Patents Examined by Josh Skroupa
  • Coupler to attach robotic arm to surgical table
    Patent number: 11078945
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a coupler for coupling a robotic arm to a surgical table having a table top on which a patient can be disposed. The coupler can include a first portion configured to couple to a surgical table and a second portion configured to couple to a robotic arm. The second portion may include a post that may translate into the first portion. The first portion may comprise a locking mechanism having one or more stages to constrain movement of the second portion relative to the first portion in six degrees of freedom. The coupler can thus provide secure coupling of the robotic arm to the surgical table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: VERB SURGICAL INC.
    Inventors: Wayne Grout, David James Cagle, Richard William Timm, Brendan C. Reese, Michael P. Schaller, Robert J. Campbell
  • Electric fence insulator
    Patent number: 11075024
    Abstract: An insulator for an electric fence, an electric fence system using the insulator, and a method of installing same are disclosed herein. The insulator includes a body having a first end and a second end, and a wire attachment portion positioned at the first end of the body. A passage passes through the wire attachment portion, the passage including a first open end, a second open end, and a waist region between the first open end and the second open end. The diameter of the passage at the first open end and the diameter of the second open end are both greater than at the waist region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Gallagher Group Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Stoner
  • Fillet welding method and fillet welded joint
    Patent number: 11065705
    Abstract: A welding method for obtaining a lap fillet welded joint excellent in tensile strength, without causing an increase in welding deformation, not fracturing at the weld metal when a tensile load is applied, that is, a method of overlaying at least scheduled welding locations of a first steel sheet with a tensile strength of 780 MPa or more and a second steel sheet and fillet welding an end part of the first steel sheet and a surface of the second steel sheet, characterized by providing a reinforcing part at a surface of the first steel sheet at the opposite side to the surface to be overlaid with the second steel sheet and fillet welding one end part of the reinforcing material and the surface of the first steel sheet and by fillet welding the end part of the reinforcing part, the end part of the first steel sheet, and the surface of the second steel sheet so as to be covered by the weld metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yujiro Tatsumi, Yasunobu Miyazaki, Shinji Kodama
  • Composite end connections
    Patent number: 11067114
    Abstract: A composite structural component made of a polymer matrix composite material includes an end connection that includes an end portion at one end of the composite structural component, comprising an internal surface comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves defining a first engagement surface along an axial direction and a metal interface component comprising an outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges and grooves defining a second engagement surface along the axial direction and an inner surface defining a mounting surface for attachment of an end fitting. The metal interface component is engaged with the internal surface of the composite structural component by mating of the first and second engagement surfaces. The structure also includes an outer annular component fitted around the end portion in axial alignment with the mating of the first and second engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: CROMPTON TECHNOLOGY GROUP LIMITED
    Inventor: James Bernard
  • Low torque ball socket assembly
    Patent number: 11067116
    Abstract: The ball socket assembly includes a housing with at least one open end and with an inner surface that surrounds an inner bore which extends along a central axis. The ball socket assembly also includes a ball stud that has a ball portion and a shank portion. The ball portion is disposed in the inner bore of the housing and has an outer diameter which is in a spherical fit relationship with the inner surface of the housing. The shank portion of the ball stud extends out of the inner bore through the at least one open end of the housing. The ball portion is out of contact with any bearings on opposite axial sides of the ball portion such that the ball stud is able to move along the central axis relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC
    Inventor: Roger Sellers
  • Injury mitigating stock guard
    Patent number: 11058094
    Abstract: An injury mitigating stock guard includes mutually parallel linear members defining linear pockets therebetween of sufficient size to allow the passage of the hoof of an adult domesticated animal. The linear members include one or more laterally extending flanges that prevent the further passage of the hoof through the bottoms of the pockets to prevent injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph C. Parsons
  • Shaft-hub connection
    Patent number: 11060563
    Abstract: A shaft-hub connection includes a shaft, which is provided with an external toothing arrangement in a connecting region. The shaft-hub connection also includes a hub, which is provided with an internal toothing arrangement in a connecting region. The external toothing arrangement has a first tip diameter (K1) on the side facing the axial end of the shaft and a second, larger tip diameter (K2) on the side of the connecting region facing away from the axial end so that together with the internal toothing arrangement of the hub a clearance fit is created in the region of the first tip diameter (K1) and an interference fit is created in the region of the second tip diameter (K2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karsten Fabian, Torsten Landgraf
  • Universal bonding end clamp
    Patent number: 11056998
    Abstract: Universal bonding end clamps used to assembly photovoltaic (PV) arrays and provide an electrically conductive path (or bond) between PV module frames forming part of the PV arrays and a rail system. The bonding clamp includes a clamp portion and a base portion. The clamp portion includes an electrically conductive body having a mounting structure, at least one electrical bonding member extending from the body, and at least one pressure member extending from the body and a base pressure member extending from the body. The clamp portion may also include one or more spacers to facilitate the alignment of the clamp portion relative to the base portion. The base portion includes an upper wall having a mounting structure, a lower wall having a mounting structure and a side wall between the upper and lower walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Evan Ronald Martin
  • Pivot joint assembly
    Patent number: 11053972
    Abstract: The pivot joint assembly includes a housing with an opening which extends along an axis. A bearing is received in the opening and which has a cylindrical outer surface that is in slidable contact with another surface so that the bearing can slide in an axial direction relative to the housing. The bearing has a curved inner bearing surface. The pivot joint assembly also includes an inner ring with a curved outer surface that is in slidable contact with the curved inner bearing surface of the bearing so that the inner ring can rotate and articulate relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC
    Inventors: Sidney Paerewyck, Johannes Kankare
  • Adjustable glass grip
    Patent number: 11053688
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping system for mounting a glass balustrade. The adjustable clamping system comprises of a base shoe with a U-shaped channel, a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate and a third L-shaped plate which a tilting mechanism sits on the short-upright arm and the long-upright arm is engaged to the glass balustrade from an outside and to the tilting mechanism from an inside. The tilting mechanism comprises of a first-block and a second-cube, an L-shaped block at the bottom, and two wedge parts between the L-shaped block and the first-block and the second-cube, and wherein the first-cube, the second-block and the L-shaped block connected together by two socket screws, by turning the socket screws, two wedge parts at a top portion and a bottom portion of the tilting mechanism move to the right and left and push to the right-side wall of the base shoe to adjust the glass balustrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Ali Ravan, Henry Mercieca
  • Propeller shaft with crash feature
    Patent number: 11047426
    Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly comprises a first rotary component having a first splined portion and a first engaging surface arranged transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first rotary component and spaced from the first splined portion and a second rotary component having a second splined portion configured to engage the first splined portion. The second splined portion defines a second engaging surface arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first rotary component. A shear component is disposed between the first engaging surface of the first rotary component and the second engaging surface of the second rotary component. The shear component forms a crash feature of the propeller shaft assembly configured to shear at an edge of the second engaging surface when the first shear component is compressed between the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Wehner, Nick Dubiel, Arvind Srinivasan
  • Fence system including fiberglass T-posts
    Patent number: 11047149
    Abstract: Fence assemblies are assembled from T-posts and crossmembers which may comprise rails formed from C-channels. The T-posts and rails are formed from pultruded fiberglass and can be connected together using bolts and nuts or push rivets. Cross members comprising wires or pultruded, fiberglass tubes may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: F & F Composite Group, Inc.
    Inventor: M. John Fakhari
  • Load bearing clamp for transmitting loads to a shaft
    Patent number: 11047104
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a load bearing clamp including a first clamp member, the first clamp member including a first semi-annular clamping surface, a second clamp member, the second clamp member including a second semi-annular clamping surface, the second semi-annular clamping surface opposing the first semi-annular clamping surface and at least one member for drawing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward each other, wherein at least one of the first semi-annular clamp surface and the second semi-annular clamp surface includes at least one irregular surface that deforms at least a portion of a shaft clamped between the first and second clamp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Shawn David Downey, Timothy Michael Kemp
  • Connection element, and method for producing a ring for such a connection element
    Patent number: 11047422
    Abstract: A connection element providing a first ring and a second ring, the two rings rotating relative to one another about a central axis, the first ring having a contact portion with a contact surface interacting with the second ring for the relative rotation, and a fastening portion configured to be rigidly secured to a support. The contact portion is made of a first material and the fastening portion is made of a second material, different to the first material, the first material having a hardness strictly greater than that of the second material, and the second material having a structural fatigue strength strictly greater than that of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SKF Aerospace France S.A.S
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Coudert, Alexandre Mondelin, Arnaud Turmeau
  • Metal lashing plates
    Patent number: 11047414
    Abstract: A joint made from a lightweight, thin metal connector plate with one or more through holes or cutouts, containing multiple sharp edges. The sharp edges, within the through hole or cutout, upset and engage the outer layers of a stick or sticks, or similarly essentially cylindrical and irregular members, when inserted into the connector plate and a force subsequently applied, by rotating or moving the stick or sticks off axis from the plate, to fasten the stick or sticks in place. The connector plate, being lightweight and compact is well suited to survival preparedness and outdoor activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Craig Davis Adams, Peter Rossi
  • Ball joint
    Patent number: 11041524
    Abstract: A ball joint has a ball stud, a housing and a ball seat. The seat is an elastic body in a tubular shape with the top and the bottom being open, and has a spherical space to accommodate a ball portion. The housing has a spherical inner face that is close to an outer periphery of the ball portion, to accommodate the ball portion in the inner face via the seat so as to support the ball stud. A clamped portion arranged at a peripheral end of the housing is clamped to press the seat so that the ball stud can be swung and rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kuroda
  • Exhaust liner deflection limiter
    Patent number: 11041461
    Abstract: A system for limiting deflection of an exhaust sidewall liner on a variable geometry exhaust duct uses a spacer and a T-bolt. The system connects the exhaust sidewall liner to the static structure on a variable geometry exhaust duct. The spacer includes a chimney having a first side and a second side opposite of the first side, an aperture extending from the first side to the second side, a flange disposed on the first side, and at least one anti-rotation tab disposed on the second side near an edge of the second side. The T-bolt includes an elongated shaft that extends along an axis and having a diameter, and a head having at least one straight edge connected to an end of the shaft. The at least one straight edge engages with the anti-ration tab, thereby preventing rotation of the stud T-bolt about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Beach, Jorge I. Farah
  • Universal joint
    Patent number: 11041523
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a driving portion and a joint head. The driving portion includes a ball nest and a polygonal column disposed within the ball nest. The joint head includes a working end portion and a ball head portion, and the ball head portion is rotatably and swingably disposed within the ball nest. A shaped of the ball head portion corresponds to a shaped of the ball nest, and the polygonal column is co-rotatable with the ball head portion. The ball head portion including a polygonal groove, and the polygonal column is inserted within the polygonal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: FINE FORGE INDUSTRY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kuo-Lung Chen
  • Raking barrier panel
    Patent number: 11035147
    Abstract: A raking barrier panel includes a plurality of upright members and a rail assembly. The rail assembly is pivotally coupled to the plurality of upright members, and it includes a first inner rail disposed on a first side of the plurality of upright members. A plurality of fasteners pivotally couples the plurality of upright members to the first inner rail. A channel member includes a web portion and first and second side walls extending from the web portion. A first rib extends from the first side wall of the channel member and is in engagement with the first inner rail. The first and second side walls extend beyond the first rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Fortress Iron, LP
    Inventors: Kevin T. Burt, Kevin B. Flatt, Geoff T. Luczycki, Yihong Zhang, Matthew Carlyle Sherstad, Evan Timmons, Xiaoning Wang
  • Adaptor for generator
    Patent number: 11025131
    Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a generator to a prime mover. The adaptor includes a first flange member for connection to the prime mover, a second flange member for connection to the generator, and a plurality of angled cross members between the first and second flange members. By providing a plurality of angled cross members between the first and second members, the adaptor may use less material for a given stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Generator Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Swapnil Shankarrao Barekar, Rahul Balu Mule