Patents Examined by Monica Carter
  • Patent number: 9452737
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper connecting unit with a basic body (12) for connecting a wiper blade adapter (14) to a wiper arm (16) of a wiper. It is proposed that the basic body (12) has a spoiler receiving region (20) arranged on one side (18) of the wiper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hervé Bratec, Guido Tuyls, Robert Vertongen
  • Patent number: 9455555
    Abstract: A stringing angle clamp device and methods associated therewith are provided. The stringing angle clamp device has a pulley wheel rotatable about an axle. A connecting structure has at least a first end and a second end, the first end rotatably affixed to the axle and the second end sized to connect to a utility pole. A first guide arm is rotatably affixed to the axle, wherein the first guide arm further comprises a first arm half and a second arm half, wherein the first arm half is mechanically fastened to the second arm half with at least one removable mechanical fastener positioned through each of the first and second arm halves. A first wire clamping structure is affixed to the first guide arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Marmon Utility LLC
    Inventors: Leonard P. Jean, Brian Boisclair, Jared Argyle, Bob Biddle, Edward Laughlin, Javier Philbrick
  • Patent number: 9453589
    Abstract: A tensioner for the controlled clamping and moving of an elongated body (A), in particular for an installation for laying pipelines, umbilicals or cables, includes a frame carrying at least two guiding boxes (3) that are arranged about an axis of symmetry (4), for clamping a segment of the elongated body (A). The guiding boxes (3) according to the invention are mounted mobile on their support frame through operating elements (5) including: (i) at least one linear actuator (5) including an operating cylinder extended by spring element, which operating cylinder and which spring element each have a longitudinal extension axis, the extension axes being oriented coaxially, or at least approximately coaxially, relative to each other, so as to form together the extension axis of the linear actuator; and (ii) programmable elements for controlling the operating cylinder in extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: REEL
    Inventor: Karamoko Konate
  • Patent number: 9452508
    Abstract: Adjustable knife holder adapted to maintain sharpness of a knife blade and method of manufacturing the knife holder. The knife holder comprises a housing defining an interior volume therein and a sharpener disposed in the interior volume for slightly sharpening the knife blade each time the knife blade is inserted into or withdrawn from the holder, thereby obviating a need to periodically resharpen the knife blade. The sharpening component can be conveniently removed and interchanged with another sharpener for maintaining sharpness of various types, styles and sizes of knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Bar 3 Products Group, LLC
    Inventors: James Leonard Beechinor, Terrence Anderson Blanco, Karen Louise Pascoe, Nam Quoc Hoang
  • Patent number: 9447806
    Abstract: An elastically averaging self-retaining alignment system includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first alignment member and an elastically deformable alignment element fixedly disposed with respect to the first alignment member, the alignment element having a hollow tube. The second component includes a second alignment member and an alignment feature fixedly disposed with respect to the second alignment member, the alignment feature having an aperture with a plurality of inwardly extending tabs. The elastically deformable alignment element is configured and disposed to interferingly, deformably and matingly engage the alignment feature. Portions of the elastically deformable alignment element when inserted into the alignment feature elastically deform to an elastically averaged final configuration that aligns and retains the first component relative to the second component in at least two of four planar orthogonal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Morris, Jennifer P. Lawall, Toure D. Lee
  • Patent number: 9446495
    Abstract: A lens processing system used for removing a lens blank (98, 110) from an edging block (40). The system includes an elongated collet (22) that engages the mating edging block (40). The block (40) includes an enlarged groove (41) that receives a pair of blades (65, 66) extended upwardly from the floor (75) of the collet (22). Each lens blank (98,110) is formed to include a series of surface markings (191,192) to verify proper functioning of the edging machine that forms a finished lens. Each lens blank also includes a series of circular markings (117,133) arranged in diagonal rows to verify the accurate drilling of bores with the lens blank (98,110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: James Gregory Goerges
  • Patent number: 9440327
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for polishing a substrate having a film formed thereon. The method includes: rotating a polishing table supporting a polishing pad by a table motor; pressing the substrate against the polishing pad by a top ring; obtaining a signal containing a thickness information of the film; producing from the signal a polishing index value that varies in accordance with a thickness of the film; monitoring a torque current value of the table motor and the polishing index value; and determining a polishing end point based on a point of time when the torque current value has reached a predetermined threshold value or a point of time when a predetermined distinctive point of the polishing index value has appeared, whichever comes first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yasumasa Hiroo, Yoichi Kobayashi, Katsutoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 9445505
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary conveying equipment for exposing a substrate. The rotary conveying equipment includes a carrying device and a rotary moving device. The carrying device carries the substrate by fastening the substrate thereon. The rotary moving device includes a rotating means, and the rotating means is connected to the carrying device and is moved together while rotated. And the efficiency of the exposure process is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Wei-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9440826
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extension device, lifting device or jack that can be locked in a raised configuration and used to safely support a raised load. An extension device according to the invention comprises a housing having a closed first end and an open second end, a support member inside the housing projecting from the first end thereof, a piston slideably mounted in the housing around the support member, means for extending the piston out of the second end of the housing, means for retracting the piston into the housing, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the piston to the support member, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more locking members mounted on the support member operable to be selectively moved in and out of locking engagement with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ABSOLUTE EQUIPMENT PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas Prisk
  • Patent number: 9440370
    Abstract: A water abrasive slurry supply system permits abrasive recovery and reuse and allows for constant controlled supply of abrasive slurry to multiple cutting heads in series or in parallel from a remote common slurry mix/supply tank. By keeping the slurry mix always in constant motion the abrasive is not allowed to settle out of suspension. The velocity required to maintain suspension in the recirculating loop is 6 to 7 feet per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Mark William Hayden
  • Patent number: 9440621
    Abstract: Flat wiper blade for use in windscreen wiper modules of vehicles, essentially consisting of a wiping rubber in addition to two spring rails, extending in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade, spaced apart from one another and receiving the wiping rubber in a subsection between them, which each respectively project over the wiping rubber on the wiper blade longitudinal sides and with at least one jet or injection strip provided on one longitudinal side of the wiper blade, having at least one injection or washing duct with a large number of jet or injection openings for application of a washing and cleaning fluid to a vehicle windscreen and which, with use of clip-like fixtures spanning the wiper blade on the upper side of the wiper blade, is retained on the external peripheries of the spring rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Bruno Egner-Walter, Michael Schäuble
  • Patent number: 9433335
    Abstract: A steam mop with an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to a foot includes a fluid distribution system having a distributor in the foot that applies steam to a floor surface and an auxiliary hose for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces. The auxiliary hose is mounted to the steam mop by an articulating joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew P. Nolan, Alan J. Krebs, Kurt E. Ashbaugh
  • Patent number: 9434484
    Abstract: A transport device for use when mounting interior component modules in an aircraft includes an undercarriage and an interior component module carrier unit. The interior component module carrier unit is supported on the undercarriage and is adapted to be connected to an interior component module, which is preassembled outside of the aircraft, in order to transport the interior component module with the aid of the transport device into a final assembly position in an aircraft fuselage element. At least a part of the interior component module carrier unit is movable relative to the undercarriage such that an interior component module connected to the interior component module carrier unit is movable horizontally and vertically relative to the undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Umlauft, Dirk Humfeldt, Niklas Halfmann, Dieter Krause
  • Patent number: 9434354
    Abstract: A beam blade windshield wiper assembly having a universal coupler assembly including a carrier, a saddle that is removably received and retained by the carrier, and a coupler that is operatively mounted to the saddle. The carrier, saddle, and coupler cooperate to accommodate various sizes of “pinch-type” attachment members, “push-button-type” attachment members, as well as “side-pin-type” and “pin-and-bent-tab-type” attachment members that are used to connect the wiper arm and the windshield wiper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Trico Products Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Avasiloaie, Dan Ehde
  • Patent number: 9434355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter for use in releasably attaching a wiper assembly to a wiper arm having an attachment member including a track extending to a terminal edge and defined by a base and walls depending therefrom and having fins that extend from the walls. The wiper adapter includes a body having first and second ends, a pair of opposing sidewalls extending longitudinally therebetween and having an inside and outside surface each, a strap connecting the sidewalls for engaging the base of the wiper arm, at least one resilient locking tab disposed adjacent to the second end and extending from at least one of the inside surfaces of the sidewalls for engaging at least one of the fins of the wiper arm, and a stop disposed between the sidewalls adjacent to the first end for abutting the terminal edge of the wiper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Trico Products Corporation
    Inventors: Mitica Polocoser, Kyle Moll
  • Patent number: 9429730
    Abstract: A method for installing an optical fiber unit in a protective tube housing a pulling rope includes the steps of: providing a mini tube having a longitudinal opening from end to end; transversally inserting a portion of the pulling rope in the longitudinal opening; contacting the pulling rope and optical fiber unit over a predetermined length; slipping the mini tube over at least a portion of the contacting length of the pulling rope and optical fiber unit; crimping the mini tube around the pulling rope and optical fiber unit; and drawing the optical fiber unit through the protective tube by pulling the pulling rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Abbiati, Ian James Griffiths, Arnaud Le Dissez
  • Patent number: 9427844
    Abstract: A centering machine for, in particular, optical lenses has two centering spindles. The rotationally drivable centering spindle shafts are axially aligned with respect to a centering axis and constructed at the ends for the mounting of clamping bells. A stroke device axially adjusts one centering spindle shaft relative to the other centering spindle shaft along the centering axis for alignment of the lens between the clamping bells. A clamping device applies to a centering spindle shaft a clamping force clamping the aligned lens. At least one processing unit is movable relative to the centering axis, with a tool for edge processing of the clamped lens. In order to enable an optimized bell clamping process, the stroke device and the clamping device and/or a rotary drive for the axially adjustable centering spindle shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to the centering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Joachim Diehl, Steffen Moos, Achim Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9427840
    Abstract: A honing tool holder utilizes pressure of a through-the-spindle coolant delivery system for automatically feeding the honing elements or stones of an attached honing tool when in the bore of a work piece, and for automatically stopping the feeding when a particular condition such as a bore size, is reached, so as to enable use of an in-process adjustable feed honing tool in a machine tool, machining center, or the like, lacking a feed mechanism or system but including a coolant delivery system. The holder can also include apparatus to automatically prevent feed past a limit. Both the feed force and feed limit can be adjustable, at least the latter by simple movements of the tool holder by the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Sunnen Products Company
    Inventor: Daniel R. Cloutier
  • Patent number: 9421672
    Abstract: A clamp assembly that can be installed on and removed from its mounting on an elongated structure (e.g., 2×4) without the need for sliding past an end of the structure is disclosed. The clamp assembly may include a pair of clamp bodies with pads for engaging a workpiece. Each of the clamp bodies includes a clamp mount with a movable member arranged to be moved into forced engagement with an exterior surface (e.g., side) of the 2×4 to fix the clamp body on the 2×4. At least one of or both of the clamp bodies include a releasable connection that, when released, allows for the removal of the clamp body from the 2×4 without the need to longitudinally slide the body past an end of the 2×4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Rowlay, Robert Christie, James Spaulding, Karl Vanderbeek, Nidta Viyakornvilas
  • Patent number: 9422957
    Abstract: A clamp includes an upper portion, lower portion, screw and nut. The upper portion may include first and second rectangular shaped members, a first projection extending from the first and second members, and a first central opening located between the first and second members. The lower portion may include third and fourth rectangular shaped members, a second projection extending from the third and fourth members, and a second central opening located between the third and fourth members. The screw may extend from the upper portion through the first and second central openings. The nut may be integrally connected to the lower portion and includes threads to receive corresponding threads from the screw. Lower surfaces of the first and second members and upper surfaces of the third and fourth members define an opening located adjacent the first and second projections in which a component to be clamped is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh