Patents Issued in April 9, 2013
  • Patent number: 8413742
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to reduce noise caused by run-out of a tool bit in an impact tool. The representative impact tool according to the invention includes a tool holder 137 that houses a tool bit 119 in such a manner that the tool bit can linearly move in its axial direction, and a barrel 108 that is integrally connected to the tool holder 137 The impact tool further includes an elastic element 155 that is disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the tool holder 137 and an outer circumferential surface of the tool bit 119 in an end region of the tool bit 119 on the barrel side and connected in close contact with the tool holder 137 and the tool bit 119 over a predetermined length of the tool bit 119 in the axial direction. The elastic element 155 applies a biasing force to prevent a run-out of the tool bit 119 in a direction transverse to the axial direction. Further, an intermediate element 145 comes in point contact with the tool bit 119 on its axial center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Ikuta, Masao Miwa, Takuya Sumi
  • Patent number: 8413743
    Abstract: A plurality of components of a power tool are coupled to each other to form a component assembly. Positioning members are disposed within a housing body and resiliently support the component assembly from opposite sides in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Nagasaka, Xiang Ren, Akira Tomonaga, Tatsuya Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 8413744
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a load on a downhole component of a well drilling system is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a drillstring and configured to be movable within a borehole, the drillstring configured to allow a drilling fluid to be advanced therethrough and into the borehole; at least one sensor disposed within the downhole tool for in-situ measurement of at least one physicochemical property of an environment surrounding the downhole tool; and a processor configured to monitor the at least one physicochemical property and at least one of i) provide physicochemical property information to a user during a drilling/steering operation, ii) adjust a load on the downhole component based on the environment information and iii) shut down the system in response to a detection of a measured physicochemical property beyond a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hendrik John, Joachim F. Oppelt, Jing Xu
  • Patent number: 8413745
    Abstract: Water-based drilling mud lubricants using a blend of fatty acid polyamine salts and fatty acid esters give synergistically better lubricity results than either component used separately. For example, the blends with different ratios of fatty acid diethylenetriamine salt and fatty acid methyl ester demonstrate much better lubricity in water-based drilling fluids than those where only fatty acid diethylenetriamine salt or fatty acid methyl ester are separately used. The amines in fatty acid amine salt might also include other polyamines, such as butanediamine pentamethylenediamine, spermidine, spermine, propylene diamine and propylene polyamines. The fatty acid esters might also include fatty acid ethyl ester, fatty acid glycerol ester and fatty acid trimethylolpropane ester. The carbon numbers of the fatty acids used to make the components in the lubricant blend may range from C4 to C28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tao Xiang, Remy Azrai Mohd Amin
  • Patent number: 8413746
    Abstract: A cutting element for a drill bit that includes an outer support element having at least a bottom portion and a side portion; and an inner rotatable cutting element, a portion of which is disposed in the outer support element, wherein the inner rotatable cutting element includes a substrate and a diamond cutting face having a thickness of at least 0.050 inches disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; and wherein a distance from an upper surface of the diamond cutting face to a bearing surface between the inner rotatable cutting element and the outer support element ranges from 0 to about 0.300 inches is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuelin Shen, Youhe Zhang, Zhou Yong, Jiaqing Yu, Madapusi K. Keshavan
  • Patent number: 8413747
    Abstract: An endless-track type climbing vehicle containing a multi-link suspension apparatus to uniformly distribute the forces on the on the adhering members while traversing irregular climbing surfaces. The multi-links suspension apparatus is able to conform to large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces on the adhering members to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members. The result is a climbing machine that can accommodate large surface irregularities while maximizing the climbing payload with a minimum number and size of adhering members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: James Walter Beard, Stephen Lee Canfield, Steven Marc Glovsky
  • Patent number: 8413748
    Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle capable of increasing the degree of freedom of wiring for a motor. A drive wheel having a motor with a stator and a rotor serving as a drive source disposed in a wheel hub is rotatably supported on a wheel shaft between right and left forks. The stator is provided in a body-side retainer member fixed to a vehicle body, the rotor is rotatably supported on the wheel shaft, and wiring for the motor is passed through the body-side retainer member. The brake mechanism is provided on the drive wheel. As seen from a front of a vehicle body, the wheel hub is rotatably supported on the wheel shaft on one lateral side alone from a body center and the brake mechanism is disposed on one lateral side from a body center and the motor is disposed on the other lateral side from the body center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Nishikawa, Takeshi Kimishima, Hisashi Matsuo, Satoshi Honda
  • Patent number: 8413749
    Abstract: An auxiliary drive assembly for wheelchairs is revealed. The auxiliary drive assembly includes a wired transmission member, at least one sensor, a control circuit and a drive unit. The wired transmission member is arranged at a wheel hub on a wheel. The sensor is set on the wheel for generating a sensing signal sent to the wired transmission member. The control circuit is coupled to the wired transmission member, receiving the sensing signal and generating a control signal. The drive unit is coupled to the control circuit and receiving the control signal so as to drive the wheel hub rotating and further move the wheel. Thereby the assembly is with simple structure and the environmental interference is minimized by wired signal transmission. The sensing signal is sent to the control circuit exactly and the drive unit is controlled to rotate the wheel precisely. The wired transmission reduces the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Hsiang-Ling Hsu
  • Patent number: 8413750
    Abstract: A device for a vehicle drive train for generating and transmitting drive torque to components of the drive train. The device comprises a shaft which is connected to the components of the drive train, at least first and second bearings which support the shaft and an electric motor for generating the transmitted drive torque. The electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor which is fixed to the shaft. The rotor is supported by one or more bearing surfaces. The device also comprises elements disposed on the shaft via which drive torque can be transmitted to the components of the drive train while introducing transverse force into the shaft. The rotor of the drive motor is positioned on the shaft such that the bearing surface is located in the region of maximum deflection caused by the transverse force in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin Lamke, Rayk Hoffmann, Oliver Schell
  • Patent number: 8413751
    Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with fuel cells that is fastened to multiple side frames 810 arranged in parallel to each other and along a moving direction of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a support assembly arranged to span between the multiple side frames 810, a first fixation unit arranged to fasten the support assembly to the respective side frames 810, and a second fixation unit arranged to fix the fuel cells on the support assembly. This arrangement desirably reduces the influence of an external force applied to the fuel cells mounted on the vehicle and prevents an increase in total weight of the vehicle or a decrease in mounting space of the fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Jufuku, Hiroshi Arisawa, Junji Nagasawa, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Miho Kizuki
  • Patent number: 8413752
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle includes a chassis supported on right and left driven tracks, right and left elongated flippers disposed on corresponding sides of the chassis, and a battery unit holder disposed on the chassis for removably receiving a battery unit weighing at least 50 lbs. The battery unit holder includes a guide for receiving and guiding the battery unit to a connected position and a connector mount having locating features and communication features. The locating features receive corresponding locating features of the battery unit, as the battery unit is moved to its connected position, to align the communication features of the connector mount with corresponding communication features of the battery unit. The communication features of the connector mount are movable in a plane transverse to the guide to aid alignment of the communication features for establishment of an electrical connection therebetween when the battery unit is in its connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Page, Tucker Kuhe, Lee F. Sword, Adam P. Couture
  • Patent number: 8413753
    Abstract: A foldable seat mounting rack of a foldable motorized vehicle includes a pair of symmetric foldable seat mounting support. Each symmetric foldable seat mounting supports comprises: an upper mounting base, a lower mounting base, a pinion, a locking lever, a main connecting plate, a first and a second auxiliary connecting plates. The main connecting plate is pivoted on both upper and lower mounting bases. The pinion is pivoted at a middle portion on an inner side of the main connecting plate. Side surfaces at one end of the both auxiliary connecting plates are formed with racks engaging with the pinion. The first auxiliary connecting plate is pivoted on the lower mounting base and the second auxiliary connecting plate is pivoted on the upper mounting base. One end of the locking lever is pivoted on the upper end of the main connecting plate, and the other end presses against the pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8413754
    Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes an engine; an air cleaner including an air cleaner box forming a passage through which air is supplied to the engine and an air filter for cleaning the air flowing through the passage; and a first electric component positioned laterally relative to the air cleaner box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Matsuda, Takafumi Matsumoto, Hideaki Kawai, Masato Kogirima
  • Patent number: 8413755
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a rear fork with a first and the second extending portions, and a cross portion, the cross section linking the first and the second extending portions together. The first extending portion extends toward a first side of a rear wheel, the second extending portion extends toward a second side of the rear wheel. The first extending portion, which has an open cross sectional structure and through which a drive shaft is passed, is made to have larger outer diameter than the second extending portion, which has a closed cross sectional structure. Nonetheless, the rigidity of the first extending portion and the second extending portion are approximately the same. The drive shaft extends rearwardly and passes through the opening on the inside of the first extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ito, Toshiyuki Iwai
  • Patent number: 8413756
    Abstract: A movable and steerable device that has a platform with four wheel assemblies, any of which are both drivable and steerable. Different driving and steering options can make the device move in different directions and orientations. The driving can be done by a drive motor, forming a drive loop of material, such as chain, and a steering motor, also forming a steering loop. The different loops are attached to different sprockets on the device, which have different sizes, and therefore the different loops do not interfere with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James Kempf
  • Patent number: 8413757
    Abstract: A motorcycle is provided that includes intake system parts connected to a front side of a cylinder of an engine, and exhaust system parts connected to the rear side of the cylinder. The cylinder is inclined rearward, and the intake system parts are disposed forward and upward of the cylinder. A cylinder axial line C of the cylinder passes rearward of the motorcycle with respect to a lowermost portion of a seating face of a seat, as viewed in a side elevation of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidemichi Mori, Kazuhisa Takemoto, Tomio Onosato
  • Patent number: 8413758
    Abstract: The vehicle body frame is configured in a manner that an upper tension pipe is removed from a first cross portion and a second cross portion. When mounting the engine in the vehicle body frame, the vehicle mounted component that is relatively heavy can be lowered into the vehicle body frame from above by removing the upper tension pipe. The vehicle body frame simplifies the removal and installation of the vehicle-mounted components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Shiina, Akihiro Yamashita, Hajime Uchiyama, Tatsuya Shiokawa, Yukinori Kurakawa, Masayuki Hirukawa
  • Patent number: 8413759
    Abstract: An oil-pressure output device (electric pump unit) is arranged on an outer wall face of an automatic transmission which is positioned on an opposite side to an engine (left side of a vehicle). An arrangement position of the oil-pressure output device is out of a movable range of one of the steered driving wheels which is located on the opposite side to the engine (left front wheel). Accordingly, a simpler layout change between a case of attaching the oil-pressure output device to the automatic transmission and another case of not attaching the one can be provided, so that commonality of components or layout of the automatic transmission and its surrounding devices and structures can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Koshiro Saji, Shinsuke Yoshiura, Masako Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8413760
    Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine includes a first shell includes a flexible portion, an intake conduit, and a second shell coupled to the first shell. The intake conduit extends outwardly from the first shell and is configured to be inserted into an exhaust port of an engine. The flexible portion surrounds the intake conduit. Upon attachment to the engine, compression force is stored via elastic deflection of the flexible portion of the first shell, thereby pressing the intake conduit into the exhaust port such that a seal is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Drew, John R. Schneiker
  • Patent number: 8413761
    Abstract: An acoustic structure that includes a honeycomb having cells in which septum caps are located. The septum caps are formed from sheets of flexible material that may be perforated before or after the material is inserted into the honeycomb. The flexible material is sufficiently flexible to allow folding into the shape of a septum cap. The flexible material is also sufficiently stiff to provide frictional engagement and locking of the septum cap to the honeycomb cell when the cap is inserted into the honeycomb during fabrication of the acoustic structure. An adhesive is applied to the septum caps after the caps have been inserted into the honeycomb cells to provide a permanent bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Earl Ayle
  • Patent number: 8413762
    Abstract: Embodiments of thermal-acoustic sections for an aircraft for reducing noise along an acoustic path produced from an acoustic source are provided herein. The thermal-acoustic section comprises a first porous layer having a first characteristic acoustic impedance. A second porous layer is disposed adjacent to the first porous layer and has a second characteristic acoustic impedance that is greater than the first characteristic acoustic impedance. The thermal-acoustic section is configured to be positioned along the acoustic path such that at least a portion of the noise from the acoustic source is directed through the first porous layer to the second porous layer to promote absorption of the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Tongan Wang, John Willett Maxon, Jr., Andrew Foose, David Charles Hornick, Josef Fila
  • Patent number: 8413763
    Abstract: A rescue line apparatus is configured as a horizontal tether for being readily connected between a door and a portion of the door jamb or other entry location and extending a line as the user moves within the structure. The device allows the user to readily locate their way back for egressing the structure, and can be readily disengaged by the user, which activates a braking system that prevents unit “run-away”. A multi-attach anchor head couples the far end of the line to any desired structure, and has a beacon assembly which outputs a light pattern of sufficient brightness to be seen by the user when visually locating their attachment point within the structure. A multi-element visual indicator is configured for indicating line extension distance, and displaying tether line status. Many options promote safety and a fully cooperative environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rescue Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald William Hermann, Andrew Hudson, Caralin Adair
  • Patent number: 8413764
    Abstract: A ladder safety device, systems and methods of arresting falls from ladders are provided. The ladder safety device includes a safety guide that extends along the length of an extension ladder. The length of the guide along the length of the ladder extends and contracts in unison with the extension and retraction of the extension ladder, and a tension is maintained on the guide to maintain a load during use of the ladder for climbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: David A. Cohen, John P. McCarthy, IV
  • Patent number: 8413765
    Abstract: An electronic safety system for an elevator with a controller, which is coupled to a motor for driving an elevator car, a safety controller and a bus by means of which the controller can communicate with bus nodes which receive data from at least one sensor. The controller can communicate with a safety circuit which can be put into an open state by the safety controller, as a result of which the motor is shut off, and the safety circuit has a means which notifies the controller of shut-off of the motor, or shut-off of the motor can be detected by the controller on the basis of the data transmitted from the bus nodes to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: K.A. Schmersal Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christoph Stratmann
  • Patent number: 8413766
    Abstract: A method of allocating calls of a lift installation with at least one lift and at least one car per lift to move passengers in a journey from at least one input floor to at least one destination floor, a system for executing the method and a computer readable memory with instructions for executing the method. The method includes receiving input calls from passengers travelling from an input floor to a destination floor, each call identifying at least one floor as an input floor or a destination floor. A start zone with identified input floors and a destination zone with identified destination floors are determined from the input calls and destination calls. Each identified floor within a corresponding zone is considered using at least one selection criterion and a stopping floor is selected which satisfies the criterion. The car is caused to stop at fewer than all the identified input floors and identified destination floors during the journey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Paul Friedli
  • Patent number: 8413767
    Abstract: There is provided an elevator operation control device in which for an elevator provided with a destination floor reservation device in an elevator hall, disadvantages can be overcome reliably that a user who observes a predetermined riding rule cannot ride on the elevator because of a user who does not observe the riding rule and that the operation efficiency of elevator is lowered. For this purpose, the destination floor reservation device is provided in an elevator hall so that a user registers his/her own destination floor using the destination floor reservation device. Also, when a car stops at the elevator hall, a non-reservation user riding on the car without registering the destination floor using the destination floor reservation device is detected based on the information on the user having registered the destination floor using the destination floor reservation device and the information on the user in the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hidenobu Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8413768
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake structure includes a brake base having a curved guiding portion formed thereon and a slidable holder. The slidable holder has a curved guiding groove defined therein for receiving the brake base. Two anti-lock inclined surfaces are positioned between the curved guiding portion and the curved guiding groove. Each anti-lock surface has a shallow section and a deeper section. Two wheel sets are disposed between the curved guiding portion and the curved guiding groove. A seat member connected to the slidable holder and receives an elastomer. A brake shoe is connected to the slidable holder. Each wheel set rolls and reciprocates between the shallow section and the deeper section of the corresponding anti-lock inclined surface, such that the brake shoe is tightly or loosely rubbed against a wheel rim of the vehicle to provide an anti-lock brake effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Tan-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8413769
    Abstract: A bicycle brake system includes a first arm unit having a first arm and an engaging slot. A second arm unit is located in the engaging slot and has a second arm. The first and second arms each have a brake pad and the two brake pads face the two sides of the wheel rim. A cam unit has a contact piece connected to the second arm unit and a cam member pivotably connected to the first arm unit. The cam member includes a cam portion having a curved surface which is in contact with the contact piece. An operation unit is connected to the second arm unit and includes a cable which is fixed to the guide portion of the cam member. The cam member indirectly contacts the second arm unit so that the second arm unit does not wear out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Hive Global Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Wallace Thrash
  • Patent number: 8413770
    Abstract: Systems and methods for retarding the speed of a railcar are provided. A supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to a piston cylinder to actuate the cylinder and thereby move a brake into a closed position in which the brake will apply a predetermined braking pressure to a wheel of the railcar. An accumulator accumulates fluid from the circuit when the wheel forces the brake out of the closed position and supplies accumulated fluid back to the circuit as the brake moves back into the closed position to thereby maintain a substantially constant braking pressure on the wheel as it moves through the retarder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: AAA Sales & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heyden, Gregory P. Reitz, Kurt J. Penney
  • Patent number: 8413771
    Abstract: A disc brake system for a disc brake having a pair of brake pad backing plates adapted to be movably positioned on opposite sides of a brake disc. A brake pad is attached to each of the backing plates so that the brake pads face the brake disc on opposite sides of the brake disc. At least one of the brake pad backing plates is constructed of a thermally conductive material and includes a portion which extends outwardly from its attached brake pad and includes at least one elongated slot to improve brake cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Teagan
  • Patent number: 8413772
    Abstract: A MagnetoRheological Fluid Elastic (MRFE) lag damper system for adaptive lead-lag damping of helicopter main rotors. Embodiments include snubber dampers especially for hingeless helicopter rotors, and concentric bearing dampers. The snubber lag dampers include a flexible snubber body defining a cavity, a flexible or rigid interior (e.g., center) wall subdividing the cavity, and a flow valve in the interior wall or external to the cavity. The flexible snubber body may comprise elastomeric materials and metal rings stacked together to create a sealed MR fluid cavity. The shear deformation of the snubber body induces MR fluid flow through the valve, controlled by a magnetic field in the valve. An MRFE concentric bearing damper is also disclosed, comprising a pair of concentric tubes with elastomeric material injected and cured in an annular gap between the two tubes, and an MR fluid reservoir with piston-mounted MR valve housed inside the innermost tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Techno-Sciences, Inc., The University of Maryland at College Park
    Inventors: Norman Mark Wereley, Wei Hu, Curt Steven Kothera, Peter Che-Hung Chen, Grum Tamrat Ngatu
  • Patent number: 8413773
    Abstract: A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: MillenWorks
    Inventors: Eric N. Anderfaas, Dean Banks
  • Patent number: 8413774
    Abstract: The flow of hydraulic fluid induced by sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder is controlled by a pilot-type main valve and a pilot valve to generate damping force. The valve opening of the main valve is controlled by adjusting the pressure in a pilot chamber through the pilot valve. A volume compensating chamber is defined by a flexible disk member so as to face the pilot chamber. The volume compensating chamber is communicated with a reservoir through communicating passages. When the disk valve opens, the volumetric capacity of the pilot chamber reduces. At this time, the flexible disk member deflects toward the volume compensating chamber, thereby suppressing an excessive rise in pressure in the pilot chamber and preventing an unstable operation of the pilot valve and the main valve to obtain a stable damping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8413775
    Abstract: A collapsible wheel structure for a luggage box includes a wheel base and a foldable rod. The wheel base is pivotally connected with a wheel. One end of the wheel base is pivotally connected to the foldable rod. The foldable rod is pivotally connected to the wheel base for connecting with the wheel base firmly. When the wheel base and the foldable rod are unlocked, the foldable rod is in a folded status. The collapsible wheel structure is adapted to couple with the bottom of the luggage box. When the foldable rod is in a folded status, the size of the luggage will be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Joy Tong
  • Patent number: 8413776
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bag for use in carrying and separating articles, such as garments (clothing), towels, shoes, and the like and having means for separating clean articles from soiled or dirty articles. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bag has a first chamber for storing clean articles and second chamber for dirty articles and allows for air circulation within the second chamber for hindering or preventing the growth of mold or other odor causing bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Alice Huff
  • Patent number: 8413777
    Abstract: Pairs of variable feed solenoid valves provide fluid to a pair of input clutch actuators and a pair of inlet ports of a first logic valve. The position of the first logic valve spool is controlled by a solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide hydraulic to a first piston which selects two speed ratio. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second logic valve. The position of the second logic valve spool is controlled by fluid from the input clutch circuits. A first pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a second piston which selects two other speed ratios and a second pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a third piston which selects two additional speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Kevin Michael Dougan, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8413778
    Abstract: A one-way clutch comprising an outer race provided with a pocket and having a groove portion formed at an inner diameter side of an axial one end face of the outer race, an inner race arranged coaxially with the outer race, a roller disposed in the pocket and adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race, a cage having a cylindrical portion with a window and a flange portion extending from an axial one end face of the cylindrical portion in an outer diameter direction, a projection provided on the cylindrical portion, a spring disposed in the pocket between the outer race and the roller and adapted to bias the roller toward an engagement direction with respect to the cam surface, and a side plate secured to abut against the axial one end face of the outer race and provided at its inner diameter portion with spline grooves, and wherein the cage is prevented from being rotated relative to the outer race by fitting the projection in the groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuhide Takasu, Shinya Okuma, Tomoharu Ando, Tetsuya Wakamori
  • Patent number: 8413779
    Abstract: A dual clutch arrangement for a dual clutch transmission for motor vehicles has a first and a second friction clutch. The friction clutches have a common input member and in each case one output member. The output member of the first friction clutch is connected to a first shaft. The output member of the second friction clutch is connected to a second shaft which is formed as a hollow shaft concentrically around the first shaft. The first and the second friction clutches are nested radially one inside the other. The input member is mounted radially on the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Kuno Fronius, Jan Hasenkamp, Salvatore Gaggia
  • Patent number: 8413780
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between a flywheel rotatably connected to an engine and a dual clutch transmission. The device includes a first substantially u-shaped member fixed to a perimeter of a dual clutch of the dual clutch transmission. The first substantially u-shaped member defines a slot having an open end. The second substantially u-shaped member is attached to a perimeter of the flywheel. The second substantially u-shaped member includes a support member for supporting an engagement member. The first substantially u-shaped member fits at least partially within the second substantially u-shaped member. The pair of bushings disposed proximate the engagement member between the first and second coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Servet Yildiz, Markus Haehle, James M. Partyka, Robert Neil Paciotti
  • Patent number: 8413781
    Abstract: A positive locking roller stop device includes two parallel disks; one is attached in a fixed position on a shaft while the other is mounted to same shaft via a bearing, allowing for rotation of this disk independent of the rotation of the shaft. One disk has one or more spring arm rollers attached to surface facing the second disk which has either an inclined notch(es) or inclined ramp(s) positioned to face the other disk and spring arm roller. Spacing between the disks allows the spring arm roller to engage the inclined notch(es) in the other disk when rotated in one direction thereby locking the movable disk to shaft while allowing free rotation of movable disk around shaft when rotated in opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick J. Dugas
  • Patent number: 8413782
    Abstract: A clutch can comprise driving clutch plates spline-fitted on an input member, driven clutch plates arranged alternately with the driving clutch plates and spline-fitted on an output member, a clutch piston having one surface facing an oil pressure chamber and another surface facing the clutch plates and adapted to be displaced toward the plates by supplying oil to the oil pressure chamber and to be returned by discharging the oil from the chamber. A valve can pass through the clutch piston and be adapted to be closed for preventing oil from exiting the chamber to the other side of the clutch piston when the clutch is clutched-on and to be opened and allow airflow to the oil pressure chamber when the clutch is clutched-off. One or more weight reduction recesses can be formed on one surface of the clutch piston near the outer circumference further radially outward than the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Amano, Kenji Toda, Tooru Takahashi, Yoshiharu Saitou
  • Patent number: 8413783
    Abstract: A power transmission device that includes a clutch that transmits power from a motor to an axle; a first pump that is driven by power from the motor to generate and output fluid pressure; a second pump that receives and is driven by a supply of electric power to generate and output fluid pressure; a line pressure generating valve that is operated by operation fluid input to an operation input port, and regulates fluid pressure output from the first pump to generate a line pressure for engaging the clutch; and a switching valve that switches between a first connection state and a second connection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazuhiko Kato, Naoyuki Fukaya, Kazunori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8413784
    Abstract: An operating device for a vehicle with an automated transmission and an electrically actuated parking brake system. The device includes a mechanical actuating element for inputting operating commands from the user and a control unit for converting the operating commands into control signals for the transmission and the parking brake system. The actuating element has at least first and second successive stable positions, a neutral position and a return position. In the first stable position, an operating command is generated for the parking brake system to actuate the parking brake device and, in the second stable position, an operating command is generated for the transmission to actuate the parking lock device. The actuating element combines two different actuating elements into an operating device which enables the driver to choose whether, besides activation of the parking brake system, he wishes to additionally engage the parking lock system associated with the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Jorg Meyer, Ludger Rake
  • Patent number: 8413785
    Abstract: A banknote storage includes a memory unit that stores therein number-of-sheets information for banknotes stored in the banknote storage by denomination being a kind of the banknotes and by category being a classification based on a feature amount of the banknotes. Categories represent classifications when the banknotes are classified by their features. In five classifications defined by ECB, the banknote is classified into two depending on whether the banknote is genuine or counterfeit, and the former is called a genuine note and the latter is called a rejected note. The genuine note is further classified into two depending on how the genuine note is damaged, and one of them without any trouble in its usage is called a fit note and the other one with any trouble assumed in its usage because of being largely damaged is called an unfit note.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Hattori, Minoru Nagano
  • Patent number: 8413786
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for use with a vending machine having a cabinet for containing product to be dispensed, and a door for closing the cabinet. The door has a vertical column with two sides and a front face, the front face having openings that permit customer interface devices to be accessed by a customer. A continuous integral panel is secured to the vertical column and extends across a width of the front face and side of the vertical column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: TriTeq Lock and Security LLC
    Inventors: Calin Vasile Roatis, Richard Paeth, Catalin Captarencu, Gary L. Myers
  • Patent number: 8413787
    Abstract: A sweeper sorting apparatus for use with a transport belt includes first and second drive belts and a sweeper. The first and second drive belts are positioned adjacent to first and second ends, respectively, of the transport belt and have upper portions oriented substantially parallel to and below an upper surface of the transport belt. The second end of the transport belt is opposite the first end of the transport belt. The sweeper is coupled at a first end to the first drive belt and at a second end to the second drive belt. The sweeper is positioned above the upper surface of the transport belt. At least one of the first drive belt and the second drive belt is operable to move the sweeper across the upper surface of the transport belt to push an item off the upper surface of the transport belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Brouwer, Jeffrey R. Giegling
  • Patent number: 8413788
    Abstract: A turning mechanism includes a disc-shaped rotatable carriage comprising receptacles spaced around an edge, each receptacle being adapted to receive one of polarized electronic component and including an air channel; a turn channel projecting out of the edge of the carriage, the turn channel being arc and comprising an inlet communicating with one receptacle and including a first sensor, and an outlet communicating with another receptacle and including a second sensor; an auxiliary air passageway proximate to the first sensor and projecting inward out of the turn channel, the auxiliary air passageway communicating with the turn channel and comprising an air outlet; and a polarity detector disposed externally of the carriage and being proximate to the inlet, the polarity detector being adapted to detect polarity of the polarized electronic component proximate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Zhao-Lin Wan
  • Patent number: 8413789
    Abstract: A method for sorting and/or orienting caps using an automated capping line can comprise providing a single cap to a cap-receiving cavity defined in a body of a puck. In various embodiments, the body can be vibrated to settle and/or orient the cap to a properly oriented position within the cap-receiving cavity. In at least one embodiment, the vibrating can include applying horizontal vibration and/or vertical vibration to the body. As a result, the properly oriented caps can be conveyed to a capping machine configured to apply each cap to a cap-receiving portion of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Paul Cassoni, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
  • Patent number: 8413790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronizing, and a transfer device for synchronizing, a movement pattern between two units in a packaging line, wherein one unit is intermittently operated and the second unit is continuously operated. The invention is particularly intended for a transfer device between an intermittently operated filler unit and a continuously operated cartoning machine. The transfer device is provided with a frame (13) arranged to support tube pickers-/placers (28) and is arranged to perform a simultaneous pivoting movement about a first and a second shaft (16, 31), and for rotation about a third shaft (48) at right angles to the second shaft (31). The frame is further provided with means for adjusting the spacing between the tubes and means for compensating for differences in vertical position during the rotating movement in the case where the containers picked from the part circular conveyor of the filling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Norden Machinery AB
    Inventor: Jan Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8413791
    Abstract: Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills and method of using the positioning fence that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. Also provided is a retrofit position fence table and a method of using the retrofit position fence table. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. A track moving device is used to adjust the final locked position of the paddles if the paddles are not locked in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baxley Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Russell Kennedy, Pat Conry