Patents Issued in December 6, 2011
-
Patent number: 8069933Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to bearing assemblies configured to accommodate non-uniform loading and misalignment with an adjacent bearing assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly for use in a subterranean drilling system is disclosed. The bearing assembly includes a support ring and a retention ring attached to the support ring, with the retention ring including a plurality of through holes. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements each of which includes a superhard bearing surface. Each of the bearing elements is positioned in and extends from a corresponding through hole of the plurality of through holes. At least a number of the bearing elements are configured to restrict displacement through the corresponding through hole and away from the support ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Timothy N. Sexton, Craig H. Cooley
-
Patent number: 8069934Abstract: A device including a drill bit is disclosed. The bit preferably comprises lug members, joined by a support member, each lug member includes a through hole, bearings rotatably mounted on the lug members which bearings support cutter members, a sleeve with lubricant mounted upon the support member, a central channel within the sleeve whose lower end can be closed or opened with a reciprocating valve-plate, an annular piston snug-fitting between the sidewalls of sleeve and central channel, which piston has a discharge valve outletting the lubricant through the piston, a spring disposed in the sleeve, rods mounted in the sleeve and inserted through the holes, lubrication channels arranged in the lug members and communicating the lower portion of sleeve with the bearings for lubrication thereof. The rods are coupled to the piston and the valve-plate. Embodiments include shafts supporting the bearings. Some shafts are hollow and have a coolant system.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventors: Yuriy Yatsenko, Boris Avramchuk, Siarhei Zmitkovich
-
Patent number: 8069935Abstract: According to various aspects of the present invention, a superabrasive element includes a plurality of superabrasive grains (e.g., as diamond grains and/or cubic boron nitride grains). The superabrasive element further includes a binder constituent that bonds at least a portion of the superabrasive grains together. The binder constituent includes predominantly one or more inorganic-compound phases, such as boron or silicon compounds. Applications utilizing such superabrasive elements and methods of fabricating such superabrasive elements are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: David P. Miess, Jiang Qian
-
Patent number: 8069936Abstract: Earth-boring tools and components thereof include a particle-matrix composite material having encapsulated diamond particles embedded within a matrix material. Diamonds in the particles comprise less than about 25% by volume of the composite material, the matrix material comprises less than about 50% by volume of the composite material, and encapsulant material surrounding the diamonds at least substantially comprises a remainder of the volume of the composite material. Methods of forming at least a portion of an earth-boring tool include embedding encapsulated diamond particles in a volume of matrix material to form a particle-matrix composite material. The composite material is formed in such a manner as to cause diamonds to comprise less than about 25% of the composite material, the matrix material to comprise less than about 50% of the composite material, and encapsulant material surrounding the diamonds to at least substantially comprise a remainder of the composite material.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Danny E. Scott, Wesley D. Fuller
-
Patent number: 8069937Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table that is substantially free of defects formed due to abnormal grain growth of tungsten carbide grains, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC comprises a cemented tungsten carbide substrate including an interfacial surface that is substantially free of tungsten carbide grains exhibiting abnormal grain growth, and a PCD table bonded to the interfacial surface of the cemented tungsten carbide substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. At least a portion of the interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst disposed therein. The PCD table may be substantially free of chromium or the PCD table and the cemented tungsten carbide substrate may each include chromium.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Mohammad N. Sani
-
Patent number: 8069938Abstract: An energy efficient biped robotic system with passive-dynamic locomotion includes a body having a frame, an energy recapture mechanism, and a leg. The cyclical movement of the leg during passive-dynamic locomotion is transferred to a load through a mechanical energy storage mechanism, and the resulting oscillatory movement of the load is transferred by the mechanical energy input mechanism to an electric energy generating mechanism. The generated electric energy is transferred to the energy storage device for use by the robotic system.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Steven F. Kalik
-
Patent number: 8069939Abstract: A beach cart system for transporting goods between locations is provided. The beach cart system comprises a lower cart portion having a first recessed area and a second recessed area. An upper cart portion having at least one storage bay is receivable within the first recessed area. A front cart portion having at least one insulated cup holder is receivable within the second recessed area. A plurality of wheels is secured to the lower cart portion. A motor is secured to the lower cart portion for driving the wheels. A handle for steering the beach cart system is attached to the lower cart portion and has controls for controlling operation of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: John Metzler
-
Patent number: 8069940Abstract: A method for controlling power sources or energy sinks on an energy accumulator, in particular for a motor vehicle, is disclosed. Conventional systems for power supply to the motor vehicle modules are often excessively used, in particular in utility vehicles when an optimal availability is required. The present method includes measuring parameters characterizing the charge of the accumulator, and transmitting the results of a measurement to a control unit and in generating control signals for the energy sinks or the power sources by a control unit. The method makes it possible to eliminate a frequent cause of a low availability in motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rudolf Nenno, Juergen Wolf
-
Patent number: 8069941Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle capable of improving energy efficiency by reducing switching loss is provided. The fuel cell vehicle includes: a fuel cell that generates direct current power; inverters which respectively include switching elements and convert the direct current power generated by the fuel cell into alternating current power; a diode that prevents current from flowing from the inverters toward the fuel cell; a step up/down DC/DC converter that adjusts the voltage of the cathode side of the diode; a voltage control part that controls the step up/down DC/DC converter, thereby controlling current output from the fuel cell; and a stop and idle determination part that stops the supply of air to the fuel cell, thereby stopping idling of the fuel cell. The voltage control part reduces the voltage of the cathode side of the diode as the voltage of the fuel cell is reduced by activating the stop and idle determination part.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hibiki Saeki, Takuya Shirasaka
-
Patent number: 8069942Abstract: A device and a method for engaging and disengaging a longitudinal differential (10) disposed between a forward wheelshaft (4) and a rear wheelshaft (5) of an articulated vehicle (1) which has a front element (2) and a rear element (3) pivotable about a steering linkage (6) disposed between them and which comprises a distribution box (9) which supplies power from an engine (7) to the forward wheelshaft (4) in the front element (2) via a first shaft (11) and to the near wheelshaft (5) in the rear element (3) via a second shaft (12), wherein the longitudinal differential (10) is disposed between the first shaft (11) and the second shaft (12), whereby a steering angle v formed between the front element (2) and the rear element (3) is detected by a detection means (25a) so arranged that the detection means (25a) causes a differential brake (20) for the longitudinal differential (10) to be kept locked, or braked, when the detection means (25a) detects a steering angle v which is smaller than a predetermined steerinType: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills ABInventor: Karl-Erik Niva
-
Patent number: 8069943Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood apparatus of the invention includes: an arm member whose proximal end portion is connected to a vehicle body so as to be pivotable about a first axis extending in the vehicle width direction; and a connection mechanism by which a hood of the vehicle is integrally connected to a tip side portion of the arm member. The hood is allowed to pivot relative to the arm member about a second axis extending in the vehicle width direction, and to move relative to the arm member in the vehicle longitudinal direction when the integrative connection, established by the connection mechanism, between the arm member and the hood is broken. The apparatus further includes an actuator that breaks the integrative connection, established by the connection mechanism, between the hood and the arm member, and that generates a lifting force that lifts the hood relative to the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
-
Patent number: 8069944Abstract: The invention relates to an engine mount for mounting an engine on a frame of an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The frame has two spaced apart frame elements. Further components of the utility vehicle, such as a gearbox and/or a vehicle axle, can be attached to the frame elements. An outer portion of an engine housing forms a mounting structure through which the engine is mounted on the frame elements, so that no external forces are applied to the engine or to the engine housing. The engine is mounted on the two frame elements using only the mounting structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Thomas Fell
-
Patent number: 8069945Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable wheels of a vehicle (12) upon manual rotation of a steering wheel (14) comprises a front steering motor (36) coupled to a front steerable wheel (18) of the vehicle (12) for turning the front steerable wheel. A rear steering motor (66) is coupled to a rear steerable wheel (22) of the vehicle (12) for turning the rear steerable wheel. A position sensor (34) senses a rotational position of the steering wheel (14) and provides an output indicative of said rotational position. A controller (90) receives the output of the position sensor (34) and controls the front and rear steering motors (36, 66) to turn the front steerable wheel (22) in response to the output from the position sensor (34) indicating rotation of the steering wheel (14) in a first portion of a range of rotation of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Kenneth A. Sherwin
-
Patent number: 8069946Abstract: A portable sound recording device and method comprises a first enclosure having symmetrical halves and a second enclosure having symmetrical halves. The second enclosure is fitted inside the first enclosure such that neither enclosure has direct contact with each other. The symmetrical halves pivot about the device handle. A sound resistant material aligns the inside walls of the second enclosure and the outside walls of the second enclosure. The device eliminates unwanted echoes and allows sound to be clearly captured by an attached microphone or input device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Martin Howard Cruise, III
-
Patent number: 8069947Abstract: A sound attenuation canopy for reducing levels of sound passing through an opening comprises a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is comprised of a flexible sound absorbing material and has a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is configured to attach to a periphery of the opening at a first location, the second end is configured to attach to a periphery of the opening at a second location and the intermediate portion is configured to be spaced apart from the opening. When the first end and the second end of the sound absorbing member are attached to the periphery of the opening, at least one side opening is at least partially defined by the intermediate portion and the perimeter of the opening, and a sound transmission flow path through open space between the opening and the side opening comprises at least one change of direction greater than 45 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Judit A. Quasney, Franklin Koh, John P. Jenkins, Robert M. Alexander, Daniel P. O'Brien
-
Patent number: 8069948Abstract: Ladder configurations and components are provided including an outer rail assembly which is longitudinally adjustable relative to an inner rail assembly. The outer rail assembly may include a pair of spaced apart outer rails each fixedly coupled to an associated sleeve or sliding mechanism. Each sleeve is in turn slidably coupled to an inner rail of the inner rail assembly. The outer rails may be positioned and oriented at an acute angle relative to the inner rails so as to provide an increased base distance between the two outer rails. Support structures are also disclosed which are coupled at multiple locations along a rail member and at least one location of a rung. Additionally, ladder hinges are disclosed including hinge components configured to effectively transmit loads from associated rails. In one embodiment the hinge may include a pinch prevention mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Newell R. Moss, Jack W. Bowers, David Francis
-
Patent number: 8069949Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael Nuchereno
-
Patent number: 8069950Abstract: A device that relieves lubricant pressure in a divider block lubrication system into a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame to which the tubing is connected. This eliminates housekeeping, environmental, safety, and compressor component failure concerns associated with current atmospheric rupture assemblies that relieve directly to the atmosphere. The environmental compressor protection assembly contains a spring set to a pre-determined pressure. Lubricant pressure in excess of this pre-determined set pressure results in spring compression and opening of a relief path. The assembly preferably remains in a full open position and must be must be manually reset to the closed position to prevent fluid flow in the system. The relief path can lead to a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame. Flow of lubricant through the relief path results in loss of flow to the lubrication system.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Coltec Industrial Products LLCInventor: Curtis Roys
-
Patent number: 8069951Abstract: In an oil cooler installation structure for a vehicular transmission, an oil cooler by means of which oil is cooled is provided, oil being delivered between the oil cooler and an internal of a transmission housing, and an oil cooler installation portion is provided in the internal of the transmission housing and in which a first oil passage for supplying oil in the internal of the transmission housing to the oil cooler via a first opening portion opened at an external of the transmission housing and a second oil passage for supplying oil from the oil cooler to the internal of the transmission housing via a second opening portion opened at the external of the transmission housing are formed, the oil cooler being attached onto the oil cooler installation portion to enable a delivery of oil via the first opening portion and the second opening portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Taku Sugano, Tsutomu Saitou
-
Patent number: 8069952Abstract: A fluid reservoir assembly having a pan defining a drain opening and a plug disposed therein is disclosed. The pan includes a pair of ramps disposed on an inner surface thereof adjacent the drain opening. The plug includes a pair of wings in engagement with the ramps. The ramps increase in height relative to the inner surface of the pan along a first direction of rotation about the central axis. The plug is drawn into sealing engagement with an outer surface of the pan by rotating the plug in the first direction of rotation about the central axis thereby moving the wings up the ramps. The pan includes at least one stop to prevent over-rotation of the plug. The ramps define a recess to secure the wings in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Scott C. Schlicker, Raymond J. Ballou, Chul S. Lee
-
Patent number: 8069953Abstract: A system and method for making a food item are provided. The apparatus includes a food item assembly and packaging station having a first work area for assembling and packaging a food item and a meal order assembly station having a second work area for assembling a meal order that includes a food item packaged on the first work surface. A conveyor is positioned beneath the first work area and extends from a position proximate to the first area to a position proximate to the second work area. A conveyor access opening is proximate to the first work area to provide worker access to the conveyor to permit manual placement of a food item assembled and packaged at the first work area onto the conveyor for conveying the packaged food item beneath the first work area to the location proximate the meal order assembly station.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Ed Bridgman, David Kirby, Thomas Tapper
-
Patent number: 8069954Abstract: A zipper style lift that coils into a box for storage, but extends to form a rigid, self erecting lift part. The lift stores itself in a housing when retracted, by retracting chain parts into a spiral form.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLCInventor: James Kempf
-
Patent number: 8069955Abstract: An elevator may include an elevator car, a counterweight, a set of hoisting ropes, and one or more rope pulleys. The car and counterweight may be suspended on the hoisting ropes. At least one rope pulley may include a solid surface including a plurality of rope grooves configured to receive at least one hoisting rope. Each rope groove may generally conform to a semi-circular shape and may include a groove bottom and sides. The at least one rope pulley may include a coating adhesively bonded to it. The coating may directly contact the at least one hoisting rope. A coating thickness may be less than or equal to about 3 mm. At the groove bottom of each rope groove, the coating thickness may be substantially less than half a thickness of the at least one hoisting rope. The coating may cover the groove bottom and sides of each rope groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Kone CorporationInventors: Esko Aulanko, Jorma Mustalahti, Pekka Rantanen, Simo Makimattila
-
Patent number: 8069956Abstract: An elevator governor capable of setting first overspeeds different between a rising time and a descending time by a simple configuration and at a low cost without the need for electric power supply from the outside. For this purpose, a weight that is moved in a predetermined direction by receiving a centrifugal force according to a travel speed at the rising time and the descending time of a car, an elastic body urged by movement of the weight having received the centrifugal force, and an actuating device actuates a stop switch when the weight having received the centrifugal force moves to a predetermined position against an urging force of the elastic body are provided, and also a switching device driven by the rising/descending operation of the car is provided. By the switching device, the length of the elastic body at the time when the actuating devices actuates the stop switch is switched to a length different according to the rising/descending direction of the car.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Mineo Okada
-
Patent number: 8069957Abstract: An elevator target floor registration unit, which displays an estimated amount of time until an assigned elevator car arrives, reduces feelings of uneasiness. Various target floor registration units by which a user may register a target floor are installed on respective floors of a building. The target floor registration units are connected to an elevator controller via an interface. The elevator controller: (a) assigns a most suitable elevator car corresponding to a user's target floor registered using the target floor registration unit; (b) computes an expected waiting time for the elevator assigned to arrive at the floor of the aforementioned registration; and (c) sends said pieces of information on the elevator assignment and the expected waiting time to aforementioned target floor registration unit in order to display them.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Hiromitsu Miyajima, Kenichi Ohmura, Toshimitsu Mori
-
Patent number: 8069958Abstract: An elevator (49) includes remote elevator monitoring equipment (50) (REM) connected by a communication linkage (52) to a central elevator monitoring and control station (51). Main, drive, and door controllers (56-58) are interconnected (5961) with the REM. Power-on-reset (POR) of controllers is caused internally (150) or by remotely-operable relays (63-65). An elevator expert at the remote station may order a POR (108), disable components (120), try various fixes (124), and/or order maintenance (115, 135) with instructions. In another embodiment, the controller (56a, 56b) includes elevator diagnostics (150) which can recognize an elevator malfunction and either cause a relay (63) to interrupt power for an interval or cause a reboot.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventor: Juan A. Lence-Barreiro
-
Patent number: 8069959Abstract: An elevator includes a car follower associated with each of a pair of guide rails, and carrying electromagnets which are spaced from electromagnets on an elevator car. The electromagnets on the car and car follower create a repulsive force tending to center the car between the car follower electromagnets associated with the two guide rails. Preferably, the car follower electromagnets are interconnected into a single car follower such that they move together.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventors: Jae-Hyuk Oh, Pei-Yuan Peng, Howard Winston, Alan Finn
-
Patent number: 8069960Abstract: A brakeshoe having a backing plate formed with a seat recess opening at a face, is provided with a brakeshoe wear sensor held in place by a U-shaped spring clip. The clip is formed with a pair of legs extending generally parallel to each other and spaced so as to fit around the sensor and a front end extending between the legs and joining same together. The legs and front end fit wholly in the seat recess between the sensor and the backing plate and bear on the sensor and backing plate. A bent-out tab projects transversely from each of the legs and bears outside the recess on the face of the backing plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Hirschmann Automotive GmbHInventors: Manuel Wille, Günter Jäger
-
Patent number: 8069961Abstract: Engaging grooves 8e extending in the cylinder axial direction and circumferential grooves 8f formed in a cylinder axial direction middle portion of the engaging grooves 8 are formed on a bottom side of a cylinder hole 8. Engaging rib 12b engaging with the engaging groove 8e and engaging rib 16d which engages with the engaging groove 8e and fits to the circumferential groove 8f are formed on a fixed side cam plate 12 and a housing, respectively. A bleeder hole 8g which penetrates communicates with the engaging grooves 8e and circumferential grooves 8f of the cylinder hole 8 is drilled in a caliper body 2. Communication holes 16h which allow communication between the inside and outside of the housing 16 is formed at a bottom side of the cylinder hole 8 rather than the engaging rib 16f of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., LtdInventor: Akifumi Watada
-
Patent number: 8069962Abstract: An electromechanical brake has an element to be braked, at least one friction lining for frictionally engaging with the element, and an electric actuator for displacing the friction lining so that it frictionally engages with the element. A constructively and energetically improved electromechanical brake can be provided by a reversible energy accumulator functionally coupled to the electric actuator which interacts with a force multiplication device such that when the brake is actuated by the actuator, the stored energy is successively supplied to the force multiplication device with increasing actuation travel of the actuator and the device converts the energy in a set manner to an actuation torque that increases with increasing actuation travel of the actuator, the torque being transmitted indirectly or directly onto the friction lining. When the brake is released, a brake-inherent restoring force reacting upon the force multiplication device via the friction lining recharges the energy accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Akos Semsey
-
Patent number: 8069963Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly that comprises a piston that is in slideable communication with a housing. The piston comprises a piston head having a channel in operative communication with a fluid that is disposed in the housing. An elastic member and an active element are disposed in the channel. The active element is in operative communication with the elastic member and is operative to change the shape of the elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones, James C. O'Kane
-
Patent number: 8069964Abstract: A shock absorber includes a piston which has at least one compression fluid passage and at least one rebound fluid passage. A compression valve assembly closes the at least one compression passage and a rebound valve assembly closes the at least one rebound passage. An interconnecting passage connects the at least one compression fluid passage and the at least one rebound fluid passage to define an open flow path through the piston.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: Stefan Deferme
-
Patent number: 8069965Abstract: Section insulator for rigid catenary which has a dual functionality, since it can exercise the functions both of conventional section insulator and of neutral section insulator, configured so that it maintains a mechanical continuity which allows the smooth passage of the pantograph, minimizing the requirement for adjustment and maintenance. The insulator basically comprises a pair of conductor rail segments (2) between which is disposed a single central shoe (1) obliquely disposed with respect to the direction of the catenary, a pair of spark wires (9) wherein the electric field is broken and a series of strips (8) disposed on said central shoe (1) which, together with a bridging cable which extends from them to the conductor rail segment (2), enables bridging the wire conductor of the insulator (3) when one want to maintain the power supply to the pantograph.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Metro de Madrid, S.A.Inventors: Manuel Melis Maynar, Ildefonso De Matias Jimenez, Francisco Javier Gonzalez Fernandez, Miguel Alejandro Moya Lopez-Duque, Rogelio Sanchez Pardias, Jorge Francisco Blanquer Jaraiz, Felipe Carmona Pinto, Carlos Vera Alvarez, Maria Carmen Borbano Sánchez, legal representative, Berta Suarez Esteban, Jennifer Paulin
-
Patent number: 8069966Abstract: The invention relates to a coin selecting device. The device comprises a body with a series of passages, one of which is disposed facing a coin-receiving area and delimited laterally by two partition walls which each belong to respective adjacent passages. Each of the partition walls is articulated to the body about an axis, such that they can occupy two positions in relation thereto, namely: a position for receiving diverted coins and a rest position. The invention also comprises two controlled actuation devices to actuate to rotate each partition wall selectively to the position for receiving diverted coins, in which its respective passage faces the coin-receiving area, and at least one permanent pushing device for maintaining the partition walls in respective rest positions and/or returning the partition walls to the respective rest positions upon termination of the actuation.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Industrias Lorenzo, S.A.Inventors: Angel Lorenzo Regidor, Juan Jose Verdu Martinez
-
Patent number: 8069967Abstract: A downstream side of a chute associated with at least one sorting hole is branched into a first chute and a second chute, through which coins ejected from the sorting hole are guided into first and second temporary storages, respectively. A route-switching mechanism is also provided that switches, between the two chutes, a route of the coins ejected from the sorting hole. The following control is conducted for the coins of a denomination to be ejected from the sorting hole. (i) Switching the route of the coins ejected from the sorting hole from the first chute to the second chute in appropriate timing to ensure that the last coin (CN) to be received into the first temporary storage enters the first chute, and (ii) controlling an ejection mechanism to eject, among coins following the last coin, all coins that have reached the ejection mechanism (6a) earlier that the above route-switching operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Glory Ltd.Inventors: Yushi Hino, Shungo Yoshino, Yoshikatsu Oota, Tatsuya Oonishi
-
Patent number: 8069968Abstract: An apparatus for the discharge of an article, in particular of a flat mail item. A first conveyor device is able to transport the article in a primary transport path, a second conveyor device transports it in a branched transport path. A diverter is configured to leave the article either in the primary transport path or to discharge it into the branched transport path. A conveyor belt of the first conveyor device is guided around a roller. This roller is mounted onto the diverter. Thus a pivoting of the diverter from a standby position into a discharge position causes the roller and the conveyor belt resting upon the roller to be displaced perpendicular to the pivot axis of the diverter.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Armin Zimmermann
-
Patent number: 8069969Abstract: A transport device for objects comprises a frame with a series of carriers that run mutually parallel and are pivotally coupled to an endless drivable moving track so as to enable displacement in a direction of displacement. At least some of the carriers comprise pusher shoes with guiding construction that are shiftable along the relevant carriers transversely of the direction of displacement using guide means arranged on the frame. The guiding construction comprises a guide pin with a guide body arranged thereon, wherein the guide pin comprises at least two portions of differing diameter, that the guide means comprise a guide channel in which the guide pin can engage, and that the depth of the guide channel progresses such that, at first engagement, the portion of the guide pin with the largest diameter engages in the guide channel, and with further engagement a portion with a smaller diameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Van Riet Equipment B.V.Inventor: Casper Hermanus Gerardus Vlug
-
Patent number: 8069970Abstract: A transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part with a first locking element and a mounting part holder with a second locking element, and where one of the two locking elements is locked with the other locking element by rotation. In addition, a transport star having at least one replaceable mounting part that can be locked with a mounting part holder, and where a ring-shaped operating element is provided for locking the mounting part with the mounting part holder. Also, a transport star having at least one mounting part and a mounting part holder on which the mounting part can be positioned in a position predetermined by positioning devices, whereby the lifting of the mounting part can be prevented by the positioning devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Klarl Hermann, Schoberl Wolfgang
-
Patent number: 8069971Abstract: A bulk material handling system includes a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material and a bulk material handling accessory to aid the bulk material handling apparatus in conveying the bulk material. The bulk material handling accessory includes a controller having one or more sensors. The controller generates a control signal to adjust operation of the bulk material handling accessory based upon at least one status signal of the one or more sensors. The controller also generates the control signal in accordance with a status signal to control signal response pattern defined by system parameter values. The system parameters include a minimum value to define a minimum level of the control signal associated with fail-safe operation and a maximum value to define a maximum level of the control signal associated with stable operation the bulk material handling accessory.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: R. Todd Swinderman, Cristian Vava
-
Patent number: 8069972Abstract: Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. Electromagnets are used to control the position of the paddles and, thus, the position of lumber being transported by the paddles. Also provided are uses of the positioning fence to position lumber for cutting.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Baxley Equipment Co.Inventors: Chris Raybon, Russell Kennedy, Pat Conry, Thomas Wayne Green
-
Patent number: 8069973Abstract: Flighting for screw conveyors of improved construction and resulting in better wear characteristics and carrying capacity is provided through the use of cold roll manufacturing and a roller which forms the flighting with a shape which moves some of the material being conveyed away from the outside peripheral edge of the flighting and thereby distributes wear over a larger portion of the surface of the flighting.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Uniflyte Inc.Inventors: Robert Wynnobel, Andrew Wilton
-
Patent number: 8069974Abstract: In a transport device, which comprises at least one endless conveyor guided around at least two guide rollers, a monitoring appliance for monitoring motion of a guide roller is positioned on at least one of the guide rollers. The monitoring appliance comprises a first contact element disposed on and electrically connected with the guide roller, and a second contact element disposed near the guide roller. The first and second contact elements are arranged relative to one another in such a way that an electrical contact between them occurs with every revolution of the guide roller, such that the electric potential of the guide roller is transmitted to the second contact element. Additionally, a substrate treatment apparatus comprising such transport device is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik GmbHInventors: Reinhardt Bauer, Johannes Struempfel, Andreas Heisig, Matthias Smolke, Thomas Posseckardt, Frank Hupka
-
Patent number: 8069975Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyor belt rip detection system with belts having rip detection inserts that can be more easily integrated into conveyor belts at low cost. These rip detection inserts do not adversely affect the durability of the conveyor belt and can be easily replaced in the event of belt damage. This rip detection system also provides a highly reliable early image of belt damage that can facilitate quick repair before extensive belt damage occurs.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Veyance Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jack Bruce Wallace
-
Patent number: 8069976Abstract: A conveyor system apparatus including: a primary conveyor; and a conveying belt comprising: a belt deck comprising a conveyor belt; and a frame supporting the belt deck, the frame comprising a base and a deck support coupled to the base and the belt deck, the deck support movable between an operating position and a maintenance position. In as embodiment of the invention, the belt deck is cantilevered from the frame. Also, in an embodiment, the frame includes a motor for moving the deck support with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Mantissa CorporationInventors: J. David Fortenbery, Aric Benedict, David Patrick Erceg, Andrew B. Fortenbery
-
Patent number: 8069977Abstract: The subject invention provides for a slider bed conveyor system that allows for lateral movement of a longitudinally moving conveyor of a fixed length. The system includes a first conveyor section having a first surface that extends between opposing first walls. A second conveyor section is operatively connected with the first conveyor section and includes a second surface that extends between opposing second walls. The first and second conveyor sections support the longitudinally moving conveyor and the second conveyor section is laterally moveable in relation to the first conveyor section.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Jervis B. Webb CompanyInventor: Mark J. Avery
-
Patent number: 8069978Abstract: A coin holder having edge view optics. The coin holder includes a coin having an obverse side, a reverse side and a coin edge having features on the coin edge. The features can include lettering, decorative patterns or other features of interest. An optical frame is configured to surround the coin edge and includes reflective surfaces that project an image of the coin edge to a viewing side of the optical frame, where the features of the coin edge can be viewed in a desired orientation.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Muroc Masters Research and Development, LLCInventors: Robert A. Haire, Joseph Jarski
-
Patent number: 8069979Abstract: A reusable holder for contact lens cases includes a base, at least one receptacle formed in the base configured to receive a contact lens case, and a time keeping device formed in the base. The time keeping device may include an indicator for the at least one receptacle that indicates a period of time that has lapsed since the contact lens case currently in the at least one receptacle was placed therein to denote a need to discard the contact lens case and a contact lens associated with the contact lens case.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: 1-800 Contacts, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. Newman, Jonathan C. Coon, Kevin K. McCallum, Bruce V. Christy, III, Desmond C. S. Cheon, Joanne M. Oliver, Mark A. Zeh, Lynda Deakin, Rachel Wong, Jonah L. Houston, Anthony J. Rossetti, John Ravitch
-
Patent number: 8069980Abstract: The present disclosure provides a package for a medical device containing a cavity for receiving the medical device, a first closure having a sealed portal therein and a second closure adjacent the first closure.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Joshua B. Stopek, David Kirsch
-
Patent number: 8069981Abstract: A cigarette pack of the hinge-lid box type in which box side walls (24) and lid side walls (25) are correspondingly formed as a polygonal chain from adjoining wall portions (27, 28, 29), and the wall portions (27, 28, 29) are designed with the same width and directed at the same angles to one another and to the front side and rear side of the pack.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)Inventor: Henry Buse
-
Patent number: 8069982Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is provided comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a wearer's stages of development. A merchandising system facilitates consumers' selection of an absorbent article configuration by appropriately matching an absorbent article configuration with a particular wearer's stage of development. The system includes indicia exhibiting pictorial representations of the absorbent article configurations fitted to wearer's at corresponding stages of development enabling a consumer to choose the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Karl P. Ronn, Barry R. Feist, Mary L. Carr, Kathy O. Ames-Ooten, Danielia T. Wilkins, Merlene A. Cummins, Ooma B. Rampersad-Cutler, Monica J. Mohlenkamp, Vicki L. Streithorst