device is located in the cap for locking the tube against withdrawal from the stem and a locking ring is located on the stem within the cap. The ring has both inwardly and outwardly projecting teeth for engaging respectively the inner and outer surfaces of the cap and stem to lock the cap on the stem. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140515 | PIPE CONNECTOR - The pipe connector ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140516 | Pipe saddle - A pipe saddle having a pipe compression pad suitable for sealing engagement with any of a range of different diameter irrigation pipes with the pipe saddle having pliable pipe straps integrally formed to the compression pad to provide a continuous surface for compressive engagement of an external surface of an irrigation pipe thereto to thereby hold an irrigation pipe in position within the pipe saddle while a pipe tap is inserted into the irrigation pipe. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140517 | GROOVED CONTACTS - A method and apparatus for securing wires of at least one armour layer of a portion of flexible pipe body in an end fitting is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of bending wires of at least one armour layer away from an axis of the flexible pipe body at a predetermined location, locating each wire of the armour layer in a respective groove formed in a contact surface of at least one of an inner collar member and an outer collar member of the end fitting and urging contact surfaces of the inner collar member and the outer collar member together to thereby lock wires of the armour layer in a fixed position at said predetermined location in the end fitting. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140518 | Apparatus for connecting plastic-lined metallic pipes - A connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe includes a body, a cap, and three washers. The body has a section of thread in its outer wall for coupling with the cap which has a section thread in its inner wall. In operation, first insert the pipe into the cap, then insert the rubber washer, the metallic washer, and spring washer into the body, and then screw the cap into the body, such that the pipe is locked with the body. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140519 | Quick connect tubular coupling - A male connector is disclosed. The male connector may have a tubular shank, and a release sleeve connected to the tubular shank. The male connector may also have an unlocking insert movable with the release sleeve. The male connector may additionally have a release nut threadably attached to the tubular shank and configured to contact the release sleeve and move the unlocking insert. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140520 | PIPE COUPLING WITH BUILT-IN GRIP - The present invention relates to a coupling for cylinders or pipes. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140521 | GENERATOR POWER-BASED COLD START STRATEGY - The method of the invention controls engine speed during engine starting for a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a battery, an engine and a generator, acting as a motor, whereby generator torque assists the engine to develop a stable running speed throughout an engine start event, particularly a cold engine start event, without violating battery power limits. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140522 | Turbine driven electric power production system and a method for control thereof - A turbine ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140523 | System and process for generating hydroelectric power - A system and process for generating hydroelectric power within a body of water relying on the pressure head existing between two depths of the water. A vertically arranged conduit or penstock has an upper water intake and is in fluid communication with a reservoir situated at a lower depth. In a first cycle, water flow is established in the conduit or penstock between the water intake and lower reservoir when the reservoir is substantially full of air. A turbine housing is mounted adjacent the reservoir at a lower depth than the water intake and houses an electric turbine generator having blades mounted within the conduit or penstock to be driven by the flow of water to generate electricity. As water is introduced into the reservoir, air is exhausted out an air exhaust tube to a point above the surface of the body of water. After the reservoir is generally full of water valves are provided to cease the flow of water through the water intake and flow of air out the exhaust tube. An air pump thereafter introduces air into the reservoir to force water out of a reservoir water outlet port. The generating cycle is then repeated. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140524 | Deployable submarine-hydroelectric generator for sea currents energy harvesting - Deployable submarine hydroelectric generator for conversion of kinetic energy of deep ocean currents into electricity by having an electric generator mounted in a sealed hydrodynamic, buoyant vessel with tail fins, and connected by a shaft to a rotary turbine blades at the tail end of the submarine vessel, which vessel is anchored at desired depth to the bottom of the ocean by a cable. The drag of the turbine blades causes the vessel to self-steer against the direction of the ocean current. An electric cable is also provided, connecting said electric generator with electric grid on the land. Such generator is out of sight, unlike windmills, and is environmentally friendly to the sea life, due to slow rotating blades. This clean electricity can also be used for production of low cost hydrogen by electrolysis of sea water. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140525 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR GENERATING HYDROELECTRIC POWER - A system and process for generating hydroelectric power within a body of water uses head pressure existing between two depths of the water. A vertically arranged conduit has an upper water intake and is in fluid communication with a reservoir situated at a lower depth. In a first cycle, water flow is established in the conduit between the water intake and lower reservoir when the reservoir is substantially full of air but at a hydrostatic pressure less than the hydrostatic pressure at the top of the water conduit. A turbine mounted adjacent the reservoir and at a lower depth than the water intake drives an electric generator. As water is introduced into the reservoir, air is scavenged by a compressor and used to drive water from a second reservoir. After the first reservoir is generally full of water, valves are provided to cease the flow of water through the water intake and flow of air out the exhaust tube. An air pump thereafter introduces air scavenged from the first reservoir into the second reservoir to force water out of a second reservoir water outlet port. The generating cycle is then repeated. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140526 | STATOR AND STATOR TOOTH MODULES FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINES - An electrical machine comprising a rotor and a stator is provided. The stator includes a plurality of stator tooth modules configured for radial magnetic flux flow. The stator tooth modules include at least one end plate, and the end plates have extensions for mounting onto a stator frame. The stator is concentrically disposed in relation to the rotor of the electrical machine. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140527 | WIND TURBINE BLADE STIFFENERS - A blade for a wind turbine, includes a shell; a spar member for supporting the shell; and a stiffener, secured to an inside surface of the shell, for enhancing a buckling resistance of the blade. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140528 | Wind and Updraft Turbine - The invention relates to the field of electrical generation and more specifically to the use of a wind turbine for generating electricity. The invention provides a fully integrated vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) which can be mounted on a cylindrical pole. Rotor blades are disposed on the outside of a permanent magnet generator integral to the VAWT, the rotor blades being coupled directly to a rotating, current inducing set of permanent magnets or rotor for rotation about a stationary, current generating stator. At least three rotor blades are used which are vertically offset from one another. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140529 | ENHANCED INTERNAL ELECTRICAL GENERATORS - Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140530 | Dortye - A flexible folding doorknob latch piston molded to size. With fmgers folded, this doorknob latch piston, can be installed, into, the latch piston borehole. With latch piston installed, it will work as a doorknob, to latch a door closed. To strap the door jam to the door for shipping, install a headed, locking, strap tie. This helps to prevent door damages. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140531 | LATCH MECHANISM - A latch mechanism for locking a cover unit to a base unit which comprises a bottom panel and a cover panel defining a through hole therein, includes a latch member slidably installed to the bottom panel, a supporting member fixed to the bottom panel and defining a hole therein, a plug received in the hole of the supporting member, a resilient member placed between the supporting member and the bottom panel configured for resiliently driving the plug to move to make a top of the plug extend through the hole of the supporting member to engage in the through hole of the cover panel, and a hook protruding from the cover unit for extending through the through hole of the cover panel to drive the plug to move to engage with the latch member when covering the cover unit to the base unit. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140532 | GLOVE BOX OF A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A DOOR HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE CLOSED POSITION - A glove box of a motor vehicle, in particular for a dashboard, has a fixed structure defining an opening for a compartment which is closed by a movable door; a closing device holds the door in the closed position and has a latch, which is carried by the door and is movable to engage/disengage a retaining member carried by the fixed structure; the position of the retaining member can be adjusted in relation to the fixed structure, in order to adapt the position assumed by the external profile of the door when the door is held in the closed position; the closing device has an elastically deformable damping member, which is carried directly by the retaining member, or is carried by the door in a position such as to rest against the retaining member in the closed position. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140533 | Detachable Magnetic Guard For Automobile Body Panels - A removable device magnetically attached to a vehicle exterior to guard against dings, dents and scuffs imposed by doors of adjacent vehicles in parking lot environments. The guard incorporates a vinyl covering for added durability and customization potential as well as beveled, ergonomic end caps for improved design aesthetics and efficient placement of the device on the vehicle body. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140534 | DOOR EDGE PROTECTION DEVICE - A door edge protection device for a motor vehicle door which comprises a door edge protection member guided movably with respect to the door at at least two points lying one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the door. The door edge protection member is driven via an eccentric lever mounted rotatably in the door. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140535 | TONGS WITH BASTING APPARATUS - The invention provides a pair of tongs in combination with a basting apparatus and an optional sharpened edge that can be used as a knife for cutting into food to check for degree of cooking. The invention also provides a container for use as a holder of a tool, such as a pair of tongs with a basting apparatus, for applying a spreadable basting material (e.g., sauce) held in the container. The container provides a stable support of the tool, such as the pair of tongs, to prevent cross contamination of working surfaces and basting material on the basting apparatus, while at the same time providing a holder from which the tongs/baster efficiently can be retrieved for use. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140536 | One-Handed Ice Scoop - An ice scoop is disclosed and has a scoop section with a bottom, a leading edge, two spaced apart side walls extending up from opposed sides of the bottom, and a back between the two side walls extending up from the bottom opposite the leading edge. The scoop has a cavity formed within the bottom, the side walls, and the back, and having an open front end and extending rearward therefrom. The scoop has a handle connected to and extending rearward from the back. The scoop cavity has an extended cavity section disposed under the handle that is a contiguous part of the cavity. The handle is spaced above the extended cavity section. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140537 | IN-CAB REFRIGERATOR MOUNTING AND METHOD - The interior of a truck cab ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140538 | TRUCK BED EXTENDER - The present disclosure provides a device configured to attach to the end of a truck bed. The device can be conveniently used to support and/or secure objects to the truck that are longer than the truck bed. In some embodiments the device enables transport of objects that are longer than a truck bed without interfering with trailers being towed by the truck. A method of securing a wheeled vehicle to a truck bed is also provided. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140539 | Rear Bag Cover and Method of Attachment By Brackets - The invention is an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to a golf cart by brackets and the brackets themselves. The tension supplied by the brackets may be the only mechanism by which the cover mounts to the golf cart. Brackets are preferably configured for attachment to the roof of the golf cart. The apparatus may include brackets for mounting the cover to the roof, a stationary main frame member, a movable frame member, and a cover. Brackets receive the stationary frame member. The movable frame member is operatively secured to the stationary main frame member, and configured to pivotably rotate over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. The cover is configured for attachment to the movable frame member so that when the movable frame member rotates over a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart, the cover covers a portion of the rear compartment of the golf cart. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140540 | Roof opening/closing apparatus - A roof opening/closing apparatus for operating a roof of a vehicle to move between first and second positions includes a panel member for covering an upper portion of an accommodating space and a panel moving mechanism. The panel member includes a first panel and a second panel which are aligned in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The panel moving mechanism is provided under the panel member to movably support the first and second panels. The panel moving mechanism includes a sliding mechanism slidably moving the second panel relative to the first panel so that the first and second panels are overlapped when the roof is located in the first position and a length of the panel member in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is reduced to be smaller than the length of the panel member when the roof is located in the second position. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140541 | Automatic deploying car cover system for a car equipped with an automatic opening/closing trunk - An automatic car cover system, driven by electric motors, for a car, which is equipped with an automatic opening/closing trunk lid, is provided. The automatic car cover system according to current application is comprised of one cover runner, one holster, one holster casing, one guide, one cover sheet, and one cover sheet un-folder. The cover runner is a small electric motor driven vehicle equipped with caterpillars, which are comprised of magnetic plates covered with rubber. The holster pushes out/rewinds the cover runner, the guide, and the cover sheet with un-folder. The holster comes out of and goes into trunk of the car with aid of a line connected to a reverse power motor installed in the holster. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140542 | Aerodynamic Drag Reducing Apparatus - An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of a series of nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140543 | High-Performance Car with Streamline Configuration-Altering Air Jets - An embodiment of a high-performance car having a car body; at least one member for cooling; at least one cooling duct extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening, both formed through the car body, to conduct outside cooling air through the member for cooling; and at least one blow duct which terminates at a blow opening, formed through the car body, to direct an air jet which interacts with the airflow about the car body to alter the streamline configuration of the car; the blow duct originates at an initial portion of the cooling duct, upstream from the member for cooling, and has a deflecting device which can be activated to divert at least part of the air in the cooling duct to the blow duct. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140544 | Hatchback Assembly - A tailgate arrangement which is located in the region of the rear opening ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140545 | Armored vehicle - The armored vehicle ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140546 | VEHICLE BODY FRONT STRUCTURE - A vehicle body front structure wherein impact absorbers are provided on front side frames and a bumper beam is provided to the impact absorbers. The bumper beam has high-strength parts in the rear halves of the left and right ends. The high-strength parts are supported by internal impact absorbers and external impact absorbers. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140547 | MOUNTING STRUCTURE OF DRIVERS CAB TO BASE FRAME AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINE THEREWITH - A restraining means includes a shaft member projecting laterally from a frame member, and a plate which is fixed to a base frame and in which an insertion hole capable of inserting the shaft member therethrough is formed. The restraining means is configured so that an inner surface of the insertion hole and the shaft member are not in contact with each other within a moving range of a drivers cab allowable by an installation mount, and so that the inner surface of the insertion hole is in contact with an upper surface of the shaft member when the drivers cab is lifted from the base frame beyond the moving range. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140548 | SLIDING PANEL ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE - A sliding panel arrangement for a vehicle wherein a panel is adapted to be coupled to a vehicle body, at least two linear bearings or at least one longitudinal member being disposed on the panel, the other of the at least two linear bearings or at least one longitudinal member being adapted to be coupled to the vehicle body. The longitudinal member is sized and disposed to slide within the linear bearings, the panel sliding between closed and open positions over a vehicle compartment. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140549 | Grille badge and/or method of making the same - Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a grille badge including an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140550 | Machine group and method for making machines - A method for making machines includes selecting one of a plurality of types of suspension elements for coupling between a body component and a frame component of a machine. If the suspension elements are of a first type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the body component having a configuration corresponding therewith. If the suspension elements are of a second type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the frame component which have a configuration corresponding therewith. Adapter mechanisms having a first connecting interface corresponding to mounting elements on one of the body component and frame component, and a second connecting interface corresponding with the selected suspension elements, are used to couple the body component with the frame component. A group of machines includes a first set using the first type of suspension elements coupled between the body component and frame component, and a second machine set which includes the second type of suspension elements coupled between a body component and frame component. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140551 | PILLAR FOR SUSPENSION OF A HINGED VEHICLE DOOR - A pillar for suspension of a hinged vehicle door includes an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner and outer panels are spaced apart from each other. A spacing sleeve is arranged between the inner and outer panels. The spacing sleeve has at least one through hole for receiving a screw extending between the inner panel and the outer panel for attachment of a hinge flange to the pillar. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140552 | FRONT END MODULE OF A VEHICLE - Safety of passengers may be improved by a front end module of a vehicle that includes: a front end module carrier that extends transversely in front of a vehicle a front end module carrier that extends transversely in front of a vehicle engine compartment and forms a frame for mounting vehicle accessory part; and an intercooler assembly that cools an air that is drawn into an engine, wherein the intercooler assembly is assembled with a bottom of the lower member of the front end module carrier. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140553 | DASHBOARD SUPPORT - A dashboard support extending between the A-pillars of a motor vehicle includes a passenger-side beam member constructed to suit a load exposure on a passenger side, a driver-side beam member which is constructed to suit a load exposure on a driver side and connected to the passenger-side beam member; and an air guiding channel which is made of plastic and arranged in the driver-side beam member. The air guiding channel is supported on the inside by the driver-side beam member so as to be aligned in its three rotary degrees of freedom and its translational degrees of freedom in travel direction and vertical direction. The air guiding channel has a sidewall which is formed, for securement in a direction transversely to the travel direction, with an outwardly directed protuberance for engagement in a receiving member in the driver-side beam member when the air guiding channel is displaced transversely to the travel direction. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140554 | OPENING ROOF HATCH FOR A COLLAPSIBLE CAR ROOF - A roof hatch for a collapsible or fixed vehicle roof includes panels which are displaceable away from an opening in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The panels are disposed in guides along the front and rear edges of the opening. The arching of the panels is adapted to follow the contours of the vehicle roof, seen from the sides of the vehicle. Where a collapsible roof is employed, extra storage space may be made available in the luggage compartment when the vehicle roof is in its collapsed position. The extra space is created in that light luggage is stored in the opening of the roof hatch when the panels are located in their open positions. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140555 | Roof opening/closing apparatus - A roof opening/closing apparatus includes a roof moved between first and second positions and structured with first, second and third panels, a first supporting mechanism movably supporting the first and second panels in association with each other, a second supporting mechanism movably supporting the third panel, a first lock mechanism locking the first panel to the vehicle body, a second lock mechanism locking the first supporting mechanism, and a third lock mechanism locking the third panel to the second panel. The roof is moved between the first position and the second position by the first and second supporting mechanisms and retained at the first position by the first to third lock mechanisms. The second and third lock mechanisms are connected to each other by an operational member and operated in association with each other to release locking operations thereof by the operational member. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140556 | COLLAPSIBLE BENCH OR SEATING WITH CANOPY - A collapsible bench and canopy has a seat frame made up of a plurality of crossing pairs of seat tubes pivotally connected to each other supporting a fabric seat. A fabric back rest is supported by back tubes attached to the seat frame and a canopy is supported by the back tubes to provide shelter to occupants of the collapsible bench. The bench and canopy can be collapsed in one piece by pivoting down the canopy and ten moving the crossing pairs of seat tubes so that each pair is substantially aligned. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140557 | Foldable table-chair assembly - A foldable table-chair assembly and the frame thereof. The frame has a table frame and four integral chair frames. A table panel is able to be detachably attached on the table frame. The table panel has a plurality of hard sub-panels which are foldably connected together and a covering containing said sub-panels. A chair panel is able to be detachably attached on each chair frame. The invention is able to lower the attention needed to deal with each chair and the table and be folded up and opened by a simple operation thus saving the time of storing and preparing for using. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140558 | Vehicle Seat - A vehicle seat has a back rest, a head restraint, which is adjustable in the height and which has a head cushion, and a ventilation device, whose exhaust vent for blowing out a warm airflow is arranged on the upper side of the back rest. The vehicle seat that has a construction that is simplified and aesthetically pleasing and that is characterized in that a diverting mechanism is provided in a lower area of the head restraint and is integrated into the head cushion. The warm airflow issuing from the exhaust vent is diverted into the head and/or neck area of a seat passenger via this diverting mechanism. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140559 | REAR-SEAT OCCUPANT PROTECTION APPARATUS - Disclosed is a rear-seat occupant protection apparatus, which is designed to protect, during a frontal collision of a vehicle, a rear-seat occupant (B) seated in a rear seat ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140560 | HEADREST DEVICE FOR ACTIVE HEADREST - The active headrest of the invention includes individual parts provided in a seat back. The individual parts include a lower unit which operates by an impact given to a frame, a wire which elevates/lowers inside the seat back linked to the lower unit, a solenoid to which the wire is locked and/or an upper unit having the solenoid, and a headrest device linked to a lifter or a connecting portion of the upper unit. At the time of collision, the wire is tensioned downward, the lifter or connecting portion of the upper unit ascends or tilt forward, and the ascent and forward tilting of the headrest are performed instantaneously. As a result, this headrest can secure the ascent stroke and forward tilting which can follow the movement of a head, etc. at the time of collision, and can protect a head, etc. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140561 | Vehicle mounted printer station - The present invention relates to a vehicle mounted printer station made up of a printer secured to a support surface tray that includes an adaptor capable of attaching the tray and printer to the top of a vehicle seat. The support surface is preferably a rectangular shaped plate with front, back and side edges along with top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is attached to the adaptor, the adaptor includes at least one attachment rod for securing the support surface to the vehicle seat. The attachment rods are sized to be received into receptacles provided in the top a vehicle seat designed for the vehicle headrest. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140562 | Combined deodorizing and air freshening vehicle seat cushion and associated method - A combined deodorizing and air freshening vehicle seat cushion for removing odors and releasing a pleasant aroma in a vehicle may include primary bodies oriented in a side-by-side configuration. The primary bodies may include a predetermined quantity of a deodorizing agent contained within an internal cavity of the primary bodies for filtering and deodorizing the airborne odor in the ambient air. Auxiliary bodies may be contiguously conjoined to the primary bodies and may include freshening agents for impregnating the deodorized ambient air with pleasant aromas. Pairs of flaps may automatically pivot between closed and tensioned open positions when an external force is exerted onto the seat cover such that air may be laterally forced out of the primary bodies, through the flaps, and into the auxiliary bodies to be impregnated with pleasant aromas. Thereafter, the freshened air may be released into the vehicle through outlet ports of the auxiliary bodies. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140563 | DISPOSABLE AUTOMOBILE SEAT COVER AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A disposable automobile seat cover having a cover portion to enclose a portion of an automobile seat and an elastic band around the perimeter of the cover portion. The seat cover is made from a thin disposable light filtering material to provide protection from fading and may be padded to provide for the comfort of the user. The seat cover may be dispensed from a dispenser box, such as an accordion-fold dispenser box. To use, the seat cover is placed on an automobile seat and stretched thereover. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140564 | SWIVEL CHAIR - A swivel chair includes a seat unit and a base unit. The seat unit includes a downwardly extending post. The base unit includes: a base member; a sleeve member that extends upwardly from the base member, that surrounds the post of the seat unit, and that has a top end portion; a bearing that is disposed fixedly in the sleeve member and that is sleeved on the post so as to couple rotatably the post to the sleeve member; a first positioning ring that is fixed in the top end portion of the sleeve member, that surrounds the post, and that forms an annular clearance with the post; and a second positioning ring that is sleeved fixedly on the post, that extends into the first positioning ring, and that is rotatable relative to the first positioning ring. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140565 | Heavy Duty Reclining Mechanism for Vehicle Seats - A manual vehicle seat reclining mechanism and seat assembly incorporating the reclining mechanism is disclosed. A guide plate and a pivotal plate are assembled together and disposed between the seat base and seat back. A cam is biased by a spring to hold locking elements in engagement with the pivotal plate. A control plate is manually rotated with the cam to release the locking elements by drawing pins on one side of the locking plates radially inwardly with slots provided in the control plate. Ribs are provided on the pivotal plate that prevent the locking elements from returning to the locked position in certain radial alignments of the pivotal plate relative to the guide plate. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140566 | Circular Regulation System - Circular regulation system, which may be fixed in a discrete number of positions, characterized in that it comprises a train of three gears ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140567 | Multi-adjustable swivel chair with back and knee supports - One embodiment of a chair mounted on a swiveling, telescoping column ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140568 | Body support structure - A body support structure includes a backrest having a frame and a plurality of laterally spaced strips. Each of the strips extends in a longitudinal direction, with an upper end portion of each of the strips formed in an inverted J-shape. In another aspect, a body support structure includes a frame and a seat segment having a front portion and a rear portion. A back support segment is joined to the seat segment and has an upper portion formed in an inverted J-shape. A front portion of the seat segment and the upper portion of the back support segment are the only portions directly joined to the frame. In another aspect, a body support structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced strips and at least one laterally extending elastomeric member connecting each of said plurality of strips. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140569 | Clip for Tensioning and Attaching Trim Cover, and Vehicle Cover Seat - A clip for use in a cushion for a seat is disclosed. The cushion includes a cushioned pad and a trim cover covering the cushioned pad, the cushioned pad having a recess portion and a wire embedded in the cushioned pad so as to be partially exposed to the recess portion from the cushioned pad, the trim cover having a portion, a longitudinal tensioning cord attached to the portion of the trim cover, a longitudinal bulged member provided along a longitudinal edge portion of the cord, and a laterally elongated through-hole formed in the cord. The clip comprises a frame body having a substantially U-shape in cross-section, the frame body including first and second spaced apart side portions and an intermediate portion interconnecting the side portions, a pair of spaced apart inverted-pawls provided at edges of both ends of the frame body so as to inwardly face each other, a hook portion provided on an outer surface of the intermediate portion, and a stopper piece provided on the first side portion of the frame body so as to stand up from the first side portion and extend beyond a space between the pawls toward the second side portion. The clip is adapted to be hooked between the bulged member and an exposed axial portion of the wire with the frame body receiving the bulged member therein and retainingly holding the bulged member, with the pawls being stoppingly engaged with the bulged member, with the stopper piece being inserted through the through-hole, and with the hook portion being hooked to the exposed axial portion of the wire, whereby the trim cover is tensioned and attached at the portion thereof to the cushioned pad by the clip. A vehicle seat wherein the trim cover is tensioned and attached at the portion thereof to the cushioned pad by a plurality of the clips is also disclosed. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140570 | REMOVABLE WHEEL SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to devices having wheels, and more specifically, a method and device for making the wheels readily detachable and interchangeable by users. The removable wheel system comprises a removable axle, a wheel, an optional shield, and a hangar to be assembled in connection with a skateboard. The present invention provides a wheel and hangar using a removable axle for a removable wheel system that is easily removable, replaceable, durable, and protectable against dust accumulation while providing the strength necessary to withstand the rigors and stresses imposed on the system during use. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140571 | Axle assembly - An axle assembly is supplied capable of solving that troublesome mounting and dismantling works needing a wrench to screw fasten bolt. In the axle assembly, the present invention is to furnish nipping and holding member with collet shape on tubular body; to insert the nipping and holding member into penetrating hole of shaft mounting portion so as to shrink diameter; and to directly insert the tubular body into the penetrating hole. When moving fastening bar by operation of cam lever, both nipping and holding members nip and hold the shaft mounting portion. While dismantling, diameter shrinking part moves so as to make the nipping and holding member shrink diameter. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140572 | PRESSURE SENSOR - The present invention relates to a pressure sensor employed in a stability control apparatus for a vehicle. According to an aspect, there is provided a pressure sensor installed to a hydraulic unit and being in contact with a circuit board of an electronic control unit to sense brake oil pressure. The pressure sensor comprises a connecting terminal formed on the circuit board of the electronic control board and comprising a press-fit terminal; a press-fit being in slidable and movable contact with the press-fit terminal; and a spring connecting the press-fit and the press-fit terminal. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140573 | AIRCRAFT SECURITY SYSTEM - The security system provides an aircraft security system capable of protecting both single and multiple engine aircraft. Variations of the present system prevent unauthorized starting of protected aircraft and activate an alarm when engine starting it is attempted. Embodiments of the system draw no power from the aircraft when the security system is armed and in no way interferes with the normal starting or operation of the aircraft when the system is disarmed. Embodiments of the present system can activate an alarm when an aircraft's doors or panels are opened. Embodiments of the present invention can activate an alarm when installed equipment or other devices are tampered with or removed from their housings. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140574 | System and method for integrated power control - A method for distributing power generated by a power generation system may include determining available power that can be generated by the power generation system. The method may also include obtaining power requests from power transforming devices, comparing the available power to the power requests, and determining amounts of the available power to distribute to the power transforming devices. The method may further include obtaining operating condition requests from the power transforming devices, and determining the operating conditions under which the power generation system should operate. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140575 | Supercapacitor and Charger for Secondary Power - A secondary power source system, includes a first unit receiving a primary power input and restricting a current used for charging to a predetermined amount, a second unit including a device providing capacitance, receiving a first output from the first unit with restricted current, a third unit generating a second output of a certain voltage, and a fourth unit performing a logical OR operation with the primary power input, first output from the first unit and second output from the second unit, to generate a single third output of a certain voltage. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140576 | Hybrid power system with variable speed genset - A hybrid power system is disclosed. The hybrid power system may include a primary power source configured to provide a primary power, and an energy storage device coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device configured to store excess primary power provided by the primary power source. The hybrid power system may further include a variable speed genset, the variable speed genset including a secondary power source configured to operate at a variable rotor speed to provide a secondary power responsive to power requirements of a load. The hybrid power system may also include a central controller communicatively coupled to the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset, the central controller configured to control the primary power source, the energy storage device, and the variable speed genset based on the power requirements of the load. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140577 | Multiphase Grid Synchronized Regulated Current Source Inverter Systems - Electric power from typically unstable multiple dc sources is converted to ac electric power of suitable quality for injection into an electric power grid. Conversion is accomplished by current regulation of the output from the dc sources to the input of each one of multiple inverters in a system, with each inverter outputting multiple phase currents that are out of phase with the multiple phase currents outputted from all other inverters in the system. The multiple phase currents from all of the inverters in a system are connected to the secondary windings of a phase transformation network that produces a three phase current output having a step-shaped waveform for injection into the electric power grid. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140578 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH COMPOUND AUDIO INTERFACE AND POWER ADAPTER - An exemplary electronic device includes a power module having an anode and a cathode; an audio module having an audio signal terminal and a ground terminal; an audio socket having an audio signal terminal and a ground terminal; a first relay-switch; a second relay-switch; and a power adapter having an audio plug, wherein the audio terminal of the audio socket is selectively connected to the anode of the power module and the audio signal terminal of the audio module via the first relay-switch, the ground terminal of the audio socket is selectively connected to the cathode of the power module and the ground terminal of the audio module via the second relay-switch, the audio terminal and the ground terminal of the audio socket are connected to the anode and cathode of the power module when the audio plug is plugged into the audio socket. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140579 | Relay Switch Including an Energy Detection Circuit - A semiconductor relay switch having two data ports receiving incoming signals and a power supply terminal receiving a power supply voltage is responsive to a power supply voltage level and an energy level of the incoming signals to open and close its conduction paths. The relay switch is open when a valid power supply level is detected and when there is no supply power on the power supply terminal but a high energy level is detected in the incoming signals. The relay switch is closed to allow conduction between the two data ports only when there is no power supply voltage on the power supply terminal and an energy level below a predetermined threshold is detected in the incoming signals. In one embodiment, the semiconductor relay switch includes a main conduction switch circuit, an energy detect circuit and a control signal generator. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140580 | AC voltage conditioner - An AC voltage conditioner to be connected between a source of AC line voltage or non-linear voltage and one or more AC-powered devices (e.g., audio/video, medical and scientific equipment) to improve the performance of the devices by reducing the effects of interference and distortion often caused by an AC electromagnetic field or radio frequency interference in the vicinity of the devices. A pair of AC current conducting plates are respectively electrically connected between positive and negative output terminals of the AC line voltage source and positive and negative input terminals of each AC-powered device. The pair of AC current conducting plates are interposed between and separated from three DC current carrying plates. The DC current carrying plates are connected in electrical parallel with one another between positive and negative output terminals of a DC voltage generator. DC currents flowing through the DC current carrying plates from the DC voltage generator cause respective DC electromagnetic fields to surround the AC current carrying plates. Therefore, the AC currents flowing through the AC current carrying plates of the AC voltage conditioner will pass through the DC electromagnetic fields ahead of each AC-powered device. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140581 | VOICE COIL MOTORS - A voice coil motor. A guide bar connects to a fixed base. A coil connects to the fixed base and includes a first winding portion and a second winding portion. A current direction in the first winding portion is opposite that in the second winding portion. A support base movably fits on the guide bar. A magnetic member connects to the support base and includes a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. A magnetization direction of the magnetic member parallels a moving direction of the support base and magnetic member and is perpendicular to a central axis of the coil. The first and second magnetic poles respectively oppose the first and second winding portions of the coil. The first and second magnetic poles respectively interact with the first and second winding portions to generate a first force and a second force, moving the support base and magnetic member. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140582 | PLANAR MOTOR AND STAGE USING THE SAME - A planar motor includes a movable body and a stator configured to drive the movable body in a plane. The stator includes a first stator unit and a second stator unit. The movable body is moved in a first direction by a force acting between the movable body and the first stator unit, and is moved in a second direction by a force acting between the movable body and the second stator unit. The first stator unit and the second stator unit are arranged to face each other in such a manner that the movable body is provided therebetween. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140583 | Synchronous Linear Motor - The invention relates to a synchronous linear motor comprising a mobile primary part ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140584 | Motor - There is provided a motor having a rotor in which a rotor magnet is fixed on the outer peripheral surface of a rotor body. The motor is configured so that the support shaft portion is formed of a material having a self-lubricating property, and a first sliding surface ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140585 | INTERFACE CONNECTOR FOR A MOTOR AND A MOTOR INCORPORATING THE INTERFACE CONNECTOR - An interface connector for use with an electric motor. The interface connector comprises a body made of insulating materials and conductors made of conducting materials. One side of the body has a plurality of recessed openings, and the conductors are imbedded in the body such that a conductor is individually located within a respective recessed opening, although there may be a greater number of recessed openings than conductors. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140586 | ELECTRIC ACTUATOR - In an electric actuator, a first bore portion in which a driving section is accommodated, and a second bore portion that extends in parallel with the first bore portion and in which a feed screw of a drive force transmission mechanism is inserted, are provided in the interior of an elongate body. Further, a rotary drive source of the driving section and the feed screw are connected through the drive force transmission mechanism. In addition, a drive force of the rotary drive source is transmitted to the feed screw through the drive force transmission mechanism for displacing a slider disposed on an upper portion of the body along an axial direction. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140587 | Spindle motor having a fluid dynamic bearing system and a stationary shaft - The invention relates to a spindle motor having a fluid dynamic bearing system comprising axial and radial bearings that contains a rotor component ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140588 | Spindle motor having a fluid dynamic bearing system and a stationary shaft - The invention relates to a spindle motor having a fluid dynamic bearing system that contains a rotor component taking the form of an integrated hub/bearing bush arrangement which encloses a straight, stationary shaft, which in turn is connected at both its ends to axially aligned bearing components, formed in such a way that they seal the fluid dynamic bearing system formed between the shaft and the rotor component and open at both ends. The open ends of the bearing gap are sealed by capillary seals or pumping seals or a combination of capillary and pumping seal. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140589 | Spindle Motor - Provided is a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a base, a bearing housing, a bearing, a shaft, a stator, and a rotor. The bearing housing is disposed at the base. The bearing is fixed to an inside of the bearing housing. The shaft is rotatably supported by the bearing. The stator is disposed around the bearing housing. The rotor includes a rotor yoke coupled to the shaft and a magnet coupled to the rotor yoke. The rotor yoke includes a contact protrusion configured to guide a position of the magnet. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140590 | PERMANENT MAGNET TYPE MAGNETIC POLE CORE STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF MINIMIZING COGGING TORQUE FOR ROTATING ELECTRIC MACHINE - A permanent magnet type magnetic pole core structure capable of minimizing the cogging torque for a rotating electric machine such as an electric motor or a power generator is disclosed. The rotating electric machine comprises: a magnetic pole core and an armature core. The magnetic pole core comprises a plurality of magnetic pole structures in a number of M, while each magnetic pole structure comprises at least one permanent magnet and can be used for defining two reference lines with an expanding angle sandwiched therebetween, and a periphery of the magnetic pole core enclosing the pole structure defining between the two reference lines is divided into a first arc surface, a second arc surface and a third arc surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the armature core comprises a plurality of slot structures in a number of S. The ratio of the amount of slot structure to the amount of the magnetic pole structure, i.e. S/M, is 3/2. With the aforesaid permanent magnet type magnetic pole core structure, the cogging torque of the rotating electric machine can be minimized. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140591 | ELECTRICAL SYNCHRONOUS MACHINE - An electrical synchronous machine, in particular for use as a drive machine in motor vehicle applications. A stator has an electrical winding arrangement for generating a rotating field. A rotor has magnetic flux generating means for generating a rotor flux with which the rotating field interacts. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140592 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE WITH AN ADDED AIR BARRIER - An internal permanent magnet machine (“IPM machine”) of the type used, for example, with traction motors and hybrid electric vehicles, includes a rotor with an additional air barrier provided above the first magnet barrier in the same rotor slot. Each magnet only fills a portion of each cavity, thereby defining the air barriers. The added air barrier above the permanent magnet of the first layer acts as a barrier to the first layer magnet and lowers the magnet flux. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140593 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE WITH ADDED ROTOR SLOTS - An internal permanent magnet machine (“IPM machine”) of the type used, for example, with traction motors and hybrid electric vehicles, includes a rotor with additional, small rotor slots configured to provide and averaging effect with respect to rotor barriers provided therein. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140594 | STATOR FOR ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE, AND ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE USING THE STATOR - A stator for a multiple-phase rotary electric machine provided a stator core with slots and a coil formed of a plurality of windings for individual phases. Each winding has slot-accommodated portions held in different slots, turn portions connecting the slot-accommodated portions outside of the slots in an axial direction, and a return portion that connects two of the turn portions and changes a winding direction of the winding at given slots. The turn portions include specific turn portions which are the same in a circumferential position as the turn portion connected to the one of the return portion. The specific turn portions are located, in a radial direction, to be drawn apart from the rotor than the slot-accommodated portions connected to the specific turn portions. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140595 | Stator for Rotating Machine and Rotating Machine Using the Same - The stator includes a plurality of concentrated winding coils disposed coupled into an annular form through yokes, and a plurality of conductors that couple the coil ends of the concentrated winding coils to each other in a multi-phase connection fashion. Conductors for a U-phase, a V-phase, a W-phase, and neutral points P are each formed of a plurality of holes for inserting therethrough coil ends and are substantially circular with different diameters, and are disposed on the same plane. A connection plate provided with a wall is inserted between the conductors and the concentrated winding coils. A rotating machine includes the above-mentioned stator and a rotor that is rotatable within the stator. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140596 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A BAR-WOUND STATOR WITH PARALLEL CONNECTIONS - A bar-wound stator design with parallel connections is characterized by a shorter end turn length as compared to conventional stranded winding. The stator includes an inner winding set and an outer winding set provided within a plurality of slots, wherein the inner winding set is parallel to the outer winding set, and each winding set comprises multiple phases; and wherein the inner winding set and the outer winding set are staggered one slot within the plurality of slots. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140597 | Tubular electrical machines - A stator for a tubular electrical generator or motor has a substantially cylindrical inner surface containing a series of axially-spaced slots for receiving the coils of a stator winding. The stator is formed from a plurality of stacked annular laminations that define the slots and the inner surface. The laminations comprise circumferentially-spaced radial slits defining fingers that extend radially outwards from their radially inner edges. The slits and fingers reduce the overall eddy losses in the stator while permitting simple manufacture, simple assembly and high radial thermal conduction for good cooling. In an alternative embodiment, the laminations and their fingers may be replaced by layers of batons of similar radial extent to the laminations. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140598 | Rotor construction in an electric motor - A rotor of an electric motor with a cylindrical shaft and a magnetically conducting laminated core, the laminated core having a central shaft duct. The laminated core can be fastened reliably and permanently to the rotor shaft, without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. This task is accomplished by adhesively connecting the shaft to the laminated core in the area of its inside contour as by welding. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140599 | ROTATING MACHINE - A thin plate | 2009-06-04 |
20090140600 | WINDING MODULE OF PERMANENT MAGNET ELECTRIC MACHINERY - A winding module of permanent magnet electric machinery is described, in which coils of an electric machinery winding and a sensing device are integrally arranged. The winding module includes a base, a plurality of electric machinery windings formed on the base, and a plurality of sensing devices formed at intervals on the base. The coils of the electric machinery winding and the sensing device are integrally formed on the base by using a technique for forming a printed circuit board, thereby improving the process yield rate and quality controllability, effectively reducing the volume of the electric machinery, thinning the structure, saving time and cost required for installing a position sensor, simplifying the process for fabricating the electric machinery, and preventing the position sensor from being affected by environment and temperature, so as to have a highly robust effect. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140601 | ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE - In a rotary electric machine, for ensuring a cooling air flow between a rotor iron core and a stator iron core without enlarging a rotor, a separation preventing device is provided at a position between adjacent slots so as to correspond to each other at a shrink-fitting position where a retaining ring is shrink-fitted to a rotor iron core. Since a separation preventing position of the retaining ring is located at the shrink-fitting position, it is possible to reduce a length of the retaining ring itself so as not to be adjacent to the end portion of the stator iron core. Accordingly, a gap between the rotor iron core and the stator iron core does not reduce. As a result, it is possible to ensure a cooling air flow between the rotor iron core and the stator iron core without enlarging the rotor. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140602 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MITIGATING AN UNINTENDED-MECHANICAL STRAIN - The present invention provides a method for mitigating an unintended-mechanical strain in a device ( | 2009-06-04 |
20090140603 | Electrostatic charge generating assembly - The present invention provides for a static charge generating assembly. The static charge generating assembly is comprised of: (a) a support structure built from a plurality of friction fit building elements; (b) positive and negative static charge generating wheels; (c) a belt wrapped around the static charge generating wheels; (d) a power source electrically coupled to a driving means for rotating at least one of the static charge generating wheels and the belt at a preselected rotational speed; and (e) positive and negative electrodes secured to the support structure adjacent to the belt. Each of the electrodes is mounted on at least one of the friction fit building elements positioned adjacent to a static charge generating wheel operable to collect static charge. Separate positive and negative static charge collectors are used for storing the negative and positive static charges from the electrodes. | 2009-06-04 |
20090140604 | HARVESTING ENERGY FROM FLOWING FLUID - Electrical energy is produced at a remote or close site by converting kinetic energy from fluid flow with membranes that generates electrical energy in response to deformation by the fluid flow passing though a piezo electric medium attached to the deforming membranes. Sets of membranes define variable fluid flow restrictors that oscillate due to interaction of the force of fluid flow and Bernoulli Effect. The device can be tuned to different flow regimes in order to enhance energy conversion efficiency. Each membrane may include one or more layers of piezoelectric material separated by insulating/stiffening layers. Further, the device may be mounted in a secondary flow path such as a side package or annular tube. | 2009-06-04 |