Patents Issued in March 12, 2013
  • Patent number: 8393420
    Abstract: A driving system that can allow a vehicle to go over or ascend obstacles or stairs through a step driving manner is provided. The driving system includes a power transmission unit connected to a main shaft connected to a power generation unit installed on the wheel frame, a plurality of driven units engaged with the power transmission unit and supporting the rotation of wheels by rotational force from the power transmission unit, and a carrier to which the power transmission unit and each of the driven units are operationally fixed and which goes over the obstacles by rotating when the driven units are stopped by the obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Ki-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8393421
    Abstract: A hull robot includes a robot body, at least one drive module for maneuvering the robot about the hull, an on-board power source, and a motive subsystem for the drive module powered by the on-board power source. A plurality of permanent magnet elements are associated with the drive module and each are switchable between a non-shunted state when adjacent the hull and a shunted state when not adjacent the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Howard R. Kornstein, James H. Rooney, III, Jeremy C. Hermann, Jonathan T. Longley, Joel N. Harris, Wen-Te Wu
  • Patent number: 8393422
    Abstract: A serpentine robotic crawler is disclosed. The robotic crawler can include a first frame having a first continuous track rotatably supported by the first frame, a second frame having a second continuous track rotatably supported by the second frame, and a linkage arm coupling the first and second frames together in tandem. The linkage arm can be movable about a first lateral axis associated with the first frame, a second lateral axis associated with the second frame, and at least two longitudinal axes. The longitudinal axes can be oriented by movement of the linkage arm about the first lateral axis and/or the second lateral axis. Movement about the first lateral axis and the second lateral axis can facilitate or provide exposure of leading and trailing ends of each continuous track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Ralph W. Pensel
  • Patent number: 8393423
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing driveaway or roll away of a plug-in electric vehicle when it is being charged or is coupled to an external power supply cord. When it is detected based on at least one of the following conditions: a current is flowing to the battery charger, a voltage source is coupled to the battery charger, an access door allowing access to the receptacle on board the vehicle is open and/or a plug detect switch indicates that a plug is coupled with the receptacle, a mechanical restraint on the driveline is prevented from being released. The mechanical restraint may be a parking brake. Alternatively, the mechanical restraint may include preventing the gear shift selector from being moved out of the park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Gwozdek, James A. Lathrop, Karin Lovitt, Jerry Mils
  • Patent number: 8393424
    Abstract: An in-wheel motor drive unit (21) includes a motor portion A, a speed reduction portion B, and a wheel hub C. The speed reduction portion B includes outer pins (27) engaging with circumferences of curve plates (26a) and (26b) to generate rotation movements of the curved plates, and an outer pin holding portion (45) fixedly fitted in an inner diameter surface of a casing (22) holding the speed reduction portion B, to hold the outer pins (27) parallel to a rotation axis of a motor side rotation member (25). The outer pin holding portion (45) includes a cylindrical portion (46), a pair of ring portions (47) and (48) extending from axial both ends of the cylindrical portion (46) to radially inner side, and a pair of outer pin holding holes (47a) and (48a) provided at opposed positions of the pair of ring portions (47) and (48), and extending parallel to the rotation axis of the motor side rotation member (25) to hold the axial ends of the outer pin (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoaki Makino, Ken Yamamoto, Minoru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8393425
    Abstract: In a large-sized radiator core support manufactured by filling a mold cavity 2 with a resin material through injection, polypropylene (PP) containing carbon fiber in a range of 15 to 30 wt % is used as the resin material, and an average fiber length of the carbon fiber remaining after molding is set to 1.5 mm or more. Moreover, a spiral flow length L/D of the carbon fiber is set to 200 mm or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 8393426
    Abstract: A vehicle structure of a hybrid vehicle that contributes to compactly structuring the vehicle body, which is provided with: a battery disposed at the lower side in a vehicle up-down direction of a rear seat so as to overlap with the rear seat in plan view; and a fuel tank including a shallow profile portion that is disposed at the lower side of the battery such that a portion thereof overlaps with a floor face of the battery in plan view, and a deep profile portion that is made thicker in the vehicle up-down direction than the shallow profile portion and that is disposed at the rear side of the battery such that at least a portion thereof overlaps with a rear face of the battery in elevational view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Takahashi, Takashi Furusawa
  • Patent number: 8393427
    Abstract: An improved protection system for a battery pack mounted between the passenger cabin floor panel of an electric vehicle and the driving surface is provided, the system utilizing a ballistic shield mounted under the electric vehicle and interposed between the battery pack enclosure and the driving surface, where the ballistic shield is spaced apart from the enclosure bottom panel. A layer of a compressible material is interposed between the ballistic shield and the battery pack enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 8393428
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a front seat and a rear seat that is changeable between an installed state in which the passenger can be seated and a retracted state in which the passenger is not seated and the rear seat is retracted. The vehicle includes an output control unit controlling the output of an engine, and a detection device for detecting the installed state of the rear seat. When the detection device detects the installed state of the rear seat, the output control unit regulates the output of the engine as compared with the output when the detection device does not detect the installed state of the rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Onishi, Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuma Waida, Hiroyuki Iwai, Hirokazu Morita, Kazuhiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 8393429
    Abstract: A motor grader with an adjustable wheelbase. The motor grader may include front and rear wheels supporting a chassis and a main frame. A working blade may downwardly depend from the main frame between the front wheels and rear wheels to perform work on the ground below. The motor grader may also provide an adjustable wheel base to allow the center of gravity of the motor grader to better match the work load being addressed. The adjustable wheel base may also provide more swing clearance for the blade relative to the rear wheels, allow for an adjustable articulation angle, and minimize structural loads on the motor grader, particularly during ripping operation. The wheel base may be adjustable by providing structure through which the relative positions of the rear wheels can be altered automatically, manually, and dynamically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Norval Thomson, Steven Daniel, Daniel Sergison
  • Patent number: 8393430
    Abstract: A motorcycle has a rear wheel brake lever provided on a handlebar and a rear wheel brake provided on a rear wheel. A rear wheel brake cable is connected to the rear wheel brake lever and the rear wheel brake. A main frame extends toward the rear part from the front part of the motorcycle. The main frame is disposed at a center in a vehicle width direction and extends toward the rear part of the vehicle body on the upper side of an engine unit. The rear wheel brake cable is laid toward the rear part from the front part of the vehicle body along the main frame. The transmitting loss of brake operation is thereby reduced and swing of the rear wheel brake cable is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Torao Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8393431
    Abstract: A compact, low profile omnidirectional drive and steering unit that, in one embodiment, utilizes a single, centrally located wheel, mounted on a drive shaft, upon which is also mounted a tapered pinion gear. The pinion gear on the drive shaft meshes with a ring shaped beveled worm gear contained within the outer housing of the gear unit that surrounds the centrally located wheel. At one side of the outer housing is a worm drive that meshes with the ring shaped and beveled worm gear. Rotation of the worm drive causes rotation of the ring shaped worm gear, which causes the drive shaft mounted pinion gear to turn, which turns the drive wheel to provide driving power for whatever vehicle or system of which the unit is a part. A steering and timing gear is mounted on the lower surface of the unit to provide steering capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boomerang Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Merin J. Swasey, Stanley J. Checketts
  • Patent number: 8393432
    Abstract: A seat has a seat frame and a seat cushion supported by the seat frame. The seat cushion has an upper surface that supports a user and a lower surface defining a cavity. The seat cushion moves between an at rest condition in which no operator is seated on the seat, and a deflected condition in which the seat cushion is deflected with respect to the frame in response to an operator seated on the seat. A switch is mounted to the frame and opens and closes an electrical circuit in response to an actuating force. A switch actuator is mounted to the seat cushion lower surface in the cavity and moves between a non-actuating position when the seat is at rest and an actuating position when the seat is deflected. The switch actuator delivers the actuating force as the switch actuator is moved toward the actuating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Seats, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse C. Boyarski, Cody M. Sweet
  • Patent number: 8393433
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe connected to an exhaust port of an engine and an expansion chamber is disposed in the vicinity of the engine. A main tube is provided that extends rearwardly from a head pipe disposed at the front side of a main body. An engine having a cylinder extending upwardly from a crankcase is disposed under the main tube with an exhaust port open at the front side of the cylinder. A first exhaust pipe is provided that is connected to the exhaust port. A down tube is disposed on the center line in the left-right direction of the main body. The exhaust port disposed behind the down tube is deviatingly open at one side from the center line. The first exhaust pipe extends forward from one side of the down tube, and to the other side of the down tube, subsequently turns, and extends again to one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Inoue, Yoshinobu Tateshima, Tatsuhiko Asano
  • Patent number: 8393434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system for a utility vehicle, wherein the steering movement is transmitted to the utility vehicle wheels via a steering linkage provided on a steering unit (16, 17; 77). The steering unit (16, 17; 77) is arranged so as to be displaceable along a guide unit (15) which is fixed relative to the utility vehicle. A displacing force upon the steering unit (16, 17; 77) may be provided by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement integrated into the steering unit and/or by a mechanical coupling to a steering wheel for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Honzek
  • Patent number: 8393435
    Abstract: This trailing edge is of the type with moving chevrons (9a, 9b, 9c). It comprises actuating means able to cause these chevrons (9a, 9b, 9c) to move from a passive position in which they are directed substantially in the direction of the airflow leaving the said engine, into an active position in which at least part of each chevron is inclined with respect to this direction. This trailing edge is notable in that the said active position is derived from the said passive position by pivoting, possibly combined with a translational movement, of at least part of each chevron about an axis (Aa, Ab, Ac) substantially parallel to the said direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Philipe Guerin
  • Patent number: 8393436
    Abstract: A flexible muffler for use in an aircraft environmental system includes a flexible body having a porous inner layer and an air impervious outer layer both supported by a helically wound adhesively attached reinforcing cord. The flexible body includes a pair of connecting end caps at opposed ends thereof which are joined to the flexible body in an air tight attachment. The resulting muffler provides acoustic energy absorptive and is readily flexed and bent to accommodate space restrictions within the environmental control system of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Arrowhead Products Corporation
    Inventors: Reg Tomerlin, Allen W. Harwood, Richard Hoff, David Boyer
  • Patent number: 8393437
    Abstract: A method of designing/making an acoustic side branch resonator structured to be coupled to a standpipe of, for example, a nuclear power plant, wherein the acoustic side branch resonator includes a plurality of wire mesh elements for damping purposes. The method includes determining a resonant frequency of the standpipe, determining an active length of the acoustic side branch resonator using the resonant frequency, and determining a particular number of the wire mesh elements to be used in the acoustic side branch resonator and a pitch of each of the wire mesh elements using momentum and continuity equations of a compressible fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Gianluca Longoni, Younus Munsi, Robert C. Theuret, David R. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 8393438
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sound absorbing material having a light weight and excellent sound absorbing performance, and a sound absorbing material consisting of a fiber sheet made of fibers containing at least 50% by mass of a porous fiber having many minute pores, each minute pore opening onto the surface of the porous fiber, and having an airflow resistance in the range of between 0.05 and 3.0 kPa·s/m. The porous fiber having many minute pores, each one opening onto the surface of the porous fiber, has air-permeability, and so a sound absorbing property in itself, and a sheet made of the porous fiber having air-permeability and sound absorbing property has even further sound absorbing properties created by the spaces between the porous fibers, resulting in the sheet becoming a sound absorbing material with extremely great sound absorbing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nagoya Oilchemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Ogawa, Makoto Fujii, Naohiro Mizutani
  • Patent number: 8393439
    Abstract: A scaffold system and method having a hollow horizontal member with an internal wedge head at each end thereof, and internal wedge assembly with an external handle, and a vertical member having affixed in coaxial alignment therewith at least one grid patterned rosette. Each internal wedge head at the end of the horizontal member is configured to couple to the grid patterned rosette coupled to the vertical member substantially simultaneously using the wedge assembly mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Howard Thacker
  • Patent number: 8393440
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake device, particularly a disc brake, comprising a caliper, brake drum, or similar, and energy accumulator, especially an accumulator spring. The energy accumulator rests on the caliper or similar while being supported on an abutment by means of a lever arm. A mechanism for transmitting resilient forces between the energy accumulator embodying one spring element is created with the aid of a lever arm via the abutment. The brake device is characterized in that the lever arms can take at least two or more different angular positions relative to each other in relation to the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Aleksandar Pericevic
  • Patent number: 8393441
    Abstract: A brake assembly comprising: at least one brake spring that includes: a first arm; a second arm, the first arm and the second arm forming a first arm plane; and a body portion between and connecting to the first arm and the second arm, the body portion forming a body plane, the body plane being at an angle relative to the first arm plane; wherein the at least one brake spring is between and in communication with a pressure plate of at least two brake pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Eric Gutelius
  • Patent number: 8393442
    Abstract: An asymmetry brake includes a housing, a shaft, a pilot brake, a primary brake, and a ball ramp assembly. The shaft of the asymmetry brake is rotatable relative to the housing about an axis of rotation. The primary brake is movably connected with the shaft. The pilot brake is configured to selectively engage the housing to generate a triggering torque. The triggering torque is transferred through the ball ramp assembly to the primary brake, which in response engages the housing to generate a braking torque on the shaft. The disposition of the ball ramp assembly between the pilot brake and the primary brake allows the ball ramp assembly to return to an operative non-separated condition when the pilot brake is disengaged from the housing. The return of the ball ramp assembly to the operative non-separated condition allows the primary brake to disengage from the housing which releases the shaft to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Lang, James M. Regan
  • Patent number: 8393443
    Abstract: An electric drive system for a vehicle; said drive system including an electric motor at at least one wheel of said vehicle; said electric motor comprising an electric field source adapted to induce rotational torque in the brake disc associated with said wheel of said vehicle. In an alternative form there is provided a method of imparting a torque to a wheel of a vehicle; said wheel having a brake disc rotor mechanically associated with it; said method comprising utilizing said rotor as a motor rotor whereby said rotor performs a dual function of a disc brake and a motor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Evans Electric Pty Limited
    Inventor: Paul Evans
  • Patent number: 8393444
    Abstract: Suspension protection devices and methods involve a suspension mount engagement member configured to contact a suspension mount of a vehicle, a tire engagement member configured to contact a tire of the vehicle, and a rebounding assembly coupled between the suspension mount engagement member and the tire engagement member. The rebounding assembly can include a support, a first rebounding member, and a second rebounding member, wherein the first rebounding member is more compressible than the second rebounding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffery Martin
  • Patent number: 8393445
    Abstract: A valve (1) comprises a spring arrangement comprising a stiff (5) and a weak spring (6). The weak spring (6) has the form of a thin, circular disc having a first spring surface (6?) and a second spring surface (6?), and an inner spring part (6a) and an outer spring part (6b) substantially separated from each other with cavities (6c), yet at two points, at least, connected with legs (6d). The effect of the connection is that the outer spring part (6b) and the inner spring part (6a) can deflect in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ohlins Racing AB
    Inventor: Lars Sönsteröd
  • Patent number: 8393446
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: David M Haugen
  • Patent number: 8393447
    Abstract: A vibration damper includes a damping medium filled cylinder in which a piston rod carrying a working piston is guided with freedom of axial movement, the working piston dividing the cylinder into two working spaces. The piston rod forms a housing having an inside wall, the housing having first and second working chambers separated by a separating piston, the first working chamber being connected to one of the working spaces to provide amplitude selective damping as the working piston moves in the cylinder. The separating piston is spaced from the inside wall to form an annular gap in which a pressure gradient develops when the piston rod moves, thereby causing the separating piston to move in the housing, the separating piston being radially expandable to close the gap when sufficient pressure develops in one of the working chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichafen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Breun, Marcus Kirchner, Hans Gonschorrek, Valentin Harwardt
  • Patent number: 8393448
    Abstract: A spring fork, in particular for bicycles, with a suspension system and a hydraulic damping system, includes a compression stage damping system (6) for a spring deflection process and a traction stage damping system (5) for a rebound process. At least one piston (3, 16, 27) is provided, which is located in the cylinder (2), and at least one connecting channel (17, 17a) is provided which connects the cylinder chambers located on both sides of the piston and is intended for the overflow of hydraulic oil (21). The compression stage damping system (6), which is activated during the spring deflection process, can be blocked by closing the connecting passage (lockout). At least with the compression stage damping system (6) blocked and, if appropriate, also with the traction stage damping system (5) also blocked, a bypass channel (11, 20, 20a) which has a reduced cross-section in comparison to the connecting channel (17, 17a) is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Kunstle, Dirk Lude
  • Patent number: 8393449
    Abstract: A brake actuation assembly for a hydraulic brake system of a handlebar-steered vehicle, the brake actuation assembly including a housing mountable to a handlebar of the vehicle and having a chamber formed therein. A piston assembly is received and axially guided within the chamber. A linkage is pivotally attached to the housing and the piston assembly and a lever blade is connected to the linkage to effect movement of the linkage, wherein movement of the linkage produces a variable rate of travel of the piston assembly relative to the travel of the lever blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: Charles E. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 8393450
    Abstract: An improved duffel bag with inner removable panels can be configured with a large main space or a central space and end spaces. The removable panels can zip up into place to divide the bag into a central space and end spaces, or can be unzipped and rolled up to create one large space or two sections. A main flap closure provides access to the central space, and end openings with zipper closures provide access to the end spaces. The bag can be available in a range of sizes and styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Meegan Lynch-Ringvold
  • Patent number: 8393451
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch, a brake, or a combination clutch and brake is provided having structure to compensate for wear on braking surfaces. The device includes an armature coupled to an output member and movable between positions of engagement with a rotor and a brake plate. The brake plate is coupled to a stationary field shell that houses a conductor on one side of the rotor opposite the armature and brake plate. The brake plate is axially spaced from the field shell and a removable shim or adjustable spacer is disposed between the brake plate and the field shell. Removal of the shim or adjustment of the spacer permit movement of the brake plate towards the field shell to compensate for wear in any of the clutch or brake engagement surfaces of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pardee, Charles F. Magers, George P. Gill
  • Patent number: 8393452
    Abstract: In a one way clutch shipped and transported in a sub-assembly state in which one of inner ring and outer ring is assembled in a later stage. The retainer has pockets radially passing therethrough at predetermined intervals and columns between the adjacent pockets. The circumferential length of each column is so designed as to cause the biasing members, each having a spring force that allows reduction of drug, to exert a biasing force that is so strong that the torque transmission members are prevented by biasing by the biasing members from being dislocated in the sub-assembly state. The circumferential width of an engagement projection of a block bearing is smaller than that of a groove in one of the rings. When a torque greater than a predetermined level is input, the retainer shifts by a distance equal to a gap between the engagement projection and an end of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Norihiro Yamamoto, Yukiyoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8393453
    Abstract: A one-way clutch comprising an outer race having at least one pocket and a stepped portion formed on an axial one end face of the outer race; an inner race spaced apart from and radially inside of the outer race and coaxially arranged for a relative rotational movement; a roller disposed in the pocket and adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race ; a cage rotatable relative to the outer race and having a window formed in a cylindrical portion and having a circumferential width smaller than a diameter of the roller and adapted to hold the roller; and a spring disposed in the pocket and adapted to bias the roller toward an engagement direction with respect to a cam surface; wherein a cover portion for covering at least a part of the pocket is provided on the other axial end face of the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Hirobumi Shirataki, Tomoharu Ando
  • Patent number: 8393454
    Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 8393455
    Abstract: A coin processing machine comprises a housing for containing the coin processing device, a coin processing unit disposed within the housing for processing received coins of a plurality of denominations and discharging processed coins into a plurality of coin receptacles, and a coin receptacle station disposed within the housing for holding a plurality of coin receptacles. The coin receptacle station includes a plurality of individually moveable platforms each having at least one coin receptacle disposed thereon. Each moveable platform is moveable between a first position and a second position. Each moveable platform is disposed entirely within the housing for receiving coins in the at least one coin receptacle disposed thereon when in the first position, and each moveable platform extends out of the housing when in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: John R. Blake, Gary W. Cooper, Patrick J. Finn, Mark C. Munro, Mark A. Fladeland
  • Patent number: 8393456
    Abstract: A storage platform is incorporated into the main conveyor. The machine is movable, and incorporates space for the storage of main conveyor structure. The machine also includes a mechanism for raising the top of the endless belt, and for permitting the lower or return portion of the endless belt to pass through the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. de Lore, Peter Weatherhead
  • Patent number: 8393457
    Abstract: A handrail, used in particular for escalators or moving walkways, has a plurality of individual grip elements arranged in a series along the length of the handrail loop. Each grip element has an oval or elliptical outer shell, cover layer or casing that is at least partially transparent. An illumination unit is situated in the interior the shell, cover layer or casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Thomas Illedits, Thomas Novacek, Michael Matheisl
  • Patent number: 8393458
    Abstract: A guide arrangement for guiding moving containers, includes at least one guide element which extends in a predefined extension direction at least in some sections along the transport path of the containers, and at least one holding device which holds the guide element at a predetermined position relative to the transport path. The holding device has a clamp element which clamps the guide element, wherein the clamp element bears against the guide element in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction, and the guide element has in its cross-section two holding sections and a wall section which is formed between these holding sections and in one piece with these holding sections, wherein these holding sections are curved at least by 90° and an outer circumference of the holding sections is in contact with the clamp element at least in some sections, and the guide element has a recess which is formed by the wall section and the hold sections and by which a further guide device can be held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Roland Kaes, Thomas Wollny, Thomas Lehner, Robert Wagner
  • Patent number: 8393459
    Abstract: A bulk material conveyor belt scraper assembly comprises a support member, at least two scraper members, and a clamping device. The support member has a length that extends along an axis. The scraper members each have a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion of each of the scraper members is configured and adapted to engage a bulk material conveyor belt. The second end portion of each of the scraper members connects the scraper member to the support member in a manner such that the scraper member is slidable relative to the support member along the axis of the support member and is otherwise fixed relative to the support member. The clamping device is secured to the support member and is configured and adapted to squeeze the scraper members toward each other relative to the axis of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: Adam F. Childs, Andrew C. Timmerman
  • Patent number: 8393460
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus, which conveys a large-sized substrate and saves space, is provided. The vacuum apparatus of the present invention comprises pluralities of lower rollers, pressing rollers and pressing mechanisms. Since the substrate is sandwiched by the lower rollers and the pressing rollers at a position between the conveying roller and the conveying roller, the substrate does not fall down. The substrate contacts the pressing rollers and pushes the pressing roller back, and is sandwiched between the pressing roller and the lower roller, so that the substrate is not damaged when sandwiched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ULVAC, Inc
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Koizumi, Kouichi Niikura
  • Patent number: 8393461
    Abstract: A car wash roller assembly is provided. The assembly includes a metal frame member having a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion has a first aperture having a shaft disposed therethrough. The assembly further includes first and second plastic cover members holding the body portion therebetween. The first plastic cover member has a second aperture, and the second plastic cover member has a third aperture for receiving the shaft therethrough. The assembly further includes first and second plastic sleeves disposed over first and second portions of the shaft, and first and second plastic wheels rotatably coupled to the sleeves. The first plastic cover member restricts movement of the chain link in a first direction relative to the metal frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Vaughan Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Vaughan Balash
  • Patent number: 8393462
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a carriage frame that is used in a slope plate carriage carrousel system that may be found in airports for conveying luggage for passengers to claim. A slope plate carrousel carriage frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a slope plate support member. The slope plate support member is configured to support a slope plate of the carrousel system. A lower carriage is coupled to the slope plate support member. The carriage frame also includes at least one removable connecting link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Globe Composite Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Charles Evans
  • Patent number: 8393463
    Abstract: The eyeglass caddy or carrying device disclosed herein is designed as a rigid, substantially tubular apparatus which engages the frames of a pair of eyeglasses to house and protect the eyewear. The eyeglasses are held in place by frictional contact with the case and gravitational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Graham
  • Patent number: 8393464
    Abstract: A multifunctional case includes a base, a cover, and a foldable connecting area connecting the base to the cover, the base defines a receiving space in a front surface for receiving a flat-type electronic device. The cover is substantially the same size as the base and includes a first plate portion, a foldable second plate portion connected to the first plate portion, two foldable third plate portions connected to two sides of the first plate portion, and two foldable fourth plate portions connected to two sides of the second portion. The third plate portions are respectively connected to the fourth plate portions. The cover is foldable relative to the base, the connecting area, and the first through fourth plate portions can cooperatively fold to support the base in a slanted position so that the electronic device is supported in a slanted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yung Yang, Li-Houng Lu, Ching-Min Lin, Tzu-Cheng Yu
  • Patent number: 8393465
    Abstract: A three-piece pocket-size hybrid container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of an inner ring mechanically secured to an interior of an outer base housing including a cover to fit over and snugly around the inner ring. When closed, a cover sidewall may engage a sidewall of the outer base housing to form a flush exterior sidewall of the closed container or the cover sidewall may be spaced apart from the outer base housing to form a gap in the exterior sidewall of the closed container. The outer base housing and cover can be metal and the inner ring can be plastic to provide a strong and robust package that maintains product freshness and is easily opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Clark, William T. Griffin, Robert T. Mitten
  • Patent number: 8393466
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and/or system for housing a device. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Treefrog Developments, Inc
    Inventor: Gary Rayner
  • Patent number: 8393467
    Abstract: A retainer for a welding wire container has a base element and at least one upper element which rests on the base element. The base element has a central opening for allowing the welding wire to pass through, and at least two guiding openings through which holding fingers extend. The holding fingers are part of the upper element and are made from a flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sidergas SpA
    Inventor: Carlo Gelmetti
  • Patent number: 8393468
    Abstract: A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ′T Groene Loo BV
    Inventors: Bastiaan Rinke Anthony Groeneweg, Paulus Josephus Benedictus Maria Van De Loo
  • Patent number: 8393469
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable consumable product package for retaining an array of products until the products are desired to be removed. The package includes a container packet formed of a planar extent roll for retaining and enclosing the array of products. A cover with adhesive attached thereto defined by an openable flap overlies the packet. The packet is scored along its surface in such a way that opening of the flap causes the packet to open along the scoring to expose the product for dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Allen Sydney Aldridge, Charles F. Flynn, IV, James S. Mandle