Patents Issued in March 31, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110076095
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securely mounting devices and/or accessories to vehicles and/or other supporting structures. The systems include a shaft having a longitudinal axis. A pair of clamp bodies cooperates with the shaft so that a distance is defined between the clamp bodies. A lever is engaged with the shaft and operable to alter the distance between the clamp bodies. A lock supported by the lever movably engages the shaft and maintains the orientation of the clamp bodies relative to one another by maintaining an orientation of the lever relative to the shaft so that the lever can only be operated when the lock is disengaged from the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Troy Storch, John Gross, William Orne, III, Eric Stephen Kincel
  • Publication number: 20110076096
    Abstract: A tolerance ring comprising a metallic band for spring features and a complementary low friction material for frictional considerations is disclosed. The tolerance ring is designed to operate within a precisely controlled torque or axial force band to provide a defined amount of resistance and sliding force control between components that move relative to each other. Isolated portions of the tolerance ring form regions of contact with adjacent ones of the components. Other surfaces of the tolerance ring comprise portions with spring features that have geometry suitable for their spring rate, rather than conforming to mating surfaces of the adjacent components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Slayne, Parag Natu
  • Publication number: 20110076097
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint system is provided, comprised of an easily installable and transportable base having a deployable vehicle retention means contained therein. In particular, a rigid base over which vehicles may drive is provided, having a deployable vehicle retention means, such as a net or flexible panel, disposed in the base. In addition, lockable rollers, deployable plates and tire puncturing devices are disposed in the base, to prevent or resist movement of the vehicle relative to the base. The base is merely laid upon a surface, and requires no mounting thereto. Upon impact with a vehicle, the vehicle is retained on the base, and the forward motion/inertia of the vehicle is depleted via frictional engagement (sliding) of the base over the mounting surface, wherein the base and vehicle come to a controlled stop within a short distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Frank J. Dindl, Kenneth R. Jones, Christopher J. Strianse
  • Publication number: 20110076098
    Abstract: Increased resistance to displacement of a barrier or barrier sections thereof in response to a lateral force without anchoring or bolting barrier sections together is achieved by providing an attachment arrangement near the top of an end of barrier sections which is capable of carrying a tensile force and developing that tensile force using a tightening bolt/nut arrangement located at deflection stops at lower corners of the barrier sections to develop a compressive force. The barrier sections are thus rigidly attached together such that a lateral force applied to one or more barrier sections is partially transferred to additional attached barrier sections effectively increasing the mass against which the lateral force is applied. The tightening bolt/nut arrangements are retained by and are captive to the respective barrier sections when barrier sections are disassembled from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney I. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110076099
    Abstract: A method for renovating a well curb by lifting it to a first position, whereafter a compressible device is positioned around the well curb. Hereafter the well curb is lowered to a second position so that the compressible device is abutting the upper edge of the well, whereafter a casting material is injected into the cavity between the surface dressing and a filling around the well. Finally the well curb is lowered to a third and final position. Also, a compressible device for use in the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Bjarne Henning Poulsen
  • Publication number: 20110076100
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a movable plunger held within a stationary riser, the stationary riser being in fluid communication with a drainage system. The movable plunger is buoyant, assisted by one or more attached floats such that, when the liquid level around the flow control system increases to a pre-determined level, the movable plunger lifts due to the buoyancy, thereby maintaining the pre-determined distance between the surface level and a bottom surface of the movable plunger, keeping the flow rate at an approximately constant level independent of the water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: EARLY RISER, LTD
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Publication number: 20110076101
    Abstract: An application for a flow control system includes a tapered plunger situated within an conduit. The conduit is open to a downstream drainage system. The tapered plunger is buoyant, assisted by one or more floats attached such that, when the water level around the flow control system increases to a predetermined level above a top rim of the conduit, the tapered plunger lifts due to the buoyancy. In such, the flow rate is maintained substantially constant. At the emergency level, alternate drain systems provide increased drainage to reduce the potential of flooding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: EARLY RISER, LTD
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Moody
  • Publication number: 20110076102
    Abstract: A method and system for moving a large temporary building from a first location to a second location, while the building remains erect, are disclosed. The invention is particularly suited for moving such a building during the remediation of a contaminated waste site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: AMEREN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Lee Burns, Derek D. Ingram, John D. Linnemann, Stanley E. Deeke, Jeffrey K. Tardrew
  • Publication number: 20110076103
    Abstract: Free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 that includes a plurality of sheet-pile planks 16, and optionally one or more support elements 12 that are interconnected together using one or more interlocking connectors 22, 24. The sheet-pile plank 16 has a lower edge located proximate a top surface of the ground 14 upon which the free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 is erected in an upstanding, installed configuration. The sheet-pile plank 16 and the support element 12 each constitute sheet-pile components and in the upstanding, installed configuration, a lower portion of the sheet-pile plank 16 is ground engaged and a substantial entirety of the weight of the sheet-pile plank is supported at its engagement with the ground. The engagement may be merely abutting with the plank 16 resting atop the ground, or the lower edge of the plank 16 may be buried into the ground to a certain degree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: ROB WENDT, Richard Heindl
  • Publication number: 20110076104
    Abstract: A method for transporting gaseous, liquid, and solid materials in which a sealed containment vessel containing a material for transport is introduced into an underground pipeline or conduit. The sealed containment vessel is then motivated through the underground pipeline or conduit to a predetermined location. Pipelines for use in accordance with the method of this invention may be natural gas or water pipelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
  • Publication number: 20110076105
    Abstract: A cylindrical rotating tool comprises a major diameter portion having formed therein an internal fluid passage, a minor diameter portion provided in front of the major diameter portion, and a tip attached to the front of the minor diameter portion. When seen from behind the central axis line, an inner circumference of an outlet of the internal fluid passage intersects with an outer circumference of the minor diameter portion. At the site of the outlet, a notch is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the minor diameter portion. An inclined portion of the notch is formed obliquely so that the distance from the central axis line to the inclined portion on further forward of the minor diameter portion becomes larger than the distance from the central axis line to the inclined portion on a closest position on the entire circumference of the outlet to the central axis line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Morihiro HIDETA
  • Publication number: 20110076106
    Abstract: A cutting tool includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end. The forward end includes an insert-receiving pocket with a threaded hole having a center axis. The cutting tool further includes a cutting insert with a countersunk bore with a center axis. The cutting tool includes an error proofing feature for preventing the cutting insert to be properly mounted in an insert-receiving pocket when an offset distance between the center axis of the threaded hole of the insert-receiving pocket and the center axis of the countersunk bore of the cutting insert is greater than a predetermined percentage of the outer diameter of the threaded screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KENNAMETAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Glenn Morrison, Srikanth Bontha, Juan Seculi, Thomas Jerry Long, II, Jeremy Joseph Verellen, Ravishankar Iyer
  • Publication number: 20110076107
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dual technology relief tap, and more specifically, to a relief tap where a segment on the threaded portion has a first type of relief and the remainder of the threads have a second type of relief or a concentric thread to limit tilt and loosening and ultimately to prevent overfeed or underfeed. In some embodiments, a neutral, negative, positive, convex, or other type of relief is applied generally to most of the threaded portion with or without concentric threads, and a second type of relief of any type, such as a neutral, a negative, a positive, a convex, or other relief, is applied to some selected threads. In another embodiment, the second type of relief is applied to the first threads after the chamfer or are spaced regularly over the threaded surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: YG-1 CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Bae Lee
  • Publication number: 20110076108
    Abstract: A swivel spindle head with gear device driven by multiple torque motors is disclosed, which comprises: a tool spindle, having a first shaft and a second shaft being radially disposed at two opposite sides of the tool spindle while sharing a common axial line; a plurality of torque motors, radially disposed at a side of the tool spindle; and a reduction gear set, radially disposed at a side of the tool spindle opposite to the plural torque motors, composed of a plurality of driving gears and a driven gear; wherein the amount of the plural driving gears is the same as that of the plural torque motors while enabling each of the plural driving gears to connect with a rotor shaft of its corresponding torque motor, and the same time, connecting the driven gear on the second shaft of the tool spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chin-Mou Hsu, Ching-Yuan Lin, En-Sheng Chang, Shih-Yen Chung
  • Publication number: 20110076109
    Abstract: Blind fasteners and methods of manufacture. The blind fasteners each have a sleeve with a sleeve head thereon and a stem having a stem head thereon. The stem extends through the sleeve from an end of the sleeve opposite the sleeve head with the stem head adjacent the end of the sleeve opposite the sleeve head. The sleeve has a non-uniform wall thickness to cause the sleeve to buckle outward against a blind side surface of a work piece to form a blind side head when the stem is pulled relative to the sleeve head to set the fastener in a work piece, the work piece having a thickness which may range from a predetermined minimum grip to a predetermined maximum grip. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ALLFAST FASTENING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul A. Keller
  • Publication number: 20110076110
    Abstract: A washer assembly for a threaded fastener said assembly including a first washer portion having an aperture through which the threaded fastener is to pass, and a surface surrounding said aperture; and a second washer portion, said second washer portion having an aperture through which the fastener is to pass, the second portion having a surface surrounding the aperture of the second portion and being positioned to abut the surface of the first portion and to be urged into contact therewith upon tensioning of the fastener; and wherein the surface of said second portion extends beyond the aperture of said first portion when the surfaces abut, the aperture of said first portion is dimensioned to provide for relative movement between the portions with the apertures aligned to provide for the insertion of the threaded fastener therethrough, and said surfaces have cooperating projections and recesses that inhibit relative movement between the portions when the threaded fastener is tensioned urging the surface of sa
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: John Thomas Burke, Allan Walsh
  • Publication number: 20110076111
    Abstract: A screw hole seal structure seals a screw hole (13) in molding a fiber-reinforced resin member (1) in which an insert member (4) provided with the screw hole (13) is integrally incorporated. In the structure, a screw member (5) is tightened in the screw hole (13). In the structure, an elastic seal member (6) is compressed within the screw hole (13), in an axial direction of the screw member (5), and is therefore deformed radially outwards by compression force that is created by tightening of the screw member (5), and an air-tight state of the screw hole (13) is maintained by deformation of the elastic seal member (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Shinichi Suefuji, Keiichi Ishii
  • Publication number: 20110076112
    Abstract: A concrete bolt includes a hexagonal head part and a bolt body extended from the head part. A bottom end of the bolt body is a bevel, a surface of the bolt body has high-tooth and low-tooth threads helically extended and arranged alternately. A tooth end of the high-tooth thread is tilted outward, an end surface facing toward the head part is concaved, the low-tooth thread is roughly in a trapezoidal shape and a high-tooth thread adjacent to the bottom end has petal-shaped teeth arranged alternately. When locking into concrete, the bolt is operated more easily to save labor work by cutting with the high-tooth threads and guiding and balancing functions with the low-tooth threads. Additionally, the concrete cut is coagulated after locking, thus the bolt is more robust by having a high tensile strength and easily dismantled for repetitive use, thereby improving a practical value of the concrete bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Chi-Tao Huang
  • Publication number: 20110076113
    Abstract: A method for producing a fastening device, in which a head part and a shaft part are joined, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joseph MUELLER, Andreas Fasske
  • Publication number: 20110076114
    Abstract: A plastic blind rivet includes a sleeve with a plurality of legs formed by a plurality of slits of constant width. A body lock is formed on the inside of the rivet sleeve, and a mandrel lock is formed in the shank of the mandrel. When the rivet is set, the body lock and mandrel lock are engaged so as to maintain the legs in an expanded condition. A stopper is formed in the mandrel shank and abutments formed in the sleeve body. During rivet setting, the stopper and abutments engage to limit further deformation of the sleeve legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Takahiro SANO, Shinji NAKATA
  • Publication number: 20110076115
    Abstract: A conveyor shuttle having a conveyor belt for conveying textiles across a wash alley from a washing machine (selected from among a plurality of washing machines) to a drying machine (selected from among a plurality of drying machines). The shuttle travels along the work alley among and between the washing machines and the drying machines. Some embodiments further include guide hardware to help guide soiled laundry into the washing machine. Some embodiments include an operator platform and an operator control system so that a human user can ride on the shuttle and help control various wash alley functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: G.A. BRAUN, INC.
    Inventors: Michael C. Page, Stephen D. Wilbur, Joseph B. Gudenburr, IV, R. Scott Morse
  • Publication number: 20110076116
    Abstract: A system for use in a gasification system, comprises a solid pump that delivers a pressurized fuel and a high-pressure transition vessel. The transition vessel comprises a first inlet connected to an outlet of the solid pump so that all of the fuel from the solid pump passes through the transition vessel, a second inlet for connection to a conveyance gas line, and an outlet through which the fuel is transported to a gasifier. The transition vessel is elongated in the direction of a flow so that a conveyance gas introduced through said conveyance gas line plus the pressure difference carries the fuel to the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ke Liu, Zhe Cui, Wei Chen, Mingmin Wang
  • Publication number: 20110076117
    Abstract: A disclosed process module includes a substrate receiving part on which a substrate is placed and a process is carried out with respect to the substrate on the substrate receiving part; and a substrate transfer mechanism including plural substrate holding members, each of which can be positioned in a first position where the substrate is transferred to/from a substrate transfer apparatus provided outside the process module and a second position above the substrate receiving part, wherein each of the substrate holding members can hold the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Yoji IIZUKA
  • Publication number: 20110076118
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a transfer robot that having at least one image sensor disposed thereon is provided. The transfer robot includes a lift assembly having a first drive assembly for moving a first platform relative to a second platform in a first linear direction, an end effector assembly disposed on the second platform and movable in a second linear direction by a second drive assembly, the second linear direction being orthogonal to the first linear direction, at least one image sensor, and a lighting device associated with the at least one image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kurita, Takayuki Matsumoto, Suhail Anwar, Makoto Inagawa
  • Publication number: 20110076119
    Abstract: An object is to provide a vacuum processing apparatus that is capable of suppressing the costs and making control easy. Provided is a vacuum processing apparatus that includes a vacuum section (2) of which inside is held in vacuum, a placing section (3) that is disposed inside the vacuum section (2) and is capable of placing a workpiece thereon, a linear motor 4) that includes coils (415) and makes the placing section (3) travel within the vacuum section, wherein air is placed inside the placing section (3) while being isolated from the vacuum section (2), and the coils (415) of the linear motor (4) are disposed inside the placing section (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Tobe, Satoru Kawakami, Shinji Matsubayashi, Yosuke Muraguchi, Yasuyoshi Kitazawa, Yasumichi Mieno
  • Publication number: 20110076120
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a loading/unloading unit including a mounting table on which a storage container accommodating a target substrate is mounted; a processing unit set including a plurality of processing units that perform a process on the target substrate; a plurality of transit units that transit the target substrate between the loading/unloading unit and the processing unit set; a selection unit that receives input for selecting a storage container for loading, a storage container for unloading, and a processing unit to be used for processing the target substrate; and a transfer recipe creating unit that automatically selects a transit unit to be used among the plurality of transit units based on the storage container for loading, the storage container for unloading, and the processing unit selected through the selection unit, automatically generates a transfer route of the target substrate, and creates a transfer recipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Kouichi Itou
  • Publication number: 20110076121
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a wheelchair into and out of a vehicle, said apparatus including: —an anchorage configured to be secured to the floor of a vehicle and to provide a pivotal mounting for said apparatus; —the first portion and a second portion; —the first portion being configured to move in a substantially horizontal plane; —the first portion including a main support member which is pivoted at one end to the anchorage and which carries the second portion at the other end; —the second portion being configured to move in a substantially vertical plane; —the second portion carrying means for securing a wheelchair thereto; —first moving means for moving the first portion relative to the anchorage; —second moving means for moving the second portion; —wherein the apparatus is dimensioned and configured such that a wheelchair secured’ to the second portion is movable between a first, fully stored position in a luggage compartment of a vehicle and a second position in which a wheelchair is at a specified position r
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Igor Gaghis
  • Publication number: 20110076122
    Abstract: This invention relates to a demountable vehicle body system, in which a variety of different body types can be mounted and demounted from a vehicle chassis or trailer to enable a single vehicle chassis or trailer to be utilised for a variety of different purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to a demountable vehicle body system for motor vehicles and trailers which provides for a convenient and cost effective use of a variety of vehicle body types. Advantageously, the present invention provides a demountable vehicle body system that is capable of safely mounting or demounting a wide variety of vehicle body types, including fully-loaded heavy bodies, in a smooth and efficient manner. The vehicle body system described herein can be mounted or demounted in a matter of minutes by a single operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Alvin Ritson
  • Publication number: 20110076123
    Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser or seed tender is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handling and dispenser of this invention is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with seed inlet openings formed in the deck of the trailer. Means is provided for simultaneously clamping the opposite sides of the containers to the deck. When the seed containers are placed on the deck, the doors which provide access to the slide gates thereof are on the driver's side of the trailer. A pair of hydraulic cylinders pivotally interconnect the upper auger conveyor section to the lower auger conveyor section for pivotally moving the upper auger conveyor section between a stowed position and an operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Tom J. Beck
  • Publication number: 20110076124
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing pick-and-place operations is disclosed, which comprises: a power source; a transmission set, driven by the power source; a mobile seat, capable of being moved by the transmission set; and a retrieval head, coupled to the mobile seat; wherein the transmission set is configured with a driving shaft and a driven shaft as the two shafts are parallel-disposed while enabling the driving shaft to be driven by the power source; and the driving shaft has an active eccentric axle extruding from an end opposite to the power source, and the driven shaft has an passive eccentric axle extruding from an end opposite to the power source; and the active eccentric axle and the passive eccentric axle is coupled to the mobile seat for forming a four-bar linkage mechanism for maintaining the verticality and levelness of the mobile seat while being driven to move in an arc path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: MJC PROBE INC.
    Inventor: Tien-Te Yang
  • Publication number: 20110076125
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a load maneuvering system that includes a pair of runway rails, a bridge that is movable on the runway rails and that includes a single bridge rail, a carriage that is movable on the single bridge rail, and a manipulator supported by the carriage. The bridge rail is configured to support the assembly of the carriage and manipulator when a load is carried by the manipulator and a resultant moment is imposed on the bridge rail. The moment may be imposed in a direction about the bridge axis, in a direction about the runway axis, or a combination of the two. By providing a single bridge rail with an enclosed member as part of (or the entirety of) the bridge rail, the overall system is lighter and requires less power for movement of the bridge on the runway rails, and requires less power to move the carriage on the bridge. Additionally, the assembly is simplified relative to some load maneuvering systems of the prior art thereby making it less expensive to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Ray Givens
  • Publication number: 20110076126
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for palletizing bagged and other items that are susceptible to being damaged or degraded by the sliding friction caused by apron removal includes a center-opening apron assembly having a left and right side apron consisting of a roller curtain floor and belt. Each roller curtain floor follows a generally L-shaped path by means of roller chains guided through a plurality of sprockets. A single apron motor simultaneously operates both the left side and right side roller curtain by means of a cross-linked synchronization chain. Each roller curtain includes a belt having opposed stationary ends whereby opening of the roller curtain floor results in opposite direction rotation of the belt. This enables bagged items to by palletized in a single layer without causing bunching or tearing of the bagged items as the roller curtain floor retracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: TOP TIER, INC.
    Inventors: Cary Pierson, Steve Heston
  • Publication number: 20110076127
    Abstract: A pressware stacking assembly and method for using the same are provided. The stacking assembly may include a stacking surface for supporting a plurality of pressware products and at least one shaped wheel at least partially disposed through the stacking surface. The shaped wheel may include a body having at least three sides disposed about a perimeter thereof and at least one transition section disposed between adjoining sides, wherein each transition section is adapted to lift at least a portion of the pressware products off the stacking surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Berg, Brandon M. Batz, Stephen K. Milligan, Mark B. Littlejohn
  • Publication number: 20110076128
    Abstract: A first layer of items is assembled on a movable conveyor belt on a support platform, and the conveyor belt advances to position the first layer of items above and in registration with a pallet while a second layer of items is assembled behind the first layer. The conveyor belt then stops, and part of the support platform and an associated portion of the conveyor belt retract from beneath the first layer of items, depositing the first layer of items on the pallet, after which the pallet is indexed downward. The retractable portion of the support platform and the associated portion of the conveyor belt then extend to the position above and in registration with the pallet, and the conveyor belt advances during this extension to position the second layer of items above and in registration with the pallet. Apparatus for placing slip sheets onto pallets is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Ole Johnsen, Wojciech Kowalczuk, Denis Trottier
  • Publication number: 20110076129
    Abstract: A method of transferring a wafer is disclosed. The method comprises providing a pedestal and at least one spray orifice extending through the pedestal; disposing a wafer above the pedestal using a first robot, wherein the wafer has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface faces the pedestal, a fluid is sprayed onto the first surface simultaneously to avoid a contact of the first surface with the pedestal, and the fluid contains a charge-forming chemical substance dissolved therein; and taking the wafer using a robot for delivery. Due to the charge-forming chemical substance dissolved in the fluid, the waterfall effect to cause discharge damage on the wafer is avoided in the spraying of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Kuo-Wei Yang, Hui-Shen Shih, Chih-Jen Mao, Cho-Long Lin
  • Publication number: 20110076130
    Abstract: A system and method for using a gantry crane to efficiently and safely transport loads such as containers and ship hatch covers from one location to another along a known path while avoiding collisions between the loads and obstructing objects which may be situated in the known path. A transceiver emitting laser beams may be used to establish both the position of the spreader and its load and the profile of the known path. Continuous comparisons are made by computer between the location of a dynamic digital protective envelope constructed around the crane spreader and its load, if any, and a digital representation of the profile of the known path to be traveled by the spreader and its load, if any. In the event, the comparison indicates intersection of the protective envelope and the path profile, a speed limit is imposed on the motor controlling the movement in the X axis of the trolley or in the Z axis of the spreader, as required to prevent a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: David G. Stocker, Michael G. Bartel
  • Publication number: 20110076131
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting and controlling rotating stall in the diffuser region of a compressor. A pressure transducer is placed in the gas flow path downstream of the impeller, preferably in the compressor discharge passage or the diffuser, to measure the sound or acoustic pressure phenomenon. Next, the signal from the pressure transducer is processed either using analog or digital techniques to determine the presence of rotating stall. Rotating stall is detected by comparing the detected energy amount, which detected energy amount is based on the measured acoustic pressure, with a predetermined threshold amount corresponding to the presence of rotating stall. Finally, an appropriate corrective action is taken to change the operation of the compressor in response to the detection of rotating stall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert E. STABLEY, E. Curtis EICHELBERGER
  • Publication number: 20110076132
    Abstract: A containment assembly for a turbo fan engine, has a casing arranged in use around a rotatable fan, to form a duct for the fan and a liner element disposed on an interior surface between the casing and blades of a rotatable fan. The liner element includes a body portion mounted in a recess in the casing and a wall portion arranged to form part of an inner wall of the duct. The wall portion and the body portion being attached and defining a containment cavity therebetween for containment of a detached fan blade fragment in use, wherein the wall portion has a moveable portion movable between a first configuration in which it lies substantially flush with the inner wall of the duct, and a second configuration in which it provides an opening through which a fan blade fragment can enter the containment cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: KRISTOFER JOHN BOTTOME
  • Publication number: 20110076133
    Abstract: A turbomachine or high pressure compressor including a stator casing housing a plurality of compression stages that are spaced apart in an axial direction along the central axis of the turbomachine, each compression stage including a row of rotor blades followed by a row of stator vanes. The compressor further includes an air injection system including at least one air injection passage through the casing and including an outlet segment that opens out in an inclined manner upstream from and directed towards a row of rotor blades into a set-back zone of the inside face of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Snecma
    Inventors: Xavier Agneray, Alexandre Chartoire, Armel Touyeras, Julien Loucheux
  • Publication number: 20110076134
    Abstract: A plug assembly is disclosed herein for a borescope inspection path defined through apertures in spaced walls. The plug assembly includes a first plug operable to at least partially close a first aperture in an inner wall. The plug assembly also includes a second plug operable to at least partially close a second aperture in an outer wall. The plug assembly also includes a member extending along an axis and connecting the first and second plugs together in spaced relation to one another along the axis. The member is operable to elastically buckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony Tommasone, Denise C. Tommasone, Nathan Wesley Ottow, Vance A. Mahan
  • Publication number: 20110076135
    Abstract: A high pressure turbine of a turbomachine such as a turbojet, in which a control box of radial clearances of rotating blades are provided. An annular element including a determined flexibility has one end fixed to an annular support and the other end supported by a simple axial bearing with a given pressure on the upstream side of the control box. Thus, disturbing vibration loads are prevented at the attachment points of the control box with the external casing of turbines, thereby also eliminating the risk of cracks occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Alain Dominique Gendraud, Delphine Leroux, Jean-Luc Le Strat, Pascal Tatiossian
  • Publication number: 20110076136
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a gas compression system that includes a gas compressor having a drive shaft, an impeller drive shaft magnetically coupled to the drive shaft, and a shroud disposed between the drive shaft and the impeller drive shaft. In other embodiments provided is method that includes magnetically coupling a first drive shaft to a second drive shaft, receiving a rotational torque at the first drive shaft, transmitting the rotational torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft via the magnetic coupling, and rotating a gas compressor impeller coupled to the second drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Small, Robert Kolodziej, Edward Czechowski, Nathan Vetter
  • Publication number: 20110076137
    Abstract: A casing component (2) of a turbomachine, the casing component (2) comprising: a plurality of casing elements (14) which define a diameter of the casing component; and an actuation means operable to change the diameter of the casing component (2), wherein the actuation means changes the diameter of the casing component (2) as a function of a rotational speed of a rotatable component (4) disposed within the casing component (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Crispin D. BOLGAR
  • Publication number: 20110076138
    Abstract: A passive leakage device for an axial turbomachine, more particularly for a low-pressure compressor of an axial turbomachine, is adapted to reduce and/or eliminate the surging phenomenon within the machine. The passive leakage device includes an insert having a general cylindrical shape with a flange at one end and a bottom or membrane at the other end. The membrane comprises two cross-shaped notches, the notches being adapted to enable a deformation of the membrane under a pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold, so as to allow a leakage to go through the membrane. Several inserts are arranged through the wall of a compressor casing, distributed over one or several circumferences of the casing, facing one or several rows of rotor blades. In the case of a double-flow turbomachine, such as a jet engine, the beak for separating the primary and secondary flows is used to form a chamber for communication between the inserts and for compensation with the pressure present in the secondary flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Frédéric Vallino
  • Publication number: 20110076139
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbine comprises a turbine wheel (5) supported in a housing (1) for rotation about a turbine axis. An annular inlet passage (9) is defined between first and second radial inlet surfaces, one of said first and second inlet surfaces being defined by a moveable wall member (40). A substantially annular array of vanes (41) is provided which extend across the inlet passageway (9); each vane (41) being fixed to said first inlet surface. Each vane (41) has first and second major vane surfaces (45, 46) having a chordal length extending between a radially outer leading vane edge (47) and a radially inner trailing vane edge (48), the first major vane surface (45) facing generally away from the axis and the second major vane surface (46) facing generally towards the axis. A rib (43) extends across at least a substantial portion of the chordal length of at least one of the first and second major vane surfaces (45, 46) of one or more vanes (41) of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: David Henry Brown
  • Publication number: 20110076140
    Abstract: Disclosed is a housing for the nacelle of a wind turbine, comprising a support structure (15) composed of tubes and braces, preferably made of metal, especially steel, or plastic, especially fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), and covering segments (2, 3, 4) which are fastened to said support structure (15). The housing is characterized in that the covering elements (2, 3, 4) have a coating surface made of plastic, especially FRP, and are self-supporting. Such a housing for the nacelle of a wind turbine can be manufactured with little effort from inexpensively produced parts and is easy to assemble. In particular, said housing combines the advantages of previously known structures that are self-supporting as a whole and the paneling of a support structure comprising parts that are not self-supporting without having the disadvantages thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Martina Elsenheimer, Markus Becker
  • Publication number: 20110076141
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor for a turbine engine, including a cover with an upstream end and a downstream end; a casing presenting an upstream edge and a downstream edge; and a bladed impeller mounted to rotate in the casing. The cover covers the blades of the impeller to define an outside surface of a gas-flow passage extending between the upstream and downstream edges of the casing, while being fastened to the upstream edge of the casing via its upstream end while its downstream end remains free. The cover further includes an abutment limiting axial movement of its downstream end relative to the downstream edge of the casing while the compressor is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Turbomeca
    Inventors: Philippe Denis Joubert, Patrice Laborde, Yann Mouze, Philippe Perot
  • Publication number: 20110076142
    Abstract: A method is presented that reduces vibrations of a wind turbine in a situation where yawing of a wind rotor of said wind turbine is at least temporarily not possible. The method includes adjusting a first pitch angle of a first rotor blade and a second pitch angle of a second rotor blade such that the first and second pitch angles differ by at least 30 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Bart VELDKAMP, Christoph Hessel, Jacob Nies, Till Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20110076143
    Abstract: A system for controlling pitch of a propeller blade of a turboshank engine, including two automatic locking members making it possible, depending on their controlled position, to lock rotation of a blade root in both directions of rotation, or to allow the rotation of the blade root support in either of the two directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Francois Gallet
  • Publication number: 20110076144
    Abstract: A rotary turbine including at least one blade is disclosed. The rotary turbine includes a blade arrangement in which the orientation of the at least one blade movably changes relative to the fluid flow and also changes relative to an orbital path taken by the rotary turbine thereby increasing flow area usage and minimizing friction. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotary turbine with blade orientations that are linearly coupled to the orbital orientation of the turbine. Other embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotary turbine with blade orientations that are non-linearly coupled to the orbital orientation of the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Lucas