Alignment Patents (Class 33/645)
  • Patent number: 11965789
    Abstract: A force sensor comprising a beam having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; a first Wheatstone bridge disposed on a first face of the beam, including multiple tension gauge resistors and multiple compression gauge resistors; a second Wheatstone bridge disposed on the first face of the beam, including multiple tension gauge resistors and multiple compression gauge resistors; wherein at least one tension gauge resistor and at least one compression gauge resistor from each of the first and second Wheatstone bridges is disposed at a proximal end portion of the beam; wherein at least one tension gauge resistor and at least one compression gauge resistor from each of the first and second Wheatstone bridges is disposed at a distal end portion of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashwinram Suresh
  • Patent number: 11911896
    Abstract: A nanoscale positioning apparatus with a large stroke and multiple degrees of freedom and a control method thereof are provided. The nanoscale positioning apparatus includes a base, a plurality of parallel branch chain mechanisms and a working table. Each of the parallel branch chain mechanisms includes an electric cylinder, a micro-motion drive mechanism, a laser interferometer, a grating measuring device, a self-locking upper hinge and a self-locking lower hinge. The top of the base is connected to one end of the electric cylinder through the self-locking lower hinge. The other end of the electric cylinder is connected to one end of the micro-motion drive mechanism. The other end of the micro-motion drive mechanism is connected to the bottom of the working table through the self-locking upper hinge. The positioning apparatus has multiple degrees of freedom, and realizes multi-degree-of-freedom arbitrary position adjustment of the working table through parallel branch chain mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: WUXI FRIEDRICH MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Fengwei Zhou, Xiaoming Qian, Kai Meng
  • Patent number: 11906298
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a crosshead of a mud pump with the fluid end of the mud pump without having to remove the rod system (piston rod, extension rod) of the pump. The apparatus comprises a dial indicator which measures differential distance and a connection component for connecting the apparatus directly or indirectly to the crosshead. The method and apparatus allow the establishment of perpendicularity and concentricity of the crosshead with respect to the bore in the fluid end of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: James B. Glenn
  • Patent number: 11889883
    Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet and a method of making the same can comprise, at a first location, obtaining head data for a customer's head comprising a length, a width, and at least one head contour. With at least one processor, generating a computerized three-dimensional (3D) headform matching the customer's head length, width, and head contour from the head data. The 3D headform can be compared to a helmet safety standard. At a second location different from the first location, a custom-fitted helmet based on the 3D headform can be formed, wherein the custom-fitted helmet satisfies the safety standard and comprises an inner surface comprising a topography that conforms to the length, width, and at least one contour of the customer's head. The first location can be a home or a store. Obtaining the head data from photographic images of a deformable interface member disposed on the customer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Michael W. Lowe
  • Patent number: 11846565
    Abstract: An adjustable automobile subframe alignment fixture for inspecting a subframe includes one or more bases; one or more rails, connected to the one or more bases, having indexing positions to accommodate multiple sized subframes; and one or more connection points, adjustably mounted on the one or more rails, configured to receive risers and/or jigs for adjusting to a geometry of the subframe and allowing structural integrity of the subframe to be determined. If the geometry of the subframe matches the geometry of the fixture, the subframe is structurally sound. If the geometry of the subframe fails matches the geometry of the fixture, the subframe lacks structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: RDI (Robaina Design Innovations) LLC
    Inventor: Roberto E. Robaina
  • Patent number: 11841222
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning multiple pieces of rotary machinery equipment by coupling rotating shafts extending from at least one of the multiple pieces of rotary machine equipment. The system includes mounting a first piece of rotary machine equipment to a device comprising three U-shaped plates that are interlocked with each other. The alignment method includes a process for adjusting the first piece of rotary equipment with respect to a first U-shaped plate to correct for both a horizontal offset and a vertical offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mounir Bouzguenda, Brahim Ben Smida
  • Patent number: 11835207
    Abstract: A mounting device includes a control device. The control device images an imaging range which includes an illuminant of a light emitting component and acquires a light emitting component image when mounting the light emitting component which includes the illuminant onto a board. Next, the control device detects coordinates (illuminant detected center coordinates) of a center of the illuminant based on the light emitting component image. The control device performs the mounting of the light emitting component such that the light emitting component is held, the light emitting component moves over the board, and a center of the illuminant is positioned at predetermined coordinates on the board based on the illuminant detected center coordinates, without using information relating to an outer shape of the light emitting component which is based on the light emitting component image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kohei Sugihara
  • Patent number: 11761748
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning multiple pieces of rotary machinery equipment by coupling rotating shafts extending from at least one of the multiple pieces of rotary machinery equipment. The system includes mounting a first piece of rotary machine equipment to a device comprising two U-shaped plates that are interlocked with each other. The alignment method includes a process for adjusting the first piece of rotary equipment with respect to a first U-shaped plate to correct for either a vertical offset or angular misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mounir Bouzguenda, Brahim Ben Smida
  • Patent number: 11719463
    Abstract: A Fluid Flow Control System (FFCS) door assembly includes a continuous belt and a plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers support the continuous belt and define a first segment, a second segment, a third segment, and a fourth segment. The continuous belt includes a plurality of openings that selectively allow fluid flow to pass through the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, and the fourth segment when two openings of the plurality of openings align with the first segment, the second segment, the third segment, or the fourth segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keniel Brown, Adam Gilley, Preston Moore
  • Patent number: 11709422
    Abstract: Gray-tone lithography techniques for controlling the thickness profile of an overcoat layer on a surface-relief grating that has a non-uniform grating parameter (e.g., depth, duty cycle, or period), compensating for the non-uniform etch rate in a large area, defining etch/block regions, and/or controlling the thickness of the grating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Elliott Franke, Nihar Ranjan Mohanty, Ankit Vora, Austin Lane, Matthew E. Colburn
  • Patent number: 11675142
    Abstract: A ferrule includes: a ferrule body including a first body-side guide hole into which a first guide pin is inserted, a second body-side guide hole into which a second guide pin is inserted, and an optical fiber holder that holds an optical fiber; and a lens plate including a first plate-side guide hole into which the first guide pin is inserted, a second plate-side guide hole into which the second guide pin is inserted, a lens part, and an abutment surface that an end face of the optical fiber abuts. The first guide pin fits the first body-side guide hole and the first plate-side guide hole. The second guide pin fits one of the second body-side guide hole or the second plate-side guide hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakama, Hirotaka Asada
  • Patent number: 11536066
    Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet and an inner door. The inner door is configured such that an outer door panel is mountable on the inner door. An adjustable hinge rotatably couples the inner door to the cabinet. The adjustable hinge includes a movable door balance adjuster. A visual scale graphic is positioned proximate the adjustable hinge. The visual scale graphic includes a plurality of outer door panel weight indicia and a plurality of door balance adjuster position indicia. Each of the plurality of door balance adjuster position indicia corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of outer door panel weight indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Ian Moore, Charles Andrew Bierbaum, Marcelo Torrentes
  • Patent number: 11532496
    Abstract: A load port includes a first pin projecting on a dock plate and provided on the dock plate so as to be pushed down, and a first detection unit provided on the base portion and configured to detect that the dock plate is located at a first position. The first detection unit includes a movable member capable of displacing in a moving direction of the dock plate, and a first sensor configured to detect the displacement of the movable member. The movable member is arranged at a position to abut against the first pin that is in a pushed down state in a process in which the dock plate moves from a second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: HIRATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kinya Kagami, Seiji Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11505964
    Abstract: A fence panel construction device includes a structural member and a pair of post members coupled to the structural member. Each post member includes a pair of attachment devices configured to removably attach a pair of fence stringers to the pair of post members. A pair of actuator mechanisms are coupled to a respective one of the pair of post members to position the pair of post members corresponding to a pair of fence posts on a property. A finishing assembly is coupled to the structural member and includes at least one fastening device and at least one trimming device both operable to move vertically. The finishing assembly is operable to move horizontally while the at least one fastening device fastens fence boards to the pair of fence stringers and at least one trimming device trims the fence boards. A method of making a fence panel is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11326477
    Abstract: Method for assembling a turbomachine (1) by means of a device (10), the turbomachine comprising at least two modules (3) which are assembled by the insertion of a shaft of one of the modules into a housing of the other of the modules, the device comprising: means (11) for supporting a first of the modules, means (20, 21) for suspending a second of the modules and for moving this second module along an axis of movement (Z), a laser beam emitter (30) intended to be fixed to the said first module and configured to emit a laser beam (31) that coincides with a longitudinal axis (X) of this first module, and a target (40) intended to be fixed to the said suspension and movement means so that it can be moved along the said axis of movement, and so that in at least two axial positions on this axis which are distant from one another, a spot from the said laser beam is located at the centre of the said target, the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) positioning the said first module (3) on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventor: Remy Le Gall
  • Patent number: 11300404
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring alignment of two shafts. Two magnetic bases each have two linear contact edges designed to engage with a circumferential surface of the two shafts and to ensure alignment between the base and an axis of rotation of the shaft to within a tolerance compatible with alignment tolerances of the shaft. Brackets attached to the bases are designed to attach laser photoelectric devices, the photoelectric devices designed to measure shaft misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Shoreline Alignment & Vibration, LLC
    Inventor: Deron Jozokos
  • Patent number: 11235954
    Abstract: A method for mounting a guide rail in an elevator system elevator shaft first carries out mounting steps by a mounting device having a carrier component, an installation component and a control apparatus controlling the installation component. The control apparatus determines, on the basis of an actual position of the mounting device and a desired position of a guide rail to be installed, a position of a marking on a shaft wall of the elevator shaft relative to the actual position of the mounting device. Based on the marking, an installation step determines the desired position of the guide rail. The marking is applied to the shaft wall by the installation component. The previous steps are followed by the steps of alignment the guide rail in relation to the marking and fastening the guide rail to the shaft wall, which steps can be performed manually by an installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Andrea Cambruzzi, Erich Bütler, Philipp Zimmerli, Raphael Bitzi
  • Patent number: 11099010
    Abstract: An alignment system and method for aligning the shaft centerline of rotating equipment positioned on opposing roller stands are provided. The system includes a laser transmission unit on the first stand and a target unit on the second stand. The laser transmission unit includes a laser that transmits a laser beam to a target on the target unit. When the laser beam contacts the center of the target, the roller stands are aligned. The system may be automated to detect the position of the laser beam relative to the target center and to adjust, as needed, the position of one of or both the roller stands using hydraulic cylinders coupled to a roller stand platform. The system and method reduce the time, effort, and manpower required to perform the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jose Troitino Lopez, Robert Edward Huth, Zachary Lane Walters
  • Patent number: 10900245
    Abstract: A handrail assembly jig is provided. The handrail assembly jig includes a vertical support having a first end and a second end. A planar base is affixed to the second end of the vertical support. A foot member is removably secured to the second end, wherein the foot member includes a planar foot base. A head member is slidably affixed to the vertical support at the first end. A clamp is removably secured to a lower side of the head member. An arm is pivotally secured to the second end, wherein the arm includes a slot therethrough. A securement device can be inserted through the slot to selectively raise and lower the arm relative to the vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth Bunn, Jr., Kenneth Earl Bunn, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10787343
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-climbing robot for installing an elevator guide rail, which comprises a climbing mobile platform, a working mobile platform, a rectangular parallelepiped frame and a PLC control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignees: Yanshan University, Shanghai Haishunxi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yanzhi Zhao, Longguang Han, Kaida Guo, Guoqing Li, Yu Shan
  • Patent number: 10655671
    Abstract: A nested bushing arrangement may comprise a first nested bushing coupled to a second nested bushing. Each nested bushing may comprise a mating aperture located opposite an annulus body. The annulus body of each nested bushing may insert within the mating aperture of the opposite nested bushing to couple the first nested bushing to the second nested bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Karthik Narayan, Man Hung Pang
  • Patent number: 10449792
    Abstract: Mechanisms for adjusting the position of one or more print heads at an extremely fine resolution (e.g., less than 10 ?m) are described herein. The adjustment mechanisms include a differential screw and an indexing wheel through which the differential screw extends. One threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a flexible body that is coupled to the print head(s), while another threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a rigid body that is coupled to a printer assembly. As the indexing wheel and differential screw rotate, the space between the flexible body and the rigid body changes based on the difference between the pitches of the threaded segments. The adjustment mechanisms described herein utilize the accurate, consistent motion of the flexible body upon experiencing pressure to effect predictable changes in the position of the print head(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Weismantel
  • Patent number: 10408706
    Abstract: A device for detecting a light beam projecting from a lamp of a vehicle is described, and includes a plurality of photo-sensors and a plurality of indicator bulbs. The photo-sensors are arranged in a linear array along a first axis, and the indicator bulbs are arranged in a linear array along a second axis that is in parallel to the first axis. A controller is in communication with the photo-sensors and the indicator bulbs. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to monitor signal inputs from the plurality of photo-sensors to detect presence of a light beam projecting from the lamp of a vehicle, determine a cut-off gradient line for the light beam based thereon, and illuminate one of the indicator bulbs to indicate a location of the cut-off gradient line for the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Larsen, Gregory M. Castillo
  • Patent number: 10162912
    Abstract: A friction identification method includes: measuring a relation between a driving force and a position of a driven object; identifying a parameter of a position-dependent friction model based on a relation between a driving force and a position of the driven object; measuring a relation between a driving force and a displacement of the driven object from a position at which a motion direction is reversed; identifying a parameter of a displacement-dependent friction model; measuring a relation between a driving force and a velocity of the driven object; identifying a parameter of a velocity-dependent friction model; measuring a relation between a driving force and an acceleration of the driven object; and identifying a parameter of an acceleration-dependent friction model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Fujita, Kotaro Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 10121765
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate contains a plurality of semiconductor die with a saw street between the semiconductor die. A plurality of bumps is formed over a first surface of the semiconductor die. An insulating layer is formed over the first surface of the semiconductor die between the bumps. A portion of a second surface of the semiconductor die is removed and a conductive layer is formed over the remaining second surface. The semiconductor substrate is disposed on a dicing tape, the semiconductor substrate is singulated through the saw street while maintaining position of the semiconductor die, and the dicing tape is expanded to impart movement of the semiconductor die and increase a space between the semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and into the space between the semiconductor die. A channel is formed through the encapsulant between the semiconductor die to separate the semiconductor die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Gordon M. Grivna
  • Patent number: 10016993
    Abstract: Mechanisms for adjusting the position of one or more print heads at an extremely fine resolution (e.g., less than 10 ?m) are described herein. The adjustment mechanisms include a differential screw and an indexing wheel through which the differential screw extends. One threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a flexible body that is coupled to the print head(s), while another threaded segment of the differential screw is connected to a threaded feature of a rigid body that is coupled to a printer assembly. As the indexing wheel and differential screw rotate, the space between the flexible body and the rigid body changes based on the difference between the pitches of the threaded segments. The adjustment mechanisms described herein utilize the accurate, consistent motion of the flexible body upon experiencing pressure to effect predictable changes in the position of the print head(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: John A. Weismantel
  • Patent number: 9987697
    Abstract: A one piece hand tool is provided for cleaning and chasing water faucet threads. The hand tool has an engagement end and an operating end spaced along a central tool axis. Intermediate the engagement end and operating end, an external surface is provided with an overall hexagonal configuration. The engagement end is open for accessing an internal threaded surface for engagement with water faucet threads to be cleaned. Four equally spaced vertical grooves parallel with the central tool axis are provided in the internal threaded surface of the hand tool and disrupt the internal threaded surface to contain debris during operation of the tool. The internal threaded surface has sharp leading and trailing edges for cleaning and chasing the water faucet threads during engagement and disengagement with the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignees: MAGNA INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William Dean Fleming, Theodore Bradley
  • Patent number: 9869830
    Abstract: An optical transceiver device includes a baseplate including a set position for mounting an optical element, an alignment plate including a mounting unit, a first and a second reference hole. The device includes an optical-fiber fixing block configured to fixedly mount at least one of a lens unit and an optical fiber optically linked with the optical element and to include a first and a second post, and a housing for enclosing the optical-fiber fixing block and alignment plate. The second post is inserted into the second reference hole in a looser manner than inserting the first post into the first reference hole, and the set position is determined by a first baseline passing through the first and the second reference hole and by a second baseline intersecting with the first baseline and positioned on opposite side of the second reference hole with respect to the first reference hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignees: OPTOMIND INC., MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Yung-sung Son, Bong-cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 9797701
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew J. McBride
  • Patent number: 9701062
    Abstract: A cradle device including a device slot configured to hold an electronic device. The device slot includes one or more frames. The one or more frames are configured to securely hold the electronic device in the device slot as an overlay applicator is applied to a screen of the electronic device. The cradle device also includes an alignment base. The alignment base is configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator. The alignment base is configured to align the overlay applicator with the screen of the electronic device as the overlay applicator is applied to the screen. Other embodiments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Wadsworth, Eric Beaupre
  • Patent number: 9506751
    Abstract: An inclinometer that provides inclination data of a walking beam in a rod pumping system includes a cover including an indented portion external to the inclinometer. The cover is attached to a chassis which together provide an internal area. Magnets are attached to a bottom of the chassis to magnetically attach the inclinometer to the walking beam. A power supply within the internal area includes a power storage and a charger. A solar panel is disposed in the indented portion of the cover and electrically connects to the power supply through a hole in the cover. Beam angle sensor circuitry measures an inclination of the walking beam and transmits corresponding inclination measurement data via an antenna in the internal area. The power supply is configured to supply power to this beam angle sensor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BODE ENERGY EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Zhao
  • Patent number: 9459408
    Abstract: An alignment fixture is configured to receive a group of optical fibers with each of the optical fibers having a coating and a bare fiber end. The fixture includes a first end configured to permit insertion of the optical fibers into a body of the fixture and a second end configured to align the bare fiber ends of the optical fibers in a particular arrangement. The fixture includes channels extending from the first end to the second end. An insertion point of each channel is at least twice the diameter of a coating of the one of the optical fibers. An exit point of each channel is narrower than the insertion point and is configured to position the bare fiber end of the optical fiber in the particular arrangement within a desired tolerance relative to other optical fibers. The alignment fixture enables easy splice alignment and protection in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: David Z. Chen
  • Patent number: 9170441
    Abstract: A fabricating apparatus of a flat panel display device includes lift pins for lifting a substrate, a susceptor through which the lift pins pass, and a static electricity quantity detector for detecting a quantity of static electricity on the substrate by sensing when the susceptor separates from the substrate by sensing a traveled distance of the susceptor when the susceptor is separated from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Min Yeom
  • Patent number: 9140435
    Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a method and apparatus for outlining recessed installation of a component within a surface material. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises two or more template or alignment modules adjacently disposable against the surface material and each comprising opposed edges that can be aligned with adjacently disposed edges so to define a substantially continuous spacing along these adjacently disposed edges. This spacing is generally dimensioned so to accommodate a corresponding component dimension such that, the aligned edges guide removal of surface material along the spacing to accommodate recessed installation of the component within the surface material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Axis Lighting Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Christianne Leblanc, Sebastien Bire, Andrew Miles
  • Patent number: 9109875
    Abstract: Disclosed is a template and method for use in the roofing industry for cutting roofing shingles on site in multiple useful lengths with each individual cut. The template, formed of a durable material such as aluminum, comprises a base plate having an upwardly facing planar surface. Border walls rise from two adjacent sides of the planar surface of the base plate and have abutment surfaces facing inwardly towards the planar surface of the base plate. Permanent markings on the abutment surfaces and the planar surface are visible at a fixed point above the template so as to enable a person with a T-square and a cutting instrument to cut a standard size shingle piece into two useful pieces or to cut multiple shingles stacked on top of one another into two useful pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Mario David Marisa
  • Publication number: 20150135546
    Abstract: A method of determining alignment of a spring component relative to an upper spring mounting plate of a strut assembly using an alignment system is provided. The method includes placing an alignment gauge component on the upper spring mounting plate at a preselected location. The alignment gauge component has a right angled body with a positioning portion resting on the upper spring mounting plate and a transverse measuring portion having an opening extending therethrough located alongside the spring component. A measuring rod is inserted through the opening of the measuring portion with the positioning portion of the alignment gauge component engaged with the upper spring mounting plate. The measuring rod has a measurement region that includes one or more color-coded areas for determining an alignment condition of the spring component relative to the upper spring mounting plate with the measuring rod extending through the opening and contacting the spring component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Ivor McGuire, John Wayne Rhule
  • Publication number: 20150128436
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting an alignment of a movable component relative to a substrate holder. An alignment tool is placed on the substrate holder. A nozzle is coupled with the movable component. The movable component and the nozzle are positioned such that a planar surface of the movable component contact a planar surface of the alignment tool, and the nozzle has a non-contacting relationship with the alignment tool. The planar surface of the movable component is leveled to be parallel with the planar surface of the alignment tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Grimes, Dennis P. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20150128437
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning torque tubes of the solar collection system can include a rigid body member and two laterally extending alignment arms. Optionally, the alignment arms can include releasable clamps that can engage and disengage without the use of tools. The tool can be designed to straddle a sun-tracking drive of a sun-tracking solar system. Thus, the tool can be used both during initial construction as well as after construction is complete for alignment purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Barton
  • Publication number: 20150096185
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of construction of buildings and structures. The invention relates to alignment guides for constructing building components, namely walls, ceilings and floors to be used in buildings and structures. This invention also relates to kits of specific alignment guides and methods of using alignment guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Brian Doyle
  • Patent number: 8997365
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a base, a rotational body mounted on the base for relative rotation with respect to the base, and an alignment meter coupled to the rotational body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean J. Alexander, Ronald K. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8978262
    Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Jason Matthew Clark, John William Herbold
  • Publication number: 20150059155
    Abstract: A jig includes a plate with at least one jig aperture which defines a jig aperture axis; a striker defined along a striker axis generally parallel to the aperture axis; and a bias member movable relative to the striker axis. A method of mounting a latch mechanism to a door of a vehicle, the door includes a multiple of latch mechanism apertures, includes mounting a jig to the latch mechanism, the jig biased with respect to the door to align a multiple of jig apertures with the multiple of latch mechanism apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy Kyle Duong, Jeremy Lynn Fraley
  • Patent number: 8959785
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring runout of using a distance measuring sensor mounted to a rotor and targeted at a circular wall, an electronic inclinometer mounted within a diameter of a hub of the rotor, and a microcontroller in data communication with the inclinometer and the sensor. A computer may be operably connected to the microcontroller and used for programming the microcontroller. A rotatable fixture including a bar mounted to the hub may be used to mount the sensor to a distal end of the bar and the microcontroller and the inclinometer may be mounted on the bar. Runout of a fan shroud circumscribing fan blades of an engine rotor may be measured with the apparatus and method and the bar angularly located between a pair of adjacent blades. The computer may be used to gather data from inclinometer and sensor and calculate runout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Terry Allen Craig, Jimmie Melvin Clark
  • Patent number: 8955230
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a center hub and a plurality of adjustable arms. The plurality of adjustable arms are coupled to the center hub and include a proximal end section and a distal end section. The shaft alignment tool further includes one or more roller assemblies mounted on each distal end section of each adjustable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Sean J. Alexander, Ronald K. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8925214
    Abstract: An alignment system and method for aligning a hole-making device for forming a hole in the ground. In one example, the alignment system includes an alignment template selectively securable to the ground; and a centering plate positionable within the alignment template, the centering plate having a hole adapted to be positioned on a survey pin or nail or other mark. The alignment template is aligned relative to desired marked hole location, and the hole making device is aligned relative to the template, which thereby aligns the hole making device relative to the marked hole location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Bernard J. Gochis
  • Patent number: 8910429
    Abstract: A fastener installation guide for securing a top plate to a roof support member comprises a grip assembly, a roof support member alignment wall and a fastener retention assembly transverse to the grip assembly. The handle portion has first and second top plate alignment members oriented generally perpendicular to one another. A gripping surface extends between the first and second top plate alignment members and the roof support member alignment defines a first plane oriented transversely to the grip assembly. The fastener retention assembly defines a fastener retention channel and has a fastener alignment wall which defines a second plane, a roof support member alignment edge and a bottom edge. The fastener retention channel is oriented at an angle ? with respect to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Handy & Harman
    Inventor: Michael W. Maziarz
  • Patent number: 8904662
    Abstract: A test device for testing whether a coaxial accuracy between a test hole and a standard hole of an object is qualified or not includes a base to support the object, a fixing member to fix the object, and a positioning member and a testing member respectively mounted to a bottom and a top of the base. The positioning member includes a positioning pole to be inserted into a standard hole of the object. The testing member includes a testing pole slidably relative to and aligning with the positioning pole. A diameter of the testing pole is set to be equal to a standard diameter of a test hole subtracting a coaxial tolerance of the test hole. If the testing pole is capable of being inserted into the test hole, the coaxial accuracy between the test and standard holes of the object is qualified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8898878
    Abstract: There is provided a method for attaching an exterior component. When attaching an exterior component to a bumper, an attachment member for a first attaching hole of the bumper fixed to the vehicular main body is detached, and then the attachment member is inserted into a first through-hole of the exterior component and the first attaching hole and fixed, thereby temporarily fixing the exterior component. A marking is put on a temporarily fixed portion where a second through-hole faces the bumper, and the exterior component is temporarily detached. A third attaching hole is formed by boring a hole in the marking of the bumper, and then a well nut is fitted into the exterior component, enabling the exterior component to be attached through the first and second through-holes. Accordingly, the marking and positioning of the exterior component can be easily performed without detaching the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8881415
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning torque tubes of the solar collection system can include a rigid body member and two laterally extending alignment arms. Optionally, the alignment arms can include releasable clamps that can engage and disengage without the use of tools. The tool can be designed to straddle a sun-tracking drive of a sun-tracking solar system. Thus, the tool can be used both during initial construction as well as after construction is complete for alignment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Barton
  • Patent number: 8881419
    Abstract: A deck plank spacer and fastener guide tool has a lightweight, unitary body having an elongated first bar member and a second bar member extending perpendicularly downward from the first bar member. A fastening guide member extends upwardly from and outwardly of the second bar member at an oblique angle in relation to the second bar member. An open slot extends completely through the fastening guide member for the insertion of a fastener, such as a nail or a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Madrack