Patents Examined by Alexander P Taousakis
  • Patent number: 9186718
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cycle wheel rim having, in radial cross section, two lateral sidewalls and a bridge, the rim having an outer surface facing outward of the rim and defined by the bridge and by at least a portion of the sidewalls. The manufacturing method includes extruding a section; bending the section; assembling the ends of the hoop formed from the section by joining one to the another; drilling holes in the bridge for fastening the spokes; machining the entire outer surface in a radial plane and on at least a portion of the circumference of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Bérenger Alexandre, Jean-Pierre Mercat
  • Patent number: 9182308
    Abstract: An oil-filled pressure transducer having reduced back pressure, comprising an alignment plate having a sensor accommodating aperture, a sensor module inserted into the sensor accommodating aperture, a header surrounding the alignment plate, the header having a protruding top surface, and a diaphragm disposed on the protruding top surface to create a relatively small oil accommodating region between the diaphragm and the sensor. This configuration reduces the oil volume required for operation, which ultimately reduces the back pressure applied against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9180508
    Abstract: A press brake tool assembly mounting device (42) having a body (66) which mounts a lower press brake tool (46), with a recess in the body (66) receiving in a moving fit a location member (52) mounted to a lower beam (44). A locking arrangement (80) is provided for locking the body (66) relative to the location member (52) in a friction fit, to retain the lower press brake tool (46) in a required position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Bishop
  • Patent number: 9155363
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing annular jewelry rings employing multiple annular elements, at least one of which is composed of tungsten carbide. All annular ring elements composed of tungsten carbide are produced directly from tungsten carbide plate. Using an electrical discharge machining apparatus employing a preformed cylindrical electrode, an aperture of predetermined diameter is drilled through a planar, tungsten carbide plate. Using a wire electric discharge machining apparatus, annular blanks are cut from the planar tungsten carbide plate, the outer surface of the annular blank being cylindrical and concentric with the inner, drilled surface of the annular blank. The inner and outer surfaces of the tungsten carbide annular blanks are cooperatively machined to allow additional annular elements composed of tungsten carbide and other materials to be integrally coupled to one another to form jewelry in the form of rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Diamond Direct, LLC
    Inventor: Sangly Ng
  • Patent number: 9151513
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: HVAC Inventors/Systemation, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Daw, Cody B. Umberger
  • Patent number: 9151067
    Abstract: A method of attaching a cabinet assembly to a spa. The method includes providing a frame that has a channel that forms a perimeter. A spa is placed on the frame such that a flange or lip of the spa extends past the perimeter created by the channel. A plurality of slats are then secured between the flange of the spa and the channel of the frame in order to form a cabinet around the spa. The spa having a pan and a toe kick secured adjacent its bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: QUAD CITIES AUTOMATIC POOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Keith A. Hall
  • Patent number: 9151316
    Abstract: A fastener and associated lock washer having an integral anti-rotation mechanism. The head of the fastener includes a plurality of saw teeth—arranged in a radial array. A lock washer is configured to interact with the head of the fastener. The lock washer includes one or more spring tabs positioned to bear against the radial array of saw teeth. As the fastener is rotated in a first direction, the saw teeth depress and pass over the spring tab(s). However, if the user attempts to rotate the fastener in the opposite direction, the spring tab snaps up into the saw teeth and arrests the motion—in the manner of a ratchet and pawl mechanism. The invention preferably includes a second means for selectively defeating the anti-rotation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: Alan R. Smith, Ralph W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9134072
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes geometry of a two-fluid heat exchanger to provide higher energy efficiency than conventional heat exchangers. The geometry is based upon sequential branching of nearly circular passages in sets, followed by some deformation and twisting of the sequential branches that intermingle flow passages of one fluid with flow passages of another fluid. The flow passages gradually vary in dimension from larger branching at fluid entrance and exit to smaller branching in the middle section of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is substantially symmetric, with the sequential branching in the first half being mirrored as serial regrouping in the second half. The present disclosure also provides stacking methods and layered manufacturing methods for fabricating the three-dimensional geometry of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Benoit Roisin, Ian Estle Graves
  • Patent number: 9132510
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for creating a recessed pattern in a substrate. The method includes laser ablating the substrate to form a recessed complex edge geometry in the substrate. The recessed complex edge geometry forms at least a portion of the pattern. The method also includes machining a remainder of the pattern with a mechanical cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Nashner, Peter N. Russell-Clarke
  • Patent number: 9126290
    Abstract: A system for rapidly assembling solar receiving tubes and solar energy systems comprises a welding station is described. The welding station provides for rapidly assembling solar receiver tubes by welding together two or more solar receiving tubes and comprises means for receiving and restraining solar receiver tubes and a welding station comprising an orbital or a rotational weld head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: David Buttress
  • Patent number: 9127620
    Abstract: A system includes a first sensor positioned at a first location that senses a pallet identifier associated with a transfer pallet. A component is associated with the transfer pallet. A second sensor positioned at a second location remote from the first sensor senses the pallet identifier associated with the transfer pallet. A marking machine proximate to the second location marks the component with a component identifier associated with component unique birth data based on the pallet identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Karl Schroeder, Richard H. Snyder, II, Arland L. Glosette, Donald Rethman, David M. Minton
  • Patent number: 9126214
    Abstract: A showerhead is disclosed in this invention. The showerhead includes a bottom portion, at least one plate, and a top portion. The bottom portion includes a plurality of gas tubes which are integratedly formed on the bottom portion. The gas tubes include at least one first gas tube. The at least one plate includes a first plate. The first plate includes a plurality of first openings, wherein the gas tubes pass through the first openings. The top portion is coupled to the bottom portion for forming at least one inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Hermes-Epitek Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Ping Huang, Tsan-Hua Huang
  • Patent number: 9123987
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling an object to a surface is disclosed. The apparatus may include a mounting plate, a mounting bracket, and a locking plate. The mounting plate may include a mounting portion configured to be coupled with the surface, a receptacle portion configured to receive a mounting bracket, and at least one protrusion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting bracket may include a backing portion, and a coupling portion. The backing portion may define at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one protrusion when the mounting bracket is disposed in the receptacle portion of the mounting plate. The coupling portion may be configured to be coupled with the object, which may be an antenna. The locking plate may be configured to be disposed between at least a portion of the at least one protrusion and at least a portion of the backing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: DISH NETWORK L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Michael Lettkeman, Adam Michael Frank
  • Patent number: 9121395
    Abstract: A rotating group of a bent-axis axial piston pump/motor is assembled as a subassembly with a removable stabilizing component that holds together and compresses the subassembly while it is outside of the pump/motor case. A yoke that carries a permanent or attachable back plate is installed in the case and positioned aside to allow clearance for installation of the rotating group. After the rotating group is installed, the yoke is moved back into proximity with the barrel, the stabilizing component is removed, and the remaining connections are completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Administator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9120189
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a piece of metal reinforcement for mounting on the leading or trailing edge of a composite turbine engine blade, the method comprising the steps consisting in positioning two metal sheets (1) on either side of a core (2), in shaping the sheets (1) on the core (2) by hot isostatic compression, and in cutting the sheets (1) in order to separate the reinforcement along at least one line of cut and in order to release the core. The core (2) has projecting sacrificial zones (13), with the sheets (1) being cut along the sacrificial zones (13) without degrading the remainder of the core (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Patrick Maurice Franchet, Gilles Charles Casimir Klein, Gilbert Michel Marin Leconte, Dominique Magnaudeix
  • Patent number: 9114495
    Abstract: Two cylinder heads (3, 3) are disposed side by side. Upper side intake valve holes (34a, 34c, 34e, 34g) of one of the cylinder heads (3) and upper side exhaust valve holes (35a, 35c, 35e, 35g) of the other of the cylinder heads (3) are simultaneously machined by a multi-spindle head (24) integrally including intake side tools (26a to 26d) and exhaust side tools (28a to 28d). After moving the one of the cylinder heads (3) upward by a pitch P1 of the intake valves and moving the other of the cylinder heads (3) upward by a pitch P2 of the exhaust valves, remaining intake valve holes (34b, 34d, 34f, 34h) of the one of the cylinder heads (3) and remaining exhaust valve holes (35b, 35d, 35f, 35h) of the other of the cylinder heads (3) are simultaneously machined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daiki Sakai, Kenichi Imabuchi, Tetsuo Ishii, Katsumune Inaki, Shugo Arakawa, Kazuhide Ito, Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Masayuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9102211
    Abstract: A suspension coupling for use in a vehicle suspension system the suspension coupling including a knuckle and bushing assembly wherein the knuckle member is a cast aluminum piece having a passage for receiving a two-piece bushing having a formed, metal inner member and a molded, elastomeric outer member having extension members at each end. The bushing member is press-fit into the knuckle member and exhibits higher stiffness in the radial and axial directions and lower stiffness in the torsional and conical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: DIVERSIFIED MACHINE, INC.
    Inventor: Michelle Anne Darcy-Sharma
  • Patent number: 9102014
    Abstract: A method of servicing an airfoil for use in a gas turbine engine. The airfoil assembly is defined by a base material and includes an airfoil and a platform from which the airfoil extends. A predetermined amount of the base material is removed from the airfoil assembly proximate to a fillet area of the airfoil assembly via water jet material removal. The fillet area comprises a junction between the airfoil and the platform and is located at an intersection between the airfoil and the platform. A remainder of the base material comprising base material of the airfoil assembly other than proximate to the fillet area is left intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Petya M. Georgieva, Harshawardhan S. Bhide, Thomas N. Silvey, Mrinal Munshi, Steven J. Vance
  • Patent number: 9097116
    Abstract: A method is provided for reconditioning a turbomachine vane cover plate, by a forming apparatus. The vane having a mounting portion, an airfoil extending radially outward therefrom and a vane head connected to the airfoil. The vane also having a cover plate connected to the vane head, bulged in a direction opposite to the root. In a first analysis step, dimensions of the vane in relation to the cover plate are determined in respect of predefined reference points. If, thereafter, forming of the cover plate seems necessary and possible based on comparison of measurement values from the analysis step with predefined dimension values, the bulged cover plate is formed, at least essentially pressed smooth, by pressing by the forming apparatus in a forming step. After the forming step, the cover plate is re-treated in one or more follow-up steps. An apparatus is also provided for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Igor Zebec, Raphael Schweizer, Josip Stedul, Tobias Schmitt, Frigyes Szücs
  • Patent number: 9095944
    Abstract: A work setting apparatus includes a lower table 15, an upper table 17, and a work holding unit 19 provided with a plurality of work holders 25 each having an adhesive to hold a work. A work setting method sets a second work W2 held by the work holders 25 onto a first work W1 set on the lower table 17. A work holder removing method removes the work holders 25 from the second work W2 set on the first work W1 by vibrating the first and second works W1 and W2 on the lower table 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsunori Kokubo, Yuki Sugiura, Toru Suzuki, Hidetoshi Kitahara