37th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 18 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080217905 | ADVERTISING PROGRAM USING PLAYING CARDS - An advertising method and system in which playing cards include advertisements for products. The hierarchical value of the cards and the price range of the advertised products are preferably generally correlated so that higher-value cards have advertisements for higher-value products and lower-value cards have advertisements for lower-value products. Also, the hierarchical value of the cards and the prices of the advertisements are preferably generally correlated so that the advertisements on the higher-value cards cost more than the advertisements on the lower-value cards. In addition, prize cards can be randomly distributed among a number of the decks. Furthermore, a building or building compound can include a casino using the cards and a retail outlet selling the products advertised on the cards. Moreover, the cards may feature a casino and be used and sold in that casino, and/or the cards may feature a celebrity whether affiliated with the casino or not. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217906 | GAME TICKET - A method for printing a plurality of randomized tickets that include a play combination area for a game of chance is provided. One of the steps of this method is to provide data to a printer. The data includes a digital press sheet that includes the plurality of randomized tickets where each randomized ticket includes an identification image. The digital press sheet includes a plurality of different identification images. Another step is to print the digital press sheet onto a substrate where the printer does not perform a further randomization of the plurality of randomized tickets. In another example, a blockout area is provided for a breakopen ticket to provide a printable area on an inner surface of the breakopen portion. In another example, a method is provided to digitally divide a plurality of randomized tickets into groups of relatively equal sizes where approximately equal payout values are provided within the plurality of randomized tickets of each group. In another example, a host structure is provided that includes a plurality of removable randomized tickets where the host structure includes its own seal card for use with its removable randomized tickets. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217907 | Magnetic Card with Improved Adhesive Construction - An adhesive-backed magnetizable or magnetic article or card, the improvement wherein the article or card comprises a magnetizable or magnetic base member; a printable sheet material non-magnetic surface affixed to the magnetizable or magnetic base member; an adhesive layer containing a plurality of non-adhesive voids or openings to facilitate ease of peel and non-marring of the printable sheet material; and a backing or liner layer non-permanently bonded to the adhesive layer. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217908 | Quick Connector with Bayonet Locking - What is proposed is a combination of two bodies having tube-shaped or sleeve-shaped connecting sections which can be plugged into one another, as part of an air-conditioning line system in an aircraft. In said combination, a first ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217909 | Joint for connecting two tubes in a high-temperature environment - A joint for connecting two tubes. The joint includes a first tube that provides a ball interface at its end. The joint also includes a second tube that provides a cup interface inside its wall. The cup interface of the second tube and the ball interface of the first tube form a cup-ball interface. This cup-ball interface is located in the interior of the second tube. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217910 | TRASFERABLE PATIENT CARE EQUIPMENT SUPPORT - A patient care equipment support is transferable between a first device having a first spherical socket and a second device having a second spherical socket. The equipment support comprises an equipment supporting portion configured to support patient care equipment and a coupler extending downwardly from the equipment supporting portion. The coupler has first and second spherical portions configured for receipt in the first and second spherical sockets, respectively. The first and second spherical portions are rotatable within the respective first and second spherical sockets about a multitude of axes to compensate for misalignment between the coupler and at least one of the first and second spherical sockets during transfer of the equipment support between the first and second devices. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217911 | ONE-PIECE ELBOW HYDRAULIC FITTING DESIGNED FOR ELECTRIC ARC STUD WELDING - A hydraulic port weld stud that includes a stud portion having a longitudinal axis and a first bore formed along the longitudinal axis less than an entire length of the stud portion. A port portion extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stud portion. The port portion includes a second bore extending along the transverse axis and intersects the first bore of the stud portion. The port portion and stud portion are integrally formed without the need for a joining or welding operation. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217912 | Coupling - A coupling comprises a socket member ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217913 | Method and apparatus for manufacturing a pipe from pipe segments - A method for assembling a corrugated double-walled pipe section from pipe segments, having the steps of providing an inner wall segment which is curved in circumferential direction and straight in longitudinal direction, providing an outer wall segment which is curved in circumferential direction and corrugated in longitudinal direction, connecting the inner wall segment to the concave side of said corrugated outer wall segment, providing a longitudinal profile at the longitudinally extending edges of the wall segment so as to provide a pipe segment, and connecting the adjoining longitudinal profiles of at least two of the pipe segments to each other. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217914 | Method of assembling sucker rods and end fittings - An improved design and a method of assembly of end fittings to sucker rods which may be of conventional length or continuous sucker rods is described herein. The end fittings and rods are assembled so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod. The assembly method provides for integrity in the rod to end fitting assembly to promote longer connection life and fewer shop rejections and field failures. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217915 | Method and Device for Interconnecting, Sealed Against Contamination, the Ends of Elongate Elements Such as Tubes or Pipes - A method and a device are provided for interconnecting, sealed against contamination, the ends of tubes by two cooperating connecting means, each having an inlet and an outlet for connection to each other. The connecting means each have a connecting plane, into which the outlets open, each covered by a protective means, and which are movable into engagement with each other with the outlets facing each other. A locking element, which is slidably arranged on one connecting means, is, in a controlled manner and without interruption of the sliding movement, movable onto the other connecting means to a distinct end position. The protective means are removable by means of the locking element when this is moved, and the outlets are sealingly pressable against each other. The locking element is prevented from moving until a predetermined force is applied in the moving direction. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217916 | Threaded joint for steel pipes - A threaded joint for steel pipes comprised of a pin | 2008-09-11 |
20080217917 | Joint Structure for Quickly Connecting Corrugated Pipe - A joint structure for connecting a corrugated pipe to a fixed part includes a main body, a packing screw cap, and a clamping claw. The clamping claw is sandwiched between the main body and the packing screw cap. The clamping claw defines a through slot at an edge thereof to make the clamping claw can enlarge an inside diameter thereof. A plurality of inner claws is formed at the edge of the clamping claw. A locking part protruding towards the center of the clamping claw is formed at an end of each of the inner claws. Two slits are respectively defined at two sides of each inner claw so that the inner claw has elasticity. The corrugated pipe with different diameters can directly insert into the clamping claw from outside, and the corrugated pipe cannot be dropped out directly. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217918 | Tubing for a plumbing connection - Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing is utilized in a plumbing application for its strength and flexibility. A thin outer layer is formed around the PEX layer to provide a variety of color choices for the final tubing. The use of a softer material for the outer layer provides the unexpected benefit of a more secure connection as a standard connector having a ring is able to dig into the outer layer and provide a more secure grip and an improved hydraulic sealing. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217919 | Renewable energy wave air pump - In addition to generating power at cost of 0.66 per KWH from a renewable energy source, with minimum pollution and minimum land use, the REWAP system provides four novelties; The First novelty is the REWAP flared bottom to maximize wave energy extraction, and transferring it to ((a)) compressed air, the Second novelty is providing constant power output by feeding the compressed air into the air inlet of a turbo-generator and adding fuel as needed to heat the air to make up the balance of needed power output from the turbo-generator, irrespective of wave height, the third novelty is lack of moving parts, therefore; long plant life and negligible maintenance are achieved, the fourth novelty is a Free Floating Break Water Structure, providing shore line protection without interfering with marine life or obstructing scenic views. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217920 | TURBINE WITH TUBE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF PREVENTING DETACHMENT OF A FLUID FLOW - Turbine system including a turbine and a tubular arrangement having an exit opening. The tubular arrangement is arranged on a downstream side of the turbine. At least one flow controlling device at least partially prevents a fluid flow through the tubular arrangement from becoming detached from the tubular arrangement. The at least one flow controlling device is positioned within the fluid flow and in an area of the exit opening. The turbine system is configured to operate efficiently in an environment wherein at least an upper edge of the exit opening is arranged above a downstream liquid level. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217921 | WAVE ENERGY HARNESSING DEVICE - A system for converting fluid surface wave energy into electrical energy. The system includes an electrical generating device, positioned in a waterproof housing, for producing electrical energy. A float, deployed on the fluid surface, is attached to the generating device when the housing is submerged within the fluid. Vertical motion of the surface waves produce vertical motion of the float, which turns and powers the electrical generating device. A plurality of anchors, positioned on the fluid floor, are attached to the housing so that the housing may be positioned proximate the fluid surface for creating a shoaling effect when a plurality of systems are deployed on the fluid surface. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217922 | Hybrid wind generator process - The present invention includes a process to generate electricity for vehicles by means of harnessing the wind power created with the motion of the vehicle. The motion of the air is transferred to the bottom of the vehicle by an exterior aperture with slanted sides directing the air to a tube. The tube leads the moving air straight to the back of a car right before where the energy sources; batteries and/or fuel tank are located. There is once again another opening for the moving air to shoot out from and spin a mounted turbine blade from the side with a generator which feeds energy to the batteries. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217923 | Hydraulic powered electric generator device - A hydraulic powered electric generator device includes a tubular member having a housing, a partition and a receptacle secured to the housing, a paddle wheel rotatably disposed in the housing for being rotated by the water flowing through the tubular member, an electric generator disposed in the receptacle for generating the electric energy and a follower coupled to the spindle of the electric generator, and one or more magnetic members are attached to the follower and attached to the paddle wheel for allowing the follower and the electric generator to be driven by the paddle wheel and for actuating the electric generator to effectively generate an electric energy. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217924 | Gravity-flap, savonius-type wind turbine device - A wind turbine devices comprises a vertically rotating shaft; and a plurality of horizontally disposed, box-shaped wind catchment vanes connected about the shaft, each vane having an open front face to catch wind flow and a lightweight flap on their rear face that closes when acted upon by wind force to rotate the vane about the shaft. When the latter flap opens, wind spills through the vane thus increasing efficiency. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217925 | Vertical axis wind turbine with angled braces - An improved wind turbine comprises: (i) a turbine rotor with a support platform; (ii) a rotatable vertical shaft extending from or through that platform; (iii) at least one bearing for the shaft; (iv) a plurality of horizontally disposed, box-shaped wind catchment vanes connected about the shaft; and (v) a plurality of angled braces affixed to the platform for reducing wind force leverage effects and bearing wear. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217926 | Electrical Energy generator - An electrical energy generator that converts kinetic energy harvested from voluntary motor activity of a human or animal to electrical energy. The electrical energy generator includes a housing, a coil of electrically conductive material, a reciprocally movable electromagnetically active mass, springs connecting the mass to either the housing or to adjustment means engaged with said housing, and, optionally, means for constraining non-linear motion of the electromagnetically active mass, and/or means of mitigating motion retardation of the electromagnetically active mass within any existing housing atmosphere. The electrical energy generator may be associated with a carried item, such as a backpack. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217927 | Cable systems having at least one section formed of an active material - A cable system, a latch assembly employing the cable system and processes thereof include a cable comprising at least one section formed of an active material having one end fixedly attached to a connector, wherein the connector is disposed between a first stop and a second stop, the first and second stops fixedly attached to a stationary support and having an aperture for slidably receiving the cable; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, the activation device being operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the active material and effectuate a change in a length of the cable section formed or a flexural modulus property of the active material. Suitable active materials include shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217928 | SUPPORT MECHANISM AND A LATCH MECHANISM - A latch mechanism includes a latch bolt moveable between an open position, a first safety position and a closed position. The latch mechanism further includes a power closure system operable to move the latch bolt from the first safety position to the closed position. The power closure system has a transmission path including a drive lever rotatable about a drive lever axis and being engageable with a drive surface of a further transmission path component. The transmission path is operable to connect a power actuator to the latch bolt. The latch mechanism has a first position at which the latch bolt is in the first safety position, the drive lever axis is in a first drive lever axis position, and the drive lever is engaged with the drive surface of the further transmission path component, a second position at which the latch bolt is in the closed position, the drive lever axis is in the first drive lever axis position, and the drive lever is engaged with the drive surface of the further transmission path component, and a third position at which the latch bolt is in the open position, the drive lever axis is in a second drive lever axis position, and the drive lever is disengaged from the drive surface of the further transmission path component. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217929 | Latch assembly with selectively assembled components - A latch assembly combination having: a) a first plate assembly; b) first and second axles extending from the first plate assembly; c) a rotor mounted to one of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement between latched and released positions; d) a catch mounted to the other of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement between: i) an engaged position wherein the catch blocks the rotor in the latched position; and ii) a disengaged position wherein the rotor is allowed to reposition; e) a biasing assembly for urging the rotor toward the released position; and f) at least one of: i) a second plate assembly that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly in first and second different manners; and ii) third and fourth plate assemblies of different configuration that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217930 | NUT CONNECTOR FOR VEHICLE CLOSURE HARDWARE - A vehicle closure hardware nut connector ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217931 | Tamper-Proof and Reusable High Security Seal - High security seal that can be reused an indefinite number of times because the authenticating part evolves in a chaotic manner each time the seal is opened and then put back into service. This seal is composed of at least two authenticators ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217932 | STRIKER APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A striker apparatus for a vehicle includes a striker adapted to be engaged with a locking member secured at an engaging object and having a pair of base portions, a base member having a pair of attaching holes, a reinforcement member placed on the base member and including a pair of insertion holes opening to face the pair of attaching holes respectively, and a pair of flanges formed at each of base portions being inserted into each of the pair of the attaching holes and each of the insertion holes for holding the base member and the reinforcement member therebetween. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217933 | Power Striker Arrangement - The invention relates to a power striker arrangement to engage a striker ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217934 | Bumper beam for automobile - A bumper beam includes two tubular bodies formed by tube hydroforming that extend left and right. The tubular bodies are joined to each other in a parallel state. The tubular bodies each have a rectangular vertical cross-section shape including top and bottom and front and rear sides. The tubular bodies are disposed in a line from top to bottom, and opposing surfaces thereof are joined together across the entire length in the longitudinal direction. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217935 | Energy Absorbing Element and Motor Vehicle Body Using The Same - An energy absorbing element for a motor vehicle body comprises a tube section that is roll-formed from a steel strip. The cross-section of the tube section has at least one concavity. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217936 | BUMPER ABSORBER - A bumper absorber ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217937 | Motor Vehicle Front Spoiler with Deformable Sealing Bulkhead - A motor vehicle deformable front spoiler. The vehicle includes a chassis, the chassis including an outer wall and a deformable sealing bulkhead. The outer wall includes an upper edge extended by an inner edge. The deformable sealing bulkhead links the inner edge and the chassis extending in a curve towards the outer wall. The deformable sealing bulkhead is configured to fold back on itself while being laterally offset towards the outer wall when the front spoiler is dented towards the frame under effect of an impact. The deformable sealing bulkhead includes two substantially parallel side walls curving towards the outer wall, so as to guide laterally the front spoiler when the front spoiler is dented. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217938 | REACHING AID AND METHOD FOR THE PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED - A reaching aid allowing a physically impaired user to retrieve one or more distant items is discussed. The reaching aid includes an apparatus body, a handle, a retrieving hook, and optionally a retrieving probe. The handle may be pivotally coupled with the apparatus body on a proximal end portion and may optionally include a limb support. One or both of the retrieving hook or the retrieving probe are disposed at a distal end portion of the apparatus body and may be movable both longitudinally and rotatably using an actuating arm member. A method of manufacturing and a method of using the reaching aid are also discussed. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217939 | Gripper with adjustable bumper stops - A gripper assembly includes at least one gripper jaw and an actuator operative for moving the at least one gripper jaw. A support is fixed relative to the actuator for supporting the at least one gripper jaw. A stop member is removably affixable between the at least one gripper jaw and the support for limiting movement of the at least one gripper jaw. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217940 | Railway Vehicle Wheel with Elastic Rubber Suspension - A rubber-sprung rail vehicle wheel which is designed in particular, but not exclusively, for rail vehicles with a low design height is described. In this rail vehicle wheel, the wheel tire ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217941 | Active material enabled self-presenting devices - A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217942 | Handle for Vehicle Door - An handle assembly for a vehicle door and method of actuating a release mechanism, such as a door latch, are disclosed. The handle assembly may have a pull handle including a sliding leg, a pivot leg and a hand gripping portion extending between the sliding leg and the pivot leg, with the sliding leg adapted to guide the pull handle between a closed position and an open position, and with the pivot leg adapted to be secured for pivoting about a handle pivot axis about which the pull handle is pivotable. The handle assembly may also include a torque cable having a first end centered and rotatable about the handle pivot axis, and a second end adapted to operatively engage the release mechanism, with the first end rotationally fixed to the pivot leg. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217943 | Skin materials joined portion fixing construction for skin covered article - A center console | 2008-09-11 |
20080217944 | TRUCK CARGO BED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A cargo bed management system for dividing or extending a bed of a motor vehicle. The cargo bed management system includes a main panel having a length approximately equal to a width of the bed, and a pair of side panels hingedly connected to the main panel so that the side panels may rotate relative to the main panel from a stowed position where the side panels are directed toward the main panel to an extended position where the side panels extend outward from the main panel. At least one bumper is affixed to an end of each of the side panels that are hingedly connected to the main panel such that the bumper increases a length of the main panel when said the panels are in the stowed position. The bumpers compress to secure the main panel and the side panels to the bed. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217945 | Expandable truck bed - A truck bed assembly within which the width dimension of the bed's cargo space can be selectively adjusted, the assembly including laterally movable sidewalls that are constructed so as to widen the bed floor surface as they are moved outward as well as a laterally expandable tailgate that lengthens and shortens as the sidewalls are laterally expanded and retracted. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217946 | Linkage Slide-Out Mechanism for a Vehicle - Side-mounted linkage slide-out mechanisms move a slide-out section of a vehicle linearly from a retracted position within an interior of the vehicle to an extended position outward of the vehicle interior. Pivotal scissor linkage assemblies are driven by a linear actuator to pivot about one or more moving pivots mounted to the slide-out section and one or more stationary pivots mounted to the vehicle, and thereby translate the slide-out section. The linkage and drive components have features that limit travel and lock out movement of the slide-out section upon reaching the fully retracted and extended positions. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217947 | RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ROOFING SYSTEM - A roof system for a mobile occupancy structure having a roof substrate and a roof member mounted to the mobile occupancy structure may include a roof membrane having at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) membrane layer affixed to the roof substrate. The roof system may also include a sealant disposed about or adjacent the roof member with the sealant being adhered to the TPV membrane layer. The TPV membrane layer includes a TPV polymer bonding additive and the sealant includes a sealant polymer bonding additive with the TPV polymer bonding additive and sealant polymer bonding additive interacting to promote adhesion of the sealant with the TPV membrane layer. The sealant may be a substantially solid sealant having at least approximately 90% solids by weight prior to being applied about the roof member. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217948 | Tailgate lift assembly - A tailgate lifting assembly. The assembly comprises two components housed in separate enclosures. A first component includes a pair of vertically arranged pulleys and is secured proximate a top edge of the tailgate. A second component is laterally disposed adjacent a side edge of the vehicle, which in the case of a trailer or pickup is a sidewall of the bed. A cable is threaded over the pulleys, which are secured in journaled relation to an interior wall of the housing for the first component. The second component has an interior void through which the cable is threaded, the cable being secured to a spring loaded attachment, the opposing sd secured to the top edge of the tailgate. The two enclosures may be removably mounted to allow for easy transfer to another vehicle. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217949 | Powered Tailgate Ramp - A tailgate ramp for a vehicle is driven up and down by a rotary drive system that engages a hinge plate. The prime mover of the system is a two way electric motor that drives the hinge plate through a gear reduction, and can be placed away from the gate using parallel shafts that extend between the motor and the hinge plate. A screw driven latch arm is also driven by a two way electric motor to latch and unlatch the door. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217950 | Visor Assembly Incorporating an Electronic Control Module - A visor assembly configured for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface including a channel formed therein and a bezel provided on the inner surface of the first wall cooperating with the channel. A second wall cooperates with the first wall to form a visor housing and a cavity defined therein. One or more openings are formed through the second wall. An electronic control module is disposed in the visor housing and includes a printed circuit board including one or more switches positioned in operative communication with one or more buttons extending at least partially through the second wall in the visor housing. The module includes a transmitter for transmitting a wireless control signal to control one or more remote devices when the one or more buttons are actuated by a user. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217951 | Vehicle visor with auxiliary sunshade and adjustable slat - The vehicle visor with an auxiliary sunshade includes a sunshade, which is slidably mounted to a vehicle visor so that when the vehicle visor is in a lowered position, the sunshade may be selectively lowered to block environmental light beyond a lower edge of the vehicle visor. The sunshade may be either mounted to an exterior surface of the vehicle visor, or may be mounted within the vehicle visor. The sunshade has a horizontally extending opening formed therethrough, and a slat is rotatably mounted to the sunshade so that the slat selectively covers the horizontally extending opening and is angularly adjustable about a horizontal axis. The angularly adjustable slat allows the user to selectively observe a roadway through the horizontally extending opening with the slat being selectively angled to block interfering environmental light. The slat may alternatively be formed directly within the vehicle visor. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217952 | Device for manipulating a tarpaulin - A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container the device being usable in combination with an actuator providing a rotational motion, the device comprising: a rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound and for unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom; a rod rotating component having a substantially elongated configuration, the rod rotating component defining a component longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being linkable to the actuator so as to be rotatable therewith about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being operatively coupled to the rod in a manner such that rotating the rod rotating component about the component longitudinal axis rotates the rod about the rod longitudinal axis, the rod rotating component being pivotable relatively to the actuator and configurable between a component shortest configuration and a component longest configuration. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217953 | TARP CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The invention consists of a system for connecting tarps to a vehicle, comprising: a) bows for supporting tarps, the bows comprised of: i) one or more tarp connectors, each of the tarp connectors having a pair of channels for accepting a support pole and ii) one or more corner connectors adapted to receive an end of one of the tarp connectors; b) a plurality of tarps, each tarp secured to the tarp connectors by wrapping the tarp around the support pole and inserting the support pole into the channel of the tarp connector, wherein the bows are combined with the tarps to create an enclosed cargo area for the vehicle. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217954 | Convertible With a Roof Which Can Be Stored in a Folding-Top Compartment - A convertible vehicle has a vehicle body with a passenger compartment defined therein and a rear region with a top storage well defined therein. A retractable roof is movable between a closed position extending over the passenger compartment and a stowed position in the top storage well. The top storage well has a base region that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The base region covers an intermediate space between the rearward side of the seats and the inner side of the rear roof region when the roof is in the closed position and the base region is in the raised position. A coupling linkage interconnects the base region with the rear roof region such that movement of the retractable roof from the stowed position to the closed position causes movement of the base region. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217955 | Vehicle Door Auxiliary Latch Release - An auxiliary latch release assembly, and method of operation, for use with a vehicle having a body defining a cargo area, a door, and a door latch mounted in the door and including an auxiliary latch release is disclosed. The assembly may comprise a handle that is accessible in the cargo area, a release cable having a first end engaging the handle and a second end extending in the body adjacent to the door having the door latch, and an e-latch override assembly mounted in the body that engages the second end of the release cable and includes a latch release member. The latch release member can be actuated by the e-latch override assembly to engage the auxiliary latch release to release the door latch. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217956 | Motor Vehicle and Door Lock for a Door of a Motor Vehicle - The present invention relates to a motor vehicle having a driver door, a passenger door, and two rear doors. Each of the doors has an internal opening device for opening the corresponding door from the interior of the motor vehicle using an assigned electrical drive, and an external opening device for opening the corresponding door from outside the motor vehicle using an assigned electrical drive. The electrical drives are each provided to lock and unlock the opening device assigned thereto. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217957 | AERODYNAMIC FOREBODY SHAPE FOR VAN TRAILER - An aerodynamic forebody device is provided for use with a tractor-trailer combination vehicle to be installed on the front of the semi-trailer. By optimizing the inclination angle of the top surface of the aerodynamic forebody device, aerodynamic drag is minimized. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217958 | Support apparatus for a shell piece of an automobile vehicle, system comprising the support apparatus, and fixation method of the support apparatus - The rib support ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217959 | PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A pedestrian protection apparatus for a vehicle, including: a plate member, which includes front and rear portions, and which is fixed at the rear portion to the vehicle; and at least one reinforcing bead each formed integrally on the front portion of the plate member and each including a bead-extending portion and a bead-end portion which extends integrally from a rear-side edge of the bead-extending portion for connecting the rear-side edge and the rear portion of the plate member, the apparatus being arranged to sweep a leg portion of a pedestrian that has collided with the front of the vehicle by contact of a front end of the plate member with the leg portion, thereby protecting the leg portion, wherein a connecting portion between the bead-end portion and the rear portion of the plate member is gently curved without being folded. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217960 | REINFORCING COMPONENT - A lengthwise extended component contains of a support that possesses flow channels in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The support additionally possesses external surfaces that are offset to each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis as well as a lateral external surface. These external surfaces are provided with a layer of a thermally expansible and curable composition. Reinforcing components of this type are suitable for stiffening and/or reinforcing hollow supports, such as the A-, B- or C-pillars, the roof edges or the rocker panels of vehicles, especially passenger cars. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217961 | Fiber reinforced polypropylene composite front end modules - A fiber reinforced polypropylene composite front end module. The front end module includes a radiator mounting frame molded from a composition comprising at least 30 wt % polypropylene based resin, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and from 0 to 0.1 wt % lubricant, based on the total weight of the composition, the radiator mounting frame having at least a first side and a second side. A process for producing a front end module is also provided. The process includes the step of injection molding a composition to form the front end module, the front end module having a radiator mounting frame having at least a first side and a second side, wherein the composition comprises at least 30 wt % polypropylene, from 10 to 60 wt % organic fiber, from 0 to 40 wt % inorganic filler, and from 0 to 0.1 wt % lubricant, based on the total weight of the composition. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217962 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A DUAL RACK-MOUNTABLE CHASSIS - A method of configuring a rack-mountable chassis is provided. The method includes measuring a length and width of a card module slot of the chassis, a first opening width of a first rack for housing the chassis, and a second opening width of a second rack for housing the chassis, where the first opening width is greater than the second opening width. The method also includes verifying whether the first opening width is sufficiently wide to allow enough clearance between at least one side of the chassis and the first rack when the chassis is disposed in the first rack, to allow for the adequate cooling of housed components. If the first opening width is sufficiently wide, a dimension of at least one parameter related to the configuration of the chassis is determined so that the second opening width is a multiple of a total chassis width of the chassis. A chassis configured according to the method is provided. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217963 | Ventilation Crossmember for a Motor Vehicle - An aeraulic crossmember for a motor vehicle includes a beam ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217964 | DRAIN STRUCTURE OF ROOF PANEL - A roof panel attached to a roof of a vehicle so that the roof panel can be tilted up, and a wind lip provided in peripheral edge portion of the lower surface of the roof panel. The wind lip projects toward the inside of the vehicle. Further, a drain groove extending in up-and-down direction is formed on an outer surface of the wind lip. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217965 | Plasma Wind Deflector for a Sunroof - A wind deflector for a sunroof. The wind deflector includes a first electrode proximate an edge of a sunroof opening. A second electrode is proximate the first electrode. An insulator is intermediate the first and second electrodes. A power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electrical signal generated by the power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electric field generated between the electrodes due to the electrical signal ionizes air proximate the electrodes, thereby deflecting an air flow field away from the sunroof opening. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217966 | FLAT FOLD STROLLER - A folding chair includes handle frames, and front legs and rear legs configured to support the chair in an upright position. The front legs are pivotally attached to respective rear legs. A chair portion, includes a back rest, a seat and a leg rest pivotally attached to the seat. Pivot frames are pivotally attached to respective handle frames, the back rest and the rear legs. Sliders are pivotally attached to respective pivot frames, the back rest, respective arm rests and the seat and are configured to slide along the front legs. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217967 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SEAT HAVING A COMFORT SYSTEM - There is disclosed a comfort system suitable for use in a seat of an automotive vehicle. The system preferably includes an air mover in fluid communication with an open space below a trim layer of the seat for providing ventilation, heating and/or cooling to the seat occupant. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217968 | Seat Structure, Particularly for Bicycle, Having a Customizable Shock Absorbing Element Between the Shell and the Fork - The present invention finds application in the field of sport and leisure accessories, and particularly relates to a seat structure having controlled and customizable elasticity, particularly for vehicles. The structure, which is designed to be connected to a movable or A stationary frame (T), comprises a support element ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217969 | Motorcycle Backrest - A motorcycle backrest is claimed. The motorcycle backrest a closed-end, substantially cylindrical geometry filled with a resilient stuffing, having an elongated tongue tangentially extended therefrom, and at least one strap connected on either end of the cylinder running substantially parallel thereto. The motorcycle backrest is maintained in position on the motorcycle by threading the elongated tongue through an existing motorcycle seat strap, or through a retro-fit belt or strap secured around the motorcycle seat between the driver and passenger portion of the motorcycle seat. Next, the tongue is threaded through the strap of the motorcycle backrest. The elongated tongue is of sufficient length so that, when installed, the driver sits on the tongue thereby ensuring the backrest stays in place during the operation of the motorcycle. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217970 | VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat includes: a seat body; a plurality of seat supports which extend along a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, are disposed with interval along a width direction of the vehicle, and support the seat body; and a load absorption member which connects the adjacent seat supports each other, wherein the load absorption member having: a plurality of beams which extend between the adjacent seat supports along the width direction of the vehicle; and a plate-shaped portion on which the beams are provided along the width direction of the vehicle and which has a plurality of areas which are partitioned with the beams so as to be arranged along the longitudinal direction of vehicle. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217971 | Active Head Restraint - A seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant in an automotive vehicle includes a seat cushion and a seat back. The seat back includes a seat back frame having an upper cross member. A head restraint assembly is pivotally and slidably coupled to the seat back frame. The head restraint assembly includes a head restraint that is movable between an operational position and a deployed position, which is forward and upward relative to the seat back. An activation assembly is pivotally coupled to the upper cross member and is operatively coupled to the head restraint assembly such that the head restraint assembly moves from the operational position to the deployed position in response to rearward loading of the activation assembly by the seat occupant. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217972 | PRODUCT DISPLAY AND CARRYING BAG - A product display and carrying bag is sized to receive a juvenile vehicle seat therein. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217973 | Portable booster seat - A portable infant booster seat having an upright back support, foldable sidewalls, a flexible front wall and an upwardly extendible cushioned seat member that supports an infant in an elevated seated position. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217974 | Child Motion Device - A child motion device includes a frame that provides a structural support relative to a reference surface and that includes an arm pivotably coupled to the structural support. A child supporting device is coupled to the arm and spaced from the reference surface by the frame. A drive system is configured to move the arm such that the child supporting device reciprocates along a motion path at a frequency within a range from about 0.37 Hz to about 0.62 Hz. In some cases, a further drive system is configured to oscillate the child supporting device generally along the axis of rotation at a frequency in a range from about 2.85 Hz to about 3.15 Hz. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217975 | Zero clearance recliner mechanism - A reclining chair includes a seat, a backrest, and a pair of spaced apart recliner mechanisms cooperatively supporting the seat and backrest. Each of the mechanisms includes a ground engaging base link, a seat link operably coupled with and supporting the seat, a backrest linkage operably coupling the backrest to the seat link, a rear swing link operably coupled to the base link at a first pivot, and a front swing link operably coupled to the base link with a shiftable pivot mechanism defining a second pivot. The rear swing link and the front swing link are selectively pivotable about the first and second pivots respectively to enable the mechanism to be selectively shifted between an upright position and a reclined position. The shiftable pivot mechanism shifts a position of the second pivot relative to the base link as the mechanism shifts between the first position and the second position. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217976 | Rocker lounge - A lounge has a foot-operated mechanism for propelling the lounge with a rocking motion. The lounge has a frame with at least one arcuate runner contacting the floor. A user-supporting surface is attached to the frame with portions of the surface adapted to support different body regions of the user, particular the body regions proximate to the user's knees, neck and buttocks. The user-supporting surface may be configured so that the user's buttocks are at a lower elevation than the user's knees and neck. A foot pedal is connected by a linkage assembly to an actuating member that contacts the ground. By pushing against the pedal, the user can impart a rocking motion to the lounge. The lounge may be folded along portions of the frame for compact, convenient storage. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217977 | Seating structure and methods for the use thereof - A seating structure has an articulated seat and back. A rear portion of the seat is automatically pivotable relative to a forward portion of the seat as the seat is tilted between upright and reclined tilt positions. An upper portion of the back is pivotable relative to the lower portion between a neutral position and an extended position, with the upper portion being pivotable relative to the lower portion independent of the tilt position of the back. In one aspect, an adjustment mechanism is coupled between lower and upper back support members and pivots the upper support member between at least first and second support positions. A seat with an adjustable seat depth is also provided, along with various methods for operating the different aspects and embodiments of the seating structure. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217978 | Lordosis Support - The invention relates to a lumbar support for a seat backrest, having a lumbar support basket | 2008-09-11 |
20080217979 | Stadium Seat and a Method of Mounting a Stadium Seat | 2008-09-11 |
20080217980 | Disc Recliner with Memory - A vehicle seat has a seat back and a seat cushion and a pair of recliners hingedly mounting the seat back to the seat cushion providing pivotal movement of a seat back relative to a seat cushion. Each of the recliners has a memory plate that holds the recliners in an unlocked condition during a predetermined amount of travel enabling return movement of the seat back from a forwardly folded position to a memory position. The memory position being within a range of recline seatback positions. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217981 | LEG REST FOR A STROLLER - A removable leg rest for a stroller having a chassis made of chassis members. The removable leg rest comprises a support structure, at least one fastening mechanism and at least one angle adjusting mechanism. The support structure has a leg support surface. The fastening mechanism is attached to the support structure and is operative to fix the support structure to the chassis. The angle adjusting mechanism is used to set an angle of the support structure with respect to the chassis members. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217982 | CHAIR FOOTREST MECHANISM - A footrest mechanism is disclosed which is adapted to be coupled to a chair to allow a footrest ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217983 | LONG-LEGGED CHAIR STRUCTURE - A long-legged chair includes a chair leg frame, a seating part, a back part, a dining tray, and two armrests; the seating part is fitted on the chair leg frame in a separable manner, and it can be easily fitted to and separated from the chair leg frame; the back part is pivoted to the seating part in an adjustable manner; the armrests are fitted on top of the chair leg frame; the dining tray is fitted on and supported by the armrests in a forwards and rearwards displaceable manner such that it can be adjusted in position. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217984 | RECLINING APPARATUS - A reclining apparatus includes a platform and a pivotal element pivotally connected to the platform. A positioning element is movably mounted on the pivotal element and formed with apertures in two rows so that each of the apertures is located on a different level. A locking device includes two latches and an adjusting element. A selective one of the latches can be inserted in one of the apertures in a related one of the rows. The adjusting element is connected to the latches so that the adjusting element is operable to move the latches. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217985 | Load Transport Bin - The invention provides a bin for transporting and off-loading a load such as ore and coal. The bin includes two parts, a load bearing floor part of which at least a portion slopes downward to a side of the floor and an enclosure part having a wall, this part being configured so that the lower end of the wall is complementary to the floor, with the two parts together, in use, defining a bin. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217986 | Extendable cutter drum for a boring machine - A mining machine that includes a rotor assembly disposed on a mobile frame. A cutter drum assembly includes an intermediate drum section and a pair of end drum sections. The end drum sections are drivingly connected by the intermediate drum section. The end drum sections include an axially fixed drum portion and a drum extension that is axially movable on the drive shaft to extend the length of the cutter drum assembly. A hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement is disposed in shafts supporting the end drum sections, and extends and retracts the drum extension with respect to the fixed drum portion. A torque transfer arrangement is disposed between the fixed and extension drum portions for mutual rotation. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217987 | Drilling apparatus and system for drilling wells - A device for boring a well. The device is attached to a motor that has a power shaft for imparting rotational movement. The device comprises a driver operatively connected to the power shaft, with the driver containing a tubular body, a first bit having a first end connected to the driver so that rotational movement of the driver is imparted to the first bit, and a sleeve disposed about the power shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a radial shoulder. The device further comprises a housing disposed about the driver and a second bit attached to the housing. A plurality of nozzles is operatively placed within the driver, and the nozzles deliver fluid flow to the second bit. The device may further include a planetary gear anchored to the radial shoulder, and wherein the planetary gear is adapted for imparting rotation from the driver to the housing in a counter radial direction. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217988 | Wheel balance weight for automobile tire - A wheel balance weight for an automobile is provided. The wheel balance weight for an automobile includes a weight holder | 2008-09-11 |
20080217989 | Flotation drive wheel for a self-propelled irrigation system - A flotation drive wheel is provided for a self-propelled irrigation system such as a center pivot irrigation system, a linear irrigation system or a corner irrigation system. The flotation drive wheel of this invention comprises a hub portion which is directly attached to an associated gearbox of the conventional drive tower. A metal band or plate is welded to the outer periphery of the hub portion of the wheel with a plurality of pivotal flotation shoes being attached to the band or plate. The pivotal shoes include means for preventing soil from being pushed laterally of the flotation wheel and from being pushed forwardly from the drive wheel. The flotation wheel of this invention substantially eliminates the creation of wheel ruts or tracks. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217990 | Axle attachment for pallet truck - A pallet truck axle bar ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217991 | Hydraulic Transaxle - A transaxle ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080217992 | CRAWLER VEHICLE - In a crawler vehicle according to the present invention, at the time of crane operation at a place where a grounding space of crawlers is limited, a land leveling preparation is suppressed as less as possible so as to improve efficiency of the operation. The crawler vehicle according to the present invention has a high performance. The crawler vehicle according to the present invention is provided with a pair of left and right crawler frames on the both left and right sides of a track frame. The crawler frames can be moved between an expansion position for maximizing a distance between centers of the crawlers and a contraction position for minimizing the distance. Further, the crawler vehicle according to the present invention can position the crawler frames to the track frame at an intermediate position in the middle of the expansion position and the contraction position. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217993 | Conformable track assembly for a robotic crawler - A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217994 | Idler for crawler track - An idler for use on a tracked vehicle of the type having a track that includes a plurality of track links joined together, which track links pass around the idler. The idler includes a plurality of generally flat surfaces that come into contact with corresponding generally flat surfaces on the track links as the track links pass around the idler. Reduced wear results. The generally flat surfaces on the idler may be provided by removable wear plates. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217995 | Power Cable Line - In a DC power transmission and distribution line, a power cable line for making it possible to easily supply power to various electric power machines used for operation of the line is provided. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217996 | DATA TRANSMISSION DEVICE FOR AN AIRCRAFT - An aircraft has an on-board data network and an on-board electrical power supply system. The on-board electrical power supply system has a device for connection to a stationary electrical power supply system. An adapter device allows data transmission between the on-board data network and a stationary data network via the on-board electrical power supply system, the device for connection to a stationary electrical power supply system, and a stationary electrical power supply system. A ground device, equipped appropriately for data transmission, supplies the aircraft with electrical power. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217997 | Device for Limiting Current of Electric Appliance - Provided is a device for limiting a current of electric appliance. The current limiting device includes: at least two loads; at least two load driving units connected to the loads to control applying power to the loads; a power detecting unit detecting a power type; a micom controlling the load driving unit according to the power type detected by the power detecting unit to drive the load using a current flowing into the load within an allowable value; and at least one current limiting unit connected to at least one control line connecting the micom and the load driving unit and limiting a current of the load driving unit connected to the control line when the micom malfunctions by using a control signal of the micom and a signal of the power type detected from the power detecting unit as an input signal. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217998 | RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER SYSTEMS - A UPS with a multi-port DC bus operable to couple a plurality of intermittent external DC sources and intermittent external DC loads is disclosed. The invention includes renewable energy power systems with a UPS having a multi-port DC bus and a responsive energy storage means electrically coupled to the multi-port DC bus. An embodiment includes a renewable energy power system with a UPS having a multi-port DC bus having an external DC load coupling for supporting an external DC load. Exemplary DC sources disclosed include a pole-mountable wind turbine assisted by ducted hot air created by the waste heat from a solar-voltaic array that is also an exemplary DC source. A parking lot solar power system is also disclosed that is both a DC source and at least one DC load. A cogeneration system using the AC output of the UPS and the AC output of a genset is provided. | 2008-09-11 |
20080217999 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FOOD PREPARATION - A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually. | 2008-09-11 |
20080218000 | Power-Off System and Method - There is provided a power-off system including a connector ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080218001 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODE SELECTION FOR HIGH VOLTAGE INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - A method is disclosed to add functionality to a terminal of a high voltage integrated circuit without the penalty of additional high voltage circuitry. The benefit is that alternative modes of operation can be selected for testing, trimming parameters of the integrated circuit, or any other purpose without the cost of an additional terminal. In one embodiment, ordinary low voltage circuitry monitors the voltage on the terminal that normally is exposed to high voltage. The configuration of a simple voltage detector and an ordinary latch allows easy entry into the test and trimming mode when the integrated circuit is not in the intended application, but prohibits entry into the test and trimming mode when the integrated circuit operates in the intended application. | 2008-09-11 |
20080218002 | CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for an electrical device includes a controller that outputs an AC device enable system when one or more monitored sensors are in a proper state for operation of the electrical device. The control system may also include a sensor signal integrity checking circuit that outputs a validation signal when the sensor is one of a discrete set of acceptable sensor states. The control system may also include a current monitor that monitors the current draw of the electrical device and compares the current draw to a range of acceptable current draw levels and durations and disables operation of the electrical device when the current draw falls outside of the range. | 2008-09-11 |
20080218003 | Switch and System for Controlling Electric Loads - An electrical switch unit ( | 2008-09-11 |
20080218004 | MOVING-MAGNET TYPE LINEAR MOTOR - A moving-magnet type linear motor is provided with cooling blocks which are attached to each of stator bases alongside a coreless coil and which allow coolant to flow therethrough for cooling the coreless coil. Each of the cooling blocks has in a base end portion thereof a fluid passage for flowing coolant and at an extreme end portion thereof a plurality of sheet-like protrusions like fins which are arranged alongside a part of the circumferential surface of the coreless coil with a clearance between each protrusion and the next thereto. Each cooling block is thermally closely jointed with the coreless coil at the extreme ends of the sheet-like protrusions. | 2008-09-11 |