sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive power roller-leg assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed. Full Article
sm Friction type transmission device and pressing force control method for friction type transmission device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT In a friction drive transmission apparatus arranged to transmit power by a frictional transmission force between two roller units pressed against each other, there is provided a pressing force imparting means to increase and decrease a pressing force imparted to a roller pair to vary the frictional transmission force between both roller units smoothly at the time of a shift. Full Article
sm Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a carrier member configured to have a number of radially offset slots. Various inventive carrier members and carrier drivers can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of an IVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In one embodiment, the carrier member is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a carrier member is operably coupled to a carrier driver. In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to couple to a source of rotational power. Among other things, shift control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed. Full Article
sm Variator multiplex valve scheme for a torroidal traction drive transmision By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow to a variator which responsive to separate high and low pressure fluids to control an output torque thereof. A first trim valve may be responsive to a first control signal to supply a first fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A second trim valve may be responsive to a second control signal to supply a second fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A variator switching sub-system may controllably supply the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid to the variator. A multiplex valve may be fluidly coupled to the outlets of the first and second trim valves, and may supply the first fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system during at least one predefined operating condition and may otherwise supply the second fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system. Full Article
sm Toroidal continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes: an input disk; an output disk; a plurality of power rollers; a plurality of trunnions; an oil pump; a pressing hydraulic mechanism that moves and brings the input disk and output disk closer to each other; a shifting hydraulic mechanism that moves the trunnions forward and rearward; and a hydraulic control device that controls the pressing hydraulic mechanism and the shifting hydraulic mechanism by oil pressure. The hydraulic control device has an oil pressure regulation unit that sets an oil pressure in a shifting hydraulic line that is a hydraulic source of the shifting hydraulic mechanism to an oil pressure at which shifting control can be performed by the shifting hydraulic mechanism till the transmission of power between the input disk and output disk is interrupted when the operation of the oil pump is stopped. Full Article
sm Systems and methods for control of transmission and/or prime mover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example. Full Article
sm Variable clutch mechanism and correction tape dispenser with variable clutch mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A clutch mechanism for a tape dispenser, for example, includes a first reel, a second reel, a biasing element, and a friction element. The first and second reels are rotatably disposed on first and second shafts. The biasing element is disposed between the second reel and second shaft such that the second reel is movable in a radial direction between first and second positions relative to the second shaft and the biasing element biases the second reel into the first position. The friction element extends around the first and second reels and arranged to generate a first normal force acting on the second reel when the second reel is in a first position, relative to the second shaft, and a second normal force acting on the second reel when the second reel is in a second position, relative to the second shaft. Full Article
sm Drive mechanism for infinitely variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A variator transmission comprises an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith and an output disc (12) facing the input disc and arranged to rotate coaxially therewith, the input and output discs defining between them a toroidal cavity. Two rollers (14, 16) are located in the toroidal cavity and first and second roller carriage means are provided upon which the first and second rollers respectively are rotatably mounted and end load means (34, 36) urge the rollers into contact with the input and output discs to transmit drive. The two roller carriage means are mounted on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of a lever (50) and the pivotal axis of the lever (50) is movable in both the radial and non-radial directions with respect to the rotational axis of the input and output discs. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A continuously variable transmission having a continuously variable transmission mechanism including an input member, an output member, and a rotary member sandwiched therebetween, transmitting torque between the input member and the output member by means of frictional forces generated by pushing the input member and the output member against the rotary member, and continuously varying a transmission gear ratio between the input member and the output member, an axial force generating portion which rotates in one direction to generate a first axial force for pushing one of the input member and the output member toward the other and rotates in the other direction to generate a second axial force opposite to the first force, and an opposite axial force transmitting portion for transmitting the second force to the other of the input member and the output member when the axial force generating portion generates the second force. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT A continuously variable transmission includes a continuously variable transmission mechanism that includes an input disk, an output disk, and planetary balls sandwiched between them and that steplessly changes a transmission ratio between the input disk and the output disk by tilting the planetary balls, wherein cooling performance of a cooling device for the continuously variable transmission mechanism is enhanced as the transmission ratio becomes larger than 1 or smaller than 1. Full Article
sm Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously and infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a variator is adapted to receive a control system that cooperates with a shift nut to actuate a ratio change in an IVT. In another embodiment, a neutral lock-out mechanism is adapted to cooperate with the variator to, among other things, disengage an output shaft from a variator. Various inventive mechanical couplings, such as an output engagement mechanism, are provided to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT for maintaining a powered zero operating condition. In one embodiment, the output engagement mechanism selectively couples an output member of the variator to a ratio adjuster of the variator. Embodiments of a ratio adjuster cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Among other things, user control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed. Full Article
sm Methods for control of transmission and prime mover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. A method of optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission is also described. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. A drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission can be optimized in another method. Full Article
sm Infinitely variable transmission with an IVT stator controlling assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT An infinitely variable transmission is provided. The transmission includes an input assembly that is coupled to receive input rotational motion and an output assembly that is rotationally coupled to a load. An input/output planetary ratio assembly sets an input to output speed ratio. The input/output planetary ratio assembly has a first stator and a second stator. An input speed feedback control assembly is operationally attached to the input assembly. The input speed feedback control assembly includes a spider that is coupled to one of the first stator and the second stator. A movable member is operationally engaged with the spider with at least one shift weight. The moveable member is further operationally coupled to the other of the first stator and second stator. Moreover a torque feedback control assembly applies an axial load force in response to a torque of a load to the input speed control assembly. Full Article
sm Variator switching valve scheme for a torroidal traction drive transmision By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for controlling a variator having at least one roller between two toroidal disks may include at least one actuator responsive to fluid pressure at separate high side and low side fluid inlets thereof to control torque applied by the at least one roller to the disks. First and second variator switching valves may each receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second lesser pressure. The first and second variator switching valves supply the first fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the second fluid to the low side fluid inlet during two of four different operational states together defined by the variator switching valves, and supply the second fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the first fluid to the low side fluid inlet during each of the remaining two of the four different operational states. Full Article
sm System and method for controlling a transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A system for selecting shift schedules of a transmission of a vehicle includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of acceleration of the vehicle prior to a change of a gear of the transmission. The controller is further configured to estimate tractive effort of the vehicle following the change of the gear of the transmission, the tractive effort estimation being based on at least an estimation of a road load on the vehicle. The controller is further configured to select between a first shift schedule and a second shift schedule based on the tractive effort estimation, wherein, if the tractive effort estimation is less than a threshold value, the controller selects the first shift schedule, and if the tractive effort estimation is at least equal to the threshold value, the controller selects the second shift schedule. Full Article
sm Fast valve actuation system for an automatic transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A fast valve actuation system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a pair of spring-biased shift valves. Solenoids control the application of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head of each of the shift valves. Each shift valve has at least one port that is coupled to a fluid chamber of a torque transferring mechanism of an automatic transmission. The position of each of the shift valves determines whether its ports are connected with fluid pressure. Fluid passages connect the head of each shift valve to the spring pocket of the other shift valve. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a control system adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT are provided. In one embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed. Full Article
sm Toroidal continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A toroidal continuously variable transmission of the present invention comprises: input side disks (1a, 1b) and output side disks (6) being supported concentric with each other such that the disks can rotate freely; a trunnion (9) that comprises end sections (36) on both ends on which tilt shafts (13) that are concentric with each other are provided, and a support beam section (15) that extends between both end sections (36), the trunnion (9) being capable of pivotally displacing around the tilt shafts (13); a thrust rolling bearing (17); and a power roller (8) that is supported to the inside surface of the trunnion (9) by way of the thrust rolling bearing (17) such that it rotates freely; wherein the support beam section (15) comprises an inside surface having a cylindrical convex surface (14); the thrust rolling bearing (17) comprises an outer race (18a) having an outside surface with a concave section (19a) that fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) of the support beam section (15), and a plurality of rolling bodies (26) that are located between the power roller (8) and a track of an outer race (18a); and the concave section (19a) of the outer race (18a) has side surface sections (29) on both sides in the width direction, fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) by the cylindrical convex surface (14) coming in contact with both side surface sections (29). Full Article
sm Unlocking controller of irreversible rotary transmission system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST An unlocking controller is provided for an irreversible rotary transmission system having the irreversible rotary transmission system having an irreversible rotation transmission element arranged between an input shaft and an output shaft. The unlocking controller includes an input shaft rotation direction determination section and an unlocking torque setting section. The input shaft rotation direction determination section determines whether an input shaft rotational direction is the same as, or opposite to, a direction of the load torque of the output shaft. The unlocking torque setting section conducts an unlocking torque control that sets the unlocking torque a higher value when the input shaft rotational direction and the direction of the load torque of the output shaft are the same as while the lock is released, than when the input shaft rotational direction is opposite to the direction of the direction of the load torque of the output shaft. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Disclosed embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a CVT has a number of spherical planets in contact with an idler. Various idler assemblies can be used to facilitate to improve durability, fatigue life, and efficiency of a CVT. In one embodiment, the idler assembly has two rolling elements having contact surfaces that are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the CVT. In some embodiments, a bearing is operably coupled between the first and second rolling elements. The bearing is configured to balance axial force between the first and second rolling elements. In one embodiment, the bearing is a ball bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing is an angular contact bearing. In yet other embodiments, needle roller bearings are employed. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) are provided. In one aspect, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. A control system includes a control reference nut coupled to a feedback cam and operably coupled to a skew cam. In some cases, the skew cam is configured to interact with carrier plates of a CVT. Various inventive feedback cams and skew cams can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some transmissions described, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier plates. In some cases, a neutralizer assembly is operably coupled to the carrier plates. A shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are provided. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A continuously variable transmission includes plural planetary balls, a carrier, a sun roller, an input shaft, an output shaft, and thrust bearings sandwiched between respective holding surfaces of the input shaft and the output shaft, wherein the holding surface at a time of rest is formed such that a space between the holding surface and a race on one side of the thrust bearing becomes wider on an outside in a radial direction than on an inside in the radial direction, and the holding surface at the time of rest is formed such that a space between the holding surface and a race on the other side of the thrust bearing becomes wider on the outside in the radial direction than on the inside in the radial direction. Full Article
sm Continuously variable transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Provided with first and second rotational members, a sun roller, a plurality of planetary balls sandwiched between the first and second rotational members, a support shaft of each of the planetary balls, a shaft, a carrier, an iris plate and a worm gear for tilting each of the planetary balls, and an input shaft and an output shaft individually fixed to the first and second rotational members, respectively, in which a movable amount of the sun roller relative to the carrier in an axis line direction is set to be smaller than the movable amount of the second rotational member relative to the carrier in the axis line direction when the input shaft is arranged so as to be relatively rotatable on an outer peripheral surface of the output shaft. Full Article
sm Power transmission device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A power transmission device includes first and second rings arranged opposite each other, having a common rotation center axis, and rotatable relative to each other; a plurality of planetary balls having rotation center axes parallel to the rotation center axis, and radially arranged between the first and second rings and around the rotation center axis; a transmission control unit configured to change a rotation ratio between the first and second rings by changing the respective contact points of the first and second rings and each of the planetary balls through tilting motion of each of the planetary balls; and a rotation restricting unit disposed between the planetary balls adjacent to each other. Full Article
sm Magnetic recording disk drive with write driver to write head transmission line with multiple segments having different numbers of conductive traces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A multiple-segment transmission line in a hard disk drive enables a wider optimization range of the slope, duration and amplitude of the transmission line overshoot (TLO) wave shape. There is a first segment with two traces for connection to the write driver circuitry, an end segment with two traces for connection to the write head and at least two intermediate segments. The number of traces in a segment is different from the number of traces in the segments to which the segment is immediately connected. There is an even number of traces in each segment and the traces in each segment are interleaved. The number of segments and the number of traces in each segment can be selected to achieve the desired impedance levels for the different segments to achieve the desired wave shape for the TLO. All of the traces on the transmission line are preferably coplanar. Full Article
sm Mechanism to monitor vehicle miles traveled By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for checking the running performance of a motor vehicle, which can have at least the following components: a system for measuring a distance of a motor vehicle which is integrated in a motor vehicle, a vehicle communication system for wireless data transmission, where the system is identifiable by a unique identification number of the motor vehicle, and data may be transmitted from the vehicle to a receiver, a stationary database system for storing and providing data, which is equipped with a receiver that allows communication with the in-vehicle communication system, and an interface which allows stationary and mobile communication terminal system. Full Article
sm Thrust sliding bearing and combination mechanism of the thrust sliding bearing and a piston rod By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A thrust sliding bearing includes a synthetic resin-made bearing body having a hollow cylindrical portion, an annular collar portion, an annular protruding portion, a tubular projecting portion, an engaging projecting portion, and an annular projecting portion; an annular cover having a disk portion, a tubular portion, and an engaging projecting portion; an annular metal plate having an outer disk portion and an inner disk portion; and a thrust sliding bearing which is interposed between the bearing body and an annular lower surface of the outer disk portion of the annular metal plate and renders the annular metal plate rotatable with respect to the bearing body in a direction about an axis of the bearing body. Full Article
sm Container for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product having a retractable applicator element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A container (1) for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product, comprising an applicator element (3) in which a stick (2) of said product can move axially relative to a base (32), as well as a tubular storage element (4) comprising a top (41) that contains a mobile sleeve (42) and is suitable for covering the applicator element (3) in a configuration wherein said applicator element is fully inserted into the sleeve and connected to said top by means of an elastically compressible device having two stable axial positions relative to a hilly inserted configuration, said device comprising a resilient element (43) pushing the sleeve (42) towards the outside of the top, and, distributed between the top and the sleeve, a heart-shaped guide track (44) arranged parallel to an axial direction of the top, and a follower (45) carried by a generally axially pivoting arm (46) such as to define stable top and bottom positions allowing the applicator element to be gripped or not. The resilient element (43) is arranged between the outer wall of the sleeve (42) and the inner wall of the top (41), and the guide track and follower are arranged in a lateral space formed by the shape differences of the cross-sections of the top and the sleeve. Full Article
sm Cosmetic device with thermal storage tip By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dispenser includes a thermal storage tip and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetics product or a medicinal product. The thermal storage tip comprises a material that is capable of storing and retaining thermal energy during application of the product. Full Article
sm Transmission power control on a wireless communication device for a plurality of regulated bands or component carriers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wireless communication device is configured for performing uplink transmission power control. The wireless communication device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory. The wireless communication device performs uplink transmission power control for multiple regulated frequency bands or component carriers. The wireless communication device determines a total transmission power for at least one component carrier and allocates transmission power to at least one antenna. Full Article
sm Method and apparatus for controlling uplink transmission power in wireless communication system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system are provided for controlling uplink transmission power in a wireless communication system. At least one of a plurality of downlink carriers and a plurality of uplink carriers are aggregated, and the plurality of downlink carriers and the plurality of uplink carriers are mapped between a User Equipment (UE) and a network in the wireless communication system. A message relating to uplink carrier transmission power is received at the UE from the network via a downlink carrier. Uplink transmission power of one or more uplink carriers is controlled in accordance with the message and aggregation and mapping of at least one of the downlink carrier and the one or more uplink carriers. Full Article
sm Cover mechanism for opening and closing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cover mechanism is provided for an opening and closing device, which includes a fixed plate arranged at a first housing; a moving plate arranged at a second housing; a hinge arm that is arranged between the two plates and rotates to move the moving plate between a closed position where the first and second housings overlap and an open position where surfaces of the first and second housings are substantially coplanar; and a recess formed at the second housing that prevents the hinge arm from interfering with the second housing in the open position. The cover mechanism includes a cover arranged at the moving plate that covers the recess when the moving plate is positioned at the closed position and moves from the covering position by engaging with and being urged by the rotating hinge arm; and an urging part that urges the cover toward the covering position. Full Article
sm Apparatus and method for low voltage radio transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Sep 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus and methods are disclosed related to low-voltage radio transmitters with high spectral purity. One such apparatus includes a baseband path with a predistortion stage, a programmable filter, and an upconverter core. In an embodiment, the programmable filter is placed between the predistortion stage and the upconverter core. In an embodiment, the programmable filter is configured by a controller to reject out-of-band noise introduced at the predistortion stage or earlier. Full Article
sm Physical broadcast channel (PBCH) transmission for reliable detection of antenna configuration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Sep 2015 08:00:00 EDT Reliable detection of the configuration of transmit antennas includes obtaining a data for transmission, encoding the data, and modulating the data. During the modulating of the data, the data may be configured in such a way as to convey the configuration of the antennas through the modulation of the data. An antenna configuration is obtained by obtaining a representation of the antenna configuration, and masking the data with an error correcting code, where the mask corresponds to the antenna configuration. Full Article
sm Plasma light source By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A High Frequency light source has a central body of fused quartz, with a central void, filled with a fill in the void of material excitable by High Frequency energy to form a light emitting plasma. An inner sleeve of perforate metal shim extends along the length of the central body to provide a launching gap. The sleeve has a transverse end portion extending across the other, inner end of the central body. An outer cylinder of fused quartz with an internal bore such as to be a sliding fit with the inner sleeve, itself a sliding fit on the central body. An outer sleeve of perforate metal, enclosing the outer cylinder and having an end portion extending across the flush, void ends of the quartz body and cylinder and having a skirt extending past the flush over an aluminum carrier, clamped and holding the quartz elements against the carrier. Full Article
sm Microscope having a transmitted-light illuminating device for critical illumination By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A microscope includes a light source including an LED device having a light radiating surface and a light directing element including a larger coupling-out surface. The light directing element is disposed so as to couple in light radiated by the light source and couple out the radiated light from the coupling-out surface. The light directing element is disposed so that the light is radiated out in an angular range of ±10° to ±50° and illuminates an area at 5 meters in an angular range of at least ±5° with intensity fluctuations of less than 50%. A condenser is disposed between the coupling-out surface of the light directing element and the object to be viewed. The condenser has an aperture with an aperture dimension and is disposed such that the aperture is irradiated completely with the light coupled out from the coupling-out surface. Full Article
sm Surgical forceps including blade safety mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A forceps includes first and second jaw members and at least one handle movable between an open position and a closed position for moving the jaw members between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A ratchet mechanism includes first and second ratchet components configured to engage one another upon movement of the at least one handle to the closed position to retain the jaw members in the approximated position. A knife is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue therebetween. A safety mechanism is configured to inhibit extension of the knife when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position. Movement of the ratchet components into engagement with one another to retain the jaw members in the approximated position disengages the safety mechanism, thereby permitting extension of the knife. Full Article
sm Relay apparatus, program of relay apparatus and transmitting apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A relay apparatus of a video and audio transmitting/receiving system delays a time before transmitting an authentication start instruction after an authentication start video signal being transmitted to a receiving apparatus. Accordingly, a problem that the receiving apparatus receives the authentication start instruction from the relay apparatus before locking the authentication start video signal and cannot perform authentication processing normally, leading to a failure in authentication. A correction time is decided based on a resolution of the authentication start video signal transmitted from the receiving apparatus and a combination of receiving apparatuses and transmitting apparatuses connected to the relay apparatus. Full Article
sm Method for providing and recognizing transmission mode in digital broadcasting By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method for selecting an appropriate mode when performing a new broadcast, such as a 3D stereo broadcast, a UHDTV broadcast, and a multi-view broadcast, among others, while maintaining compatibility with existing broadcasting channels in an MPEG-2-TS format for transmitting and receiving digital TV, and to a method for recognizing a descriptor. To this end, the present invention suggests providing the descriptor which is related to synthesizing left and right images using the type of stream, existence of the descriptor, and a frame-compatible mode flag. Full Article
sm Apparatus and method for transmitting media content By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device operative in an interactive television (iTV) network, including a controller to: receive a signal from a first communication device to start a first media evaluation session of media content and associate a first user-generated comment with the media content; receive, at a different time, a signal from at least a second communication device to start a second media evaluation session of the media content and associate a second user-generated comment with the media content; synchronize the first user-generated comment and the second user-generated comment into a single commentary timeline; and insert the synchronized user-generated comments in a temporal vicinity of the media content as an overlay for playback by a media device. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
sm Clamping mechanism with detachable positioning member By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A clamping mechanism includes a positioning member, a support plate, a frame, a fastening assembly, and an operating assembly. The support plate defines a through hole. The fastening assembly is fixed to the frame. The fastening assembly includes a fastening member and an elastic member. The positioning member extends through the through hole of the support plate, and is fastened by the fastening member under an elastic force of the elastic member. The operating assembly resists the fastening member, thereby driving the fastening member away from the positioning member. Full Article
sm Adjustment mechanism By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly. The first adjustment assembly includes a first regulating member and a second regulating member. The first regulating member includes a bearing plate and a first supporting portion protruding from the bearing plate. The first supporting portion includes an arcuate first supporting surface. The second regulating member includes a base body and a second supporting portion protruding from the base body away from the first supporting portion. The second supporting portion includes an arcuate second supporting surface. The second adjustment assembly includes a mounting member latched with the base body. First supporting surface resists the base body, to enable the bearing plate to rock along a curvature relative to the base body. Second supporting surface resists the mounting member, to enable the bearing plate and the base body to rock relative to the mounting member. Full Article
sm Image forming device with smoothing correction for plural light emitting segments By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image forming device includes a photoreceptor drum including a target surface that is scanned in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction, an exposure head including a plurality of light emitting segments aligned in parallel to the main scanning direction, an exposure driving unit which selectively drives the plural light emitting segments, a storing unit which stores a profile where the respective positions of the plural light emitting segments correspond to a correction amount from the main scanning direction toward the sub-scanning direction at every position, and a correcting unit which smoothes a local change of the correction amount in the profile. Full Article
sm Phased array transmission methods and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A phased array transmitter includes a plurality of vector modulators, an in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) signal generator, and a multiphase generator. The output phases of the plurality of vector modulators, and hence the direction of transmission of the phased array transmitter, are set and controlled by adjusting both the magnitude ratios of I/Q signal pairs generated by the I/Q signal generator and applied to I and Q inputs of the plurality of vector modulators and phases of a plurality of local oscillator (LO) signal phases generated by the multiphase generator and applied to LO inputs of the plurality of vector modulators. Setting and controlling the output phases of the vector modulators by varying both the magnitude ratios of the I/Q signal pairs and the phases of the LO signal phases allows the output phases of the plurality of vector modulators to be more precisely set and controlled than if the output phases were to be set and controlled only through the LO paths or only through the I/Q signal paths of the plurality of vector modulators. Full Article
sm Module for powerline communication transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A powerline communication (PLC) transmission module transmits a signal over a three-line electrical mains supply. The PLC transmission module includes at least two coupling transformers, each transformer coupling the signal to first and second line-pairs of a three-line electrical mains supply, the first and second line-pairs different from one another. Driving circuitry drives a first version of the signal over the first line-pair and a second version of the signal over the second line-pair. Inversion circuitry selectively inverts one version of the signal relative to the other version of the signal, dependent upon an enacted transmission mode. The inversion circuitry may invert neither/both of the versions of the signal so that the signal is transmitted as a differential-mode signal on the line-pairs or invert one of the first and second versions of the signal relative to the other so that the signal is a common-mode signal. Full Article
sm Wireless power feeder, wireless power receiver, and wireless power transmission system, and coil By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wireless power feeder feeds power from a feeding coil L2 to a receiving coil L3 by wireless using a magnetic field coupling between the feeding coil L2 and the receiving coil L3. The feeding coil L2 is formed so as to be rotated. A power transmission control circuit supplies AC power to the feeding coil L2 to make the feeding coil L2 feed the AC power to the receiving coil L3. The power transmission control circuit rotates the feeding coil L2 to change the opposing area between the feeding coil L2 and the receiving coil L3 as viewed in the axis direction of the feeding coil L2 to thereby adjust the AC power to be supplied from the feeding coil L2 to the receiving coil L3. Full Article
sm System and method for providing simple feedback signals indicating if more or less power is required during inductive power transmission By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An inductive power outlet for providing power to an electric load via an inductive power receiver includes at least one primary inductive coil wired to a power supply via a driver configured to provide a driving voltage across the primary inductive coil such that a secondary voltage is induced in a secondary inductive coil associated with the inductive power receiver. The driver may include a controller configured to receive feedback control signals from the inductive power receiver indicating if more or less power is required. The controller may be further configured to adjust the driving voltage according to the control signals. Full Article