Patents Issued in July 31, 2012
  • Patent number: 8230928
    Abstract: An internal tree cap having a running configuration and a latched configuration to be selectively secured to a tree spool. The tree cap may include an inner sleeve movable between upper and lower positions. The movement of the inner sleeve to the lower position may simultaneously engage a locking profile within the tree spool and energize a sealing element around the exterior of the tree cap. The tree cap may be a low profile tree cap that is flush with the top of the tree spool when installed. The tree cap may provide a collateral beneficial locking means to secure a tubing hanger within the tree spool. A lower housing may be attached to the tree cap to seal on the exterior of the upper neck of the tubing hanger. The tree cap may include a profile to accept a wireline plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Inc.
    Inventors: Glen H. Cuiper, Paulo Cezar Silva Paulo, André Smith
  • Patent number: 8230929
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation to a surface facility is provided. The method may include heating the formation in situ to cause pyrolysis of formation hydrocarbons, and producing production fluids from the formation via two or more wells. The produced fluids have been at least partially generated as a result of pyrolysis of the formation hydrocarbons. In addition, the produced fluids comprise non-condensable fluids, or gases, which taken together have an averaged Wobbe Index which varies at a rate of more than 5% over a period of time. The method also includes controlling production from one or more of the wells such that a combination of the production fluids from the wells results in a combined gas stream that's averaged Wobbe Index varies at a rate of less than 5% over the period of time. The combined stream comprises combustible hydrocarbon fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D Kaminsky, William A Symington
  • Patent number: 8230930
    Abstract: A mount for a bonnet of a blowout preventer includes at least one support member coupled to a body of the blowout preventer, and a bonnet mounting member moveably coupled to the at least one support member and adapted to move substantially normal to a face of the body of the blowout preventer, wherein the bonnet is coupled to the bonnet mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Edward Ryan Hemphill, Michael Wayne Berckenhoff, William L Carbaugh
  • Patent number: 8230931
    Abstract: A lifting device configured to lift a bonnet of a blowout preventer. The lifting device includes two or more lifting pins, each lifting pin including, a body having an elongated shape and configured to enter through a hole in the bonnet; a shoulder connected to the body and having an external diameter larger than an external diameter of the body; and two or more threaded regions at different locations on the body and configured to receive threaded screws, each threaded region being formed in the body such that a coordinate of the threaded region in a given inertial system is substantially identical to a coordinate of a center of gravity of a corresponding bonnet in the same given inertial system when the lifting pin is inserted into a hole of the corresponding bonnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Perrin Rodriguez, Seferino Rivera
  • Patent number: 8230932
    Abstract: Presented is a system and method for disconnecting a plurality of wireline tools from a string of wireline tools while maintaining operation of the wireline tools remaining with the string of wireline tools. The disconnection is non-destructive and allows a reconnection of the disconnected tools after retrieval from the well. The system also enables testing of the disconnection mechanism before deploying the wireline tool string into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sondex Wireline Limited
    Inventors: James David Ratcliffe, Timothy Gill, Peter Withers, Lee Strobel, Graham Chadwick
  • Patent number: 8230933
    Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Gene Snider, David Othman Shahin, John Timothy Allen, Kevin Leon Gray, Gary Thompson
  • Patent number: 8230934
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for directionally disposing an elongated flexible member in a pressurized conduit. The method includes inserting a bent end portion of an elongated hollow body through an opening in fluid communication with a well valve and defined by a pressurized conduit, the bent end portion being disposed in a pre-determined direction and location within the pressurized conduit; inserting a lead portion of an elongated flexible member into a fluid passageway defined by a primary valve, the fluid passageway of the primary valve being in sealed fluid relationship with the elongated hollow body which, in turn, is in sealed fluid relationship with the pressurized conduit, so that the lead portion of the elongated flexible member is inserted through the bend end portion and into the pressurized conduit by a pre-determined distance; and thereafter retaining in place the inserted elongated flexible member, whereby the elongated flexible member is directionally disposed in the pressurized conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, Harold L. Becker
  • Patent number: 8230935
    Abstract: A flow control screen (100) includes a base pipe (102) having a blank pipe section (104) and a perforated section (106). A filter medium (112) is positioned around a portion of the blank pipe section (104). A housing (114, 118, 120, 122, 124) is positioned around another portion of the blank pipe section (104) and the perforated section (106). A deformable element (150) is positioned between the housing and a portion of the perforated section including at least one production port (108) but not including at least one closure port (110) to define a production path (154) between the production port (108) and the filter medium (112) such that application of a sufficient pressure to the closure port (110) acts on the deformable element (150) to deform the deformable element (150) to substantially close the production path (154).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gano, Luke W. Holderman, Jean Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8230936
    Abstract: Methods for creating packers at a desired location or locations within a wellbore for use in specific wellbore applications. A slurry of fluid medium and hydrolysable particulate matter is flowed to a downhole position and dehydrated. At this location, the particulate matter is released from the fluid medium and accumulated. The continual accumulation of the slurry and consequent deposition of particulate matter creates a degradable packer at the desired location within the wellbore. The particulate matter may be formed of an acid particle which may be removable, degradable, or hydrolysable under certain conditions of temperature, time, hydration, pH, and/or pressure. Either simultaneous with or subsequent to a wellbore activity, the packer is partially or completely removed from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Davies, Frank Espinosa, John W. Still, Jean-Louis Pessin
  • Patent number: 8230937
    Abstract: A method for altering the course of a conflagration involving firing a projectile comprising a powder mixture of oxidant powder and nanosized reductant powder at velocity sufficient for a violent reaction between the oxidant powder and the nanosized reductant powder upon impact of the projectile, and causing impact of the projectile at a location chosen to draw a main fire to a spot fire at such location and thereby change the course of the conflagration, whereby the air near the chosen location is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a spot fire at such location. The invention also includes a projectile useful for such method and said mixture preferably comprises a metastable intermolecular composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Department of Energy
    Inventors: Blaine W. Asay, Steven F. Son, V. Eric Sanders, Timothy Foley, Alan M. Novak, James R. Busse
  • Patent number: 8230938
    Abstract: A fire prevention assembly comprises a main body, a first connective unit, a tubular piece, a sensor unit, a second connective unit, a first flexible piece, a movable piece and a second flexible piece. The fire prevention assembly is installed to a fire prevention gate. In use, the sensor unit would melt at a high temperature. In such case, the tubular piece moves rearwards along with the movable piece. Therefore, the movable piece will no longer limit the movement of the position limiting plate of the fire prevention gate and the protective plates will be allowed to rotate to open or close the fire prevention gate. Consequently, the fire prevention assembly can provide protection against fires and smoke in a swift and precise manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Uangyih-Tech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 8230939
    Abstract: An improved fire protection system that is of fail safe design for kitchen stoves with or without a range hood and other applications utilizing electrical power for generating heat and in which a fire condition such as a skillet of grease becomes ignited. Said system is activated thermally to release a quantity of fire suppressant material while simultaneously cutting off the electrical power. The system utilizes a reservoir containing the fire suppressant under pressure with a hose or pipe connected to one or a plurality of thermally activated nozzles. A second hose or pipe is connected to a pneumatically operated electrical interruption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Joe Dale Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8230940
    Abstract: A method and pile-driving device for driving a support into a ground surface. The device comprises a cylinder, an anvil which closes the lower side of the cylinder at least substantially, a ram which is movable as a piston above the anvil within the cylinder, and an injection device for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber between the anvil and the ram. The device has adjusting means for adjusting the moment of fuel injection and/or the amount of fuel to be injected. The method includes: causing the ram to move downward; injecting fuel into the combustion chamber; causing the fuel to combust for driving the ram upward, in such a manner that said combustion occurs before the ram strikes the anvil, wherein the moment of fuel injection and/or the amount of fuel to be injected is/are adjusted in dependence on at least one variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventor: Jasper Stefan Winkes
  • Patent number: 8230941
    Abstract: A portable linear fastener driving tool is provided that drive staples, nails, or other linearly driven fasteners. The tool uses a gas spring principle, in which a cylinder filled with compressed gas is used to quickly force a piston through a driving stroke movement, while a driver also drives a fastener into a workpiece. The piston/driver is then moved back to its starting position by use of a rotary-to-linear lifter, and the piston again compresses the gas above the piston, thereby preparing the tool for another driving stroke. The driver has protrusions along its edges that contact the lifter, which lifts the driver during a return stroke. A pivotable latch is controlled to move into either an interfering position or a non-interfering position with respect to the driver protrusions, and acts as a safety device, by preventing the driver from making a full driving stroke at an improper time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Senco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Leimbach, Shane Adams, Thomas W. Clark, Michael V. Petrocelli, Teresa Petrocelli, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8230942
    Abstract: A power tool system includes a two-handed power tool having first and second start actuators, one for each hand of an operator. A controller prevents the power tool from initiating an operating cycle unless both actuators are turned ON to reduce the possibility of the operator's hands being disposed in a hazardous position during operation of the power tool. To discourage manual override of the dual-start-switch system, the controller prevents the power tool from initiating an additional operating cycle until both actuators have been switched OFF and then ON again. The second actuator includes a tubular sleeve that extends over part of the power tool to allow the sleeve to slide axially relative to the power tool between ON and OFF positions. Axial movement of the sleeve from its OFF position to its ON position turns ON the second start actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Steverding, Glen A. Pankey, Duane R. Bookshar
  • Patent number: 8230943
    Abstract: An electrical tool, in particular drill and chiselling hammer, including a drive shaft and two driven members. The drive shaft is operatively connectable with the driven members by a respective one of a pair of coupling sleeves. The coupling sleeves are actuatable by a rotatable and mechanical actuating element, in particular a mechanical rotary switch. The actuating element of the electrical tool includes transmission features or a transmission portion that is stationary with respect to the actuating element and which is contactable directly with the respective coupling sleeve for actuating the coupling sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: AEG Electric Tools GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Felger
  • Patent number: 8230944
    Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning fence posts and a method for aligning fence posts are provided. The alignment tool can include an alignment plate with an aperture adapted to receive a fence post. The alignment plate is interconnected to a lever arm to facilitate the application of a torque to a fence post received by the aperture of the alignment plate at a desired location along the length of the fence post. The alignment plate can additionally include one or more notches adapted to receive an edge of a fence post. By applying a force through the lever arm, the portion of an edge of the fence post received by the notch can be crimped and/or otherwise aligned at a desired location along the length of the fence post. The lever arm can comprise a post pounder, resulting in a tool that is capable of performing multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne R. Thiem
  • Patent number: 8230945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand machine tool which has an intermediate flange, particularly for receiving transmission elements. The flange has at least one base body having at least one bearing point. It is proposed that at least one opening is provided at least in the area of the bearing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bernhardt, Holger Ruebsaamen, Andreas Schlegel
  • Patent number: 8230946
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for sidewall percussion coring service are disclosed. In some embodiments, the side-wall percussion coring tool includes a voltage activated igniter, explosive material, and a core barrel in communication with the explosive material, wherein activation of the igniter causes detonation of the explosive material to propel the core barrel from tool. Some method embodiments for performing sidewall percussion coring service using the disclosed sidewall percussion coring tool include positioning the tool within a wellbore, activating the voltage activated igniter housed within the tool, detonating the explosive material within the tool with the voltage activated igniter, propelling a core barrel from the tool into the surrounding formation by detonation of the explosive material, retrieving the core barrel from the formation, and removing the tool from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Don L. Crawford, Chi-Huang M. Chang, David L. Pozas
  • Patent number: 8230947
    Abstract: A method for selecting a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit relative to a drill string made up of casing accounts for a tendency for the casing to elongate as the internal pressure increases. The increase in pressure in the casing string increases the weight on the drill bit, the amount of which may be calculated based on the size and type of the string of casing. The ratio of bit torque over the weight on the bit may be assumed to be a constant number based on empirical measurements or a theoretical model. The increase in the weight on the drill bit can be expressed in terms of the bit torque versus the casing pressure, which is a linear slope. This linear slope may be compared to the delivery torque of candidate motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy M. Warren
  • Patent number: 8230948
    Abstract: A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventors: Christophe Amadei, Emmanuel Derbez
  • Patent number: 8230949
    Abstract: An auger boring machine having spoils ejector having a power source attached to an auger, a plurality of large casings extending linearly from the power source, a plurality of small casings located linearly within the large casings and centered within the large casings with the auger extending linearly within the small casings, a cutting head attached to the terminal end of the large casings, and a spoils ejector, with the spoils ejector attached to the auger and to the cutting head, with the spoils ejector located between the terminal end of the small casings and the cutting head, with the spoils ejector enclosed within the large casings, with the spoils ejector having a front, a back, first and second sides each attached to the front and to the back, first and second curved plates each attached the front, the back, and to the first and second sides, at least one of the sides having a collector aperture formed therein adjacent one of the curved plates, with the back having formed therein at least one spoils
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: William C. Blevins, Brian J. Froehlich
  • Patent number: 8230950
    Abstract: A multi-purpose scoop consisting of a body attached to a handle. A neck may be positioned between the body and handle. On the handle is a vent which is covered to permit suction. Passing through the center of the handle and down into the body is a rod. At the bottom of the rod is a means of pushing out any substrate. At the top of the rod is a means to rotate the rod. Also positioned within the handle and body are means to center and stabilize the rod, but still allow the rod to move. A means for keeping the rod out of the way after use is provided. The rod has a locking means for maintaining the rod in the downward position. The body also has a plurality of teeth to assist in cutting. The teeth are positioned along an opening which provides the use of the tool as a scoop. The width, shape and spacing of the teeth provide additional usage for raking and weed pulling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas Alcov
  • Patent number: 8230951
    Abstract: An expandable apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular body having at least one opening extending between a longitudinal bore of the tubular body and an outer surface of the tubular body and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening of the tubular body. The at least one member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuation structure is positioned within the tubular body. The actuation structure is coupled to the at least one member and is configured to move the at least one member from the retracted position to the extended position responsive to a flow rate of drilling fluid passing through the longitudinal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Khoi Q. Trinh, Li Li, Mark E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8230952
    Abstract: Earth-boring tools comprise a bit body comprising a face and a plurality of blades extending radially outward over the face and forming gage regions. A shank is coupled to the bit body and includes a threaded portion for connecting to a drill string. A sleeve structure is positioned adjacent to the bit body and surrounds a portion of the shank, the sleeve structure extending from adjacent the bit body to proximate the threaded portion of the shank. An outer surface of the sleeve structure comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced gage pads extending thereover and may comprise a plurality of breaker flats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thorsten Schwefe, Henning Finke, Thomas Ganz
  • Patent number: 8230953
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to PDCs, methods of fabricating PDCs, and applications for such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a pre-sintered PCD table including an interfacial surface that is bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table may be substantially free of leaching by-products in a region at least proximate to the interfacial surface. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes providing an at least partially leached PCD including an interfacial surface. The method includes removing at least some leaching by-products from the at least partially leached PCD table. After removing the at least some leaching by-products, the method includes bonding the interfacial surface of the at least partially leached PCD table to a substrate to form a PDC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli
  • Patent number: 8230954
    Abstract: A hydraulic system operably coupled to a vehicle, the vehicle having at least one PTO drive and having a hydraulic system for, in part, cooling hydraulic fluid, includes a closed hydraulic circuit having at least a first and a second hydraulic loop, a pump being a component of each of the at least a first and a second hydraulic loops, the pump being operably, rotatably coupled to the PTO drive, the first hydraulic loop having a feed line fluidly coupled to the vehicle hydraulic system and to the pump and a return line in fluid communication with the pump and operably, fluidly coupled to the vehicle hydraulic system; and the second hydraulic loop having a pressure line fluidly coupled to a output of the pump and a return line fluidly coupled to a pump return inlet, the second hydraulic loop being fluidly couplable to an implement for providing hydraulic power thereto. A method of forming the hydraulic system is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: David S. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 8230955
    Abstract: A method controls an overrun operation in a motor vehicle, wherein, in the presence of predetermined switch-off conditions, an overrun switch-off of the internal-combustion engine takes place by interrupting the fuel feed, and wherein, when a predetermined restoring speed is reached or fallen below, the fuel feed is resumed. Starting from an operating state with an activated overrun switch-off, the transmission line between the output of the engine and the input of the transmission device is monitored as to whether a torque difference is occurring which is greater than or equal to a predetermined limit torque. In such a case, the internal-combustion engine is driven by an electric machine coupled with the crankshaft of the internal-combustion engine such that a rotational speed of the internal-combustion engine is adjusted to be greater than or equal to the restoring speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joachim Froeschl
  • Patent number: 8230956
    Abstract: A drive train for a vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine including a first housing mounted on said engine, a second housing mounted in said first housing, a transmission mounted on the second housing operatively connected to the engine, a transversely disposed shaft disposed in the first housing drivingly connected to the transmission, an electrical motor disposed in one of the housings and operating interconnecting the engine and transmission and a clutch operatively interconnecting a rotor of the electric motor and the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Audi, AG
    Inventors: Hendrik Schramm, Csaba Bencso
  • Patent number: 8230957
    Abstract: A work machine comprises a baffle configured to divert air flow from a source of pressurized air laterally outwardly toward a peripheral edge of the baffle to create a flow-inducing region about the peripheral edge to ventilate the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kevin Gordon Braun, Steven Richard Sass, Michael Paul Faust, Jesse Adam Crane
  • Patent number: 8230958
    Abstract: A vehicle cowl may be arranged on a side portion of a vehicle, and include a duct that extends in a vehicle width direction. The duct may have an inside opening and an outside opening. The inside opening may face inward, toward the vehicle body, and the outside opening may face outward from the vehicle. The cowl may further include a panel for covering a portion of the outside opening. The panel may be arranged so that, when the vehicle is viewed from the front, a portion of the outside opening left uncovered by the panel is shielded by a forward part of the panel, and thus not visible. The vehicle may be a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kuniyuki Takahashi, Katsumitsu Wakamatsu
  • Patent number: 8230959
    Abstract: A working vehicle has a body, an internal combustion engine in an engine compartment in the vehicle body; and an air scoop having an inlet positioned near a top of the vehicle body and facing in an upward direction, the air scoop pivotable between a first closed, transport position, and a second open, operating position for directing air into the engine compartment when the air scoop is in the open, operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark Michael Chaney, Brian Joseph Maas
  • Patent number: 8230960
    Abstract: A hood structure of a work vehicle comprise, a hood supported to open and close relative to a vehicle body, the hood having a rear end portion bent toward an interior space of the hood to form a bent edge portion, an open-position retainer bracket attached to the rear end portion of the hood, and an open-position retainer member attached to the open-position retainer bracket to maintain the hood in an open position. The open-position retainer bracket extends cantileverwise forwardly of the hood from an attaching portion of the open-position retainer bracket that is attached to the rear end portion of the hood with a gap being defined between the open-position retainer bracket and a top surface of the hood. The open-position retainer member is attached to an extending end of the open-position retainer bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Shoen
  • Patent number: 8230961
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle may include a rim and an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system may include a flywheel and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT). The flywheel may be concentric with the rim and operable to rotate relative to the rim. The IVT may be positioned within the flywheel and couple the rim to the flywheel. When the vehicle is decelerating and an angular velocity of the rim is greater than an angular velocity of the flywheel, kinetic energy of the rim may be imparted to the flywheel and stored as mechanical potential energy thereby providing a braking force to the vehicle. Alternatively, when the vehicle is accelerating and the angular velocity of the rim is less than the angular velocity of the flywheel, the mechanical potential energy of the flywheel may be imparted to the wheel thereby providing an accelerating force to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Schneidewind
  • Patent number: 8230962
    Abstract: A vehicle (1) having a frame, at least two wheels (14, 16), a straddle seat (28), a handlebar (18) with first (20) and second (22) handles, an engine (30), and a semi-automatic transmission (32). A reverse actuator (152) is electronically connected to a control unit (46) of the semi-automatic transmission. At least one shifter (108) is electronically connected to the control unit such that moving the at least one shifter to an up-shift position causes the control unit to send a signal to the semi-automatic transmission to shift up and moving the at least one shifter to the down-shift position causes the control unit to send a signal to the semi-automatic transmission to shift down. The control unit sends a signal to the semi-automatic transmission to select the at least one reverse gear (34) only when the reverse actuator is actuated while the at least one shifter is moved. A method of controlling a semi-automatic transmission is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Rioux, Jean-Philippe Houle
  • Patent number: 8230963
    Abstract: In an electric power steering system, a ball screw nut (23) of a ball screw device that drives a rack shaft is screwed to an axial end portion (6a) of a motor shaft (6) when a threaded portion (31) of a hollow threaded shaft (30) formed at an axial end portion (23a) of the ball screw nut (23) is screwed to a threaded portion (32) formed in the inner periphery of a motor shaft (6). A flange member (33) that is larger in diameter than the ball screw nut (23) is fitted to the outer periphery of the axial end portion (6a) of the motor shaft (6). The flange member (33) is formed in such a manner that when the rotation of the flange member (33) is restricted, the rotation of the ball screw nut (23) and the motor shaft (6) in the same direction is restricted when the ball screw nut (23) is screwed to the motor shaft (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Asakura, Takashi Hara
  • Patent number: 8230964
    Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering device has a steering wheel, having a steering shaft and having a superposition gearing which is arranged in or on the steering wheel and which is designed to transmit a motor-driven adjusting movement to the steering shaft. In one form, at least one interface is provided which, in the presence of a defined condition, separates or limits a transmission of force between the steering shaft and the superposition gearing. The interface is for example an overload clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Takata-Petri AG
    Inventor: Dieter Markfort
  • Patent number: 8230965
    Abstract: A device structured to assist the hearing of a user by being removably connected to and disposing a user's ear in an enhanced hearing orientation. One embodiment includes an elongated base, which may be disposable in an operative position behind the user's ear. Opposite ends of the base include an adhesive material secured to a common side thereof, wherein different ones of said opposite ends are respectively disposed and maintained in confronting engagement with a rear surface of the ear and adjacently disposed portion of the user's head. The base further includes biasing capabilities disposed and structured to exert a sufficient, forwardly and outwardly directed force on the user's ear to dispose and maintain it in the enhanced hearing orientation, when the base is in the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Joann Lederman, Agustin Arrieta
  • Patent number: 8230966
    Abstract: A speaker diaphragm is configured by a compound mixed with resin and bamboo fiber. The diaphragm satisfying the advantage of the bamboo fiber of high sound quality and a large degree of freedom in the setting of the characteristic value of the diaphragm and the advantage of the diaphragm made of a resin with improved humidity resistance reliability and strength, excellent external appearance, and enhanced productivity and dimension stability is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Kajihara, Shinya Mizone, Kazuyoshi Mimura, Takashi Sabato, Kazuaki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8230967
    Abstract: A silencer for a gas turbine includes a first duct portion; a second duct portion connected to the first duct portion, the first and second duct portions forming an elbow region at the connection; and a plurality of elbow shaped vanes provided in the elbow region. The plurality of elbow shaped vanes have equal lengths and are spaced equally apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laxmikant Merchant, Dinesh Setty Venugopal, Rajesh Saraswathi Prabhakaran
  • Patent number: 8230968
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a suction muffler for a hermetic compressor which reduces noise of refrigerant. A plate film operating as a kind of flow resistance is provided on a refrigerant suction passage in various shapes and specific positions. Therefore, the suction muffler can effectively reduce pressure pulsation transferred to the outside and guarantee flow efficiency, although the refrigerant is directly sucked thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Kyu Jung, Hyo-Jae Lee, Bok-Ann Park
  • Patent number: 8230969
    Abstract: An acoustic panel includes a main body portion having a substantially planar front surface for orientation toward a sound source and an opposite, substantially convoluted rear surface. An airflow-resistive layer of material is secured to the planar front surface in face-to-face contacting relationship. The airflow-resistive layer of material may have a specific airflow resistance of between about 50-20,000 mks rayls, and may be configured to attenuate sound at one or more predetermined frequencies. A depth of convolution of the rear surface is between about forty percent to about seventy-five percent (40%-75%) of a thickness of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: Precision Fabrics Group, Inc., Pinta Acoustic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Frederick, Michael L. Dinsmore, James Check, Richard James Bliton
  • Patent number: 8230970
    Abstract: A monolithically fabricated sound absorbing structural precast concrete noise barrier panel comprising a sound absorbing layer of specialized raw materials. The raw materials include wood particles as well as granulated rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Concrete Innovation Services
    Inventors: Stephen McCowin, Paul Ogorchock
  • Patent number: 8230971
    Abstract: A ladder support apparatus, the apparatus including a support body, one or more clamp mechanisms operatively mountable to the support body, for mounting the support body to a structure and a retention assembly operatively connected to the support body and, in use, being adapted to limit relative movement between the ladder and ladder support, the or each clamping mechanism including a clamp a?n mounted for movement relative to the support body in a clamping direction and a release direction, an actuator operable to control the operation of the clamp arm, the clamp mechanism being arranged so as to be able to adopt a preset mode in which the clamp arm is substantially freely moveable in both the clamping direction and the release direction, a set mode in which the clamp arm is inhibited from movement in either direction but can be moved incrementally by operation of the actuator and a pre-release mode in which the clamp arm is inhibited from movement in either direction but upon operation of the actuator when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Cecil Wiseman, Christopher Wiseman
  • Patent number: 8230972
    Abstract: A tree stand including a first support secured to the tree and which has a platform secured thereto which may be adjustably positioned with respect to the first support to compensate for variously angled tree trunks or branches. A seat assembly is rotatably mounted on the platform so as to be movable 360° with respect to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Jeremy Johnson
  • Patent number: 8230973
    Abstract: A pump system for use in a transmission includes a first pump, a second pump, and a sump. A first fluid passage connects an inlet of the first pump to a sump filter connected to the sump. A second fluid passage connects an inlet of the second pump to the sump filter of the sump. A third fluid passage connects the inlet of the first pump with the inlet of the second pump. A bypass outlet is in communication with the third fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Rhein, Todd A. Frerichs
  • Patent number: 8230974
    Abstract: A pump system for lubricating a bearing in a gear system of a gas turbine engine includes a main pump, an auxiliary pump, an auxiliary reservoir, a sump, and a valve system. The main pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through a main supply passage. The auxiliary pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through an auxiliary supply passage. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the main pump to the bearing under a first set of engine operating conditions. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir to the sump and from the sump through the auxiliary pump to the bearing under a second set of engine operating conditions. The valve system transfers lubricating liquid from the auxiliary reservoir through the auxiliary pump, bypassing the sump, to the bearing under a third set of engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Parnin
  • Patent number: 8230975
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding lubricating oil to an internal combustion engine. This device comprises a lubricating oil pump and an oil pressure regulating apparatus. The lubricating oil pump is designed as a reciprocating piston valve pump and the oil pressure regulating apparatus is designed as a multistage oil pressure regulating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Franz Lukas, Volker Verhees, Dieter Böhm
  • Patent number: 8230976
    Abstract: A pallet truck including a controller that calculates the height of the fork carriage without the use of mechanical devices such as switches or sensors. A calculated carriage height is derived by adding the amount of time that a carriage is commanded to be raised and offsetting that by the amount of time that the carriage lower button is depressed. The calculated carriage height is essentially an accumulated lift time where the time that the carriage is lifting is a positive value and the time that the carriage is lowering is a negative value. When these values are combined, the result is the present calculated carriage height. The controller further monitors the calculated carriage height such that if the carriage is too close to the ground, the maximum speed of the pallet truck is limited to prevent damage to the forks or ground due to striking or scraping between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: Augustus R. Baldini
  • Patent number: 8230977
    Abstract: An elevator system including an elevator shaft and at least one elevator cab which can move in the elevator shaft. The elevator system has a distributed control system having a first evaluation unit, respectively associated with the at least one elevator cab, and has at least one second evaluation unit, associated with the elevator shaft. A bus link connects the first evaluation unit and the at least one second evaluation unit to one another. The first evaluation unit has a set of limit curves containing limit curves for the actuation of a braking device and/or a safety gripping device that are calculated and scaled in line with a current operating state, the first evaluation unit being configured to trigger the safety gripping device or the braking device if one of the limit curves is exceeded. Defined ends of the limit curves limit a scope of movement for the at least one elevator cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Elevator AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Thumm, Markus Hänle