Patents Examined by Jun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9915314
    Abstract: System and methods for servicing and monitoring shock struts are provided. A method for servicing a shock strut may include calculating a first fluid level; generating a first datum corresponding to the first fluid level; moving fluid into the shock strut in accordance with the first datum; calculating a second fluid level; generating a second datum corresponding to the second fluid level; and storing a final fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Amir Fazeli, Adnan Cepic, Susanne Reber
  • Patent number: 9914187
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to automate the assembly of a wing panel, such as utilized by commercial aircraft. In the context of a system, a tacking cell is provided that is configured to tack one or more stringers to a skin plank. The system also includes a riveting cell configured to receive a tacked plank from the tacking cell and to rivet the one or more stringers to the skin plank. The system also includes a splicing cell configured to receive a plurality of riveted planks from the riveting cell and to attach one or more splice stringers to the plurality of riveted planks. Further, the system includes a side of body cell configured to receive a spliced panel from the splicing cell and to attach a side of body chord thereto to produce a wing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Farahnaz Tanni Sisco, Daniel R. Smith, Jayson J. Aquino, Edward John Batt, James N. Buttrick, Antonio C. Micale, Darrell D. Jones, Clayton L. Munk, Chris G. Couevas, Azita N. Namdaran, Noman S. Noor, Donald A. Mottaz
  • Patent number: 9901974
    Abstract: A method for direct screwing, in particular flow hole screwing, includes producing a hole in a first stage in a structural component without cutting and forming a thread with a flow hole screw in a second stage. A feed and feed force are produced by a non-pneumatic feed drive and transmitted to a screw shaft rotated by high feed force and high rotational speed in the first stage and at a defined switchover point with penetration of the structural component a switchover is made to the second stage with lower feed force and slower rotational speed. A drive parameter correlated to the feed force, especially a motor current of an electric motor of the feed drive, is monitored and a characteristic change of this parameter is defined as switchover point. A rapid switchover with process stability is attained and damage to the flow hole screw thread is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: DEPRAG Schulz GmbH u. Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Pfeiffer, Carsten Rosenkranz
  • Patent number: 9894851
    Abstract: A piece insertion method for a pipe, for example an irrigation pipe, including: ejecting at least one piece, for example a dripper, from an ejection unit, advancing the at least one dripper inside the irrigation pipe by a dripper advancing unit, lifting the dripper towards the inner surface of the irrigation pipe by using a lifting device such that the dripper is parallel or substantially parallel to this inner surface of the irrigation pipe on impact with this inner surface. The method according to the invention allows also coordination between the lifting device, the ejection unit and the dripper advancing unit such that the dripper spacing can be maintained in tight tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MAILLEFER SA
    Inventors: Philippe Desarzens, Elmar Mock, Florian Kaufmann, Samuel Malzach, Andre Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 9895741
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing a number of utilities. The number of utilities may be coupled between a number of utility sources and a utility fixture. The number of utilities may be coupled between the utility fixture and a mobile system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Harinder S. Oberoi, Alfredo Jose Gerosa, Kevin Marion Barrick, Quang T. Do, Yuanxin Charles Hu, Branko Sarh, Scott Allen Mackay
  • Patent number: 9889949
    Abstract: A method of producing an assembly tool (60) for assembling an assembly (6), the method comprising: providing at least a portion of a jig frame (62); fixing support plates (65) to the jig frame (62); machining the one or more support plates (65) such that a surface of each of the support plates (65) lies in a common plane (130); positioning the jig frame (62) such that the machined surfaces of the support plates (65) contact with a supporting surface (138); fixing pickup device mounting plates (140a, 140b) to the jig frame (62); machining, with respect to the supporting surface (138), the pickup device mounting plates (140a, 140b) such that a surface of each mounting plate (140a, 40b) has a respective predetermined position and orientation with respect to the supporting surface (138); and fixing, to the machined surfaces of the mounting plates (140a, 140b), a respective pickup device (66-72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Cookson
  • Patent number: 9888808
    Abstract: A method of making cookware containing a bonded composite comprising the steps of providing at least two layers of materials by pressurizing and heating wherein the first of the at least two layers of materials has a plurality of spaced-apart bubbles formed on its surface, defining a cooking surface of the cookware, and a second layer of two layers of material is bonded thereto, wherein the bonding between the bubbles and the second material is of a lesser degree than the bonding between the first and second layers of materials in areas intermediate the bubbles, whereby a coefficient of heat conductivity is greater in the intermediate areas than in the bubbles. The method also includes providing a plurality of sets of bonding blank assemblies by solid state processing under pressure and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: All-Clad Metalcrafters LLC
    Inventors: William A. Groll, John Watkins
  • Patent number: 9885482
    Abstract: A method of making an aero-derivative gas turbine engine (100) is provided. A combustor outer casing (68) is removed from an existing aero gas turbine engine (60). An annular combustor (84) is removed from the existing aero gas turbine engine. A first row of turbine vanes (38) is removed from the existing aero gas turbine engine. A can annular combustor assembly (122) is installed within the existing aero gas turbine engine. The can annular combustor assembly is configured to accelerate and orient combustion gasses directly onto a first row of turbine blades of the existing aero gas turbine engine. A can annular combustor assembly outer casing (108) is installed to produce the aero-derivative gas turbine engine (100). The can annular combustor assembly is installed within an axial span (85) of the existing aero gas turbine engine vacated by the annular combustor and the first row of turbine vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 9883929
    Abstract: A dental superstructure with integrated spacers including a main body and at least one integrated spacer. The superstructure is intended to be connected to the at least one osseointegrated dental implant through connection between the integrated spacer and the osseointegrated dental implant. A manufacturing method thereof is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Kulzer Gmbh
    Inventor: Sture Benzon
  • Patent number: 9878406
    Abstract: An independent phase-change heat-transfer-type heat tube and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein the heat tube comprises a housing of which an outer surface is provided with a coating, the housing is provided with an evaporating end and a condensing end opposite to the evaporating end, an inner groove is provided between the evaporating end and the condensing end, a side groove, being separated from the inner groove, is provided in the evaporating end and the condensing end respectively, the inner grooves are separated from each other, the side groove and the inner groove form a plurality of independent cavities which are filled with a working medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: ZHUHAI XINGYE NEW ENERGY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, ZHUHAI XINGYE GREEN BUILDING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Junyi Tan, Tingqiao Ye, Chaofei Zhou
  • Patent number: 9882333
    Abstract: An apparatus for an assembly process, where in a flexible object is moved by a manipulator to be engaged with a connector, including: a body provided in the manipulator and moved toward the connector; a driving part provided inside of the body; a moving part provided under the body and moved up and down by the driving part to press and grip a flexible object; and a fixing part with one end provided under the body, the other end positioned under the moving part, and a top surface including a support plate to be mounted with the flexible object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sang-Mun Lee, Jinung An, Dae-han Hong, Jeong Hwan Kwak, Jung-Hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 9873962
    Abstract: In a method of forming a synthetic resin structure integral with two-dimensional steel fabric, a warp and woof are made from a steel metal, and these wires are woven in a planar configuration to provide a two-dimensional steel fabric which is then pressed into a flat structure. Two flat structures are set at a metallic mold die, into which a synthetic resin is injected so as to form a synthetic resin body integral with the flat structures. This makes it possible to secure a sufficient space between the flat structures, and spread the synthetic resin fully into the flat structures so as to reinforce a surface of the synthetic resin body with durability and high rigidity. Through the toughness, strength and price of the steel metal, it is possible to provide a marketability with products manufactured by using the present method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SNP Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriyuki Kanoh
  • Patent number: 9869128
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for helically installing a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression fin about a tubular. The apparatus may include an outer ring member dimensioned to encircle an underlying tubular and an inner ring member positioned concentrically inward from the outer ring member. The inner ring member is configured to rotate with respect to at least one of the outer ring member or the tubular as the outer ring member moves along the tubular. The apparatus may further include a fin guide configured to receive a fin and helically position the fin along the tubular as the inner ring member rotates. A method of installing a vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression fin about a tubular may include removably attaching a VIV suppression fin to an installation member. The installation member may be positioned along a tubular and moved about the tubular to helically position the fin around the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: VIV Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Julie Ann Dehne, William Andrew West
  • Patent number: 9862020
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling, with fasteners, components of a structure having an outboard side, an inboard side, and a supporting frame. The components are placed together on the frame. An electromagnet having a core with multiple openings is positioned on the outboard side. A magnetically attractive member is placed against the inboard side opposite and aligned with the electromagnet. When activated, the electromagnet is attracted towards the magnetically attractive member and the two hold the components together. Multiple drill members pass through the openings in the core of the electromagnet and multiple openings are drilled simultaneously through the components. Subsequently, multiple rivets or huck bolts are simultaneously inserted into the drilled openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney Stephen Wright, David Hassan Amirehteshami, John W. Pringle, IV
  • Patent number: 9854884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a luggage, having an integrated structure. The luggage includes a one-piece shell, which is constructed from a single molding to form a continuous structure and has at least a top wall and two opposing side walls. The top wall has two sloping curved corners which are sloped and curved toward the cover of the luggage and the respectively abutting side wall. The present also invention provides a method of manufacturing the luggage. The method includes the steps of assembling a family mold to form a mold cavity, injecting mold material into the mold cavity to make the one-piece shell for the luggage, and removing the family mold. The family mold includes an inner mold tool and an outer mold tool, and the step of removing the family mold includes the steps of removing the outer mold tool first, and then, removing the inner mold tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Oh
  • Patent number: 9854928
    Abstract: A resilient sleeve for a beverage container is made from a continuous web of a fabric extending between distal and proximal ends thereof. A substantially linear base is provided at the proximal end. First and second sides extend outwardly from the opposite ends of the base. Two substantially symmetrical trapezoidal regions are formed at the distal end of the web, wherein each trapezoidal region is formed by an outer side positioned at a first predetermined angle to the first side and an inner side positioned at a second predetermined angle to a longitudinal axis of the web portion. A V-shaped cut out portion is formed at a central area of the web by the inner sides of the first and second trapezoidal regions. Width of the web portion corresponds to a circumference of the sleeve and length of the web portion corresponds to an axial length of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Warren Scott Clements
  • Patent number: 9844810
    Abstract: A hollow punch rivet is described having a flange and a rivet section. Furthermore, a method for the attachment of individual components to one another using a punch rivet is described, with at least one of the components being formed by a material of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PROFIL VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Diehl, Richard Humpert, Andreas Lembach
  • Patent number: 9844843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing multiple metal turbine engine parts, comprising steps consisting in: a) casting a metal alloy in a mold in order to produce a blank (3); and b) machining the blank in order to produce the parts, characterized in that the blank obtained by casting is a solid polyhedron with two generally trapezoidal opposing sides (30a, 30b), and the parts are machined in the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Patrick Emilien Paul Emile Huchin, Karine Deschandol, Sébastien Digard Brou De Cuissart, Serge Fargeas, Marc Soisson, Anthony Texier, Valéry Piaton
  • Patent number: 9835197
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pinion assembly preloading systems and methods of operation. Disclosed are systems including a press actuator that applies an axial force against a pinion assembly; a force sensor that measures a reaction force at the pinion assembly; and a method of controlling the press actuator according to a change in the reaction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Alexander Szpara, Timothy John Reed, Troy Smith, Julie Anne Sunstein, Wayne Bennett Uhrick
  • Patent number: 9821418
    Abstract: Adsorption heat exchanger devices (11, 25) are provided for use in solid sorption refrigeration systems (1) together with methods for making such devices and adsorbent structures therefor. The methods include applying a curable binder, in solution in a solvent, to granular adsorbent material, and then evaporating the solvent and curing the binder. The curable binder solution is sufficiently dilute that, during evaporation of the solvent, the binder becomes concentrated around contact points between granules (18) of the adsorbent material whereby localized bonds (19) are formed around the contact points on curing of the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Brunschwiler, Javier V. Goicochea, Bruno Michel, Patrick Ruch