Work-supported Apparatus Patents (Class 29/281.6)
  • Publication number: 20150128403
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a stationary first part, a movable second part, and a link arm mechanism connecting the first part and the second part. The first and the second link arm are interconnected with a fifth articulated joint. First ends of the link arms are connected with articulated joints movably on the first part. Second ends of the link arms are connected with articulated joints on the second part. The second part is moved with a first actuator in a first direction, with a second actuator in a third direction and with a third actuator in a fourth angular direction around the fourth articulated joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peetu VALKAMA, Harri MÄKINEN, Osmo BJÖRNI
  • Publication number: 20150128417
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a turbine blade, the apparatus including a main body having a front plate including at least one securing opening for receiving a securing bolt, a rear plate having a fixture groove, and first and second side plates, and a base block configured to slide along the fixture groove of the rear plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS AMERICAS, INC.
    Inventor: Tobin Laborde
  • Patent number: 9021678
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique which can disassemble a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical shape and being dividable into a plurality of segments, easily and efficiently. The disassembling method comprises, in the mandrel adhesively attached with a composite material structure on an outer peripheral surface thereof, a rotation step of rotating the pair of support rings along with the mandrel to position a segment which is a detached target to an uppermost portion; and a segment detaching step of detaching the segment which is the detached target positioned at the uppermost portion, from the pair of support rings; wherein in the segment detaching step, the segment which is the detached target is moved in a vertically downward direction to a position inside of the mandrel, between the pair of support rings, and is carried out from between the pair of support rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshikazu Sana, Naoki Tamura, Tomoya Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20150082594
    Abstract: A system for coupling equipment components includes a magnetic coupling assembly. The magnetic coupling assembly couples a tooth point to an adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly is received at least partially within a recess formed in the adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly includes an insert and a magnetic coupler. The insert is placed within the recess of the adapter, and the insert includes an internal recess. The magnetic coupler is received within the internal recess of the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Sherlock K. Pippins
  • Patent number: 8984730
    Abstract: A system for rotating a turbine shell includes a first platform and a first trunnion rotatably connected to the first platform. A second platform is separated from the first platform, and a second trunnion is separated from the first trunnion and rotatably connected to the second platform. The system further includes structure for rotating the first trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Randall Stephen Corn
  • Publication number: 20150074979
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an anti-rotation key installation tool includes at least one magnet mounting member. A tool positioning member is coupled to the magnet mounting member and has a first end and a second end. An installation tool positioning channel extends from the first end to the second end of the tool positioning member and has an opening at the first end of the tool positioning member for accepting a portion of the anti-rotation key installation tool. At least one mechanically switchable frame securing magnet assembly is mounted to the at least one magnet mounting member for releasably securing the apparatus to an outer surface of a tubular connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Bell, William Rey Patterson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150075113
    Abstract: Gliding means are attached to a side frame of the car sling, said gliding means comprising a gliding part supported through elasticity means on a frame part. The side frame is positioned on a guide rail in an elevator shaft so that the gliding part of the gliding means sets on the guide rail. The gliding means is provided with an installation jig comprising a first branch positioned between the gliding part and the guide rail, and a second branch positioned in an open space between the frame part and the gliding part for bypassing the elasticity means. The installation jig is removed when the installation of the car sling and the car has been completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Giovanni HAWKINS, Mikko VESTERINEN
  • Publication number: 20150071769
    Abstract: A method for disassembly of a rotor, in particular the front rotor of a gas turbine with a housing and a channel which diverges in a direction of flow and in which the rotor is arranged, is disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes axially displacing an outer sealing ring that is radially opposite the rotor, and whose minimum inside diameter is smaller than the maximum outside diameter of the rotor, against the direction of flow. Then, the rotor is axially displaced against the direction of flow, in particular out of the housing. A method for assembly of such a rotor, as well as a tool for the same, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Walter GIEG, Petra KUFNER, Rudolf STANKA
  • Patent number: 8959754
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a base frame having a turntable, and a vertical section configured to be mounted on the turntable via a slidable mounting platform. The vertical section has a tapered wedge configured to move up and down the vertical section. The turntable is configured to rotate at least 360 degrees, and the vertical section is configured to move in a radial direction with respect to a center of rotation of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Syed Wajahat Ali, Gregory Eugene Dobbert, John Matthew Sassatelli, Andrew John Tomko
  • Publication number: 20150026961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a centring arrangement for a component carrier, in particular for a mounting frame for structural aircraft components, having a centring pin, a centring receptacle for the centring pin, and a rotary drive for rotating the centring pin about a longitudinal axis of the centring pin, so that the centring pin can be brought into centring engagement with the centring receptacle as a result of the rotation. The invention further relates to a method for centring and locking a centring receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Christoph Eusterwiemann
  • Publication number: 20150014063
    Abstract: A top drive includes a plurality of modules. The top drive includes a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The first fastening member and the second fastening member are configured to be removably coupled to connect a first module and a second module. In some embodiments, the top drive includes a third fastening member. The third fastening member is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first fastening member and the second fastening member, to connect the first module, the second module, and a third module. A tool for assembling or disassembling a top drive includes a fastening portion including an attachment mechanism configured to releasably couple the tool to a portion of a top drive. The tool includes a first housing including a recess disposed therein. The tool includes a first rod disposed at least partially within the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Godwin Simanjuntak, Michael Macklin
  • Publication number: 20150013133
    Abstract: A door positioning apparatus for a door mounting device of a vehicle which sets the door in a door re-mounting process, is provided to the door mounting device for moving the door to a mounting position, and positions the door set on the door mounting device to the mounting position precisely may include a mounting frame movably mounted to a base frame of the door mounting device, and a pair of positioning pin which are mounted to the mounting frame movable up and down direction respectively, and provides a reference position for the door with respect to a pair of door hinge mounted to a vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Heui Bom LEE
  • Publication number: 20150003927
    Abstract: A portable device to drill holes has a platform. A plurality of wheel sets is coupled to the platform. A drive system is used for driving the plurality of wheels. An attachment mechanism is positioned on an underside of the platform for securing the device to a surface. A control board is used for controlling the operation of the device. A drill spindle assembly is coupled to the platform. A drill feed assembly is coupled to the drill spindle assembly for raising and lowering the drill spindle assembly. A plurality of sensors are operable to sense one or more magnets disposed below the surface. A drive table is used for positioning the drill spindle assembly in an XY plane based on an output of said plurality of sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Noel A. SPISHAK, Charles M. RICHARDS, Jeff HANSEN, Stephen G. MOORE, Dan D. DAY
  • Patent number: 8914979
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a 360-degree section of an aircraft fuselage or nacelle by properly positioning a plurality of assembly panels relative to a machine datum representing an assembly-level datum schema, drilling full-sized holes proximate to a second skin edge of the panels with the machine, net-trimming a second edge of the panels with the machine, then using the full-sized holes proximate to the second skin edges as alignment features to properly orient and attach pairs of the panels together proximate to first skin edges, opposite of the second skin edges with an auxiliary machine, forming panel pairs. Control systems may be installed into the panel pairs separately and independently, then the panel pairs may be joined together, aligning the full-sized holes proximate to the second edges, and inserting fasteners through the aligned full-sized holes proximate to the second skin edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Spirit AcroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kenyon Venskus, Troy Lynn Wampler, Stephen Eldred Walters, Clark Ray Miller, Michael Arthur Champa, Edwin H. Fenn, David Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 8914960
    Abstract: A device (10) for removing the tooth brush head from the body of an electrical tooth brush is described. Device (10) includes a tooth brush head engaging member (12), a seat member (14) for seating against a body of an electrical-tooth brush and a screw-threaded member (16) positioned operatively between the tooth brush head engaging member (12) and the seat member (14), so as to cause the tooth brush head engaging member (12) to displace relative to the seat member (14) in response to angular displacement of the screw-threaded member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nina Nichols, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Owen Renault
  • Patent number: 8910366
    Abstract: The invention provides a press-fitting method of a member and a press-fitting apparatus in which press-fitting errors can be reduced, without using a dummy pin. The pressing jig 45 includes a main body 46 having a guide pin containing part 47 which is open downward, a compression coil spring (a resilient member) 48 which is contained in an upper part of the guide pin containing part 47, a guide pin 49 which is contained in a lower part of the guide pin containing part 47 with its lower end portion projected downward from a lower face of the main body 46 by an urging force of the compression coil spring 48, and a permanent magnet 50 in an annular shape which is fixed to the lower face of the main body 46, as attracting and holding unit for attracting and holding the press-fitting member 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Fuse
  • Patent number: 8881359
    Abstract: A machine tool assembling apparatus and a method of assembling a machine tool using the machine tool assembling apparatus are provided. The machine tool assembling apparatus includes a table, a first support mechanism having an arm which is swingable toward and away from the table, and a second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is disposed between the table and the second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is rotated to bring the arm into facing relation to either the table or the second support mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Matsuoka, Jun Sugikawa, Masashi Yamaguchi, Takaki Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20140290021
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a driver, a plurality of shafts, and a plurality of arms. The body is configured for insertion into a component and the driver is adapted for movement relative to the body. The plurality of shafts extend through the body and are connected to the plurality of arms. The tool is configured such that contact by the driver against the shaft rotates the plurality of shafts to pivot the plurality of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Scott D. Virkler, Matthew P. Ricker, Gordon Kinkade
  • Publication number: 20140259669
    Abstract: A system for installing a blade insert between a root portion and a tip portion of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a root cradle assembly configured to support the root portion of the rotor blade and a tip cradle assembly configured to support the tip portion of the rotor blade. At least one of the tip cradle assembly or the root cradle assembly may be movable relative to the other of the tip cradle assembly or the root cradle assembly to allow the tip portion to be spaced apart from the root portion after the rotor blade has been divided between the root and tip portions. In addition, the system may include an insert cradle assembly configured to support a blade insert for the rotor blade. The insert cradle assembly may be configured to be positioned between the root cradle assembly and the tip cradle assembly so as to position the blade insert between the root portion and the tip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce Clark Busbey, James Alphonse Payant, Robert Roy Anderson
  • Patent number: 8813327
    Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece is disclosed. The method includes fixing a workpiece on a workpiece carrier using an engaging and fixing element by adhering a first mold surface of the engaging and fixing element to an adhesive surface of the workpiece and by adhering a second mold surface of the engaging and fixing element to a contact and adhesive surface of the workpiece carrier. The method further includes machining the workpiece and releasing the first mold surface of the engaging and fixing element from the adhesive surface of the workpiece and releasing the second mold surface of the engaging and fixing element from the contact and adhesive surface of the workpiece carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Fessler-Knobel, Roland Huttner, Robert Axtner
  • Publication number: 20140223716
    Abstract: An apparatus that separates a lamp of a vehicle that includes a separating unit configured to separate a lamp and a driving unit installed within a power chamber disposed at a lower portion of the separating unit. The driving unit also includes a motor that moves a rotating plate installed at the separating unit and a first clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jae-Soo Gwon
  • Publication number: 20140189996
    Abstract: An alignment tool for use with a vehicle having a door moveably secured to a door frame and a door latch assembly defined on the door includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface and a through-hole extending through the body that is sized and configured to receive a striker pin of a vehicle. A first end surface defined on the body is configured to engage the door frame to set a cross-car position of the striker pin. A latch-engaging assembly is engageable with a portion of the door latch assembly to set a vertical position of the striker pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Paccar Inc
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Wilkens, Mathew J. Freiheit
  • Publication number: 20140168910
    Abstract: A mounting device for positioning an expansion card includes a positioning apparatus and a slide apparatus. The positioning apparatus includes a positioning case. The positioning case includes a connecting plate and an installing plate extending out from an end of the connecting plate. The slide apparatus includes a slide case slidably connected to the connecting plate and a latching member. The slide case includes a positioning portion facing the installing plate. The latching member is mounted to the positioning portion. The latching member defines a latching slot facing the installing plate. A first end of the expansion card is installed to the installing plate. The slide case is slid relative to the positioning case, until a second end of the expansion card is inserted into and held by the latching slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: XIAO-GANG YIN, JUN-HUI WANG
  • Patent number: 8713775
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for servicing a dynamoelectric machine component. The apparatus includes a tool delivery mechanism adapted for delivering a tool to a desired location in the dynamoelectric machine, and a tool support fixture adapted to be secured onto the body of the dynamoelectric machine, where the tool support fixture can be used for supporting and adjusting the tool delivery mechanism. A sleeve mechanism is attached to the tool support fixture, and the sleeve mechanism is disposed around a portion of the tool delivery mechanism. The apparatus is adapted to service the component of the dynamoelectric machine in-situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhipeng Zhang, Philip Alexander Shoemaker, Robert Jeffrey Pieciuk, Weston Blaine Griffin, Arvind Rangarajan, Diego Quinones, Prabhjot Singh
  • Publication number: 20140115860
    Abstract: An automated motorized device may be configured to move on a structure for use in assembling operations thereon. The automated motorized device may comprise a plurality of multifunction movement components, which may be attached to one or more movement assemblies. Functions of each multifunction movement component may comprise adhering and moving. The adhering function may be performed using sealing element, which may be used to create seal between corresponding multifunction movement component and structure. The moving function may be performed using a rolling element, which may be configured to allow rolling on the structure. In some instances, one or more of the multifunction movement components may be configured to also provide floating function, which may be performed, e.g., mechanically or pneumatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Branko Sarh, James Darryl Gamboa
  • Publication number: 20140115850
    Abstract: An automated motorized device may be configured to move on a structure for use in assembling of the structure. The automated motorized device may comprise an end effector configured to perform a plurality of assembling related functions; a first movement assembly, comprising a first plurality of dual function movement components; a second movement assembly, comprising a second plurality of dual function movement components; and a pivoting component connected concentrically to the end effector, and to at least one of the first movement assembly and the second movement assembly. Functions of each dual function movement component may comprise adhering and gliding; and during movement of the automated motorized device, one of the first movement assembly and the second movement assembly is secured to the structure while the other one of the first movement assembly and the second movement assembly moves over the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Darryl Gamboa
  • Patent number: 8695219
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wings includes a fixture that holds wing panels for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing. Spars are attached to the wing panel using the coordination holes to locate the spars accurately on the panel in accordance with the original engineering design, and in-spar ribs are attached to rib posts on the spar using accurately drilled coordination holes in the ends of the rib and in the rib post. The wing contour is determined by the configuration of the spars and ribs rather than by any conventional hard tooling which determines the wing contour in conventional processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clayton L. Munk, Paul E. Nelson, David E. Strand
  • Patent number: 8695192
    Abstract: A system for applying working equipment onto an external wall of a structure. One system comprises a suspended platform anchored to the structure, operably vertically moveable at a constant speed along the external wall; and a positioning system arranged to determine and control a predefined motion pattern of the working equipment relative to the suspended platform, the positioning system mounted on the suspended platform. The predefined motion pattern is selected such as to allow continuous and uniform application of the working equipment horizontally and vertically onto the external wall during the vertical movement of the suspended platform along the external wall. The predefined motion pattern comprises a diagonal movement comprising a vertical component and a horizontal component, wherein the vertical component is equal and opposed to the vertical movement of the suspended platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Aviram Mann
  • Patent number: 8677590
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plasma processing system is provided. The method includes providing a movable plasma-facing structure configured to surround a plasma that is generated during processing of a substrate. The method also includes disposing a movable electrically conductive structure outside of the movable plasma-facing structure, wherein both structures configured to be deployed and retracted as a single unit to facilitate handling of the substrate. The movable electrically conductive structure is radio frequency (RF) grounded during the plasma processing. During processing, the RF current from the plasma flows to the movable electrically conductive structure through the movable plasma-facing structure during the plasma processing. The method further includes coupling a set of conductive straps to the movable electrically conductive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Hudson, Andreas Fischer
  • Patent number: 8661641
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly tool for coupling a plurality of circumferentially spaced rotor blades to a rotor disc of a turbine rotor assembly, includes a base ring with an array of circumferentially spaced resilient fingers axially extending from the base ring. The resilient fingers are configured each to radially abut a blade seal, damper or other engine component against radially inner facing surfaces of platforms of the respective blades when the blades are being seated onto the disc during an assembly procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Lecuyer, Bruno Chatelois
  • Publication number: 20140042207
    Abstract: An attachment that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of construction equipment. The attachment includes a pair of grapple mechanisms mounted on a main beam. Each grapple mechanism includes opposing grab arms mounted to a grab arm housing. The grab arm housings of the grapple mechanisms are each individually adjustable separate from one another relative to the main beam in one or more directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main beam. The attachment can fine adjust the positions of the pipe ends relative to one another until the ends align with each other, at which point the pipe ends can be welded or otherwise secured to each other while being held in position by the grapple mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: LAVALLEY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason LAVALLEY, Daniel LARSON, Jesse KILDE, Michael BURGESS, Lawrence D. KILPO
  • Publication number: 20140041181
    Abstract: A jig used for repairing a component having a tang with a hole is comprised of: a main body defining a standard line; a positioning pin detachably attached to the main body and so dimensioned as to fit in the hole to make an axial center of the hole be aligned with the standard line; and a clamp so structured as to catch hold of the tang to secure the component to the main body in a state where the axial center is aligned with the standard line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Ken UBUKATA, Kazuo KAWAI, Mitsuaki MUKAI, Masayuki TOMIOKA
  • Patent number: 8640327
    Abstract: A pressure-loss adjusting-member installation tool having pressure-loss adjusting-member grippers that are configured to freely grip or release a pressure-loss adjusting member which is arranged at a position between a lower nozzle arranged at one end of a fuel assembly having a relatively small pressure-loss when a primary coolant flows and a lower core support plate, and which can cause the primary coolant to pass therethrough in a state with a pressure-loss being increased more than that of when the primary coolant passes through only core support plate flow holes formed on the lower core support plate; and a holding unit that holds the pressure-loss adjusting-member grippers in a same positional relationship as a relative positional relationship between the fuel assemblies arranged in plural on the lower core support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Matsumoto, Noboru Kubo, Ryo Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20140000084
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a driver, a plurality of shafts, and a plurality of arms. The body is configured for insertion into a component and the driver is adapted for movement relative to the body. The plurality of shafts extend through the body and are connected to the plurality of arms. The tool is configured such that contact by the driver against the shaft rotates the plurality of shafts to pivot the plurality of arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott D. Virkler, Matthew P. Ricker, Gordon Kinkade
  • Patent number: 8522413
    Abstract: A system for fluidic coupling and uncoupling of fluidic conduits and a microfluidic chip, wherein the fluidic conduits are connected mechanically to a first structural part and the microfluidic chip is carried by a second structural part. The structural parts are moved perpendicularly toward and away from each other by means of a mechanism provided for this purpose. Outer ends of the fluidic conduits can thus be moved over a determined distance substantially perpendicularly to the outer surface of the microfluidic chip and connecting openings in the outer surface of the microfluidic chip. This enables accurate realization of fluidic coupling and uncoupling without the occurrence of undesirable moments of force and with minimal risk of damage to the fluidic conduits or the connecting openings. With such system requirements which can be set in respect of convenience, speed, temperature resistance, sealing, chemical resistance, reproducibility and so forth, can be fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Micronit Microfluids B.V.
    Inventors: Ronny Van't Oever, Marko Theodoor Blom, Wilfred Buesink
  • Patent number: 8495814
    Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Catacel Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
  • Publication number: 20130174397
    Abstract: A guide assembly comprises a frame assembly, a plurality of clamping assemblies, and a head assembly. The clamping assemblies may be mountable to the frame assembly for attaching the frame assembly to a structure. The head assembly may be mountable to the frame assembly and may include a tool coupled to the head assembly. The tool assembly may be axially movable relative to the head assembly to cause the tool to exert a down force on the structure when the frame assembly is attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8479371
    Abstract: A process and an associated assembly for supporting a porous media during a treatment which exposes the media to a fluid that modifies at least one property of the media. The assembly includes a supporting core. The media is wrapped in a plurality of layers about the core to form a first roll of the media. The assembly includes first securement mechanisms exerting diametrical pressure on the ends of the first roll to prevent fluid flow axially out of the ends of the first roll. An additional amount of the media is being wrapped in a plurality of layers about the first roll to form a second roll of the media. The assembly includes second securement mechanisms exerting diametrical pressure on the ends of the second roll to prevent fluid flow axially out of the ends of the second roll. The assembly may be part of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Martin Gregory Hatfield
  • Patent number: 8464413
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing and installing a gear reducer from an assembly, such as a Fanuc robot, is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket that is attached to a casing of the robot in a vicinity of a position where the gear reducer is to be removed or installed. The bracket provides a sleeve that is disposed so as to be spaced from and aligned with the gear reducer when the bracket is mounted to the casing. A guide bearing is slidably received through the sleeve and has a first end that attaches to the gear reducer via an attachment assembly. The gear reducer can then be removed by pulling the guide bearing away from the robot or installed by pushing the guide bearing toward the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Prater, Mark Roop
  • Publication number: 20130097836
    Abstract: A system to remove a ram packer from a ram block is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes an extraction tool having opposing jaws configured to engage a ram packer installed in a ram block. The system may also include an actuator configured to move the opposing jaws to facilitate separation of the ram packer from the ram block. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Ryan Barr Hoover, Sankar Norman Thiruvannamalai, Alexandre Montini Accioly Afonso
  • Patent number: 8413307
    Abstract: A method of engaging a fastener may include attaching a guide assembly to a structure. The guide assembly may include a first arm, a second arm, and a head assembly mounted to an end of the first arm. The method may further include threadably engaging a tool sleeve to the head assembly, coupling a tool to the tool sleeve, and adjusting and clamping the angular orientation of the second arm relative to the first arm using a swivel mechanism. The method may additionally include engaging the tool to a fastener, rotating the tool sleeve relative to the head assembly, and applying a down force to the fastener in response to rotating the tool sleeve to move the tool axially relative to the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Katzenberger, Ike C. Schevers, Anthony P. Slade, David L. Fritsche, James A. Hammond, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8402625
    Abstract: A system for modifying a slot in a rotor includes a drill, a clamp connected to the drill and configured to engage with an interior surface of the slot, and means for supporting the drill from a stationary platform adjacent to the rotor. A method for modifying a slot in a rotor includes connecting a coupling to a stationary platform adjacent to the rotor, connecting a drill to the coupling, and locating the drill proximate to the slot. The method further includes inserting a clamp into the slot, engaging the clamp with an interior surface of the slot, and operating the drill to create a cavity in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, John William Herbold, Jason Matthew Clark
  • Patent number: 8347501
    Abstract: Within the field of wind turbine generators (WTG), to provide a consistent way of manufacturing a WT blade there is disclosed a blade mould and a blade spar fixture to support the spar in the mould so as to provide a fixed predetermined relative position, and preferably also orientation, between at least a root end, such as a bushing in the root end of the blade spar, and a root end of the mould. Overall consistency is also obtained in that hereby a blade with anticipated aerodynamic and strength characteristics is provided, among others in that at least adjacent to the root of the spar there is substantially the same distance for a cured adhesive between an innermost surface of each of blade shells and an outermost surface of the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Leif Kappel Petersen, Olav Davis
  • Patent number: 8316919
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for setting a core, a molding machine, and a method for setting a core where the configuration of the apparatus and the machine is simplified and the accuracy of the core-setting is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sintokogio Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Hirata, Koichi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8245375
    Abstract: A method for repairing a rotor of a turbine includes providing a rotor having a groove portion defined by a circumferential portion of the rotor. The circumferential portion of the rotor is removed to create an opening to provide access to the groove such that the opening, immediately adjacent the groove, is narrower than the groove. A guide block may be extended into a receiving slot separating a first protruding surface from a second protruding surface of the rotor such that a weld area slot of the guide block extends over at least a portion of the opening. The opening may be welded adjacent the guide block to close at least a portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Mechanical Dynamics & Analysis, Ltd.
    Inventors: James Harvey Coffey, Andrew Otto Ruehs
  • Publication number: 20120192394
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a pushing tool to one work piece such that a pushing force can be applied to a second work piece and allow alignment of the two work pieces for joining the work pieces together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Gerald L. Dasbach, Will Harris
  • Publication number: 20120117779
    Abstract: A machine tool assembling apparatus and a method of assembling a machine tool using the machine tool assembling apparatus are provided. The machine tool assembling apparatus includes a table, a first support mechanism having an arm which is swingable toward and away from the table, and a second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is disposed between the table and the second support mechanism. The first support mechanism is rotated to bring the arm into facing relation to either the table or the second support mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke MATSUOKA, Jun SUGIKAWA, Masashi YAMAGUCHI, Takaki NAKAJIMA
  • Patent number: 8176610
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for precisely placing holes or attaching sub-components to vertical mullions or other workpieces of various shapes and material compositions. The apparatus, in its basic mode of operation, can accurately locate the positions of holes or groupings of holes to be drilled in the workpiece by means of the calibrated positioning, along the workpiece, of a plurality of fixtures affixed to specially-designed drill guide plates. When used in its advanced mode of operation, the fixtures of the apparatus are re-configured and loaded with a plurality of shear blocks or other connectors, and thereupon an operator, by calibrated placement of the fixtures, may simultaneously pinpoint the required fastening location of the shear blocks and sequentially attach specified fasteners through each shear block, directly onto the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Donald L. Arrington, Fred D. Harris
  • Patent number: 8091194
    Abstract: The system according to the invention allows the separation of two equipment items of an installation in a confined environment, without interrupting the confinement inside this installation. It primarily comprises a confinement flange (10) placed tightly between the two parts of the installation, and comprising a slot (12) protected by a temporary cover (11). The assembly is completed by a guillotine made up of two closure plates (20A, 20B) pressed against each other before their insertion into the slot (12). Once this insertion of the guillotine is complete, the two closure plates (20A) and (20B) can be separated from each other so as to each constitute a tight covering of the two parts of the installation to be separated. Application to confinement installations for the implementation of vacuum intervention methods where one wishes to maintain a special confinement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Raphaël Clatot
  • Patent number: 8087145
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brent F. Craig, Eric M. Reid