Patents Issued in April 2, 2013
  • Patent number: 8408347
    Abstract: A mobile camera vehicle has a roll cage or similar structure attached to a chassis. Upper and lower horizontal bars are attached to the vehicle structure. Front and rear vertical bars are each attached to the upper and lower horizontal bars. A lift plate is attached to and vertically moveable on the front and rear vertical bars. A lift plate actuator may be attached to the lift plate and used to raise and lower the lift plate on the front and rear vertical bars. Alternatively, the lift plate may be moved manually. A camera platform is supported on the lift plate. A vertical shock isolator may optionally be supported on the lift plate, and with a camera on the camera platform on the vertical shock isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8408348
    Abstract: A snowmobile having improved drive stability of the vehicle body during steering includes a pair of left and right skis on a front side of the vehicle body, a steering shaft disposed on a front of a saddle type seat for steering the skis, an engine mounted in a cowling that covers the front side of the vehicle body, and a crawler disposed on a rear side of the vehicle body for driving the snowmobile. The engine is mounted by inclining a cylinder axis thereof forward, and the steering shaft is disposed on the front of a cylinder head of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Nakamura, Toshio Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8408350
    Abstract: An airbag module for use in a vehicle. The airbag module an airbag cushion configured to deploy externally to the vehicle and an inflator configured to inflate the at least three inflatable chambers of the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion is configured to span between first and second ends and having at least three inflatable chambers. The airbag cushion is configured to be anchored at both ends and deploys into a position wherein at least one inflatable chamber is entirely separated from the vehicle by a gap formed by the deployed airbag cushion projecting away from the vehicle, and wherein the deployed airbag is configured to hinge between the first and second end so that the gap is bounded by the at least three inflatable chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Wilmot, Andrew J. Pitonyak
  • Patent number: 8408351
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a suspension system operatively connecting a vehicle body to a plurality of wheels for maintaining contact between the wheels and a road surface, and for maintaining handling of the vehicle. A system for steering the vehicle and a braking system for decelerating the vehicle are also included. The vehicle additionally includes a plurality of thrusters, wherein at least one of the thrusters is arranged relative to each wheel and each of the plurality of thrusters is configured to generate a force. Furthermore, the vehicle additionally includes a controller configured for regulating the force generated by each of the thrusters to assist the suspension system with maintaining contact between the wheels and the road surface and maintaining handling, assist the steering system with steering, and assist the braking system with decelerating the vehicle. A method of assisting the vehicle suspension, steering, and braking systems is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Holland, Nikolai K. Moshchuk
  • Patent number: 8408352
    Abstract: An electronic control unit monitors pressure conditions present at the input to the steering system and other vehicle data signals and then provides override control of a hydro-mechanical flow control device. An electro-hydraulic valve is connected to the supply side of the hydro-mechanical flow control device and reacts to the electronic monitoring of pressure and other vehicle data to alter the counter-balancing forces within the hydro-mechanical flow control device. This causes a by-pass diversion of steering fluid to the source by the hydro-mechanical flow control device and thereby relieves backpressure on the pump when relatively little steering assist is required to be provided by the steering system. The control of steering fluid diversion at such times results in a significant reduction in parasitic losses within the steering system and improves the operating and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick R. Kasten, Darrel A. Recker, Daniel K. Tuttle, Ashraf Zeid
  • Patent number: 8408353
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle steering apparatus (1; 301) equipped with a control device (12; 322) which controls the actuation of an electric motor (18; 317). First and second housings (23, 24 325, 312), which are in contact with each other, partition off an accommodation chamber (100; 324) which contains the control device (12; 322). The first housing (23; 325) is at least one part of the motor housing (25; 323). The first housing (23; 325) includes a first interior wall surface (101; 401) which partially partitions the accommodation chamber (100; 324). The second housing (24; 312) includes a second interior wall surface (102; 402) which partially partitions the accommodation chamber (100; 324). The first and the second interior wall surfaces (101, 102; 401, 402) are opposite each other with respect to the axial direction (X1) of a rotatable shaft (37; 352) of an electric motor (18; 317).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Nagase, Ken Matsubara, Minoru Sentoku, Kunihiro Oka, Motoo Nakai, Kouya Yoshida, Nobuhiro Uchida, Naotake Kanda
  • Patent number: 8408354
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft coupled to a handle; a power steering device including an input shaft coupled to the steering shaft, and an output shaft driven to rotate together with the input shaft, the power steering device being positioned between right and left front wheels in a rightward and leftward direction; a link unit for coupling the output shaft to each of the right and left front wheels, the link unit receiving a rotation of the output shaft and changing a direction of the front wheels; and a stopper disposed to face the output shaft with a clearance between the stopper and at least a left portion and a right portion of an end portion of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuma Nozaki, Kazumasa Hisada, Itsuo Takegami, Shusuke Minami
  • Patent number: 8408355
    Abstract: A downhole tool for subsurface disposal is provided. The tool comprises an elongated tool body, an enclosure attached to an exterior surface of the tool body. The enclosure comprises at least one transducer disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, and an electronics board coupled to and disposed adjacent to the at least one transducer. The enclosure also defines an internal cavity, and the internal cavity contains a fluid for insulating the at least one transducer from a downhole environment. The fluid is in direct contact with the at least one transducer and the electronics board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Patent number: 8408356
    Abstract: A box-shaped enclosure of a storage box includes a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes. The storage space is open at the first and second planes. A deadening wall member extends along the first plane. An auxiliary box-shaped enclosure is connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure. The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defines an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with a deadening wall member. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening and the auxiliary space. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamaguchi, Junichi Ishimine, Masahiro Suzuki, Tadashi Katsui, Shin-ichirou Kouno, Akira Takahashi, Akihiro Watanabe, Tomohiro Okazaki
  • Patent number: 8408357
    Abstract: An attenuator for the air inlet tract of an internal combustion engine comprises an unobstructed tube (4) having a surrounding enclosure (9) divided into a primary chamber (11) in fluid communication with the inlet tube, and a secondary chamber (12) in fluid communication with the primary chamber. Two secondary chambers (12, 13) may be provided. The arrangement can be tuned to attenuate a wide range of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Cheung
  • Patent number: 8408358
    Abstract: Tunable perforate acoustic liners are disclosed using shape memory materials, which allow the acoustic liners to tune for multiple frequencies across a wide range, unlike current designs which are limited to specific frequencies or small ranges. The liner will be initiated through a sensor and feedback loop to monitor the current acoustic environment and initiate geometry change needed to more effectively attenuate engine noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Michael Hermiller, Michael Richard Maddux
  • Patent number: 8408359
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic attenuation based on sound ray deflection theory and a muffler. The method of the present invention provides a temperature gradient between the interior and the exterior of the chamber of the muffler through the low temperature refrigeration system, in which the temperature inside the pipe wall is higher than that outside the pipe wall. The said temperature gradient may deflect the acoustic ray towards the low temperature direction, so as to capture and reduce the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Yadong Lu, Dong Liu, Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8408360
    Abstract: A warning system for use with a climbing wall and an automatic belay apparatus for belaying a climber, the warning system providing a warning that a climber is not protected by the auto-belay apparatus. The warning system includes a sensor positioned to sense that a lower end of the climbing rope is secured to the climbing wall and the climber is not attached to the auto-belay system which indicates a dangerous situation, and a height sensor for sensing when the climber has reached a selected height on the climbing wall. A processor receives signals from the sensors and compares the signals to determine if the climber has reached the selected height with the lower end of the climbing wall still secured to the wall, and if so, then actuates a warning alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: NICROS, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan B. Postma
  • Patent number: 8408361
    Abstract: A ladder assembly includes a ladder, two wheel carriers mounted on the ladder movably and rotatably, two wheels each rotatably mounted on a respective one of the wheel carriers, two fastening members each extended through a respective one of the wheel carriers and each secured on the ladder to attach the respective wheel carrier to the ladder, and a support rack pivotally mounted on the ladder. Thus, when the support rack and the wheels are expanded outward from the ladder, the ladder assembly can function as a carrier, and when the support rack and the wheels are folded onto the ladder, the ladder assembly can function as a ladder so that the ladder assembly both functions as a ladder and a carrier, thereby enhancing the versatility of the ladder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Chen-Yu Chung, Zi-Cong Wen
  • Patent number: 8408362
    Abstract: A method for applying a liquid composition to a rail surface is provided. This method involves supplying a liquid composition in one or more reservoirs on a rail car (revenue generating car), and applying the liquid composition from the one or more reservoirs to the rail surface. A liquid composition application system is also provided. The liquid composition application system includes a reservoir(s) for holding a liquid composition mounted on a rail car. A pipe is connected to the reservoir(s), and a pump, for moving the liquid composition from the reservoir(s) to a dispensing nozzle(s), is provided. A controller processes topological information, data from the liquid composition application system, or both. The application of the liquid composition may be monitored and controlled from a remote site separate from the rail car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: L. B. Foster Rail Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Don T Eadie, John Cotter, Dave Elvidge
  • Patent number: 8408363
    Abstract: The PTO assembly includes an engine driven input shaft, an output shaft, a transmission, a disconnect unit for selectively coupling and uncoupling the input shaft from the transmission and a clutch for coupling an uncoupling the transmission from the output shaft. A lubrication system includes a shaft lube circuit for lubricating the input shaft, a pump, and a lube control valve for controlling communication of lubricant from the pump to the lube circuit. The lube control valve is operatively coupled to the disconnect unit so that when the disconnect unit is engaged the lube control valve blocks communication from the pump to the lube circuit, and when the disconnect unit is disengaged the lube control valve communicates the pump to the lube circuit. The lubrication system also includes a transmission lube circuit for lubrication the transmission. The control valve communicates lubricant to the transmission lube circuit when the disconnect unit is engaged and disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Remy Richard, Chad Gregory Vandenberg, Jeffrey Alan Buttjer, Hubert Defrancq
  • Patent number: 8408364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement, an elevator system and also a monitoring arrangement for measuring the movement of an elevator car. The measuring arrangement includes identifiers disposed at set points in the elevator hoistway, each of which identifiers contains at least one property to be measured, which property to be measured is made to be variable in the direction of movement of the elevator car. The measuring arrangement includes at least one measuring apparatus, fitted in connection with the elevator car and arranged to move along with the elevator car in the elevator hoistway. The measuring apparatus is arranged to separately read the property to be measured of each aforementioned identifier after the measuring apparatus has moved in the elevator hoistway to the reading point individual for the identifier to be read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Petteri Kangas
  • Patent number: 8408365
    Abstract: A locking device for preventing the rotation and/or the axial movement of a pin includes a coil spring wound around at least a portion of the pin and having one end rigidly connected to a support structure. In its undeformed condition, the spring has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the pin, whereby in its resting condition the spring is tightened around the pin to prevent a rotation thereof at least in a direction or an axial movement in any direction. The device includes shape memory means for causing the unwinding of the turns of the spring for the purpose of temporarily releasing the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Biasiotto, Stefano Alacqua, Gianluca Capretti
  • Patent number: 8408366
    Abstract: The bottom surface of a seal groove provided in a cylinder bore has a first slant portion and a second slant portion. A transition point between the first slant portion and the second slant portion is located closer to the opening of the cylinder bore than the center in the cylinder bore axial direction of the seal groove. A gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of a piston seal member and the bottom surface of the seal groove, and the surface pressure applied to the bottom surface of the seal groove from the piston seal member is higher at the cylinder-bottom-side end of the piston seal member than at the cylinder-opening-side end thereof. Thus, it is possible to suppress the movement of the piston toward the cylinder bore bottom due to thermal expansion of the piston seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimiyasu Kono, Keisuke Nanri
  • Patent number: 8408367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drum brake having an electromechanical actuating device. The invention proposes to convert a rotating drive movement of the actuating device by use of a gearwheel and two toothed racks. The toothed racks mesh with the gearwheel on opposite sides thereof and are driven in opposite directions by the gearwheel into translational movements for pressing attached brake shoes against a brake drum. The toothed racks are configured in such a way that the two toothed racks have a common line of action, with resulting symmetrical actuating forces. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lines of action of the toothed racks run tangentially with respect to the gearwheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Hofmann, Willi Nagel, Oliver Kriese
  • Patent number: 8408368
    Abstract: A caliper brake including a mounting bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a pair of laterally spaced holes, and a mounting bolt is received through each hole. Each bolt includes a head and a threaded portion on opposing ends, and a nut is received on each threaded portion. An inner spacer extends between the mounting bracket and the nut on each bolt, and an outer spacer extends between the mounting bracket and the head on each bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ausco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Pozivilko, Howard H. Baldeosingh, Scott Alan McKamey, Hobart Gene McLaughlin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8408369
    Abstract: A bimetallic brake rotor includes a rotor body composed of a first material and a pair of cheek inserts serving as the rotor cheeks, being composed of a second material less dense than the first material. Each of the cheek inserts has a first sequence of slots and teeth, and a disc component of the rotor body has a second sequence of slots and teeth on each side thereof which mesh with the first sequence such that a radial edge interface is provided at each adjoining tooth and slot which transfers braking heat and mechanical loading from the cheek inserts to the rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Terry J. Woychowski, Tony Argote, Jr., Ryan E. Ward, Alex Kellner, Rory Windrim, Robert D. Evoy
  • Patent number: 8408370
    Abstract: An energy absorbing element contains a free-flowing medium. The medium is expressed from the element, upon the occurrence of an impact, through at least one opening. The medium is enclosed in a capsule that bursts on impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Inventus Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Battlogg, Jürgen Pösel
  • Patent number: 8408371
    Abstract: A fan clutch is provided to which a fan may be removably attached with the aid of a flange ring, the fan clutch having a housing that comprises a first front housing part and a second rear housing part to which the flange ring is attachable with the aid of connecting elements. The housing has circumferential attachment niches which are situated in an offset manner in the circumferential direction on both the front and the back of the housing and into which attachment tabs situated on the flange ring are insertable either from the front of the fan clutch or from the rear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerold Schultheiss, Joerg Angermaier, Eberhard Sixt, Sven Setzer
  • Patent number: 8408372
    Abstract: An embodiment of a multidisk oil-bath clutch having: a housing mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of rotation; at least one hub mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis of rotation and housed inside and coaxially with the housing; a number of drive disks housed inside the housing and angularly integral with the housing or the hub; a number of driven disks housed inside the housing, alternating with the drive disks, and angularly integral with the hub or the housing; at least one oil inlet into the housing; and at least one oil outlet from the housing. Each drive disk has a number of first circulation channels equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of rotation and extending radially from an inner edge of the drive disk to an outer edge of the drive disk; and each driven disk has a number of second circulation channels equally spaced about the longitudinal axis of rotation and extending radially from an inner edge of the driven disk to an outer edge of the driven disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Cimatti
  • Patent number: 8408373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch unit, which has two subunits. One subunit is connected to the output shaft of an engine, and the other subunit is pre-mounted on the side of the transmission. Both subunits are coupled to one another via an axial plug-type connection, which includes meshing first profiles and second profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Philippe Mih, Bin Zhou, Matthias Zink
  • Patent number: 8408374
    Abstract: A coupling assembly which has an adjusting device. In order to prevent uncontrolled adjusting of the adjusting device during transport until installation, a transport lock is provided. In order to be able to further propose an installation space-neutral solution, which, in particular, has no negative impact on the actuating system, grabber arms are disposed for lever elements of the coupling assembly axially in the direction of the counterpressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Dussel, Victor Wiege, Aurelie Christophel, Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 8408375
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a plurality of reaction plates separated by one or more separator springs to maintain a distance between the reaction plates when the clutch is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Copeland
  • Patent number: 8408376
    Abstract: A coupling device including a drive member that is rotatable about an axis, a driven member that is substantially aligned with the drive member and is selectively rotatable about the axis, a speed sensing member that is coupled to the drive member and is movable between a first position and a second position in response to the rotational speed of the drive member, and a clutch member that is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position in response to movement of the speed sensing member between the first position and the second position. At least a portion of the clutch member is removable without changing the alignment between the drive member and the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Raymond C. Webb, John Gunn
  • Patent number: 8408377
    Abstract: A reload conveyor is disclosed in the present disclosure. Such a reload conveyor includes a conveyor frame 14 and a material receiving mechanism 18. The conveyor frame 14 is configured to articulate to assume a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration wherein the overall length of the reload conveyor in the transport configuration can be substantially shorter than in the transfer configuration. The material receiving mechanism can be configured and arranged to assume a transfer configuration and a transport configuration wherein the width of the material receiving mechanism is substantially less in the transport configuration than in the transfer configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Earth Corp. Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Werlinger
  • Patent number: 8408378
    Abstract: A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: PowerMag, LLC
    Inventor: Robert V. Albertson
  • Patent number: 8408379
    Abstract: Manufacturing lines include inspection systems for monitoring the quality of parts produced. Manufacturing lines for making semiconductor devices generally inspect each fabricated part. The information obtained is used to fix manufacturing problems in the semiconductor fab plant. A machine-vision system for inspecting devices includes a flipper mechanism. After being inspected at a first station, a tray-transfer device moves the tray from the first inspection station to a flipper mechanism. The flipper mechanism includes two jaws, a mover, and a rotator. The flipper mechanism turns the devices over and places the devices in a second tray so that another surface of the device can be inspected. A second tray-transfer device moves the second tray from the flipper to a second inspection station. The mover of the flipper mechanism removes the tray from the first inspection surface and places a tray at the second inspection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Arye Malek, Joshua J. Hackney, Franz W. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 8408380
    Abstract: An induction subsystem for a conveying system includes a plurality of induction conveying units that are controlled by a plurality of controls in a manner that delivers articles to a release conveyor with gaps between the articles that approach a desired length. The conveying units may be controlled using algorithms that examine a planned release time for an article and a time at which the article would be released were it to complete the rest of its travel through the induction subsystem at one or more nominal speeds. The difference is used to determine an appropriate speed for at least one of the conveying units. The conveying unit may alternatively be controlled using algorithms that determine desired speed ratios for the conveying units, and which may seek to control the centerline to centerline spacing of articles as they reach the release point such that desired gaps are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventor: Martin R. Doane
  • Patent number: 8408381
    Abstract: A carriage-type conveying apparatus with a workpiece support base and an elevating drive has a passive shaft interlocked with the elevating drive and a lock to prevent descent of the workpiece support base A power source carriage capable of traveling synchronously with the conveying carriage is aside of a traveling path of the conveying carriage at a workpiece support height changing position so as to be reciprocable along the traveling path. The power source carriage has a transmission shaft driven by a power source and a separable interlock to interlock the passive shaft and a transmission shaft with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Daifuku Co., Ltd., Daifuku (China) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Murakami, Jianguo Wang
  • Patent number: 8408382
    Abstract: An instant powder conveyor device of a drinks preparing machine including a rotatable wire conveyor spindle disposed substantially horizontally in a bottom area of the instant powder container. At the wire conveyor spindle, an outflow opening is provided. In the instant powder container, above the wire conveyor spindle at least one back feed conveyor screw is arranged. Its back feed conveyor track starts near the end of the wire conveyor spindle, or conveyor track, and is shorter than the conveyor track of the wire conveyor spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventors: Giovanni Pano, Jörg Henke
  • Patent number: 8408383
    Abstract: Methods of mounting a conveyor belt to a telescoping conveyor include: (a) providing a conveyor belt configured to mount to a telescoping conveyor mechanism; (b) pivoting a first idler roller to an operative fixed position; and (c) translating an idler residing below the first idler roller upward and rearward into its respective operative fixed position to thereby mount a telescoping conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Whittlesey
  • Patent number: 8408384
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a series of rollers for conveying a product to one or more product operations. A pair of spaced apart side frames support the series of rollers spanning between the frames. A drive system is associated with one or more rollers of the series of rollers and includes a selectively inflatable bladder, an elastomeric sleeve and a moving belt, wherein inflation of the bladder pushes the moving belt against one or more of the rollers for their rotation. A brake system is associated with one or more of the series of rollers and includes a selectively inflatable bladder and a fixed elastomeric band, wherein inflation of the bladder pushes the fixed elastomeric band against one or more of the rollers for stopping its rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Unique Metal Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Don A. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8408385
    Abstract: A bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a stringer of a conveyor belt assembly. The bracket comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The center mating surface lies between the outer mating surfaces and is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each of the outer mating surfaces. The stringer comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The outer mating surfaces of the bracket are clamped against the outer mating surfaces of the stringer in manner creating a load path for carrying vertical loads through contact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 8408386
    Abstract: A catwalk and conveyor support system adapted to be disassembled and including one or more raised sections each having a catwalk with a walkway and guard rails, and conveyor supports. Each of the conveyor supports have a vertical and a horizontal section, wherein the vertical section is adjustably connected to the catwalk and the horizontal section vertically adjusts with respect to the catwalk via the vertical section. The conveyor supports are arranged in a linear manner and are independently adjustable relative each other and relative the catwalk. Multiple raised sections may be used and are generally connected in a serial manner between storage receptacles. One or more conveyors for transporting the granular material between storage receptacles are supported upon the horizontal sections of the conveyor supports, wherein an angular disposition of the conveyors relative the catwalk is adjusted via vertical adjustment of one or more of the conveyor supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Claire M. Rauser
  • Patent number: 8408387
    Abstract: A holder for removably storing therein circular disc-like objects. The holder comprises a body having a front opening surrounded by a first annular ledge facing a rear portion of the body. The front opening is smaller than the circular objects and the first annular ledge is of a size to support the circular objects thereon such that the circular object in engagement with the first annular ledge is viewed through the front opening. The rear portion of the body has a circular rear opening that is larger than the first annular ledge. A second annular ledge is disposed inwardly of the rear opening and supports a metal ring that is engageable by a circular magnet to releasably close the rear opening and rear portion of the body. The body may be opened by applying rearward pressure through the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Valerian F Sottile
  • Patent number: 8408388
    Abstract: A locking structure for the box body is provided with a box body, a handle, and a cover. The handle is a rotatable structure which can support the box body to make the box body stand in an inclined manner, so as to allow the user to have a full clear view of the hand tools inside the tool box. On top of that, the tool box offers an antitheft feature, when the tool box is closed, the cover cannot be opened and removed from the box body unless the locking ends of the retainers are destroyed. Therefore, the hand tools cannot be taken out of the tool box without permission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Infar Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ander Chen
  • Patent number: 8408389
    Abstract: A three piece sealed dispensing and storage cap that is inserted onto the neck of a liquid bearing container threaded neck of a bottle, said device being a storage chamber for sealably containing a liquid and/or dry material and a dispenser for releasing the material when desired into the primary container. The dispensing cap may include a desiccant to prevent moisture from reaching the storage chamber. The bottom seal that is frangible and ruptured to activate the device may include a line of weakening. The button top is depressed manually forcing an actuator against the bottom of the cap body seal to rip away the bottom seal dispensing the material. The present invention allows the use of materials that would discolor, degrade or interact with other substances when added to the contents of the bottle, to remain stable and/or inactive until the time of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Blast Max LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8408390
    Abstract: A smoking accessory. The accessory includes a base having an upper surface with two openings. A first of the openings providing access to a pipe receptacle extending into the base from the first opening. A second of the openings providing access to a tobacco receptacle extending into the base from the second opening. The accessory includes a lid pivotally connected to the base by a hinge located above the upper surface of the base for selective movement in directions toward and away from the smoking pipe receptacle and the tobacco receptacle between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan R. Rennecamp
  • Patent number: 8408391
    Abstract: A detachable multiple drive bit holder for cordless and powered drill drivers, impact drivers, and drills, all referred from here on as drill drivers. This bit holder will hold multiple accessories and connect to drill drivers. Most drill drivers, particularly cordless drill drivers, have a slot in the body of the driver to hold spare drive bits. Drill drivers typically have only one of these slots, allowing only one spare driver bit. The driver multiple drive bit holder utilizes this single slot manufactured into the body of a drill driver to hold a container that stores multiple drive bits of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Paul Drouin
  • Patent number: 8408392
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8408393
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to product packaging and, more specifically, to product packaging assemblies with try-me toys that may allow a consumer to visualize, experiment, and design various looks available in the product line at the point of purchase while the product remains in the product packaging and after purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Buynak, Yuk Ha Mo, Garrett Sander
  • Patent number: 8408394
    Abstract: A container for holding elastic loops therein is described. The container includes a substantially planar card having two portions with a folding section therebetween. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops thereon. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet. Thus, the separator assists in folding both the elastic loops and sheet when the card is being folded along the folding section. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Yigal Mesika
  • Patent number: 8408395
    Abstract: A process for separating at least one hydrophobic material from a mixture comprising this at least one hydrophobic material and at least one hydrophilic material, which comprises the steps: (A) preparation of a slurry or dispersion of the mixture to be treated in at least one suitable dispersion medium, (B) contacting of the slurry or dispersion from step (A) with at least one solid, hydrophobic surface to bind the at least one hydrophobic material to be separated off to this, (C) removal of the at least one solid, hydrophobic surface to which the at least one hydrophobic material is bound from step (B) from the slurry or dispersion in which the at least one hydrophilic material is comprised and (D) separation of the at least one hydrophobic material from the solid, hydrophobic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Hartmut Hibst
  • Patent number: 8408396
    Abstract: The invention is a process for the beneficiation and utilization of various kinds of coal and shale oil as a solid fuel for thermoelectric power stations. The beneficiation process is performed underground, near to the place of beneficiation waste stowing, using aqueous salt solution with a density between those of the target component and waste rock. The regeneration of heavy liquid from final beneficiation tailings is performed by washing with non-aqueous volatile liquid, with subsequent drying by the subsurface heat after placing these tailings in the worked-out space. The resulting vapors are compressed and condensed; thus regenerated non-aqueous liquid is returned for washing the beneficiation tailings, while effluents produced by washing are separated into aqueous and non-aqueous components by heat released at the liquefaction of the non-aqueous liquid vapors. The enriched solid fuel remaining in the floatable state is delivered by its flow to the thermo-electric power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Chuluun Enkhbold, Brodt Alexsander
  • Patent number: 8408397
    Abstract: A shaker apparatus including a basket having an upstream side, a downstream side, and two side walls, at least one wedge guide and one support rail disposed on each side wall, and at least one screen assembly. The support rails and the wedge guides may be configured to engage the screen assembly. The screen assembly may have one or more layers of screen mesh mounted on a screen frame. The screen frame may include a first and a second side rail, each having an upstream end, a downstream end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A slope of the top surfaces intermediate the upstream end and the downstream end may be different than a slope of the bottom surfaces intermediate the upstream end and the downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eric Cady