Patents Assigned to Engineering
  • DETECTION AND LOCATION OF BROKEN CONDUCTORS FOR TRANSMISSION LINES
    Publication number: 20190317143
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to detecting a broken conductor in a power transmission line. In an embodiment, a processor receives a signal indicating current on the transmission line. The processor determines that a broken conductor is present on the transmission line based at least in part on a magnitude of the current being less than a line charging current of the transmission line and a phase angle of the current leading a respective phase voltage of the transmission line. The processor effects a control operation based on the determined broken conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanchanrao Gangadhar Dase, Sajal Kumar Harmukh, Arunabha Chatterjee
  • DRILL ROD HANDLER
    Publication number: 20190316427
    Abstract: A drill rod handler provides rods to be used to form a drill string in on-shore drilling operations. The drill rod handler includes side arms which are moveable to encourage drill rods to roll towards or away from a centre line of the drill rod handler. A working arm is arranged to grasp a centrally located drill rod, and to raise it from a horizontal to a vertical configuration. The working arm may then slew to correctly position the drill rod at the correct location for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Ormarc Engineering Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Scott Pover
  • Crossbar support assemblies, bolster cart assemblies, and methods of adjusting a datum for locating a crossbar
    Patent number: 10441990
    Abstract: A crossbar support assembly that supports a crossbar includes a support post, a bracket, a riser, and a lock assembly. The bracket is secured to a distal end of the support post. The lock assembly is configured to releasably secure the riser to the bracket. The lock assembly includes a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration the riser is inhibited from moving with respect to the bracket. In the unlocked configuration the riser is permitted to move with respect to the bracket. The crossbar support assembly may include an adjustment assembly that adjusts a position of the riser with respect to the bracket when the lock assembly is in the unlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thoney R. Charles
  • Rotating electrical machine and rotating electrical machine system
    Patent number: 10447184
    Abstract: Provided is a rotating electrical machine in which torque ripple can be decreased at the time of one-side electrical current supply. A motor includes a stator coil constituted by concentrated windings arranged to teeth where an integer N?2. The stator coil includes first and second winding units and each of which is constituted by windings and which are independent from each other, the windings constituting the first winding unit are arranged in three teeth groups, each of which includes adjacent teeth and which are provided at 120-degree pitches in terms of mechanical angle, and the windings constituting the second winding unit are arranged in teeth which are the teeth not included in the three teeth groups. That is, the windings constituting the second winding unit are also arranged in three teeth groups, which are provided at 120-degree pitches in terms of mechanical angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kanazawa, Kenji Nakayama, Hideyuki Hara
  • Systems and methods for vehicle external audio volume indication and control of the same
    Patent number: 10448180
    Abstract: An external audio range indication system, for a vehicle, includes an audio system, a display device, and an electronic control unit. The audio system includes a plurality of speakers. The plurality of speakers is configured to output an audio content. The electronic control unit is operatively connected to the audio system and the display device. The electronic control unit includes a processor and a memory unit coupled to the processor. The memory unit stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the electronic control unit to determine an external audio range of the audio content output from the plurality of speakers, the external audio range being a range from the vehicle at which the audio content output from the plurality of speakers is audible by parties external to the vehicle, and control the display device to display the external audio range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean L. Helm
  • Electromagnetic communications system and method for a drilling operation
    Patent number: 10443374
    Abstract: A wireless communications system for a downhole drilling operation comprises surface communications equipment and a downhole telemetry tool. The surface communications equipment comprises a surface EM communications module with an EM downlink transmitter configured to transmit an EM downlink transmission at a frequency between 0.01 Hz and 0.1 Hz. The downhole telemetry tool is mountable to a drill string and has a downhole electromagnetic (EM) communications unit with an EM downlink receiver configured to receive the EM downlink transmission. The downhole EM communications unit can further comprise an EM uplink transmitter configured to transmit an EM uplink transmission at a frequency greater than 0.5 Hz, in which case the surface EM communications module further comprises an EM uplink receiver configured to receive the EM uplink transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Switzer, Jili Liu, Mingdong Xu, Mojtaba Kazemi Miraki, Aaron W. Logan
  • Method for detecting support surface variations during wheel alignment rolling compensation procedure
    Patent number: 10444010
    Abstract: A method for detecting the occurrence of deviations from level, straight-line rolling movement of a wheel assembly across a supporting surface during a rolling compensation procedure associated with a vehicle wheel alignment measurement or inspection system by identifying changes in measurements or calculated parameters associated with the wheel assembly which would be unchanged during an ideal level and straight-line rolling movement. Identified changes in the measurements or calculated parameters are evaluated to either warn an operator of the occurrence of a deviation, or to generate a correction factor to account for at least a portion of an effect which the deviations introduce into compensation calculations or subsequent wheel alignment measurements or service procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Daniel R. Dorrance
  • Truck deck rail tool storage and truck deck and truck having the same
    Patent number: 10442370
    Abstract: A truck box or rear compartment includes a deck. The deck includes a floor that defines a cargo area having a length and width. The deck also includes a pair of opposed inner sidewalls that extend along the length of the cargo area comprising a first inner sidewall portion that extends upwardly away from the floor to a top portion and a second inner sidewall portion that extends downwardly from the top portion to a lower end, the lower end comprising a pocket channel. A pickup truck box deck rail assembly includes a deck rail configured for disposition on a top portion of an outer sidewall of a pickup truck box, the deck rail comprising a plurality of deck rail openings. The assembly also includes a corresponding plurality of opening covers configured to selectively and releasably cover and uncover the deck rail openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Scott L. Frederick
  • Marine lubricating oils and method of making and use thereof
    Patent number: 10443008
    Abstract: Provided are marine lubricating oils including from 15 to 95 wt % of a Group III base stock having a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C. of 4 to 12 cSt, 0.5 to 55 wt % of cobase stock having a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C. of 29 to 1000 cSt, 0.1 to 2.0 wt % of a molydithiocarbamate friction modifier, 0.1 to 2.0 wt % of a zinc dithiocarbamate anti-wear additive, and 2 to 30 wt % of other lubricating oil additives. The cobase stock is selected from the group consisting of a Group I, a Group IV, a Group V and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of making and using the marine lubricating oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Nabila Brabez, Kevin L. Crouthamel, John T. Fogarty, Andrew D. Satterfield
  • Efficient track-before detect algorithm with minimal prior knowledge
    Patent number: 10445862
    Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for tracking an image target in a system, wherein a system receives an image comprising a plurality of pixels. The received image is processed via a plurality of different recursive motion model kernels in parallel to provide a plurality of kernel outputs, wherein each of the motion model kernels may include a respective pixel mask. Per-pixel energy is estimated of at least some of the plurality of kernel outputs. Velocity of at least one of the image pixels may also be estimated by generating a directional energy vector for each motion model kernel. The per-pixel energy and velocity estimates are fused to produce a fused estimate representing at least some of the motion model kernels for the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Merry, Ross L. Hansen
  • Phosphonium-based ionic liquids for lithium metal-based batteries
    Patent number: 10446875
    Abstract: An electrolyte for Li-ion and other secondary electrochemical cells includes an FSI anion and at least one of methyltriethylphosphonium; trimethylisobutylphosphonium; methyltributylphosphonium; and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium. The electrolyte uniquely enables stable cell cycling even when water is present in the electrolyte at levels as high as 5000 ppm. Methyltriethylphosphonium and trimethylisobutylphosphonium-containing electrolytes are particularly effective in this water-stabilizing capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Deakin University
    Inventors: Nikhilendra Singh, Timothy S. Arthur, Kensuke Takechi, Patrick Howlett, Maria Forsyth, Robert Kerr, Fuminori Mizuno
  • Method for cleaning a nozzle arrangement in a spray drying apparatus, and spray drying apparatus for carrying out the method
    Patent number: 10443933
    Abstract: In a spray drying apparatus, comprising in a usual manner a drying chamber, an air disperser, and at least one pressure nozzle arrangement (4), means are provided for emptying the feed in the nozzle arrangement(s) (4) after the supply of feed from a feed system (5) is halted and before the nozzle arrangement(s) (4) are removed from the drying chamber and positioned in a cleaning system (7). The emptying takes place while maintaining atomization in the nozzle arrangement (4). The feed emptying system (6) comprises a pump (60), a pressurized air/gas source (61) and a conduit (62), and the spray drying apparatus at least one valve (45, 53, 63, 64, 65, 66) allowing switching from the feed system (5) to the feed emptying system (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GEA Process Engineering A/S
    Inventors: Jens Ulrik Nielsen, Thomas Filholm, Troels O. J. P. Berg, Thomas Willum Jensen
  • Can bottom former assembly
    Patent number: 10441992
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for dynamically or manually positioning a dome die and clamp ring of a can bottom former assembly. The actuator assembly is also usable for other purposes where accurate and repeatable adjustments in position are needed. The actuator assembly may include an anchor member and at least one torsion rod having a torque end and an actuation end, with 2 bends at or near the actuation end, such that a torque applied to the torque end creates a substantially linear actuation force at or near the actuation end of the torsion rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Pride Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Rick Swedberg
  • Membrane bioreactor for strengthening membrane fouling control and method thereof
    Patent number: 10442712
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a membrane bioreactor for strengthening membrane fouling control and method thereof. The embodiments may solve problems associated with existing techniques in the field of water treatment. The membrane bioreactor may include a reactor wall, a membrane element, a collecting pipe, a water collecting pipe, a vacuum table, a suction pump, a cleaning unit, an air compressor, an aeration pipe, an aeration head, an inlet pipe, and a drain pipe. The existing techniques related to membrane fouling control has problems such as complexity to operate, difficulties to clean online, and uses of chemicals, which may cause secondary pollution. The embodiments relate to a device that includes a set of automatic mechanical transmission units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Nanjing University, Nanjing University & Yancheng Academy of Environmental Protection Technology and Engineering
    Inventors: Jinnan Wang, Chao Qi, Yaohua Lin
  • Hardware intrusion detection system
    Patent number: 10445530
    Abstract: An apparatus for intrusion detection includes processing circuitry, a switch, signal detection circuitry, and an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”). The processing circuitry is coupled to send a challenge signal to a device when the device is coupled to the processing circuitry. The switch is coupled to be enabled and disabled by the processing circuitry. The switch is for coupling to the device to receive a response signal in response to the challenge signal sent by the processing circuitry. The signal detection circuitry is coupled to receive the response signal in via the switch, when the processing circuitry enables the switch. The ADC is coupled to take measurements of the signal detection circuitry at a first output. The processing circuitry is coupled to the ADC and configured to analyze whether an intruder is present in the device based on the measurements of the signal detection circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan J. Edwards
  • Easy-adjustment bicycle gear-shifting system
    Patent number: 10442497
    Abstract: An easy-adjustment bicycle gear-shifting system consisting of a microcontroller unit, a memory, a driver and a derailleur is disclosed. The memory has stored therein more than three position tables each containing the position information of the derailleur relative to the chainrings. The position information contained in one position table has a part or all different from the position information contained in every other position table. The position tables are arranged one after another in a proper order corresponding to one same chainring in such a manner that every two adjacent position tables are differed by a distance value corresponding to one same chainring. The microcontroller unit selects one position table, and drives the driver to shift the derailleur to the corresponding position according to the position information of the selected position table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AD-II Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Chi-Ming Chien
  • Spring connectors with adjustable grooves and related methods
    Patent number: 10447000
    Abstract: A connector assembly having a housing and a shaft; at least a groove in the housing or on the shaft; one of the housing and the shaft has a first component and a second component; there being at least a first groove configuration and a second groove configuration resulting from two different relative positions of the first and second components; the first and second groove configurations resulting in a first insertion force and a first removal force of the shaft into and from the housing and a second insertion force and a second removal force of the shaft into and from the housing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Frederick, Derek Changsrivong, Pere Pla-Junca, Peter J. Balsells, Richard Dawson
  • Apparatus and method for checking inclination of cushion pad
    Patent number: 10441988
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking an inclination of a cushion pad includes: a plurality of height position detectors that detect a plurality of respective height positions in a vertical direction at a plurality of positions different in a horizontal direction of the cushion pad; an inclination measurement unit that measures information on an inclination of the cushion pad in accordance with the plurality of height positions detected by the plurality of respective height position detectors; and an input/output unit that outputs the information on an inclination of the cushion pad measured by the inclination measurement unit to a display or a printer in a visible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Kondo, Junji Makabe
  • System and method for automatically creating and operating a functional association of lights
    Patent number: 10448482
    Abstract: A system and a method for automatically creating and operating a functional association of multiple luminaires is proposed. The system consists of two or more devices that each contain one or more sensors, logic processing circuitry and communication circuitry that is able to transmit messages between devices. The set of devices that constitute the members of a functional association is selected from a larger set of candidate devices. The selection process involves each device comparing the sensor data received from neighboring devices relating to occupancy and daylight sensors against the device's occupancy and daylight sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: JDRF Electromag Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Roumanos Dableh
  • Slide-on-rod assembly for a vehicle sun visor
    Patent number: 10442277
    Abstract: A slide-on-rod assembly includes a tube and a carriage configured to move within the tube. The carriage has a first contact surface, the carriage includes a wing rotatably coupled to a body of the carriage, the wing has a second contact surface, the first contact surface of the carriage is configured to contact a corresponding first contact surface of the tube, and the second contact surface of the wing is configured to contact a corresponding second contact surface of the tube. The slide-on-rod assembly also includes a biasing member coupled to the at least one wing and to the body of the carriage. The biasing member is configured to drive the first contact surface of the carriage into contact with the corresponding first contact surface of the tube and the second contact surface of the wing into contact with the corresponding second contact surface of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Daimay North America Automotive Engineering Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Welter