Patents Examined by Stefanos Karmis
  • Patent number: 9079127
    Abstract: An apparatus including an acoustic transducer configured to acoustically associate with at least a portion of a fluid cavity. The fluid cavity is configured as a resonator. The acoustic transducer is configured to create an acoustic wave in the at least a portion of the fluid cavity. The acoustic wave is selected to increase the concentration of at least one particulate in a location in the fluid cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Eduardo Vom, Samuel Ross Garland Lanyon, Stuart Elliott, Richard Allman
  • Patent number: 9079487
    Abstract: A device for operating a drive unit generates setpoint values for controlling the drive unit based on, for example driver-generated input parameters. The device generates a first setpoint value for a front-axle drive and a second setpoint value for a rear-axle drive and includes a load impact damping unit which, in the event of a risk of load impacts, processes the setpoint values so as to damp the load impacts. The load impact damping unit is divided into a first load impact damping filter for processing the first setpoint value for the front axle drive and into a second load impact damping filter for processing the second setpoint value for the rear axle drive, and supplies corresponding filtered setpoint values to these drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Ruben Maier, Alexander Kruse
  • Patent number: 9068374
    Abstract: A method and system for managing vehicles within a boundary is provided. Boundary units positioned at predetermined locations in a managing area define a boundary, within which multiple docking stations that secure the vehicles are positioned. Each docking station comprises a client component and a locking unit. The client component, in communication with a central server, allocates a vehicle to a user based on allocation criteria. The locking unit unlocks the allocated vehicle from a docking station. Each vehicle comprises a vehicle control unit, in communication with the boundary units, for determining proximity of the allocated vehicle to the defined boundary, and for restricting movement of the allocated vehicle when the allocated vehicle is in close proximity to the defined boundary. The central server, in communication with the boundary units, determines location of the allocated vehicle, when the allocated vehicle is in close proximity to and breaches the defined boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: PES School Of Engineering
    Inventors: Suryaprasad Jayadevappa, Haseeb Arfath Syed, Srinidhi Sridhar
  • Patent number: 9056336
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, software and systems are disclosed for improved processing of mailpieces in order to reduce expensive manual steps. Shiny mail, i.e., mailpieces having glossy surfaces that sometimes interfere with printing of barcodes and or ID Tags may lead to rejects. In some embodiments, shiny mailpieces are identified, and at least one new (non-shiny) label is over-labeled in the POSTNET clear zone (108), the ID Tag zone (202), or both. In one embodiment, a specially-configured Reject Encoding Machine (REM) (1142) is employed to label or over-label a POSTNET clear zone (1110), resolve the destination address (1112) if possible, and print the barcode (1114) in a single operation. Thereafter, the mailpiece may be transferred from the REM into a downstream DBCS (1144), thereby re-introducing the mailpiece into the automated mail stream rather than being relegated to a manual stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: RAF Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Brandt
  • Patent number: 9050630
    Abstract: A powder-classification method includes a mixing step in which a powder and a liquid additive are mixed together, a drying step in which the powder mixed in the mixing step is dried, a loading step in which the powder dried in the drying step is loaded into a fluid classifier, a heating step in which a gas is heated, a supplying step in which the gas heated in the heating step is supplied to the fluid classifier, and a classifying step in which the powder is classified in the fluid classifier based on a grain size of the powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: NISSHIN SEIFUN GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Kazumi Kozawa, Kosuke Ando, Daisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 9046140
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including an inner race and a wedge component with first and second tapered outer partially circumferential surfaces. The clutch includes first and second outer races including respective tapered inner partially circumferential surfaces. For rotation of the outer races, with respect to the inner race, in a first direction, the outer races are axially aligned and separated by a space in an axial direction, the first and second tapered outer partially circumferential surfaces and the respective tapered inner partially circumferential surfaces are at least partially aligned in radial and axial directions and are free of contact. For rotation of the outer races, with respect to the inner race, in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the first and second tapered outer partially circumferential surfaces contact the respective tapered inner partially circumferential surfaces and the first and second outer races are non-rotatably connected to the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael C. Davis
  • Patent number: 9037285
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
  • Patent number: 9033126
    Abstract: A switchable clutch, including: a first clutch including a first outer race with first and second race plates; a second clutch including a second outer race with third and fourth race plates; an inner hub; and a selector system axially disposed between the first and second clutches, in contact with the first and second outer races, and including a selector plate. For a first operational mode, the selector plate rotates to a first circumferential position to non-rotatably connect the first outer race and the inner hub. For a second operational mode, the selector plate rotates to a second circumferential position to non-rotatably connect the second outer race and the inner hub. For a third operational mode: the selector plate rotates to a third circumferential position and the inner hub is rotatable with respect to the first and second outer races. The first and third plates are axially displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Scott Strong
  • Patent number: 9037361
    Abstract: A transmission includes a controller that uses force feedback from a detent mechanism to determine appropriate actuator output for achieving a desired transmission range, which facilitates the implementation of “shift by wire” systems on pre-existing transmission designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Vernacchia, William F. Sultze
  • Patent number: 9006599
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for sorting a stream of products by scanning this stream of products with a bundle of concentrated light and analyzing the light originating from the scanned products and a background element, wherein this background element is chosen such that the corresponding detected light signal differs from the light signals originating from the products to be sorted in at least one parameter and wherein one or more control signals are generated by shifting the background level of the observed light signals to a signal level chosen such that, in the thus obtained signal, the signal level of the signal of a scanned product to be accepted distinguishes itself from the signal level of the signal of a scanned product to be rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Visys
    Inventors: Dirk Adams, Pieter Op De Beeck
  • Patent number: 8961361
    Abstract: A wheel drive unit includes: a planetary gear mechanism including a planetary gear and an internally-toothed gear; a casing integrated with the internally-toothed gear, a wheel being attached to the casing, and the casing transmitting rotation of the internally-toothed gear to the wheel; a bearing nut configured to prevent axial movement of the casing; and an oil seal provided more toward an interior of a vehicle than the planetary gear mechanism and axially fixed with respect the casing. An inner diameter of the detachment prevention member is smaller than an outer diameter of the externally-toothed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8952284
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process are described. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may include a conveyance mechanism including at least one item inducted into the conveyance mechanism. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may also include an item allocation component. The item allocation component may be configured to assign the item to a particular sorting station of a group of multiple sorting stations. The item allocation component may determine the particular sorting station to which the item is assigned based upon a determined quantity of other items located at the particular sorting station and a determined quantity of other items en route to the particular sorting station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cherie G. Wong, Irina M. Somin, Eric Young, Patrick W. Ramey, Barry Adrian Shepherd
  • Patent number: 8936528
    Abstract: A transmission, preferably for driving a motor vehicle, includes a multi-gear main transmission and a range group, that is connected downstream from the main transmission and comprises an input shaft and an epicyclic gear system. The epicyclic gear system comprises elements in the form at least of a central gearwheel and a planetary carrier. Furthermore, the transmission comprises a first connection for driving one of the elements of the epicyclic gear system by way of the input shaft of the range group and a variator, as well as a second connection that can be engaged with the first connection for driving a further element of the elements of the epicyclic gear system. When the second connection is engaged, the input shaft of the range group drives the variator and a drive output of the variator drives the further element of the epicyclic gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Bernard Hunold
  • Patent number: 8887922
    Abstract: A screen deck assembly has an elongated connecting member for securing screen panels to a vibratory machine. The connecting member has a first end and a second end, a body, a transverse arm contiguous with and generally perpendicular to the body, and a radial dome top extending above the transverse arm such that a locking channel is formed between the transverse arm and the radial dome top. A screen, which has a locking profile that corresponds to the locking channel in the connecting member, is detachably secured to the connecting member by sliding or pressing the locking profile into the locking channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Norris Screen and Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Lilly, Gregory L. Rayburn, Todd Boyter, Curtis Boyter
  • Patent number: 8892321
    Abstract: A clutch controlling apparatus includes a shift change transmission having a plurality of gear trains between a main shaft on an input side and a countershaft on an output side. A clutch controls transmission of power between the shift change transmission and an engine between engagement an disengagement. The clutch controlling apparatus automatically controls the clutch upon shift change of the shift change transmission. An input power ratio is calculated as a ratio between a rotation of the engine and a rotation of the countershaft. If the input/output power ratio exceeds a predetermined value in a direction of a rise of the rotation of the engine during shift change of the shift change transmission, a target control amount of the clutch is corrected in a clutch engagement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nedachi, Hiroyuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 8869988
    Abstract: A cooler for particulate product includes a substantially enclosed housing. A first cooling screen is disposed in the housing and is configured to receive the product. The first cooling screen is configured to move the product along a surface by gravity when the first cooling screen vibrated. A duct is coupled to the first cooling screen to move cooling fluid through the first cooling screen. A second cooling screen is disposed in the housing below the first screen and is configured to receive the product after discharge from the first screen. The second screen is configured to move the particulate product along a surface when vibrated. A second duct is coupled to the second screen to move cooling fluid through the screen. A collector receives the particulate product after moving along a surface of the second screen. A vibrator is coupled to the housing and vibrates the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Henry P. Stachura, Donald J. Canavan, Joachim M. Zaun
  • Patent number: 8874333
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for an automatic transmission having two input shafts connected to an output shaft of a prime mover; two output shafts; and two drive force transmission paths including clutches and synch devices each of which is able to connect a speed gear to the associated one of the output shafts, it is configured to discriminate whether shifting required by an operator is a first shifting pattern or a second shifting pattern, supply fluid pressure to one of the drive force transmission paths associated with a desired speed gear, while engaging the lockup clutch, when the shifting is the first shifting pattern, and supply the fluid pressure to the one of the drive force transmission paths associated with the desired speed gear, while disengaging the lockup clutch, when the shifting is the second shifting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Harada
  • Patent number: 8863959
    Abstract: A separator includes a trough having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a bottom wall, and a vibration generator attached to the trough. The separator also includes first, second, and third deck sections, each of which is disposed within the trough, the first deck section being disposed at a higher elevation relative to the bottom wall than the second deck section, and the third deck section being disposed above the second deck section. The separator also includes at least one source of heated air, the first deck section and the second deck section being in fluid communication with the at least one source of heated air so that heated air from the at least one source passes through the first and second deck sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Britton, Daniel T. Lease
  • Patent number: 8845473
    Abstract: An equalizing unit of a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a clutch device to be oiled in driving mode. In order to stop drag torques which act on the clutch device from the outside, and result in increased dissipation when said clutch device is not required due to an operating state, measures are provided which promote the dry running of the clutch device. The measures include the spatial-functional separation of the oil delivery device from the clutch device and the provision of a braking or decoupling device by which the oil delivery device can be deactivated if there is no oil requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Koping AB
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Christoph Göttert, Michael Müllers, Jan Haupt
  • Patent number: 8831775
    Abstract: A system and method for electronic assistance in dispensing pharmaceuticals, utilizing software, hardware and barcode technology to yield error free, clinically correct, adjudicated prescriptions. The system is adaptive to the preferences of an authorized user, by being configurable on the basis of when and what type of warnings are given in particular circumstances, based on entries in a field, and whether the order can proceed. Additionally, the invention allows for automated and electronically assisted refilling of orders. The invention allows for tracking and monitoring of prescription orders through barcode labeling and scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Omnicare, Inc.
    Inventor: John DiMaggio