Patents Examined by Christopher Koehler
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Patent number: 8127423Abstract: A roller hemming system for hemming nested panels includes a single hemming workstation providing for tooling exchange operations simultaneous with hemming operations. A plurality of robots that perform tooling exchange at the hemming workstation, movement of nested panels through the system, and hemming operations on nested panels at the hemming workstation. Nested panels are inputted into the system and hemmed nested panel assemblies are outputted from the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Hirotec America, Inc.Inventors: James Toeniskoetter, Jamie Lavely
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Patent number: 8128308Abstract: A dual bushing installation kit includes a first metal bushing and a second metal bushing. The first metal bushing can include a first body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a first outer surface having a first outer circumference and a first inner surface having a first inner circumference. The second metal bushing is defined by a second body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a second outer surface having a second outer circumference and a second inner surface having a second inner circumference. The second outer circumference is dimensioned to be substantially conforming with the first inner circumference such that the second bushing is closely receivable by a first opening of the first bushing. Both the second outer circumference and the first inner circumference can be expanded in an outwardly radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Fatigue Technology Inc.Inventors: William A. Skinner, Jude H. Restis, Mark R. Weiss
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Patent number: 8117723Abstract: The present invention discloses a jig for assembling various types of front end modules to various types of vehicles, comprising: (a) a body movably supported to the ceiling of an assembly line; (b) a car body-fixing part movably mounted to the body to fix various types of vehicles by variably adjusting its fixing position to the front car body of the vehicles; (c) a component-supporting part movably mounted to the body to support the front end module; and (d) a component-holding part mounted to the body and the component-supporting part to fix the front end module by variably change its holding position depending on the types of front end modules.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Yo-Hee Jin
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Patent number: 8108978Abstract: A tooling apparatus for positioning end effector tooling for engagement with a workpiece to facilitate the performance of work operations on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an elongated rectangular tubular backbone member, a plurality of tubular collars positioned over and secured to the backbone member at predetermined longitudinally spaced locations along the backbone member, and a plurality of support structures secured to a side of one or more of the collars utilizing a plurality of fasteners engaging apertures in the collars and aligned apertures in the underlying backbone member.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Norgren Automation Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Donald Van Zile, III
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Patent number: 8108979Abstract: A method of repairing a part, which has a first side, a second side opposite of the first side, and an aperture that makes the part susceptible to cracking, includes the steps of forming a slot in the first side of the part near the aperture, inserting a stiffener into the slot, and attaching at least one repair ply onto the first side of the part to cover the stiffener.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Daniel M. Stadtlander, William F. Bogue, Michael J. Madel, Jr., Brian K. Holland
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Patent number: 8104163Abstract: A cookware handle with a soft non-slip surface is formed by molding elastomeric composition around a core or elongated member that connects a flange portion and the terminal end or hanging portion of the handle. The core or elongated member has a relatively narrow cross-section to minimize heat transfer from the pot so that the gripping portion remains cool during cooking.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Meyer Intellectual Properties LimitedInventors: Kenny Ng, Tanveer Khan
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Patent number: 8099864Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforcing bar tie the enables the connection intersecting reinforcing bars. The invention houses a tie made of an elastic member in a reception space, and extrudes it with an extruding member. At this time, the curved portions provided on both ends of the tie advance while guiding portions of a guiding member push them open, and are guided to an intersecting position of two reinforcing bars. Further, by extruding with the extruding member the tie detaches from the guiding member and winds around the intersection of the two reinforcing bars with a force sufficient to couple the two reinforcing bars together.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Fumoto Giken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Yamamoto, Ryouhei Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8096039Abstract: A golf club head is disclosed. The golf club head includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member includes a strike face and a top portion. The second body member is coupled to the first body member and extends away from the first body member in a direction opposite the strike face. At least a top portion of the second body member is camouflaged. A preferred method of camouflage is color differentiation, wherein the second body member is darker than the first body member. Specific color values and club head geometries are also disclosed and claimed. The club head may include a body member and a weight member such as a bar that extends rearward from the body member. A cover may be included to camouflage the weight member. A separate core member and high visibility sight lines may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Christopher B. Best, Thomas C. Morris
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Patent number: 8096032Abstract: A toggling punch for attaching a waveguide entry spinning to a waveguide entry panel wherein the cylindrical body portion of the waveguide entry spinning is deformed outwardly over the waveguide entry panel by means of a plurality of inclined movable pins which are moved to their crimping positions by means of a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ralph A. Bender, Alan F. Bender
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Patent number: 8091196Abstract: A device for mounting a part to a body of a motor vehicle. A positioning mechanism positions the part in relation to the body in a determined fixing position, which is geometrically defined in a reference trihedral formed by the longitudinal axis X, the transverse axis Y, and the vertical axis Z of the body. The positioning mechanism includes a temporary mounting structure including a first mechanism mounting the structure to the body in a given use position in which a second mechanism belonging to the structure cooperates with the part to position the part in relation to the body in the above-mentioned determined fixing position, which is defined by a given positioning reference system corresponding to the use position of the structure on the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Renault s.a.s.Inventor: Alain Aleman
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Patent number: 8091203Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a high pressure tank and a method thereof includes providing a liner of the high pressure tank. A liner having at least one open end with a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter. The method also including providing a cap having a second outer diameter which is greater than the first inner diameter. The method further includes providing a collar having a second inner diameter which is less than the first outer diameter. The liner is brought to a first temperature, the cap is brought to a second temperature which is less than the first temperature, and the collar is brought to a third temperature which is greater than the first temperature. At least a portion of the cap is placed inside the open end and at least a portion of the collar is placed over the open end.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard M. Kleber, Hamid G. Kia, John E. Carsley
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Patent number: 8087144Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping and encapsulating a shaped wooden workpiece or substrate to protect against environmental elements and prevent splintering of the wooden substrate in the installed condition is disclosed. An inventive end cap having a melt ring integrally formed therewith is installed on a portion of the substrate, such as a terminus of the substrate. According to the invention, the wooden substrate is sheathed during a polymeric extrusion process with a substantially continuous, unbroken polyethylene or other polymeric layer extending from and continuous with the inventive end cap. During the extrusion process, the melt ring integrally formed along the annular walls of the end cap melt the encapsulant and form a substantially sealed configuration with the polymeric layer applied to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Don Kain
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Patent number: 8087148Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet, a drum mounted in the tub, a shaft that transmits a driving force from a motor to the drum, front and rear bearings mounted on an outer circumference of opposite end portions of the shaft, a bearing housing built in a central portion of a rear wall of the tub to support the front bearing, a rotor coupled to the rear end portion of the shaft, a stator fixed to the tub rear wall inward of the rotor, and a connector of the rotor that serration coupled to the outer circumference of the shaft in front of the rear bearing so as to transmit rotating power from the rotor to the shaft. A bearing bracket may be fixed to the rear wall of the tub so as to cover an outside of the rotor and support the rear bearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Kyum Kim, Ho Cheol Kwon, Jong A Park, Kang Mo Choi
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Patent number: 8087145Abstract: An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Brent F. Craig, Eric M. Reid
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Patent number: 8082646Abstract: A system for splicing a conveyor belt with belt fasteners is disclosed. A base assembly aligns the belt, belt fasteners and rivet holes thereof with swage structures for securing the rivets. A guide assembly has a rigid guide block with cylindrical pilot holes, and a guide membrane of resilient material. Guide pins are receivable by guide bores for aligning the base and guide assemblies with the pilot holes, rivet holes, and swage structures in registry. The guide membrane including openings aligned with the pilot holes. The openings have a pair of slits defining flaps deflectable to permit the rivet to pass therethrough, and a central hole or cut-out. The flaps and the cut-out assist in centering the rivet with the belt fastener rivet holes. The system uses a single-rivet driver, a multi-rivet driver, a pneumatic driver, or an electric hammer.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Inventors: Thomas W. Richardson, Mary Jane Richardson
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Patent number: 8079146Abstract: There is disclosed a process of forming reinforcements, baffles and seals having malleable carriers. The process typically includes application of an activatable material to a malleable carrier and contouring of the activatable material the malleable carrier or both.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.Inventors: Todd Gray, Thomas L. Coon, Matthew Thomas
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Patent number: 8074359Abstract: An automated assembly, system and method for a narrow-gap Electroslag-welded moment connection welded between horizontal beam to vertical column flanges includes vertical column doubler plates affixed to the column web and horizontal beam doubler plates affixed to the beam web with alignment of the respective webs/doubler plates to carry the moment load through the vertical support columns. An embodiment includes a radius in each horizontal beam doubler plate. The assembly, system and method is readily applicable to overdesign moment load factors.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventor: William L. Bong
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Patent number: 8061007Abstract: A fixed needle syringe has a syringe barrel with its distal portion modified to accept a needle protective housing. In particular, the distal portion is formed with the a groove dimensioned to accept a collar that is attached to the housing. The inside surface of the collar is provided with a number of flanges that fit within the groove formed at the distal portion of the syringe barrel of the fixed needle syringe. Protrusions are provided at the inside surface of the collar to frictionally act against the syringe barrel, so that the needle protective housing does not freely rotate, but is rotatable relative to the syringe barrel by the application of a predetermined torque to either the collar or the housing attached thereto. An internal hook is provided in the housing to grasp the needle of the syringe, when the housing is pivoted to cover the needle extending from the needle hub of the syringe.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.Inventors: Roddi James Simpson, Steven Huu Nguyen
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Patent number: 8042248Abstract: Disclosed embodiments demonstrate batch processing methods for producing optical windows for micro-devices. The windows protect the active elements of the micro-device from contaminants, while allowing light to pass into and out of the hermetically sealed micro-device package. Windows may be batch produced, reducing the cost of production, by fusing multiple metal frames to a single sheet of glass. In order to allow windows to be welded atop packages, disclosed embodiments keep a lip of metal without any glass after the metal frames are fused to the sheet of glass. Several techniques may accomplish this goal, including grinding grooves in the glass to provide a gap that prevents fusion of the glass to the metal frames along the outside edges in order to form a lip. The disclosed batch processing techniques may allow for more efficient window production, taking advantage of the economy of scale.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Wei-Yan Shih, Bradley M. Haskett
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Patent number: 8024846Abstract: A method for preparing a surface includes providing an article having an article surface, thereafter first processing the article surface to establish a first residual compressive stress state and a first surface roughness in the article surface, and thereafter second processing the article surface by surface compressive texturing to establish a second residual compressive stress state and a second surface roughness in the article surface. The second surface roughness is quantitatively less than the first surface roughness, and substantially no material is removed from the article surface in the step of second processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alberto Luna, Jeffrey F. Wessels, Dale R. Lombardo