Patents Examined by Mark K Buse
  • Patent number: 10816083
    Abstract: A lubrication system of a power assembly of an electric scooter includes a case duct and a bearing seat duct formed in a case of the power assembly, and a driven gear shaft duct formed in a driven gear shaft of a driven gear. Lubricant flows to the case duct, the driven gear shaft duct, a driven gear bearing seat in the case, the bearing seat duct, a driving bearing seat in the case in sequence. The lubrication system has a short flowing distance of the lubricant to enhance the effects of lubrication and reducing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Fukuta Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin Feng Chang, Hung Chun Ke
  • Patent number: 10801667
    Abstract: A system for harvesting energy from a lubrication event includes a fluid pump, a fluid injector, an energy harvesting device, a wireless transmitter, and a controller unit. The fluid injector receives fluid from the fluid pump. The fluid injector is connected to the energy harvesting device, which is configured to produce electrical energy in response to a firing of the fluid injector. Electrical energy produced by the energy harvesting device powers the wireless transmitter, which is configured to transmit a wireless signal. The wireless signal indicates that the fluid injector fired. The wireless signal is received by the controller unit, which controls the fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Paar, Eric J. Mjolhus, Igor V. Radzyuk, Andrew M. Grunloh, Anna M. Hegdahl, Benjamin R. Stassen, Christopher J. Stack, Walter L. Franklin, III
  • Patent number: 10794534
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a fill tube apparatus's and methods of manufacturing a fill tube apparatus. The fill tube can include an inner tube funnel element comprising an inner wall portion, a mouth opening portion, a hollow shaft portion, a hollow stem portion, and a stem opening portion. Furthermore, the fill tube can include an outer tube element comprising an outer wall portion comprising a base portion, a grip portion, a valley portion, and a threaded stem portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin C Gardner, Leo Edward Sadzewicz
  • Patent number: 10787228
    Abstract: A pin for a crown of a bicycle crankset that includes a mounting portion configured to be fixed to the crown, a chain engaging portion having a first face that faces towards said mounting portion for engaging a plate of a link of a bicycle chain, and a second face that faces the opposite way with respect to said mounting portion. The second face has at least one first surface portion inclined by a first angle smaller than 90° when measured in a longitudinal section plane of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Minto, Nicola Sgreva
  • Patent number: 10781971
    Abstract: An autofill shutoff valve includes a valve body mounted to a lubricant reservoir and secured to a fill tube extending into the reservoir. The autofill shutoff valve has a valve stem extending through the valve body and into the lubricant reservoir. The valve stem is actuated by a plate disposed within the reservoir from a first position, wherein lubricant flows from a lubricant inlet to a lubricant outlet through the valve body, to a second position, wherein the valve stem blocks the flow of lubricant through the valve body. The autofill shutoff valve provides lubricant directly to the reservoir, thereby eliminating external plumbing and the autofill shutoff valve also prevents overfill of the reservoir by cutting off the flow when the reservoir is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Holman, Mike V. Atkinson, Brandon T. Gustafson, Benjamin J. Paar
  • Patent number: 10780965
    Abstract: A quarter-twist pedal propeller includes a propeller blade and a support frame. A large synchronous wheel is mounted on an upper part of the support frame through a main shaft, a pedal assembly is mounted on each end of the main shaft. A small synchronous wheel is mounted on a lower part of the support frame through a secondary shaft. A waterproof plate is mounted outside the support frame. The waterproof plate is disposed above the propeller blade. A portable cover that covers the large synchronous wheel is provided on top of the support frame. A grabbing part is provided on the portable cover. A balancing pole is transversely connected to the portable cover. The present invention is practical and cost-effective, has novel and simplified structure, and can reduce power loss due to multiple transmissions. It is convenient during pedaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Cixi Luosaifei Kayak Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Zhengyun Li
  • Patent number: 10774988
    Abstract: A vent valve for an actuator disposed in a lubricant reservoir includes a bore extending through the plate, a seal disposed within the bore proximate a top surface of the plate, a retaining member extending about a lower opening of the bore, and a ball disposed within the bore between the seal and the retaining member. The vent valve is configured to allow air to pass from a lower portion of a lubricant reservoir as lubricant fills the lower portion. The vent valve also allows air to pass to the lower portion of the lubricant reservoir as lubricant is dispensed from the reservoir. The vent valve closes when the lubricant level reaches the vent valve, thereby preventing lubricant from flowing through the vent valve. The sealed vent valve allows the actuator to rise in response to a rising lubricant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Holman, Brandon T. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 10774916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decoupler with free wheel system and comprising a vibration damping pulley, a shaft actionable by the pulley, hub pieces having a first hub piece and a second hub piece, hub pieces being mounted between the inner race of the pulley and the outer surface of the shaft, at least one journal element between the shaft and pulley, along with a torsion spring, and a clutch spring, with the first hub piece being mounted on the shaft and the second hub piece being mounted around the shaft and can rotate relative to it, the torsion spring being disposed between the outer race of the hub pieces and the inner race of pulley, having a first end operatively attachable to the pulley and a second end operatively attachable to the second hub piece and the clutch spring being disposed internally in relation to the torsion spring and which is frictionally engaged with the hub pieces for transmission of torque to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ZEN S/A INDUSTRIA METALURGICA
    Inventor: Alvaro Canto Michelotti
  • Patent number: 10767724
    Abstract: An isolator for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member is described. The isolator comprises a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device, defining a shaft adapter axis, a rotary drive member that is rotatable relative to the shaft adapter and has an endless drive member engagement surface that is engageable with the endless drive member, and an isolation spring arrangement positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and the rotary drive member. The isolation spring arrangement has at least one isolation spring that is axially offset from the endless drive member engagement surface. The at least one isolation spring has an outer edge that is radially outside the endless drive member engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Hao Tran, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete
  • Patent number: 10760736
    Abstract: A work vehicle having a joint, a joint sensor, a lubricant reservoir, a pump, and a controller. The joint has a first member connected to a second member by a bearing. The joint sensor is configured to provide a joint signal indicative of at least one of a position, velocity, and acceleration of the joint. The pump is configured to dispense lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the bearing when actuated. The controller receives the joint signal, determines a cumulative bearing travel based on the joint signal, determines a bearing lubrication value based on the cumulative bearing travel, and actuates the pump based on the bearing lubrication value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael R. Gratton
  • Patent number: 10738876
    Abstract: A cover for a transmission having improved airflow path is disclosed. The interior of the cover has a progressively narrowing airflow path to reduce pressure drop through the cover, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the airflow through the cover. The cover includes a diverter sheltering the air inlet to the cover to prevent air in the cover from exerting outward pressure on the incoming air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 10731791
    Abstract: A centerfill assembly for a lubricant reservoir includes a hollow tube for receiving lubricant from the top of the reservoir and loading the lubricant into the reservoir near the bottom of the reservoir. Loading the lubricant near the bottom of the reservoir introduces lubricant near where the stirring paddles mix the lubricant and near where the lubricant is loaded to the lubricant pump. Adding the lubricant near where the pumps load and near the stirring paddles helps to eliminate air pockets in the lubricant. In addition, having the centerfill rod minimizes exterior plumbing and allows for the mounting of valves on the fill line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Holman, Benjamin J. Paar, Mike V. Atkinson, Brandon T. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 10731558
    Abstract: A circumferential lubricant scoop for providing lubricant to a bearing assembly. The scoop is disposed circumferentially about and rotates with a rotor shaft. The scoop comprises a plurality of lubricant capturing vanes shaped to capture and retain lubricant in a cavity behind a lower lip of the vane. This cavity is in fluid communication with channels leading to fluid pathways of an inner race of the bearing assembly. Fluid is moved through the channels and fluid pathways due to the rotational force imparted by the rotating rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Schwendenmann
  • Patent number: 10724408
    Abstract: A method of performing a cleanup service on an internal combustion engine. The method involves draining used fleet oil from the engine, filling the engine with cleanup oil, draining the cleanup oil after an operation interval, and filling the engine with fresh fleet oil. The method can be performed as a remedial measure for an engine already exhibiting high oil consumption, or as a preventative measure on a healthy engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Dale England, James D. Kahlenbeck, Corey W. Trobaugh
  • Patent number: 10724682
    Abstract: A system generally including a delivery module and metering modules adapted to deliver grease to process valves. The metering modules each include a grease metering device including either: a grease cylinder, a piston extending within the grease cylinder, and a first actuator; or a casing, a rotor extending within the casing, and a second actuator. The delivery module includes a grease container and a fluid transport device adapted to deliver grease from the grease container to the grease metering modules. A control unit is adapted to control: the first actuator(s) to stroke the piston(s) within the grease cylinder(s) so that respective amounts of the delivered grease are metered to the process valves; and/or the second actuator(s) to rotate the rotor(s) within the casing(s) so that the respective amounts of the delivered grease are metered to the process valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: DOWNING WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Ronnie B. Beason, Nicholas J. Cannon
  • Patent number: 10711644
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a bearing compartment that has an inlet. A supply line splits into a supply conduit and a reservoir conduit that are fluidly parallel to one another for a length. The reservoir conduit fluidly rejoins the supply conduit at a junction. The supply conduit is fluidly connected to the inlet, and the reservoir conduit includes a flow restrictor upstream from the junction. A main pump is fluidly connected to the supply line and is configured to supply a lubricant to the bearing compartment through the supply line and supply and reservoir conduits in an operating state. The main pump has a non-operating state in which the reservoir conduit is configured to slowly refill the supply conduit through the flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Bruce Avis, Francis Parnin
  • Patent number: 10711668
    Abstract: An exemplary monitoring assembly includes a sensor that provides a first output when a lubricant reservoir holds a first amount of a contaminant, and a different, second output when the lubricant reservoir holds a different, second amount of the contaminant. A lubrication system monitoring controller operatively coupled to the sensor and configured to initiate a maintenance mode in response to the second output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Md Shahnoor Amin
  • Patent number: 10703440
    Abstract: A bicycle rear sprocket comprises a sprocket support member, a first attachment portion, and a second attachment portion. The sprocket support member comprises a first support member and a second support member. The first support member includes a first radially outer portion and a first radially inner portion. The second support member includes a second radially outer portion and a second radially inner portion. The first support member faces the second support member in the axial direction to define an axial gap provided between the first support member and the second support member in the axial direction. The first radially outer portion of the first support member is configured to be attached to the second radially outer portion of the second support member via a bicycle sprocket positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Koji Tokuyama
  • Patent number: 10695883
    Abstract: A device for passing lubricant out of a lubricant collecting container to a lubricant pump, in particular for an oil circuit of an internal combustion engine. The device including a lubricant intake pipe and a sedimentation container, which is connected fluidically to the lubricant intake pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Hügel
  • Patent number: 10696358
    Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprising a chain guide, an electric motor that displaces the chain guide and an electrically controllable device configured to, selectively, block the rotation of the electric motor and let the electric motor free to rotate. A method for actuating a bicycle derailleur comprising a chain guide and an electric motor that displaces the chain guide, comprises the steps of: receiving a gearshifting request signal; making the electric motor free to rotate; driving the electric motor to displace the chain guide until the chain guide is in an intended position while the electric motor is made free to rotate; and, blocking the rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Davide Bernardele