Patents Issued in April 16, 2013
  • Patent number: 8418947
    Abstract: A paper shredding mechanism has two rows of shredding units rotating in opposite directions. Each unit has a flat body, with a periphery and left and right sides, and at least one piercer projecting from the periphery for piercing and cutting a paper sheet fed between the two rows. The piercer cuts in a first direction, transverse to the paper feeding direction, and has a shearing edge on each of the left and right sides, alongside the periphery. The piercer has a cutting edge which extends across the left and right sides of the body. The shearing edge of each of the units bears laterally against the shearing edge of an adjacent unit. The two shearing edges together act as shears, cutting the paper sheet in a second direction, parallel to the feeding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Kwok Ki Chan
  • Patent number: 8418948
    Abstract: A flexible fluid storage system for holding large volumes of fluid and a process and apparatus for the handling and transportation of the flexible storage system is provided. The flexible storage system includes a main storage bag with an attachment apron with fingers, a ground sheet, a lay flat tube for fluid circulation, a pressure release port, and fill/drain ports. The flexible storage system is configured for attachment to a trailer and reel system such that the flexible storage system can be mechanically rolled onto or off of a reel on a semi-truck trailer bed for easy transportation, deployment, and storage of the flexible storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rock Solid Rentals Ltd
    Inventors: Randy Martin, Ryan Martin, Denis Martin, Vern Howrish, Bruce Lyon, Eric Schmelzl, Gord McIntosh, Nathan Zacharias, John Garden
  • Patent number: 8418949
    Abstract: In a web winding method for winding a plurality of cut webs in rolls while pressure is applied thereto from rider rollers, among a web grouping, which is constructed by aligning the plurality of webs in a sideways direction, two or more first divided rider rollers are disposed in a widthwise direction with respect to left end and right end webs, and together therewith, individual second divided rider rollers are disposed with respect to webs apart from the left end web and the right end web, and the plurality of webs are wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Norihiro Kadota
  • Patent number: 8418950
    Abstract: A paper dispenser contains a receiving compartment for a dispenser roll, a transport path leading from above into the receiving compartment, a hold position for a spare roll being defined in the transport path by a blocking device, and a transfer device for the paper of the spare roll once the paper of the dispenser roll is used up. The width of the receiving compartment is smaller than the diameter of the spare roll, and a sensor element for the diameter of the spare roll releases the blocking device not before the diameter of the spare roll has been reduced to the width of the receiving compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 8418951
    Abstract: A spool for winding metallic wire, comprising a tubular body for supporting the coil of wire that is provided, at ends thereof, with wall elements, each wall element comprising a flat flange with a stiffening fold at the outer edge, jointly connected by welding to the corresponding end of the tubular body, and a flat complementary flange, seamed by spot welding to the outer surface of the flange, at least one pawl being jointly connected to the complementary flange of at least one wall element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sodetal SAS
    Inventor: Luca Ruggenenti
  • Patent number: 8418952
    Abstract: An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: LTA Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre Balaskovic
  • Patent number: 8418953
    Abstract: A nacelle for a gas turbine engine has an intake at the upstream end of the nacelle and an exhaust at the downstream end of the nacelle. The intake has, an intake lip and a diffuser. The diffuser has a main diffuser section and an optional shorter straight wall diffuser section. The main diffuser section is bounded by an inner wall of the nacelle, the inner wall curving in the airflow direction of the engine. On each longitudinal section containing the engine axis, at the downstream end of the main diffuser section the inner wall has a non zero curvature. Thus each circumferential position on the inner wall at the downstream end of the main diffuser section has a curvature defined by a respective radius of curvature. However, one or more of the radii of curvature differ from the others of the radii of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Angus Roy Smith, Dimitris Arzoglou
  • Patent number: 8418954
    Abstract: An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a wing; a spoiler pivotally attached to the wing; and a spoiler deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism comprises a scissor linkage mechanism comprising an upper link pivotally attached to the spoiler at an upper pivot, and a lower link pivotally attached to the wing at a lower pivot and to the upper link at a central pivot. An actuator is pivotally attached to the wing at a proximal pivot and to the scissor linkage mechanism at a distal pivot. The actuator is adjustable between expanded and contracted configurations so as to vary the distance between the proximal and distal pivots. This opens up the angle between the upper and lower links of the scissor linkage mechanism and pushes the spoiler up into the air-stream above the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Damian Allen
  • Patent number: 8418955
    Abstract: An actuation system includes: two hydraulic actuators, each being coupled to a load-bearing structural component and to an elevator, and displaceable relative to the load-bearing structural component for the operation of the elevator; a first control valve device to control the first actuator; a second control valve device to control the second actuator; a control and monitoring unit that determines and transmits appropriate command signals to the control valve devices to execute appropriate control movements for the operation of the actuators; a locking device coupled to the first actuator to secure the first actuator a locked state, which is hydraulically connected with the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system via an hydraulic OR-circuit, where in normal operation the locking mechanism is in its unlocked state, and in the event of a failure of both hydraulic systems the locking mechanism secures the first actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Recksiek, Thomas Epple
  • Patent number: 8418956
    Abstract: When a loss or degradation in the function of one of a first aircraft central hydraulic power source and a second aircraft central hydraulic power source occurs, a controller performs a control so as to operate the other backup hydraulic pump, out of a first backup hydraulic pump and a second backup hydraulic pump, which is connected downstream of the other hydraulic power source, which is the other of the first and second aircraft central hydraulic power sources. Oil flowing through the other backup hydraulic pump is cooled by an oil cooler of the other hydraulic power source by operation of the other backup hydraulic pump in a state where the other hydraulic power source is being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Fukui
  • Patent number: 8418957
    Abstract: A crash attenuation system for an aircraft, the system having an airbag carried by the aircraft and inflatable generally adjacent an exterior of the aircraft. The airbag has at least one vent for releasing gas from the interior of the airbag. A gas source is in fluid communication with the interior of the airbag for inflating the airbag with gas generated provided by the gas source. A vent valve is provided for controlling a flow of gas through each vent, each vent valve being selectively configurable between an open state, in which gas can pass through the associated vent from the interior of the airbag, and a closed state, in which gas is retained within the interior of the airbag. The gas source is provided for at least partially re-inflating the airbag after venting of gas through the at least one vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Cheng-Ho Tho, Somen Chowdhury
  • Patent number: 8418958
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an aircraft landing gear system has a hydraulic pressure source connected to a hydraulic fluid pressure transmission line, and at least one hydraulic actuator for extending and/or retracting a landing gear. A supply valve and a direction valve are arranged in series along the hydraulic fluid pressure transmission line. The supply valve and direction valve are adjustable to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to the at least one hydraulic actuator. The control system also controls uplock actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Royston Alan Evans
  • Patent number: 8418959
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a spherical locking portion for landing on an unmanned ground vehicle is disclosed. The spherical locking portion can be the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Further, an unmanned ground vehicle for landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising a landing portion configured to have some of a spherical locking portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle inserted therein is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Pusan National University Industry—University Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Beom-Soo Kang, Woo-Jin Song, Tae-Wan Ku, Young-Seop Byun
  • Patent number: 8418960
    Abstract: A rib bay platform for use in an aircraft rib bay, is adjustable in length (for example it comprises two telescopically mounted sections. The platform comprises a first end configured for mounting on a stringer of the rib bay (for example by an interference fit), and a second end configured for mounting on another stringer of the rib bay (for example on feet mounted on ball-and-socket joints). A method of operating in an aircraft rib bay comprises the steps of providing a rib bay platform of adjustable length; adjusting the length of the platform; mounting the platform between the two stringers; whereby a person may then operate inside the aircraft rib bay while being supported on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: John Moore, Thomas Williams
  • Patent number: 8418961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting a door which is pivotably received in a fuselage airframe of an aircraft, with a counter bearing arranged in the region of a doorframe and a thrust bearing located opposite in the region of the door. According to the invention, the counter bearing has a planar counter bearing surface and the thrust bearing has a mounting in which a planar thrust bearing surface which can tilt about at least one spatial axis is received, the counter bearing surface lying against the thrust bearing surface at least in some regions when the door is closed. Because of the thrust bearing surface which can be tilted in at least one spatial direction, the counter bearing always lies against the thrust bearing over the entire surface areas thereof, irrespective of any manufacturing tolerance deviations between the doorframe and the door or the bearing on the fuselage airframe, in such a way that optimal force transfer is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Gastao De Freitas, Martin Sternad
  • Patent number: 8418962
    Abstract: Composite panels used in aircraft are formed by a sandwich including a lightweight honeycomb core reinforced by a solid plank in medial regions of the panel. The plank is bonded to the honeycomb and forms an integral part of the core where a strut is attached to the panel. The plank distributes point loads imposed on the panel by the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc. J. Piehl, Douglas A. Frisch, Kirk B. Kajita
  • Patent number: 8418963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aircraft load frame (1) made of a composite material, characterized in that it comprises two side elements (2, 3) and a base element (7), the side elements (2, 3) being joined at the inner part of the frame (1) by means of the base element (7) and each of the side elements (2, 3) comprising a leg (4) joining the frame (1) to the aircraft fuselage skin, a web (5) and a lower flange (6) joining the web (5) and the base element (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.L.
    Inventors: Elena Arévalo Rodríguez, Cesar Bautista De La Llave, Cristina Ortega Juaristi
  • Patent number: 8418964
    Abstract: A fuel supply installation for a turbojet including two volumetric pumps for combining their flow rates is disclosed. The pumps include a main pump dimensioned for the full gas rate and an auxiliary pump controlled and dimensioned to provide the supplementary flow rate necessary on ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Pascal LeBlanc, José Roland Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8418965
    Abstract: A mounting set for use in mounting an external stores to a mounting station of an aerospace vehicle includes a mounting bracket arrangement and a strap arrangement. The bracket arrangement is configured for selective reversible engagement with respect to the mounting station and for cooperating with the strap arrangement. The strap arrangement is configured for securing the bracket arrangement to the stores in load bearing abutment therewith to enable transfer of loads between the stores and the mounting station via said bracket arrangement, in operation of said mounting set. A mounting system is also provided for mounting an external stores to an aerospace vehicle having two or more mounting stations, including a mounting set for each mounting station. Mounting methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Israel Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 8418966
    Abstract: An edge mo?hing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with a rib element arranged to overlie the edge of the airfoil. The rib element has first and second rib portions arranged to communicate with respectively associated ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the airfoil. A first compliant linkage element has first and second ends and is disposed between the first and second rib portions of the rib element, the first and second ends are each coupled to the interior of a respectively associated one of the first and second rib portions. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of a selectable one of the first and second rib portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: FlexSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel A. Hetrick, Sridhar Kota, Gregory F. Ervin
  • Patent number: 8418967
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present airfoil structural insert comprise an airfoil structural insert frame, a skin surface disposed about the airfoil structural insert frame, at least one attachment point operable for coupling to an aerodynamic structure, a leading edge disposed on one end of the airfoil structural insert frame, a trailing edge disposed on an opposite end of the airfoil structural insert frame, and at least one structural element configured to support the skin surface, wherein said structural element undergoes at least one nonlinear shape change from a first shape to a deflected shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Douglas Hemmelgarn, Bryan Michael Pelley
  • Patent number: 8418968
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure having a first side, a second side substantially opposite to the first side, a flexible skin, and a plurality of deformable assemblies. The flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure. The plurality of deformable assemblies is moveably connected to the structure, in which each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a vertex and a base. The each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a height that is capable of changing to change a shape of the structure and a shape of the flexible skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Robert Erik Grip
  • Patent number: 8418969
    Abstract: A sector gear split into sections for secure engagement around a tripper shaft, allowing the gear to be replaced in less time, by a smaller crew, and with fewer tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony Schena, Michael Mason
  • Patent number: 8418970
    Abstract: A swing nose crossing has the swing nose housed in an insert component which itself is mounted within the wing rails of the swing nose crossing. The cradle provides the lateral faces against which the swing nose abuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corp
    Inventor: Andrew Raymond Foan
  • Patent number: 8418971
    Abstract: A utensil holding kit includes a utensil tabletop holder having a body that includes an angled surface having and a concave portion into which a protrusion disc can be inserted, and a detachable protrusion disc configured to mate with the underside of a utensil in order to prevent the utensil endpoint from making contact with foreign objects and surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Jamie Lynn Rayko, Gerald Wesley Rayko
  • Patent number: 8418972
    Abstract: An attachment device includes: an attachment attachable to a rack; and a bracket attachable to a switch device and engageable with the attachment, and including a hold portion for holding a cable, wherein the attachment attached to the rack is engaged with the bracket attached to the switch device, whereby the switch device is supported by the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Koji Iizuka, Akio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8418973
    Abstract: A tripod head comprises a tripod mounting component, an angle adjusting component, and a camera mounting component. The angle adjusting component is configured to allow adjustment and locking of the angle between the tripod mounting component and the camera mounting component about first and second perpendicular axes. The camera mounting component is rotatably mounted to the angle adjusting component to allow the camera mounting component to be rotated and locked with respect to the angle adjusting component about a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mamiya America Corporation
    Inventors: Hao Liu, Robert M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8418974
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a piece of equipment, such as a power distribution unit to a rack. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket attached to the rack, a mounting plate attached to the equipment and a hinge assembly connecting the mounting plate to the first end of the mounting bracket while an attachment mechanism connects the mounting plate to the mounting bracket. A method of accessing the interior of the rack is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chris F Felcman, Gary S. Landrum, Brandon W Fears, Wolfram A Rudiger
  • Patent number: 8418975
    Abstract: A bracket assembly is disclosed which includes an integrated first and second “L” shaped bracket for attachment to a window molding. The first bracket includes a substantially horizontal mounting plate and orthogonally disposed side member. A plurality of mounting pins are integrally disposed on the first bracket horizontal mounting plate for engagement into the top of a window molding. One side of the orthogonally disposed side member rests against the side of the molding. The opposite side of the orthogonally disposed side member includes a second “L” shaped bracket attached thereto having an outward projecting support bar for engagement of one end of a curtain rod. The second “L” shaped bracket further includes a rear brace flush with the mounting surface wall, orthoganally disposed in relation to the support bar, and affixed at its side edge to the opposite side of the first bracket orthogonally disposed side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas M. Burr
  • Patent number: 8418976
    Abstract: One or more mounting members are slidably mounted along the strap by threading the strap through a plurality of slits, typically a pair, in each mounting member. The mounting members can be flexible or inflexible, and formed from a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics or a composite material. Each mounting member can additionally include one or more wings, typically a pair, which allows the user to easily slide the mounting member along the strap. A user can grasp a wing to lift an edge of the mounting member away from the strap and then insert one or more sheets between the mounting member and the strap. Once the user releases the wing, the mounting member is urged toward the strap, creating sufficient pressure to hold the inserted sheet in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Nazar Said Shahkaram
  • Patent number: 8418977
    Abstract: Provided herein is an item holder assembly that includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the assembly to an object such as a laptop computer, an item support or holder, and a member for connecting the attachment mechanism to the item holder or support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Rod S. Berman, Rhiannon Aarons
  • Patent number: 8418978
    Abstract: A pole-mountable electronic chassis for mounting on an equipment support pole, including at least one enclosure for electronic circuitry and at least one passage completely through the enclosure sized, shaped, and arranged for receiving the pole. A passage web surrounds the passage and may optionally provide thermal conductivity or circuit support functions. A coupling is provided for fixing the enclosure in place. The coupling may be a low-profile coupling. The enclosure may be sized and shaped to also fit in industry-standard electronics racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Sound LP
    Inventor: Steven William Young
  • Patent number: 8418979
    Abstract: A rigging device includes a fixture having opposed first and second ends, opposed upper and lower faces, and a bracket extending away from the upper face of the fixture between the opposed first and second ends of the fixture to engage a hoist line of a crane. A support is mounted to the fixture proximate each of the opposed first and second ends on either side of the bracket extending away from the lower face of the fixture terminating with an engaging element movable between a disengaging position and an engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Swisher
  • Patent number: 8418980
    Abstract: A suspending unit and a medium holding member used therefor, which suspending unit enables the installation and removal operations of information displaying medium to be easily carried out even when the suspending unit is placed on a base such as an unreachable ceiling or wall, and can also firmly hold the information displaying medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Wayo Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wakura
  • Patent number: 8418981
    Abstract: Mechanisms, devices, apparatus, systems and methods of installing ceiling fan motor housings to ceiling mounted plates without using loose fasteners such as screws, and the like. A plate having a plurality of slots about the perimeter can be pre-mounted to a ceiling. A motor housing having clips on interior perimeter edges of the base can be positioned so that the clips are inserted into the slots. Next, the motor housing can be twisted clockwise until the clips lock to the slots allowing the ceiling fan motor to be hung without any loose fasteners. The twist-lock eliminates unsightly fasteners, such as screws underneath the housing, quickens installation time, and is easier and safer than traditional ceiling fan installation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chien Luen Industries Co., Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: Tien S. Lowe, Shih-Tza Wu
  • Patent number: 8418982
    Abstract: A self supporting structure which may be used to support a platform such as a table top utilizes a plurality of elongated members and a ring. Each elongated member has one end resting on the floor on one point of a circumference, and the other end supporting the platform above the floor on a point substantially diametrically opposed. The elongated members cross each other proximate the center of the structure in a frictional and locking engagement maintained by the ring. That zone of convergence and the engagement of the elongated members between each other provide the only support for the structure which is self-supporting without extraneous means such as screw, glue or the like. The structure leave the floor below the edges and corners of the table top it supports free from interference with the legs of people seated at the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jean Rene Vatus
  • Patent number: 8418983
    Abstract: Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hartelius, Michael Monaco, Kyle Kazimir, John Anthony Bellacicco
  • Patent number: 8418984
    Abstract: Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: John Hartelius, Michael Monaco, Kyle Kazimir, John Anthony Bellacicco
  • Patent number: 8418985
    Abstract: An electronic device frame includes a housing, a positioning member connecting with the housing, and an inner supporting mechanism. The inner supporting mechanism includes a support member fixed on the housing, a slider slidably connected to the support member, and a fastener connecting the support member to the slider. One of the slider and the supporting member defines a locking slot, in which the fastener is locked. The fastener can lock in any position along the locking slot, such that the slider can maintain different positions and resist the positioning member by moving relative to the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jun Wang, Zi-Ming Tang
  • Patent number: 8418986
    Abstract: A movable supporting construction for placing on a floor, comprising a lower part and an upper part cooperating with said lower part, wherein the lower part is designed to rest on the floor and to assume a position that is determined by the condition of the floor, and the upper part has a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the upper part is suspended freely above the lower part and in the second position, the upper part rests on the lower part maintaining a predetermined invariant position, wherein in the second position, the lower part and the upper part are in line contact, thereby determining a contact line that forms at least a portion of a closed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fugro Engineers B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Nicolaas Looijen, Jacobus Gerardus Kolenbrander
  • Patent number: 8418987
    Abstract: A work to replace a display panel body is facilitated. A display apparatus includes a display panel unit (20) having a display panel body (22) that displays an image, and a panel supporting member (40) that is attached to the display panel unit (20) and that supports the display panel unit (20), wherein the display panel unit (20) has handles (36 to 39), and the handles (36 to 39) are at least partially exposed outside of the panel supporting member (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kakuta
  • Patent number: 8418988
    Abstract: A formwork tie rod (1) which is provided with a thread on the end portions (2, 3) has a conical plastic sheath (4) between the threaded portions (2, 3) for removal from the hardened concrete. For form-fitting connection to the plastic sheath (4) the tie rod (1) is provided with projections between the threaded portions (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Stahlwerk Annahuette Max Aicher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Max Aicher
  • Patent number: 8418989
    Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid control system and method of controlling operating pressures within a fluid system, where the fluid control system includes a choke assembly, a pressure generating device, and a linear motor. The choke assembly may include a housing and a choke member adapted for movement in the housing, controlling the flow of a fluid from an inlet passage to an outlet passage. The fluid applies a force on a first end of the choke member. The pressure generating device may be fluidly connected to a chamber and may contain a control fluid that applies a first force on a second end of the choke member. The linear motor may apply a second force on the second end of the choke member. The difference between the forces applied to the first and second ends of the choke member may affect the movement of the choke member in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alan Wayne Burkhard, Nicolas Christopher Wade Thiessen
  • Patent number: 8418990
    Abstract: Disclosed are valve actuator assemblies for high speed bottle filling machines. These actuators have a shaft that is pivotable on its longitudinal axis, a linkage fork connected to the shaft to pivot therewith, and a follower arm coupled by a magnetic coupling to the shaft. The magnetic coupling helps reduce carbon dioxide leakage. There may also be a second set of magnets which define pivoting dwell positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Grzegorz Podstawka, John E. DeLuca, James H. Turley
  • Patent number: 8418991
    Abstract: A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids including a valve element movable from a first position for blocking flow between an inlet and outlet to a second position for permitting flow between the inlet and the outlet. An insert member is rotatably connected to a bonnet and defines an opening through which a stem extends. The insert member is located with no portion being clamped between the bonnet and a valve body. An actuator handle assembly includes a lever pivotally connected to an end of the stem and a cam actuator connected to the lever. The cam actuator moves between an engaged position in which movement of the lever is effective to move the valve element from its first position to its second position and a disengaged position in which movement of the lever is ineffective to move the valve element from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Meyer, Michael A. Kolar, Eric J. McCarty
  • Patent number: 8418992
    Abstract: A faucet handle includes a safety lock. The safety lock includes a latch that is manually movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch is adapted to engage an associated catch when the latch is in its engaged position. The safety lock also includes a primary lock element that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The primary lock element prevents movement of the latch from its engaged position to its disengaged position when the primary lock element is in its locked position. The primary lock element allows movement of the latch from its engaged position to its disengaged position when the primary lock element is in its unlocked position. A faucet including the handle requires three steps to dispense liquid: (i) movement of the primary lock to its unlocked position; (ii) movement of the latch to its disengaged position; and (iii) movement of the handle to its liquid dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventors: Michael H. Meyer, Michael A. Kolar, Jeffery J. Labinski
  • Patent number: 8418993
    Abstract: A system and method of Touch Free Automatic faucet controlled by electronic sensors provides a Primary-Water-Flow-Mode, a Continue-Water-Flow-Mode, a Temperature-Control-Mode, a Faucet-Pause-Mode, an Adjust-Water-Flow-Mode and a Flow-Temperature-Default-Setting-Mode for users to control faucet water flow and water temperature without touching any parts of faucet body. The system comprises at least three electronic sensors (infrared sensors), a logical processor circuit board, an electricity power supply package, a water flow control valve assembly, a temperature control valve assembly, at least one faucet body housing and at least one inlet fluid line. From the outputs of the sensors, the logical processor responds to the flow control valve assembly and to the temperature control valve assembly to control water flow and temperature to the faucet spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Chung-Chia Chen
  • Patent number: 8418994
    Abstract: An improved hot-cold inlet pipe structure includes an external-threaded pipe and an internal pipe forming an integrated piping structure. The internal pipe extends outwardly a wrapping section that covers a plurality of threaded openings of the external pipe. The internal pipe is composed of non-toxic materials that include plastic materials that are high resistance to pressure and climate change. The internal pipe also reduces the use of metallic materials and does not release of toxic chemical to water stream. A depressed section of the interior of a top of end of the inlet pipe includes a receiving chamber, the receiving chamber includes an opening that includes numerous slots. The slots receive a control valve unit such that the slots mesh with the control valve unit. This design is also beneficial in the manufacturing of the inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hsi Chia Ko, Jui Feng Ko
  • Patent number: 8418995
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a fitting housing; a cartridge disposed in a recess of the fitting housing, the cartridge having a control arm which, for an adjustment of a temperature of water, is rotatable about a rotation axis of the cartridge and, for an adjustment of water flow, is pivotable about a pivot axis running at right angles to the rotation axis, between an off setting and a maximum setting; an actuating lever disposed on the control arm, the actuating lever rotating and pivoting the control arm; and a cap covering the recess and the cartridge, the cap limiting a pivot motion of the actuating lever, and thus of the control arm, between the off setting and the maximum setting in an economy setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventors: Michael Lehner, Susanne Keller
  • Patent number: 8418996
    Abstract: Solid material valve for pressurized cans, especially for the discharge of mounting foams, provided with a valve body (2) arranged in a valve disk (1), a stem (3) guided within a central cut-out (21) of the valve body (2), with at least one inlet opening cleared for the passage of the can contents by actuating said stem (3) as well as one central discharge opening, one elastic element (4) acting on the stem (3) and sealing elements (22, 23) arranged and acting between the valve disk (1) and valve body (2) and between valve body (2) and stem (3), the elastic element (4) being provided with at least one formed part made of a rubber-elastic material and surrounding the stem (3) concentrically, with said elastic element (4) resting on the valve body (2) at the can side and on the stem (3) at the valve side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Mihaly Rideg