Patents Examined by A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9008892
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for scheduling aircraft maintenance events. One system includes a user interface and at least one processor. The system is configured to receive an indication that an unscheduled maintenance event for an aircraft is to be scheduled, and to determine, using the at least one processor, a maintenance schedule for completing the unscheduled maintenance event on the aircraft, a modified flight schedule for the aircraft, and a modified aircraft schedule for the aircraft based on the unscheduled maintenance event, an initial flight schedule, an initial aircraft schedule, and at least one selectable parameter indicative of user preferences to reduce a total cost of operating the at least one aircraft. The system is configured to provide at least one of the maintenance schedule, the modified flight schedule, and the modified aircraft schedule to the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Bollapragada, Jon David Petersen, Weiwei Chen, Mark Thomas Harrington
  • Patent number: 9007743
    Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolytic capacitor that is excellent in productivity, has improved volumetric efficiency aiming for capacity increase, a stable fillet shape when mounted, and has excellent ESL characteristics. Included is a capacitor stack element composed of a stack of capacitor elements. The capacitor element includes one anode part of an anode body made of linear, foil-like, or plate-like valve metal and a cathode part composed of dielectric, solid electrolyte, graphite, and silver paste layers, which are sequentially formed to another surface of the anode body separated by insulating resin. A fillet formation part with a recessed part is provided to an end surface of anode and cathode terminals of a mounting electrode side of a first direction end surface of the electrode substrate to which the capacitor stack element is mounted. Further, the anode and cathode terminals for element connection reach the end surface of the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nec Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kawai, Kenji Araki
  • Patent number: 9009222
    Abstract: Techniques for verifying the transfer from a content provider of a selected data file selected by a client device using a proxy server is disclosed. By creating a local set of characteristics of the selected data file, network traffic sent between the client device and the content provider can be monitored. A local record of a transfer session is then created, and a download request from the client device is received and forwarded, thus initiating the transfer of the selected data file to the content provider. A data file is then received from the content provider and forwarded to the client device. The characteristics of the received data file are evaluated, thus allowing verification that the characteristics of the received data file match the local set of characteristics of the selected data file to take place. Finally, the received data file is forwarded to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Blis Media Limited
    Inventor: Gregor Donald Isbister
  • Patent number: 9008880
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying a recommended engine fuel fill amount to an operator of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. In one example, the recommended engine fuel fill amount is determined based on an actual amount of fuel consumed over a particular duration and displayed to an operator of the vehicle with a low fuel warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sangeetha Sangameswaran, Ryan J. Skaff, Paul Aldighieri, Dale Gilman, Robert David Hancasky
  • Patent number: 9004772
    Abstract: A rolling bearing unit includes: a rolling bearing; a grease reservoir in which grease is reserved; an outer ring spacer disposed adjacent to an outer ring of the rolling bearing; and a bellows-shaped grease medium that connects a second side wall that defines the grease reservoir on the outer ring spacer side, to a step portion of the outer ring. The grease medium is disposed so as to be impregnated with a base oil contained in the grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 9008924
    Abstract: A transmission control system and method for controlling the level of creep torque supplied by a powertrain. The transmission control system having a controller configured to receive output signals from any one of a driver interface device sensor, a grade sensor, and a brake pedal sensor. Based on the output signals, the level of necessary creep torque and be determined and supplied, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Graeme A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9003773
    Abstract: A vehicle and method of updating aging of a selective catalytic reduction filter (SCRF) of an exhaust treatment system of the vehicle are disclosed. The method includes determining a desorption rate estimate of a catalyst of the SCRF and determining an ash volume estimate representative of an amount of ash collected inside the SCRF. The method also includes determining an ash correction factor from the ash volume estimate and calculating, via a controller, a corrected desorption rate value by multiplying the ash correction factor with the desorption rate estimate to update the aging of the SCRF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Larose, Jr., Christopher Whitt, Christopher C. Swoish, Joshua Clifford Bedford
  • Patent number: 9005528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental and natural resource contexts is provided. The apparatus comprises a sampling container assembly for sampling a fluid. The container assembly comprises a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valve assembly fluidly coupled with the first end and a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid. After collection of the sample in the sampling container assembly, hazardous fluids are converted to non-hazardous materials that can be transported without additional hazardous material restraints. Further, the flow through design of the sampling container assembly allows for the collection of gases such as H2S at low concentrations by flowing the gas over the reactant materials for longer periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Switzerland Trading and Development GmbH
    Inventors: Todd Coleman, Corben Rice, Dennis Coleman
  • Patent number: 9005260
    Abstract: A receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Aesculap Implant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Dauster, Matthew Kovach, Paul Weaver
  • Patent number: 9004290
    Abstract: A faucet-mounted filter system that includes a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet, a quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths, a seal for sealing the fluid chamber, an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without having to interrupt the seal, a flow meter connected to the body and in fluid communication with the filter flow path, a filter housing connected to the body and having a reservoir, and a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: PUR Water Purification Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Tanner, David Emmons, Matthew L. Newman, Brian D. Andres, Simon Leung, Steven J. Schroeck, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann, Peter Stoeffel, Richard P. Riedel
  • Patent number: 9004971
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an organic luminescence display device, the method including: bringing a getter powder into direct contact with a first surface of an encapsulation substrate; irradiating a laser to a second surface of the encapsulation substrate correspondingly to a getter pattern area to melt the second surface of the encapsulation substrate; and bonding the getter powder to the molten second surface of the encapsulation substrate to form a getter pattern corresponding to the getter pattern area. Since the getter powder is directly bonded to the encapsulation substrate by laser irradiation, a fine getter pattern may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hyun Son, Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9008807
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method of Advanced Process Control for optimal operation of multi-unit plants in large scale processing and power generation industries. The invention framework includes the following components: continuous real time dynamic process simulation, automatic coefficient adjustment of dynamic and static process models, automatic construction of transfer functions, determination of globally optimal operating point specific to current conditions, provision of additional optimal operating scenarios through a variety of unit combinations, and calculation of operational forecasts in accordance with planned production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Statistics & Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Shapiro, Ilya Markevich, Dmitriy Khots
  • Patent number: 9003914
    Abstract: A device for generating a return force for a control stick that is movable from a neutral position along a travel path, includes a mechanical connection member connecting the stick to a resilient return member for returning the stick towards the neutral position. The mechanical connection member and the resilient return member produce, over a first portion of the travel path, a first strength of return force and, over a second portion of the travel path, a second strength of return force. A transmission part is mechanically connected to the stick so that any stick movement along the second portion corresponds to turning movement of the transmission part, and so that the return force to the stick is transmitted to the stick positioned in the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Bernard Robic, Christian Gouard, Herve Gorecki
  • Patent number: 9008905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive control means, in particular for controlling a windscreen wiper drive of a motor vehicle, having a first interface and a second interface, wherein, after receiving control information via the first interface, the drive control means is arranged to configure itself in a master role and to output control information via the second interface in order to control a further drive control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Prskawetz, Florian Tisch, Edgard Fabing
  • Patent number: 9006931
    Abstract: Devices that include one or more functional semiconductor elements that are immersed in static electric fields (E-fields). In one embodiment, one or more electrets are placed proximate the one or more organic, inorganic, or hybrid semiconductor elements so that the static charge(s) of the electret(s) participate in creating the static E-field(s) that influences the semiconductor element(s). An externally applied electric field can be used, for example, to enhance charge-carrier mobility in the semiconductor element and/or to vary the width of the depletion region in the semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Versatilis LLC
    Inventor: Ajaykumar R. Jain
  • Patent number: 9004238
    Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake includes a brake-internal hydraulic arrangement with a supply circuit and an expansion vessel, a brake application device with a brake application cylinder for applying a brake pad in the direction of a brake disc, a force transmission unit which supports the brake pad at a wedge angle on the brake application device, a tangential-force absorbing cylinder for switching over the wedge angle and being operatively connected to the force transmission unit; an electric-motor actuator which acts on the brake application device via the hydraulic arrangement, a distributor cylinder arranged in series between the electric-motor actuator and the brake application device for pressure boosting, and a control unit for controlling switchover of the wedge angle between the tangential-force absorbing cylinder and the electric-motor actuator. An adjusting device adjusts brake pad wear, and has a movable screw spindle, which is operatively connected to the brake application device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Miller
  • Patent number: 9005274
    Abstract: A method for treating a body conduit/lumen having an undesired reduced diameter includes determining a target diameter of the conduit/lumen in a target location of the conduit/lumen, and delivering a self-expanding metal stent in a contracted configuration to the target location. In a fully expanded configuration, the stent has a diameter that is more than 50% larger than the target diameter over an entire length of the self-expanding stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Stentys SAS
    Inventors: Jacques Seguin, Gonzague Issenmann
  • Patent number: 9003912
    Abstract: Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Omni USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Daniel, Bradford Newcomb
  • Patent number: 9007193
    Abstract: One embodiment induces a display system for use on the exterior of a vehicle having a display, a vehicle speed sensor, a trigger device, and a processor coupled to the speed sensor and the trigger device. The trigger device is configured to identify a trigger event. The processor is configured to implement one of three operational modes of the display system based on the speed and state of the vehicle: a first operational mode when no trigger event is identified, the vehicle is on, and the vehicle is at a first speed; a second operational mode when no trigger event is identified and the vehicle is at a second speed different than the first speed; and a third operational mode when the trigger event is identified. The processor is further configured to render content on the display based upon the operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: ReviverMX, Inc.
    Inventors: Neville Boston, Michael Jordan
  • Patent number: D726783
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Red Bull GmbH
    Inventors: Drew Haygeman, Eike Schaefer