Patents Examined by Erin McGrath
  • Patent number: 9821409
    Abstract: A laser cutting method and a laser cutting apparatus cut a metallic work with a laser beam of a one-micrometer waveband. The method and apparatus carry out the laser cutting of the work with a ring beam RB passed through a focus position of a condenser lens 13 and having inner and outer diameters that tend to expand. The outer diameter of the ring beam is in a range of 300 ?m (micrometers) to 600 ?m, an inner diameter ratio of the same is in a range of 30 % to 70 %, and a focal depth of the condenser lens is in a range of 2 mm to 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: AMADA COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Akihiko Sugiyama, Hiroaki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 9815136
    Abstract: A method of single-sided resistance welding includes providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The first workpiece is positioned so that at least a portion of the first workpiece is in contact with at least a portion of the second workpiece. A weld electrode is positioned in contact with the first workpiece, and a ground electrode is positioned in contact with the second workpiece. A determination is made as to whether a gap or other high resistance condition is present between the first workpiece and the second workpiece. If a gap or other high resistance condition is determined to be present between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, the gap or other high resistance condition is reduced, and the first workpiece and the second workpiece are joined through welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric J. Boettcher, Robb Louis Augustine, Anthony D. Prescenzi, Daniel A. Paolini, Randall A. Wieland, Kevin S. Schnipke, Michael Monastra, Keith G. Strickland
  • Patent number: 9791169
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid heater for rapidly heating a liquid without overheating the liquid. The liquid heater comprises a liquid flow channel having a passage through which liquid flows, a heating part disposed outside the liquid flow channel, a heat reflecting part facing a heat radiating side of the heating part, and a cooling part through which a cooling medium flows adjacent a reverse side of a reflecting surface of the heat reflecting part for cooling the heat reflecting part. Radiant heat not absorbed in the liquid is reflected by the heat reflecting part. The heat reflecting part reflects radiant heat cooled by the cooling part so that the body of the liquid heater and peripheral members are maintained at a temperature not higher than a predetermined temperature to prevent overheating the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Uchida, Haruyoshi Yamakawa, Naoki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9764410
    Abstract: The present invention provides a submerged arc welding method attempting to enhance toughness of a welded zone with low heat input and capable of achieving deep penetration and a sufficiently wide bead width in welding a thick material at a weld speed of 3 m/min or less. In the submerged arc welding method, a first electrode at the head in a welding direction has a wire diameter of 3.9 to 4.1 mm, two electrodes are arranged on both sides holding a weld line therebetween at the tail end in the welding direction, the wire tip positions of the two electrodes on a surface of the steel plate are arranged on the same line vertical to the weld line, and a distance W (mm) between each of the wire tip positions and the weld line is 5 to 20 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Ishigami, Naoya Hayakawa, Koji Yano
  • Patent number: 9737958
    Abstract: Laser material processing systems having beam positioning assemblies with fluidic bearing interfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a laser material processing system includes a beam positioning assembly configured to position a laser beam. The beam positioning assembly includes a first linear guide having first guide surfaces and a second linear guide having second guide surfaces. The first linear guide is moveably coupled to the first linear guide via the first guide surfaces. The second linear guide is moveably coupled to a carriage via the second guide surfaces. At least one fluidic bearing interface is positioned to prevent direct physical contact between the second linear guide and at least one of the first guide surfaces and/or between the carriage and at least one of the second guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yefim P. Sukhman, Stefano J. Noto, Christian J. Risser, Cody W. Petersen, David T. Richter, Matthew R. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 9694443
    Abstract: A laser welding apparatus that welds a butted interface of a workpiece by laser light irradiation while successively feeding the workpiece having the butted interface to a welding position includes an X- and Y-axis scanner that scans laser light outputted from a laser light source in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction which are orthogonal to each other, a measuring device that measures a dimension along the butted interface, and a scanner control device that controls driving of the X- and Y-axis scanner so as to weld the butted interface by laser light irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Furukawa Automotive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Saburo Yagi, Takashi Shigematsu, Masaya Satou, Shinya Kojima
  • Patent number: 9689049
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric heating device capable of uniformly applying an electric current to a workpiece without causing abrasion of electrodes. An electric heating device includes a pair of electrodes for applying an electric current to a workpiece, and a pair of clamps for fixing the workpiece. The electrode extends along the surface of the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to an electric current direction while maintaining a constant length in the electric current direction, and sandwiches the workpiece therein. The clamp is arranged in the vicinity of the electrode, and sandwiches a part of the workpiece other than a part to be heated therein. A pressure at which the clamp sandwiches the workpiece therein is higher than a pressure at which the electrode sandwiches the workpiece therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shin'ichiroh Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9674902
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention concern a removable cover for placement over food to be cooked in a microwave oven. The cover includes punchable perforations around the perimeter of the cover. The perforations are to be optionally punched out by the user to provide one or more holes for egress of moisture during cooking. The cover is configured as a dome, pyramid, cone or similar shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Nasro Farah
  • Patent number: 9664898
    Abstract: Laser device comprising at least two gas laser units (10), stacked in layers, each laser unit comprising a plurality of resonator tubes (12), the resonator tubes being in fluidic communication with each other and forming a common tubular space, connecting elements (20, 21) for connecting adjacent resonator tubes so as to form a loop, mirrors (22) arranged in the connecting elements for reflecting the laser light between the resonator tubes, a rear mirror (44) and a partially reflecting output coupler (42) for coupling out a laser beam. In each laser unit an integrated output flange (40) comprises the rear mirror, the partially reflecting output coupler and an output mirror (46) which deflects the laser beam passing through the output coupler to a scanning device (80) located in the central space (8) surrounded by the resonator tubes. The invention also relates to a method for marking an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ALLTEC ANGEWANDTE LASERLICHT TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
    Inventors: Kevin L. Armbruster, Brad D. Gilmartin, Peter J. Kueckendahl, Bernard J. Richard, Daniel J. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9668302
    Abstract: A ceramic base body, which is a ceramic heater which suppresses noise radiation and thus has little adverse effect on surrounding electronic devices, includes a plurality of ceramic layers, and a mixed-material layer disposed between two ceramic layers, the mixed-material layer being formed of a mixture of a ceramic material and a metal material. Between the ceramic layer and the mixed-material layer, a heat-generating resistor which generates heat by a passage of electric current therethrough is disposed. Radiation of a high-frequency component generated by the passage of electric current through the heat-generating resistor is suppressed by the mixed-material layer, wherefore the adverse effect of the radiation on surrounding electronic devices can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoru Kamitani
  • Patent number: 9623532
    Abstract: A machine is provided, including at least one thermal cutting head, and at least one machining head with a coolant, wherein the machine includes a plate support table which is configured to allow coolant to fall through, a gantry located above the table and configured to travel along length of the table in an X axis, a carriage which is movably mounted to the gantry to travel in a Y axis which is at right angles to the X axis, a machining head with a coolant supply and a thermal cutting head both mounted to the carriage, at least one trolley is located below the table, wherein the trolley supports a fume chamber and a coolant tray and wherein the trolley is configured to be capable in use of moving independently or synchronously with the machinery head or thermal cutting head as required to capture coolant and fumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: EIGEN SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Murray Houlton Forlong
  • Patent number: 9622611
    Abstract: A foldable electric kettle has a base, a folding body and a holding mount. The base has a connecting segment and a heating seat. The connecting segment has an engaging protrusion and an engaging surface. The folding body is mounted on and connected to the base and has an engaging segment, a folding segment and a neck. The engaging segment is formed on a bottom of the folding body, is mounted in the connecting segment and has an engaging groove and an engaging strip. The holding mount is an annular metal panel, is mounted in the folding body, is connected securely to the base, and has a clamping face abutting against the upper abutting face of the engaging strip. The abutments between the engaging surface, the abutting faces and the clamping face can mount the folding body securely on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Tuan
  • Patent number: 9620926
    Abstract: A laser machining apparatus includes: a laser oscillator; a control device controlling the laser oscillator; a power-down detection unit detecting a decrease in supply power; a time measurement unit measuring power-down time until the supply power is returned to a predetermined value from when the supply power is decreased under the predetermined value; an electricity storage unit supplying electric power to the control device upon a power outage; and equipment operating abnormally when the supply power is decreased under the predetermined value, and recovering from an abnormal operation when a state of the supply power being smaller than the predetermined value continues for a first predetermined period or longer, the control device stopping the laser machining apparatus when the power-down time is smaller than the first predetermined period and not stopping the laser machining apparatus when the power-down time is equal to or larger than the first predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9516703
    Abstract: A magnetic heat generation and transfer assembly for generating transferable usable heat. The magnetic heat generation and transfer assembly includes a base with first and second elongate support base members spaced apart; an air mover assembly mounted to the base and including a power source with a rotatable drive shaft and also including disc members spaced apart and attached to the rotatable shaft for rotation therewith; and a heat generating assembly mounted to the base and including pivotable elongate magnet supports and magnetic members attached to the elongate magnet supports for generating eddy currents resulting in heat generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Lynn Nelson, Gerald P. Willer
  • Patent number: 9486873
    Abstract: A combination fingertip and foot pedal amperage control kit for a welding torch. A housing has a top surface with a channel adapted to accept a welding torch handle. A motion transducer is contained within the housing, the motion transducer includes a control tab for changing the motion transducer value when translationally moved. A slide trigger has one end coupled to the motion transducer within the housing to control the amount of current that flows to the welding torch, and a second end protruding outside of the housing including a fingertip grip. The housing and slide trigger are also removably affixed to a hand grip. A foot pedal amperage controller is adapted to accept the housing and slide trigger together with or separated from the hand grip, the foot pedal has an actuator adapted to move the slide trigger when the peddle is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: CK WORLDWIDE INC.
    Inventors: Arthur Kleppen, Aaron Walsberg, Jeff Sharpe
  • Patent number: 9428720
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a growler, which may include a cap that may include an a sealing means such as an o-ring, and a container defining a cavity and having a neck portion constructed and arranged to mechanically engage and sealing close the cavity when the cap is connected to the container. A method may include providing a growler, filling the growler with a fermentable liquid, sealing the growler, and fermenting the liquid within the sealed growler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Deep Wood Brew Products, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Lehman
  • Patent number: 9421627
    Abstract: A wire electric discharge machining apparatus that machines a workpiece by using a wire supported between a lower arm and an upper arm. The apparatus includes a surface plate that has a vacant inner area in which the wire moves and supports part of the workpiece with an outer area thereof. The apparatus further includes a bellows that extends through a side surface of a casing of a machining bath, enclosing part of the lower arm, wherein a first end of the bellows that is on a side of the machining bath is attached to the lower arm so that the bellows does not get in under the inner area, at whatever position the wire machines the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Otomo, Hideaki Kita, Takashi Kakihana
  • Patent number: 9321124
    Abstract: Provided is a spot welding electrode housing apparatus having a reduced size such that an operation of mounting electrodes on a welding gun is less likely to affect a line takt time. Specifically, a rotation regulator positioned adjacent to a rotating plate in a direction of a rotation axis is configured to allow the rotating plate to abut against an electrode housed and held in a first recess or a second recess and thereby to regulate a rotation of the rotating plate toward one direction around the rotation axis when the rotating plate rotationally biased by a spiral spring toward the one direction around the rotation axis is allowed to rotate toward the other direction around the rotation axis against a biasing force of the spiral spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kyokutoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kotaro Nakajima