Patents Issued in May 14, 2013
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Patent number: 8439404Abstract: Mechanically attached connections for conduits may include a conduit gripping member and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members may be, for example, a nut member and a body member where the connection members cause axial movement of the conduit gripping member to grip and seal the conduit when the assembly is pulled-up. The mechanically attached connection may include a sensing function for detecting or sensing a condition or characteristic of at least one of the following: the mechanically attached connection, one or more of the connection members, the fluid contained by the mechanically attached connection, or a combination thereof. The sensing function may be, for example, a sensor that is integrated with at least one of the nut member and the body member.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Arthur Frank Anton, Michael Ray Butkovic, Johan Jan Goemans, Kevin Mracek, Dale C. Arstein, Franziska H. Dacek, John D. Karkosiak, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, David Bryan O'Connor, David E. O'Connor, Nicholas Raney Lubar, Gerhard H. Schiroky, Mark A. Bennett, Theodore J. Gausman, Andrew P. Marshall, Larry Dean Vandendriessche, Sylvia Antionette Bon, William H. Glime, III, Michael Jerome Mohlenkamp, Peter C. Williams, Richard A. Ales, Stephen W. Moore, Sunniva R. Collins
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Patent number: 8439405Abstract: A hose coupling for fitment to an end of a cable reinforced hose includes a unitary stem having a cable trap groove portion having an outside diameter greater than an inside diameter of a tube of the hose and less than an inside diameter of the hose with the tube skived from the hose. A unitary ferrule defines at least one cable trap rib corresponding to the cable trap groove and having an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the cable reinforced hose and greater than an outside diameter of the hose with material covering the cable skived from the hose. The groove width is at least the width of the rib plus twice the diameter of cable reinforcing the hose. Epoxy may be disposed between the hose tube and the stem for sealing or injected between the ferrule and the stem permeating the cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Ron Trujillo, Jonathan Clark Swift, Lance D. Miller
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Patent number: 8439406Abstract: A shoulder ring, for installation in a threaded pipe coupling between the installed pin ends of two pipes being connected by the coupling, has opposing end faces and a central opening, and may be lobate or circular in shape. The shoulder ring provides enhanced axial retention within the coupling by incorporating a thread element which engages the internal threads of the coupling to prevent or deter displacement of the ring from the coupling. Alternatively, enhanced axial retention may be provided by means of an interference or interlocking fit that is plastically induced during the ring installation process. The shoulder ring may be of lobate or circular configuration, with the axial retention of lobate embodiments being further enhanced by forces acting radially outward against the coupling due to elastic deformation of the ring during installation. Also disclosed are tools for installing the shoulder rings in a threaded coupling.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Noetic Technologies Inc.Inventor: Maurice William Slack
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Patent number: 8439407Abstract: A fitting for a tube or pipe capable of functioning a high pressures having a first fitting component adapted to receive the conduit end; a conduit gripping device such as a ferrule or ferrules and a second fitting component that can be joined to the first fitting component to cause the conduit gripping device to grip the conduit and seal when assembled. In one aspect of the invention, the first fitting component is constructed from a material that is softer than the material used to construct the second fitting component. An additional aspect of the invention include a retaining portion on the second fitting component that constrains the tube gripping device against pressure. The retaining portion can also be configured to retain the tube gripping device to the second fitting component prior to installation and in a finger-tight condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Tobin Berry, George A. Carlson, Andrew P. Marshall, Mark A. Clason, Mark A. Bennett, Sanjeev S. Moghe
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Patent number: 8439408Abstract: A pipe repair clamp includes a flexible strap having ends that are brought together when the clamp is closed. A thrust plate is secured near the first end of the flexible strap. A lug is secured to the thrust plate. A lug plate is secured near the second end of the strap. A threaded stud is secured to the lug plate and is used to tighten the clamp. A lug cover plate is secured to the lug and the thrust plate and receives the threaded stud. The lug cover plate includes a curved end portion covering at least a portion of the lug. A locking plate receives the threaded stud. The locking plate slides along a top surface of the lug and over the lug cover plate when the first and second ends of the strap are pulled toward each other when the clamp is tightened around a pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Tyco Water Pty LimitedInventors: Rodney Glocer, Russell Bruerton, Ian C. Chapman
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Patent number: 8439409Abstract: A door panel of a side door of a machine has a latching mechanism, and a frame of the machine includes a striker. The striker includes a pair of vertically arranged mounting base portions, a pair of slanted shimmy-stopping surface portions formed on the mounting base portions so as to protrude in a V-like shape towards the latching mechanism, and a metal hooking portion protruding from a flat end portion that is provided between the slanted shimmy-stopping surface portions. The latching mechanism includes a mechanism body portion including main body plates. A U-shaped latch groove portion for engaging the metal hooking portion of the striker is formed by cutting away a part of each main body plate, and shimmy suppressing portions that are vertically arranged in a V-like shape are provided at the open end of each latch groove portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar SARLInventors: Ryoji Uto, Shigemi Takeuchi
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Patent number: 8439410Abstract: A prehung door jamb assembly is provided that includes a strike plate mounting assembly configured to fasten to a door jamb. The strike plate mounting assembly includes a longitudinal extending support plate, a longitudinal extending second plate, first and second strike plate supports, a spacer, at least one adjustment fastener, and at least one fastener.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Mark L. Sauder
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Patent number: 8439411Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle having a beam structural member and at least one energy absorber operably connected to the beam structural member. The energy absorber absorbs energy when the vehicle undergoes a collision. Also included is a beam cover plate connected to the beam structural member through the use of resistive implant welding, which simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves manufacturing costs. There are two vehicle attachment plates which are overmolded to the beam cover plate, the vehicle attachment plates allow for the beam cover plate to be attached to a vehicle. The beam cover plate, beam structural member, and energy absorber form a component that is operable to function as a bumper that is connected to a vehicle, which absorbs energy during a collision.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Alan C. Cave, Robert Dernovsek, Richard W. Haveman
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Patent number: 8439412Abstract: A motor vehicle forward structure is provided with at least two vehicle chassis beams, at least two crash boxes, which are arranged at the front ends of the vehicle chassis beams, and at least one transverse beam structure, which is secured to the crash boxes. The transverse beam structure exhibits two transverse bumper carriers with a first transverse bumper carrier above the crash boxes, and a second transverse bumper carrier below the crash boxes. The crash boxes are fixed in a left and right end area of the transverse beam structure, between the transverse bumper carriers and at the ends of the vehicle chassis beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stanislaw Klimek
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Patent number: 8439413Abstract: A gripping device for automatic bottle-topping machines comprising an anti-rotation blocking element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a first mechanism, provided for actuation of the anti-rotation blocking element, a first actuation element, operatively connected to the first mechanism a gripping element, mobile between an opening position and a gripping position, a second mechanism, provided for actuation of the gripping element, and a second actuation element, operatively connected to the second mechanism, wherein the anti-rotation blocking element and the gripping element are provided for engaging on a bottle.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Arol S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Cirio
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Patent number: 8439414Abstract: A gripper apparatus for removing and replacing objects such as containers or vials in an array of containers has a gripper head which extends downward from a support arm, a planetary gear assembly mounted in the gripper head including at least three planet gears, and at least one gripping pin extending downward from each planet gear and projecting beyond a lower end of the gripper head. A drive motor drives the planetary gear assembly to rotate the planet gears in opposite directions, moving the pins inward and outward along predetermined paths to grip and carry an object and release the object when in a desired location.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.Inventor: Robert K. Neeper
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Patent number: 8439415Abstract: A reusable, hand-held carrier for transporting and storing a pair of ski boots includes: (a) a handle portion; (b) a shank including two opposite longitudinal first sides, an upper shank end being attached to a base handle section of the handle portion; (c) a hanger portion extending from a lower shank end and including at least two elongate hook elements, each of the hook elements including an open topped channel and a set of corresponding shoulder portions on opposite walls of the channel that form a pinched zone at the top of the channel. The boot carrier preferably also includes at least one carrier pin for holding a sole guard ski boot accessory within a recess in the carrier shank. A carrier wall mount and boot carrier set is also contemplated. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Laura Aubrey Valaas
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Patent number: 8439416Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading apparatus includes a base for mounting to an emergency vehicle deck and an arm mounted for linear movement along the base, which is configured for engaging an ambulance cot. A drive mechanism is provided for raising the arm, which is configured in the presence of an applied force with a first magnitude on the arm to raise the arm at a first speed and in the presence of an applied force on the arm with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude to raise the arm at another speed or speeds lower than the first speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Stryker CorporationInventors: Clifford Lambarth, Chad Souke, Kurosh Nahavandi, Adam Downey, Robert Cox
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Patent number: 8439417Abstract: A multi-functional device for a center stack of a vehicle and a center stack include, but are not limited to a storage room and a control panel, which is movable in an opened position and in a closed position. In the closed position the storage room is covered by the control panel. The storage room provides a connection element for multimedia devices and the multimedia devices are detachable from the connection element.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Martin Andersson
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Patent number: 8439418Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment is provided having a housing defining a storage space and a shelf disposed within the housing such that the compartment is divided. The shelf includes translucent material coated with flock and has non-flock areas. A light source is operatively coupled to the shelf to provide light illumination through the translucent material such that light illumination is illuminated into the compartment through the non-flock areas.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Megan Lovejoy, Irene Shu, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Denis Patrick Igoe
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Patent number: 8439419Abstract: A flipper panel assembly for covering a gap between a seat assembly and a cargo load floor. The seat assembly is movable forward and rearward and includes a pivotal seat back. The flipper panel assembly includes a main panel slidably disposed on the cargo load floor and fixedly secured to the seat assembly. A flipper panel is pivotally coupled to the main panel. The flipper panel assembly translates along the cargo load floor in response to moving the seat assembly forward and rearward. The flipper panel pivots in response to pivotal movement of the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: Matthew Zuelch
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Patent number: 8439420Abstract: A vehicle safety seat system includes a seat, and a frame and support surface that are movable with respect to each other between rest and attenuated positions, wherein the frame and support surface are respectively a first and second distance apart. A biasing mechanism biases the frame and support surface to the rest position between blast and slam down phases. A damper coupled between the frame and support surface has blast and rebound recovery resistance settings. The blast resistance setting is set to a predetermined value based on a weight of a seat occupant. The damper, during the blast phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the attenuated position based upon the blast resistance setting, and after the blast phase and prior to the slam down phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the rest position based upon the rebound recovery resistance setting.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: ARCCA IncorporatedInventors: Alan Cantor, Michael Markushewski, Gary R. Whitman, Daniel McDonough, Larry A. Sicher, Louis A. D'Aulerio, Donald K. Eisentraut, Tim Keon
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Patent number: 8439421Abstract: A vehicle fuel lid apparatus may include a lid and a linkage assembly that pivotally attaches the lid to the vehicle. The lid may be movable about the pivotal attachments between closed and open conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ovidiu Cristian Mihai
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Patent number: 8439422Abstract: What is provided is a new and innovative multiple attachment point tarpaulin and method that enables the tarpaulin to be flexibly connected at multiple attachment points, and more securely fastening of the tarpaulin. The present invention achieves the above advantages and benefits by having multiple attachment points at strategic locations.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Stephen G. Ricks, Jr.
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Patent number: 8439423Abstract: Elongated side rails for attachment to a sidewall of a truck cargo box as a portion of a tonneau cover assembly. Each assembly includes a flexible cover that can be operatively secured to side rails. One side rail includes a securing portion that can be operatively connected to the sidewall; an inclined portion extending from the securing portion, the inclined portion having first and second sides; a connecting member extending downwardly away from the inclined portion from a position located between the first and second sides; and a longitudinal portion extending from the connecting member opposite the inclined portion. To secure the cover to the side rails, hook fastener is preferably attached to loop fastener on the cover. One preferred side rail has a ridge to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners. Another preferred side rail has directional hook fastener to prevent premature engagement of the fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Agri-Cover, Inc.Inventors: Charles M. Schmeichel, Steven C. Schmeichel
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Patent number: 8439424Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing tarps to a modular bow in a tarp system includes a curved base member that is adapted to be secured to a frame member having adjacent dual channels that extend along an outer surface thereof. A tarp guide is supported on the curved base member. The tarp guide has adjacent dual channels that are separated by a partition. The adjacent dual channels of the tarp guide are adapted to be aligned with the adjacent dual channels of the frame member when the curved base member is secured to the frame member.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventors: Everest Damsi, Luljeta Damsi
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Patent number: 8439425Abstract: A sensor housing which may be used to house a pinch sensor may include: a first portion having a sensor attaching surface and a first connecting member; a second portion that at least partially covers the sensor attaching surface and that has a second connecting member; and, an installation surface that can be used to install the sensor housing onto a vehicle. The second portion may be adjustable with respect to the first portion between: (1) a first condition where the second portion at least partially uncovers the sensor attaching surface and where a sensor can be attached to the sensor attaching surface; and, (2) a second condition where the second portion at least partially covers the sensor and where the second connecting member can be connected to the first connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Steven Ray Thiele, Jeremy Brandon Josefovsky
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Patent number: 8439426Abstract: A travel trailer is provided. The travel trailer may include a camping pod that contains tent fabric. The travel trailer may also have a telescoping member that is configured for raising and lowering the camping pod.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Sylvansport, LLCInventors: Thomas M. Dempsey, Gregory K. Mundt, Thomas W. Reeder
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Patent number: 8439427Abstract: An improved side rail structure is used to form a portion of a flat bed trailer. The side rail structure is integrally formed as one piece. The side rail structure includes an outer side rail wall which is integrally formed as one piece with a rub rail that projects from the outward surface of the side rail wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Fontaine Trailer CompanyInventor: James H. Adams
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Patent number: 8439428Abstract: An inner center pillar member has a section passed through the interior of a side sill into outer and inner spaces. An outer load transmitting member is provided within the outer space in opposed relation to the passed-through section of the inner center pillar member, and an inner load transmitting member is provided within the inner space in opposed relation to the outer load transmitting member with the passed-through section interposed therebetween. A door beam provided within a door has a rear end portion located close to the outer load transmitting member and lapped over a corner portion of a center pillar.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shogo Imamura
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Patent number: 8439430Abstract: In a vehicle body structure, a frontal crash performance is improved by establishing a transmission path of a frontal crash load by a floor frame (28) without increasing the weight of the vehicle body, manufacturing cost or the number of welding spots. The floor frame (28) is attached to a lower surface of a floor panel (12), and extends from a rear end of a front side frame (20) from a longitudinally intermediate part of the floor panel. A rear part of the floor panel is formed with a side bead (34) extending in a fore and aft direction in alignment with the floor frame. The rear end of the floor frame is connected to the front end of the side bead via a slope section (32) of the floor panel, and the rear end of the side bead is connected to a middle cross member (18) extending laterally along the rear edge of the floor panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiko Sato, Masaaki Ukita, Yoshiyuki Toba
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Patent number: 8439431Abstract: An attachment bracket in a vehicle for providing integrated support for one or more security features required by law enforcement agencies. The attachment bracket includes a first part including a horizontal cross member extending across the top of a rear panel of the vehicle body. The structure further includes a second part, connected to the first part, which includes two or more intersecting cross members. The second part is mechanically coupled to the vehicle body inside the vehicle cabin below the second row passenger seat. The structure also includes a third part, connected to the second part, which includes one or more arcuate tubular members extending along the vehicle floor panel from the second part towards the first row of seats. The third part is open at the end towards the first row passenger seats.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Djamal Eddine Midoun, Stephen Thomas Kozak, Erika Kristin Low, Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Shekar Prabhakar Erasala, Robert Sharp, Wanjun Lei
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Patent number: 8439432Abstract: A vehicle roof system enabling elimination of the B-pillar is disclosed. A particular aspect of the invention is to transfer vertical roof loads onto an enhanced rear structure of the vehicle. An additional aspect of the invention is to employ a rear upper cap reinforcement to directly assume roof crush loads applied at front of the vehicle during testing. A specific load transfer mechanism is disclosed. Vertical roof crush force applied near the front of the vehicle is transferred into both a torsional load upon a rear header of the vehicle, and a bending moment upon the C-pillar of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Jamel E. Belwafa, Saeed David Barbat
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Patent number: 8439433Abstract: A single motor structure for operation of a panorama sunroof glass and a roll blind may include a motor supplying a motive power to the panorama sunroof glass and the roll blind, a rotating shaft rotatably connected to a side of the motor, a first actuating gear and a second actuating gear, which may be spaced symmetrically from the rotating shaft with a predetermined distance, a first actuating member combined with the first actuating gear so as to rotate with the first actuating gear to control open-shut of the panorama sunroof glass, a second actuating member combined with the second actuating gear so as to rotate with the second actuating gear so as to control open-shut of the roll blind, and a first actuating relay member and a second actuating relay member, which may be combined with each of the first actuating member and the second actuating member respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Chong-Heon Kim, Kyung-Soon Jang, Gi-Won Kim, Ho-Seok Kang
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Patent number: 8439434Abstract: An automotive vehicle having a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment disposed between the front end and the rear end. A roof overlies the passenger compartment. The roof is comprised of a pair of roof beams extending parallel to the longitudinal axis adjacent opposed sides of the vehicle. A first forward transverse beam extends between the roof beams. A second rearward transverse beam extends between the first and second roof beams. A first removable roof panel closes a space between the first and second transverse beams. A second removable roof panel closes a space rearward of the second transverse beam. The roof panels can be assembled to form a shelf in a storage compartment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Travis Newberg, Yousuf Riad, Michael P. Hullihan, Christopher David Hall, Joshua Kramer
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Patent number: 8439435Abstract: Described are passenger seats having a seat pan assembly with reclining and tilting mechanisms, a seat back pivotally coupled to the aft end of the seat pan assembly, and a lumbar mechanism coupled to the seat back and the seat pan assembly. The reclining mechanism is configured to adjust a forward position of the seat pan assembly and the rotation of the seat back between upright and reclining positions. The tilting mechanism is configured to rotate an aft end of the seat pan relative to the pan frame and deploy the lumbar mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Larry Richard Gaither, Timothy W. Terleski, Chirag Patel
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Patent number: 8439436Abstract: An arrangement structure for a duct is provided, enabling formation of an air intake opening of the duct such as to be widely open on the side of a seatback and improvement in strength of a striker holding the seatback. The arrangement structure includes a vehicle seat with a seatback and a lock mechanism provided on the seatback and engaging with a striker supported on a vehicle sidewall to lock the seatback at a standing position; and the duct provided on the side of the seatback, extending in the up and down direction and flowing air. The striker has an inclined portion extending from the engaging position of the seatback and the lock mechanism toward outside with respect to a vehicle lateral direction and toward the vehicle rear side. The duct is disposed on the side of the seatback and on the front side of the inclined portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomotake Kato
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Patent number: 8439437Abstract: A seat with a heating device is provided which realizes a configuration in which the arm, palms and finger tips of a user can easily be warmed when the user uses the seat with the heating device. When the user is seated in a seat with a heating device and feels cold due to it being winter, the user controls a switch to heat the seat, whereby energization of heating elements 3a, 3b, 3c is started which are connected to a power supply via electric wires. When the energization of the heating elements 3a, 3b, 3c is started, heat generated thereby is conducted to skin materials 2a, 2b, 2c and surfaces of the skin materials are warmed. When the user places his or her arm on an armrest portion 5, the arm is warmed via the skin material 2c, whereby the user can feel the sensation of comfortableness.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naruaki Akai, Norio Abe, Naohito Asami, Kazuaki Hioki, Koji Yoshimoto, Kazumi Nagayama, Yoshimitsu Fujiwara, Satoshi Arima, Hideaki Konishi, Hiroyuki Ogino, Ryuta Kondou
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Patent number: 8439438Abstract: A cupholder has a substantially tubular shell configured to be mounted with a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. A floor received in the shell is vertically movable along the longitudinal axis for defining a variable depth cup well. A ring coaxially atop the shell has a plurality of vertical guide extensions disposed around a periphery of the shell. The ring is vertically movable. A linkage is provided between the floor and the guide extensions providing reciprocal motion of the floor and the ring wherein pushing down the floor raises the ring and wherein pushing down the ring raises the floor.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raymond A. Oldani, Scott Simon
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Patent number: 8439439Abstract: A shoulder belt adjustment mechanism for a booster car seat is described in which the belt guide adjustment is adjustable to one of at least two positions along a linear or nonlinear adjustment axis and wherein each adjustment axis is along a portion of a line formed by an intersection of two planes formed by a vertical splay plane formed by an outer shell of said wings and an angled declination plane formed generally along said lower edges of said wings.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William Gibson
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Patent number: 8439440Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. At least one plate member has one end over molded by the first foam member and a second, opposite end secured to an associated vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Terrie Ellison
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Patent number: 8439441Abstract: A lumbar assembly has a wireframe for attachment to a frame of a vehicle seat. The wire frame has first and second spaced apart side members. First and second flexible lumbar support bands are each mounted to a wire frame side member, and each have a lateral portion extending inboard with a guide member. The guide members of the first and second lumbar support bands cooperate so that the lumbar support bands are adjusted in a fore and aft direction by translating the lateral portions relative to each other along the guide members.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Giuseppe Ghisoni, Roberto D'Agostini, Luca Tomasi
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Patent number: 8439442Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lockout mechanism for use with a dynamic therapeutic assembly having a pivot bar pivotally coupled to an upper pivot plate such that the upper pivot plate is moveable with respect to the pivot bar about a first pivot axis and pivotally coupled to a lower pivot plate such that the pivot bar is moveable with respect to the lower pivot plate about a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis. The lockout mechanism includes a pushrod assembly that is moveable between a first position, wherein a portion of the pushrod assembly is engageable with the pivot bar to prevent substantial movement of the pivot bar about the second pivot axis, and a second position, wherein the portion of the pushrod assembly is disengaged from the pivot bar to allow movement of the pivot bar about the second pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: CoreWerks, Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Highlander, Richard Dustin Brittain, David Calapp, Horst W. Schaaf
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Patent number: 8439443Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an operating member that is provided for a seat back. The operating member is operated to release locking of a seat cushion to a floor and to release rotation-sopped state of a reclining device. By operating the operating member, a first link rotatably provided for the seat back is operated in one rotation direction to thereby turn a second link rotatably provided for a base frame so that locking of the seat cushion to the floor is released. When the seat back is tilted forward, the first link is moved together with the seat back in a direction to be separated from the second link, that is, in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first link turns the second link.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryoshu Nakane, Toshinao Wada, Kazuya Iwasa
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Patent number: 8439444Abstract: A seat assembly (10) includes a recliner assembly (30) operatively coupled between a seat back (12) and a seat cushion (14) for pivotal movement between a plurality of reclined seating positions and fold-flat position. A track assembly (58) operable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition allowing forward and rearward movement of said seat assembly. A stop member (54) fixedly secured to the seat cushion engages the seat back to limit forward pivotal movement. A trigger mechanism (56) pivotally coupled to said seat cushion and operatively coupled to said track assembly for releasing said track from said locked condition to said unlocked condition in response to pivoting said seat back to the fold-flat position. A pin mechanism (80, 82) slidably coupled to the seat back moves between an extended position engageable with the trigger mechanism and the stop member, and a retracted position allowing the forward pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold-flat position.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.Inventor: Christopher Ngiau
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Patent number: 8439445Abstract: In the field of vehicle seats there is a need for an improved vehicle seat back tilt adjustment assembly that allows a user selectively to make small or large adjustments to the inclination of a vehicle seat back. A vehicle seat back tilt adjustment assembly comprises a guide member securable to a vehicle body; and an intermediate mechanism moveably coupled to the guide member. The intermediate mechanism includes first and second locking elements. The first locking element is moveable between a first configuration in which it is engagable with a vehicle seat back to secure the seat back to the intermediate mechanism and a second configuration in which the seat back is disengagable therefrom to allow the seat back to move independently of the intermediate mechanism. The second locking element selectively engages the guide member to secure the position of the intermediate mechanism relative to the guide member.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive (UK) LimitedInventors: Graham Perkins, Stuart Joseph Whitmore
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Patent number: 8439446Abstract: A vehicle seat reclining device comprises a latch mechanism having latch holes defined in a rail along a central axial line, a slider hole penetrating through a slider so as to be alignable with the latch holes, a support portion slidably supported on the slider, and a lever coupled to the support portion so as to be pivotable about an axis that is substantially parallel to the central axial line. A latch claw is extends from the lever and is engageable with the respective latch holes via the slider hole. A first amount of play is provided between the support portion and the lever in a direction parallel to the central axial line. A second amount of play, which is less than the first amount play, is provided between the slider hole and the latch claw in the direction parallel to the central axial line.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Ansei CorporationInventors: Koji Ishii, Satoshi Umezu
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Patent number: 8439447Abstract: A convertible child seat includes a seat frame that presents a seat cavity and an open front to allow cavity ingress and egress by the child. The seat also includes a front restraint shiftably attached to the seat frame and shiftable between a storage position and a child-restraining position. In the storage position, the front restraint extends along the bottom wall so as to be positioned below the seated child and thereby permit cavity ingress and egress through the open front. In the child-restraining position, the front restraint at least partly spans the open front to restrict cavity ingress and egress through the open front.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
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Patent number: 8439448Abstract: A 60/40 bench seat is provided allowing for increased sliding travel along a set of tracks to allow for easier ingress and egress of a vehicle passenger accessing the rear of a bench seat. The 60/40 bench seat assembly allows for increased travel along the tracks without adding significant increases in assembly parts, cost, or weight. The 60/40 bench seat assembly is provided including a profile member and a buckle. The 60/40 bench seat assembly is divided into a 40% section seat and a 60% section seat. The 60/40 seat assembly further includes a profile member operable to push down the buckle to allow for increased travel of the 60% seat. The buckle includes a first surface and the profile includes a second surface contacting the buckle first surface thereby pushing the buckle towards a vehicle floor.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Vasudeva Sankarshana Murthy
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Patent number: 8439449Abstract: 1. My EZ DUMP lawn vacuum container has a capacity of over 48 bushels or 60 cubic feet of debris which can be backed up to a dump site, blower engine turned off, debris dumped by means of my EZ DUMP interior dump bed system, container closed and blower engine started all within under 3 minutes without leaving the seat of the lawnmower and without pulling any levers or ropes or any other manual means. Since the dump bed is a contained within the container there is no need to remove the flexible blower hose which is connected to the front of the container. The dumping of debris is accomplished with only four moving parts powered by an inexpensive 12 volt lift device. These features make my EZ DUMP lawn vacuum low maintenance and a pleasure to use, even for a 79 year old like me.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Robert Bailey
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Patent number: 8439450Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tunneling apparatus including a pipe string having a distal end and a proximal end. The pipe string includes a plurality of pipe-sections connected end-to end. The pipe string also includes a cutting head coupled to a distal-most one of the pipe-sections. The pipe string defines a vacuum passage that extends through the pipe string from the proximal end to the distal end of the pipe string. A source of vacuum is in fluid communication with the vacuum passage for drawing cuttings through the vacuum passage. A blockage sensor can be used for sensing whether a precursor blockage condition exists within the vacuum passage. A source of air pressure can be used to force air distally through the pipe string to assist in moving cuttings proximally through the vacuum passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Stuart Harrison, Andis Normunds Salins, Matthew Arlen Mills, Melvin Nguyen
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Patent number: 8439451Abstract: A cooling system for the gear case in the ranging arm of a longwall shearer, the ranging arm including a plurality of single gears mounted in a row within an elongated housing. The cooling system includes a coolant injection system in each of the single gears, each coolant injection system including a longitudinal opening in the gear axle, and a coolant injection tube mounted inside the longitudinal opening. The coolant injection tube has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the longitudinal opening. A coolant supply line is connected to and in communication with the coolant injection tube, and a coolant outlet is connected to and in communication with the longitudinal opening adjacent the one end of the longitudinal opening, so that coolant leaving the end of the coolant injection tube travels back along the coolant injection tube and then out of the gear axle thereby removing heat from the single gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Edward F. Niederriter, Shawn W. Franklin, Philip R. Strydom
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Patent number: 8439452Abstract: A method for making a paint brush includes coupling a plurality of filaments to a handle inside a sleeve with the handle extending out of the sleeve. At least a portion of the handle and the sleeve are coated with a substantially impermeable coating to form a seal around an interface between the sleeve and the handle without covering the plurality of filaments.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventors: Jon Terry Cox, Jon Paul Cox
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Patent number: 8439453Abstract: A method and assembly for mounting an auto rim and either motorcycle or auto tire as a motorcycle rear wheel. The assembly allows tires of different widths and diameters to be used on the rear of motorcycles that have single side swing arms and standard swing arms. The method and assembly allows a left side or right side drive which can be a belt or chain. A hub with bearings and spacers are mounted with a brake rotor disk and a drive pulley in tandem to produce a hub assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Rodney R. Baird
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Patent number: 8439454Abstract: A braking system for a train comprises a pneumatic brake pipe (BP), which extends along the train, and in which the pressure is controlled by a braking control apparatus (BCA) in the locomotive (L), and an electrical power supply and signal line (EL), which equally extends along the train, and which is linked to an electronic control unit (ECU) in the locomotive. Each wagon (W) in the train comprises a pneumatic brake valve (ELV) coupled with the brake pipe (BP) and suitable for applying to brake cylinders (BC) of the wagon (W) a brake pressure that is a function of a control pressure applied to a control input (CI) thereof; and an electro-pneumatic control assembly (EPC) including solenoid valve control devices (EVF, EVS), coupled with the brake pipe (BP) and with which a first pressure accumulator (DVE) is associated.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Faiveley Transport Italia S.p.A.Inventors: Roberto Tione, Roberto Correndo, Angelo Grasso, Barry Wilfred Payne