Patents Examined by Jun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9240338
    Abstract: An alignment device has a carriage, two rails on the carriage that are configured for a workpiece to pass therebetween, and a finger that protrudes a distance from the carriage. The finger is configured to be disposed on a carrier for the workpieces. The workpieces may be solar cells and may pass through the rails on a conveyor belt. The alignment device may move in order to align the workpieces as the workpieces are loaded into a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm N. Daniel, Charles T. Carlson, William T. Weaver
  • Patent number: 9234708
    Abstract: A heat exchanger with a housing comprising two chambers separated by a partition plate, with each chamber comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening for fluids. The housing and the partition plate are formed from a single metal sheet, the partition plate is formed from a middle area of the metal sheet, comprising a plurality of ribs and channels running alternately in parallel, and the housing is formed from side areas of the metal sheet which are folded along bend lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: NFT Nanofiltertechnik Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
    Inventors: Daniel Krohn, Simon Jocham
  • Patent number: 9227480
    Abstract: A method of producing a chassis component. The method including the steps of coating an outside of a structural component, coating an outside of a joint cartridge which has been preassembled as a joint, and permanently and securely connecting the structural component to the joint cartridge using a material bonding or joining process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Jekel, Frank Nachbar, Hauke Frenzel, Ignacio Lobo Casanova, Andreas Temmen, Christian Stelter
  • Patent number: 9228349
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing fire resistance of high-strength concrete by mixing a spalling reducer (fiber cocktail) into the concrete to control spalling and performing shear reinforcement of main steel bars using shear stiffeners based on a wire rope and spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Heung-Youl Kim, Hyung-Jun Kim, In-Hwan Yeo, Bum-Yean Cho, Jong-Uk Song, Dae-Bong Ju
  • Patent number: 9227300
    Abstract: A straight-shaped hollow spring material is used in a blasting apparatus. The length of the spring material is set to be 1.5 m to 3.5 m, and the inner diameter of the spring material is set to be not more than 10 mm? (not including 0). In inner surface abrasive blasting for the spring material, first and second blastings are performed. In the first blasting, abrasives are ejected to an opening portion of the spring material and are suctioned from a second opening portion thereof. In the second blasting, the abrasives are ejected to the second opening portion and are suctioned from the opening portion. The ejection pressure, the suction pressure, and the like are appropriately set, so that generation of grinding amount difference between the center portion and both end portions of the inner surface of the spring material can be inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Yajima, Akira Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 9217469
    Abstract: A method of splitting a ring, such as a cage, for a bearing, such as a roller or ball bearing, includes splitting a ring in such a way that there are provided projections and recesses in the facing surfaces thereby produced. In this manner, the two halves of the split ring may be reassembled in opposite orientation so that the projections on the facing surfaces of the two halves of the ring engage one another to space the two halves of the ring apart and to restore the ring to a circular ring shape despite some of the material of the ring having been removed in the splitting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Roller Bearings Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Webster, Martin Caspall
  • Patent number: 9211657
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly includes providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second, approximated position. One of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity defined therein and the other of the first and second jaw members includes a stop member configured to be inserted into the cavity. A gap-setting gauge is grasped between the first and second jaw members to define a gap-distance between the jaw members equivalent to a thickness of the gap-setting gauge. The first and second jaw members are set such that the jaw members are prevented from approximation beyond the gap-distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Joanna Ackley, James D. Allen, IV, Ryan C. Artale, Kim V. Brandt, Dennis W. Butcher, Edward M. Chojin, Gary M. Couture, James S. Cunningham, David M. Garrison, Keir Hart, Russell D. Hempstead, Glenn A. Horner, Daniel A. Joseph, Duane E. Kerr, Dylan R. Kingsley, Peter M. Mueller, Jessica E. C. Olson, Sean T. Oneill, Jason T. Sanders, Robert M. Sharp, John R. Twomey, Jeffrey R. Unger
  • Patent number: 9188504
    Abstract: Methods for testing turbine blades. One method for testing turbine blades includes measuring dimensions of each of a first set of turbine blades. The method also includes testing airflow through first openings in each of the first set of turbine blades to determine airflow properties of each of the first set of turbine blades. The method includes determining a relationship between the dimensions and the airflow properties of each of the first set of turbine blades. The method includes measuring dimensions of each of a second set of turbine blades. The method also includes determining airflow properties for each of the second set of turbine blades based at least partially on the dimensions of the second set of turbine blades and the relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michelle Rene Bezdecny, Michael Evans Graham, Michael Lee Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 9162332
    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. Finally, fasteners are hammered through the drilled openings and rivets are secured by bucking bars provided on the magnetically attractive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rodney Stephen Wright, David Hassan Amirehteshami, John W. Pringle, IV
  • Patent number: 9161852
    Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John Stankus, Benjamyn Serna
  • Patent number: 9157193
    Abstract: A method is described for the installation of slab tracks in tunnels, in particular tracks on a slab of concrete, with the optimized design and execution characteristics, and substantially increased performance compared to the normal known methods. The method includes a succession of phases executed in order, with the help of an auxiliary track, Consisting of the design of the construction section, the construction of the railway yards, assembly of the auxiliary track from the evacuation platform, execution of the foundation base, assembly of the track in slabs, transitions from slab track—ballast track, and placement of long bars and welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: FCC CONSTRUCTION, S.A.
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Miguelez Tapia
  • Patent number: 9156114
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle having a non-linear cooling conduit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a turbine nozzle. The turbine nozzle includes: an airfoil, a cavity, having an inner surface, located within the airfoil, at least one endwall adjacent the airfoil, and a fillet region connecting the airfoil and the endwall. The fillet region also includes an outer surface. The method also includes: forming a non-linear cooling conduit within the fillet region and adjacent the outer surface of the fillet region of the turbine nozzle. The forming of the non-linear cooling conduit includes curved drilling through a portion of the outer surface of the fillet region of the turbine nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dipankar Pal, Benjamin Paul Lacy
  • Patent number: 9149374
    Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: IDev Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Sheldon, Richard Booth, Kenneth M. Bueche
  • Patent number: 9145867
    Abstract: A system for installing a blade insert between a root portion and a tip portion of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a root cradle assembly configured to support the root portion of the rotor blade and a tip cradle assembly configured to support the tip portion of the rotor blade. At least one of the tip cradle assembly or the root cradle assembly may be movable relative to the other of the tip cradle assembly or the root cradle assembly to allow the tip portion to be spaced apart from the root portion after the rotor blade has been divided between the root and tip portions. In addition, the system may include an insert cradle assembly configured to support a blade insert for the rotor blade. The insert cradle assembly may be configured to be positioned between the root cradle assembly and the tip cradle assembly so as to position the blade insert between the root portion and the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce Clark Busbey, James Alphonse Payant, Robert Roy Anderson
  • Patent number: 9140285
    Abstract: A fastener for use in connection with a tubular boss has a shaft with at least one rib along the length thereof and at least one thread segment extending at least partially around the shaft. The shaft is inserted into the boss in first position, and rotated to a second position wherein the at least one thread segment engages at least one column formed in the tubular boss. The shaft can be integrally formed with a first molded part to be fastened to a second molded part with an integrally formed tubular boss. Various locking features for locking the shaft in the boss are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Burton
  • Patent number: 9132910
    Abstract: A method for attaching a component to an internal portion of an aircraft fuselage is disclosed herein. The method includes mounting a vibration isolator assembly to the internal portion of the aircraft fuselage. The vibration isolator assembly has a protruding engagement portion having a flange. The method further includes defining an opening in a vibration-deadening body. The method further includes positioning the vibration-deadening body over the vibration isolator such that the protruding engagement portion is received within the opening. The method further includes pressing a retaining member onto the protruding engagement portion such that the retaining member engages the flange. The retaining member will retain a portion of the vibration-deadening body below an end of the protruding engagement portion. The method still further includes attaching the component to the protruding engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Lucas
  • Patent number: 9126294
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a driver, a plurality of shafts, and a plurality of arms. The body is configured for insertion into a component and the driver is adapted for movement relative to the body. The plurality of shafts extend through the body and are connected to the plurality of arms. The tool is configured such that contact by the driver against the shaft rotates the plurality of shafts to pivot the plurality of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Virkler, Matthew P. Ricker, Gordon Kinkade
  • Patent number: 9102043
    Abstract: An applicator tool is disclosed for applying a fastener between cooperating surfaces of a dielectric protector placed at least partially over a component of an electrical power transmission system, the applicator tool made at least in part of dielectric material and comprising: a structural frame element; a fastener mount connected to the structural frame element and moveable relative to the structural frame element between a first position and a second position to at least partially define a fastener drive path; and an actuator connected to drive the fastener mount from the first position to the second position to apply in use a fastener, mounted on the fastener mount, through cooperating surfaces positioned on the fastener drive path. A tool is also disclosed for holding together in alignment two mating surfaces with pre-drilled holes and applying a fastener to penetrate the holes and secure the mating surfaces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: CANTEGA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Leo Morin, Keith I. Yeats, Martin S. Niles, Casey Douglas Merrills
  • Patent number: 9097272
    Abstract: A fixing arrangement for fixing a first motor vehicle component to a second motor vehicle component includes first second fixing elements. The first and second fixing elements are connectable to each other in a positive locking manner. The second fixing element has a pin configured as a ball; and the first fixing element has a sleeve that fits over the spherical pin to produce a positive locking engagement. The first fixing element has a securing device designed as a cap, which is mounted on an outer shell sleeve surface such that the cap is movable in the axial direction. The sleeve is locked on the spherical pin by axial relative movement of the cap from a defined first position into a defined second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann van Niekerk, Mario Ernst
  • Patent number: 9089892
    Abstract: Joining method, in particular for connecting at least two workpieces, in which during a joining operation the profile (F) of a force exerted by a joining tool is recorded and compared with a reference force profile (FR) in order to be able to check the quality of the joined connection produced, the difference (?) between the force profile (F) and the reference force profile (FR) being formed, and at least one segment (A; B) of the difference profile (?F) thereby determined being mapped numerically onto a quality value (QW).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Michael Bloecher