Patents Examined by David P. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7963028
    Abstract: A method for producing alloy wheels for motor vehicles in which each wheel is provided with a hub and a rim contemplates realizing a finishing operation with a cutting machine tool, measuring the unbalance of the wheel, checking whether the unbalance falls within the predetermined acceptability values by means of a control unit and issuing a signal related to the acceptability of the unbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: IMT Intermato S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Tosi
  • Patent number: 7963018
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for separating two or more annular members such as bead assemblies or bead and apex assemblies. First, a flexible member is inserted into the annulus of the annular members. Next, the flexible member is inflated until the outer surface of the flexible member contacts the inner diameter of the annular member. Then the flexible member is axially expanded until the annular members are separated. Then the flexible member is deflated so that the annular members can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Richard David Vargo, Gary Robert Burg, Daniel Michael Spallone, Brian Richard Koch
  • Patent number: 7963392
    Abstract: A bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kodi Klip Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Kodi
  • Patent number: 7958636
    Abstract: An outer rim molded material is molded by forging or casting, a portion of the outer rim which extends from a hump to a bead seat is separated from part of a rim flange precursor 2a and is caused to fall in a sloping fashion inwards of a wheel width so as to form a bead seat precursor 12a, and the bead seat precursor 12a so formed is then joined to be welded to a top or side of a rim well rising portion precursor 5b. An external surface is cut to be finished to a proper shape, and an annular hollow portion 8 is formed underneath a lower surface of the bead seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Washi Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7958611
    Abstract: A number of pre-production calibration tightenings are performed at a screw joint identical to a screw joint used in production and using the same impulse wrench as to be used in production tightening. The value of one or more tightening related parameters are registered at the attainment of the desired pre-tension level, and those parameter values are used to statistically form a basis for a reference set-up. The tightening parameter values registered during production tightening are compared to the reference set-up, and an indication is obtained as to discrepancies between the reference set-up and the actually registered parameter values to get an indication as to whether the impulse wrench is malfunctioning and/or the screw joint is faulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: John Robert Christian Friberg, Mats Cornelius Holmin, Knut Christian Schoeps, Torbjörn Rafael Sjöblom, Nils Gustav Erland Karlberg, Christa Maria Karlberg, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7958609
    Abstract: An apparatus for descaling hot rolled stock (17), being moved with respect to the apparatus, by spraying it with high pressure water, comprising at least one row of nozzle heads sweeping across the width of the rolled stock with a plurality of nozzle heads (20), each nozzle head being motor-driven in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the rolled stock and comprising at least two nozzles (1 to 8) which are disposed eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation (A) is characterized by the nozzles (1 to 8) of each nozzle head (20) being arranged as closely as structurally possible to the circumference (25) of the nozzle head, whereby a spray pattern is created on the surface of the rolled stock in a way to at least touch the spray pattern of the adjacent nozzle head in the row of nozzle heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Hermetik Hydraulik AB
    Inventor: Jurgen Gaydoul
  • Patent number: 7954237
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat pipe and a capillary structure thereon is provided, and the steps of the method are as follows. A hollow pipe which has an open end and a closed end is provided. A mold is placed into the hollow pipe through the open end. The mold includes a central rod and a shaping component mating with the central rod, and the shaping component has an outward shaping surface. A powder is filled into the space between the hollow pipe and the mold through the open end and then sintered to form a capillary structure on the inner wall of the hollow pipe, in which the capillary structure has a profile corresponding to the shaping surface of the shaping component. Thereafter, the central rod and the shaping component are sequentially taken out of the hollow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 7954231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clip machine comprising two closing tools that are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in order to close clips, and further comprising adjusting means designed to set the neutral position of a closing tool and hence the gap between the closing tools, in particular in their closed position (closure gap). The clip machine includes a measuring device configured to measure a closing force applied when closing a clip, or a parameter proportional to said closing force, and to output a measured value representing the closing force or the parameter proportional thereto. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting such a clip machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Poly-clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Meyrahn, Detlef Ebert
  • Patent number: 7954225
    Abstract: First and second components can be releasably coupled together with a locking pin having a sacrificial o-ring. The first and second components have respective first and second openings that are aligned with each other and receive the locking pin. The second opening has a square edge located adjacent to a recess in the first opening. The o-ring has an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the square edge and an inside diameter less than the diameter of the square edge when assembled. The locking pin is inside of the first and second openings, with the o-ring inside of the recess. To release the components, the locking pin is moved out of the first opening to shear the o-ring against the square edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Charles T. Webb
  • Patent number: 7954218
    Abstract: A system and method for feeding collar members to an attachment system for assembly of aircraft and similar large scale mechanical assemblies. Collars are fed sideways along a tube having a rectangular internal cross-section to a collar pathway defined by an clamp fork and swaging ram combination. The collar pathway is curved to present the collar to a receiving element mounted on a swaging die in a proper orientation relative to an attachment bolt which is moved through an opening in the workpiece and then through the collar. As the bolt is moved into the collar, the collar, receiving element and swaging die move together laterally to come into alignment with the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Electroimpact
    Inventors: Scott C. Tomchick, Peter B. Zieve, Carter L. Boad
  • Patent number: 7954241
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-lubricating bearing, which is a hollow cylindrical body with an axial hole in its center, exhibiting a structure formed by sintering a multiple of spherical alloys particles under microscopy. The self-lubricating bearing has a multiple of pores to receive lubricating oil. Further, the present invention provides a manufacturing process for making self-lubricating bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Yun-Ju Chen
  • Patent number: 7954236
    Abstract: A sealed thermal interface component minimizes or eliminates the exudation of fluids, such as silicone oils, while preserving the excellent thermal conductivity of silicon-based thermal pad materials and enhancing the conformability of the component. In preferred embodiments, a foam frame surrounds a plurality of thermal pad portions formed of conformable thermal management material that may exude fluid under elevated temperatures or over time. Film encapsulates the foam-framed thermal pad portions, forming a sealed and partially evacuated thermal interface component. In one embodiment of the invention, the thermal pads are formed of an elastomeric matrix material containing silicone, the foam frame is made of urethane, and the film is made of polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Lundell Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Lundell, Thomas L. Lundell
  • Patent number: 7954226
    Abstract: In the present invention, driving torque outputted from a motor portion is transmitted to a worm from a motor shaft, further to a helical gear from the worm, and is taken out to the outside from an output shaft which rotates together with the helical gear with a fixed shaft fixed to a gear box as a center. This fixed shaft is constructed in a hollow and cylindrical shape having an opening in which one end portion thereof has been opened, and a ceiling surface in which the other end portion thereof has been closed, and one end portion of this fixed shaft is subjected to dislocation preventive work, and is fixed to a gear box made of resin by pressing-in or insert molding. The other end portion of the fixed shaft is formed with the dislocation preventive structure of the output shaft and the helical gear installed to the fixed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Okumura, Kazuyuki Yamamoto, Shinichi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7950123
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transporter shaft coupling and decoupling to assure alignment of a user interface with a control shaft through matching asymmetric cylindrical surfaces and alignment of an upper shaft segment and a lower shaft segment with ribs meshing with grooves on rings attached to the upper shaft. A tone confirms proper connection. Alignment apparatus is protected from damage associated with torques applied to the control shaft by tab features designed to first give way before other damage is incurred and from moisture by apparatus that seals the connection between upper and lower shaft segments. The user is protected from sudden loss of control by requiring the user interface to execute a sequence of linear and rotational manipulations during assembly of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: R. William Arling, W. Patrick Kelly, Kevin Webber, Andrew Steiner, Michael J. Slate
  • Patent number: 7950147
    Abstract: A method for producing gas turbine components, in particular blades, blade sections or rotors with integral blades for a jet engine is provided. The method comprises at least the following steps: preparation of at least one metallic powder and at least one expanding agent; mixing of the metallic powder or each metallic powder with the expanding agent or each expanding agent; compression of the resultant mixture to form at least one semi-finished product; expansion of the semi-finished product or each semi-finished product by heating to achieve a defined degree of expansion; termination of the expansion process by cooling, once the defined degree of expansion has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Meier, Erich Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 7950149
    Abstract: The present invention provides panels for a microchannel heat exchanger core wherein the panels may have greater than about 36 fins per inch of the panel. The microchannels of the panels may have an aspect ratio of at least about 10. Panels are also provided having microchannels and fins on one side of the panel or on opposite sides of the panel. Methods are also provided for machining the panels of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilan Golecki
  • Patent number: 7950148
    Abstract: A holding sealer for an exhaust gas purifying device includes a sheet member including inorganic fibers and having a first surface and a second surface substantially facing each other and perpendicular to a direction of thickness of the sheet member. At least one of the first and second surfaces has a profile including projecting portions and depressed portions. The projecting and depressed portions of the profile have a maximum difference, h. The h satisfies about 0.4 mm?h?9 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiko Okabe
  • Patent number: 7950127
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a precision injection molding of multi-piece parts and the subsequent handling and assembly of those parts produced from the mold. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical suture package with a top part and a bottom part is molded and assembled. In such a method and system, the top parts and bottom parts are first molded utilizing a family mold and then are transferred to a stacker. The stacker is able to stack the top part and bottom part on top of one another on a pallet. The parts are then transported to a welder in order to weld the top part and bottom part together. The completed surgical suture packages are then transferred to a magazine for storage and shippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Alltrista Plastics, LLC
    Inventors: Lynn Howe, Glynn Clements, William Torris
  • Patent number: 7950153
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering rack for a vehicle rack and pinion steering system. The rack comprises gear teeth and a shank that has a constant outside diameter and constant wall thickness over the majority of its length. The method comprises performing a forging operation on a tubular member with an elongate member positioned in the bore of a thickened region of the tubular member. The forging operation forms the gear teeth on the thickened region, and the elongate member is retained within the tubular member. The tubular member is made by performing a forming operation on a length of tube stock such that the outside diameter of the thickened region is smaller than the outside diameter of the shank, and the wall thickness of the thickened region is larger than the wall thickness of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Bishop Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Juergen Dohmann
  • Patent number: 7946038
    Abstract: Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Carns, Theron L. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly, Benjamin P. Van Kampen