Patents Assigned to Actuant Corporation
  • Patent number: 9568452
    Abstract: A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a rope. The system including a transducer and a processor. The transducer is spaced apart from the rope. The transducer configured to output an ultrasonic wave in a transverse direction towards a longitudinal location of the rope, such that at least a portion of the ultrasonic wave passes around a perimeter of the rope, receive the portion of the ultrasonic wave, convert the portion of the ultrasonic wave to a signal, and output the signal. The processor configured to receive the signal, and evaluate the rope based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Luis S. Padilla, Philip Bull, Roger L. Royer, Jr., Steven E. Owens
  • Patent number: 9366297
    Abstract: A system for transmitting power from a drive shaft to a seed meter shaft of a seeder is disclosed. The system comprises a first transmission that connects to one of the drive shaft and the seed meter shaft. The first transmission also connects to a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly connects to a flexible drive shaft assembly, and the flexible drive shaft assembly connects to a second transmission. The second transmission connects to the other of the drive shaft and the seed meter shaft. The clutch assembly is detachable from the first transmission and the flexible drive shaft assembly and the flexible drive shaft assembly is directly connectable to the first transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Hause
  • Patent number: 9317191
    Abstract: The invention provides for a pocketed anchor for post-tensioned concrete reinforcement. The anchor includes a body having a flange portion with a front and rear surface, a button portion extending from the rear surface, and a nose portion extending from the front surface. The anchor also includes a tapered bore that extends through the nose, flange, and button portions. The bore can receive a wedge that cams against the bore to clamp down on a tendon. The front surface of the flange has at least two planar surfaces that are parallel to the bearing surface on the rear surface of the anchor. One of the planar surfaces is recessed relative to the other such that the recessed surface is closer to the load bearing surface on the rear surface of the anchor. The two planar surfaces define a pocket on the anchor, where mounting holes may be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Frantz Stanford
  • Patent number: 9255911
    Abstract: A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a synthetic rope. The system includes a first transducer, a second transducer, and a processor. The first transducer is located at a first position and configured to convert a first electrical signal into a wave directed toward the synthetic rope under test. The wave has characteristics such that at least of a portion of the wave passes around a perimeter of the synthetic rope. The second transducer is located at a second position opposite the first position and radially aligned with the first transducer. The second transducer is also configured to receive and convert the portion of the wave into a second electrical signal. The processor is configured to determine a structural health measure of the synthetic rope based on the second electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Luis S. Padilla, Philip Bull, Roger L. Royer, Jr., Steven E. Owens
  • Publication number: 20160018032
    Abstract: An end seal assembly configured to seal with a pipe. The seal assembly may include a cylindrical finned insert including an insert portion to be received in the pipe and a base portion at least partially facing the end face of the pipe, the insert portion having at least one annular fin extending radially outwardly, a pocket being formed between the at least one annular fin and the base portion, the at least one annular fin being deformable against the inner surface of the pipe; and a malleable annular end seal positioned near the pocket, the end seal being axially compressed between the base portion and the end face of the pipe and flowing around the end face to the inner surface of the pipe and into the pocket to inhibit fluid from passing from the inner surface of the pipe to the end face of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: ACTUANT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin E.G. Richardson, Bryan R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9221102
    Abstract: A tool module for a machining apparatus including a rotatable portion. The tool module includes at least one adjustment clamp supported by the rotatable portion. A module base is supported by the at least one adjustment clamp and defines a linear movement track. A tool slide is configured to support a cutting tool and is movable along the linear movement track. The at least one adjustment clamp is movable from a release position to a locking position and vice versa, and in both the release position and the locking position the at least one adjustment clamp is connected to the rotatable portion. In the release position the at least one adjustment clamp permits the module base to translate relative thereto, and in the locking position the at least one adjustment clamp engages the module base to inhibit the module base from moving relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Brent K. Place
  • Publication number: 20150345142
    Abstract: A wedge for a concrete post-tension reinforcement anchorage system is shaped such that the compressive force on the tendon after tensioning of the anchorage system is substantially evenly distributed over a length of the outer surface of the tendon that is engaged by the internal surface of the wedge. The external surface of the wedge may have a first section with a first taper angle and a second section with a second taper angle, the second taper angle being larger than the first taper angle. The internal surface of the wedge may have a first section with a first taper angle and a second section with a second taper angle, the second taper angle being greater than the first taper angle. An anchor with a bore with two taper angles and tooth profiles of threading patterns on the internal surface of the wedge are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: ACTUANT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas F. Mathews, Stanley A. Landry, Paul A. Hohensee
  • Publication number: 20150342113
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting power from a drive shaft (24) to a seed meter shaft of a seed metering device includes a transmission (26). A transmission housing (28) has a first housing section (30) and an identical second housing section (30). The first housing section (30) and the second housing section (30) together define a first internal passageway (44) and a second internal passageway (50). The transmission further includes a first transmission element (46) rotatably supported by the first housing section (30) and the second housing section (30) in the first internal passageway (44). The first transmission element (46) connects to one of the drive shaft (24) and the seed meter shaft. The transmission further includes a second transmission element (54) rotatably supported by the first housing section (30) and the second housing section (30) in the second internal passageway (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Case, Kevin G. Shaw
  • Patent number: 9194155
    Abstract: A barrier cable anchor rail assembly is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to be encapsulated in a concrete column and engage a plurality of cables to provide a barrier between successive columns of concrete. The assembly includes a first rail member and a plurality of threaded connectors. The threaded connectors are adapted to be engaged by a chuck that includes cable grippers adapted to engage one of the cables. The threaded connectors can be attached to the first rail member in the same orientation with a predetermined spacing between the central axis of the plurality of threaded connectors. The first rail member maintains the orientation and predetermined spacing of the threaded connectors and provides support to the concrete column in which it is encapsulated. A barrier cable assembly adapted to form a barrier between a first concrete column and a second concrete column is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley A. Landry
  • Patent number: 9163405
    Abstract: A wedge for a concrete post-tension reinforcement anchorage system is shaped such that the compressive force on the tendon after tensioning of the anchorage system is substantially evenly distributed over a length of the outer surface of the tendon that is engaged by the internal surface of the wedge. The external surface of the wedge may have a first section with a first taper angle and a second section with a second taper angle, the second taper angle being larger than the first taper angle. The internal surface of the wedge may have a first section with a first taper angle and a second section with a second taper angle, the second taper angle being greater than the first taper angle. An anchor with a bore with two taper angles and tooth profiles of threading patterns on the internal surface of the wedge are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Mathews, Stanley A. Landry, Paul A. Hohensee
  • Publication number: 20150233413
    Abstract: A transmission assembly (30) for a string trimmer (10) includes a liner (32) having a composite of polymer and glass-filled polymer localized adjacent to the passageway (52) of the liner that receives a power-transmitting flexible shaft (56). The outside surface of the liner is free of glass particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: George M. Scherer
  • Patent number: 9089899
    Abstract: An apparatus for facing a flange of a pipe includes a housing and an anchor assembly rotatably supported by the housing. The anchor assembly is configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a tool holder translatably supported by the housing. The tool holder is configured to support a facing tool for facing the flange of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a drive shaft that is rotatable relative to the housing to translate the tool holder relative to the housing. The housing is rotatable relative to the anchor assembly about a first axis in a first direction and the drive shaft is simultaneously rotatable relative to the housing about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the tool holder along a spiral path and thereby face the flange of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Brent K. Place, Pieter W. Ernest
  • Patent number: 9050947
    Abstract: A hydraulic leveling system for a vehicle has at least one set of hydraulic jacks that are extended by applying hydraulic pump pressure to an extend side of the jacks and are retracted by relieving hydraulic pressure from the extend side and applying hydraulic pressure to a retract side of the jacks. A pressure sensor has a pressure set point that when it is exceeded the system generates a signal indicating retraction of the jacks. The system operates so that after the pressure sensor set point is exceeded, the system turns off the pump and continues to hold open a valve that applies pressure from the pump to the retract side of the jacks for a period of time and that permits flow to continue from the extend side of the jacks to tank. After such period of time the system once again checks whether the pressure sensor is still activated and if it is not still activated, the system turns the pump back on and continues to retract the jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Harold W. Geates
  • Patent number: 9003581
    Abstract: A support device for persons, such as a bed, treatment or operating table, chair, comprises: a frame; a first and a second movable member, which movable members can be adjusted independently of one another and which are designed to support the person or one or more parts of the person in various positions, and a hydraulic system for adjusting the movable members, the hydraulic system comprising: a reservoir for hydraulic liquid; a first and a second hydraulic actuator associated with the first and second movable member, respectively, which hydraulic actuators can each be moved in two directions; a hydraulic pump; a pump activating member which is operatively connected to the pump in order for an operator to activate the pump; a valve assembly which is provided in the hydraulic circuit between the pump and the respective actuators, and a valve assembly operating member which can be mechanically operated by an operator and is mechanically connected to the valve assembly for selecting and providing a connection
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Albertus Beumer
  • Publication number: 20150054271
    Abstract: A hydraulic leveling system for a vehicle has at least one set of hydraulic jacks that are extended by applying hydraulic pump pressure to an extend side of the jacks and are retracted by relieving hydraulic pressure from the extend side and applying hydraulic pressure to a retract side of the jacks. A pressure sensor has a pressure set point that when it is exceeded the system generates a signal indicating retraction of the jacks. The system operates so that after the pressure sensor set point is exceeded, the system turns off the pump and continues to hold open a valve that applies pressure from the pump to the retract side of the jacks for a period of time and that permits flow to continue from the extend side of the jacks to tank. After such period of time the system once again checks whether the pressure sensor is still activated and if it is not still activated, the system turns the pump back on and continues to retract the jacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Harold W. Geates
  • Patent number: 8958994
    Abstract: A non-contact signal propagation property evaluation system for ropes can be deployed for a number of different applications including, but not limited to, moving lines, e.g., crane or winch and static lines, e.g., mooring lines, stays, etc., to evaluate physical properties of the ropes and, in some cases, to help evaluate structural health of the ropes. The system includes a first transducer for generating ultrasonic waves, a second transducer for receiving ultrasonic waves propagated transversely through and around the rope, and a processor executing computer readable code to determine acoustic propagation properties of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Luis S. Padilla, Philip Bull, Roger L. Royer, Jr., Steven E. Owens
  • Patent number: 8939062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a gas-filled double-acting hydraulic cylinder (1) with gas spring action, comprising: —a cylinder sleeve (3) with a cylinder bottom (3a) and cylinder head (3b) —a piston/piston rod assembly (5) a hydraulic fluid seal on the piston (9) —a connection for the head-side chamber (13) to a hydraulic line; —a connection for the bottom-side chamber (15) to a hydraulic line, —a gland (20) with a bore, the gland being attached between the cylinder bottom (3a) and the piston (9), the piston rod (7) extending over the entire stroke of the piston rod through the bore, wherein the gland comprises two seals —(25), one for providing a seal with the cylinder sleeve (3) and one for providing a seal with the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Tone Oudelaar, Willem Herman Masseling
  • Publication number: 20150020625
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transmitting power from a drive shaft to a seed meter shaft of a seed metering device. The apparatus includes a transmission having a transmission housing and an input rotatably supported by the transmission housing. The input engages a coupling driven by the drive shaft such that the coupling drivingly engages the input. The transmission further includes an output rotatably supported by the transmission housing. The output is driven by the input and configured to drive the seed meter shaft. The transmission further includes an adjustment element rotatably supported by the housing and connected to the input. The adjustment element is manually rotatable to rotate the input and the output and thereby adjust an angular position of the seed meter shaft relative to the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Hause, Kevin Shaw
  • Patent number: 8876490
    Abstract: A hydro-pneumatic system has an air powered motor driving a hydraulic pump with a pressure limiting valve that turns off air flow to the air motor when a hydraulic pressure output by the pump at a sense port of the valve reaches a certain limit. A valve element of the valve has spring, hydraulic and pneumatic sections, with an unbalanced area of the hydraulic section in a sealed pressure chamber of a cartridge that is part of the valve housing. The pneumatic section extends out one end of the cartridge to fill a bore between the air inlet and outlet ports when the pneumatic section is extended, and allow air to pass when it is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Frantz D. Stanford, Bruce E. Knuth, Kay Lap Gilbert Chan
  • Patent number: D765339
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold Decker