Patents Issued in September 6, 2011
  • Patent number: 8011452
    Abstract: A steerable system comprises a fluid powered motor 10 having a rotor 16 and a stator 18, and a bias arrangement having a plurality of bias pads 34 connected to the stator 18 so as to be rotatable therewith, the bias pads 34 being moveable to allow the application of a side load to the steerable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Geoff Downton
  • Patent number: 8011453
    Abstract: A drilling system is presented for use in drilling lateral boreholes from a main borehole. The drilling system generally comprises a drilling machine, a drill string connected to the drilling machine so as to be driveable in an axial direction, and a guide connected to the drilling machine such that when the drill string is driven axially by the drilling machine, it interacts with the guide so as to be directed in a predetermined radial direction. A method of drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole is also presented, comprising the steps of: positioning the drilling system in the main borehole; anchoring the guide in the borehole; operating the drilling machine to drive the drill string in an axial direction; and deflecting the drill string, by means of the guide, in a radial direction into the wall of the main borehole to drill the lateral borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Lavrut, Charles Woodburn
  • Patent number: 8011454
    Abstract: A method of estimating a property of interest downhole according to one aspect of the disclosure may include continuously receiving a core drilled from a formation into an open end of a chamber while removing the core distal from the open end of the chamber. The method further includes obtaining a measurement relating to property of interest of the core using at least one sensor; and estimating the property of interest of the core using the obtained measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Homero C. Castillo
  • Patent number: 8011455
    Abstract: A percussive assisted rotary drill includes a top sub for connection with a drill pipe. The drill pipe imparts torque to the drill and also supplies motive fluid to the drill. The drill includes a shank adapter to facilitate affixing a rotary drill bit to the drill. The motive fluid is divided between a bit flow which flows through the bit to clear debris at the bottom of the drill, and an actuator flow. An actuator, which may be in the form of a reciprocating piston, moves within the drill under the influence of the actuator flow to impart cyclical blows to the shank adapter. At least a portion of the actuator flow portion of the motive fluid is exhausted through the top end of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Secoroc LLC
    Inventors: Leland H. Lyon, Warren T. Lay
  • Patent number: 8011456
    Abstract: A cutting element for use with a drill bit includes a substrate having a longitudinal axis, a lateral surface substantially symmetric about the longitudinal axis and one or more key elements coupled to the lateral surface. The lateral surface lies between an insertion end and a cutting end of the substrate. The one or more key elements are substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis and configured to selectively rotationally locate the substrate in a pocket. A drill bit configured for retaining a cutting element having one or more key elements is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William H. Sherwood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8011457
    Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprises a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The shank is adapted for connection to a drill string. The drill string comprising a fluid passage at least partially disposed within the body. A hammer assembly is movably disposed within the fluid passage along it central axis, the hammer assembly comprises a proximal end stabilized by a centralized upper bearing and a distal end stabilized by centralized a lower bearing. The distal end protrudes out of the working face and the hammer assembly comprises a carrier between the upper and lower bearings. Wherein, under normal drilling operations the carrier is adapted to resist a fluid pressure within the fluid passageway such that the fluid pressure will further extend the distal end of the hammer assembly from the working face by pushing on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, John Bailey, Scott Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 8011458
    Abstract: A ZTR vehicle includes true or proper ZTR steering in the forward and reverse directions. The vehicle has independently driven locomotive drives that drive the wheels to provide mobility and steering to the vehicle. A steering wheel is included that pivots one of two steering input members that rotate to independently shift the drive units. A speed and direction pedal is also included, which is communicated to provide direction and magnitude input to the drive units. The steering input and speed and direction inputs coordinate propelling the vehicle such the vehicle turns in the same direction when traveling forward as well as in reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: MTD Products Inc
    Inventor: Hans Hauser
  • Patent number: 8011459
    Abstract: To provide an inverted wheel type moving body capable of improving the operability, and a method of controlling the same. An inverted wheel type moving body in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes motors 34 and 36 for rotationally driving a right driving wheel 18 and a left driving wheel 20 respectively, a passenger seat 74 rotationally supported on mounts 26 and 28 through swing arms 17 and 19, a passenger seat drive motor 70 for driving the passenger seat 74, a control portion 80 for determining whether the manipulation amount exceeds the threshold value or not, and a motor driver 70a for control the passenger seat drive motor 70 such that the passenger seat 74 is moved in accordance with the manipulation amount when the manipulation amount does not exceed the threshold value and the movement of the passenger seat 74 is restored after the manipulation amount exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Serai, Yoshiyuki Senba, Koji Yamada, Takashi Izuo, Chisao Hayashi, Mitsuo Koide, Kazutoshi Sukigara
  • Patent number: 8011460
    Abstract: A hybrid drive (1) for a vehicle has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (26) and a double clutch transmission (5) with a hollow first input shaft (9) and a second input shaft (11) that penetrates the first input shaft (9). A hollow transmission shaft (15) is parallel to the input shafts (9, 11), and a drive torque can be applied to the first or second input shafts (9, 11) via the internal combustion engine (2) and/or the electric machine (26) via the double clutch (5) of the double clutch transmission (10). The electric machine (26) is outside the double clutch transmission (10), and an output shaft (25) of the electric machine (26) penetrates the hollow transmission shaft (15). As a result, a compact configuration is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Hobel
  • Patent number: 8011461
    Abstract: This invention relates to a parallel hybrid electric conversion kit for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft and a transmission, such as, rear wheel drive vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, heavy duty multiple-driven-axle vehicles and/or all-wheel drive vehicles. The conversion kit includes a motor-generator, a torque coupler, a battery, a power electronics module and a controller. Suitable torque couplers include transfer cases and/or rear-through differentials. The conversion kit provides an aftermarket solution to increased performance, fuel economy and/or reduced emissions by modifying the drivetrain after the transmission. According to one embodiment of this invention, the control scheme of the installed conversion kit receives input signals from the engine and the motor-generator, but only sends control signals to the motor-generator, facilitating installation of the conversion kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Fernando Rodriguez, Srdjan M. Lukic, Sanjaka G. Wirasingha, Ali Emadi
  • Patent number: 8011462
    Abstract: A detachable and portable fuel cell power unit which may be used with a vehicle. Said power unit with a unitary housing containing: a fuel reservoir for storing fuel; at least one electrochemical fuel cell stack for delivering electrical power; a fueling port in an outer surface of the housing; and an airflow path extending between a first inlet port on an outer surface of the housing and a first outlet port on an outer surface of the housing, via cathode elements in the at least one fuel cell stack. Said unit includes a control circuit for interfacing with a power controller on the vehicle for determining allowable operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Damian Davies, Jonathan Mark Moore, Nicholas Charles Talbot, Benjamin N. Peace, Brook Forest Porter
  • Patent number: 8011463
    Abstract: An energy source includes an internal combustion engine with a cooling jacket in which a vapor of a working medium (steam in the case of water) is generated; a turbine connected to receive the vapor from the cooling jacket and having a rotating component rotated by the passage of the vapor; a generator rotated in response to rotation of the rotating component to generate electricity; and a heating coil powered by electricity produced by the generator, the heating coil being disposed to heat the medium in the cooling jacket to assist in providing vapor. The energy source may be used in a motor vehicle, and the steam (when water is used as the working medium) and the generated electricity can be used as energy sources for external loads, such as heating and powering a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Yahya Mahalli
  • Patent number: 8011464
    Abstract: A vehicle has a motor and axles which are selectively rotatable by the motor, a reduction gear set, a differential transferring torque from the motor to the axles, and selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) assemblies. The SOWC assemblies are connected to a different one of the axles, and are engaged to transfer torque to the drive axles whenever the motor is energized. The SOWC assemblies are disengaged when the motor is de-energized to prevent rotation of the rotor and various elements of the reduction gear set and differential. A method minimizes parasitic spin losses in an electric rear drive motor (eRDM) system. The method includes engaging a pair of SOWC assemblies when the motor is on to transfer torque from the motor to the axles, and disengaging the SOWC assemblies when the motor is off to prevent rotation of a rotor and of elements of the reduction gear set and differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Joel M. Maguire
  • Patent number: 8011465
    Abstract: An air intake plenum (100) disposed in an air induction channel (112) in a hood (116) defined by a bottom channel wall (120), a rear hood reinforcement wall (122), a cab wall (124), and an exterior skin (126), where the air induction channel extends between an air inlet (114) laying in a plane generally parallel with the direction of travel “T” of the vehicle to an air outlet (118), includes a plenum inlet (128). The plenum inlet (128) is generally co-planar with the air inlet (114) of the air induction channel (112). At least one side wall (136, 138) extends from the plenum inlet (128) to a plenum outlet (144) and is angled downwards towards the bottom channel wall (120). Air through the plenum inlet (128) impinges against the side wall (136, 138), exits the plenum outlet (144), and is directed to impinge against the bottom channel wall (120) of the air induction channel (112) where contaminants drop out of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kerry E. Yingling, Tim Juan
  • Patent number: 8011466
    Abstract: A vehicle, in particular an agricultural tractor, is disclosed with a vehicle chassis, which is formed at least partly from two laterally spaced side members (1, 2) with C-shaped profile, comprising a vertical bar (1a, 2a) and two horizontal flanges (1b, 2b) and containing hydraulic lines in the space between the flanges, and with a radiator sub-assembly (5), fitted to the vehicle chassis, which consists of a carrier plate (6) fitted to the side members and several oil coolers (8, 9) supported by the carrier plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH.
    Inventors: Robert Honzek, Gerhard Mariner, Guido Nägele, Georg Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8011467
    Abstract: In a vehicle power supply system including a battery, an inverter unit for converting DC electric power of the battery into AC electric power and supplying it to a rotating electric machine to drive it, an AC wiring line for connecting the rotating electric machine and the inverter unit, and a DC wiring line for connecting the inverter unit and the battery, the inverter unit is placed in a vicinity of the battery so that the DC wiring line becomes shorter than the AC wiring line. By this, a voltage drop due to the DC wiring line is reduced, and a torque characteristic of the rotating electric machine can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihito Asao, Yutaka Kitamura
  • Patent number: 8011468
    Abstract: A machine includes a machine body having an operator station and a seat assembly position at the operator station. The seat assembly includes a pneumatic support element that includes an air container having an air compressor positioned therein. The air container includes a deformable section, and a rigid section that includes a housing for the air compressor. Forming the air compressor housing integrally with the air container minimizes leak paths and improves packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Striegel
  • Patent number: 8011469
    Abstract: A tunable sound transmission device for transmitting an engine rumble sound into an interior of a motor vehicle includes a transmission line having a first end in acoustic communication with an air intake tract of an engine. A flexible membrane is positioned to sealably close off a portion of the transmission line thereby dividing the transmission line into two portions that are airflow isolated from each other. A receptacle is arranged at the second end of the transmission line and a user changeable sound characterization device is replaceably installed into the receptacle. The sound characterization device is configured and adapted to provide an intended frequency dependent sound attenuation characteristic and an overall sound dampening level for the transmitted engine sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Brad Olson
  • Patent number: 8011470
    Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen therapy system includes a pressure vessel containing a gas, an oxygen concentration measurement apparatus for monitoring the concentration of oxygen in the gas, an environmental control apparatus for controlling the temperature of the gas in the vessel, and a pressure/ventilation control apparatus for controlling the pressure of the gas in the vessel. The pressure vessel is capable of accommodating a patient. The oxygen concentration measurement apparatus includes an oxygen concentration analyzer and a plurality of gas lines connecting the oxygen analyzer to the pressure vessel. The pressure/ventilation control apparatus includes a pressure controlling valve, a pressure sensor, a ventilation valve, and a controller having a programmable pressure profile. The environmental control apparatus includes a scrubber, a heat exchanger and a blower located within the pressure vessel. A compressor for the system includes a compressor silencer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hyperbaric Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Gurnee, Juan Jose Garay
  • Patent number: 8011471
    Abstract: The exhaust chamber for a motor vehicle exhaust line includes: a main envelope defining a main enclosure and having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet; and at least one saucer-shaped shell having an opening defined by a peripheral edge of the shell, the or each shell being tightly connected to an outside surface of the main envelope along the peripheral edge, the shell, with the main envelope, defining a secondary enclosure. The main envelope has, beneath the shell, a plurality of perforations for placing the main enclosure in communication with the secondary enclosure. The main envelope has, in a first area located beneath the shell, at least one slot for increasing the elasticity of the first area, and/or the main envelope has, in a second area that is not covered by the shell, at least one rib for increasing the stiffness of the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Faurecia Systemes d'Echappement
    Inventor: Jian Zheng
  • Patent number: 8011472
    Abstract: A sound absorbing structure is constituted of a housing having a hollow portion and an opening and a vibration member composed of a board or diaphragm. The vibration member is a square-shaped material having elasticity composed of a synthetic resin and is bonded to the opening of the housing, thus forming an air layer closed inside the sound absorbing structure by the housing and the vibration member. In the sound absorbing structure, when the lateral/longitudinal dimensions of the air layer and characteristics of the vibration member (e.g. a Young's modulus, thickness, and Poisson's ratio) are set such that the fundamental frequency of a vibration occurring in a bending system falls within 5% and 65% of the resonance frequency of a spring-mass system, a vibration mode having a large amplitude occurs in a frequency band lower than the resonance frequency of the spring-mass system, this improving the sound absorption coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Rento Tanase, Yasutaka Nakamura, Atsushi Yoshida, Masaru Matsushita, Kunio Hiyama
  • Patent number: 8011473
    Abstract: A stepladder comprises a front frame and a rear frame each formed of a pair of spaced side rails. A motor-driven step is slidably mounted on the front frame side rails. The motor is controlled with a remote unit allowing a worker to automatically raise and lower the step when accessing an elevated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Gregersen
  • Patent number: 8011474
    Abstract: A device for accessing an elevated entry position on a machine including an operator position includes a platform, which includes a step surface, configured to ascend and descend between a base position and the elevated entry position, wherein the platform remains within an existing envelope of the machine throughout ascent, descent, and storage of the platform, and wherein the ascending and descending proceeds along an axis substantially orthogonal to the step surface. The device may further include a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the machine and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robin M. Boroski, Miguel A. Palacios, Eric R. O'Brien, Todd R. Okimoto, Christopher P. Cherwin, Marius G. Enescu, Byron D. Collis, Eric W. Cler, Kevin L. Duel
  • Patent number: 8011475
    Abstract: An extension ladder, including multiple ladder sections, each including a pair of pin holes, a pair of columns, and a rung, including a pair of pins, a pair of springs, a gear, a pair of gear racks, and a pair of mounting rings, wherein the columns of adjacent ladder sections are fit with each other, diameters of the columns of the ladder sections increase from the top to the bottom, the pin holes are disposed on the columns, and operate to receive the pins, the pins are coaxial, the gear is disposed on a side wall of the rung and engaged with the gear rack, one end surface of the gear sticks out from the side wall of the rung, a key hole is disposed on the end surface of the gear, the mounting ring operates to fix the pin, and the spring is contacted with the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tianjin Kelin Mold Technic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kecheng Wang
  • Patent number: 8011476
    Abstract: A ladder attachment for use on ladder tree stands, conventional ladders and otherwise to temporarily secure the top of the ladder to a tree or post. The ladder attachment includes a pair of pivotable jaws which can be closed around a tree and locked in place while standing on the ground. The ladder is temporarily secured so the user can climb the ladder and attach a more permanent, standard anchor belt. The method includes steps for affixing the ladder attachment to a ladder, positioning the ladder and ladder attachment against a tree, securing the ladder attachment to the tree and thereafter removing the ladder attachment and later the ladder for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: C. Jerry Alcon
  • Patent number: 8011477
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a continuously variable transmission chamber formed of a crank case and a cover member connected to the crank case to permit the use of oil different between the internal combustion engine and the continuously variable transmission. Thereafter, a sufficient amount of each oil is ensured to not reduce the lowest road clearance. A division wall divides an interior of an oil pan into an internal combustion engine side oil reservoir and a continuously variable transmission side oil reservoir that reserves oil for lubrication of a continuously variable transmission and for speed control thereof, and which is connected to a lower portion of a crank case. The continuously variable transmission side oil reservoir is formed in a width direction of the motorcycle wherein part of continuously variable transmission side oil reservoir expands more outwardly than a continuously variable transmission chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoo Shiozaki, Masahiro Shimizu, Osamu Emizu
  • Patent number: 8011478
    Abstract: A vibration damping system for an elevator is provided with a damping device (5) that is provided between a cab (1) and a car frame (2) for supporting the cab (1) and whose damping coefficient can be changed. A speed detector detects the traveling speed of a reference elevator car, and a calculation unit (15) receiving the traveling speed detected by the speed detector calculates a control signal for the damping device (5), and outputs the control signal to the damping device. The calculation unit (15) controls the damping device (5) in such a way that, in the case where the traveling speed exceeds a predetermined value, the damping coefficient of the damping device (5) is larger than that in the case where the traveling speed is the same as or smaller than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Utsunomiya
  • Patent number: 8011479
    Abstract: An elevator load bearing member (30) monitoring device includes a controller (42) that applies a selected electrical signal to tension members (32) of the load bearing member (30). In one example, connectors (40) are associated with ends of the load bearing member (30) to establish an electrical interface between the controller (42) and the tension members (32). The connectors (40) facilitate establishing electrical circuit loops along the tension members (32) such that only non-adjacent tension members are energized at a selected time. A variety of circuit configurations are disclosed. The applied electrical signal in one example has a potential that is negative compared to a ground potential of a hoistway in which the elevator belt is used. In another example, the electrical signal comprises a plurality of pulses and has a duty cycle that is on the order of about one percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Stucky, Michael A. Kryzman, William A. Veronesi
  • Patent number: 8011480
    Abstract: An elevator installation and a method for arranging a load sensor in the elevator installation includes a car, a support device for supporting the car, the load sensor and a deflecting roller unit. The deflecting roller unit is arranged at the car and has at least two deflecting rollers which are rotatable about a common axle. The load sensor is arranged on the common axle between the two deflecting rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 8011481
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the operating state of an elevator drive having a brake includes the mounting of a sensor on a movable brake part. The sensor generates an output proportional to the extent of relative movement between the brake part upon which it is mounted and a fixed brake part. The sensor output is monitored to provide an indication of the operating state of the drive and may be combined with other data to provide indications of a variety of drive states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Karl Erny, Urs Lindegger, Rudolf Eckenstein
  • Patent number: 8011482
    Abstract: An improved structure for an electric actuator unit for use in a brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Brian Boyle, David Kwierant, Ralf Leiter
  • Patent number: 8011483
    Abstract: A ventilation device provided which includes a valve arranged in a combined spring accumulator and operating brake cylinder. On depressurization of a pressure medium chamber in the spring accumulator brake cylinder, ventilation of a spring accumulator chamber of the spring accumulator brake cylinder, from the pressure medium chamber of the operating brake cylinder, is effected. A chambers is provided on the side of a valve piston in the valve, facing away from a control chamber, which, with an open valve, connects a first working connections to this chamber and, hence, to a second working connection, arranged axially on the front side of the valve, by means of a passage provided in the valve piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Brandt, Wilfried Matthias, Andreas Richter
  • Patent number: 8011484
    Abstract: A versatile travel trunk may be reconfigured for numerous purposes, including a men's wardrobe, women's wardrobe, a combined wardrobe, food-carrying applications, tool and utensil accommodation, or any combination thereof. The preferred embodiment includes a body portion to which there is hinged a closable door portion. The body portion has an interior with a depth and opposing inner side walls adapted to receive one or more removable and reconfigurable shelves. A plurality of fasteners are disposed on the back portion of the back wall of the door to receive one or more modular inserts, each insert having a back surface connectable to the fasteners and a front surface with compartments adapted to carry a different set of items for a particular travel application. One or more of the shelves further include lower tracks to receive drawers that slide in and out of the body portion. The body portion preferably further includes a set of integrated wheels and a retractable handle for ease in transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Lynne McIntyre
  • Patent number: 8011485
    Abstract: The hydraulic control apparatus includes a separating plate that is interposed between an upper valve body and a lower valve body. The separating plate and the lower valve body provide a projecting portion that projects toward a discharge opening side of the oil pump with respect to the upper valve body. A first oil feed path is provided at the projecting portion, is formed between the separating plate and the lower valve body, and receives the hydraulic oil from the oil pump and guides the hydraulic oil to an upper valve body disposition side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Akira Noguchi, Kazuyuki Noda, Masaki Yoshida, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Iwase, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 8011486
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable clutch for a water pump in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, having a drive wheel rotatably mounted relative to the water pump, and an armature disk, which interacts with a coil. The armature disk and a functional component of an eddy current clutch are connected to the drive wheel so that the drive wheel, armature disk and first functional component run synchronously when they rotate. The armature disk can be moved axially with the first functional component by energizing the coil. A second functional component of the eddy current clutch is provided arranged in a fixed fashion on a shaft coupled to the water pump. A friction mechanism is provided between the first and second functional components to provide a frictional locking engagement between the two functional components that is released by energizing the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Licos Trucktec GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Juergensmeyer, Rainer Krafft, Sigmund Geiger
  • Patent number: 8011487
    Abstract: A clutch outer member (1) for a multi-plate clutch is provided that includes an end wall (7), a large number of fins (30) extending axially from the outer peripheral part of the end wall (7) and arranged at equal intervals in the peripheral direction so as to define spline grooves (20B) therebetween, and an annular connecting part (31) formed on the outer periphery at the extremity of this group of fins (30) and connecting the fins (30) integrally to each other, the fin (30) having an axially-extending weight-cutting bottomed groove (33) formed, wherein the annular connecting part (31) is provided, on a part of its outer end face corresponding to each of the spline grooves (20B), with a reference notch (32) indicating the position of the spline groove (20B), and spline teeth (20A) of a friction plate (3) are fitted into the spline grooves (20B) corresponding to the reference notches (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Uchiyama, Tomoyasu Satou, Norihiro Sugita
  • Patent number: 8011488
    Abstract: Brushes (20, 21) which come into slidable contact with slip rings (23, 24) having power feeding terminals (51, 53) electrically connected to a power feeding side include extending portions (32, 36) extending in the radial direction of a field core (3). These extending portions (32, 36) are bent in a direction away from a coil bobbin (12). The third bent portions (32c, 36c) located at the ends of the extending portions are electrically connected to the terminal portions (10d) of coil terminals. An outer diameter R1 of a mounting recess portion (3a) which stores a power feeding device (5) of the field core (3) is smaller than an inner diameter R2 of the coil bobbin (12). This makes it possible to position the mounting recess portion (3a) at a distance H from the coil bobbin (12) in the field core (3) in the arrow A direction, thereby reducing the size of the rotating coil type electromagnetic clutch (1) in the arrow A-B direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Ogura Clutch Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yamaguchi, Masao Imamura, Satoshi Hayashi, Toshihiko Ishida, Tsutomu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8011489
    Abstract: An automatic change gear control device for a motorcycle having a manually operated clutch operation member achieves both easy clutch operation and secure freedom of drive. A clutch is connected and disconnected to change gears in a transmission capable of freely changing gears in plural stages. A clutch actuator drives the clutch. A clutch operation unit has a manually-operated clutch lever. An ECU controls the clutch actuator based on driver operation of the clutch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8011490
    Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp for supporting the second end of each ramp. A drive-on ramp contacts an end portion of the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Superior Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Brent J. Gausman, David K. Evink
  • Patent number: 8011491
    Abstract: A conveyance apparatus has a conveyance carriage for conveying a vehicle body, a vehicle-body support, a synchronous traveling carriage capable of traveling in synchronization with the conveyance carriage from a start point position to an end point position, a lifter provided with an elevating base that ascends via an aperture arranged on a floor surface of the conveyance carriage, and an elevating table for supporting an engine of an engine carrying-in carriage that stops at a fixed stop position and is lifted up to a predetermined height by the elevating base of the lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Nakagawa, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Shigeyoshi Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8011492
    Abstract: A device for the accumulation and release of products arranged in ranks within containers having sequentially loaded and discharged compartments, comprising an accumulation buffer with corresponding openings for receiving and delivering products and means for guiding the containers between the openings. The device uses pushers to push products out of the containers and onto at least one corresponding conveyor. Alternatively, where two independent pushers are utilized, the conveyor is repositionable at heights capable of receiving product sequentially displaced by each pusher by cycling the conveyor position to match the height of the currently actuated pusher. The discharge movement of each pusher is controlled so as to allow adequate time for the conveyor to reposition to the next sequentially actuated pusher so as to receive the products in a properly spaced arrangement onto a single conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: CT Pack s.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniele Davi, Rino Vitali
  • Patent number: 8011493
    Abstract: A device for carrying out a repitching operation, i.e., for changing the pitch between articles (A) comprised in a flow of moving articles, includes one or more conveying elements (12) for the articles (A) that are to follow a path of orbital movement about a principal axis (X10) between a position of picking-up (T) and a position of release (G) of the articles (A) themselves. The speed of said orbital movement is selectively variable (39, 37, 36) in the passage between the aforesaid positions of picking-up (T) and of release (G) so as to modify the pitch between the articles (A) carried by the conveying elements (12). Said conveying elements (12) are likewise orientable about a respective axis (X12) oriented in a radial direction with respect to the principal axis (X10) so as to modify the orientation of the articles (A) in the passage between the position of picking-up (T) and the position of release (G).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventors: Cristian Giuliani, Dario Galante, Massimiliano Lombardi
  • Patent number: 8011494
    Abstract: A loading head for use with food articles has a main conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of food articles, an indexing conveyor positioned beneath the main conveyor, and a transfer member positioned between the main conveyor and the indexing conveyor. The transfer member is adapted to transfer each food article from the main conveyor to the indexing conveyor. A buffering mechanism is adapted to move the transfer member between a first position and a variable second position. A pusher mechanism is associated with the indexing conveyor to raise and lower gates from an open position permitting food article transfer to a closed position prohibiting food article transfer. The pusher mechanism includes a cam operably associated with the gates to open and close the gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: F.R. Drake Company
    Inventors: Colin R. Hart, Paul J. Joynt, David W. Braner, Joshua W. Higgins, David W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8011495
    Abstract: A product metering apparatus (10) includes a first product conveyance mechanism (12) conveying product in a continuous stream. A platform (42) supports product and is movable along a closed path between a loading position adjacent to the first product conveyance mechanism (12) and a transfer position adjacent to an output in the form of a second product conveyance mechanism (22) spaced from the first product conveyance mechanism (12) in the conveying direction. The platform (42) in the loading position receives the product in the continuous stream from the first product conveyance mechanism (12) and is then accelerated to a speed greater than the first product conveyance mechanism (12) creating a gap between the product supported on the platform (42) and the product remaining in the continuous stream on the first product conveyance mechanism (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon J. Anderson, Michael Paul Bauer, Gene Allen Corle, Christopher Todd Davis, Simin Jiang, Irvan Leo Pazdernik, Thomas Harold Peterman
  • Patent number: 8011496
    Abstract: A conveyor means (1) for transporting articles (3) by an endless conveyor belt (5) is disclosed. The endless conveyor belt (5) has lengthwise two sides (6) and is lead on a support (11) and composed of a plurality of chain links (9). The endless conveyor belt (5) has a curved path (8) in at least one section and the curved path (8) having a radius of curvature (44) with reference to a central point (42) of a circle (40). The support (11) has at least one inner guiding (17) for the endless conveyor belt (5), and the inner guiding (17) running along an inner side section (7) of a side (6) of the endless conveyor belt (5) being directly opposite of the central point (42) at the curved path (8). A plurality of rolls (21) is arranged along the inner guiding (17), wherein the rolls (21) operating with each face (23) of the chain links (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Martin Seger, Wolfgang Hausladen
  • Patent number: 8011497
    Abstract: A greasing through hole is perforated through one outer link plate, and greasing device is attached to the through hole. Degreasing through-holes are perforated through an outer link plate or an inner link plate on the side distant from the outer link plate with a bearing section A between the link plates, and degreasing device 22 is attached to those through-holes. Lubricant injected from the greasing device is supplied to the bearing section A through a gap c between the sealing device and the outer link plate, and used lubricant within the bearing section A is discharged out of the degreasing device through another gap c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuma Ono
  • Patent number: 8011498
    Abstract: A low profile, portable, modular conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system includes three main components: a drive end, having a motor and gearboxes used to drive a pair of drive wheels, a center section, and an idle section comprising a stationary component attached to the center section and a pivoting component allowing the distal portion of the idle end to pivot in a transverse direction. The conveyor system includes means for hydraulically or mechanically adjusting the tension and tracking of the conveyor belt. The drive end may be removed from the conveyor system in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Blaine Trivette
  • Patent number: 8011499
    Abstract: A novel suture tray package is disclosed. The package has a floor member and a plurality of curvilinear walls extending up from the top of the floor member and forming suture tracks. The walls extend in a spiral manner from the central section of the floor member to the periphery. Extending radially outwardly about the periphery are platform sections in communication with the tracks and optionally containing needle park members and pledget park members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Meredith McHugh Karow, Robert Cerwin, John P. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8011500
    Abstract: A reusable bag with a fastening system is disclosed. The reusable bag having at least one panel, but typically having a first panel and a second panel with a first loop handle and a second loop handle, the first and second handles coupled with and extending from the first and second panels respectively. The fastening system of the reusable bag comprises at least one of, but typically both a first strap and a second strap. The first strap having one of a hook material and a loop material, while the second strap having another of the hook material. Further disclosed are a looped third strap of the fastening system and a pocket adapted to receive the first and second straps. Methods relating to the reusable bag and fastening system, such as a method comprising folding and/or rolling, stacking, wrapping, and securing one or more reusable bags are additionally described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jae Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 8011501
    Abstract: A package (1) of tobacco articles, having a group (2) of tobacco articles; a collar (16) surrounding the group (2) of tobacco articles and having a number of lateral walls (17, 18, 19, 20); and an outer package (3) surrounding the group (2) of tobacco articles and the collar (16), and having a top wall (12), a bottom wall (13) parallel to the top wall (12), and a number of lateral walls (8, 9, 10, 11) which are perpendicular to the top and bottom walls (12, 13), and are parallel to and rest on respective lateral walls (17, 18, 19, 20) of the collar (16). A lateral joining wall (8; 10) of the outer package (3) is defined by two panels (8?, 8?; 10?, 10?), which are separate, coplanar, and side by side with no overlap, and are both glued to an underlying lateral joining wall (17; 19) of the collar (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: G.D Societa'per Azioni
    Inventors: Andrea Biondi, Paolo Cremonini, Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Roberto Polloni