Patents Issued in August 14, 2012
-
Patent number: 8240419Abstract: An interlock system (1) for a vehicle is provided with an alcohol tester (4), which is designed to measure the alcohol level of a driver of the vehicle. A control device (2) is coupled with the alcohol tester (4) and is designed to make it possible to start the vehicle or to prevent the vehicle from being started depending on the measured alcohol level. A transceiver module (3) is coupled with the control device (2) and is designed to send data to a remotely located control system in a wireless manner or to receive data from said control system in a wireless manner. The transceiver module (3) is designed, furthermore, to release the control device (2) in response to data received in a wireless manner in order to make it possible to start the vehicle regardless of the operating state of the control device.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Martin Zimmermann, Stefan Morley, Michael Reinhart
-
Patent number: 8240420Abstract: A steering lever mechanism for a mower vehicle includes a lever assembly and a base which is fixed to the mower vehicle for mounting the lever assembly to the mower. The lever assembly includes a pivot assembly and a lever portion. The lever portion is pivotably mounted to the pivot assembly for rotation about a longitudinal axis between an inboard position and an outboard position. The pivot assembly is also pivotably mounted to the base for rotation of the pivot bracket portion and the lever portion about a transverse axis between a rear position, an intermediate neutral position and a forward position. A rotation measuring device is associated with the base and the pivot assembly for measuring the forward and rear rotation of the lever assembly. A sensor for activating parking breaks is also associated with the base for sensing the lever assembly when it is in the outboard position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Harlan J. Bartel, Brian R. Funk
-
Patent number: 8240421Abstract: An adaptor for an older Corvette drive train provides a structure for coupling the drive shaft extending from a front-mounted transmission to the differential of a C5 or C6 Corvette rear suspension in which the rear mounted transmission has been removed. A housing holds a stub shaft for rotation on front (outside) and rear (inside) bearings. The shaft has a coupling yoke mounted to its front end and engages the differential gearing at its other (rear) end. The housing mounts to the differential at the five mounting points of the removed transmission. A bracket which attaches to frame mounts can be mounted to either the top or bottom front (outside) face of the housing, depending upon the suspension-to-frame geometry. A circular flange on the shaft positions and holds the inside bearing and a rearward extending boss on the yoke positions and holds the outside bearing.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Chassis Concept, Inc.Inventor: Raymond Lewis Leicht, Sr.
-
Patent number: 8240422Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system includes a steering motor, a steering power transmitting mechanism for transmitting a rotation of the steering motor to a steering axle, a toe angle adjusting motor and a toe angle adjusting power transmitting mechanism for adjusting the toe angle upon rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor. A switching mechanism is provided which operates in such a manner that in the event of failure of the steering motor, the rotation of the toe angle adjusting motor in place of the steering motor is transmitted to the steering power transmitting mechanism to enable a wheel turning, but in the event of failure of the toe angle adjusting motor, the wheel turning is carried out only by the steering motor. A hollow motor is employed for one or both of the steering motor and the toe angle adjusting motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: NTN CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Yamasaki, Yoshinori Itakura, Nobuyuki Suzuki
-
Patent number: 8240423Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: David J. Scherbring, Jackie R. Gust
-
Patent number: 8240424Abstract: The tubular valve tower extension element (30) connects to a free end of a valve tower (22) of a vehicle's steering system. The connection end (42) of the valve tower extension element (30) can be connected to a valve tower (22) and comprises a bearing (32) located opposite the connection end (42) in the region of an opening (34) defined by one end of the extension element (see FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Tedrive Holding B.V.Inventors: Stephan Krinke, Oliver Braun
-
Patent number: 8240425Abstract: When a source consisting of series-connected battery 7 and auxiliary power supply 9 supplies an electric power to a motor 4, a MOS-FET 13 for preventing a current induced by a voltage of the auxiliary power supply 9 from being reversed upstream should be off if it operates normally. Therefore, voltages at the opposite terminals of the MOS-FET 13 should have a difference which corresponds to a voltage of the auxiliary power supply 9. Hence, the voltages at the opposite terminals of the MOS-FET 13 are detected by two voltage detectors 23 and 25 when the electric power from the auxiliary power supply 9 is supplied to the motor 4. If the potential difference between the voltages at the opposite terminals of the MOS-FET 13 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a control circuit 24 issues a failure signal upon determination that the MOS-FET 13 suffers a short-circuit fault. A MOS-FET 15 is also monitored in the same way.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Jtekt CorporationInventor: Shigeki Nagase
-
Patent number: 8240426Abstract: A three dimensional acoustic passive radiator diaphragm. A diaphragm a three dimensional volume. An acoustic driver radiates pressure waves into the three dimensional volume to cause the diaphragm to expand and contract. The three dimensional passive radiator may include a core of a porous, compressible material.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Jason D. Silver, Roman N. Litovsky
-
Patent number: 8240427Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing the sound attenuation properties of a noise suppression device are provided. In some embodiments, a sound attenuating conduit has an improved shape that provides increased sound attenuation properties. In other embodiments, the sound attenuating conduits are stacked together, and shaped to increase the air flow cross-section. Still other embodiments provide machinery that includes the improved sound attenuating conduits.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ranjit Kumar Jangili, Richard Loud, Dinesh Venugopal Setty
-
Patent number: 8240428Abstract: An aspirator with an integral muffler includes a housing having a top, a bottom and a side and an aspirator chamber and a muffler chamber in the housing. The aspirator chamber includes an inlet, an outlet and a venturi section between the inlet and the outlet, and the muffler chamber has an outlet and an inlet in fluid communication with the muffler chamber duct. A duct extends from the muffler chamber outlet into the aspirator chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Behr America Inc.Inventors: Niranjan Humbad, Tom Jerome, Dan Silaghi, Chris Craft, Tikanand Kulkarni, Matthew Morris
-
Patent number: 8240429Abstract: A rotor windage noise damping system for an induction motor cooling vent A duct having a duct airflow path has a proximal end opening in communication with the cooling vent and the distal end opening is for communication with ambient air. The duct includes a plurality of baffles. The baffles are oriented in a generally parallel mutually spaced symmetrical or asymmetrical array relative to each other and the duct airflow path. Dimensions for baffle array symmetry or asymmetry, parallel spacing, baffle thickness and baffle inset from one of the duct openings are chosen to restrict distance between adjacent baffles to less than a wavelength of windage noise at selected propagation frequencies, yet provide for sufficient cooling airflow through the duct. The duct may be tuned to dampen selected propagation frequencies by changing the baffle array.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Sumit Singhal
-
Patent number: 8240430Abstract: A noise and vibration mitigating mat having top and bottom surfaces comprises a first layer formed of recycled bound rubber product, the first layer having a contoured bottom surface and a generally flat top surface, a second layer on the top surface of the first layer, the second layer being formed of a fabric and a third layer on the second layer and being formed of recycled rubber product.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Paul C. Downey
-
Patent number: 8240431Abstract: A roofing worker safety device is provided that delivers a resistive force in response to a worker falling from an elevated work surface such as a roof via a safety cable connecting the worker to the safety device, the cable transmitting the force of the falling worker to the device to activate an arrestor arm that is forced into the surface on which the safety device is placed thereby stopping the fall of a worker from the roof.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Brent Smith
-
Patent number: 8240432Abstract: A tree stand is provided, the tree stand including a platform support, first and second clamps rotatably attached to the platform support, and a platform attached to an upper portion of the platform support. Also provided is a climbing portion adapted to allow a user to enter and leave the tree stand. In some aspects of the invention, the various components of the tree stand can be easily assembled and disassembled for transporting and setting up the tree stand. The first and second clamps include openings for fasteners, which are used to secure the clamps to a tree.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Jimmie D Call
-
Patent number: 8240433Abstract: A pump providing oil suction and oil drain functions includes a barrel and a lid; a first passage is disposed on a bottom of the barrel; the lid contains a second passage, a third passage, and a fourth passage; a regulating member is disposed on the lid to connect the third passage through the second passage and to allow air to flow in sequence from an oil storage space, the third passage, the second passage, a pipe, the first passage, a ventilation pipe, and the fourth passage into the ambient air for producing suction in oil suction operation; and to connect the fourth passage through the third passage for the ambient air to flow in sequence through the second passage, the pipe, the first passage, the ventilation pipe, the fourth passage, and the third passage to enter into the oil storage space for producing pressure during the oil drain operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Chuan Jiing Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tien-Tsai Tseng
-
Patent number: 8240434Abstract: flow control arrangement for controlling the flow of lubricant discharged from a bearing includes a flow control member locatable, in use, adjacent to the bearing. The flow control member defines a generally radially outer edge and is rotatable to direct lubricant discharged onto the flow control member radially outwardly towards the outer edge for ejection therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Carol Norma Eastwick, Kathryn Anne Simmons, Graham Johnson, Stephen John Pickering, Mark Farrall
-
Patent number: 8240435Abstract: A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Otfried Mast
-
Patent number: 8240436Abstract: An actuating assembly, including a rotatable core and an electric drive for driving the rotatablecore are disclosed. The rotatable core is arranged for engagement with a cable disposed within a pair of conduit sections and the cable can connect with a pair of actuatable devices. The rotatable core is arranged to be operable to pull the cable on each side of the core upon rotation thereof in a first direction, and to extend the cable on each side of the core upon rotation thereof in a second direction. The assembly further includes a pair of reaction abutments disposed on opposite sides of the rotatable core and to which a respective end of each conduit section can be connected. The assembly is arranged to be fixedly mounted and the reaction abutments are mounted for movement relative to the rotatable core for equalization of cable load transmitted through the conduit sections.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: PBR Austrailia Pty Ltd.Inventor: Nui Wang
-
Patent number: 8240437Abstract: A brake system for a rollator may include a brake handle, a braking device operatively coupled to the brake handle, and a gear rim mechanically coupled to at least one wheel of the rollator. The brake handle may be pivotally attached to a frame of the rollator and comprises a service-brake position and a parking-brake position while the braking device may be disposed on the frame of the rollator proximate the at least one wheel. When the brake handle is in a service-brake position, a braking member of the braking device is frictionally engaged with an inner portion of a rim of the at least one wheel thereby braking the wheel. When the handle is in a parking-brake position, the braking member of the braking device is engaged with teeth of the gear rim thereby preventing the wheel from rotating.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Liko Research & Development ABInventor: Gunnar Liljedahl
-
Patent number: 8240438Abstract: A pneumatic disc brake for utility vehicles has two brake pad carrier plates to which brake pads are fixed. The disc brake is equipped with an application device which has two pressure plungers. By way of a force-absorbing connection between the pressure plungers and the facing surface of the brake pad carrier plate, a bridge is relieved of bending stresses. The end faces of the pressure plungers and at least the contact faces of the facing brake pad carrier plate are provided with profilings, which engage into one another in a form-fitting manner, such that at least in the event of full-load braking, each brake pad is moved in the peripheral direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventors: Johann Baumgartner, Tobias Linke
-
Patent number: 8240439Abstract: A vehicle damper of variable damping force including a cylinder, a piston and valves is disclosed. The valves have opening/closing parts and supporting parts. The opening/closing parts and the supporting parts are positioned separately so that a sufficient distance is obtained. Lengthening the distance from the supporting parts to the opening/closing parts makes it possible to reduce the opening and closing force of the opening/closing parts and to obtain highly responsive valves.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Nakajima, Tatsuhiro Tomari, Toru Sukigara
-
Patent number: 8240440Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a hatch which can pivot around a pivot axis, especially a hatch of a motor vehicle, by means of a piston-cylinder unit. The piston-cylinder unit has a closed cylinder filled with a pressurized fluid, the interior of the cylinder 6 being divided by a piston into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber and is guided to the outside through a seal at the end of the cylinder and then hinged to the hatch, whereas the other end of the cylinder is hinged to a stationary component. A through-opening leading from the first working chamber to the second working chamber, is provided in the piston. The through-opening can be opened by an electrically actuated valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Rainer Massmann, Rolf Mintgen, Kathrin Peifer, Moritz Starkmeth, Udo Wendland
-
Patent number: 8240441Abstract: A hydrodynamic coupling device including: a housing; a sealing plate rotationally connected to the housing; a pump disposed within the housing; a turbine disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the pump; and a dry chamber at least partially enclosed by the housing and the sealing plate. A hydrodynamic coupling device including: a housing; an electric motor rotationally connected to the housing; and a fluid coupling including a pump rotationally connected to the housing and a turbine rotationally connected to an output hub. The fluid coupling does not include a stator. A hydrodynamic coupling device including a space formed between a stator shaft and a pump hub and a sleeve disposed in the space. The sleeve divides the space into first and second channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Gregory A. Heeke
-
Patent number: 8240442Abstract: The lock-up device includes a piston, an output rotary member, a plurality of elastic members, a support member, and a retaining plate. The piston is supported rotatably with respect to the input rotary member and movably in the axial direction. The elastic members elastically link the piston and the output rotary member in the rotational direction. The support member has an outer peripheral support component to support the outer peripheral side of the elastic members. The retaining plate has a fixed component that is fixed to the piston, and a radial support component that supports the outer peripheral support component in the radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: EXEDY CorporationInventor: Takeyuki Nakamura
-
Patent number: 8240443Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine and a torque converter. The engine is configured to provide oil to the torque converter for operation of the torque converter. The engine oil may provide both the fluid coupling and torque converter clutch apply and release functions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Hamid Vahabzadeh, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski
-
Patent number: 8240444Abstract: A control device for and a method of controlling a gearbox having a pressure-limiting device connected to a pressure medium source. A first controllable valve device is connected downstream of the pressure-limiting device and an actuating device is connected further downstream and adjusts the gearbox. A second controllable valve device is connected directly to the pressure medium source, via a supply line, and another actuating device is connected downstream of the second controllable valve device. An electric control device is provided for actuating the controllable valve devices and a sensor is connected to the electric control device for measuring pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line. The electric control device is connected to the second controllable valve device such that the second controllable valve device and the further actuating device are controlled by the pressure of the pressure medium in the supply line.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Markus Ulbricht, Mario Steinborn
-
Patent number: 8240445Abstract: A multiplate clutch includes at least one driving friction plate configured to be rotated by a driving portion, at least one driven friction plate provided to face the at least one driving friction plate and configured to rotate the driven portion, a pressure applying unit configured to apply a pressing force to the at least one driving friction plate and the at least one driven friction plate to transmit the driving force from the driving portion to the driven portion via the at least one driving friction plate and the at least one driven friction plate, a first cam unit including first concave-convex cams and configured to increase the pressing force in accordance with an increase of the driving force, and a second cam unit configured to function as a back torque limiter mechanism and including second concave-convex cams which are different from the first concave-convex cams.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitsugu Gokan, Yoshinobu Shiomi
-
Patent number: 8240446Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Szuba Consulting, Inc., Value Extraction LLCInventor: Joseph Szuba
-
Patent number: 8240447Abstract: An armature is magnetically attracted to and is coupled with a rotor against an urging force of a resilient member by a magnetic attractive force of the rotor when a permanent magnet is placed into a first position. When the armature is coupled with the rotor, a rotational drive force of an internal combustion engine transmitted to the rotor is transmitted to a refrigerant compressor connected to the armature to rotate the refrigerant compressor. The armature is urged away from and is decoupled from the rotor by the urging force of the resilient member when the permanent magnet is placed into a second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Motohiko Ueda
-
Patent number: 8240448Abstract: According to an operation of a shift lever to parking range, a cam member at a parking rod comes in between a parking pole and a support member, and the parking pole swings so that a pawl portion of the parking rod can engage with a parking gear. A concave holding portion to hold the support member is formed at a transmission case. The support member comprises a first cylindrical outer face having a first radius R1 which is supported in a concave inner face the concave holding portion to rotate in a specified range and a second cylindrical outer face (cam-contact portion) having a second radius R2 which contacts a cam member. The first radius R1 has a center which is located at the same position as that of the second radius R2. Herein, R2 is shorter than R1.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Narihito Hongawara, Tomoyuki Hata, Yuichi Honda, Tatsuhiko Iwasaki
-
Patent number: 8240449Abstract: A locking device of a rotary shaft includes a clutch member rotating integrally with the rotary shaft and provided so as to be displaceable in the direction of axis of the rotary shaft, a locking member provided in a fixed state to engage the clutch member to regulate the rotation of the clutch member, a biasing member biasing the clutch member toward the locking member, and a torque transmission member rotating under the rotary torque transmitted thereto from a power source, having a boss loosely inserted into a cam groove provided in an outer peripheral portion of the clutch member, and transmitting the rotary torque to the clutch member via the boss. The boss is displaced within the cam groove with switching of the rotation/stop of the torque transmission member or switching of the rotational direction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yu Shinagawa, Atsuhiko Takeuchi, Satoshi Kawamura
-
Patent number: 8240450Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (8) for depositing and/or dispensing at least banknotes (13) of a first denomination and banknotes (13) of a second denomination having at least one input and/or output unit (22) for the input of the banknotes (13) to be deposited and/or the output of the banknotes (13) to be dispensed. The apparatus (8) further comprises a reading unit (26) with the aid of which at least the denomination of each banknote (13) to be deposited or dispensed can be ascertained. Furthermore, at least one banknote acceptor (12a to 12d) to accept the banknotes (13) is provided. In addition, the apparatus has at least one transport unit to transport banknotes (13) between the input and output unit (22) and the banknote acceptor (12a to 12d), wherein the transport unit of the banknote acceptor (12a to 12d) supplies only banknotes (13) of the first denomination and banknotes (13) of the second denomination to the banknote acceptor (12a to 12d).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbHInventors: Dirk Brexel, Achim Schmidtmann
-
Patent number: 8240451Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices attached to a host machine (e.g., vending and gaming machines). The techniques include using long spacers that are designed to be close to the rear of a machine so that in the event of a vandalism attack on the front of the machine, a peripheral device attached to the machine, such as a bill acceptor, transfers the external force to the back of the machine. Once the force is transferred, the force is distributed over a robust surface. The techniques also include use of a cradle assembly and a fixed housing to mount peripheral devices in machines that also minimize the effect of an external force on peripheral devices mounted to machines.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: MEI, Inc.Inventors: David C. Deaville, Peter Bullard, Robert J. Clauser, Jeffrey T. Thawley, Michael D. Nunn, Evan J. Cost
-
Patent number: 8240452Abstract: A tread element for a conveyor such as an escalator or moving sidewalk has a tread plate and at least one border strip. First and second abutment arrangement for the strip are provided, and include a first groove element and a tongue element on mating portions of the tread plate and strip. Interacting stop surfaces of the abutment arrangements on the plate and strip prevent relative movement in the direction of mounting, while one of the abutment arrangements provides a locking arrangement between the tread element and strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: August Fischer, Gerhard Lunardi, Michael Matheisl, Wolfgang Neszmerak
-
Patent number: 8240453Abstract: A film for cleaning guide rollers of escalator can be detachably stuck over a predetermined length in a direction of transporting of a handrail belt, to the endless handrail belt which is guided and transported by guide rollers installed at a lower side of steps of an escalator (E) and a belt guide which is installed at an upper side of the steps, and includes a removing film layer which scrapes substances adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the guide rollers.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Vistec Co., Ltd., Videca Co., LtdInventor: Nobuo Miyaji
-
Patent number: 8240454Abstract: Provided is a flexible machining facility using a sub-pallet, which can quickly satisfy the increasing or decreasing of units or other required specifications. It The machining facility includes a machine tool (1) having a pallet changer (47) for changing main pallets (39), a plurality of sub-pallets (3) for a workpiece to be mounted thereon, a setup station (5) for carrying the sub-pallet (3) and mounting and dismounting a workpiece on and from the sub-pallet (3), a sub-pallet stocker (7) for carrying the sub-pallet (3) thereon, and a sub-pallet conveyor system (9) for conveying the sub-pallet (3) and configured to include sub-pallet carrying parts of the machine tool (1), setup station (5), and sub-pallet stocker (7) in a workable area thereof. The sub-pallet (3) can be used to convey and machine a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiko Kikkawa, Masahiro Shirone, Yasuo Sudo, Aritomo Sasaki
-
Patent number: 8240455Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting food products (20), particularly product slices produced by means of a slicer (26, 28, 30), comprising at least one transfer station (10) for receiving food products from an incoming product stream flowing in from at least one incoming conveyor (12) and for transferring the food products to an outgoing conveyor (14), wherein the transfer station comprises a transfer unit that is configured to simultaneously transfer a group of successively received food products to the outgoing conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH BreidenbachInventor: Guenther Weber
-
Patent number: 8240456Abstract: A regulation method for ordering a flow of two lines of products includes at least: —a first step of slowing when the spacing value between a first product pertaining to one of the lines and a second product, situated immediately upstream and pertaining to another of the lines is less than a first set value; and—a second step of slowing when the value of the spacing between a downstream product of the first line and the proximal product situated immediately upstream on the second line is lower than a second set value, the first step of slowing and second step of slowing being respectively implemented selectively so as to place in phase the spacings between the products of the first and second lines according to a sequence determined as a function of the device for transferring to cavities.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Guillaume Duchemin, Christophe Poupon
-
Patent number: 8240457Abstract: A bread conveying apparatus comprises: a first discharge conveyer for conveying bread, the first discharge conveyer disposed along a conveying path on which the bread is conveyed; and a second discharge conveyer for conveying the bread, the first discharge conveyer disposed along the conveying path and having a common region that partially overlaps with a region on the conveying path where the first discharge conveyer runs, wherein the first discharge conveyer has a first flight for urging the bread, and the second discharge conveyer has a second flight for urging the bread, and wherein a conveying speed at which the bread is conveyed by the second discharge conveyer is different from a conveying speed at which the bread is conveyed by the first discharge conveyer.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Oshikiri Machinery Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiro Suzuki, Shuichi Iribe, Michinori Watanabe, Seiichi Akutsu
-
Patent number: 8240458Abstract: A device and method for the transfer flexible flat articles between two conveyors. The device includes a first gripper conveyor with first grippers moved along a first gripper conveyor track for suspended transportation of the articles in a conveying direction, and a second gripper conveyor with second grippers moved along a second gripper conveyor track. Opening and closing of the grippers is controlled so that a transfer of the articles from the first to the second grippers is able to take place. In doing so, a spacing between the first grippers differs from the spacing between the second grippers such that, in a transfer zone, one gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which include the greater spacing between one another, defines a concave course, and the other gripper conveyor track, the grippers of which have the smaller spacing between one another, defines a correspondingly convex course.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Alex Keller
-
Patent number: 8240459Abstract: An accelerator feed arrangement configured to accelerate blow-molded pet beverage bottles from a linear conveyor to a rotary pet bottle sterilizing machine and minimize misalignment and jamming of blow-molded pet beverage bottles during transport from a linear conveyor to a rotary pet bottle sterilizing machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Herbert Bernhard
-
Patent number: 8240460Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a moving conveyor belt of a conveyor belt assembly. The apparatus includes an enclosed housing connectable to the conveyor belt assembly, wherein the housing has an open portion adjacent to the moving conveyor belt. A hub is rotatably connected to and within the enclosed housing, and a plurality of wipers are releasably connected to and extend outward from the hub. A driving means rotates the hub and the wipers such that the plurality of wipers at least partially engage and wipe the conveyor belt clean, as the wipers rotate through the open portion of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: Michael James Bleau, Jeffrey J. Dellach, Kenneth P. Dellach
-
Patent number: 8240461Abstract: A bolt supply apparatus (1) recognizes images of bolts conveyed by a conveyor (22) using a camera (24) and feeds the recognized bolts to a next operation step using a robot (26). Bolts to be conveyed from a hopper (10) through a spiral feeder (14) are temporarily stored in a first storage box (16). Weight of the first storage box (16) is measured by a first weight measuring device (18). When the first weight measuring device (18) measures a given weight, the bolts of the first storage box (16) are supplied to the conveyor (22).Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junya Asano, Yoichi Izawa, Takayuki Motojima, Katsumi Fujiwara
-
Patent number: 8240462Abstract: The transport device especially for transporting flat substrates through a coating installation comprises a plurality of transporting rolls, which are arranged transversely in relation to the transporting direction, and supporting rolls are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: First Solar, Inc., Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik GmbHInventors: Michael Hentschel, Steffen Lessmann, Michael Huhn, Reinhard Jaeger, Ricky C. Powell
-
Patent number: 8240463Abstract: A conveyor belt having a width and a length, and a longitudinal centerline, also has a first longitudinal edge, and an opposing second longitudinal edge and a load bearing region. The load bearing region is located evenly about the belt longitudinal centerline, throughout the length of the belt. The conveyor belt also has a first flexibility region and a second flexibility region, wherein the first flexibility region is located between the first longitudinal edge and the load bearing region, and the second flexibility region is located between the second longitudinal edge and the load bearing region.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Veyance Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Terry Dean Graber, Wesley James Billups
-
Patent number: 8240464Abstract: A hanging garment storage unit includes a hanger, a frame, and a drawer. The hanger is arranged to removably couple the frame to an external support. The frame has a broad side and a top. A track is coupled to the broad side of the frame, and the drawer is slidably coupled to the frame. The frame has a broad side and a narrow side, and the drawer is arranged to slide along the track with the broad side of the drawer facing the broad side of the frame. The drawer is further arranged to pivot about an end of the frame to allow movement of the drawer from a storage position to an access position.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Catherine Grace Clishem
-
Patent number: 8240465Abstract: A protective cover for natural fiber apparel to protect the apparel from moths, moth larvae, and other pests is disclosed. The protective cover encloses not only natural fiber apparel, but also a hanger from which the apparel is hung. A substantial portion of the protective cover is made from a fabric that prevents moths and other insects from penetrating the protective cover and depositing eggs or consuming the apparel therein. At the same time, this fabric allows air to travel therethrough. A window is incorporated into the body of the protective cover to allow users to view the one or more apparel items protected by the protective cover. The protective cover also includes a zipper along its outer edge to allow access to the apparel contained within.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Cynthia Bennett
-
Patent number: 8240466Abstract: A paperboard media package is provided for at least one media disc. The media package includes a front cover, a rear cover, a spine connecting the front cover to the rear cover, at least one media well carried by one of the front cover and a rear cover and a lock. The lock is displaceable between a locked position wherein the lock engages the media disc(s) to positively secure the media disc(s) in the media well(s) when the media package is closed and an unlocked position wherein the media disc(s) may be freely removed from the media well(s) when the media package is open.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: William Edward Meador, III
-
Patent number: 8240467Abstract: An elastic fixing element and a coherent arrangement of such elements. These elastic fixing elements are intended in particular to hold together a first and a second element, rectilinear in particular, such as a vine shoot or a branch and a metal support wire. The elastic fixing element includes a closed loop, a head, and a neck connecting this head to the closed loop. This head is extended by a top stub. The closed loop is extended by a bottom stub, which facilitates the manual fitting of the elastic element around the elements to be secured. The coherent arrangement includes at least two elastic fixing elements. These elastic elements are connected together by a first link at the position of their respective top stubs. These elastic elements are connected together by a second link at the position of their respective bottom stubs.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ghent-SupplyInventors: Frank Bosmans, Jan Bosmans
-
Patent number: 8240468Abstract: A pre-packaged medical device includes a tray supporting a medical device such as a blood collection set including a needle assembly and a tube holder. The tray defines a first contoured portion supporting at least a portion of the needle assembly and a second contoured portion supporting the tube holder. The tray may have a tray body with a plurality of posts upstanding from a bottom wall in the first contoured portion for engaging the needle assembly. The posts may be positioned to maintain the needle assembly in a defined orientation while preventing the inadvertent actuation of the needle assembly, which may include a spring-driven safety shield. The configuration of the pre-packaged medical device allows sequential removal of the blood collection set, typically in the order of intended use including first removal of a needle assembly, second removal of tubing, and third removal of the tube holder.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Bradley Wilkinson, Jamieson Crawford