Patents Examined by George B Bennett
  • Position determining system
    Patent number: 11002526
    Abstract: An XYZ flexural mechanism comprising an X-axis flexural mechanism comprising a first voice coil actuator, a motion stage platform, a plurality of flexural bearings, and a plurality of guide rods, a Y-axis flexural mechanism comprising a second voice coil actuator, a plurality of flexural bearings, a plurality of guide rods, and a frame, and a Z-axis flexural mechanism comprising a third voice coil actuator, a plurality of flexural bearings, a plurality of guide rods, and a frame, the frame supporting the XYZ flexural mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Balasaheb Zambare, Ali Razban, Suhas Pandurang Deshmukh, Mahesh Shivaji Shewale, Sharad S. Mulik
  • Archery target rangefinder
    Patent number: 10996025
    Abstract: A non-electronic rangefinder assembly has a rectangular block, a bracket, and a means for coupling to a riser of a bow. The rectangular block features a selection of markings, including notches, in the body that correspond to distances to a target for predetermined targets. The rectangular block may be removed from the bracket (attached to the bow riser) to allow other rectangular blocks, corresponding to other targets, to be attached to the bracket for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Reggie Gillins
  • Measuring device
    Patent number: 10996042
    Abstract: A measuring device having a flange extending from a rule portion at one end and an ergonomic module on the other end. The ergonomic module has side surfaces which angle at the same angle as side edges of the flange to permit the measuring device to be supported on the side surfaces during use. A magnet may be encapsulated in the ergonomic module for supporting the measuring device when not in use. A thumb depression is formed in the ergonomic module to facilitate use by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Grant Johnston
  • Measuring tape with improved standout
    Patent number: 10989512
    Abstract: A blade for a measuring tape device may include a first end configured to extend from a housing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second end configured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and a first cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selected portion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portion may be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curved portion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from each of the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex. The curved portion includes a first radius proximate to the apex of the curved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from the apex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being different than the first radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy T. McKenzie, Eric Broadway, Vlad Petru Patrangenaru
  • Alignment tool for fastener feed mechanism
    Patent number: 10974387
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aligning a fastener feed mechanism. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes an alignment tool that aligns a fastener feed mechanism with a chamber of a fastening device that receives fasteners. The alignment tool includes a tip section having a diameter less than a diameter of the chamber, a chamber fit section that extends from an end of the tip section in a lengthwise direction and has a diameter corresponding with the diameter of the chamber, a lip that protrudes radially from the chamber beyond the diameter of the chamber, and a fitting member that extends from the lip in the lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kia Miriam Zivari, Zachary David Talus, Derek John Deans
  • Magnetic bubble type level
    Patent number: 10976159
    Abstract: A specially designed bubble type level usable to verify that an angle made in a tubular structure for example, electrical conduit, is level. The apparatus is particularly useful during manual bending of electrical conduit and similar field-modified tubular structures. The apparatus allows for quick and efficient magnetic coupling to metallic conduit, without the need to turn a thumbwheel or screw. In addition, the apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a compact physical size, allowing the device to be operated with one hand and to easily fit into a user's pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Mark L. Silberberg
  • Electronic timepiece
    Patent number: 10969225
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes an indicating hand, a distance display hand, a GPS receiver that receives satellite signals transmitted from GPS satellites, a magnetic sensor, and a controller. The controller determines the direction to a destination on the basis of the satellite signals received by the GPS receiver, the output from the magnetic sensor, and destination information representing the position of the destination, determines the distance to the destination on the basis of the satellite signals and the destination information, causes the indicating hand to indicate the direction to the destination, and causes the distance display hand to display the distance to the destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Nozawa
  • Measuring jig, measuring device, and gap measuring method
    Patent number: 10962344
    Abstract: A measuring jig includes: a base portion; a sensor holding portion disposed so as to protrude from the base portion and configured to hold a sensor; and a first protruding portion protruding from the base portion toward the same side as the sensor holding portion, at a first position different from a sensor position which is a position of a sensor installation surface on which the sensor extends, with respect to a direction orthogonal to the sensor installation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI POWER, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Nishioka, Takuro Kameda, Masahito Kataoka, Hitoshi Morimoto, Tetsu Konishi
  • Magnet mounting and retention system for tool
    Patent number: 10962365
    Abstract: A tool, such as a level, with magnets embedded in a working surface is provided. For example, the magnets assist in coupling the level to magnetic workpieces. The magnets are placed in a chamber with a floor having a periphery and internal walls extending from the floor periphery. Flanges extend from internal wall of the chamber toward a central axis or point and partially further define the chamber volume. Flanges may be created by depressing surface of the level near the chamber, thus deforming the level body surface to create a channel and a flange from the material displaced from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: HongPing Hui, XingLong Wang
  • Adjustable position gauge
    Patent number: 10953694
    Abstract: The present application provides an adjustable position gauge, which comprises a measuring column, an adjusting block, a set screw, a base plate, a tensioning block, a nut, a conical block and the like. The application may measure the angle between different bolt holes and the position of the wheel bolt hole with different pitch sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Bowen Xue, Baojun Cui, Jiandong Guo
  • Length adjustable level
    Patent number: 10955240
    Abstract: An extendible or adjustable length level is provided. The level includes a locking mechanism allowing the user to fix the level at a selected or desired level. The locking system allows the user to lock the level at the desired length and provides more effective and robust locking than conventional expanding levels. In some embodiments the locking mechanism is designed such that translational movement of the user-actuated control (as opposed to rotational motion) is used to move the locking mechanism into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Kenneth Dorscheid, Michael John Caelwaerts, Samuel A. Gould
  • Cartridge and chamber gauges
    Patent number: 10948277
    Abstract: A gauge with two probes measures a rifle chamber to determine the distance from the center of the shoulder to the start of the bore. A gauge with two holes measures a loaded cartridge to determine the distance from the center of the shoulder to the place on the bullet where the cross sectional diameter is the same as the bore of the rifle. The difference between these two measurements is bullet jump: the distance the bullet will move, upon firing, before it engages the rifling of the barrel. These same tools, properly sized, also provide a unique and convenient means for determining the cone angle of any conical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey Howard Gent
  • Spirit level having a spirit level body
    Patent number: 10948291
    Abstract: A spirit level includes a spirit level body. At least one measurement surface is arranged along the spirit level body, and the spirit level body is formed by a hollow profile member—preferably of rectangular cross-section. The at least one measurement surface extends uninterruptedly along the hollow profile member. At at least one first or second side wall which is preferably formed at a right angle to the measurement surface is at least one opening for insertion of at least one magnet or magnetizable body into the cavity in the spirit level body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SOLA-Messwerkzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Lins, Roman Laesser, Gerd Stroehle
  • Systems and methods for identifying a diameter of a sampling point
    Patent number: 10942021
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a diameter of a sampling point on a pipe within an aspirated smoke detector system are provided. Such systems and methods may include a clip having a body portion configured to circumscribe a surface of a circumference of a pipe, an opening defined by, extending through, and surrounded by the body portion, and size indicating indicia affixed to the body portion that visually identifies a size of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mauro Miheli, Marco Causero, Jochen Hahn
  • Tape measure
    Patent number: 10942018
    Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing having a wall defining an internal cavity and a tape port, a coilable measuring tape disposed within the internal housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. A finger guard extends from the housing, and is configured to engage the hook member, and a finger space is defined between the tape port and the finger guard and is arranged to receive a user's finger during operation of the tape measure such that the user's finger engages the measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Scott R. Fisher, Michael S. Steele, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Leveling tool
    Patent number: 10935380
    Abstract: A leveling tool is disclosed having a clamp that attaches to tubing, plumbing or other objects to determine whether the object is horizontally level or vertically plumb. The clamp of the leveling tool is capable of attaching to an object with the use of a single hand and/or is capable of remaining attached to an object without requiring a hand to hold the leveling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Perpetual Motion Company
    Inventor: Jack Walter Cochran
  • Level vial mounting system for a box beam level
    Patent number: 10928197
    Abstract: A level includes a level body having top, bottom and side walls, and a window that opens into the interior of the body. A level vial, which is secured to a vial mount, is positioned within the window opening. A vial retainer is secured within the interior of the level body, and includes a lower portion engaged with the bottom wall and upper portions engaged with the upper wall on either side of the window opening. The vial mount is secured to the vial retainer to secure the vial in a position in which the vial is visible from the exterior of the level body through the window. A vial position adjustment arrangement is provided for adjusting the position of the vial relative to the level body when the vial mount is secured to the vial retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Diamond Tech LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Wojciechowski, David C. Mencel
  • Measuring apparatus for surface or contour measurement
    Patent number: 10928177
    Abstract: Measuring apparatus for surface or contour measurement on a workpiece has a probe for contacting the surface of workpiece to be measured. Probe has a holding part to which a probe arm is detachably connectable or connected. Measuring apparatus also has a feed apparatus for moving probe relative to workpiece to be measured, and a control apparatus for controlling feed apparatus. A position sensor associated with probe arm and connected to control apparatus is provided, and which detects changes in the position of the probe arm, relative to holding part, from a measuring position into an interference position of probe arm, and generates a position change signal. Control apparatus is designed and programmed in such a way that, as a response to a position change signal, it generates a control signal for controlling feed apparatus in such a way that feed movement of probe is influenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: JENOPTIK Industrial Metrology Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Steuer, Wolfgang Speck
  • Methods and systems for customized garment and outfit design generation
    Patent number: 10918150
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a customized garment design. The method, when executed by a processor, comprises first retrieving a user signal about a user, identifying a user style comprising at least a preferred garment category for the user by analyzing the user signal, and retrieving a group of features for the preferred garment category, where each of the features is associated with at least one style variable. The method further comprises identifying at least one preferred style value for each of the style variables based on the user signal, generating one or more candidate garment feature sets by selecting one or more combinations of preferred style values for each style variable, and generating the customized garment design by selecting a garment feature set from the one or more candidate garment feature sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Bodygram, Inc.
    Inventor: Chong Jin Koh
  • Mounting apparatuses secured to turbine airfoils of turbine systems
    Patent number: 10920620
    Abstract: Mounting apparatuses for turbine airfoils of turbine systems are disclosed. The mounting apparatuses may include a body portion configured to be at least partially positioned between a first airfoil and a second airfoil of the turbine system, and an adjustable, first retention component formed on a first side of the body portion. The adjustable, first retention component may be configured to contact a portion of a suction side of the first airfoil of the turbine system. The mounting apparatuses may also include a second retention component formed on a second side of the body portion, opposite the first side. The second retention component may be configured to contact a portion of a pressure side of the second airfoil of the turbine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sandra Beverly Kolvick, Daryl Paul Capriotti, Ansley Michelle Heard, Rachel Kate King, Travis Edwin Lipstein, Maithri Muddasani, Tewodros Fiseha Wondimu