Having Fluid Operator Patents (Class 29/252)
  • Patent number: 11846205
    Abstract: A jig for assembling and extracting a blade root spring for fixing a rotor blade to a rotor includes: an extrusion mechanism for extruding the blade root spring or an extrusion rod pressed against the blade root spring; and a base plate to which the extrusion mechanism is fixed. The base plate is formed with a first groove for receiving a reaction force which is obtained when the extrusion mechanism extrudes the extrusion rod toward the blade root spring to extrude and assemble the blade root spring or to extract the blade root spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuto Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11786998
    Abstract: The present application provides a pin shaft dismounting and mounting device, a frame body connecting structure and work machine. The pin shaft dismounting and mounting device for dismounting and mounting a pin shaft on a connecting seat, the pin shaft is provided with a through hole along the axial direction, and the device includes: a linear drive mechanism, including telescopic rods; and a pull rod configured to pass through the through hole, a first end of the pull rod being provided with an end cap structure, a connecting structure is disposed between a second end of the pull rod and an end portion of each telescopic rod. By the pin shaft dismounting and mounting device, a frame body connecting structure and work machine, the pin shaft may be dismounted and mounted conveniently and the problems of wear and deformation of the piston rod are solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Beijing Sany Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nan Peng, Xiaohui Wei
  • Patent number: 11679456
    Abstract: A hub puller kit for pulling hubs off of power ends of frac pumps, and a method of removing a hub from a pinion shaft of a power end using the hub puller kit. The hub puller kit has an adapter flange formed out of a monolithic body with fastener openings, and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the adapter flange. The adapter flange has a stepped surface formed on a first surface and a recessed surface formed in a second surface, and a central opening having a threaded flange portion that extends from the stepped surface to the recessed surface. The hydraulic actuator has a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic plunger disposed at least partially within the hydraulic cylinder, and a threaded actuator portion that engages the threaded flange portion to couple the hydraulic actuator to the adapter flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Forum US, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Craig, Miles Baker, Ethan Anderson
  • Patent number: 11623310
    Abstract: An installation apparatus for mounting a garnish on a vehicle can include a jig, a tool and a controller. The jig can be placed on a predetermined portion of the flange and in a predetermined orientation relative to the flange. The jig can orient the tool in a predetermined orientation relative to the garnish when the jig is placed on the vehicle and the garnish is positioned adjacent to the vehicle. The controller can be configured to indicate an install complete condition based on force data and tool proximity data, where the force data is indicative of a force applied by the tool onto the garnish while the tool installs the garnish onto the first portion, and the tool proximity data is indicative of a proximity of the tool relative to a portion of the vehicle after the tool mounts the garnish onto the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Alexander A. Goncalves
  • Patent number: 11623705
    Abstract: A system and method for determining alignment of a first part relative to a second part includes an alignment gauge body including a first portion for resting against the first part and a second portion for positioning juxtaposed to the second part and a measuring device fixedly coupled to the alignment gauge body. The measuring device generates a distance signal corresponding to a distance between a first face of the first part and the second face of the second part. A controller coupled to the gauge device and a memory. The controller is programmed to store a vehicle identification number (VIN) in the memory and compare the distance. The controller associates the VIN and the distance in the memory. The controller compares the distance to a threshold and setting a flag in response to comparing. A display coupled to the controller displays an indicator corresponding to the flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Rodrigo Espinosa Fernandez, Alberto Quitze Ponce Soto, Bertha Karen Sanchez de la Concha
  • Patent number: 11491618
    Abstract: A device to extract a support yoke from a reheat stop valve of a steam turbine is provided. The device includes a hydraulic cylinder for applying a pushing force to the support yoke, an attachment weldment for attaching the hydraulic cylinder to the reheat stop valve casing, and a conical cylinder coupled to the hydraulic cylinder and configured to evenly impart the pushing force to the support yoke from within the reheat stop valve in order to separate the reheat stop valve from the support yoke. A method to extract a support yoke from a reheat stop valve of a steam turbine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Maxwell Pless, Bryan K. Dore
  • Patent number: 11458582
    Abstract: A removal tool including a frame having a first side and a second side defining a longitudinal direction therebetween and a first end and a second end defining a transverse direction therebetween, a pivotable separating mechanism and a stopping mechanism is disclosed. The removal tool may be adapted to remove a portion of a pallet. The pivotable separating mechanism may include a first position and a second position. When the pivotable separating mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position the pivotable separating mechanism is adjusted from a first angle relative to the ground to a second angle relative to the ground. The second angle may be greater than the first angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Millwood, Inc.
    Inventor: George Ortt
  • Patent number: 11325649
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a sleeve for repairing or reconstructing a frame rail of a motor vehicle. An exemplary repair sleeve includes a base wall, first and second side walls projecting from opposite sides of the base wall, and a sectioned wall including first and second sections spaced-apart from one another such that the two side walls are moveable relative to one another in a pre-installed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Vladimirovich Bogachuk, Gerry Bonanni, Ryan Smith, Shawn Michael Morgans, Steven William Gallagher, Chunhui Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 11267087
    Abstract: An assembly for separating a coupling hub from a shaft of a rotating machine includes a support frame sub-assembly that structurally supports the assembly and the coupling hub. A vertical adjustment sub-assembly is structurally supported by the support frame sub-assembly. The vertical adjustment sub-assembly adjusts the elevation of a puller sub-assembly from the surface of the Earth. The puller sub-assembly couples to the coupling hub and separates the coupling hub from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nishan Xavier Chammany Thomas, Moath A. Alhaykan
  • Patent number: 11209069
    Abstract: A dynamic balancing apparatus includes a dynamic balancing assembly and a plurality of damping particles. The dynamic balancing assembly includes at least two structural members separately arranged on a rotating shaft connected to a rotor, wherein each structural member includes at least one recess portion. The plurality of damping particles are introduced into at least one recess portion of each structural member, such that a centroid of each structural member deviates from the axis. Accordingly, each structural member generates inertial force and moment of inertia as rotation of the rotor to offset another inertial force and moment of inertia generated by centroid deviation of the rotor while rotating to achieve dynamic balance. The plurality of damping particles can move in the recess portion as rotation of the rotor to induce friction and collision so as to achieve the effects of vibration reduction and noise reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: NATIONAL CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yu-Ren Wu, Yun-Chi Chung
  • Patent number: 11185952
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to automated techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections used to form tubular structures, such as large-scale structures used in industrial applications (e.g., wind towers and pipelines). As compared to manual techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure facilitate faster attachment of flanges, which may be useful for achieving cost-effective throughput. By way of further comparison to manual techniques, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may, further or instead, facilitate achieving tighter dimensional tolerances. In turn, such tighter dimensional tolerances may be useful for forming thinner-walled, lighter, and lower cost tubular structures. Still further or in the alternative, automated techniques for fitting flanges to tubular sections may facilitate attachment of multipiece flanges or other non-traditional flange geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Keystone Tower Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosalind K. Takata, Loren Daniel Bridgers, Eric D. Smith, Eric Rubio
  • Patent number: 11084152
    Abstract: A mechanical self-centring gear extractor device allows the use of a hydraulic cylinder to provide the extraction force, while having self-centring that prevents the accidental opening of the claws, increasing safety during extraction. The extractor includes a first spindle and pulling claws articulated and indirectly coupled to the first spindle, so they can move along it while being supported by it; including a centring device for the claws consisting of connecting rods articulated at one of their ends to intermediate regions of the claws and at the opposite end to a support whose position can be adjusted coaxially along the upper part of the first spindle, including a second spindle coaxial with the first spindle and independent of it in rotation and secured to it in stroke, and including an external thread to thread a handle joined in stroke and independent in rotation of that position adjustable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Julio Sampedro Martinez
  • Patent number: 10995876
    Abstract: A valve robot hand includes a driving device, a transmitting sleeve, a first return spring, a first centering sleeve configured to sleeve on a screw cap of a valve handle, and a driving fork configured to couple with the valve handle. A lower end of the transmitting sleeve is connected with the driving fork. The driving fork is provided with a first through-hole configured to sleeve on the screw cap of the valve handle. The first through-hole is coaxial with the transmitting sleeve. The driving fork is sleeved on the first centering sleeve through the first through-hole such that the first centering sleeve is capable of moving in the transmitting sleeve along its axial direction. The first return spring is configured to exert a downward elastic force on the first centering sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Chun Kuen Sze
  • Patent number: 10940747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock assembly for a battery lock-up mechanism, a power battery comprising the lock assembly, a battery lock-up mechanism, a new energy vehicle, and a method for installing/detaching a power battery onto/from a new energy vehicle by using the battery lock-up mechanism of the invention. The lock assembly for battery lock-up mechanism comprises a casing and an stop end plate which define an accommodation space, in which a central pull shaft, an adjustment block and a return spring or the like are disposed. The return spring is sleeved over the central pull shaft. The technical solutions of the invention have a low cost, are easy to operate and are stable and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIO (ANHUI) HOLDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jan Bengtsson, Nan Li
  • Patent number: 10724385
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the installation or removal of turbine blades at a turbine blade base thereof. An apparatus according to the present disclosure can include: an operative head configured to engage an axial sidewall of a turbine blade base; and a mount removably coupled to a portion of a turbomachine assembly by a coupler, wherein the operative head is slidably coupled to the mount such that the operative selectively engages the axial sidewall of the turbine blade base, and wherein the operative head is shaped to impart an axial and a circumferential force against the turbine blade base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hubert Karol Wojtowicz, Adrian Adam Klejc, Sandra Beverly Kolvick
  • Patent number: 10711612
    Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacturing of a rotor (23) of a high-pressure compressor. Various installation constraints are proposed in terms of temperature, angle and unevenness and/or runout defects to be considered. For example, when installing the sealing disk (25) on the first drum (27) of the rotor and/or the intermediate disk (29) on the first drum assembled with the sealing disk, axial packing (X1) is applied with a pressure ranging from 40 to 60×105 Pa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Arnaud Hachard, Jérémy Marchand
  • Patent number: 10688972
    Abstract: A stabilizing system includes a plurality of jacks, each operated by a corresponding hydraulic actuator. A hydraulic fluid transfer pump provides supplies hydraulic fluid to and receives hydraulic fluid from one or more pressure chambers of the actuator. A pilot-operated check or directional valve may be provided in fluid communication with one or more of the pressure chambers and configured to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kinder, Robert L. Tiedge, Nicholas Cornett
  • Patent number: 10691110
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a transfer apparatus that can shorten a cycle time and improve processing capability. [Solving Means] A transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a work table, a transfer robot, and at least one mounting unit. The work table supports at least one electronic device. The transfer robot transfers a work to be mounted to the electronic device. The mounting unit includes a support and a driving unit. The support supports the work transferred by the transfer robot. The driving unit transfers the support toward the electronic device on the work table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Kobori, Ibuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 10456896
    Abstract: A compact pulley puller includes a hollow cylindrical barrel with a gland at each end, a hub clamp formed on each gland, a rod and a piston. Each hub clamp grips a particular size hub of a pulley to be removed or installed. The rod of the puller extends against the shaft of a pulley to remove the pulley. To install a pulley, the rod is threadedly secured to the shaft of the pulley, and the rod of the puller is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Roy McGriff
  • Patent number: 10436277
    Abstract: A device for a rotary haptic interface including: a rotary button and an interaction member interacting with a magnetorheological fluid, the rotary button and interaction member being secured to a shaft for rotation therewith, a chamber defined by walls and containing the fluid and the interaction element, and a mechanism generating a variable magnetic field. The element for interaction with the fluid includes a skirt surrounding the shaft, the skirt being secured to a longitudinal end of the shaft opposite the end to which the rotary button is secured, and extending from the first end towards the rotary button. The shaft passes through a single wall of the chamber and a sealing mechanism is arranged between the shaft and the wall. A mechanism for guiding the rotation of the shaft is arranged around the shaft between the sealing mechanism and the rotary button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Moustapha Hafez, Gwenael Changeon, Jose Lozada, Laurent Eck
  • Patent number: 10100872
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft which includes an attaching member releasably connectable to a shaft and a press mechanism coupled to the attaching member. The press mechanism is configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes a wrench engageable with the lock nut on the shaft and the wrench is configured to engage and rotate the nut when the attaching member connects to the shaft. The wrench is moveable axially relative to an axial dimension of the press mechanism between a proximal non-engaged position and a distal engaged position such that the wrench engages the nut in the distal engaged position and the wrench avoids engaging the nut in a proximal non-engaged position. An aligning ring may be located around the attaching member and may be configured to engage a shaft slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TEMPLER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John E. Rode, Matthew Townes
  • Patent number: 10100468
    Abstract: A tamper tool is provided for use in adjusting railroad ballast and constructed and arranged for use with a tamper tool holder attached to a railroad tamping machine. Included on the tool is a shaft with a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion disposed between the first and second portions, and a front surface, a rear surface, and two side surfaces. The first portion has through bores extending from the front surface to the rear surface, and the central portion has a first cross-section at an upper end, a second cross-section at a lower end. An area of the first cross-section is greater than an area of the second cross-section, and the shaft tapers between the first cross-section and the second cross-section. A paddle for tamping is attached at a free end of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: NORDCO INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Mark Henke
  • Patent number: 10088167
    Abstract: A flow sleeve removal tool including: a shaft having an axis; a bracket attached to the shaft including a ring configured to abut and be releasably attached to an end of a flow sleeve of a gas turbine engine; a shaft attached to the bracket and coaxial with a flow sleeve of a gas turbine engine; a counter balance attached to the shaft, and a cable connector mounted to the shaft between the counter balance and the flow sleeve, wherein the cable connector is configured to attach to a cable connected to an overhead support structure and the cable connector is at a position on the shaft at which the flow sleeve is substantially balances the counter weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Mogle, Wayne Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10047772
    Abstract: A single acting hydraulic cylinder comprises a cylinder housing and a piston rod arranged within the cylinder housing, where the piston rod can be actuated in response to a hydraulic pressure acting on said piston rod. The piston rod comprises an axially extending through hole and a pulling portion having an internally threaded section partly extending into the axially extending through hole in order to engage a threaded portion of a pulling rod. When in the pulling mode the single acting hydraulic cylinder further comprises the pulling rod having the threaded portion, and when in the pressing mode the single acting hydraulic cylinder further comprises a pressing rod having a threaded portion. Also, when in the pressing mode, the piston rod further comprises a pressing portion having an internally threaded section partly extending into the axially extending through hole, in order to engage the threaded portion of the pressing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: WALLMEK I KUNGALV AB
    Inventors: Niklas Wallman, Kim Lindblad
  • Patent number: 9981704
    Abstract: A track changing apparatus for changing a track on an armored vehicle includes a plurality of moveable elements. The plurality of moveable elements of the track changing apparatus allows a track to be manipulated from loose or unmounted state, to a tensioned state wherein the track is located on the track changing apparatus, and finally, to a fully mounted state wherein the track has been transferred onto the armored vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the track changing apparatus may be used to remove a track from an armored vehicle. Methods of using a track changing apparatus are also described, including a method of mounting a track onto an armored vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: DEW ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT ULC
    Inventors: Colin Campbell, Guy Carrier, Camil Giguere, Michael Harris, Neil Hutton, John Beattie, Ian Marsh
  • Patent number: 9970486
    Abstract: Improved systems and methods facilitate precise adjustment of wheel-end tapered roller bearing preload force on an axle spindle with a diameter, a longitudinal groove or flat, and a thread pattern to receive a hexagonal adjustment nut with six outer edges. A system may include a flat inner washer, an inner adjustment nut, a flat outer washer having an outer tab extending from the outer edge and a plurality of markings on the outer surface or the outer edge of the outer washer, each marking indicating the amount of rotation needed to cause a predefined lateral movement of the inner adjustment nut as a function of the diameter and thread pattern of the axle, and an outer adjustment nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: George A. Hagelthorn
  • Patent number: 9878513
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a decorative material rolling mill having an adjustable roll gap, which includes: a left frame and a right frame connected to each other; and an upper roll and a lower roll, two ends thereof being axially disposed on the left frame and the right frame; and a driving mechanism for driving the upper roll and the lower roll to rotate; and further includes: a rolling gap adjustment mechanism for driving the upper roll or the lower roll to move vertically along the left frame and the right frame, thereby adjusting a rolling gap between the upper roll and the lower roll according to the thickness of a shearing die. The present invention uses a rolling gap adjustment mechanism to adjust a rolling gap between an upper roll and a lower roll, thereby accommodating thickness differences among die sheets, upper rolling plates, and lower rolling plates from different manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YINSHENG RUBBER & PLASTIC COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Hailin Lu, Jiahua Zhang
  • Patent number: 9850943
    Abstract: A method of adjusting preload on a bearing assembly of a wheel mounted on an axle or spindle with a lock nut includes mounting a preload adjustment tool onto a threaded axle or spindle. The load on the bearing assembly is increased using the tool. The wheel on the axle or spindle is rotated to set the bearing assembly. The load on the bearing assembly is decreased to a desired maximum preload on the bearing. After decreasing the load on the bearing assembly to a desired maximum preload, the lock nut is tightened by hand until the lock nut cannot be further tightened. The lock nut is loosened by rotating the lock nut to a preferred location where a guide mark on the tool aligns with one mark on the lock nut located closest to the guide mark wherein a resultant preload on the bearing assembly is within a preset range from the desired maximum preload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 9837873
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that allow for easy replacement of a motor assembly in a fuel dispensing unit. In one embodiment, a protective end cap for use with a motor assembly is provided and includes a junction box housing having a sealed end that can couple to a motor, and an opposite open end that can couple to an end plate. The junction box housing can be configured to house a junction box that allows electrical wires extending through the end plate to couple to electrical wires extending from the motor through the sealed end of the junction box housing. A motor assembly having a junction box housing and methods for replacing a motor assembly in a fuel dispenser are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Wayne Fueling Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bengt I. Larsson, Mattias G. Martensson
  • Patent number: 9797441
    Abstract: A method for preloading a bearing includes releasably, threadably, and directly attaching an attaching member to a circumferential outside surface of an exposed end of a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle. A plurality of extensions extends from a frame and is moved axially toward a wheel hub assembly to apply the preload to the bearing in a distal direction past the attaching member toward the wheel hub assembly. The extensions are configured to contact at least one of a wheel hub or a bearing of the wheel hub assembly when the attaching member is directly attached to the threaded shaft. An automated adjustment mechanism is configured to move the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to apply a preload to the bearing within the wheel hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Temper Axle Products Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 9796439
    Abstract: A method for coupling a sunroof glass apparatus includes the following steps: (a) moving a fixture toward a roof portion of a vehicle body in order to insert a plurality of pins of the fixture into locating holes formed in the vehicle body; (b) coupling net plates to the arms of an actuating mechanism of the sunroof assembly; (c) decoupling the fixture from the net plates while maintaining the net plates coupled to the arms of the actuating mechanism; and (d) coupling the flanges of the sunroof glass apparatus to arms of the actuating mechanism via the net plates in order to movably couple the sunroof glass apparatus to the vehicle body. In another embodiment, the presently disclosed method may additionally include coupling the net plates to the fixture before moving the fixture toward the roof portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerald M. Bojanowski, James A. Forbes, Craig D. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9772103
    Abstract: An enhancing device for piercing plugs in a steam generator is provided. The enhancing device includes a main body, and a bit, borne by the main body and extending along a longitudinal axis. The bit may be driven into rotation around its longitudinal axis, in order to perform an action for piercing a plug. The device includes a hollow tubular element, extending along the longitudinal axis, while surrounding the bit and coaxially with this bit, the tubular element including an outer surface having a screwing thread, intended to be screwed onto the plug prior to the piercing. The tubular element may be driven into rotation around the longitudinal axis, independently of the rotation of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: AREVA NP
    Inventors: Eric Manneveau, Jean-Claude Simonato
  • Patent number: 9636789
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods adapted to displace turbomachine components from a location within a turbomachine. In some embodiments, a method of displacing a turbine bucket from a turbomachine wheel slot using a displacement apparatus, includes: detachably engaging an engagement arm of the displacement apparatus to the turbine bucket, the engagement arm attached to a linear actuator coupled to a body of the displacement apparatus, and the engagement arm adapted to be actuated in a first axial direction by the linear actuator; contacting the turbomachine wheel with at least two contacting portions of the body of the displacement apparatus; and displacing the turbine bucket from a position within a slot of the turbomachine wheel in the first axial direction by linearly actuating the engagement arm with the linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, James Robert Hollis, David Randolph Spracher, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9618049
    Abstract: An apparatus for preloading a bearing includes an attaching member, a frame, a plurality of extensions, and an adjustment mechanism. The attaching member is releasably attachable to a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle of a wheel hub assembly. The frame is axially separated from, and coupled to, the attaching member to allow the frame to move relative to the attaching member in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of extensions is configured to contact at least one of a wheel hub or a bearing of the wheel hub assembly when the attaching member is attached to the threaded shaft. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to apply a preload to a bearing within the wheel hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Temper Axle Products Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 9604323
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a steam turbine low-pressure or medium-pressure module deflector, said deflector comprising an internal ring and an external ring as well as vanes, said method comprising a step of welding said vanes to said rings. The main characteristic of a method according to the invention is that the welding step is preceded by a step of automatically machining the ends of each vane to create a peripheral recess around each of said ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Arnaud Buguin, Dominique Travers
  • Patent number: 9593777
    Abstract: A mechanical seal is disclosed having a rotatable sealing face and a stationary sealing face that are in opposed relation and arranged to be urged, into contact to form a seal. One of the sealing faces is mounted on a support assembly that includes a biasing device operative to move that sealing face into contact with the other sealing face. In one form of the invention, the biasing device comprises one or more resilient members that in use are deformed to provide the biasing force. In a second form of the invention, the support assembly forms part of a fluid barrier of the seal and the biasing device is fluid impervious and forms part of the barrier. In a third form of the invention, the biasing device is exposed to fluid pressure in the chamber and the biasing force increases on increasing the fluid pressure in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Vulco S.A.
    Inventors: Ricardo Abarca Melo, Rodrigo Guzman Castro, Osvaldo Quiroz Venegas
  • Patent number: 9574612
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preloading a bearing are provided. These methods and apparatus include preload monitoring devices whereby the mechanic can accurately monitor and regulate the preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. Aspects of the invention may also be used to adjust the endplay on a bearing or a bearing assembly. In one aspect, the preload on the bearing is transmitted through a housing having a fluid pressure that can be detected and monitored. An apparatus for precisely rotating a nut and a tool for precisely rotating a nut are also provided. A bearing retaining nut arrangement that permits the loading or evaluating of a bearing inner race is also provided. The bearing retaining nut arrangement includes a first load-setting nut, a lock washer, and a second jam nut that secures the arrangement to a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: John E Rode
  • Patent number: 9512719
    Abstract: A cutting tool holder extraction devise comprising a cup, having a back portion having a rearward socket and a front portion having a forward tool socket, and a spacer section having an axial bore with a back orifice opening in the bottom of the rearward socket and a front orifice opening in the bottom of the tool socket; an expandable jack, the jack having an axial bore, and a front face; the front face of the jack is removably engageable with the rearward socket of the cup; a threaded bolt, the bolt having a front end and a rear end, the bolt removably disposable through the cup bore and through the jack bore; and at least one nut, removably attachable to the threaded bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KENNAMETAL INC.
    Inventors: Jeremiah L. Jonsrud, Eric Paul Helsel
  • Patent number: 9511488
    Abstract: A king pin removal tool for displacing a king pin comprises a drive plate defining a drive opening, an anchor plate, a first drive member, a spacing system, and a stabilizing system. The spacing system supports the drive plate and the anchor plate relative to the king pin such that the first drive member is aligned with the king pin axis. The first drive member engages the drive plate such that rotation of the first drive member relative to the drive plate displaces the first drive member through the drive opening and along the king pin axis to displace the king pin along the king pin axis relative to the axle member and the knuckle assembly. The stabilizing system supports the drive plate to prevent rotation of the drive plate relative to the axle member when the first drive member is rotated relative to the drive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Tiger Tool International Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Andrews, Kirk Jansen
  • Patent number: 9505112
    Abstract: A pin puller is revealed. The pin puller includes a cylinder mounted with an actuating rod therein. A front end of the actuating rod is connected to and fixed on a pin connection unit. The pin connection unit is fitted over and connected to one end part of a positioning pin while a binding sleeve is disposed around the pin connection unit. The other end part of the positioning pin is mounted and connected to a fixing unit for pin-disassembling or a fixing unit for pin-assembling for driving the cylinder to move the actuating rod. The positioning pin is further pulled to be disassembled or assembled by the pin connection unit. Thereby the pin puller has simpler structure. Thus the manufacturing cost is lowered and the pin puller is having simpler structure and more convenient in operation and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Gu Siant Tools Develop Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sheng-Pin Huang
  • Patent number: 9490037
    Abstract: A clamper (23) includes a clamp mechanism (231) which inserts an insertion portion (2311a) into a tube member and clamps the tube member and a lifting and lowering mechanism (232) which lifts and lowers the clamp mechanism (231) in the insertion direction of the insertion portion (2311a). The clamp mechanism (231) includes a clamp body (2311) which has the insertion portion (2311a), a cotter (2312) which protrudes from the insertion portion (2311a) to come into friction-contact with the tube member and is movable in a reciprocating manner in the insertion direction of the insertion portion (2311a), a piston rod (2313) which presses the cotter (2312) so that the cotter protrudes from the insertion portion (2311a) when being pulled toward the opposite side to the insertion direction of the insertion portion (2311a), and a rod cylinder (2315) which is integrated with the clamp body (2311) and pulls the piston rod (2313).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamiyoshi, Jun Fujita, Hidekazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9463537
    Abstract: For positioning a workpiece when a pin is to be press-fit, via a press-fitting device, into a pin hole formed in advance radially through the thickness of a cylindrical section of the workpiece, a workpiece positioning apparatus includes: a center axially movable toward the workpiece in such a manner that a distal end section of the center is introduced into the cylindrical section of the workpiece; and a projecting member accommodated in the center. With the distal end section of the center introduced in the cylindrical section of the workpiece, the projecting member projects through a through-hole of the center into engagement with the pin hole, and the projecting member is retracted from the pin hole when the pin is to be press-fitted into the pin hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MUSASHI SEIMITSU INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Numao
  • Patent number: 9440280
    Abstract: A portable crimping device preferably includes a support base, a hydraulic cylinder, a hand hydraulic pump, a crimping device and a pair of mounting brackets. The pair of mounting brackets are attached to the support base. An output of the hand hydraulic pump is connected to an input of the hydraulic cylinder. The hand hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder are retained by the pair of mounting brackets. The crimping device preferably includes a base yoke member, a die pivot member and an actuation base. A pair of crimp dies are retained in the base yoke member and the die pivot member. The actuation base is slidably retained in the base yoke member. The die pivot member is engaged with the die pivot member. Pumping of the hand hydraulic pump causes the actuation base to crimp an object placed between the pair of crimp dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Peter W. Utecht, Peter W. Utecht, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9429977
    Abstract: A relief spring stop bolt assembly for shallow bowl coal pulverizing mills and a method of using the same to smooth operation of such a pulverizer during low load operation is described. The subject relief spring stop bolt assembly is sized to be used with or for “retrofit” within existing journal space and existing journal opening cover space of a shallow bowl mill to effectively smooth rough operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Lawrence Scott Farris, Todd G. Williams
  • Patent number: 9415666
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the presently disclosed method for coupling a sunroof assembly to a structural frame of a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) moving a sunroof module and a bond frame of the sunroof assembly through a windshield opening of the structural frame and toward a roof portion of the structural frame; (b) securing the sunroof module to the roof portion of the structural frame; (c) moving a locating fixture downwardly toward the roof portion of the structural frame; (d) inserting the frame pins of the locating fixture in frame pockets of the structural frame; (e) applying a first clamping force to the structural frame and the locating fixture; (f) inserting the sunroof pins of the locating fixture in the sunroof pockets of the bond frame; (g) applying a second clamping force to the bond frame; and (h) securing the bond frame to the sunroof module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerald M. Bojanowski, James A. Forbes, Craig D. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9404559
    Abstract: Fixtures, maintenance assemblies, and methods for maintaining a wind turbine gearbox are provided. The gearbox includes a sun pinion and a bull gear surrounding the sun pinion. The sun pinion and the bull gear each define a central aperture therethrough and have a central axis. The gearbox further includes a casing, at least a portion of the casing coupled to the bull gear. The fixture includes a frame member and a shaft extending from the frame member. The shaft is insertable through the central aperture of the sun pinion. The fixture further includes an attachment mechanism removably attachable to the sun pinion. Upon attachment of the attachment mechanism to the sun pinion, the fixture is configured for moving the sun pinion along the central axis of the sun pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Van Buchan, Gregory Thomas, Forrest Christopher Hach, Richard Arland Ohl, Jr., Cody Gregory
  • Patent number: 9381602
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatuses adapted to displace turbomachine components from a location within a turbomachine. In some embodiments apparatuses for displacing a turbine bucket from a turbomachine wheel slot include a body having at least two contacting portions for contacting the turbomachine wheel, a linear actuator coupled to the body, and an engagement arm for engaging the turbine bucket, the engagement arm coupled to the linear actuator and adapted to be actuated in a first axial direction by the linear actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, James Robert Hollis, David Randolph Spracher, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9321138
    Abstract: A device for removing a set of springs from a mattress box spring including a mattress box spring support, a pushing block support frame secured to the mattress box spring support, a pushing block supported by the pushing block support frame adjacent to the mattress box spring support, a cylinder for extending the pushing block over a mattress box spring positioned on the mattress box spring support belt, wherein the cylinder is operable to extend the pushing block transversely over the mattress box spring to separate springs attached to a frame of the mattress box spring from the frame, and wherein a plurality of forks extend in front of the pushing block transversely to the mattress box spring support for helping to prevent the springs from folding underneath a bottom of the pushing block when the pushing block is extended over the mattress box spring to separate the springs from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Environmentally Conscious Recycling, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Paul Gilbert, Vernon L. Brown, Denny G. Miller, Edward R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9188007
    Abstract: A gas turbine shaft bearing system (bearing and/or seal component) service method and service tool that applies biasing force between a gas turbine shaft and a bearing system component supporting the shaft, so that the bearing system component can be removed or installed. The bearing system service tool is coupled directly to the bearing system component and the shaft, preferably without the need for external fixtures. A biasing force generator, such as a hydraulic unit applies a force on the bearing system component to cause component movement on or off the shaft. Counter-biasing forces are resisted by the fixed position turbine shaft. By exerting biasing force directly between the turbine shaft and bearing system component the service tool can be constructed of smaller, man portable components that are more easily maneuvered within relatively confined turbine service spaces, which are common in field installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Edwards, Cezar Cisloiu
  • Patent number: 9175536
    Abstract: An open-ended pipe engagement device with a saddle portion that attaches around an open pipe, a structural platform comprising a tapering plug, support bars to prevent dislodgement of the device and threaded rods to winch the platform and plug onto the pipe end to be sealed. The device provides a means to safely cap and plug a leaking pipe end and allow the pipe to resume normal activity thereafter. The saddle portion provides a structural a base from which the plug and associated platform are positioned and winched into place, counteracting any fluid pressure exiting the leaking pipe. The plug comprises a tapering and conforming structure with a centrally located through hole for which to direct fluid as the platform is lowered and once the plug is engaged. Above the plug and through the platform is a section of pipe for which to direct the leaking fluid after the apparatus has been secured to the end of the pipe, effectively controlling the leak and allowing normal operation of the well to resume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Francis Walls