Patents Examined by Abiy Teka
  • High Strain Peano hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducers
    Patent number: 11635094
    Abstract: High strain hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic transducers having increased maximum theoretical and practical strains are disclosed. In particular, the actuators include electrode configurations having a zipping front created by the attraction of the electrodes that is configured orthogonally to a strain axis along which the actuators. This configuration produces increased strains. In turn, various form factors for the actuator configuration are presented including an artificial circular muscle and a strain amplifying pulley system. Other actuator configurations are contemplated that include independent and opposed electrode pairs to create cyclic activation, hybrid electrode configurations, and use of strain limiting layers for controlled deflection of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Christoph Matthias Keplinger, Xingrui Wang, Shane Karl Mitchell
  • Excavator
    Patent number: 11634882
    Abstract: An excavator may perform a finishing operation to prepare a slope while maintaining workability. The excavator includes an undercarriage, a slewing upper structure rotatably mounted on the undercarriage, a boom pivotally mounted on the upper structure, an arm rotatably mounted on a tip end of the boom, a bucket mounted on a tip end of the arm, and a controller. The controller restricts a lowering operation of the boom, so that at least one of a pressing force of the bucket against the ground and a speed of lowering the bucket toward the ground does not become relatively large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Milling machine having a fluid flow based height measurement system
    Patent number: 11629735
    Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame, a milling drum attached to the frame, and ground engaging tracks that support the frame and propel the milling machine in a forward or rearward direction. The milling machine may have a tank that stores hydraulic fluid. The milling machine may also have at least one actuator connecting the frame to the tracks. The actuator may adjust a height of the frame relative to a ground surface. A fluid conduit may connect the tank to the actuator. The milling machine may have a flow sensor in the fluid conduit. The flow sensor may determine a flow parameter associated with a flow of the hydraulic fluid into or out of the actuator. The milling machine may also have a controller that determines a height of the frame relative to the ground surface based on the flow parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, Jr., Mark Holub, Clayton Padgett, Matthew J. Sirovatka, Paul Friend
  • Working equipment with electrically powered hydraulically operated arm arrangement
    Patent number: 11629480
    Abstract: Working equipment including a hydraulically movable arm arrangement for a crane, an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, and a pump controller. An equipment controller is arranged to determine a maximum flow limit from the pump in dependence of a comparison of a current limit received from a battery system and a current consumption monitored by the pump controller, and to compare the determined limit with required flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump needed to move the movable arm arrangement in accordance with operating signals, and if the result does not fulfil a rule of a set of fluid control rules, the controller adapts the operating signals to reduce flow of hydraulic fluid to at least one of a plurality of actuators according to a rule of a set of adaptation rules, such that at least one rule of the set of fluid control rules is fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hiab AB
    Inventor: Robert Pettersson
  • Hydraulic control circuit for a construction machine
    Patent number: 11629479
    Abstract: To make it possible to control supply, discharge, and recycled flow rates independently of each other for the stick cylinder in a construction machine comprising first and second stick spool valves respectively connected to first and second hydraulic pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Hideki Nakajima, Koichi Kiyasu
  • Hybrid actuation devices with electrostatic clutches
    Patent number: 11624376
    Abstract: A hybrid actuation device including a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate, a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first plate and the second plate, a bladder positioned between the first plate and the second plate, the bladder housing a fluid, a first fixed electrode coupled to the second plate, and a flexible electrode coupled to the first plate and extending along the first fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Rowe, Maduran Palaniswamy
  • Excavator with improved movement sensing
    Patent number: 11624169
    Abstract: An excavator includes a rotatable house and a bucket operably coupled to the rotatable house. The excavator also includes one or more swing sensors configured to provide at least one rotation sensor signal indicative of rotation of the rotatable house and one or more controllers coupled to the sensor. The one or more controllers being configured to implement inertia determination logic that determines the inertia of a portion of the excavator and control signal generator logic that generates a control signal to control the excavator, based on the inertia of the portion of the excavator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael G. Kean
  • Control system for controlling a tool of a machine
    Patent number: 11618120
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a tool of a machine includes at least one controller and detecting means. The detecting means includes at least one range finder device for at least partly detecting and positioning an object with regards to the tool in 3D space. An operation mode of the at least one controller depends at least in part on the object. A machine and a method for controlling a tool of the machine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Novatron Oy
    Inventor: Arto Anttila
  • Wave spring body including fingers
    Patent number: 11619276
    Abstract: A wave spring is disclosed herein that creates hysteresis between two components. The wave spring includes an annular body having a wave-shaped profile, and a plurality of axially extending fingers extending from the annular body. The wave spring is dimensioned to be received in a space between at least two axially opposed hub components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Austin Hoff, Kelly Gabor
  • Method of monitoring an electrohydrostatic actuator
    Patent number: 11614105
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of monitoring an electrohydrostatic actuator, wherein the electrohydrostatic actuator comprises a hydraulic pump drivable by an electric motor and a hydraulic activator drivable by means of the hydraulic pump to move a component, in particular an aircraft part. The method include detecting the instantaneous speed of the electric motor; detecting an instantaneous position of the activator; detecting a parameter that relates to an instantaneous operating point of the electrohydrostatic actuator; determining a state variable relating to an efficiency of the electrohydrostatic actuator on the basis of at least the detected speed and the detected position in dependence on the detected parameter; and determining a state of the electrohydrostatic actuator on the basis of the currently determined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Roeben
  • Mechanical impulse motor by compressed air compression
    Patent number: 11614100
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical impulse motor for producing kinetic rotational energy by driving one or more pulleys using compressed air comprising: an air compressor powered by an electric battery; two pneumatic pistons configured to receive compressed air from the air compressor; two lever arms each of which driven by one of the pneumatic pistons; two ratchets each of which driven by one of the level arms; a shaft securely connected to the two ratchets, the shaft being driven by the lever arms to rotate in a direction constrained by the two ratchets; and a pulley securely connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Demóstenes Jesús Vergara Alarcón
  • Master cylinder for brake
    Patent number: 11608042
    Abstract: A master cylinder for a brake may include: a cylinder housing a first piston installed in the cylinder housing, and movable by an operation force received from a brake pedal; and a second piston within the cylinder housing, and movable in connection with the first piston, wherein the first piston comprises: a first piston body partially within the cylinder housing; and a booster connection within the direction opposite to that in which the first piston body faces the second piston, integrated with the first piston body, and connected to a booster so as to receive the operation force of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Myeon Gyu Cha
  • Control of a hydraulic system
    Patent number: 11608610
    Abstract: A hydraulic system may include a first actuator to control a first linkage member, a second actuator to control a second linkage member, a first primary hydraulic circuit and a first secondary hydraulic circuit that include the first actuator, a second primary hydraulic circuit and a second secondary hydraulic circuit that include the second actuator, a first pump to cause fluid to flow through the first primary hydraulic circuit and the second secondary hydraulic circuit, a second pump to cause fluid to flow through the second primary hydraulic circuit and the first secondary hydraulic circuit, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine that an operator assistance mode is enabled, and cause closing of a first valve that controls fluid flow through the first secondary hydraulic circuit and a second valve that controls fluid flow through the second secondary hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Martin Nackers, Rustin Glenn Metzger, Chris Rustu Cesur, Steven D Spencer
  • Electrohydrostatic actuator system with an expansion reservoir
    Patent number: 11603867
    Abstract: An electrohydrostatic actuator system comprising: a volume- and/or speed-variable hydraulic machine which is driven by an electric motor, for providing a volumetric flow of a hydraulic fluid; a differential cylinder with a piston side and a ring side; and at least one pretensioning source. The actuator system has a closed hydraulic circuit, wherein, during operation, the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit is pressurized by means of the hydraulic machine and/or the pretensioning source. Furthermore, according to the invention, the differential cylinder provides a power motion operating mode and a rapid motion operating mode. In order to balance a volume of the hydraulic fluid in the closed hydraulic circuit, according to the invention an expansion reservoir is connected to the piston side of the differential cylinder via a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Moog GmbH
    Inventors: Sascha Dany, Reiner Kohlhaas, Achim Helbig, Werner Handle
  • Hybrid actuation devices including alignment aids
    Patent number: 11592037
    Abstract: A hybrid actuation device that includes a first plate coupled to a second plate, a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first plate, and an artificial muscle positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The artificial muscle includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a first electrode and a second electrode each disposed in the electrode region of the housing and a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing. The expandable fluid region of the housing is positioned apart from a perimeter of the first plate and the second plate. A first alignment aid is positioned between the first plate and the first electrode, the first alignment aid having an inner surface facing the first plate and an outer surface facing the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Rowe, Max Herzog, Maduran Palaniswamy, Ryohei Tsuruta
  • Work machine
    Patent number: 11591769
    Abstract: A controller mounted in a work machine limits a velocity at which a work device approaches a design surface to be equal to or lower than a predetermined limiting velocity in such a manner that the work machine is located above the design surface when an operation device is operated. The controller determines whether a work phase of the work device is compaction work on the basis of a posture of a bucket with respect to the design surface in a case in which the operation device instructs the work device to approach the design surface, and sets the limiting velocity when determining that the work phase of the work device is the compaction work to be higher than the limiting velocity when determining that the work phase of the work device is other than the compaction work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Chiba, Hiroaki Tanaka, Hisami Nakano
  • Boom control system for a construction machine
    Patent number: 11585068
    Abstract: To be capable of dealing with a machine body lifting operation or a sudden operation, while improving energy efficiency, during a boom-lowering operation, and achieving the reduction of the number of parts, in a construction machine equipped with a boom. It is configured such that a first region Y1 at which a recovery valve passage 16e is opened and a supply valve passage 16f is closed and a second region Y2 at which the recovery valve passage 16e and the supply valve passage 16f are opened, are provided at an operating position of a first boom control valve 16 during the boom lowering operation, and the first boom control valve 16 is positioned at the first region Y1 when neither a machine body lifting operation nor the sudden operation is performed during the boom-lowering operation, and at the region Y2 when the machine body lifting operation or the sudden operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventor: Hideki Nakajima
  • Hydraulic cylinder, for example for use with a hydraulic tool
    Patent number: 11578474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic cylinder, for example for use with a hydraulic tool, which hydraulic tool is provided with a frame and an element which is movable with respect to the frame by means of the hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic tool which is operated by means of a hydraulic cylinder as described above is known from, for example, European patent no. 0641618. This patent discloses a frame which is coupleable to a jib of an excavator or the like and to which an assembly of two jaws can be coupled. One of the jaws is pivotable with respect to the other jaw by means of a hydraulic adjusting cylinder (a double-acting piston/cylinder combination).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: DEMOLITION AND RECYCLING EQUIPMENT B.V.
    Inventor: Gertrudis Maria Gerardus De Gier
  • Pneumatic cylinder device with holding valve
    Patent number: 11572903
    Abstract: An output member (7) is inserted in a housing (5) so as to be movable in a left-right direction. A lock chamber (20) is provided to the right of the output member (7), as a first actuation chamber. Compressed air is supplied to and discharged from the lock chamber (20) through a first supply and discharge passage (24) provided in the housing (5). A first holding valve (30) provided to an intermediate portion of the first supply and discharge passage (24) is configured to close and open the first supply and discharge passage (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: KOSMEK LTD.
    Inventor: Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Skin constrained inflatable bellows
    Patent number: 11572949
    Abstract: An incrementally assembled skin-constrained inflatable bellows system includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, and a bellows attached to and separating the top end cap and the bottom end cap and configured to hold pressurized fluid between the top and bottom end caps. The system further includes a nozzle configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the bellows, and an inextensible skin attached to each of the top end cap, the bottom end cap, and to the bellows. The top end cap assumes a first position when the bellows is inflated via the nozzle and, when the top end cap is adjusted from the first position to a second position, the skin is configured to maintain the top end cap in the second position and constrains the bellows into a predefined rigid three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wonhee Michael Kim, Paul W. Alexander, Diann Brei, Jonathan E. Luntz, Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz, Koray Benli, Adeline Emily Wihardja, Evan Millison