Patents Issued in April 16, 2013
  • Patent number: 8418747
    Abstract: An inoculant feeding method and apparatus in which a desired amount of inoculants can be fed into molten metal poured into a mold by an automatic molten metal pouring machine, and an automatic molten metal pouring machine using the apparatus. An inoculant feeding apparatus (1) feeds inoculants into molten metal poured into a mold (2) from an automatic molten metal pouring machine (20), at a predetermined proportion corresponding to the amount of the poured molten metal which gradually varies. The apparatus (1) is provided with a hopper (8) which is attached to a truck (6) and which stores the inoculants, a screw conveyor (9) attached to a lower end of the hopper, a drive mechanism (10) which is attached to a base end of the screw conveyor and which drives the screw driver, and a controller (30) which controls the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Sintokogio Ltd., Fujiwa Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideto Terada
  • Patent number: 8418748
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of direct chill casting a composite metal ingot. The method involves sequentially casting two or more metal layers to form a composite ingot by supplying streams of molten metal to two or more casting chambers within a casting mold of a direct chill casting apparatus. Inlet temperatures of one or more of the streams of molten metal are monitored at a position adjacent to an inlet of a casting chamber fed with the stream, and the inlet temperatures are compared with a predetermined set temperature for the stream to determine if there is any difference. A casting variable that affects molten metal temperatures entering or within the casting chambers (e.g. casting speed) is then adjusted by an amount based on the difference of the compared temperatures to eliminate adverse casting effects caused by the difference of the inlet temperature and the set temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Aaron David Sinden, Todd F. Bischoff, Eric Ball, Jeff McDermott
  • Patent number: 8418749
    Abstract: A continuous casting device for steel of the present invention includes a casting mold for casting a molten steel, a submerged entry nozzle, an electromagnetic stirring device, and an electromagnetic brake device. Further, a curved portion which is curved toward the electromagnetic stirring device is formed at least at a position where the curved portion faces the submerged entry nozzle, on each of the long side walls. Moreover, the horizontal distance between a top of the curved portion and the submerged entry nozzle in plan view is equal to or more than 35 mm and less than 50 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Toh, Hideaki Yamamura, Kenji Umetsu
  • Patent number: 8418750
    Abstract: A heat exchanger radiating fin structure and a heat exchanger thereof. The radiating fin includes a main body and at least one rib. The main body has a first plane face and at least one lateral side. Multiple depressions are formed on the first plane face. The rib is disposed on a portion of the first plane face, which portion is free from any of the depressions. The rib obliquely extends in a direction neither normal nor parallel to any lateral side of the first plane face. The heat exchanger includes a radiating fin assembly composed of multiple piled up radiating fins. Each two adjacent radiating fins define therebetween a flow way having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. With the depressions and the rib, the structural strength of the radiating fin is increased and the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Hsien Tsai, Li-Dong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8418751
    Abstract: A cooler includes a base layer, a cooling layer including at least one inlet slot and at least one outlet slot for flowing a coolant across a cooling structure including a plurality of staggered fins arranged in rows and columns, wherein fins of adjacent columns are staggered, and at least one manifold layer disposed on the cooling layer for flowing the coolant from a cooler inlet to the at least inlet slot and from the at least one outlet slot to a cooler outlet, the at least one manifold layer having a top layer comprising the cooler inlet and the cooler outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raschid Jose Bezama, Evan George Colgan, John Harold Magerlein
  • Patent number: 8418752
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger with a plurality of separating walls stacked one above the other, which alternatingly define a first and second flow space for a first and second medium, includes at least one turbulence generator being positioned in at least one flow space, which comprises a plate with a number of parallel-running band-like rows of alternating elevations and depressions mutually connected by bridges, where the elevations and depressions of each row are shifted with respect to each immediately adjacent row, and where each row is provided with at least one transition area for the medium to pass to the immediately adjacent row, such that the depressions of each row are flow-connected with the immediately adjacent elevations of at least one immediately adjacent row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Otahal, Josef Hofer
  • Patent number: 8418753
    Abstract: A heat exchange tube is constructed by forming, on a cylindrical tube peripheral wall, a plurality of projecting portions which project to an inside of the tube peripheral wall, and which are formed by pushing. The plurality of projecting portions are formed, respectively, into conical shapes across a tube axis, and are arranged along virtual spirals on the tube peripheral wall. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a heat exchange tube which facilitates formation of a plurality of projecting portions with the thickness hardly changed and without formation of protruded portions, and which is capable of contributing to enhancement of heat exchanging efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Yutaka Giken Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Hirokawa, Tetsuaki Nakayama, Yasuyuki Watanabe, Toshihiro Kondo, Atsumu Naoi, Hideyuki Ushiyama
  • Patent number: 8418754
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique water pump system that is for manual operation, such as when there is a power failure and electrical pump systems are inoperable. When air is delivered into the air input port of the air line conduit, the air pushes water residing in the static chamber and water conduit up through the main water line and into an optional expansion tank for use. An electrical air compressor may be used to deliver the air. The water pump system may be provided in a parallel configuration for continuous operation and also in a stacked series configuration for deep well environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Richard D. Ahern, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8418755
    Abstract: System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Howard, Phillip Mandrell, Marty Stromquist
  • Patent number: 8418756
    Abstract: A well plug having a flexible expandable sealing (330) and a metallic anchor (350) which can be moved radially out or in by rotating a leadscrew (170) in opposite directions. The well plug has a ball valve in a central longitudinal passage, which is kept open whenever the leadscrew (160) rotates. This increases the accuracy when setting the plug, and reduces the risk for the plug moving uncontrolled in the well bore during setting or retrieval. The ball valve can be opened or closed by rotating a transmitting shaft (120, 140) within an angle of free motion, before the leadscrew is pulled along in the rotation. A ball valve for high pressure applications is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: I-TEC AS
    Inventor: Kristoffer Brække
  • Patent number: 8418757
    Abstract: Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can he located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Yefim Vaks
  • Patent number: 8418758
    Abstract: A jarring tool is disclosed. The tool has a segment of sub housing containing an upper stop proximate a first end thereof. An outer latch piece is connected to an upper end of the lower shaft inside the sub housing, and an upper shaft passes through the stop and connects on a first end thereof to an inner latch piece. A cap is on a second end of the upper shaft retaining a washer stack against the upper stop. A retainer is inside the sub housing and has an first piece providing a restraining region and an open region and a second piece attached to the sub housing. The retainer retains the inner and outer latch pieces in a latched position in the restraining region until the latch pieces are displaced toward the second end of the sub housing through the retainer to the open region as a result of a tensile force on the outer latch piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Impact Selector, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason A. Hradecky
  • Patent number: 8418759
    Abstract: Fluorinated polymers having first divalent units represented by formula, and a plurality of groups of formula —CH2—CH2—O—. Compositions containing the fluorinated polymer and solvent, and methods of treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations using these compositions are disclosed. A method of making a composition containing the fluorinated polymer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: George G. I. Moore, Rudolf J. Dams, Jimmie R. Baran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8418760
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments together. A first pump obtains a sample and transmits it through a first conduit to a reservoir accessible by a second pump. The second pump further conducts the sample from the reservoir through a second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventors: David L. Decker, Brad F. Lyles, Richard G. Purcell, Ronald Lee Hershey
  • Patent number: 8418761
    Abstract: A method comprises providing a treatment fluid having a first viscosity comprising an aqueous base fluid; a viscoelastic surfactant; and a stimuli-responsive water-soluble polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment fluid viscosity to change to a second viscosity in response to a stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan van Zanten, Ryan G. Ezell
  • Patent number: 8418762
    Abstract: Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory E. Casey, Angel Hoover, Andrew J. Barden
  • Patent number: 8418763
    Abstract: Cement compositions and methods of their use in subterranean applications include the use of a self-degrading cement composition for use in fluid loss applications. A method includes placing a self-degrading cement composition in at least one fracture of a subterranean formation, the self-degrading cement including a cement composition including an acid-base cement, a particulate filler, and a solid acid precursor. The method includes allowing the self-degrading cement to set in the fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Deen, Donald L. Whitfill
  • Patent number: 8418764
    Abstract: Methods of reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation to aqueous-based fluids using a water-soluble relative permeability modifier that comprises a reaction product of a hydrophilic compound and a hydrophilic polymer. In some methods the hydrophilic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of: a polyacrylamide, a polyvinylamine, a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol), an alkyl acrylate polymer, and a combination thereof. In other methods the hydrophilic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of: a polyvinylamine; a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol); a cellulose; a chitosan; a polyamide; a polyetheramine; a polyethyleneimine; a polyhydroxyetheramine; a polylysine; a polysulfone; a gum; a starch, and a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Bradley L. Todd, David W. Ritter, Larry S. Eoff
  • Patent number: 8418765
    Abstract: A combined piloting method of remote operated underwater vehicles includes: connecting, to a vertical profile, a constraint device including at least two arms arranged at a reciprocal fixed angular position, each of the at least two docking arms including at a first end a device for the hooking of a remote operated underwater vehicle, the at least two docking arms being constrained at one of their second ends to a device for the sliding and rotating hooking to the vertical profile; connecting at least two remote operated vehicles to the constraint device; detecting the position of the overall structure consisting of the constraint device and remote operated vehicles; detecting the orientation of each of the remote operated vehicles; receiving data relating to the position and orientation to be reached; determining the power required by each remote operated vehicle; and transmitting related commands to each vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Ferrara, Michele Filippini, Roberto Finotello, Tiberio Grasso
  • Patent number: 8418766
    Abstract: An underwater connection installation (26) and a laying method for connecting a riser and a flexible pipe (22) that are intended for carrying hydrocarbons. A post (28) is attached to a float (20) to suspend the riser (12) below the surface. The post (28) supports a gooseneck shape pipe (54) that has a bent-over outlet free end (58) ending in a first coupling (60). A coupling end piece (32) mounted on the flexible pipe (22) includes a second coupling (86). The coupling end piece (32) and the post (28) define mechanical guides including complementary frustoconical rings (64, 84). The driving of the coupling end piece (32) and of the bent-over free end (58) toward each other causes the frustoconical rings (64, 84) to engage one another to bring about coaxial alignment of the couplings (60, 86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Ange Luppi
  • Patent number: 8418767
    Abstract: The present invention is a blowout preventer including a large frustoconical funnel. The large end of the funnel is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or gas or other fluid) is blowing out. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. Air is pumped under high pressure through the high pressure pipe, separating the oil and forcing the oil, that is not kept down in the well pipe by the pressure, up through the return pipe. The funnel can be moved into alignment with the well pipe using jets. There are sensing devices on moveable arms. A stopper is forced into the well pipe. There are one-way valves in the stopper. There are stacked turbines in the return pipe. There is a gasket with pivoting overlapping plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Milanovich Investments, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Philip John Milanovich
  • Patent number: 8418768
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method provided to selectively produce petroleum fluid from multiple production zones well. The apparatus comprises a casing running downwardly into the well and a tubing string running in the casing. The upper and lower sealing mechanisms are provided for sealing the annular space between the casing and the tubing string, therefore, dividing the well into upper and lower production zones. Moreover, the invention comprises a bypass gaslift system provided with a tubular member, tubing string, connecting means and side pocket mandrels for injecting lifting gas into the multiple production zones well. The system and apparatus according to this invention can selectively operate to simultaneously or separately produce petroleum fluid from vertical apart multiple zones well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Somchai Manopinives, Pramote Phloi-montri, Suraphong Iamchula, Kanit Sangwongwanich, Pairoj Rangponsumrit, Suwan Umnuayponwiwat, Thamarat Pairintra, Pattana Pittrapan, Suwin Sompopsart, Wararit Toempromraj, Kittithuch Hnuruang, Nithipoom Durongwattana, Amnuay Prayadsup, Potchara Promwikorn, Thanawee Kreethapon, Chatchai Kongdachudomkul
  • Patent number: 8418769
    Abstract: A tubular actuator includes, a tubular, a support member disposed at the tubular, and a restrictor configured to pass a runnable member when unsupported by the support member and to prevent passage of the runnable member when supported by the support member. The restrictor is movable relative to the support member from an unsupported position to a supported position in response to pressure applied against the runnable member engaged with the restrictor according to a pressure versus time profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Fay, Darin H. Duphorne
  • Patent number: 8418770
    Abstract: A valve system has a main valve that is adjustable for output flow and pressure. The system also includes an output flow transducer, an output pressure transducer, and a fluid depth transducer. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the valve, the output flow transducer, the output pressure transducer, and the fluid depth transducer. The microcontroller operates the valve to selectively control the output flow, the output pressure, and the fluid depth according to inputs received from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: OCV Control Valves
    Inventor: Paul T. Pettit
  • Patent number: 8418771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal line from a bottom hole assembly. The internal line may not have strength sufficient to permit the application of a tension force at the surface to disconnect the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may include a ball seat adapted to retain a ball permitting the application of a pressure differential above and below the ball seat. An anchor assembly connected to the internal line may be adapted to disconnect from the bottom hole assembly upon the application of predetermined pressure differential. A predetermined pressure differential may be used to shear a portion of the internal line releasing an upper portion of the internal line from the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Manfred Sach
  • Patent number: 8418772
    Abstract: This mandrel (10) comprises a body (16; 22) and a radially expandable annular sealing element (18) which comprises a centring arrangement (46) and a closure arrangement (44) which can be deployed radially between a contracted configuration and a dilated configuration. It further comprises an anchoring element (20) which is positioned at a longitudinal distance from the sealing element (18) and is radially expandable between a retracted state and a deployed state. The mandrel (10) comprises sequencing means (24) which are capable of radially deploying the closure arrangement (44) after the anchoring element (20) and the centring arrangement (46). In an at least partly deployed configuration, the centring arrangement (46) defines at least one axial passage (64) which extends through the annular sealing element (18). The closure arrangement (44) closes the or each axial passage (64) as it is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Geoservices Equipements
    Inventors: François Millet, Pierre-Arnaud Foucher, Paul Helderle
  • Patent number: 8418773
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for remotely controlling the operation of a fire-fighting device coupled to a pump and a valve. The system may comprise a base component and a remote component. The base component comprises a transceiver operable to control operation of the fire-fighting device. The remote component comprises a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the base component and is positioned near a discharge end of a hose coupled to the fire-fighting device wherein an input end of the hose coupled to the fire-fighting device. The remote component also includes an input device for receiving input from a user and is configured to wirelessly communicate the received input to the base component. The base component is configured to control at least one of the pump and the valve based on the received input communicated to the fire-fighting device subject to a set of rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Cerrano
  • Patent number: 8418774
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a casing, preferably an electronics casing, consisting of an extinguishing agent container, in which the extinguishing agent is stored, and a control device for the flow of extinguishing agent is provided, wherein a preferably cuboid extinguishing agent container (2) forms together with the devices (5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 32) required for storing and monitoring the loss of extinguishing agent, for controlling the flow of extinguishing agent from the container and for connecting a discharge device for the extinguishing agent, a complex structural component (24, 28), and wherein the devices (5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 32) are fastened at or integrated in the extinguishing agent container (2) in such a manner that this may be transported, installed or arranged in the casing (18) as a compact structural component (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Gensel, Wolfgang Habitzl, André Lickefett
  • Patent number: 8418775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a powder spreader device including a sealed tank (1) with a tapered bottom wall (5), a vessel (2) containing a pressurised spray gas connected to the tank (1) via a feed line (27), control means (20) connected to the vessel (1), and a powder dispensing nozzle (10) connected to the tank, wherein the elongate nozzle (10) includes at least two pressure relief stages (11, 12) for breaking up the dispensed powder jet and forming a uniform and homogenous jet with a relatively low flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Prevor International
    Inventors: Joel Blomet, Patrick Beriou
  • Patent number: 8418776
    Abstract: A control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links (14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: AGCO SA
    Inventor: Jacques Pirotais
  • Patent number: 8418777
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a traction structure and a tool beam rearward of the traction structure. First and second wheeled support structures support the tool beam at opposite respective ends of the tool beam. First and second linkages each have a forward portion connected to the traction structure and rearward portions connected to the first and second support structures respectively. An actuator is effective between the traction structure and the first linkage for selectively adjusting an angular position of the first linkage relative to the longitudinal axis of the traction structure. The tool beam provides a force transmitting connection between the rearward portions of the first and second linkages whereby angular movement of the first linkage relative to the traction structure is accompanied by angular movement of the second linkage relative to the traction structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GK Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Grossen
  • Patent number: 8418778
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for operating a power tool. The method includes: monitoring rotational motion of the power tool about an axis using a rotational motion sensor disposed in the power tool; determining a direction of the rotational motion about the axis; and driving the output member in a direction defined by the detected rotational motion of the tool, where the output member is driven by a motor residing in the power tool. Thus, the output member is drive clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is clockwise about the axis and the output member is drive counter-clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is counter-clockwise about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Eshleman, Craig Schell, Andrew E. Seman, Daniel Puzio, Daniele C. Brotto, Joseph P. Kelleher, Christopher W. Shook, Steven J. Phillips, Dale W. Boswall, James B. Watson, Fugen Qin
  • Patent number: 8418779
    Abstract: A rotary power tool having a tool housing, an internal housing within the tool housing, and a switch assembly that is substantially within the tool housing. According to the invention, the switch assembly is supported by the internal housing and is movable between at least two positions for selecting between at least two tool operational modes. The internal housing is embodied by at least one blocking element that extends towards the tool housing and limits the overall range of motion of the switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Chi Hoe Leong, Siew Yuen Lee, Chun Chee Loh
  • Patent number: 8418780
    Abstract: A power tool having a cooling system, comprises: a motor housing 11 having a main chamber 14 accommodating a tool motor 12; a handle 15 for holding the power tool and having a cooling passage 16 for the transfer of cooling fluid, at least one inlet 18 leading to the cooling passage and at least one outlet 13 leading away from the cooling passage 18 , and a power tool component 21 which generates heat disposed in thermal contact with the cooling passage 16 between the inlet 18 and the outlet 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: James Ching Sik Lau, Yuen Tung Louie
  • Patent number: 8418781
    Abstract: A pneumatic impact device and method provide a high powered striking force against a target object. The device includes a core shell that houses a piston sub-assembly and a sear arm sub-assembly, and that further defines a forward gas chamber and a rearward gas chamber. The rearward gas chamber is loaded with compressed fluid via a handle actuator. A mostly external sear trigger assembly responds to the impact of a striker plate against the target object, thereby releasing a sear arm that then releases a piston, which is then accelerated forward by the compressed fluid charge. The device can be re-set manually via compressed fluid (e.g., air) in one embodiment, or automatically via a spring mechanism in another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rapid Entry Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Scott E. Chambers, Rick Rahim
  • Patent number: 8418782
    Abstract: A method to guide a drilling path of a second well in proximity to a first well including: applying a time-varying electrical current to a conductive casing or liner of the first well; from the drilling path of the second well, sensing an electromagnetic field generated by the current in the first well, and guiding the drilling path trajectory of the second well using the sensed electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Waters, Edwin Meador
  • Patent number: 8418783
    Abstract: A boom arrangement (7) for a rock drill rig (5) including a feed beam unit (8) for displaceable reception of at least one rock drilling machine (10, 10?), a support unit (13) for connection to and support of a rotator unit (12), a boom unit (11) between the rotator unit (12) and the feed beam unit (8) for displacement of the feed beam unit in planes essentially at right angle to a main plane (P) for the support unit (13), wherein the rotator unit (12) is arranged for rotating the feed beam unit (8) around an axis (A), which is essentially-perpendicular to said main plane (P), wherein the support unit (13) is connectable to a vehicle unit being part of the rock drill rig (5), and being arranged for displacing the rock drill rig. The support unit (13) has joint connecting elements (14) being sidewardly connectable for connection to a sidewardly directed carrier device (15, 17) which is attachable to the vehicle unit, and a lower abutment side (16) for lying supporting against an outer substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Saf, Martin Ekefalk, Sven-Olov Nyström
  • Patent number: 8418784
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a drilling assembly comprises a head located on a rotational axis of the assembly and comprises at least one head element. At least one blade extends distally from the head. A plurality of blade degradation elements are rotationally supported on the blade. Each degradation element comprises an attack angle that affects the penetration rate of each degradation element and a laterally offset angle that primarily affects the rotational rate of each degradation element within their holders. The drilling assembly comprises a central cutting region. The blade degradation elements within the central cutting region form an attack angle of 15 to 20 degrees with the rotational axis of the drilling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Thomas Morris
  • Patent number: 8418785
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations, the bit comprising: a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face including a cone region, a shoulder region, and a gage region; a first primary blade extending radially along the bit face from the cone region to the gage region; a plurality of cutter elements mounted to the first primary blade, wherein a first of the plurality of cutter elements has a planar cutting face and a second of the plurality of cutter elements has a convex cutting face; and wherein each cutting face is forward-facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G Azar
  • Patent number: 8418786
    Abstract: A selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair has a bifurcated articulating base of free-wheeling casters at each of the corners thereof, with motor driven wheels on a transaxle interposed therebetween. Articulation of the bifurcated base causes deployment and retraction of the drive wheels to allow use of the stretcher chair in both a manual and power-driven mode, while ensuring stability in both. A u-shaped positionable bar is pivotally connected to a back of the stretcher chair and maintains a control box within a tight range of positions as the chair of the stretcher chair assembly translates between upright and horizontal positions. The back of the stretcher chair is of a radiolucent material, accommodating medical procedures in the stretcher chair in a broad range of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: TransMotion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Clapp, Richard E. Cole, Jr., Zackary D. McKee, Robert E. Herchick, Michael E. Maske
  • Patent number: 8418787
    Abstract: The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Abdelhafid Bouhraoua, Nehar Merah, Jaseem Al-Muaybid, Abduljabar Al Sayoud, Ayman Al-Darweesh, Jawad J. Al-Dawoud
  • Patent number: 8418788
    Abstract: A vehicle 1000 is equipped with a fuel cell system 100 and a secondary battery as power sources. A water level of water present on a water-covered road surface is measured by a water level sensor 72. When the measured water level reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value, drive control of the vehicle 1000 stops power generation by a fuel cell stack 10, closes a discharge valve 62, and enables the vehicle 1000 to be driven with output power of a motor that is actuated with electric power from the secondary battery. This arrangement effectively prevents a damage or failure of the fuel cells mounted on the vehicle moving on the water-covered road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Jufuku, Hiroshi Arisawa, Junji Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 8418789
    Abstract: A fan motor is controlled via a switching circuit from the moment when a cooling fan control routine is started until the moment when the rotational speed of the fan motor reaches a control-switching speed so that the higher the detected auxiliary battery voltage is when the cooling fan control is started, the lower the command duty ratio that is set. Accordingly, it is possible to activate the fan motor more reliably and to avoid generating excessive operating noise by the cooling fan when the fan motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kimihito Nakamura, Yoshiaki Kikuchi, Masahito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8418790
    Abstract: An air flow system is disclosed. The system is for use with a vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a heat exchanger, a cover, and a compartment baffle separating an engine compartment from a cooling compartment. The system includes a side air intake including a side air intake baffle. The side air intake baffle configured to inhibit air heated by the engine from mixing with ambient air used with the heat exchanger. In another embodiment, the system includes a side air duct. The side air duct includes a side air duct, wherein the side air duct tubing is at least partially located within the engine compartment. The side air duct tubing is configured to inhibit air heated by the engine from mixing with ambient air used with the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bradley Dauderman, Erich Vierkant
  • Patent number: 8418791
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a duct structure configured to take in air from outside; an air cleaner including an air filter configured to clean the air guided to the air cleaner through the duct structure; a throttle device including a throttle valve for controlling a flow rate of the air guided to the throttle device through the air cleaner; and an engine including an intake port configured to suction the air guided to the engine through the throttle device; the duct structure including: a main inlet configured to take in air therethrough from outside by utilizing a ram pressure; a main passage extending from the main inlet to the air filter; a sub-inlet configured to take in air therethrough from outside; and a joint section located upstream of the air filter, the air flowing from the sub-inlet being joined to the air in the main passage, at the joint section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Matsuda, Yuto Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8418792
    Abstract: Quick-release skis couple to the front wheels of an ATV or other wheeled vehicle, to permit the ATV to travel over snow. The rear ATV wheels may be left unaltered, or more commonly, tracks may be substituted for the rear wheels. The ski coupling includes a drive-on runner and coupling having in one embodiment width-adjustable side walls, an over-center clamp, and a lock for securing the over-center clamp. In a second embodiment, a pivotal tire cage allows the ATV tire to be driven onto the ski, but simply by forward travel of the tire pivots to constrain the tire thereon. A strap then binds the tire and cage to ensure the tire stays in place on the ski. In a third embodiment, an ATV track is converted to a runner by the application and tensioning of a ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory A. Rivard
  • Patent number: 8418793
    Abstract: A motorcycle that can facilitate identification of and taking in and out of an article stored below a rear seat includes a storage box that is mounted to a body frame. The front portion of the storage box is covered by a front seat. The rear portion of the storage box is covered by the rear seat and the rear seat is surrounded by the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler has an opening portion that is almost-rectangular as viewed from above. When the rear seat is removed, an article can be put in and taken out from the storage box through the opening portion. A first seal member is attached to the bottom plate of the rear seat, and is pressed against the circumferential edge portion of the opening portion to thereby seal between the rear seat and the rear spoiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Yano, Mamoru Ito, Sadamichi Enjo, Fujio Nakamura, Naoki Okada
  • Patent number: 8418794
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a canister that is arranged to be warmed up during an operation of an engine and is arranged to be cooled down during a stop of the engine. In the straddle-type vehicle, a fuel tank is arranged over an engine, at least a portion of a carburetor that constitutes a throttle body is arranged below the fuel tank and behind a cylinder and a cylinder head, and at least a portion of a canister is arranged between the fuel tank and the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Shibata, Takeshi Okada, Takayuki Oishi, Makio Koike
  • Patent number: 8418795
    Abstract: In a saddle-ride electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor generating power for rotatively driving a rear wheel, a main battery supplying electric power to the electric motor is disposed in a first space S1 that is surrounded by a down frame connected to a head pipe or a front end portion of a main frame and extending downward, a pivot frame connected to the rear end portion of the main frame and extending downward, and the main frame, and a sub-battery that can supply electric power to the electric motor instead of the main battery is disposed in a second space S2 surrounded by seat rails connected to the rear portion of the main frame to support an occupant seat and the main frame. The electric motor is disposed at a position different from the first and second spaces S1 and S2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiki Sasage, Masahiko Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8418796
    Abstract: A breathalyzer masking device for concealment of vehicle installed breathalyzer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Alethea Veronica Flores