Patents Examined by Joshel Rivera
  • Patent number: 11645432
    Abstract: A method for designing fiber-composite parts in which part performance and manufacturing efficiency can be traded-off against one another to provide an “optimized” design for a desired use case. In some embodiments, the method involves generating an idealized fiber map, wherein the orientation of fibers throughout the prospective part align with the anticipated load conditions throughout the part, and then modifying the idealized fiber map by various fabrication constraints to generate a process-compensated preform map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Arris Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Escowitz, J. Scott Perkins, Riley Reese, Erick Davidson, Sean Hennessee
  • Patent number: 11639050
    Abstract: According to the utility model, there is provided a film laminator for cell phones, useful for film lamination on a surface of a cell phone, including: a cell phone fixing plate, on which a through hole for receiving the cell phone is established, and a top surface of which is a horizontal face; with at least one position limiting plate for abutting the cell phone within the through hole being also fixed on the top surface. The film laminator for cell phones further includes: a film laminating plate for fixing a cell phone film; one end of which is hinged to the cell phone fixing plate, and the other end of which is movable freely so that the film laminating plate is bonded with the top surface of the cell phone fixing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Alpha Comm Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Qiang Xiong, Shaoyu Lin, Lingbin Kong
  • Patent number: 11633947
    Abstract: A method of removing a backing layer from a panel, made of an uncured pre-impregnated fiber-reinforced polymer, comprises a step of orienting the panel into a backing-separation orientation relative to an edge-engagement tool. The method also comprises a step of positioning the panel into a backing-separation position relative to the edge-engagement tool. The method further comprises a step of moving the edge-engagement tool, when the panel is in the backing-separation orientation and the backing-separation position, so that backing-engagement features of the edge-engagement tool engage the backing layer, at only an edge portion of the backing layer, and just the edge portion of the backing layer separates from the panel. The method additionally comprises a step of gripping the edge portion of the backing layer, and, when gripped, moving the backing layer relative to the panel so that an entirety of the backing layer separates from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Greaney, Todd Beach, Stephen Kraus, Connie Hsiao, Tyson Hsiao, Pei-yao Lin
  • Patent number: 11628655
    Abstract: A laminator for high-precision solvent-bonding of retardation films is disclosed. The laminator is capable of producing laminates with high orientation repeatability and low in-plane stress which can otherwise create gaps between optimum theoretical performance and that which is physically realizable. Batch-mode laminators are scalable to large area mother-sheets and are suited to high-throughput manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D Sharp, David A Coleman
  • Patent number: 11623386
    Abstract: The subject of the invention relates to a laminating method consisting: in disposing in series on the horizontal path of a first face of the part, several first application units (Ua1, Ua2, . . . ) and in series on the horizontal path of the second face of the part, several second application units (Ub1, Ub2, . . . ) each positioned facing a first application unit located on the first face; in placing the first application units (Ua1, Ua2, . . . ) and the second application units (Ub1, Ub2, . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: ASIDIUM
    Inventor: Stéphane Milioti
  • Patent number: 11613395
    Abstract: A baggage labeling system is disclosed. The baggage labeling system includes a baggage labeling module. The baggage labeling module includes a housing, a workstation interface, a controller communicatively coupled to the workstation interface. a baggage sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, a conveyor system communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to move a baggage item. The baggage labeling module includes a printing assembly communicatively coupled to the controller. The printing assembly includes a printer head configured to print a label directly onto the baggage item and a positioning arm mechanically coupled to the printer head configured to rotate the positioning arm relative to at least one plane, or translate the positioning arm relative to a first axis. The baggage labeling system further includes a workstation communicatively coupled to the baggage labeling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanith Kurumpilavu Subramanian, Chandana Rao
  • Patent number: 11613085
    Abstract: A temperature sensing system for a resistive welding process for a tube performs repeatable temperature measurement using a camera to detect multiple distinct visible light wavelengths even as the ambient environment in the view path changes. Sensed colors in a field of view in the vicinity of a weld are output to a computing element that calculates a corresponding temperature and alerts an operator when the sensed color exceeds a preset color range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Kevin Davis
  • Patent number: 11602928
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive suspension includes applying an adhesive to an actuator mounting portion, increasing viscosity of the adhesive by emitting light to the adhesive applied to the actuator mounting portion, arranging the piezoelectric element on the adhesive having the increased viscosity, detecting a height of the piezoelectric element arranged on the actuator mounting portion, and correcting an irradiation condition of the light in accordance with the detected height of the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Nakano
  • Patent number: 11592136
    Abstract: A device for applying a layer of material within a thin-walled pressure vessel may include one or more maneuvering actuators configured to direct the device within the thin-walled pressure vessel, an applicator operatively coupled to the one or more maneuvering actuators, and a controller operatively coupled to the one or more maneuvering actuators and the applicator, the controller is configured to control the one or more maneuvering actuators and the applicator. The applicator may include an expander configured to apply pressure along a portion of an inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel, a receptacle configured to secure the material to the device and position the material along the inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel, and a bonder configured to bond the material along the inner wall of the thin-walled pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Orbital Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Cole Nielsen-Cole
  • Patent number: 11584559
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label to a spool or reel containing wire and a wire tail extending from the spool or reel, the apparatus comprising a wire tail sensor, wherein the wire tail sensor identifies the location of the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel and a label application mechanism, wherein the labeling mechanism applies a label to the spool or reel and wherein the label does not contact the wire tail protruding from the spool or reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Bigbee, Jr., Clifton S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11577476
    Abstract: A composite manufacturing system is provided. The composite manufacturing system comprises a fiber placement head, a compaction roller associated with the fiber placement head, and a temperature regulation system associated with the compaction roller. The temperature regulation system is configured to actively control a temperature of the compaction roller. The temperature regulation system comprises a number of temperature sensors, a cooling system, and a controller. The number of temperature sensors are configured to detect the temperature of the compaction roller. The cooling system is associated with the compaction roller and is configured to cool the compaction roller. The controller is in communication with the number of temperature sensors and the cooling system. The controller is configured to cool the compaction roller such that the temperature is below a threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Kisch, Brice A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11577875
    Abstract: A portable hybrid hand labeler is disclosed that relies on mechanical motion, which eliminates the need for motors and the corresponding energy required to run the motors. The portable hybrid hand labeler also houses an ink jet head and a digital print mechanism, which offers the user infinite print flexibility via downloadable print bands. The portable hybrid hand labeler is preferably battery driven, and comprises a unique drive system and mechanism to harvest the kinetic energy from the trigger pull and a display panel with a solar panel to collect solar energy to trickle charge the battery pack, thereby increasing usage time between charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLC
    Inventors: Jeanne Duckett, Frederick Pou, Timothy Brown, Jesus Romo, Jr., Mark Morrow, Txus Carrion, Dee Sawyer, John Mistyurik, Leah Burch, John Gallant, Kartavyakumar Patel
  • Patent number: 11572215
    Abstract: Labelling machine for labelling containers, having at least one docking station for a labelling apparatus and a machine control system, wherein the docking station comprises at least one network access for establishing a network connection between the machine control system and a docked labelling apparatus, wherein the network connection is designed to transmit security-relevant data and/or time-critical data, and wherein the network access is connected to a manageable Ethernet network switch of the machine control system with a DHCP server, wherein the DHCP server is adapted to assign a preset IP address determined by the DHCP server to a labelling apparatus connected to the network access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Norbert Heimann
  • Patent number: 11565483
    Abstract: A method for contour forming in a fiber placement system. The method includes painting multiple sliced layers on a stationary form to create a composite component. The sliced layers include multiple hoop tows. One or more overlap splices are formed in each of the hoop tows. The method includes applying a layup heat to multiple target areas on the sliced layers during the painting. The target areas are spatially arranged to permit a slippage in the splices. The method further includes draping the composite component on a curved tool with the hoop tows oriented perpendicular to an axis of curvature of the curved tool, and applying a curing heat to the composite component after the composite component has been contoured by the curved tool. The curing heat inhibits a further slippage in the overlap splices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James R. Kendall, Stephen J. Dostert
  • Patent number: 11565481
    Abstract: A method of forming a component includes additively manufacturing a first subcomponent, the first subcomponent including a first polymer material with a first porosity. The method further includes mating the first subcomponent with a second subcomponent and ultrasonically welding the first subcomponent to the second subcomponent at a weld frequency. The first porosity can be 5% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Ricardo O. Brown
  • Patent number: 11559957
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for reactivating a co-cured film layer disposed on a composite structure, the method comprising applying a reactivation treatment composition comprising at least two solvents and a surface exchange agent comprising a metal alkoxide or chelate thereof to the co-cured film layer, and allowing the reactivation treatment composition to create a reactivated co-cured film layer, wherein the co-cured film layer was previously cured at a curing temperature greater than about 50° C. A reactivated co-cured film layer and an aircraft part having a reactivated co-cured film layer are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark R. Brei, Kevin D. Gordon, Christopher Garnier
  • Patent number: 11554556
    Abstract: A method to design the kits and layup the reinforcement layers and core using projection system, comprising a mold having a contoured surface; a layup projection generator which: defines a plurality of mold sections; identifies the dimensions and location for a plurality of layup segments. A model-based calibration method for alignment of laser projection system is provided in which mold features are drawn digitally, incorporated into the plug(s) which form the wind turbine blade mold, and transferred into the mold. The mold also includes reflective targets which are keyed to the molded geometry wherein their position is calculated from the 3D model. This method ensures the precision level required from projection system to effectively assist with fabrication of wind turbine blades. In this method, digital location of reflectors is utilized to compensate for the mold deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TPI Composites, Inc.
    Inventors: Amirhossein Salimi, Scott Larson
  • Patent number: 11548235
    Abstract: A laser welding system for joining first and second thermoplastic workpieces, and including a clamp, an actuator, and a laser source. The clamp includes first and second clamping structures positioned together to engage opposite sides of the workpieces when they adjoin each other. The first clamping structure has a non-flat or irregular surface, facing the first workpiece. The actuator causes the clamping structures to press the first and second workpieces together. The laser source applies laser radiation having a wavelength of 2 microns toward the workpieces to be joined, while they are pressed together by the clamp, to melt irradiated portions of the workpieces to one another. The first clamping structure transmits substantially all of the energy of the laser radiation through the material. The first workpiece has a non-flat or irregular surface facing the first clamping structure, which substantially conforms with the surface of the first clamping structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Dukane IAS, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Savitski, Paul H. Cathcart, Grzegorz Zdzislaw Bugaj
  • Patent number: 11548234
    Abstract: A method of fastening at least one second object to at least one first object, wherein mechanical vibration acts from a sonotrode on the second object to fasten the second object to the first object. Between the sonotrode and the second object, an auxiliary sheet is placed, for example of paper. After the vibration stops, the auxiliary sheet is displaced relative to the sonotrode for a next fastening step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: WOODWELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Martin Rhême
  • Patent number: 11548233
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector element (10) in a receiving object (66) comprises inserting a distal end of the connector element (10) into a mounting hole in an insertion direction along an insertion axis; inserting a sleeve (36) comprising a thermoplastic material into the mounting hole, the sleeve (36) enclosing the connector element (10); and transferring energy to liquefy at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the sleeve (36). A machine (500) configured for carrying out the method and a connector element anchoring kit comprising a connector element (10) and a sleeve (36) comprising thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: IKEA SUPPLY AG, WOODWELDING SA
    Inventors: Muthumariappan Sankaran, Mario Lehmann, Laurent Torriani