Converting Patents (Class 29/401.1)
  • Patent number: 11932179
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle intended to be driven by a driver comprising a cabin comprising a floor with an upper surface, a passenger compartment delimited in a vertical direction by the upper surface of the floor and extending on an upper side of the upper surface, at least one electronic device configured to be electronically controlled, and a box housing an electronic equipment configured to control the at least one electronic device, wherein the box is waterproof and at least a portion of the box extends on a lower side of the upper surface, the lower side of the upper surface being opposite to the upper side. The invention also relates to a method for assembling the box to the cabin of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Rémi Michallet, Patrick Dalmas
  • Patent number: 11911772
    Abstract: A blade head for granulating strands of material comprises a blade carrier and at least one granulating blade fastened thereto. The respective granulating blade is fastened to a positioning component which bears against the blade carrier for the rough positioning of the granulating blade. For fine positioning purposes, at least one adjusting element bears against the respective granulating blade. The blade head permits simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the respective granulating blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: COPERION GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Klein, Oleg Rudi, Tatiana Vlasova, Jürgen Alexander Schweikle, Maria Hölzel, Maximilian Breuer
  • Patent number: 11890512
    Abstract: Embodiments of a golf club head comprising a body having a body material density, a strike face having a strike face material density, and a coating comprising a coating material having a coating material density greater than the body material density or the strike face material density are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew W. Simone, Ryan M. Stokke
  • Patent number: 11752846
    Abstract: A system can include a motor for driving a tarp roller across a trailer for covering and uncovering the trailer with a tarp. The system can also include a power supply for powering the motor. The system can further include a sensor coupled with the motor for sensing power consumed by the motor as the motor is powered to drive the tarp roller across the trailer. A controller can be communicatively coupled with the sensor and operatively coupled to the motor and the power supply for switching an energy characteristic of the power supplied to the motor from the power supply between a first characteristic associated with a lower torque and a second characteristic associated with a higher torque by monitoring the power consumed by the motor and switching the energy characteristic when the power consumed by the motor indicates the lower torque is insufficient to drive the tarp roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Timpte Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Bielfelt, Ryan H. Bakersfield
  • Patent number: 11754153
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed active/passive hybrid cable drive system, including a direct current motor, a magnetorheological actuator module, and a drive gear set. The direct current motor provides power for the system, the magnetorheological actuator adjusts output, a cable is driven to move by using a reel fixedly connected to an output shaft, the power is transmitted to a tail end by using the cable along a Bowden cable, and the tail end is connected to a controlled object, to implement control. The distributed active/passive hybrid cable drive system can implement controllable force output with large torque, small inertia, and high bandwidth, and has a small volume, high efficiency, and low costs compared with a pure motor drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aiguo Song, Ke Shi, Ye Li, Huijun Li, Yunxia Ouyang
  • Patent number: 11667075
    Abstract: In an apparatus for selective laser melting and/or laser sintering with a mounting base, that has at least one chamber, wherein the at least one chamber is a building chamber and/or a powder reservoir chamber for a powder, the saving of powder results in an increase in the possible uses of the apparatus, in that the apparatus further comprises at least one fitting element, wherein in operation, the at least one fitting element is located in the at least one building chamber, wherein in a first configuration the at least one fitting element is vertically movable relative to the main body and in a second configuration the at least one fitting element is fixedly connected to the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Ralf Lampalzer
  • Patent number: 11655574
    Abstract: A method for an assembly of a device includes providing a nonwoven production device having a supporting structure in a first transport container, the nonwoven production device being pre-assembled, providing an auxiliary unit in a second transport container, removing the nonwoven production device having the supporting structure from the first transport container, removing the auxiliary unit from the second transport container, releasing the nonwoven production device from at least one part of the supporting structure and positioning the nonwoven production device at a top side of the supporting structure, and establishing a fluidic connection between the nonwoven production device and the auxiliary unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ANDRITZ KUESTERS GMBH
    Inventors: Dennis Latendorf, Robin Stephane, Tomas Noelle
  • Patent number: 11643210
    Abstract: A modular bar and shop space for an aircraft galley is disclosed. In embodiments, the bar and shop space includes an aircraft monument installable either adjacent to a galley complex or as a standalone. The monument has upper and lower portions disposed behind upper and lower panels; the upper portion includes chiller and warmer compartments. The lower portion includes storage shelving and is deployable into the space in front of the monument. When the lower portion deploys, the vertical upper panel tracks downward into a horizontal workdeck above the storage shelving. The deployed workdeck may be used as a counterspace for a snack bar or social area for passengers, or as additional temporary workspace for cabin crew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Davies, Hsin-I Tsai
  • Patent number: 11638445
    Abstract: A smoking apparatus for attachment to a bottle includes a main base, a downstem element, and a mouthpiece assembly. The main base includes an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a bowl receiving port configured to be attached to a bowl for containing smokable material, a smoke inlet conduit for providing passage of smoke between the bowl receiving port and a downstem element insertion port formed within the main base, a mouthpiece receiving port configured to be attached to a mouthpiece assembly, and a smoke outlet conduit for providing passage of smoke from an upper section of the bottle to the mouthpiece receiving port. The lower portion includes a flexible material configured to provide a force fit relationship with a bottle. The downstem element is configured to be attached within the downstem element insertion port. The downstem element is configured to extend into the bottle during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Vittorio S. Gambino
  • Patent number: 11598500
    Abstract: A downlight apparatus includes a light source, a driver, a light holder, a metal rim and two elastic arms. The driver converts an external power to a driving current to be used by the light source. The light holder stores the light source in an holder space of the light holder. The light holder is placed inside a cavity of a ceiling. The metal rim is connected to a bottom side of the light holder. The two elastic arms are attached to one of the metal rim and the light holder for elastically pressing the metal rim to engage an cavity edge of the cavity of the ceiling for concealing the cavity and preventing an accidental fire to escape from the cavity of the ceiling to outside of the cavity of the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Lixian Cai, Xiaoliang Wen, Linhua Wang
  • Patent number: 11541589
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for reshaping plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20) has a blow moulding device (14) which has at least two side parts (14a, 14b) and a base mould (14c) which form a hollow space inside which the plastic preforms (10) are reshaped into the plastic containers (20), wherein the apparatus has a changing device (40) which is suitable and intended either to remove the complete blow moulding device (14) or only parts (14a, 14b, 14c) of the blow moulding device (14) from the blow mould supports (16) thereof and/or to arrange them on the blow mould supports (16), wherein the base mould (14c) is arranged on a base mounting (19), and in a changing mode, through a lifting movement (H) and in particular a lifting and/or lowering of the base mounting (19), the base mould (14c) can be connected to the base mounting (19) or can be disconnected from the base mounting (19), and between the base mounting (19) and the base mould (14c) at least one first disconnectable media connection (21) is provided,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hack, Florian Geltinger
  • Patent number: 11511647
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable storage medium for adaptive/dynamic thermal management of an electrical power system having variable electric loads that may impact performance or life of the electrical power system. Embodiments may include adaptive thermal management of at least one of an energy storage system and an electric energy supply. Applications of this disclosure may include adaptive thermal management method for electric vehicles and non-mobility applications, particularly having variable electrical loads that may impact performance or life of the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Del Core
  • Patent number: 11505259
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle that includes a windshield and a frame. In addition, the vehicle includes a first pillar that extends from one side of the windshield. The first pillar includes a first wall and a second wall coupled to the first wall. The first pillar also includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first interior support coupled to the first wall and a second interior support coupled to the second wall. Further, the first interior support includes a first end which is spaced from a second end in the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jamil M. Alwan, Chunhui Kevin Lee, Thiag Subbian, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Suraj Jadhav, Petros Frantzeskakis
  • Patent number: 11440598
    Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region to provide for a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer to increase the cargo-carrying capacity of the trailer. The height in the neck region of the trailer is less than 30% of the height in the rest of the trailer. A fifth wheel plate includes a main portion secured to both the first and second beams of the trailer. The fifth wheel plate includes a bifurcated tail portion including a first tail portion connected to the first beam and a second tail portion connected to the second beam. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: EAST MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Howard D. Booher, Russell D. Pittman, Derek Davies
  • Patent number: 11421361
    Abstract: A device for the production of nonwoven fabric webs. The device includes a nonwoven production device comprising a supporting structure, and an auxiliary unit comprising at least one liquid tank and a platform arranged on a top side of the auxiliary unit. The nonwoven production device is arranged on the supporting structure in an assembled state. The nonwoven production device and the auxiliary unit are arranged in relation to each other so that, for at least one of assembling, operating, and repairing the nonwoven production device, access to the nonwoven production device is provided from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ANDRITZ KUESTERS GMBH
    Inventors: Dennis Latendorf, Robin Stephane, Tomas Noelle
  • Patent number: 11396221
    Abstract: A system can include a motor for driving a tarp roller across a trailer for covering and uncovering the trailer with a tarp. The system can also include a power supply for powering the motor. The system can further include a sensor coupled with the motor for sensing power consumed by the motor as the motor is powered to drive the tarp roller across the trailer. A controller can be communicatively coupled with the sensor and operatively coupled to the motor and the power supply for switching an energy characteristic of the power supplied to the motor from the power supply between a first characteristic associated with a lower torque and a second characteristic associated with a higher torque by monitoring the power consumed by the motor and switching the energy characteristic when the power consumed by the motor indicates the lower torque is insufficient to drive the tarp roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Timpte Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Bielfelt, Ryan H. Bakersfield
  • Patent number: 11312197
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes: a body; a drive system configured to propel the body; and a suspension system coupled to the drive system, the suspension system including a shock cap assembly including: a strut component; a cap component attached to the strut component; and an attachment mechanism configured for attachment to a body of the vehicle, such that the shock cap assembly is configured to be accessed from a front wheel well of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David Cochrane, Chris Wisniewski, Giles D. Bryer
  • Patent number: 11215958
    Abstract: The automated system provides automated and remote monitoring, control, communication, and management of recreational vehicle parking facilities, providing guests access to electric, water and sewer services via onsite hookup pedestals. Following the guest's reservation, payment and arrival at the correct parking site which is verified by sensors monitoring the sites, the system activates one or more hookup pedestals via smart switches and smart valves on separate power circuits from the sensors. A PLC operates with a smart switch to close the switch and deliver electrical power and also operates with the smart valve's actuator to an open flow state and a, and the electrical power activates a manual switch that disengages a cover latch which provides access to the dump station inlet. When a reservation window ends or the site is vacated, the system deactivates the hookup pedestals to end access to the utility services while the sensors remain active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: James Dean Turntine
  • Patent number: 11180433
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a plant for producing methanol from an input gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen using a pre-reactor stage and a main reactor stage. Input gas produced at and under elevated pressure is initially introduced into a pre-reactor stage for catalytic conversion into a first methanol-containing product stream. After separation of methanol from the first methanol-containing product stream and discharging from the pre-reactor stage a remaining gas stream is introduced into a main reactor stage as a residual gas stream after compression to reaction pressure for catalytic conversion into a second methanol-containing product stream, After separation from the second methanol-containing product stream methanol is discharged from the main reactor stage. Using an input gas having a carbon monoxide content of 25% to 36% by volume results in large savings in respect of the compressor output required for the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour I'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Frank Castillo-Welter, Stephane Haag, Timm Schuhmann, Robert Frind
  • Patent number: 11142270
    Abstract: A mobility access hybrid vehicle that includes a floor assembly that defines a mobility access system mounting area and a battery well, the battery well being located at a position forward of the mobility access system mounting area. A mobility access system is mounted within the mobility access system mounting area defined by the floor assembly. A hybrid battery is mounted within the battery well defined by the floor assembly. A first cover plate mounted over the battery well and a second cover plate mounted over the mobility access system together define a substantially flat interior floor area for first and second rows of occupant seating areas of the mobility access hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Vantage Mobility International, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lindfors Perez, Mark Charles Miller, Kirsten Nichole Mangum, Steven Paul Ungetheim
  • Patent number: 11110780
    Abstract: An assembly for a roof of a motor vehicle having two roof frame elements. The two roof frame elements are arranged in such a way relative to one another that a region of overlap is formed, in which the two roof frame elements overlap one another, a plastic jacket, which covers the region of overlap and seals off the region of overlap, wherein the following are formed along the region of overlap in a manner offset with respect to one another: a joining location, at which the two roof frame elements are connected to one another and which is covered by the plastic jacket to seal off the joining location, an adhesive bonding location, which is formed on an outer side of the plastic jacket, for the application of an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Philipp Hüttel, Moritz Pradella
  • Patent number: 11008790
    Abstract: A trailer cleanout portal assembly includes an inner bracket attached to an inner surface of a trailer perimeter wall. The inner bracket includes a first central aperture extending therethrough that is alignable with a wall aperture in the perimeter wall. A cover bracket is attached to the inner bracket with the perimeter wall positioned between the inner and cover brackets. The cover bracket has an access aperture extending therethrough that is aligned with the first central aperture. A panel positioned between the inner bracket and the cover bracket is vertically movable to open or close the access aperture. An open space is defined extending from a lower edge of the panel and between the cover bracket and the inner bracket such that material falling between the inner and cover brackets freely falls downwardly from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Shannon Kruse
  • Patent number: 10994795
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a mobility assist hybrid vehicle from an OEM hybrid vehicle may include: Removing the hybrid battery from the hybrid vehicle; removing at least a portion of a floor of the hybrid vehicle that extends from about a longitudinal position to about a second longitudinal position; mounting a replacement floor assembly to the hybrid vehicle, the replacement floor assembly defining a battery well sized to receive the hybrid battery, the battery well being located at about the first longitudinal position, the replacement floor assembly also being configured to receive a mobility access system at about the second longitudinal position; mounting the hybrid battery within the battery well of the replacement floor assembly; placing a first cover plate over the hybrid battery; mounting the mobility access system to the replacement floor assembly; and placing a second cover plate over the mobility access system, the first and second cover plates defining a substantially flat interior floor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Vantage Mobility International, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lindfors Perez, Mark Charles Miller, Kirsten Nichole Mangum, Steven Paul Ungetheim
  • Patent number: 10987713
    Abstract: A horizontal roll stand includes upper and lower back-up rolls, removable work rolls, a balancing device for supporting the upper work roll, and a vertical adjustment device for the lower back-up roll. The work rolls are removed and a press device for straightening pressing of a flat metal product is inserted into the roll stand. The press device includes opposing upper and lower press frames that are displaceable relative to each other. The upper press frame and the lower press frame have one of a selectively moveable pressing die or opposing selectively moveable table with a trough for immersion of the pressing die to selectively press and flatten defects in the flat metal product. The upper press frame includes carrier elements which contact a balancing device of and for support within the roll stand. The lower press frame has support elements for being supported on stanchions of the roll stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SMS GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Bender, Manfred Dingenotto, Peter Schmitz, Guenther Thues, Gerhard Horn, Achim Klein
  • Patent number: 10947737
    Abstract: An awning assembly is provided which provides a push and lock assembly thereby removing the need for additional fastening structures. This also provides for improved assembly of the structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
    Inventor: Clayton Meyers
  • Patent number: 10807460
    Abstract: A method for controlling the powertrain system for a vehicle improves powertrain performance. The powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine comprising a crankshaft, an isolator assembly, a motor generator unit, and a powertrain control module. The isolator assembly includes a first member fixedly connected for common rotation with the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and a second member. The motor generator unit includes a pulley coupled with the second member of the isolator assembly for torque transfer. The powertrain control module comprises a control logic sequence and controls the operation of the powertrain system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Love Lor, Jared Kalnins, Vino Mathew
  • Patent number: 10671117
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic reading device includes a back cover, wherein the back cover is configured to secure the electronic reading device. The back cover includes a plurality of metal plates, each of the plurality of metal plates disposed in a predetermined location. The protective case also includes a front cover, wherein the front cover includes a plurality of magnets, each of the plurality of magnets being disposed in a predetermined location and one or more of the plurality of magnets being positioned based on the location of one or more corresponding metal plates. The front cover also includes a Hall sensor magnet positioned on top of a magnet shielding, wherein the Hall sensor magnet is positioned between the magnet shielding and the back cover of the protective case when the protective case is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Rakuten Kobo Inc.
    Inventor: Anna Buechin
  • Patent number: 10622867
    Abstract: A drive device configured to drive a container transporting device for transporting a container is provided. The drive device includes a motor which generates power, a brake configured to brake a movement generated by the power of the motor, and a speed reducer which has an output shaft connected to a driven portion of the container transporting device, includes a lubricant enclosed therein, and is configured to decelerate the power of the motor and transmit the decelerated power to the output shaft, in which the speed reducer, the brake, and the motor are disposed in this order from above in a vertical direction, a first seal member configured to block the lubricant is provided between the speed reducer and the brake, and the brake includes an accommodation chamber which accommodates a leaked lubricant in a case where the lubricant enclosed in the speed reducer leaks past the first seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Tamura, Akira Yamamoto, Koji Moritani
  • Patent number: 10532640
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a detachable roof assembly that includes an upper B-pillar extending from a longitudinal roof rail that extends between a pair of transverse roof bows. The vehicle may also include a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a lower B-pillar that extends from a rocker panel to a beltline of the vehicle. The lower B-pillar may include an upper end that defines a receptacle that may receive at least 50% of the upper B-pillar when the roof assembly is assembled to the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Craig, Cathy Bingfeng Xi, Prakash Basavarajaiah, Shyam Pittala, Hassen Hammoud
  • Patent number: 10442279
    Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and engages with the existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 10343691
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a drive shaft, a transmission, a motor shaft, and an engine shaft. The drive shaft includes several drive gears and is used to transmit power to a wheel of a vehicle. The transmission includes a first transmission subassembly and a second transmission subassembly, each subassembly having a transmission shaft, an input gear, and several output gears. Each transmission shaft includes a shifting element to select an output gear. Each transmission subassembly transmits power to the drive shaft when the shifting element of each respective subassembly is engaged. The motor shaft is coupled to a motor and is also directly coupled to the first transmission subassembly via a first motor gear. The motor shaft is also coupled to the engine shaft via a second motor gear. The engine shaft includes several engine gears to couple the engine shaft to the first and second transmission subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Victor Prost, Sahil Rajesh Shah, Zackary Ryan Eubanks, Daria Bondarchuk, Paige L. Reiter, Yu Hua, Daniel Scott Dorsch, Amos G. Winter
  • Patent number: 10259509
    Abstract: A pickup truck box assembly includes a truck bed, an inner side panel, and a D-pillar. The truck bed is secured on a rear edge to a rear cross-member. The inner side panel is mounted to the truck bed. The D-pillar includes an inner part secured to the cross-member and inner side panel, and an outer part secured to the inner part and disposed between an outer side panel and the inner part. The D-pillar inner part includes a U-shaped portion and a first flange extending rearward substantially ninety degrees from the U-shaped portion in a plane substantially parallel to the side panel and a second flange extending from the U-shaped portion outboard of the inner side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Marchlewski, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua R. Hemphill
  • Patent number: 10259308
    Abstract: A hybrid rear axle provides a variety of functionality in addition to the functionality of a non-hybrid axle. The axle transmits power from an electric motor to the drive wheels at two selectable speed ratios to propel the vehicle. One of the two ratios is usable to propel the vehicle electrically with the engine stopped. With the drive wheels stationary, the axle transmits power from the driveshaft to the motor to charge a battery or from the motor to the driveshaft to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, David Allen Janson
  • Patent number: 10253878
    Abstract: A device for locking an operation element of an automatic transmission of a vehicle may comprise a rotationally mounted locking comb including a locking contour configured to be coupled with an operation element. The device may further comprise a locking element, where the locking element is configured to be arranged in a first position outside the locking contour to release the locking comb for a rotational movement to allow a shifting movement of the operation element. The locking element may be configured to be arranged in a second position in the locking contour to fix the locking comb for locking the operation element. The device may further comprise a rotationally mounted set ring with a control contour for guiding the locking element between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Lemförder Electric GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Rake, Andreas Giefer, Sascha Rosentreter, Ralf Hartrampf
  • Patent number: 10214150
    Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a structural skeletal frame and a compressible shell supported on and in contact with back and sides of, and enveloping, the skeletal frame to form an owner's manual bin having interior rear walls partially defined by exposed surfaces of the skeletal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Victoria Marie Devine, Matthew Enciso, Andrew Schafer
  • Patent number: 10134511
    Abstract: A resistance element includes a first electro-conductive layer that is formed on a substrate and includes a body portion and a protruding portion protruding from the body portion, and the body portion includes a current path from an input portion to an output portion. The resistance element further includes a second electro-conductive layer that is formed on the first electro-conductive layer via an insulating layer by using a material having a lower resistivity than the first electro-conductive layer. The resistance element further includes a connection portion that is provided to the insulating layer at a position corresponding to the protruding portion and includes a contact hole penetrating from the first electro-conductive layer to the second electro-conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinsuke Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 10099730
    Abstract: Arrangements described herein include dynamic spoiler systems and methods for controlling such systems. The dynamic spoiler can include a housing operatively connected to a vehicle structure, such as a truck bed tailgate. The housing can have a lower panel, an upper panel, and an opening between the lower and upper panels. The dynamic spoiler can also include a fin moveable between a retracted position and one or more extended positions. In the retracted position, the fin can be substantially entirely located within a cavity defined by housing. In an extended position, the fin can extend at least partially out of the housing through the opening in a rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 10016836
    Abstract: A specially designed sonotrode and anvil are adapted to be used in combination for ultrasonic welding of work pieces, to produce a narrower weld region, but one exhibiting greater durability, thereby permitting use of less packaging material. The contact surfaces comprise a surface of the anvil having a plurality of energy directors, where the plurality of energy directors are arranged into a three-dimensional grid pattern to be capable of distributed vibration-transmissive contact. The energy directors may comprise a series of plateau surfaces being regularly spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, to form the grid pattern. The rectangular-shaped plateaus may be spaced apart by valleys. Engagement of the energy directors of the anvil with the corresponding surface of the sonotrode may cause minor elastic deformation of work pieces positioned therebetween prior to ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Rinco Ultrasonics USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Hull
  • Patent number: 9975303
    Abstract: Apparatus for transforming plastic parisons into plastic containers includes a transforming station having a blow mold within which plastic parisons can be expanded by application of a gaseous medium. The blow mold has a base part arranged releasably on a support. The transforming station has at least one first connector for supplying a flowable temperature control medium to the transforming station, and this supply of the temperature control medium can be disconnected via the connector. The fastening mechanism has a release element which is movable in a predetermined straight direction. By displacement of this release element into a first predetermined position fastening of the base part on the support is releasable and by displacement of this release element into a second predetermined position the base part can be fastened on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Florian Geltinger, Gerhard Schwoed
  • Patent number: 9975473
    Abstract: A roof rail is disposed on a motor vehicle and furnished with an integrated light system. The light system has at least one light source and one or more batteries that are part of the system arranged in or on a cover of the roof rail. The battery powered light system enables the light system to be operated independently of any connection to the onboard power supply of the motor vehicle, and it is then no longer necessary to provide an electrical connection between the light system and the onboard power supply or the motor vehicle electronics. A computer program, when executed on a light system controller, is configured to detect a position of a vehicle door and switch the at least one light source of the light system on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marten Wittorf
  • Patent number: 9926027
    Abstract: The method is for producing a bus using a cutaway van chassis, the bus being of the type having a sliding passenger door and the chassis being of the type having a passenger door frame including a horizontal rail, an A-pillar extending to the rail and a B pillar extending to the rail, the A-pillar being adapted to receive a swinging door. In the method, the B-pillar and the rail are removed to produce a modified chassis and the remainder of the bus is constructed about the modified chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DUR-A-BUS COACH BUILDERS LTD.
    Inventors: Lorenzo D'Urso, Joseph D'Urso, Michael Pilca
  • Patent number: 9878354
    Abstract: Cleaning reamer devices and methods for cleaning the interior of a valve guide are described. One cleaning reamer includes a straight shank, a body, and a piloted portion. The piloted portion is dimensionally sized and shaped to be substantially equivalent to the valve stem that is positioned within the valve guide to be cleared of deposits. The body of the cleaning reamer is fluted or straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Horizon, LLC
    Inventor: David A. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 9758025
    Abstract: A sunroof apparatus includes: a movable panel adapted to open and close an opening formed in a vehicle roof; a guide rail provided in each edge portion of the opening in a lateral direction, and extending in a longitudinal direction; a support bracket including a front end portion supported by the guide rail, and supporting each edge portion of the movable panel; and a shoe member provided such that the shoe member can be moved along the guide rail, and engaged with the support bracket, wherein the movable panel is opened and closed along with movement of the shoe member, and the shoe member includes a limiting protrusion portion protruding in the lateral direction at a position higher than an upper surface of the guide rail, and is in contact with or is close to the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Aisei Kawazu, Yusuke Kokubo
  • Patent number: 9751176
    Abstract: A power tool is provided and may include a motor, an output shaft, a neck portion, and a collar portion. The output shaft may be driven by the motor. The neck portion may be configured to receive a removable attachment accessory. The neck portion may define a first diameter and may include a plurality of indexing features. The collar portion may be supported by the neck portion. The collar portion may include an outer circumferential surface defining a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The outer circumferential surface may include at least one recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Jason McRoberts, Ashok S. Baskar, Nicholas A. Mondich, Anthony Reth
  • Patent number: 9718236
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventor: William J. Vroon
  • Patent number: 9673346
    Abstract: An optimally-angleable solar powered air system is a portable indoor solar heating unit that may stand upright or may be mounted to a door or window. The optimally-angleable solar powered air system has a frame having a solar panel mounted to a first side and a fan mounted to a second side of the frame. In use, the frame may stand inside a room at an angle facing the sun via a removable handle such that the solar panel is able to capture solar energy. The system may then convert solar energy into usable power to power the fan. The second side of the frame includes an air deflector which may direct airflow outwardly from the second side of the frame into the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis Martin
  • Patent number: 9599070
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system having a turbine combustor, a turbine driven by combustion products from the turbine combustor, and an exhaust gas compressor driven by the turbine. The exhaust gas compressor is configured to compress and supply an exhaust gas to the turbine combustor. The gas turbine system also has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system is configured to recirculate the exhaust gas along an exhaust recirculation path from the turbine to the exhaust gas compressor. The system further includes a main oxidant compression system having one or more oxidant compressors. The one or more oxidant compressors are separate from the exhaust gas compressor, and the one or more oxidant compressors are configured to supply all compressed oxidant utilized by the turbine combustor in generating the combustion products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: General Electric Company, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Huntington, Franklin F. Mittricker, Loren K. Starcher, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Dennis M. O'Dea, Samuel D. Draper, Christian M. Hansen, Todd Denman, James A. West
  • Patent number: 9394383
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a polymerization process and an olefin polymerization system. A polymerization product is produced, a vapor phase is recovered from the polymerization product, the vapor phase is fractionated in a first column to yield a fraction stream, and the fraction stream is fractionated in a second column. A first stream of the second column, which comprises a diluent, can be recycled to a first polymerization reactor. A second stream of the second column, which comprises olefin monomer, diluent, and hydrogen, can be recycled to a second polymerization reactor. Comonomer may be recycled from the first column to the first polymerization reactor, the second polymerization reactor, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Anurag Gupta, Timothy O. Odi, Ralph W. Romig
  • Patent number: 9386828
    Abstract: A ring including a shank having platforms at predetermined locations on an outer surface of the shank, where the platforms identify preferred positions for setting gemstones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Mardkha
  • Patent number: 9382916
    Abstract: A method for machining an integrally bladed rotor of a fluid-flow machine is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a) providing an integrally bladed rotor having a main rotor body and several rotor blades integrally attached to the main rotor body; b) determining the natural frequency of each rotor blade of the integrally bladed rotor; and c) machining at least one rotor blade of the integrally bladed rotor by removing material to adjust the natural frequency of the particular rotor blade to a specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Schoenenborn