Patents Examined by Jonathan Masinick
  • Patent number: 9850675
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter for increasing exterior dimensions of a post mount support block includes a base having two sides that meet to form an angle of approximately ninety degrees, two legs, wherein each of the two legs extends from an outside edge of a different one of the two sides of the base, and two flanges, wherein each of the two flanges extends from an inside edge of a different one of the two sides of the base, such that each of the two flanges is positioned in a substantially parallel orientation relative to one of the two legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: Steven J. Leary, Benjamin Yin, Zhang Qi
  • Patent number: 9850664
    Abstract: A handrail system includes an elongated rail member; a plurality of attachment elements slidably carried on a back side of the elongated rail member; a plurality of brackets; and a plurality of pins wherein each pin is engageable through a distal end portion of a bracket to fix the attachment element to the bracket. According to the system, the brackets can be pre-mounted at spaced-apart positions onto a wall using fasteners, and then the rail member, with the carried attachment elements, can be mounted to the brackets by slidably adjusting the attachment elements along the rail member to register with the corresponding brackets. A pin is used at each attachment element/bracket pair to fix the attachment elements to the brackets and thus the rail member to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Itasca Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge M Pinheiro, Matthew F Barr
  • Patent number: 9835189
    Abstract: Joints for joining panels (60, 62) together, such as for joining honeycomb sandwich panels used in aerospace applications, and methods of joining said panels are disclosed. In some examples of disclosed joints, a first panel and a second panel can be joined together to form a joint. The first panel (60) can be a flat panel that includes a rabbet (80) formed along a first longitudinal edge, and the second panel (62) can be a curved panel that includes a notch (86) formed along a second longitudinal edge. In forming the joint, a portion of the rabbet (80) can be positioned within the notch (86), and the flat panel (60) and curved panel (62) can be oriented at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle to one another. Adhesive (99) is applied along the rabbet (80) and/or the notch (86) in order to secure the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Bryan S. Engquist
  • Patent number: 9830898
    Abstract: In an arrangement for transmitting power or data through a solid rigid substrate without penetrating the substrate, acoustic transducer components are mounted on the substrate by means of strain isolator elements which are welded or otherwise bonded to the substrate and providing an attachment surface to which the attachment interface of the acoustic transducer may be attached. The strain isolator element is of the same or similar acoustic impedance as the rigid substrate and may indeed be formed of the same material. Various geometries of strain isolator are disclosed, including a plain spacer block, and one comprising a stalk attached to the solid rigid substrate and topped by a disc in a ‘mushroom’ configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: John Martin Bagshaw, Nicholas John Archer, Lionel William John Kent, Duncan Peter Rowe
  • Patent number: 9829023
    Abstract: A connector having a spring configured to change a dimension such as diameter or length in response to a change in a force applied to it, wherein the spring is biased in a radial or longitudinal direction towards a natural dimension. The connector including a dimension control portion configured to restrict the change in dimension in a direction away from the bias of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DMOTM LIMITED
    Inventor: Daniel Peter McElrea
  • Patent number: 9828040
    Abstract: An automotive aluminum alloy component assembly includes a first vehicle component defining a first joint region and a first cutout. The assembly also includes a second vehicle component defining a second joint region. The assembly also includes a third vehicle component defining a third joint region. Portions of the first and third joint region sandwich the second joint region. A first self-piercing rivet is disposed within the second and third components and aligned with the first cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aindrea McKelvey Campbell, Amanda Kay Freis, Darrin Neil Wagner, Srinath Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 9816563
    Abstract: A retention apparatus can be used for a driveshaft transmission assembly. The retention apparatus may include a catch mechanism and a resilient member. The retention apparatus may be mounted to a radial bearing assembly of a driveshaft transmission assembly. The catch mechanism of the retention apparatus may be sized to prevent the loss of certain driveshaft transmission assembly components downhole in the event of a failure of the driveshaft transmission due to dynamic loads produced during operation in a drilling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Hossam Mohamed Gharib
  • Patent number: 9810253
    Abstract: A friction fit clip fastening system that creates a firm and invisible connection between panels or substrates without the use of tools or glue, comprising a fastener and mating rout. The fastener has a clip element that allows it to clip and connect to a mating rout. Different routs are used for different embodiments of the fasteners. The rout is formed directly in the panel face or edge or formed on a substrate by a router bit that has three cutting edges. The connections made by the friction fit clip fastening system are invisible. The fasteners can be installed at the manufacturing site so the user simply clips or slides the fasteners into the appropriate slot or rout when assembling. The friction fit fastening system is easily removable from the panels making assembling and disassembling quick and easy because the fastener is made of one piece. The friction fit clip fastening system can also be permanent if the permanent rout is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lockdowel, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Koelling, Bryan Koelling, Daniel Savage
  • Patent number: 9803696
    Abstract: A clamping arrangement for the force-fit connection of an outer component to an inner component including an inner conical ring and an outer conical ring wherein one of the rings has leadthrough bores clamping screws and the other ring has threaded bores for the clamping screws to brace the rings against one another via the conical peripheral surfaces, and against the inner and outer component arrangement. At least one leadthrough bore having an ejector thread for an ejector screw and the diameter of the ejector thread being greater than the diameter of the clamping screw. The arrangement including an ejector ring with an ejector bore for the leadthrough of the ejector screw which can be screwed into the ejector thread and an ejector surface for engaging a clamping screw head that is incompletely screwed into the corresponding threaded bore for the transmission of an ejector force onto the clamping screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Bikon-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Zlatko Dizdarevic
  • Patent number: 9803671
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for joining metal profiles provided with longitudinal surface grooves, said device comprising: a metal support (1) that can be inserted into the ends of the grooves of the profiles to be joined; a chassis (2) supported on each end of said metal support (1), whereon a lever (4) provided with a projection (9) and a coaxial cam (8) pivots (5); and a resilient body (3) inserted between the support (1) and the chassis (2). When the lever (4) is rotated into the represented closing position thereof, the protrusion (9) penetrates said resilient body (3), expanding it transversely against the side walls of the respective groove, and the cam (8) simultaneously compresses the resilient body (3), expanding the device in a direction which is orthogonal to the previous direction. The device allows a rapid, manual and toolless assembly and disassembly of the profiles, aligned or at an angle, in order to form frames such as those used in supports for displaying graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Joseba Egaña Arrieta
  • Patent number: 9803672
    Abstract: A split end tube connector connects fiber reinforced composite tubes, and in particular carbon fiber tubes. The tube connector end inserted into the carbon fiber tube is split lengthwise to alleviate peel stresses caused by thermal contraction of the connector as a result of temperature changes. In a preferred embodiment, the split end tube connector is made from a metal, such as aluminum, steel, or titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: ALLRED & ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie B. Allred, III, Michael D. Griswold, Timothy Braun
  • Patent number: 9797426
    Abstract: A profile bar (10, 10a) formed as an extruded part and consisting of a light metal alloy, in particular an aluminum alloy, with a rectangular in particular square, cross-section, wherein a longitudinal groove pair (20, 20a), comprising two longitudinal grooves arranged parallel to one another and at a distance from one another, is provided in each case on at least one lateral surface, preferably on all four lateral surfaces, and with at least two, preferably four, longitudinal channels which extend parallel to the longitudinal grooves and which form in each case an opening (40) for fastening in each case a pen (34) on each of the two end faces (36) of the profile bar (10, 10a), wherein each longitudinal channel is arranged on an imaginary intersection line of planes extending at a right angle to one another and arranged perpendicularly to in each case a lateral surface, wherein at least one of the planes is a longitudinal center plane of a longitudinal groove of a longitudinal groove pair (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Hartmut Flaig
  • Patent number: 9797438
    Abstract: A fastening structure of a rangefinder wheel includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit includes a first base which has a first passage defined axially therethrough for receiving a first tube therein. A lever is pivotably connected to the first base and has an engaging hole. A first spring and a second spring are biased between the first base and the lever. The second unit is pivotably connected to the first base and has a second base which has a second passage defined axially therethrough for receiving a second tube therein. An engaging member is connected to the second base and has a protrusion which is engaged with the engaging hole of the lever. The lever compresses the first spring to move a distance transversely. The lever compresses the second spring to move a distance axially so as to separate the lever and the engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Hung-Hui Wang
  • Patent number: 9797186
    Abstract: A straight connector (1), for hollow profiled elements (2) of spacer frames, mullions, or transoms for insulated glass panes, has several connector legs (6, 7) extending in various directions from a central connection point (9). The connector legs have retaining elements (18) for engaging on a hollow profiled element (2). The straight connector (1) has a base plate (10), with a top side with a raised support base (12) for the hollow profiled elements (2) and on both sides thereof on the connector legs (6, 7) the fin-like retaining elements (18) are arranged one after the other in a row. The support base (12) is arranged, in a longitudinal direction, in the center and has a center stop (8) for the hollow profiled elements to be put on, on both sides and which hollow profiled elements are supported at the joint (26) by the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Max Kronenberg, Ralf M. Kronenberg
  • Patent number: 9797193
    Abstract: A wildlife access fence or gate may include at least one pass-through section having a guard attached thereto. The pass-through section may be a jump-through section and a jump guard attached thereto that defines a jump height and jump span that selectively allows wildlife to leap over and/or through the fence while preventing cattle from crossing the fence. The fence or gate may include a crawl-through section and a crawl guard that selectively allows wildlife to crawl under and/or through the fence while preventing cattle from crossing the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Richard G. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 9797103
    Abstract: A method for releasing at least one anchor cable from a terminal post in a cable barrier, after an inline impact, including deforming the terminal post from a straight upright configuration to a bent inclined configuration where the deformation creates a suitably sized aperture in the post which enables release of the anchor cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: VALMONT HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dallas Rex James
  • Patent number: 9797125
    Abstract: A cutout part is formed at the approximate center of the connecting member. The cutout part in the connecting member is a circular penetrating hole that penetrates a convex part and a main body part. On the side of a lower surface of the connecting member, the convex part is formed around the cutout part. The convex part includes a tapered part and a rib. The tapered part gradually inclines in the direction toward the center from the side of the main body part (the side of the base part of the convex part) to the tip side (the side of the top part thereof). The rib part is formed on the edge part of the cutout part, which is the top part of the tapered part. The rib part is a part that protrudes downward from the top part of the tapered part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SENQCIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Takahashi, Kumiko Masuda, Hidenori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9791075
    Abstract: A method providing a first tubular workpiece having a first weld surface at an end thereof, and a second tubular workpiece having a second weld surface at an end thereof; aligning the workpieces on a common axis with the weld surfaces facing each other, rotating one workpiece about the axis relative to the other workpiece, and engaging the first and second weld surfaces such that the rotation raises the temperature at the weld surfaces to create a weld interface; and ceasing the rotation and allowing the weld interface to cool to weld the workpieces together at the interface. The first weld surface is an apex region of an annular projection at the end of the first workpiece, on a longitudinal section through the aligned workpieces the annular projection having a profile in which radially inner and outer side surfaces of the annular projection taper towards the apex region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Simon Edward Bray, Andrew Robert Walpole
  • Patent number: 9790984
    Abstract: This assembly includes a ball joint assembled in a casing, and receiving an axle capable of sliding and/or rotating therein. The ball joint is formed from the winding of a fabric of small thickness ranging between 20 ?m and 150 ?m and mixed with a resin comprising fillers. The fabric has the form of strips having a width ranging between 5 mm and 200 mm; the strips being crossed in several layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: H.E.F.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Masse, Olivier Blandenet, Philippe Maurin-Perrier
  • Patent number: 9790892
    Abstract: In some aspects, an aircraft engine thrust reverser lock system includes a pin-capturing member. The pin-capturing member includes a body that is rotatable about an axis defined by a pivot extending through the body. The body includes an interior surface that defines a slot. The slot has an opening that is sized to receive a pin into the slot. One side of the slot includes a protruded sidewall surface that protrudes into the slot toward an another sidewall surface of the slot. The protruded sidewall surface defines an apex between the open and closed ends of the slot. Between the apex and the closed end of the slot, the protruded sidewall surface faces the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Willett, John Stephen Mears, George Conway, Brent Michael Ozanich, Michael Alan Stieg, Jesus Anaya, Joseph Thomas Kopecek