Patents Examined by George B Bennett
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Patent number: 11453038Abstract: An aligning device that can be mounted to a conduit for rotating the conduit in successive angular intervals. The aligning device having a bracket that can be secured to the conduit. The bracket having four bubble levels at its periphery equally spaced from each other. Each bubble level can be horizontally leveled.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Inventor: Ryan Sullivan
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Patent number: 11454487Abstract: Surface measuring apparatus for measuring a surface of a workpiece has a probe for contacting the surface of workpiece, a feed apparatus for moving probe relative to surface of the workpiece along a feed axis for sampling surface of workpiece. The probe outputs a probe output signal during sampling of the workpiece. An evaluation apparatus is in data transmission connection with probe and is designed and programmed to reconstruct the profile of the surface of workpiece based on the probe output signal. Evaluation apparatus is designed and programmed to determine an apparatus frequency signature representing characteristic natural frequencies of the surface measuring apparatus, and an analyzer is provided which detects and analyzes the temporal course of the apparatus frequency signature, such that the functional state of the surface measuring apparatus is assessed based on the temporal course of the apparatus frequency signature.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: JENOPTIK Industrial Metrology Germany GmbHInventor: Florian Schwarzer
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Patent number: 11447225Abstract: A rudder for watercraft, in particular for ships, is proposed, comprising a rudder shaft arranged in a trunk pipe, a rudder blade connected to the rudder shaft and a bearing bushing arranged between trunk pipe and rudder shaft as well as a bearing clearance measuring device, wherein the bearing clearance measuring device comprises at least one sensor for abrasion-free measurement of a bearing clearance.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Becker Marine Systems GmbHInventor: Henning Kuhlmann
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Patent number: 11441898Abstract: A level with a removable end cap is provided. The level includes a hollow level body. The end cap includes an outer member and locking member received within the outer member. The locking member is inserted into the outer member pushing a moveable portion of the outer member into a frictional engagement that holds the end cap assembly in place relative to the level body.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Matthew Doyle, Fraizier Reiland, Lauren Weigel
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Patent number: 11441884Abstract: A milling machine can include a frame; a milling assembly coupled to the frame and including a drum housing and a cutting rotor located within the drum housing; a plurality of load detection sensors extending along a width of the cutting rotor; and a controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of load detector sensors and configured to determine an active cut width of the cutting rotor based on load information received from the plurality of load detector sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Sean Robert Laclef
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Patent number: 11435180Abstract: A method for generating a measurement cycle for inspecting an object using a measurement probe carried by a coordinate positioning apparatus, computer program and apparatus, wherein the measurement cycle includes a measurement path where the measurement probe moves relative to the object enabling inspection of the object using a series of touch trigger measurements. The method includes defining multiple touch trigger measurement points on the surface of the object.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventor: Martin Peter Summers
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Patent number: 11435182Abstract: A movable accessory for an automatic point layout system includes a laser receiver, target screen, and an array of LEDs. A laser controller aims a vertical laser light plane toward any desired point on the jobsite. The user moves the accessory into the laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that laser light impact and illuminates a corresponding LED. The illuminated LED indicates the desired point of interest on the jobsite floor for the user to mark. An electronic distance measuring instrument (an LDM) aims along the same laser plane, and the target screen reflects the LDM signal to provide a distance reading, which is sent to a remote controller operated by the user. Alternatively, the LED array indicates where the laser plane strikes the photosensor, allowing the user to quickly move the accessory to the null position of the photosensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Trimble, Inc.Inventors: Ayman Zuhdi Hajmousa, Chris William Snyder, Eric Keith Unger
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Patent number: 11435179Abstract: A device for calibrating the speed of a movement axis of a machine, including a measuring instrument and a measuring assembly having first and second measuring elements provided at a defined and known distance from one another on the measuring assembly. The measuring assembly is arranged on a workpiece receptacle of the machine, and the measuring instrument performs measurements with a known target frequency. When the device is arranged on the machine and the measuring instrument is moved at a known target speed of a movement axis of the machine from the first measuring element to the second measuring element, the measuring instrument interacts with the respective measuring element to determine an interaction date or a detection date. The device detects starting from the first interaction date or detection date to the second interaction date or detection date, a number of measurements of the measuring instrument.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2022Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: M&H Inprocess Messtechnik GmbHInventor: Christoph Wiest
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Patent number: 11435445Abstract: A movable accessory for an automatic point layout system includes a laser receiver and an array of LEDs. Two laser controllers aim vertical laser light planes toward any desired point on the jobsite. The user moves the accessory into a first laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that laser light impact and illuminates a corresponding LED in a first color. The user then moves the accessory into a second laser light plane, thereby impacting a photosensor on the laser receiver. The accessory's electronic controller translates that impact and illuminates a corresponding LED in a second, different color. The user then moves the accessory until the two LED colors intersect. When the intersect occurs, the accessory's electronic controller translates these impacts and illuminates a corresponding LED in a third, different color.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Trimble, Inc.Inventors: Chris William Snyder, Ayman Zuhdi Hajmousa, Eric Keith Unger
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Patent number: 11427434Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Jonathan F. Vitas, Devin W. Herritz, Scott Earl McKinster
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Patent number: 11428526Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for estimating absolute wheel roll radii and/or a vertical compression value of wheels of a vehicle are disclosed, wherein yaw rates of the vehicle, wheel speeds of first and second wheels, and optionally lateral acceleration of the vehicle are measured and used as a basis for the estimation.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: NIRA Dynamics ABInventor: Robert Johansson
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Patent number: 11421987Abstract: A tool for detecting a covered edge of a structural member through sealant material of a fillet seal includes an edge detection probe mounted to a fixture. The probe outputs an interrogation signal toward the covered edge and receives a return signal indicative of a location of the covered edge. The tool includes an electronic control unit (“ECU”) in communication with the edge detection probe and a display screen. The ECU is configured to generate, from the return signal, one or more XY coordinates indicative of the edge location, and to display the edge location on the display screen. Additionally, the tool includes a seal measurement device. In response to the edge location, the device measures a predetermined dimension of the fillet seal, including a thickness and/or a shape of the fillet seal. A method includes detecting the covered edge using the tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: William J. Tapia, Gary E. Georgeson
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Patent number: 11415411Abstract: A method of (measuring the waif thickness of an article comprising the steps of (a) providing an inspection machine having an inspection machine co-ordinate system associated therewith, the inspection machine comprising a thickness measuring probe; (b) providing an article in a first position relative to the inspection machine; (c) measuring a plurality of surface points on at least a portion of the surface of the article; (d) modelling the at least a portion of the surface of the article from the measured surface points to produce a surface model; (e) generating a probe path from the surface model in an article coordinate system fixed relative to the article; (f) transforming the probe path to the inspection machine co-ordinate system; and, (g) moving the thickness measuring probe along the probe path whilst making a plurality of spaced apart wall thickness measurements of the article.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: ELE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES LIMITEDInventor: Srichand Hinduja
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Patent number: 11414984Abstract: Tools and methods are described to measure dimensions of wellbores. Downhole caliper tools include: a downhole collar; an uphole collar; and a caliper sensor assembly disposed between the downhole collar and the uphole collar. The caliper sensor assembly include: an annular sensor module defining a plurality of radially extending tracks; and a caliper including: a plurality of linear slide arms, each linear slide arm at least partially disposed in the annular sensor module in one of the plurality of radially extending tracks and radially moveable relative to the annular sensor module, each linear slide arm extending from a first end within the annular sensor module to a second end outside the annular sensor module, and a cover extending from the downhole collar to the uphole collar. The annular sensor module can measure the radial position of the plurality of linear slide arms relative to the annular sensor module.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne, Bandar S. Al-Malki, Bodong Li, Guodong Zhan, Timothy Eric Moellendick
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Patent number: 11415403Abstract: An apparatus (100), including: a base reference contact (102) configured to correspond with a first point on a workpiece; a dimension contact (120) configured to move relative to the base reference contact along a dimension axis (124) and to correspond with a second point on a workpiece; and a pointer (162) operatively associated with the dimension contact such that movement of the dimension contact moves the pointer along the dimension axis an amount (X % D) that is proportional to and less than an amount (D) the dimension contact moves along the dimension axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventor: Henry Wang
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Patent number: 11415413Abstract: A carpenter's, mason's, or plumber's level with an elastic, flexible cord for attachment to a plank, pipe, or workpiece is disclosed. The level has a linear, bar-shaped body with a rectangular cross-section, where portions of the body may be hollow or have recessed openings therein. The level has an elastic cord connected to the body, wherein the cord is stretch-wrapped around a plank, pipe or like workpiece to attach the level thereto for angular tilt measurement. A groove, a contour, a notch, a boss, a ridge, a hole, a recess, a hook, or the like can be used to hold or snare the elastic cord when in use and to store the elastic cord on the level body when not in use. The level body has an opening to receive a bubble vial for angular tilt indication.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: AMAX INCORPORATEDInventors: Vincent Cook, Joshua J. Boccanfuso
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Patent number: 11408734Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a laser triangulation sensor configured to transmit and receive light through a window of an exterior wall of a substrate processing chamber. A controller is configured to: position the laser triangulation sensor such that the laser triangulation sensor transmits light onto a measurement feature arranged between a first surface of a substrate support and a second surface of a gas distribution device, where the second surface faces the first surface; and while the laser triangulation sensor transmits light onto the measurement feature, determine a first distance between the first and second surfaces based on a difference between: a second distance between the laser triangulation sensor and the first surface measured using the laser triangulation sensor; and a third distance between the laser triangulation sensor and the second surface measured using the laser triangulation sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: Mark E. Emerson, Nick Ray Linebarger, Jr.
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Patent number: 11402205Abstract: A sensor unit mountable on a rotatable element on a platform that is itself movable, and includes an orientation sensor arranged to take measurements that are dependent on the orientation of the sensor unit, a processor arranged to derive a rotational position signal representing the orientation of the rotatable element from the measurements, and a buffer arranged to buffer a series of recent measurements taken by the orientation sensor over a predetermined period of time. The processor derives the rotational position signal making a correction to compensate for the effect of the motion of the platform on the measurements on the basis of the overall series of measurements buffered in the buffer.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Salunda LimitedInventors: Alan Patrick John Finlay, John Mark Newton, Andrew Henry John Larkins, Mathew William Davis, Grant Nicholls
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Patent number: 11402204Abstract: Provided is a surveying instrument including a measuring unit including a tilt sensor configured to acquire tilt angle data of the instrument, and an environment sensor to acquire environment data correlating with a leveling time and leveling accuracy, a leveling unit including a leveling drive unit and configured to level the instrument, an arithmetic control unit configured to control the measuring unit and the leveling unit, and a storage unit configured to store the environment data, leveling result data of the leveling unit, and information on leveling operation conditions. The storage unit has surveying instrument-specific information.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATIONInventor: Daisuke Ito
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Patent number: 11391568Abstract: A level includes a frame having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a web coupling the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The top planar surface and the bottom planar surface are parallel. The level further includes a vial supported by the frame. The vial has a longitudinal axis passing through a center of the vial and a body defining an interior containing a liquid and an indicator bubble. The level further includes a plurality of LEDs. Each of the LEDs has a light emitting point, and each of the plurality of LEDs is positioned adjacent an end of the vial and is oriented such that the light emitting point is positioned within the interior of the body of the vial.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Roger D. Neitzell, Richard J. LaSota, Thomas P. Foran, Matthew Doyle, Christopher F. Boehme, Matthew Leidel