Patents Issued in August 6, 2013
  • Mounting system for torsional suspension of a MEMS device
    Patent number: 8499629
    Abstract: A mounting system for a MEMS device includes a proof mass selectively coupled to a substrate using a centrally located, single anchor mount that minimizes sensitivity to strain variations experienced by the MEMS device. The mounting system may include isolation cuts arranged in the proof mass to advantageously achieve a desired amount of strain isolation and to produce hinges that extend in opposite directions from the anchor mount. The single anchor mount is arranged to reduce a separation distance from a mid-point or centroid of the anchor mount to its perimeter as compared to conventional mounting schemes that have multiple anchor mounts positioned distally from a common mid-point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Ballas, Galen Magendanz
  • Piezoelectric sensor dynamic range improvement
    Patent number: 8499630
    Abstract: A MEMS piezoelectric sensor comprises a plurality of capacitors some of which may be used for sensing and others used for feedback. The capacitors may be switched to connect or disconnect selected capacitors from the sensor. Embodiments convert a two port sensor into a four port sensor without significant changes in hardware design and improve SNR and correct for offset and out-of-axis errors due to process mismatch and variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Friedel Gerfers, Li-Peng Wang
  • Nondestructive inspection of aircraft stiffeners
    Patent number: 8499631
    Abstract: Nondestructive inspection of a plurality of aircraft hat stiffeners includes exciting cavities of the stiffeners with electromagnetic radiation, and analyzing electromagnetic field responses of the cavities to detect state changes of the stiffeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jason Philip Bommer, Gary E. Georgeson, Dennis M. Lewis
  • Characterizing anomalies in a laminate structure
    Patent number: 8499632
    Abstract: A method for inspecting a laminate structure may include transmitting a lamb wave through a selected portion of the laminate structure from an actuator at a predetermined location on a surface of the laminate structure. The method may also include receiving the transmitted lamb wave at a sensor at another predetermined location on the surface of the laminate structure. The method may additionally include detecting and characterizing an anomaly in the laminate structure based on the received lamb wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeong-Beom Ihn, Justin Kearns
  • Non-contact ultrasonic testing method and device for ceramic honeycomb structures
    Patent number: 8499633
    Abstract: Both a method and apparatus for determining internal discontinuities or inhomogeneities in a green or fired ceramic honeycomb structure is provided. In the method of the invention, an ultrasonic transmitter is positioned adjacent to, but not in contact with, the honeycomb structure. The transmitter propagates an ultrasonic wave, of preferably less than 5 MHz, through the honeycomb structure which is received, filtered and analyzed to determine the presence or absence of internal discontinuities or inhomogenieties. The ultrasonic transmitter generates an ultrasonic wave of less than five megahertz to provide a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio in the ultrasonic wave propagated through the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Hampton, Zhiqiang Shi
  • Transducer array imaging system
    Patent number: 8499634
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Urbano, Jodi Schwartz Klessel, Anthony P. Lannutti, Kevin S. Randall, Raymond F. Weymer, Jr.
  • Transducer array imaging system
    Patent number: 8499635
    Abstract: Embodiments contemplate methods and devices for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. An ultrasound echo wave may be received at a first transducer element of a transducer array in a handheld probe. The ultrasound echo wave may also be received at a second transducer element of the transducer array. The ultrasound echo wave may also be received at a third transducer element of the transducer array. The handheld probe may process into digital data the ultrasound echo wave received at the first transducer element and the ultrasound echo wave received at the second transducer element. The processing may preclude data representative of the ultrasound echo wave received at the third transducer element from being included in the digital data. The processing may include reducing the digital data and the reduced digital data may be transmitted to a location relatively remote from the handheld probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jodi Schwartz Klessel, Kevin S. Randall, Joseph A. Urbano
  • Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and image processing apparatus
    Patent number: 8499636
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs high acoustic pressure and low acoustic pressure ultrasonic transmissions by switching at predetermined timing in the enhanced ultrasonography, and displays concurrently a replenishment image obtained through the low acoustic pressure transmission in real time like a moving picture, and a pre-flash image obtained through the low acoustic pressure transmission immediately before switching to the high acoustic pressure transmission like a still image to allow the operator to understand the structure at the level of capillaries. It is also possible to display a selected image obtained through the low acoustic pressure transmission at an arbitrary timing instead of the pre-flash image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Naohisa Kamiyama
  • Laser based acousto-optic sensing enhancement using tailored retro-reflectors
    Patent number: 8499637
    Abstract: A device and system is provided for amplifying vibrations resulting from underwater acoustic signals. In operation, a laser interrogation beam is directed along an axis at the retro-reflector device and is responsive to reflections directed along the axis of the interrogation beam. The retro-reflector device reflects a signal back to a source and a tracking signal superimposed on an interrogation beam enables continuous sensing of the reflected signal to reduce signal dropout. A glint tracker is provided for tracking the tracking beam on the surface. A tracker system superimposes the tracking and interrogation beams and is responsive to reflected glints in order to establish a directional location. An interferometer responsive to the reflected interrogation beam produces an interference signal for enabling continuous measurement of surface vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Fletcher A. Blackmon, Lynn T. Antonelli, Anthony J. Kalinowski
  • Fibre optic accelerometer and a method of manufacturing a fibre optic accelerometer
    Patent number: 8499638
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer for use in seismic surveying is provided. The accelerometer comprises at least three fiber optic accelerometer elements which have respective fiber sensor coils, and which are characteristic in that the fiber sensor coils are coiled about a common coiling axis and at least one of the accelerometer elements is a slant angle accelerometer element. A corresponding method of manufacturing a tri-axis fiber optic accelerometer is also disclosed. A fiber optic tri-axis accelerometer for sensing acceleration in three directions is also provided, which comprises a first, a second, and a third sensor base, each base including a first, a second, and a third fixed element, respectively, and a first, a second, and a third movable element, respectively, each pair of fixed and movable elements carrying a fiber sensing coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Optoplan AS
    Inventor: Roar Furuhaug
  • Inductively coupled pressure sensor
    Patent number: 8499639
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pressure sensor assembly for use with an application specific integrated circuit includes a capacitive sensor, a sensor coil within a first sensor compartment and operatively connected to the capacitive sensor to form a sensor L-C tank circuit, a measuring oscillator including a measuring coil located within a second sensor compartment and spaced apart from the sensor coil and a feedback circuit configured to provide a control signal for the measuring oscillator based upon an output of the measuring oscillator, and a low frequency signal source configured to provide a low frequency signal to the measuring oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Marko Rocznik
  • Measuring apparatus for determining a pressure difference
    Patent number: 8499640
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus for outputting a measurement signal representing the difference between a first pressure and a second pressure. The apparatus includes a first pressure measuring transducer module for outputting a sequence of first signals representing the first pressure; a second pressure measuring transducer module for producing a sequence of second signals representing the second pressure; an evaluation module for ascertaining a sequence of difference values between the two pressure values and for outputting a sequence of fourth signals, which, in each case, represent the pressure difference; a first cable connection between the first and second pressure measuring transducer module; and a second cable connection between the second pressure measuring transducer module and the evaluation module. The modules are separated spatially from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Schlachter, Andreas Spitz, Roland Dieterle
  • Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring ( {A} ) pressure
    Patent number: 8499641
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring pressure. The apparatus comprises at least one pressure transducer, which transduces pressure into an electrical signal. The invention includes the features that at least one acoustic sensor is provided, that the acoustic sensor registers acoustic signals and transduces such into electrical signals, and that the acoustic sensor is mechanically and/or acoustically coupled with the pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Udo Grittke, Sergej Lopatin, Andreas Roβberg, Thomas Uhlin, Axel Humpert, Andreas Spitz, Peter Selders
  • Hermetically sealed pressure sensing device
    Patent number: 8499642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pressure sensing device comprising a pressure sensing transducer having a support structure and a diaphragm attached to said support structure, the diaphragm having a fluid facing side. A housing has a transducer receiving cavity defined by a bottom wall and a housing sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall is formed with a fluid pressure receiving recess. A fluid pressure port is formed in the housing in communication with the recess. The diaphragm is positioned between the support structure and the fluid pressure receiving recess and a seal material around a support structure sidewall fixes the pressure sensing transducer in the housing and provides a hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wico Hopman, Robert Zwijze, Paul Gennissen, Maarten van Noorden, George van der Donk, Jans Kruise
  • In-situ sensors and methods for monitoring environment assisted cracking of structural components
    Patent number: 8499643
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies, units and methods are provided to determine crack development of components of interest associated with a monitored structure. According to preferred embodiments, a sample sensor bolt is provided having a shank with a threaded end, the sensor bolt being formed of a material serving as a surrogate of the material forming a component of interest associated with the monitored structure. A frame surrounds the shank of the sensor bolt and has fluid ports therein to allow fluid to contact an exposed portion of the sensor bolt shank in registry therewith. A load cell is operatively connected to the sensor bolt. A preload nut is threaded onto the threaded end of the sensor bolt shank and contacts an end of the frame so as to place the sensor bolt under an initial tensile stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Luna Innovations Incorporated
    Inventors: Nathan K. Brown, Fritz J. Friedersdorf
  • Vehicle collision stress wave sensor
    Patent number: 8499644
    Abstract: A sensor configured to detect a stress wave propagating through a vehicle frame member caused by a vehicle collision is provided. The sensor includes a sensor body configured to be rigidly coupled to the vehicle frame member, a first strain sensing device and a second strain sensing device attached to the sensor body. The sensor body is configured to exhibit stress in response to transverse and torsional stress wave propagating along the vehicle frame member. The first strain sensing device generates a first signal indicative of stress in the sensor body and the second strain sensing device generates a second signal indicative of stress in the sensor body. A first end portion of the sensor body is characterized as trapezoidal prism shaped and a second end portion of the sensor body is characterized as trapezoidal prism shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Leong, Chee Keng Yeo, Yew Kwang Low, Kok Wee Yeo
  • Stress micro mechanical test cell, device, system and methods
    Patent number: 8499645
    Abstract: The invention provides a stress micro mechanical system for measuring stress and strain in micro- and nano-fibers tubes, and wires as well as for measuring the interface adhesion force and stress in nanofibers and nanotubes embedded in a polymer matrix. A preferred system of the invention has a substrate for supporting a MEMS fabrication. The MEMS fabrication includes freestanding sample attachment points that are movable in a translation direction relative to one another when the substrate is moved and a sample is attached between the sample attachment points. An optical microscope images surfaces of the MEMS fabrication. Software conducts digital image correlation on obtained images to determine the movement of the surfaces at a resolution much greater than the hardware resolution of the optical microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Ioannis Chasiotis, Mohammad Naraghi
  • Utility pull-back tension monitoring arrangement with sensor output compensation and method
    Patent number: 8499646
    Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Rudolf Zeller, John E. Mercer, Charles Yu Yat Tsang
  • Electromagnetic flow meter
    Patent number: 8499647
    Abstract: A noise eliminating circuit is provided between a sample hold portion and an A/D converting portion. In the noise eliminating circuit, a DC flow rate signal is sent from the sample hold portion through a buffer to one input terminal of an operational amplifier as a first input signal, and through a high-pass filter and a buffer to the other input terminal of the operational amplifier as a second input signal. The high-pass filter passes, as a noise component, a signal of higher than a specific frequency included in the DC flow rate signal. The operational amplifier calculates the difference between the first input signal (the flow rate signal component+the noise component) and the second input signal (the noise component), and outputs this difference (the flow rate signal component) to the A/D converting portion as the DC flow rate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Ichirou Mitsutake
  • Gas meter
    Patent number: 8499648
    Abstract: A gas meter comprising a housing (2) with a gas inlet connection (5) and an inflow chamber (16) which is arranged downstream of the latter and into which gas flows via an inflow opening (14), arranged downstream of which inflow chamber (16) is a measuring section (19) arranged upstream of a gas outlet connection (6) and having a measuring device (20), in which the gas flow is measured, wherein projecting into the inflow chamber (16) there is a tube (15) which merges into the measuring section (19) or forms the latter and runs substantially perpendicularly to the gas flow direction through the inflow opening (14) and overlaps the inflow opening (14), at least in a certain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hydrometer GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Sonnenberg, Andreas Hegendoerfer
  • Testing a torque tool
    Patent number: 8499649
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for gaging the repeatability of a tool is provided by a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly has a pivot member with a tool engagement feature to selectively receive a torque from the tool at a pivot axis. The pivot assembly also has a first magnetically permeable member fixed in movement with the pivot member. The pivot assembly further has a second magnetically permeable member. An abutment member abuttingly engages the pivot member to limit its pivotal travel at a position where the first and second magnetically permeable members are magnetically coupled together, without contacting each other for being separated by a gap, by a magnetic force of attraction urging the pivot member toward the second magnetically permeable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Michael William Pfeiffer, Brendan Joseph Moore
  • Torque detection device for power steering
    Patent number: 8499650
    Abstract: A torque detection device for a power steering which is less liable to be influenced by external factors or by a bending force exerted on a shaft. In the torque detection device, a torque is generated between an input shaft, which is turned interlockedly with a steering handle for operating the traveling direction of a vehicle, and an output shaft turned interlockedly with the input shaft so as to steer the vehicle. An assisting force is exerted on the output shaft by an assisting unit that is determined based on the detection result. The torque detection device is provided between the input shaft and the output shaft and includes a cam mechanism by which a torque generated between the input shaft and the output shaft is converted into a thrust force, and a pressure sensor for detecting the thrust force into which the torque is converted by the cam mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Kuroki
  • Detecting device
    Patent number: 8499651
    Abstract: A detecting device including a pressure sensor that is deformed by a load from an outside and causes stress dispersion includes a slip detecting unit that calculates a pressure center position using a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, calculates a movement value of the calculated pressure center position using a temporal change of the pressure center position, and detects a slip on the basis of the calculated movement value of the pressure center position. The pressure sensor has a multilayer structure in which two detecting units that detect pressure are arranged to hold a viscoelastic body made of a viscoelastic material that is deformed by a load from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Kishida, Toshimitsu Tsuboi, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Shizuka Yata
  • Test ramp for testing microactuators used in a multi-head disk drive
    Patent number: 8499652
    Abstract: A test ramp is disclosed comprising a plurality of planar surfaces, wherein each planar surface comprises at least one impediment. Each impediment is offset along a planar axis from the other impediments, and each impediment is operable to contact part of a respective actuator arm of a disk drive in order to excite a microactuator coupled to the actuator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Tran, Yanning Liu, Sivabalan Ganisen, Mukesh Patel
  • Fault tolerant electro-mechanical actuator
    Patent number: 8499653
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator incorporates a drive housing connected to a motor for rotational motion. A screw is employed with an actuating nut having protruding engagement bosses and a drive coupling is concentrically received within the drive housing having segments equal to the number of engagement bosses. Each segment has a cavity to receive a respective one of the engagement bosses and the segments are cooperatively positionable from an active position radially compressed to engage the bosses within the cavities to a released position radially expanded to disengage the bosses from the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Sheahan, Jr., Charles E. Morris, David E. Blanding, James L. Peck, Jr.
  • Electrically driven linear actuator
    Patent number: 8499654
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically driven linear actuator for linearly moving a mass, in which at least one elongated actuator element, which, on the output side, acts upon the mass, is mounted inside a main pipe in a manner that enables it to slide in an axial direction, and which, on the input side, is coupled to a spindle nut that, itself, rests upon a spindle, which is rotationally mounted inside the main pipe and which can be placed in rotational motion by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventor: Leo Ymker
  • Multistage transmission
    Patent number: 8499655
    Abstract: A multistage transmission includes a lost motion mechanism for regulating the operation for a downward shift in acceleration and for an upward shift in deceleration. Regulating rods are integrally moved with a control rod. A cutout into which a pin can be fitted together with a cam groove of the slidingly touched cam rod is formed corresponding to each cam groove in the regulating rods. The cutout of the regulating rods corresponding to the cam groove of the cam rod for normal rotation is formed longer than the corresponding cam groove on the reverse side to a moving direction of the control rod in an upward shift in a state in which shifted speed is established. The cutout of the regulating rods corresponding to the cam groove of the cam rod for reverse rotation is formed longer than the corresponding cam groove on the reverse side to a moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Matsumoto
  • Eight speed dual clutch transmission
    Patent number: 8499656
    Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Edward W. Mellet, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Transmission for work vehicle
    Patent number: 8499657
    Abstract: A multi-shaft transmission is mounted on a work vehicle for performing loader work, and includes a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power from an input shaft through a countershaft to an output shaft. A shifting part shifts a drivetrain from the input shaft to the output shaft. The power transmission mechanism includes a forward clutch and a reverse clutch for forward-reverse shifting, and a plurality of speed stage shifting clutches for changing speed stages, wherein at least one of the forward clutch and the reverse clutch has a plurality of speed region shifting clutches. The shifting part shifts only one clutch among the plurality of speed stage shifting clutches and the plurality of speed region shifting clutches to change speeds when a plurality of speed stages are used in be loader work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sasada, Hiroaki Takeshima, Yoshito Komatsu
  • Transfer case for a vehicle
    Patent number: 8499658
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle. The transfer case may include a rotation direction portion and an output mode portion configured to be driven by the rotation direction portion. The rotation direction portion may provide torque in different directions to the output mode portion. The output mode portion may selectively provide output torque to one or more outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Klemm, Todd R. Ekonen
  • Gearbox with multi-function quill
    Patent number: 8499659
    Abstract: A gearbox comprises a multi-function quill. The quill is provided for loading a bearing and limiting brake-releasing movement of a piston of a brake release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Benson, Donald O. Johannsen, Denis J. Roling
  • Hollow rack and hollow rack manufacturing method
    Patent number: 8499660
    Abstract: The one end side portion is nipped by a jig including a jig member having a pair of convex portions which are to be fitted to a depressions in contact with a tooth side face and a inclined portion and positioning a bar and a jig member which is to be clamped/opened with respect to the jig member. A die having an inside diameter smaller than the diameter of the outer periphery is pressed onto the outer periphery of the end portion of the cylindrical end side portion projected from the jig up to a press-in depth determined preliminarily based on the rack, so as to reduce the diameter of the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Neturen Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamawaki, Ryosuke Suzuki, Tetsuji Murata, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Yutaka Kiyosawa
  • Selector lever having actuating change of position
    Patent number: 8499661
    Abstract: An operating device for shift-by-wire transmission comprises a selector lever which has a detent mechanism. The detent mechanism comprises bevel and notched contours that can be displaced for automatically returning the selector lever back to the first lock position or shift gate. The notched contour is spring-biased toward the selector lever detent element and overlaps the bevel contour in its first position, and an actuating block is provided for locking the notched contour in its first position near the detent element. The spring-loading of the notched contour is weaker than the spring-loading of the detent element, and the shape of the first detent position of the notched contour matches that of the first detent position of the bevel contour when the notched contour is located in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ludger Rake, Andreas Giefer, Sascha Rosentreter
  • Pull handle structure of a hand puller
    Patent number: 8499662
    Abstract: A pull handle structure of a hand puller contains a base including two opposite holes to insert two shafts respectively, with each hole including a ratchet. A pulling handle includes a rotating member with two side plates, each including first and second ends. Each first end includes an axial connecting portion on which a circular opening is formed so that the rotating member swings axially relative to the base. The side plate includes a sliding rail. Between the two side plates is defined a movable retaining element to contact with the ratchet. A movable bar includes two elongated stems and a grip rod defined between the two elongated stems. Each elongated stem is fitted in the sliding rail to move slidably. Between the rotating member and the movable bar is defined a locking device to obtain a positioning purpose when the movable bar is expanded and retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Win Chance Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Cheng Chang
  • Brake pedal stop
    Patent number: 8499663
    Abstract: A braking assembly includes a depressible brake pedal. The brake pedal remains in a neutral position when not depressed. A link arm is mechanically linked with the brake pedal. The link arm moves as a function of a position of the brake pedal. A bell crank is mechanically linked with the link arm. The bell crank moves as a function of a position of the link arm. A stop member moves with the bell crank. The stop member abuts against the link arm to prevent the brake pedal from over-travelling beyond a predetermined distance past the neutral position after the depressed brake pedal is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Duane R. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Krause, Mark H. Sciulli
  • Axle shaft cover plate with bearing assembly
    Patent number: 8499664
    Abstract: A cover plate for a drive assembly that includes a bearing housing having a bearing cavity, a thrust bearing axially disposed within the bearing cavity that includes a cup, cone and plurality of rollers disposed between cup and cone raceways, a thrust plate with an axle engaging surface disposed perpendicular to a central axis and coupled for rotation to the cone. The cover plate may be connected to a final drive housing of a final drive that includes a plurality of gears operatively connected to an axle shaft, the end of the axle shaft positioned to rotationally engage the thrust plate and cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David M. White, Christopher G. Oakley, Keith A. Kabrick
  • Torsion control hammer grip
    Patent number: 8499665
    Abstract: A manually operable impact tool is provided that includes an elongated rigid handle and an impact head disposed at one longitudinal end portion of the handle structure. A cushioning grip is disposed over a second longitudinal end portion of the handle structure. The cushioning grip includes an inner layer of thermoplastic rubber having a Shore A durometer in the range of about 10 to about 40, and an outer layer of thermoplastic rubber disposed over the inner layer having a Shore A durometer in the range of about 55 to about 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert St. John, Michael Marusiak
  • Dual pawl ratchet mechanism and reversing method
    Patent number: 8499666
    Abstract: A dual-pawl ratchet wrench mechanism is disclosed having a stop mechanism for limiting over-travel of a reversing lever for selecting drive directions. In one form, the wrench mechanism includes a ball and spring assembly that cooperate with recesses to define proper positions for the reversing lever, and one or more ramps are provided between the recesses to promote tactile feel and to promote the reversing lever being rotated to a proper position. In some forms, the stop mechanism is formed on a stationary portion, such as a spacer or the wrench body, and a portion of the reversing lever. The design simplifies manufacturing, such as by simplifying assembly and minimizing the need for securements. Additionally, the reversing lever is assembled with the mechanism in a manner to improve sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Hopper, Michael Foster, Christopher Thompson
  • Tool holder
    Patent number: 8499667
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a cavity to receive a T-handle tool. When the tool handle is placed on the T-handle tool, the tool handle provides a better grip of the tool handle to apply greater torque. The tool handle includes a protrusion which is able to detachably couple with the T-handle tool. Once coupled with the T-handle tool, the tool handle is able to be grasped by a user to rapidly turn the T-handle tool. In some embodiments, the T-handle tool includes an added tool. A tool container is able to store T-handle tools and the tool handle. The tool container includes a locking mechanism to lock the tools in place and a tamper prevention mechanism to ensure the locking mechanism is not tampered with while the tool container is in the store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: WAGIC, Inc
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Discharging workpiece parts
    Patent number: 8499668
    Abstract: A machine tool that includes a workpiece support and a punching die. The punching die includes a support surface, for supporting a workpiece to be processed, and a discharging slope. The discharging slope is configured such that a workpiece part, severed from a workpiece supported on the support surface of the punching die, is displaced, in at least one of a rotational, tilting, or linear movement, from a processing position at least partially overlying the discharging slope toward a removal position on the discharging slope. The discharging slope is also configured such that a workpiece part, severed from a workpiece supported on the support surface of the punching die, is directed, in a sliding movement, toward a discharging position located beneath the support surface and adjacent the punching die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: TRIUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Laib, Eric Schneider, Stefan Buettner
  • Methods and apparatus for singulating micro-well tape
    Patent number: 8499669
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for singulating micro-well tape includes a tape drive (12) and a cutting assembly (14). The micro-well tape is advanced into and passes between upper and lower tape retainers (44, 45), with the upper tape retainer (44) including a groove (441) into which a raised ridge (451) of a multiplicity of ridges (450) of the bottom tape retainer (45) extends, with the rows of wells moving between adjacent ridges (450) in a movement direction. When a bar code on the micro-well tape is detected by a sensor 24, a knife blade (30) mounted on a slide block (32) is moved vertically to cut the micro-well tape. The new leading edge of the micro-well tape pushes the cut micro-well tape which is deflected by the raised ridge (451).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Schoeneck, Brent Urke, Adnanul Haq, Paul Wagner, Bruce Peterson
  • Modular blind cutting center
    Patent number: 8499670
    Abstract: A blind cutting apparatus includes a support surface adapted to support a window covering, a frame disposed at the end of the support surface and a rack movable within the frame. A plurality of die assemblies are fastened to the rack, in which each die assembly includes a fixed die that has openings sized to receive the ends of the window covering and a movable die that is movable relative to the fixed die. The fixed dies and the movable dies are adapted to cut the ends of the window covering. The rack is adapted to move relative to the support surface such that a selected die assembly is adjacent the support surface and the moveable die of the selected die assembly is independently moveable of the moveable dies of the other die assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Caputo
  • Panel saw
    Patent number: 8499671
    Abstract: A supplemental frame and adjustable edge stop assembly are mounted to a front lower edge of a panel saw. A first quick release mount on the supplemental frame cooperates with a second quick release mount on the edge stop assembly to enable quick interchange of assemblies. One form of edge stop assembly includes a movable panel for movement as a unit of multiple edge stops into and out of operative position. A mounting plate for a cutting tool has workpiece rise limiters for pressing the workpiece against the panel saw face. Adjustable hold-downs engage a top edge of the workpiece to hold it down against support rollers. The edge stops, rise limiters and hold-downs form a pocket supporting the workpiece along three mutually perpendicular axes. A stand-off panel removably positioned on a front face of the panel saw supports thin workpieces closer to the cutting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Stanley Learnard
  • Power miter saw with hinge linkage linear guides
    Patent number: 8499672
    Abstract: A power miter saw comprises a saw base having a fence for positioning a work piece, a table rotatably connected to the saw base; a miter arm assembly for angularly positioning the table relative to the saw base, a saw blade and motor assembly operatively connected to the table, a linear guide mechanism attached to the table and being configured to support the saw blade and motor assembly and enable movement of the assembly along a predetermined linear path in either forward or rearward directions, the mechanism having a horizontal shaft about which the assembly is pivotable to move a saw blade vertically into and out of cutting position, the mechanism also having a multiple link hinge pivotally interconnecting the motor assembly and the table with horizontal shafts that are parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen C. Oberheim
  • Microsurgical cutting instruments
    Patent number: 8499673
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for self-sharpening micro surgical blades, knives and assemblies including those having a cutting edge that is less than 500 angstroms thick where the cutting edge is an exposed section of a thin planar layer or region that is supported on one or both sides by a material having a higher wear rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: MynoSys Cellular Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Guild Keller
  • Yoke accessory tool for an oscillating tool
    Patent number: 8499674
    Abstract: An accessory tool is configured to be coupled to a power tool having a tool drive structure. The accessory tool includes a spring component and has a first arm and a second arm attached to the spring component. The first arm includes (i) a first proximal end portion defining a first accessory drive structure that is configured to mate with a first portion of the tool drive structure, and (ii) a first distal end portion having a first holding structure. The second arm is spaced apart from the first arm and includes (i) a second proximal end portion defining a second accessory drive structure that is configured to mate with a second portion of the tool drive structure, and (ii) a second distal end portion having a second holding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John Holba, Edward Abante, Jeremy Rubens, Carl Christian Carlson, Jaime Moreno
  • Systems and method for igniting explosives
    Patent number: 8499675
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Energetics, Inc
    Inventors: Stephen McCahon, Paul B. Lundquis, Richard J Adler, Joseph C. Hayden, Eric Lau
  • Coupler system for attaching blank adaptor and the like to a flash hider
    Patent number: 8499676
    Abstract: A coupling system attaches a device such as a blank adaptor or a sound suppressor to the flash hider of a firearm. The device is slid over the flash hider until a set of flat surfaces on it are aligned with a set of holes in the device. Camming latches are held in the holes in the device. The collar carried by the device is then threadably advanced to a locking position with respect to the device where it presses the camming latches into secure engagement with the flat surfaces on the flash hider. Unthreading the collar to the unlocked position allows the camming latches to be moved radially when the device is to be removed or rotated. A spring lock prevents the collar from rotating during use, particularly during firing of the firearm but may be released to rotate the collar between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: FN Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Moore, Thomas Mooty
  • W-shaped hull
    Patent number: 8499677
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to hull have a geometric shape where a first wall, second wall, and third wall are designed to mitigate the effects of an explosion. In an exemplary embodiment, the hull may have a double-vertex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems—Canada Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Kin Ho Lee
  • Armoring elements for a structure, such as a military vehicle
    Patent number: 8499678
    Abstract: An armoring element for a structure, such as a vehicle, and comprising a case integral with said structure and enclosing at least two passive or reactive armoring modules, separated by a layer of shock-absorbing material, said case containing two fixed lateral walls parallel to one another and integral with a back wall intended to be positioned on said structure, wherein said armoring modules are mounted sliding on slides integral with the lateral walls of said case, and wherein they may thus be individually introduced or removed from said case via a front opening positioned opposite said back wall and delimited by said lateral walls, stop means ensuring the retention of each of said armoring modules with respect to said lateral walls when it is put into place on said lateral walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Nexter Munitions
    Inventors: Jean-Roch Adam, Sophie Delaroche