Patents Examined by Daniel Wiley
  • Patent number: 9772599
    Abstract: A driving force transmission unit includes a first coupling, a second coupling, and a first rotary shaft. The first coupling includes a first contact portion and a hole, the inner circumferential surface of which has a rounded rectangular shape in cross section including a circular arc portion. The second coupling includes a second contact portion disposed at a position facing the first contact portion to contact the first contact portion along a direction of rotation of the second coupling. The first rotary shaft is connected to the first coupling and includes a shaft portion, an outer circumferential surface which has a rounded rectangular shape in cross section including a circular arc portion inserted into the hole of the first coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Morita, Takahiro Konishi
  • Patent number: 9771971
    Abstract: An automotive component having an opening through which a ball joint extends, the ball joint comprising: a housing having an exterior substantially cylindrical surface, a seating surface radially extending from the exterior surface for abutting an adjacent first side of the automotive component, and a peripheral groove disposed in the exterior surface spaced axially from the seating surface a predetermined distance; a ball stud having a ball end mounted within the housing and a shank extending axially out of a crown of the housing; a flexible boot having an distal end sealingly engaged on the shank and an opposing proximal base end, the base end including a metal base ring with an inwardly extending flexible detent engaged in the peripheral groove in the housing and a base seal sealing engaged on the exterior surface, the base ring having a radially extending abutment surface for retaining an adjacent second side of the automotive component, and wherein the automotive component is selected from the group cons
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Mevotech LP
    Inventors: Simon Winter, Jack McVeigh, Tyler Kearns, Rosan Luiz
  • Patent number: 9765808
    Abstract: A pin for use in a dynamic pin joint is provided that comprises a core member that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter and a self-lubricating material overlay that is disposed about the outer diameter of the core member along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Mark Ginn, Chad M. Arnold
  • Patent number: 9759247
    Abstract: A structural component includes a first component; a second component composed of metal; and at least one connecting piece composed of metal and which penetrates the first component at least over an entire thickness of the first component, and is fixed in the first component for rotation therewith. The at least one connecting piece is connected to the second component via welding at an end facing the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Werner Karner, Franz Mayr
  • Patent number: 9746014
    Abstract: A device for retaining a strut that moves between a retracted position and an extended position includes a body arrangeable in a storage condition of the body and a retention condition of the body. In the retention condition, the strut is prevented from moving from the extended position to the retracted position thereof. The body moves from the storage condition to the retention condition in response to extension of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Cassaro
  • Patent number: 9748720
    Abstract: A transmission shaft set including a plurality of transmission shaft structures is disclosed. Each transmission shaft structure includes a metal pin connecting shaft and a base. The metal pin connecting shaft includes an arc part, a fastening block, a plurality of electrically connecting parts and a plurality of electrically connecting metal pins. The plurality of electrically connecting parts are located on the arc part. The plurality of electrically connecting metal pins are located in the fastening block and electrically connected to the plurality of electrically connecting parts. The base is fastened to the metal pin connecting shaft and includes a fastening groove, at least one fastening part and at least one column. The fastening groove is used for fastening the fastening block. The fastening part is located near the fastening groove. The column is located near the fastening groove and the fastening part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Acer Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Ta Huang, Wen-Chieh Tai, Yu-Shih Wang, Cheng-Nan Ling, Hsien-Wei Chen, Chun-I Chen
  • Patent number: 9732786
    Abstract: A linking arm assembly adapted to receive and retain a ball stud. The assembly includes an elongated rod structure and a socket head and is variable over a range of lengths by adjustment of the relative position of the elongated rod structure and the socket head. Linking arm assemblies consistent with the present disclosure may be adjusted for use in different applications while using common components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jason K. Trotter, Robert K. Dutzi, Dennis M. Mark, Paul F. Donovan, Jacob J. Domagalla, Kevin J. Szymanski
  • Patent number: 9719538
    Abstract: In the present invention, a through-hole (2) and a compression periphery part (3a) at which the core of the resin foam (1c) is compressed are provided in a fastening part of a resin-foam core composite plate (1). A cylindrical part (11a) of a metallic fastening member (11) is inserted into the through-hole (2) from the proximal end side of a wall part (4). The fastening member (11) is crimped to the distal end of the wall part (4) via an eyelet member (12) placed on the outside of the wall part (4) so as to forcibly spread the cylindrical part (11a). The fastening member (11) and a counterpart member (A) are fastened together by tightening a nut (14) onto a bolt (13) inserted into the cylindrical part (11a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9719540
    Abstract: A hollow groove pipe structure is disclosed and includes a hollow groove pipe, first fixing sliding members, second fixing sliding members, and fixing members. The hollow groove pipe has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface for surrounding a hollow space. At least two opposite surfaces have grooves, and the bottoms of the grooves are greater (wider) than the opening and provided with trough holes. The plates having a plurality of protruding portions can be clamped in the grooves. The first and second fixing sliding members having protruding portions surround and clamp the plates with the space between the two through holes of the grooves, such that the fixing members pass through the holes of the first fixing sliding member, and the holes of the groove the holes of the second fixing sliding member fix and combine the plates into a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Chien Tsung Ou
  • Patent number: 9719554
    Abstract: A ball joint is manufactured by molding a holder through casting by using a ball as a core and joining a shaft member to the ball after the casting through electric resistance welding. The ball joint includes: the ball; a resin sliding contact member including a first opening portion and a second opening portion that expose a spherical surface of the ball in opposite directions; the holder molded through the casting by using the ball and the resin sliding contact member as a core, the holder being obtained by integrally molding a closing portion that is held in contact with a part of the ball, which projects from the second opening portion of the resin sliding contact member; and the shaft member joined to another part of the ball, which is exposed from the first opening portion of the resin sliding contact member, through the electric resistance welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Nishide, Tsutomu Tokairin, Haruki Shoji, Junya Suenaga
  • Patent number: 9719541
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rotatable connector assembly, also referred to as a two-part connector assembly that allows connection of one object or member bearing one part of the assembly to another object or member bearing the other part of the assembly, and further allows rotation of the members with respect to each other in a plane parallel to the plane of the assembled connector, assures that the two connector members remain attached under load and shear forces, and permits ready detachment of the connector members from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. de Grasse
  • Patent number: 9714491
    Abstract: A holder assembly for a crowd control barrier has a bobbin 13 rotatably mounted within a container 12 and configured to have a flexible band 15 wound therearound with the free end 16 of the band emerging from the container whereby the band may be extended so that the free end can be connected to a remote support. When assembled, a spring 25 acts on the bobbin 13 such that tension in the spring is increased as the band 15 is extended whereby the spring may re-wind the band on to the bobbin. The bobbin 13 is axially insertable into and removable from the container 12 to allow the band to be changed. The spring 25 is associated with a carrier 24 and there is a screw-threaded mechanism 27 arranged to rotate the carrier 24 to pre-load the spring 25, as the bobbin 13 is inserted into the container 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Laurence Patrick Wettern
  • Patent number: 9713889
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a housing includes: providing a metal member including a base plate and a sidewall, the base plate having an inner surface connected to the sidewall; providing a filler having a connecting surface and a first top surface; fixing the filler onto the metal member to make the connecting surface connect to the inner surface and the first top surface to respectively form first and second included angles larger than 90 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees; providing a film attached with an ink layer, and then performing a process of In-Mold-Roller Injection Molding to form a plastic on the sidewall and the filler, the ink layer attached to the plastic; and removing a part of the filler and a part of the plastic at the sidewall to form a machined surface connected to the inner surface and the upper appearance surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Hsi-Hsing Hsu, Che-Kai Lin, Shan-Chin Chang, Chih-Wei Chen, Hung-Chi Shui
  • Patent number: 9707609
    Abstract: A mechanism for use in adjusting the position of components in a machine including an elongate shaft assembly, at least one projection shaft extending in a direction transverse to said elongate shaft assembly, and a support frame. The elongate shaft assembly includes at least one primary shaft segment, and at least one secondary shaft segment removably coupled to the primary shaft segment, the secondary shaft segment includes a first gear. The projection shaft extends in a direction transverse to the elongate shaft assembly and includes a second gear element disposed on its proximal end portion. The second gear element is coupled to the first gear element whereby rotation of the elongate shaft assembly translates into rotation of the projection shaft. The projection shaft is capable of being coupled to the components such that rotation of the projection shaft operates to adjust the position of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mazzella Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Schell, Jeffrey A. Fry, Adam J. Binderup, John W. DeBerard
  • Patent number: 9702398
    Abstract: The socket assembly includes a housing with an inner bore which extends between open first and second ends. A ball stud is partially disposed within the inner bore of the housing and includes shank, ball and protrusion portions with the shank portion extending out of the housing through the first end. A first bearing is disposed in the inner bore and includes a passage. The protrusion portion of the ball stud extends into the passage, and the passage is shaped to cooperate with the protrusion portion to allow the ball stud to rotate relative to said housing in one rotational direction by a greater magnitude than in another rotational direction. A cover plate closes the second open end of the housing, and a spring is disposed between the cover plate and the first bearing and biases the first bearing into contact with the ball portion of the ball stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC
    Inventors: Evan T. Yaworsky, James J. Elterman
  • Patent number: 9695957
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting an external function device to an arrangement and for cutting off flow paths by accommodating a clamping device includes a pressure-measuring unit and/or a length-measuring unit configured to detect a clamping force and/or a distance such that it is possible to monitor the status of the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Juergen Klewinghaus
  • Patent number: 9689177
    Abstract: A rackable fence is provided with a rail, picket carrier, and plurality of pickets. The rail defines a rigid inverted U-shaped cross-section. The picket carrier includes a top span residing within and extending across the interior of the rail. The pickets are pivotally attached to the picket carrier and pivotable toward the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Origin Point Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Duane E Langenwalter, Ning Xue
  • Patent number: 9688331
    Abstract: A bicycle seat post assembly includes first and second tubes, which are telescopically arranged, a fluid chamber, which includes a compressible fluid to generate a force to expand the first and second tubes relative to each other, and a positioning structure. The positioning structure includes a support member on one of the first tube and the second tube, a positioning member that pivots about an axis between a first position and a second position, a control unit, which is connected to the positioning member to move the positioning member between the first position and the second position, and a position maintaining member, which is provided on the other of the first tube and the second tube. The position maintaining member includes an engaging portion that engages with the positioning member to maintain a positional relationship between the first and second tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 9681584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapidly removable thermal connector including a retainer and a clamper. The retainer has a first wedge connected with a convexity of a first two-convexity tenon and a second wedge. At the outer end of the first wedge has a mortise to allocate a convexity of the first two-convexity tenon; at the inner end of the second wedge has a mortise to allocate a convexity of a second two-convexity tenon. The clamper is used to hold the retainer. At the interior of the outer end of the clamper has a movable unit which is connected to the clamper with a bolt at one end and has a vertical concavity at the other end to match the first convexity of the first two-convexity tenon. At the interior of the inner end of the clamper has a mortise which allocates the fourth convexity of the second two-convexity tenon. The third convexity of the second two-convexity tenon is connected to a mortise at the inner end of the second wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Shwin-Chung Wong, Wei-Yuan Hsu, Chin-Fu Chen, Yung Feng Chang
  • Patent number: 9675052
    Abstract: The poultry migration fence system includes at least one fence panel attached to at least one side of a U-shaped open archway. At least one selectively pivotal support rail is mounted to the bottom of the fence panel. The archway allows the fence system to be easily installed by sliding the open end of the archway over a suspended feed/water pipe. The pivotal support rail can be pivoted to a support position where the support rail extends orthogonal to the fence panel in order to provide a stable base for maintaining the upright position of the fence panel and pivoted to a storage position parallel to the extension of the fence panel. A swiveling gate is pivotally attached to one of the legs of the archway so that the gap at the open end can be selectively closed, thereby preventing poultry from crossing towards the other side of the fence panel. Both solid and wire fence panels are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Paul J. Gingerich