Patents Issued in January 8, 2013
  • Patent number: 8347632
    Abstract: An open-cooled component for a gas turbine is provided. The component includes an outer wall that is subjected to a hot gas and at least partially defines a first cavity for a first means. The outer wall is provided with through-openings which open up into the cavity on one side and into a hot gas chamber on the other. The inventive component also includes at least one second cavity for admixing a second means, said second cavity is connected to the through-openings in a fluid-connected manner. A combustion chamber for a gas turbine, and to a gas turbine including one such component is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8347633
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a variable geometry fan exit guide vane (FEGV) system having a multiple of circumferentially spaced radially extending fan exit guide vanes. Rotation of the fan exit guide vanes between a nominal position and a rotated position selectively changes a fan bypass flow path to permit efficient operation at various flight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter G. Smith, Stuart S. Ochs
  • Patent number: 8347634
    Abstract: A combined cycle power plant with a gas turbine engine integrated with a dirty fuel combustor in the turbine exhaust and the hot gas stream from the dirty combustor is mixed together and then passed through a heat recovery steam generator to produce steam, the steam being passed through a steam turbine to drive a second electric generator. Some of the turbine exhaust is passed directly into the HRSG while the remaining turbine exhaust is passed into the combustor and burned with the dirty fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Brostmeyer
  • Patent number: 8347635
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine mid turbine frame apparatus includes a an inner case supporting a bearing, an outer case to which the inner case is mounted, and an apparatus for radially positioning one relative to the other, the apparatus including a plurality of radial locators extending outwardly of the outer case and an associated locking apparatus. The locking apparatus is mounted adjacent to but independent of the locators and provides for anti-rotation of the radial locators once installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitey Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Durocher, John Pietrobon
  • Patent number: 8347636
    Abstract: A turbomachine includes a turbine section including a turbine inlet. A transition piece includes a transition piece inlet and a transition piece outlet. A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) bridge member links the transition piece outlet and the turbine inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Butkiewicz, Andres Jose Garcia-Crespo, Stanley Frank Simpson
  • Patent number: 8347637
    Abstract: An engine accessory system for a gas turbine engine includes a first accessory component mountable to an accessory gearbox along a first accessory axis transverse to a layshaft axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye, Nathan Snape, Hung Duong
  • Patent number: 8347638
    Abstract: A support system comprising a number of racetrack-shaped tensile support bands held in tension between a supported article and a supporting article, respective curved end portions of each tensile support band being retained by respective mounting points mounted on respective surfaces of the supported article and the supporting article, respectively. At least one of the tensile support bands is arranged so that the curved end portions lie in a plane substantially parallel to the surface upon which the respective mounting point is mounted; and at least one mounting point is a monolithic mounting point having a curved surface which is complementary to an inner curved surface of an end of the tensile support band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Plc
    Inventor: Nicholas Mann
  • Patent number: 8347639
    Abstract: A tempering treatment method whereby the temperature of meat, which involves a carcass prepared by slaughtering cattle or poultry and sterilizing and washing, is lowered as close to the ice storage temperature as possible to prevent a temperature rise caused by the actions of enzymes contained within the meat before transporting the meat to a refrigerated storage, which comprises surface-freezing the meat by blowing a cold air stream at about ?20 to about ?40° C. to the meat before conducting the tempering treatment, thus allowing the generation of freezing latent heat in the subcutaneous part owing to the surface-freezing (freezing the subcutaneous tissue), and then rapidly lowering the core temperature inside the meat due to the latent heat released at the melting of the freezing latent heat to thereby conduct the tempering treatment at a temperature of 0 to +15° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Okamoto, Suguru Sakuramoto, Takahiro Arai, Kouichi Tsubata, Akira Taniyama
  • Patent number: 8347640
    Abstract: A dehumidifier includes an air flow path with first, second and third segments in series from upstream to downstream and passing ambient air respectively to an evaporator coil then to a condenser coil and then discharging same. The air flow path has a fourth segment passing ambient air to the condenser coil in parallel with the noted second air flow path segment. A bypass door is configured to selectively block air flow along the fourth segment and allow air flow along the fourth segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Todd DeMonte, Scott E. Sloan, Steven S. Dingle, Timothy S. O'Brien, Phillip R. Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 8347641
    Abstract: A system for cooling a medium includes a line having coolant flowing therein, and a sub-cooling unit in fluid communication with the line. The sub-cooling unit receives a portion of the coolant diverted from the line to cool coolant flowing in the line. A method of cooling a medium is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Bean, Jonathan M. Lomas
  • Patent number: 8347642
    Abstract: A controller for a vehicle includes an in-passenger-compartment temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the air supplied to an evaporator by actuating a blower fan, an outside air temperature sensor, an evaporator temperature sensor which detects the temperature of the evaporator, and an engine stop duration determiner which determines an engine stop duration on the basis of the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor immediately before an engine stops and the temperatures detected by the outside air temperature sensor and the in-passenger-compartment temperature sensor. An engine control unit continues the operation of the blower fan after a stop condition holds and the engine is stopped, and then restarts the engine and actuates a compressor when the engine stop duration has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Akahoshi, Kazuhito Aizawa, Kanao Kogure
  • Patent number: 8347643
    Abstract: Various control methods are disclosed for removing moisture from the external surfaces of an evaporator in a refrigerant system to avoid moisture entering a conditioned space. In one embodiment, the evaporator fan is driven in a reverse direction, and the air is guided to the outdoor environment. In other embodiments, a supplemental exhaust fan is utilized in conjunction with the evaporator fan. Also, a reheat circuit, hot gas bypass circuit, or specific features of a heat pump unit may be utilized to more efficiently perform the moisture removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Alexander Lifson
  • Patent number: 8347644
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a first circulation module and a second circulation module. Two circulation modules are joined by a heat exchanger. The first circulation is a modular refrigeration system includes a compressor, expansion device, and heat exchangers. The second circulation module includes a main liquid refrigerant tank, a number of distributed liquid refrigerant tanks, liquid pumps and a plurality of indoor units which includes a heat exchange device and a vapor propelling device. The heat exchange device is connected to the main liquid tank. The vapor propelling device propels the working fluid in a saturated vapor state to the first heat exchanger, thus forming a working fluid loop. It can be switched between the heating and cooling modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chung-Che Liu, Ling-Yu Chao, Hsu-Cheng Chiang, Chia-Hung Liu
  • Patent number: 8347645
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel cell driven HVAC and power system for powering a vehicle during engine-off time. The system includes a power storage and fuel cell conversion unit integrated with a high efficiency reverse cycle heat pump to provide cab comfort and auxiliary power to a vehicle when the engine is off. Hydrogen gas is generated from vehicle wasted energy during coasting, braking and at times of engine peak performance and is safely stored in metal hydride storage containers at low pressure. During engine-off time, a fuel cell draws from the stored hydrogen and works in conjunction with the heat pump to heat and cool and provide electrical power to the vehicle. The system is a green energy solution to anti-idling regulations as it produces no harmful EPA emissions as it provides air conditioning and power to the vehicle during engine-off time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Marz Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward N. Miller
  • Patent number: 8347646
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device for chilling and dispensing a beverage from a bottle is provided. The device comprises mounting rail configured to attach to a bar top structure and having a top rail plate and a rail freezing and chilling mechanism under the top rail plate. The device also includes a dome configured to attach to the top rail plate and having a dome plate, interior storage tank and a dome freezing and chilling mechanism between the dome plate and the interior storage tank. The rail freezing and chilling mechanism and the dome freezing and chilling mechanism are configured to build a layer of frost on top of the top rail plate and along the dome plate from humidity of ambient air. The dome is configured to seat the bottle in an inverted position and chill and dispense the beverage from the interior storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Martin J. Abraham, III
  • Patent number: 8347647
    Abstract: An ECS system provides an ACM which locates the compressor upon a common shaft between a first turbine and a second turbine. Each RAF is located remote from the ACM such that the turbines are located outboard on each end of the ACM to provide the highest efficiency possible with each turbine using a straight axial outlet diffuser. As the compressor is located between the turbines the bypass circuits from the turbines are less circuitous and more efficient. Integral valve ports formed into the ACM housing portions results in a weight reduced design due to increase bypass efficiencies and simplified installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Brent J. Merritt, Craig M. Beers
  • Patent number: 8347648
    Abstract: An air cycle refrigerating/cooling system includes a first heat exchanger for cooling air, a turbine unit that has a compressor for compressing the air and an expansion turbine for adiabatically expanding the air, and a second heat exchanger for cooling the air. A compressor rotor of the compressor and a turbine rotor of the expansion turbine are attached to a common main shaft in the turbine unit in such a manner that the turbine unit drives the compressor rotor with a power generated by the turbine rotor, and the main shaft is rotatably supported by a rolling contact bearing. A part or the entirety of a thrust force applied to the main shaft is supported by an electromagnet, and a pressure equalizing device for equalizing a gas pressure at opposite ends of the rolling contact bearing is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tsugito Nakazeki, Takayoshi Ozaki, Hiroyuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8347649
    Abstract: A door seal arrangement and method for sealing between a door and a door frame on food processing equipment are provided. The door seal is inflatable to create a seal between the door and the door frame and deflatable to release the seal between the door and the door frame. An air supply applies positive air pressure to the door seal to inflate the door seal. A vacuum applies a negative air pressure to the door seal to deflate the door seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Alkar-RapidPak-MP Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse A. Gavin, Bryan Davis, Robert Wayne Fessenden, Dennis Conohan
  • Patent number: 8347650
    Abstract: A method of producing a quartz glass crucible for pulling a single crystal comprising: providing a melting mold comprising a wall having passages between outside and inside; providing an outer layer granulation consisting of first coarser SiO2 particles and forming an outer granulation layer from the outer layer granulation on the inside of the melting mold wall; providing a barrier layer granulation consisting of second finer SiO2 particles and forming a barrier granulation layer from the barrier layer granulation on the outer granulation layer; applying a negative pressure to the outside of the melting mold wall; and heating the barrier granulation layer and the outer granulation layer with formation of a quartz glass crucible with transparent inner layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walter Lehmann, Achim Hofmann, Thomas Kayser
  • Patent number: 8347651
    Abstract: A method is provided for separating or dividing strengthened glass articles, particularly strengthened glass sheets, into at least two pieces, one of which has a predetermined shape and/or dimension. A flaw is initiated in the glass at a depth that is greater than the depth of the strengthened surface layer of the glass, and a vent extending from the flaw is created at a vent depth that is greater than the depth of and outside the strengthened surface layer to at least partially separate the glass. In one embodiment, the vent is generated by treating the glass with a laser to heat the glass to a temperature in a range from about 50° C. below the strain point of the glass up to a temperature between the strain point and the anneal point of the glass. A glass article having at least one strengthened surface and at least one edge having an average edge strength of at least 200 MPa is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Anatoli Anatolyevich Abramov, Sinue Gomez, Sergio Tsuda
  • Patent number: 8347652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for homogenizing a glass melt in a melt receptacle, wherein at least one stirring device is disposed in a melt receptacle, which comprises a stirrer shaft and a plurality of stirrer blades, and wherein a gap (16) is formed between a wall region of the melt receptacle and the stirrer blades. According to the invention, the respective stirring device causes an axial feed action in an inner stirring region between the stirrer shaft and the stirrer blades in order to feed the melt in the stirring region along the stirrer shaft. A melt flow brought about by the axial feed action seals the gap against direct passage of the melt. According to the invention, a very high gap width can be achieved, thus preventing the abrasion of materials in the region of the marginal gap. This also reduces the complexity required for adjusting the device. According to the invention, a high level of homogenization can be achieved regardless of the entry point of the inhomogeneities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Christoph Berndhaeuser, Frank-Thomas Lentes, Karin Naumann, Hans Duerolf, Holger Hunnius
  • Patent number: 8347653
    Abstract: The device for homogenizing a glass melt has a melt receptacle and at least one stirring device arranged in the melt receptacle. Each stirring device consists of a stirrer shaft and stirrer blades extending toward an inside wall of the receptacle, which are configured to produce an axial feed of the glass melt in an inner stirring region between the stirrer shaft and front ends of the stirrer blades. The melt receptacle and the stirring device are configured so that a melt flow caused by the axial feed, which is opposite to the axial feed, seals a gap formed between the inside wall and the front ends of the stirrer blades, so that the glass melt cannot flow directly through the gap to a lower axial end of the inner stirring region. The invention also encompasses a method of homogenizing a glass melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Christoph Berndhaeuser, Frank-Thomas Lentes, Karin Naumann, Hans Duerolf, Holger Hunnius
  • Patent number: 8347654
    Abstract: A vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass is comprised of an uprising pipe, a vacuum degassing vessel, a downfalling pipe, an upstream side pit that supplies molten glass to the uprising pipe, and a downstream side pit that receives molten glass from the downfalling pipe. The vacuum degassing apparatus for molten glass is further comprised of a separating mechanism that separates a part of molten glass moving from the downfalling pipe to the downstream side pit, and a returning pipe that returns separated molten glass to the upstream side pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toru Nishikawa, Hironobu Yamamichi, Tetsuya Koyama, Yuji Endo, Hajime Itoh
  • Patent number: 8347655
    Abstract: In the apparatus for producing glass reduction of reduction-sensitive components in the glass melt is reduced or preferably is prevented during the melting and/or fining processes by introducing an oxidizing agent into the glass melt. The apparatus has a melt crucible, a fining vessel, and a device for conducting oxygen and/or ozone into the glass melt in the melt crucible and/or fining vessel, in order to suppress reduction of reduction-sensitive components of the glass melt. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus has a metallic skull crucible, which includes the melt crucible and/or the fining vessel. The apparatus preferably includes a homogenization unit connected to the fining vessel to receive glass melt from the fining vessel in order to further process the glass melt after refining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Michael Leister, Uwe Kolberg, Simone Monika Ritter, Silke Wolff
  • Patent number: 8347656
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: an introducer to introduce a glass optical fiber that has passed a pulling mechanism pulling, to draw the glass optical fiber, one end of an optical fiber preform that has been fused by heating; a shredder including a casing connected to the introducer and a shredding mechanism to shred the glass optical fiber introduced by the introducer in the casing into glass optical-fiber pieces; a pipe connected to the casing of the shredder and to carry the glass optical-fiber pieces; and a suction unit connected to the pipe and to suction the glass optical-fiber pieces via the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuta Aoki, Katsuhiko Watanabe, Kiyoshi Arima, Hirokazu Sato, Yoshiharu Taga, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8347657
    Abstract: An input device of a washing machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. An input device of a washing machine includes an operation part generating a plurality of identical signals for washing course designation, a control part controlling one of a plurality of preset washing courses to be designated sequentially according to a predetermined order if the signal is generated by the operation part and a display part displaying the washing course designated by the control part. A control method of an input device of a washing machine for washing course selection includes generating a plurality of identical signals by a user's operation, designating one of a plurality of preset washing courses separately according to a predetermined order whenever the signal is generate, and displaying the designated washing course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Shik Kim, Jong Hee Han, Ho Il Jeon
  • Patent number: 8347658
    Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur Thompson, Alan Katz, Robert England, Mohammad Rahman, Naga P. Devineni
  • Patent number: 8347659
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for locking at least one door of a container in a closed position includes a housing, at least one lock member at least partially enclosed within the housing, the at least one lock member comprising a first lock member configured to engage a first portion of a container to lock at least one container door in a closed position, and a latching mechanism coupled to the at least one lock member. The latching mechanism includes a fluid chamber configured to hold a fluid, a piston slidably housed within the fluid chamber, and a valve coupled to the fluid chamber and configured to be in one of two states, the two states including an open state where fluid can flow through the valve in two directions to allow the piston to be moved in two directions, and a closed state where fluid is inhibited from flowing through the valve in at least one direction to prevent the piston from moving in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Powers, Daniel Bertuna, David K. Aberizk, Keith L. Frankie, Stuart J. Waddell
  • Patent number: 8347660
    Abstract: A padlock is provided that may include a lock body and a hoop which is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the lock body. The lock body may include an inner housing, an outer housing and a latching mechanism for latching the hoop in the closed position. The inner housing may include a first insertion part and a second insertion part which may receive the latching mechanism to form a pre-installable module. The pre-installable module may be inserted between first and second shells of the outer housing in shape matched manner to place the padlock in a fully assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Abus August Bremicker Soehne KG
    Inventor: Raymond Guenther
  • Patent number: 8347661
    Abstract: The combination of: a) an apparatus with a frame bounding an internal space and a first door that is movable between closed and open positions; b) cooperating components on the first door and at least one of: i) the frame; and ii) a second door that are alignable in a first relative position; and c) a lock assembly that cooperates with the components with the first door in the closed position and the cooperating components in the first relative position and has a locked state wherein the lock assembly prevents the first door from being moved from its closed position into its open position. The lock assembly has a casing with an outer surface and a first assembly that extends over at least a portion of the outer surface of the casing to block access to the casing in a manner that would allow a repositioning force to be applied to the outer surface of the casing so as to thereby defeat the lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Kaminsky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8347662
    Abstract: A combination including an apparatus with a frame bounding an internal space and a first repositionable door that is movable between closed and open positions relative to the frame. Cooperating components on the first door and at least one of: a) the frame; and b) a second door are alignable in a first relative position with the first door closed. A lock assembly cooperates with the components with the first door in the closed position and the cooperating components in the first relative position and has a locked state wherein the lock assembly prevents the first door from being moved from its closed position into its open position. A shielding assembly conforms to at least a part of the exposed outer surface, overlies at least a part of the exposed outer surface, and is frictionally held against the lock assembly to be maintained in an operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Kaminsky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8347663
    Abstract: A security device a plurality of cables which are securable about an item of merchandise with a locking member and a cable-tightening mechanism each connected to the cables in a spaced apart manner. The locking member includes a key portion for unlocking the tightening mechanism when the cable is removed from the item. The tightening mechanism includes a spool and a ratchet mechanism. Alternate embodiments for locking and unlocking the ratchet mechanism are disclosed. The tightening mechanism carries sense loops which if compromised actuate an onboard audible alarm. The cables are part of one or more of the sense loops. The device is configured to sound a security gate alarm upon passing through the gate and upon simply reaching a certain distance from the gate. The tightening mechanism includes a housing having a flip-up handle for tightening the ratchet mechanism to tighten the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 8347664
    Abstract: An adjustable archery bow lock for an archery bow with bow strings, or a limb with a cam or a pulley, includes a locking first frame with first and second rod receiving apertures there through. A lock mechanism is on the first frame with a moveable and securable locking index pin. A parallel second frame has first and second rods that are adapted to capture and immobilize the bow strings, or the cam or pulley with the limb. The rods pass through the receiving apertures. One of the rods has a series of aligned indentations, teeth or serrations. The rods are secured to the first frame with the locking index pin secured into one of the indentations or between the teeth or serrations to prevent drawing or firing of the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Acu-Archery, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry R. Bishir, Jr., Joshua W. Butcher, Glenn A. Butcher
  • Patent number: 8347665
    Abstract: A self-balancing locking mechanism for actuating a locking pin-bar assembly of a door. The mechanism includes a drive shaft having an axis of rotation mounted to the door, and a cam mounted to the drive shaft. The mechanism also includes one or more actuator plates, each having a proximal end with a radial slot formed therein and installed about the drive shaft, and a distal end coupled to a locking pin-bar assembly that is slidably supported adjacent a perimeter of the door. The mechanism further includes one or more linkage bars, each having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the cam at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, and a distal end pivotably coupled to a mid-span of the actuator plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Liberty Safe and Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Rasmussen, Richard C. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 8347666
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device adapted for locking a shutter element (13) adapted to slide along a railing (11), which locking device (3) comprises at least one locking bolt (5) movable between a first state, in which the locking bolt is adapted to engage with a locking member (9) in the shutter element to lock the shutter element against movement, and a second state, in which the locking bolt is adapted to avoid engagement with the locking member and to allow movement of the shutter element. The invention also relates to a locking arrangement adapted to be connected with and allow locking of a shutter element (13) arranged to slide along a railing (11), which locking arrangement (7) comprises at least one locking member (9) shaped to allow a locking bolt (5) to, in a first state, engage with and lock the locking member, and thus the shutter element, against movement. The invention also relates to a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Stendals el Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jan Stendal
  • Patent number: 8347667
    Abstract: A locking paddle handle assembly for closures has a housing with a paddle handle pivotally mounted therein, a latch which latches and unlatches the closure upon rotation of the paddle handle, and a exterior key lock with a movable member that shifts between locked and unlocked positions. A latch lock selectively engages the latch, such that when the movable key lock member is in the locked position, the latch is retained in the latched position, wherein the closure cannot be opened. A deadbolt lock selectively engages the closure frame in the locked position to positively retain the closure closed. Both the latch lock and the deadbolt lock are operably connected with the movable key lock member, such that movement of the latter between the latched and unlatched positions contemporaneously shifts both the latch lock and the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Bacon
  • Patent number: 8347668
    Abstract: A differential linkage attachment of handles includes a first handle ring and a second handle ring placed on right and left sides, respectively, and set in a rectangular dead bolt shifting block independently. An end of the second handle ring is encircled with a first slanted latch bolt shifting plate, and an end of the first handle ring is encircled with a second slanted latch bolt shifting plate. All of the five parts turn around on a center axis. When the second handle ring turns forward or clockwise, the rectangular dead bolt shifting block or the first slanted latch bolt shifting plate is linked to turn around on the center axis independently, and when the first handle ring turns clockwise, the rectangular dead bolt shifting block or the second slanted latch bolt shifting plate is linked to turn around on the center axis independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yu Min
  • Patent number: 8347669
    Abstract: A securing mechanism cooperating with a device that is to be secured, having a closing part, which can be slipped onto a free end region of the device. Locking elements are rotatably mounted in the closing part and engage into an annular groove of the device by an engaging element to lock it, except in one defined position of rotation. An adjusting member engages in an end region of the locking elements accessible from outside. A spring presses the locking element against a contact area of the closing part in the direction of the axis of rotation thereof forming a brake. A catching structure provided with a plurality of catching points is disposed on an annular surface of the locking elements. A catching element engages into the catching points when the respective locking element is rotated, at least when the closing part is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Invictus AG Innovation & Engineering
    Inventor: Reinhold Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8347670
    Abstract: One embodiment of a lockable utility box lid (20) for a utility box enclosure (10) comprises a box lid (12) having at least one upper tool aperture (22) and at least one clamping mechanism (30) coupled to the underside of the box lid (10). The clamping mechanism (30) includes at least one lower tool aperture (38) of a lock plate (32) oppositely corresponding to the upper tool aperture (22) of the box lid (12). The lock plate (32) may be coupled to a plurality of side plates (40). The clamping mechanism (30) may also include a pivot arm (60) coupled with a jaw plate (72). A pivot tab (34) of the lock plate (32) may be inserted through a pivot tab aperture (76) of the pivot arm (60) thereby creating a fulcrum point. A back plate (50) inserted into a plurality of back plate apertures (52) of the side plates (40) and a threaded plate (64) inserted into a plurality threaded plate apertures (68) of the pivot arm (60) may be aligned to receive a bolt (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Zachary Daniel Rix
  • Patent number: 8347671
    Abstract: A lockout device is provided for an instrument having a body and an actuating member extending from the body for operating the instrument. The lockout device includes a bottom member, a cover member, and a flexible member. The bottom member and cover member are adapted to receive a cinching portion of the flexible member between first and second holding surfaces of the bottom member and cover member. When the flexible member is wrapped around a portion of the body and received between the first and second holding surfaces and the cover member is in a closed position, the first and second holding surfaces prevent movement of a cinching portion of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Brojanac, Frank Scott, Scott Czarnecki
  • Patent number: 8347672
    Abstract: In order to enable a turning of a key of a lock cylinder onto a driven member (shaft 36) in the lock cylinder only when a proper key is inserted, yet to prohibit the turning in case of an overload, an overload lock is arranged therebetween. The driven member (shaft 36) should specifically actuate functions in the vehicle only if the correct key is used. A threshold rotation torque determines the change between the normal and the overload state. In order to improve the lock cylinder, it is furnished that a disengaging lever (40) is mounted in the cylinder housing (30) in a pivotable manner (42) and can be displaced between two pivot positions in a radial plane defined by the longitudinal axis (13) of the lock cylinder. A locking cam (41) belonging to the overload lock is arranged on the free end of the disengaging lever (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Habecke
  • Patent number: 8347673
    Abstract: A code lock is revealed. The code lock includes a housing, a return base, a plurality of locking seats, a fixed seat, a moveable seat, a code seat, a plurality of code members and a housing base arranged sequentially from top to bottom. A press button corresponding to each locking seat is disposed on the housing and each locking seat has at least one tooth that locks with a hook of the return base when the press button is pressed to push the locking seat. A stopping block is arranged at the bottom of each locking seat while the code member is set with a code post correspondingly. Moreover, the moveable seat includes a code area and a non-code area for mounting the code member and the code seat has a plurality of C-shaped holes corresponding to the code members. Thereby a simple-structured and easy-operated code lock is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Sung-Ming Wang, Mei-Li Wang
  • Patent number: 8347674
    Abstract: A locking device comprises a key that comprises a key power coil and a key data coil and an electronically-actuatable lock comprising a lock power coil and a lock data coil. The key power coil and the lock power coil are coaxial and at least partially overlapping one another when the key engages the lock. The key data coil lies in a first plane and the lock data coil lies in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Knox Associates
    Inventors: Dohn J. Trempala, Keith Wolski
  • Patent number: 8347675
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending an existing simplex or multiplex lock-and-key system that includes a family of first keys each having a first profile and of a corresponding plurality of first locks each operable by a first key and each having a first keyway configured for accepting the first key profile. Second keys of a new family are defined with a core section corresponding to the first key profile and a narrowed projection extending from the bottom of the core section. Corresponding second locks have a second keyway profile defined as the compliment of the second key profile, thus including a complimentary core section and a foot recess extending from the bottom of the second keyway core section. The second locks accept a second key positioned at the second keyway baseline to normally lift the lock pin stacks and operate the second lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma Door Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Seliber
  • Patent number: 8347676
    Abstract: A constructive improvement to an anti-theft lock device applied to automobile trunks, whose innovative solution implies a new anti-theft lock (1), applicable both to common trunk locks and to trunk locks having electric assembly elements, wherein said improvement provides greater productivity during the assembly of said item, in addition to providing greater reliability to the anti-theft safety system, and this is achieved thanks to a constructive concept wherein the anti-theft lock item (1) comprises a clench ring element (A), sealing joint (B), lock cylinder element (C) and fastening clinch element (D). The clench ring element (A) comprises a hollowed latch area (A1), an upper latch element (A2) and a lower latch element (A3), also having a relief lock (A4), in addition to structural grooves (A5). In turn, the fastening clinch element (D) has upper (D1) and lower (D2) latch ends, having an inflexion segment (D3) in its middle section, and both these elements are fitted into the lock cylinder element (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.
    Inventors: Homero de Andrade, Antonio de Oliveria Silva, Jose de Jesus Pin
  • Patent number: 8347677
    Abstract: A releasable latch, for a motor vehicle lock mechanism, includes a fixed stator having at least two semicylindrical portions, a rotor rotatably mounted in the fixed stator and includes a plurality of tumblers configured to be moved radially under an action of a key that is designed to be inserted axially into the rotor, and an intermediate tubular socket configured to rotate about an axis thereof in the fixed stator and to move axially relative to the fixed stator. The rotor is directly coupled with a control lever that acts as a cam when the key is suitable, and uncoupled from the control lever in a released position. The rotor is fixed axially in the intermediate socket, and the rotor and the intermediate socket are prevented from rotating relative to one another by the plurality of tumblers when the key is not suitable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventor: Christian Flandrinck
  • Patent number: 8347678
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder assembly includes at least one lock cylinder and a mortise lock adapter. Each lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly having a tool receiving aperture is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. A first member is moveable in response to application of a force by a tool received through the aperture to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins. The mortise lock adapter includes a housing configured for receiving the cylinder body of the lock cylinder. A mortise lock actuator is coupled to the plug assembly of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8347679
    Abstract: An unlocking device includes a casing mounted to a side of a lock having a keyhole. A movable body is rotatably received in the casing about an axis. The movable body has a closed end having a through-hole. A key receiving seat is received in the movable body and has a passage. The keyhole is normally blocked by the closed end of the movable body. The movable body can be rotated to align the through-hole with the keyhole and the passage. A manually rotatable linking rod extends through the passage and has an engaging portion for coupling a key received in the passage. The key can be moved into the keyhole by moving the linking rod along the axis and can be rotated for a locking or unlocking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Shih-Te Liu
  • Patent number: 8347680
    Abstract: A lock and key combination is disclosed, offering a large number of codes. The combination includes a lock (200) of the kind comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore, a cylindrical key plug (202) and a number of locking pins (205a-205g) in a row along a key plug axis for locking the key plug against rotation in the cylindrical bore, and a key (100) of the kind comprising a longitudinally extending, substantially flat key blade (102), with at least two longitudinally extending formations. The key blade comprises an upper edge portion having a first code pattern (103) and a lower, massive portion having a second code pattern (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Winloc AG
    Inventor: Bo Widén
  • Patent number: 8347681
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling cold rolling of a sheet metal strip involving continuously passing the strip in at least two successive rolling stands, each stand including at least two driven rolls between which the strip moves and is plated. The method includes estimating the slippage variation in output of one rolling stand; and correcting the rotation speed of the rolls of at least one corrected rolling stand based on the estimated slippage variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Lionel Broussard