Patents Issued in April 24, 2012
  • Patent number: 8161683
    Abstract: A metalwork for a window having a fixed frame and a leaf. The metalwork also includes a control which enables opening and closing of the leaf so as to turn around vertical or horizontal axes depending on the position of the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Remi Emiel Van Parys
  • Patent number: 8161684
    Abstract: An assembly for securing a hinged building window (11) in closed position relative to an aperature defined by a main frame (12). The assembly includes a compressible gasket disposed between the hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) defining the aperature. The hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) each includes a respective portion (20) of a magnetic means for securing the hinged building window said (11) to the frame (12), where the magnetic means for securing includes a two magnetic magnets that are magnetically attracted to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Torben Allesen Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8161685
    Abstract: A draft excluder for excluding drafts between a door and the floor. The draft excluder is made up of an elongated angled bracket, at least one clip, a flexible covering, and an elongated weight. The flexible covering can take the form of a cloth covering. The elongated angled bracket defines first and second sidewalls with an interior angle there-between. The first and second sidewalls respectively define first and second elongated terminal edges. During normal use the at least one clip holds the first sidewall of the bracket to the bottom of a door such that the interior angle faces downward and towards the floor beneath the door. The flexible covering defines a cover portion that extends between the first and second elongated terminal edges. The cover portion defines an interior surface and an exterior surface. The elongated weight is affixed to the interior surface of the cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony J. Salgado
  • Patent number: 8161686
    Abstract: The pneumatic structural element comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies made of textile material coated in a gas-type manner and each having two end caps are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area. The edging of this sectional area is formed by two curved tension/compression elements into which is clamped a gas-tight web made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. This web can be connected to the tension/compression elements in a gas-tight manner. By filling the two hollow bodies with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? pretensions said web. This pretensioning increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements. If a plurality of such elements are combined to form a roof, every two adjacent hollow bodies thus form a sectional area with a tension/compression element and web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Prospective Concepts AG, Airlight Limited (AG)
    Inventor: Mauro Pedretti
  • Patent number: 8161687
    Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure comprising a tension-compression element (1) which is composed of tension-compression bars (2) that are connected in real joints (3) as well as tension straps (4) that extend from one joint (3) to another (3). The outermost tension-compression bars (2) are connected in one respective knot (9). Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover (6) are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element (1) such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover (6) preload the tension straps (4) on the plane of the tension-compression element (1), secure the tension-compression bars (2) against bending, and stabilize the joints (3). The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element (1) against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements (7) can be inserted into the hollow members (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Prospective Concepts AG
    Inventors: Rene Crettol, Rolf Luchsinger
  • Patent number: 8161688
    Abstract: An outside corner patch for TPO roofing is formed from a circular piece of TPO membrane material being vacuum formed to define an array of flutes that extend from the center of the piece toward its edges. The flutes form ridges and valleys that generally are shaped as conical sections with the apex of the conical sections located at the center of the patch. The number and size of the flutes is optimized in such a way that, when the flutes are stretched flat, the patch conforms to and fits flat against the surfaces of an outside corner formed by the intersection of a roof deck with an upward protrusion from the roof. The TPO outside corner patch is applied over the corner and thermally welded to surrounding TPO membranes on the roof deck and the protrusion to form a watertight seal at the outside corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Building Materials Investment Corp.
    Inventor: Sudhir Railkar
  • Patent number: 8161689
    Abstract: A flashing end dam having an angularly adjustable leg (adjustable end dam) includes a bottom leg, and adjustable rear leg, a side leg and a moveable web. The adjustable end dam is bent from a blank such that the bottom leg and the adjustable rear leg are formed, while bending a portion of the bottom leg and the adjustable rear leg to form the side leg and the moveable web. The adjustable end dam may be installed above a window opening in a masonry wall. The adjustable end dam is normally placed in a corner above and past the window opening. However, the adjustable end dam may be installed in any suitable application. If a nonparallel cavity variation exists between the structural wall and the exterior facing, the adjustable rear leg of the adjustable end dam may be bent back or forward to span the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: William J. Butzen
  • Patent number: 8161690
    Abstract: An interlocking portable rollout attic flooring having a plurality of planks laid in a mutual abutting relationship of side edges of the planks, to define a common longitudinally extensive top and bottom surfaces, the common bottom surface having longitudinally directed notches oriented orthogonal to the side edges. The longitudinally directed notches engaged with spaced apart beams for support and stability of the flooring. The side edges of the planks configured in a mutually overlapping relationship wherein each plank supports a portion of weight applied to each adjacent plank. At least one longitudinally directed flexible strap fixed to the top surface of the flooring to secure the planks in the abutting relationship while allowing the planks to be rolled into a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Lynn Eric Borne, Lynn Charles Borne
  • Patent number: 8161691
    Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Plattforms, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Platt, John E. Charchenko, Daryl G. Hodgson, Russell J. Platt
  • Patent number: 8161692
    Abstract: An apparatus attached to the roof perimeter to mitigate wind-generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. The apparatus comprises at least one face portion having face perforation and/or edge serration for increasing small-scale turbulence entrainment, equalizing pressure and disorganizing edge shear layer vorticity, and thus disrupting vortex formation. A roof edge vortex suppressor is preferably mounted along the entire circumference of a roof perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Renscience IP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason JianXiong Lin
  • Patent number: 8161693
    Abstract: At least one blade of the wind-turbine is attached firm but detachable with the tower by a fixture. The tower and the attached blade are transported to a planned site. The tower and the attached blade are brought together into an upright position in a single lift-action. A hub and a nacelle of the wind-turbine are mounted on the top of the tower. A wire of a winch, which is located inside the nacelle or the hub, is connected with a root of the blade. The blade is detached from the tower by unlocking the fixture. The blade is lift up to the hub for its attachment there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mikkel Verner Krogh, Jonas Madsen
  • Patent number: 8161694
    Abstract: An improved burial crypt for cremains designed to be placed below grade within a standard cemetery burial plot, suitable for containing a plurality of burial urns; the crypt comprised of a container, an access means, and a support means, with the container being sealable, substantially water tight, and fabricated of precast concrete walls, the access means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to allow a human to descend into and ascend out of the container, and the support means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to support a plurality of burial urns; and a method of fabrication of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Frost
  • Patent number: 8161695
    Abstract: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base and a connecting device. The second base is parallel to the first base. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first base and second base to connect the first and second bases and has a universal connector. The first base abuts against the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in multiple directions. The second base abuts against the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a unidirection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Chong-Shien Tsai
  • Patent number: 8161696
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a sleeve system and methods of using the system. The system uses an elongated open-ended sleeve, and mounting plate parts which mate with each other to form a mounting plate and which are securable to each other and to a wall. The mounting plate thus formed comprises a collar which, when the mounting plates parts are secured together, presses against portions of the outer surface of the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ted D Colwell, Kristen A. Jensen, Rebecca C. Lee, Ernst L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8161697
    Abstract: A studless load bearing panel wall system includes an assembly of bamboo based load bearing panels. The panels may be centrally milled along all edges suitable for accepting spline brackets along the vertical edges thereby constructing wall faces. Channels along the top and bottom edges accept two panels to form a studless wall having an inner and outer panel. The panels may be fastened to the splines and channels by means of screw fasteners. Bamboo based load bearing panels comprising layers formed from pressed bamboo strips bonded with layers of softwood veneers provide high load bearing strength while being dimensionally similar to conventional plywood. Non-load bearing alternate embodiments of the bamboo based panels in combination with similar spline brackets and channels are utilized to construct studless interior walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bamcore LLC
    Inventor: William D McDonald
  • Patent number: 8161698
    Abstract: An innovation is disclosed which relates to a wind turbine foundation. A circular foundation using fiber reinforced concrete has optional circular reinforcement rods. The foundation includes a vertical stanchion that rests in the bottom of an excavated hole and supports anchor bolts and reinforcement bars in a predetermined configuration while concrete is poured into the hole. All the necessary foundation materials can be combined in a simple and compact kit which can be shipped to a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: AnemErgonics, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Gerald Migliore
  • Patent number: 8161699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural insulating foam core wall that is versatile to be used as an independent framed wall, combination of an independent wall and Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) wall, in conjunction as part of a precast wall or as part of forming system to form a concrete beams and column structure, and modular units with concrete beams and columns. The structural insulating core wall, can also be used as individual foam spacer blocks, with or without brackets and horizontal bracing channels. Various types of flanges extensions are added to form different support channel flanges. The interlocking foam spacers and support channels which can be glued or screwed together to form structural insulating panels (SIPS), independent walls or as part of a precast wall with columns and beams integrated within the wall panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis William LeBlang
  • Patent number: 8161700
    Abstract: A tiled structure comprises a layer of adhesive mortar, a bracket having a substantially flat base mounting portion with a plurality of perforations embedded in an adhesive mortar with the mortar flowed through the perforations and substantially covering opposite sides of the base mounting portion, and a tile veneer bonded to the adhesive mortar over at least one side of the base mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: David H. Scalise
  • Patent number: 8161701
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein is started from panels (1), these panels (1), at their lower side (9), are provided with at least one guiding groove (22) and these panels (1), at least at two opposite sides (3A-3B/4A-4B), are provided with profiled edge regions (5A-5B) that comprise coupling parts (17A-17B), characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned two profiled edge regions (5A-5B) is formed such that this region, seen in a cross-section of the panel (1), transverse to the guiding groove (22), extends at the lower side (9) of the panel (1) at least up to the guiding groove (22). Further, the invention also relates to still other methods, for manufacturing as well as packaging of floor panels, and also relates to devices used therewith, as well as to floor panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARL
    Inventors: Mark Cappelle, Lode De Boe
  • Patent number: 8161702
    Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain the grooves for receiving portions of the top into the grooves; and (c) at least one compressive element located on the device, with at least one portion of the at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from the imaginary center line and away from the vertical support member, wherein the compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under a predetermined compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Heron Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Harry W. Eberle, III
  • Patent number: 8161703
    Abstract: A compressible mineral fiber insulation element (1) having a first major surface (3) opposed to a second major surface (4), and having side surfaces (5) connecting the two major surfaces (3, 4) and defining a thickness of the insulation element (1). The thickness is at least 10 cm. The insulation element comprises a facing (20) provided with at least one extension flange (21) of which the outer end (22) is not secured to the insulation element. The facing (20) is attached to at least a part of the first major surface (3), and the extension flange (21) is prepared for extending over and covering a substantial part of the side surface (5) of the insulation element (1). A method of installing a compressible insulation element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventor: Roger Peeters
  • Patent number: 8161704
    Abstract: A perimeter insulation strip for use when laying laminate or parquet floors is described. The perimeter insulation strips comprises a vapor barrier film including a perimeter insulation strip bonded on a front side and at least one adhesive layer arranged behind the perimeter insulation strip on a back side. The vapor barrier film has at least one overlapping section starting from the perimeter insulation strip to connect with a vapor barrier film below a floor covering to be laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Selit Dammtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Seitner
  • Patent number: 8161705
    Abstract: A wall panel retention system including an upper panel retention structure incorporating the ceiling molding and a lower panel retention structure incorporating the base molding with retention structures for holding the sides of the wall panels to the building wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: James M. Pratt
  • Patent number: 8161706
    Abstract: The present document describes a clip for securing a tight connection between two modular panels. The connection has a male portion on a first one of the two modular panels, and a female portion on a second one of the two modular panels. The male portion is for being inserted into the female portion upon assembly of the two modular panels side by side. The clip comprises a first flat member having a first pressure edge, and a second flat member having a second pressure edge. The second flat member is fixedly joined to the first flat member. The panels are assembled in an assembly direction. Upon introduction of the first flat member into the male portion, and of the second flat member into the female portion perpendicularly to the assembly direction, the first pressure edge of the first flat member forces the male portion toward the female portion, while the second pressure edge of the second flat member forces the female portion toward the male portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Gingras
  • Patent number: 8161707
    Abstract: A family of beam cross-connections, including column/beam and beam/beam connections, between beams and columns in a building frame. Each connection within a cross-connection features (a) a pair of parallel-spaced, upright, planar plate components operatively associated with either a side of a column or a side of a beam, (b) an elongate, generally horizontal cross-connection beam including a generally upright, planar central web with an end which, with respect to a pair of such plate components, extends into the space that exists between those components, and (c) a structural relationship involving the plate components in a pair which accommodates (1) vertical-motion placement of a web end between the components, with (2) the automatic establishment thereby of correct relative, spatial, three-dimensional relationships and dispositions of the specific, associated column and/or beam elements so connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ConXtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8161708
    Abstract: Finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set at least consists of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile at the holder, characterized in that the holder comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder, as well as a stop-forming positioning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl
    Inventors: Benny Schacht, Pieter Buyck
  • Patent number: 8161709
    Abstract: A method of making an endwall overhang for a structure is provided. The method may include providing a roof piece, a first trim piece, and a lengthwise member. The method may also include forming an overhang assembly by coupling the roof piece with a first surface of the lengthwise member and coupling the first trim piece with a second surface of the lengthwise member. The method may further include providing a structure and coupling a support member with the outside surface of an endwall of the structure, with the support member protruding from the endwall. The method may thereafter include coupling the overhang assembly to the structure by coupling the roof piece of the overhang assembly with a top support surface of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tuff Shed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Saurey, Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Patent number: 8161710
    Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Specialty Hardware L.P.
    Inventors: A. Carleton Elliott, Allan J. Swartz, Gregory Kulpa
  • Patent number: 8161711
    Abstract: A partition system may include one or more panels. A panel may be constructed using blow-molded plastic. A panel may include one or more depressions, which may be aligned with one or more depressions on an opposing side of the panel. The depressions may provide additional structural integrity for a panel. The depressions on opposing sides of the panel may extend toward and engage each other. The panels may include patterns with which one or more depressions may intersect. The panels may include symmetric patterns on opposing sides. The partition system may include one or more connectors adapted to receive a portion of one or more panels. The partition system may include one or more feet that may be attached to one or more panels. The panels may include one or more reinforcing members of various shapes disposed proximate one or more edges of a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Steed, Jay Calkin, Kent Ashby
  • Patent number: 8161712
    Abstract: A flexible wrap of rotatably interlocking fluted strips is provided. The fluted strips may have similarly shaped cross-sectional areas and be rotatably interconnected with one another such that the flexible wrap may be wrapped around an object. One end of a fluted strip may have a socket means for rotatably interlocking with an adjacent fluted strip. The socket means may have a circular inner diameter and two curved arms with an opening between their ends. The opposite end of the fluted strip may have a ball means for rotatably interlocking with another adjacent fluted strip. The ball means may have a circular outer diameter sized to slide into the circular inner diameter of the socket means of an adjacent fluted strip, and an arm sized to slide between the opening of the curved arms, during assembly. One fluted strip may be designed to join in the middle to facilitate wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas A. Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 8161713
    Abstract: A modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products includes a first conveyor for feeding the opening devices successively along a first path, a second conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a second path, a transfer mechanism for transferring the opening devices along a third path from a pickup station located along the first path, to an application station for applying the opening devices to respective packages and located along the second path, and a processing device for performing specific operations on the opening devices prior to application of the opening devices to the respective packages. The transfer mechanism defines a base module of the unit, and the processing device includes different types of processing devices forming part of different auxiliary modules selectively connectable to the base module to define different units for applying the opening devices to respective packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Anders Gustafsson, Alessandro Morselli
  • Patent number: 8161714
    Abstract: A capping chuck for a bottle capping machine is capable of applying a pre-defined torque to a cap and reducing top load during application. The capping chuck includes a drive gear mechanically connected to a clutch. The clutch controls the torque transmitted to a gripper head through a driveshaft. The gripper head secures the cap to the bottle, and includes a substantially continuous perimeter wall surrounding a plunger that moves under load in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the driveshaft. The extent of movement can be controlled by a resistance element such as, for example, a spring. An engagement device affects the contact the drive gear has with the bull gear of the capping mechanism. The engagement device can rotate the capping chuck relative to the bull gear to ensure positive engagement of the drive gear with the bull gear. The engagement device can include a slotted opening and an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Scott Data
  • Patent number: 8161715
    Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a foodstuff within a receptacle includes an inerting unit having an empty zone, walls of the empty zone configured to receive an upper portion of the receptacle, and the walls being made of a porous material capable of passing an inert gas under pressure, and a closure means retractably disposed above the inerting unit, wherein the inerting unit is configured to pass the inert gas through the walls and into the receptacle, and the closure means is configured to retractably extend into the empty zone to seal the passed inert gas within a headspace volume of the upper portion of the receptacle disposed the foodstuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: 1/4 VIN
    Inventors: Pascal Carvin, Christian Mura
  • Patent number: 8161716
    Abstract: A packaging method for a filter tow bale includes, including excessively compressing a distance between press bases to a height lower than a desired height of a packaged bale by 50 to 250 mm, more preferably 80 to 200 mm, further preferably 90 to 180 mm, then adjusting the distance between the press bases to the desired height in a packaged or non-packaged state, and then releasing a pressing force applied on a pressed bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hibi, Hirofumi Tsujita
  • Patent number: 8161717
    Abstract: An erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object is disclosed. Methods of use of the erectable and/or collapsible floral easel are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Wanda M. Weder and William F. Straeter
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 8161718
    Abstract: In a self-propelled agricultural working machine having working units whose working parameters are adjustable, moving at a ground speed that is regulated automatically as a function of at least one crop-material parameter and/or one working parameter of the working machine using a forward-travel regulator, and having at least one control, operating, and display unit, with which the crop-material parameters and/or the working parameters of the working machine may be adjusted and displayed, the operator of the working machine has access to information regarding the state of the forward-travel regulator when the ground speed is being regulated using a forward-travel regulator. For this purpose, the crop-material parameter and/or working parameter of the working machine that currently limits the ground-speed control via the forward-travel regulator is displayed directly to the operator of the working machine in the control, operating, and display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Bussmann, Andreas Wilken, Joachim Baumgarten, Georg Eggenhaus
  • Patent number: 8161719
    Abstract: A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening. A crop converging system includes two over-shot auger elements defined by a common auger shaft with an auger flight carried thereon arranged generally longitudinal of the cutter bar so as to carry the cut crop longitudinally of the cutter bar to the entrance opening. Each auger element is arranged with a forwardmost tangent to the auger flight located behind the axes of the rotary disks and with an outer end thereof spaced outwardly of the respective end of the entrance mouth. The common auger shaft is driven by a common rotary drive with the bottom roll of the conditioner rolls. The augers terminate inwardly of the outer end of the cutter bar to locate the drive inboard of the end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Neil Gordon Barnett, Geoffrey U. Snider
  • Patent number: 8161720
    Abstract: A grass treatment unit for various greens grooming practices for replacement of a cutting head on a walk behind greensmower. An adapter is provided for mounting the grass treatment unit on the walk behind greensmower and another adapter is provided for connecting the grass treatment unit to the power source previously used by the cutting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: John L. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8161721
    Abstract: A cable-stranding apparatus for performing SZ-stranding of strand elements about at least one core member is disclosed. A first stationary guide member individually guides the strand elements in a spaced apart configuration and centrally passes the at least one core member. At least one hollow-shaft motor is arranged downstream of the stationary guide member. A rotating guide member is disposed in the hollow shaft and rotates with the hollow shaft according to a rotation relationship. The rotation relationship controls the rotational speed and direction of the rotating guide member to SZ-strand the strand elements about the at least one core member to form an SZ-stranded assembly. Embodiments of cable-stranding apparatus having multiple hollow-shaft motors and respective multiple rotating guide members are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David W. Chiasson, Craig M. Conrad, Jonathan E. Moon, Mark W. Petersen, David H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8161722
    Abstract: Cable-stranding methods for performing SZ-stranding of strand elements about at least one core member are disclosed. One method includes passing initially spaced apart strand elements through peripheral guide holes and passing at least one core member through a generally central location of at least one guide member. The method also includes actuating a controller that controls the rotation of the at least one guide member and rotating the at least one guide member to form the SZ-stranded assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David W. Chiasson, Craig M. Conrad, Jonathan E. Moon, Mark W. Petersen, David H. Smith
  • Patent number: 8161723
    Abstract: Chain link comprising two side limbs at both ends joint by curved end portions. The chain Link comprises at least one endless band of fiber material wound along the perimeter of the chain link. The fiber material follows the longitudinal direction of the limbs and the curvature of the end-portions. In a chain made of interlocking chain links of this type, all tensile loads are absorbed by the fiber material, whereas the bearing load due to interlink contact, plus the link shear and bonding stresses near the contact points are absorbed by the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Oscar de Vries
  • Patent number: 8161724
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the generation of electrical energy through the combination of steam flows produced from different fuel sources. Steam produced from processing of a biomass fuel source is combined with steam produced from the processing of natural gas or fossil fuel and routed through a steam turbine generator to produce electrical energy. The steam is preferably reheated after partial processing in the steam turbine generator and then recirculated for further processing in the steam turbine generators. Following extraction of all available energy from the steam, the steam is condensed to water, the feedwater is then reheated and pumped to the boilers of both energy sources for conversion into steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: EIF NTE Hybrid Intellectual Property Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Seth Shortlidge, Gregory J. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8161725
    Abstract: A torch igniter and method of cooling the torch igniter includes axially flowing a first stream of gaseous oxidizer through a torch throat and vortically flowing a second stream of the gaseous oxidizer within a combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Tai Yu
  • Patent number: 8161726
    Abstract: A method for using a heat exchange system in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8161727
    Abstract: A device for, in a gas turbine engine, braking a turbine including a rotor driving a shaft capable of rotating with respect to a stator in the event of said shaft breaking is disclosed. The device includes a first braking member provided with at least one abrasive element and a second braking member including a ring-shaped element (120A) made of a material capable of being eroded by the abrasive element. One of the two braking members being secured to the rotor and the other of the two braking members being secured to the stator. The braking members come into contact with one another through axial displacement of the rotor once the shaft has broken. The abrasive element of the first braking member eroding the ring-shaped element of the second braking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jacques Rene Bart, Didier Rene Andre Escure, Claude Marcel Mons, Stephane Rousselin
  • Patent number: 8161728
    Abstract: A representative gas turbine includes: a high pressure spool; a high pressure compressor; a high pressure turbine mechanically coupled to the high pressure spool; a lower pressure spool; a lower pressure turbine mechanically coupled to the lower pressure spool; a fan having a first set of fan blades and a second set of fan blades, the second set of fan blades being located downstream of the first set of fan blades and being operative to rotate at a rotational speed corresponding to a rotational speed of the lower pressure spool; and a gear assembly mechanically coupled to the lower pressure spool and engaging the first set of fan blades such that rotation of the lower pressure spool rotates the first set of fan blades at a lower rotational speed than the rotational speed of the second set of fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Kupratis
  • Patent number: 8161729
    Abstract: An exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine has a hydrogen concentration sensor (2) disposed upstream of a catalytic converter (1) in the engine exhaust system to detect a hydrogen concentration in the exhaust gas. An optimum combustion air-fuel ratio is then estimated based on the detected hydrogen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Katoh
  • Patent number: 8161730
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for reducing NOx emissions on an SCR catalyst. For example, according to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for reducing NOx emissions in an engine exhaust includes a NOx reduction target module that is configured to determine a NOx reduction requirement that includes an amount of NOx in the exhaust gas stream to be reduced on a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. The apparatus also includes an ammonia target module that is configured to determine an ammonia addition requirement that includes an amount of ammonia added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the NOx reduction requirement. The apparatus also includes a reductant target module that is configured to determine a reductant injection requirement that includes an amount of reductant added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the ammonia addition requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Chi, Weiwen Wang, Phanindra Garimella, Joan M. Wills, Joe V. Hill, Lisa A. Farrell, Abdul R. Ofoli
  • Patent number: 8161731
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment control system includes a controller configured to determine a value representative of a NO2 concentration associated with an exhaust gas upstream of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, and determine a value representative of a NO concentration associated with the exhaust gas upstream of the SCR catalyst. The controller can also be configured to transmit a signal to at least partially control an injection of a hydrocarbon into the exhaust gas, wherein the hydrocarbon injection can occur upstream of an oxidation catalyst to at least partially decrease the NO2 concentration of the exhaust gas downstream of the oxidation catalyst, and wherein the oxidation catalyst can be located upstream of the SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Joshua Driscoll, Wade J. Robel, Praveen S. Chavannavar
  • Patent number: 8161732
    Abstract: A system and method for improving emissions of an engine capable of combusting a multi-component fuel comprised of two or more fuels is presented. According to the method, the passage exhaust gases are processed in said exhaust system is determined in part from the concentration of one component fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark William Peters, John M. Roth, Ken O. Jahr, Jason Eugene Devries, John Hedges