Patents Issued in August 6, 2013
  • Patent number: 8499883
    Abstract: A first fastening portion (100) for fastening a cylinder block (20) and a bracket (50) to each other and a second fastening portion (200) for fastening a crank case (30) and the bracket (50) to each other are so provided as to have interposed therebetween a fastening bolt (40) for fastening the cylinder block (20) and the crank case (30) to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuhiro Terada
  • Patent number: 8499884
    Abstract: A ring-mount joint between two vehicle units of an articulated bus, with the joint comprising two cantilevers, wherein each cantilever is arranged on one of the vehicle units, with each cantilever comprising a slewing ring, wherein the two slewing rings of the cantilever are mounted in each other so that they can be pivoted, wherein a damping device is provided for damping the rotational motion of the two cantilever relative to each other, wherein in the space enclosed by the inner slewing ring, there is arranged an annular chamber damper, wherein the annular chamber damper comprises two inter-mounted housing parts that are rotatable relative to each other, wherein the one housing part is in connection with the one cantilever and the other housing part is in connection with the other cantilever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hübner GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Karasek, Ralf Schulz, Günther Schneider
  • Patent number: 8499886
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wearing audio products are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for delivering sound to an ear includes a flexible material shaped to fit within an outer ear. The apparatus includes a movable member in contact with an inner surface of the flexible material, the flexible material configured to expand or retract responsive to movement of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnston, Jacob Meyberg, Eric Bradford
  • Patent number: 8499887
    Abstract: A wall element for the sound-insulating interior lining of a transport device, comprising at least one sandwich element, at least one insulation package and at least one absorber plane element. The sandwich element comprises at least one core layer, a first cover layer and a second cover layer, wherein the first cover layer and the second cover layer are each arranged on one side of the core layer. At least the first or the second cover layer is a microperforated layer; the sandwich element possesses a shear rigidity that is adjusted in such a way that the sandwich element comprises one or several coincidence boundary frequencies that are determined by the shear rigidity, which coincidence boundary frequencies are outside the frequency range that dominates the noise in the interior of the cabin; and the shear rigidity of the sandwich element at the same time is sufficient for said sandwich element to be used as an interior lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gleine, Christian Thomas
  • Patent number: 8499888
    Abstract: One or more rack modules may be semi-permanently attached to a deck to provide storage for material. Each rack module comprises a top horizontal member which may be adjusted in length to accommodate decks with different widths. A vertical member is attached to the top horizontal member; one or more horizontal arms extend out from the vertical member. One or more of the horizontal arms may be adjustable in length. Material may be stored on an arm or arms of a single rack module or may be disposed across multiple such arms, including across multiple such arms of multiple rack modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8499889
    Abstract: An adjustable work platform comprises a fixed platform carrying a multiplicity of adjustable members designed to slide out of the fixed platform to variable lengths as needed. A large irregularly shaped object, such as an aircraft, may be driven into the interior of the platform with the adjustable members retracted. Once in place, the adjustable members are extended to form a heavy duty work platform conforming to the irregular shape of the exterior of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventors: Adam Lewis DuBose, Ronald W. Bennett, Rodrick Lafaye Williamson
  • Patent number: 8499890
    Abstract: A personal escape device which can be used by men, women, and children, including physically disabled persons, to descend in a controlled and secure manner from high structures such as office buildings, multistory homes, and the like. The device is designed for a relatively low-cost, small size which may be used by payloads of variable weights. The rescue device of the invention may be a single-use device or a multi-use device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rescue Reel, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin R. Stone, Michael Strasser, Thomas King, Imraan Aziz
  • Patent number: 8499891
    Abstract: A component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a nut element attached thereto, the nut element being arranged in an opening of the sheet metal part and being adapted to receive a bolt element having a shaft part with a thread and a head part of larger radial dimensions is wherein the sheet metal part has at least one hole adjacent to the nut element which is not covered over by the nut element but can be covered over by the head part of the screwed-in bolt element. A component assembly of this kind is in particular suitable for an oil pan since the oil can flow through the holes. A method is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Oliver Diehl, Michael Vieth
  • Patent number: 8499892
    Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a machine block comprising features configured to support moving machine components within a lubricating fluid, wherein the machine block includes an integral valve block configured to route the lubricating fluid through a first filter without a second filter and configured to route the lubricating fluid through the second filter without the first filter. Further embodiments include a method that includes switching circulation of a lubricant between a first filter and a second filter in response to an angular position of a valve disposed in a valve block integral to a machine block having moving components lubricated by the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8499893
    Abstract: An oil scavenge system of a gas turbine engine in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a housing defined about an axis of rotation, the housing confining an air/oil mixture in motion within the housing and defining an oil scavenge area below the axis of rotation. The housing further includes an outlet at a low location of the housing. A churning damper is supported within the housing and is located in the oil scavenge area. The churning damper includes at least one plate, allowing the air/oil mixture in motion to pass over or through the plate only in a peripheral area of the at least one plate to cause flow energy dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Alecu, Kenneth Parkman
  • Patent number: 8499894
    Abstract: A lubrication structure for a multi-speed transmission has a lubrication structure in which a gear shaft is provided with cam guide grooves in an inner cavity thereof. A lubricating oil is introduced into the inner cavity by way of oil feed introducing holes which are bored in one end portion of the gear shaft so as to provide communication between the inside and the outside of the gear shaft. The lubricating oil is led in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface of the inner cavity by axial oil feed grooves formed by cutting along the inner peripheral surface of the inner cavity in parallel to the cam guide grooves. The lubricating oil is led out to the engagement switch-over mechanism by radial oil feed holes bored in radial directions so as to communicate with the axial oil feed grooves at axial-direction positions where pin members are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Matsumoto, Jun Miyazaki, Hideo Senmyo
  • Patent number: 8499895
    Abstract: A system and method for pre-programming operation of an elevator to automatically service particular floors of a building at a designated future interval. A remote user may input instructions over a network to be relayed to an elevator controller including a future interval during which an elevator is to automatically make continuous or periodic trips to and from a particular floor or floors of a building, such that during the designated future interval the elevator automatically and without a user's instructions, reaches the designated floor, opens the door, waits a pre-set time period, closes the door and travels to another floor or floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Zvi Zweig
  • Patent number: 8499896
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for limiting horizontal movements in a lift for humans or equipment in eg. a wind turbine tower or the like. The lift is to be provided with one or more sliding devices which, during the movement of the lift, guide(s) the lift by cooperating with a cable or the like. The system further includes a securing device for direct or indirect anchoring of the cable to the wind turbine tower. The sliding device and the securing device include tubular units that are adapted to each other to the effect that the tubular unit of the securing device is able to slide within the tubular unit of the sliding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AIP APS
    Inventor: Soren Midtgaard
  • Patent number: 8499897
    Abstract: An example wheel restraint includes a wheel chock that is manually movable between a retracted or release position clear of a wheel of a vehicle at a loading dock and an operative position to block the path of the wheel. In the release position, the chock can be manually moved freely along a track that is mounted to a driveway of the dock. When the chock is manually moved from its release position to its operative position, a locking feature automatically restricts the movement of the chock relative to the track. When the chock is manually moved back to its release position, the locking feature automatically disengages. Although the wheel chock is connected to a track, much of the force exerted by the wheel against the chock can be transmitted directly from the chock to the driveway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Brooks, Benjamin Wieberdink, Bradley J. Stone, Kurt Lessard, Norbert Hahn, Timothy Cotton
  • Patent number: 8499898
    Abstract: A braking system for a stroller includes: a brake pedal positioned near a first rear wheel of the stroller; a braking cam operationally coupled to the brake pedal and rotatable around a pivot point from a first position to a second position; and a brake lever having a first end configured to contact the braking cam when the braking cam is in the second position, and a second end having a plurality of teeth configured to engage at least one gear driven by the first rear wheel of the stroller when the braking cam is in the second position. A depression of the brake pedal causes the braking cam to rotate around the pivot point from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the teeth of the brake lever to engage the at least one gear to prevent rotation of the first rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Thorley Industries LLC
    Inventor: Henry F. Thorne
  • Patent number: 8499899
    Abstract: A wheel chock system for preventing movement of one or more wheels. The system may include a pair of chocks for clamping onto one or more wheels. The chocks may be connected through a linkage mechanism that can be rotated to draw the chocks together or move the chocks further apart. A handle may be attached to the linkage mechanism for moving the chock system from a blocking position to a released position. The handle may be configured to stand upright such that the chock system can be installed and removed by a user in a standing position without the need to bend or crouch. One embodiment of the chock system may be attachable to two different wheels in a tandem wheel arrangement, whereas another embodiment of the chock system may be configured to clamp onto a single wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Progress Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Scott
  • Patent number: 8499900
    Abstract: A retarder for controlling the speed of a railcar is provided. The retarder includes a brake and a brake actuator that includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder and a spring. One of the piston and the cylinder acts on the brake and the other of the piston and the cylinder acts on one end of the spring. The other end of the spring acts on the brake. In this arrangement, supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the piston-cylinder causes both the piston-cylinder and the spring to move the brake towards a closed position in which the brake will apply braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar. The spring resiliently biases the brake into the closed position to maintain a substantially constant braking pressure on the wheel of the railcar as it moves through the retarder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: AAA Sales & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heyden, Gregory P. Reitz, Kurt J. Penney
  • Patent number: 8499901
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved linkage assemblies for use with drilling rig and mobile well servicing rig braking systems, and braking systems comprising such improved linkage assemblies. The disclosed improved linkage braking assemblies effectively decouple the emergency brake actuation cylinder shaft and the brake lever upon activation of the emergency brake actuation cylinder, thereby preventing the brake lever from rapid and forceful downward movement, which could injure the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Nabors Well Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Vernon Raymond Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8499902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a braking apparatus, in particular for implements of motor-driven tool units comprising an arm having at least one bearing disposed therein for rotatable mounting of an axle and comprising a flange fastened on the rotatably mounted axle, wherein the axle and/or the flange are drivable by means of a drive motor, wherein a first friction element is firmly connected on the arm and a second friction element is connected to the axle and/or to the flange, wherein the first and the second friction element come into frictional contact with one another or not depending on the action of centrifugal force on at least one flyweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: DOLMAR GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Wenckel, Carsten Ziegs
  • Patent number: 8499903
    Abstract: In a suspension device (S) comprising a motion transforming mechanism (T) for transforming a linear motion of a linear motion member (1) into a rotational motion of a rotating member (2) and a motor (M) connected to the rotating member (2) in the motion transforming mechanism (T), an air spring (AS) is provided, the air spring (AS) including a tubular air chamber (22) connected to the motor (M), an air piston (37) connected to the linear motion member (1) and being tubular and smaller in diameter than the air chamber (22), and a diaphragm (27) interposed between the air chamber (22) and the air piston (37), a stopper (38a) is provided on an outer periphery of the air piston (37), and a stopper seat (46) is provided on an inner periphery of the air chamber (22) so as to be put in abutment against the stopper (38a) upon maximum extension of the suspension device involving relative separation of the air chamber (22) and the air piston (37) with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Sakuta, Takuhiro Kondo, Takayuki Tachi
  • Patent number: 8499904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake disc (1) comprising a support cap (2), which is intended to be connected to a wheel hub of a vehicle, and a braking band (3), which is intended to cooperate with a caliper of the disc brake. The braking band comprises two plates (31, 32) which are connected by a plurality of connecting members (33) that define ventilation ducts (34). The brake disc is characterized in that, a plurality of the connecting members having different shapes and/or dimensions are arranged according to a module (M) which repeats itself an integral number of times along the braking band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Freni Brembo, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Simone Biondo, Michele Donati
  • Patent number: 8499905
    Abstract: A front fork for easily optimizing an oil quantity in a damper cylinder with a relatively simple structure without affecting operability of a free piston even in an assembled state. An escape portion is formed on an outer periphery of a piston rod at a position where a seal member mounted on a sealing cap faces in an opposed manner when a front fork extends to the maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Uchiyama, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 8499906
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension includes a stroke adjustment unit, a suspension damper, a damper adjustment unit, and a control mechanism. The stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension, which is configured to expand and contract within the stroke. The suspension damper is configured to apply damping force to the bicycle suspension. The damper adjustment unit is configured to adjust the damping force applied by the suspension damper. The control mechanism operatively couples the stroke adjustment unit to the damper adjustment unit and is configured to sequentially adjust the stroke and the damping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8499907
    Abstract: A tunable vibration isolator with active tuning elements having a housing, fluid chamber, and at least one tuning port. A piston is resiliently disposed within the housing. A vibration isolation fluid is disposed within the fluid chambers and the tuning ports. The tunable vibration isolator may employ either a solid tuning mass approach or a liquid tuning mass approach. The active vibration elements are preferably solid-state actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Smith, Frank B. Stamps, Taeoh Lee, David E. Heverly, Jr., Robert J. Pascal
  • Patent number: 8499908
    Abstract: A composite cable and method provides for control of the cable, and particularly its vibration modes, in response to a wide range of resonant and non-resonant energy input. The cable comprises a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF) in a cavity of a flexible tube. The NNF is characterized by viscosity that varies with shear stress. A load applies shear stress to the NNF changing its viscosity to dampen motion of the cable. The cable may comprise inner and outer tubes that are separated by a NNF. The inner tube may be filled with the same or different NNF, a Newtonian fluid or void. A magnetic field magnetic field may be applied to further control the viscosity of the NNF. The magnetic field may be controlled in response to a sensed condition of the cable indicative of shear stress in the NNF to provide either positive or negative feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Delmar L. Barker, Michael J. Broyles, Darrick M. Buban
  • Patent number: 8499909
    Abstract: A mining haul truck driven by electrical wheel motors is powered by a trolley power system during an uphill climb. Retard energy captured during braking action on either the uphill climb or downhill descent is stored by an on-board electrical energy storage system. Electrical power is supplied from the on-board electrical energy storage system to reduce the peak power demand on the trolley power system during the uphill climb. One implementation of the on-board electrical energy storage system uses an ultracapacitor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Joy Mazumdar, Walter Köllner
  • Patent number: 8499910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inductively transmitting electrical energy to or from a mobile object (3) that is located on a roadway or rail, is at a standstill or in motion, and comprises a load and/or an energy store, comprising a floor inductor (5) that is associated with the roadway (1) and comprises a plurality of first induction coils (4) that are arranged along the roadway (1) or rail, are connected to a current source, and have a magnetically conductive iron core (6) for generating a magnetic field directed toward the moving object (3). An inductive wheel (8) attached to the moving object (3) comprises a stationary second induction coil (9) having a magnetically conductive iron core (10) and magnetically conductive wheel disks (11, 12) that are directed toward the roadway (1) or rail and connected to said magnetically conductive iron core on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Stemmann-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Burkhard Hübner
  • Patent number: 8499911
    Abstract: Provided is a power supply system including a crane and a power supply truck. In the power supply system, a linkage mechanism efficiently transmits a force in a travel direction x to the power supply truck, while not transmitting any force in a transverse direction y or a twisting direction, and has a highly durable configuration. In a power supply system 1 for a crane in which a crane 2 for loading and unloading a container for marine transportation is linked to a power supply truck 3 for supplying power while following the crane 2, with a linkage mechanism 4, the linkage mechanism 4 includes a receiving member 10 disposed on the power supply truck 3, and a pushing member 11 disposed on the crane 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kinya Ichimura
  • Patent number: 8499912
    Abstract: A torque converter for an automatic transmission includes a first fluid flow path for supplying a fluid to a pump cavity, a second fluid flow path for removing the fluid from the pump cavity, and a third fluid flow path for supplying a hydraulic signal to a lock-up clutch. The third fluid flow path is separate and distinct from the first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path. A sleeve divides a stepped axial bore in the turbine output shaft into an inner stepped axial bore cavity, which is part of the third fluid flow path, and an outer stepped axial bore cavity, which is part of the first fluid flow path. The torque converter further includes an isolator assembly having a twenty degree rotational travel dampening distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8499913
    Abstract: An actuator assembly may comprise a housing, a shaft, a shape memory alloy (SMA) torque tube, and first and second unidirectional bearings. The SMA torque tube may rotate the shaft. The first unidirectional bearing may limit rotation of the shaft relative to the SMA torque tube to a first direction. The second unidirectional bearing may prevent rotation of the shaft relative to the housing along a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ian M. Gunter
  • Patent number: 8499914
    Abstract: An arrangement for coupling at least two freewheels independent of an associated shaft of a gear mechanism comprises at least one shifting device that comprises an actuation device and a shifting device. The shifting device can be axially displaced with the actuation device that is arranged at least partially in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 8499915
    Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling including a first hub, a shaft fixedly connected to the first hub, the shaft being non-round in cross-section, and a second hub having a non-round recess extending therethrough, the non-round recess being sized to closely receive the shaft such that the second hub is capable of sliding along the shaft and is prevented from rotating about the shaft, wherein rotation of the first hub results in corresponding rotation of the second hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: F. R. Drake
    Inventors: William L. Harrison, William M. Oliver, Jeffrey D. Wightman
  • Patent number: 8499916
    Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided that minimizes flux leakage from a magnetic circuit that engages the device. The device includes a rotor and an armature defining opposed engagement surfaces. The rotor, the armature and a field shell disposed on one side of the rotor and housing an electrical conductor comprise members of a magnetic circuit that, upon energization of the conductor, draws the armature into engagement with the rotor. A torque transmission member is coupled to the armature and supported by a bearing. In one embodiment a sleeve is disposed radially inwardly of the bearing. To prevent flux leakage through the torque transmission member, the sleeve has a magnetic permeability that is lower than a magnetic permeability of the members of the magnetic circuit. In another embodiment, a support cup of the torque transmission member has a radially outwardly turned flange to distance the cup from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Warner Electric Technology LLC
    Inventors: James A. Pardee, Michael Humy
  • Patent number: 8499917
    Abstract: A foreign object detector for a note validator, the detector includes means defining a note path and gate means in the note path operable between an open position for allowing a note to pass the gate means and a fully closed position for preventing a note from passing the gate means. The gate means is biased towards the fully closed position. The foreign object detector also includes sensing means for detecting when the gate means is in the fully closed position. In the fully closed position, a leading edge of the gate means extends outside the note path and is received within a recess in the means defining the note path, whereby a foreign object in the note path obstructing the recess prevents the gate means from reaching the fully closed position, the sensing means thereby detecting the presence of the foreign object in the note path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Astrosys International Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Ronald Smith
  • Patent number: 8499918
    Abstract: A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing conveyance failure. A bill processing apparatus includes a bill insertion slot, a bill conveyance mechanism capable of conveying the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot, a bill reader reading the conveyed bill, a converter which converts an image read by the bill reader into data for each pixel as a unit of a predetermined size including color information having brightness, an authenticity judging mechanism determining an authenticity based on a density value for each pixel converted by the converter and a density value for each pixel of a reference bill, a bill determination processing part for determining a damage of the bill, before the bill reader completes reading, and a controller controlling the conveyance of the bill based on a determination result by the bill determination processing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Nireki
  • Patent number: 8499919
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products has a pocket conveyor, mobile along a loop-shaped path and provided with a plurality of pockets, each adapted to receive and withhold a respective container, and a transfer device for transferring the containers with a rectilinear motion between the respective pockets and at least one operating station for executing an operation on the containers themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Health Robotics, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Walter Bianco, Michele Minisini, Garcia Gaspar de Viedma Santoro
  • Patent number: 8499920
    Abstract: In a conveyor device including a branch path, the number of articles sorted to the branch path is counted accurately. The conveyor device conveys a plurality of articles and includes a main conveyor, a first branch path, a first detector, a second detector, a detection information processing section, and a charging conveyor. The first branch path branches from the main conveyor at a first branch point. The first detector and the second detector are arranged upstream and downstream, respectively, of the branch point along a conveyance direction and are arranged to detect articles on the main conveyor. The detection information processing section is configured to calculate the number of articles sorted to the first branch path based on a difference between the number of articles detected by the first detector and the number of articles detected by the second detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8499921
    Abstract: An adjustable guide rail assembly for a conveyor system includes an adjustable guide member having a face extending between opposite sides, a large radius face segment and a small radius face segment. The large radius face segment and the small radius face segment extend widthwise between the opposite sides of the adjustable guide member and each define an arcuate guide path for a three dimensional article. A radius of the arcuate guide path changes by rotating the adjustable guide member from a large article configuration where the large radius face segment having a larger radius defines the arcuate guide path to a small article configuration where the small radius face segment having a smaller radius defines the arcuate guide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jason Matthew Orndorff, Todd Michael Yeagle
  • Patent number: 8499922
    Abstract: Scraping plates include: a first scraping plate 11 attached to chains 10, with an end surface 11c? thereof facing a receiving plate 14 being deviated from an attachment point c? where the first scraping plate 11 is attached to the chains 10, by a distance L1 to an opposite side of an advance direction a of the chains 10; and a second scraping plate 12 attached to the chains 10, with an end surface 12c? thereof facing the receiving plate 14 being deviated from an attachment point d? where the second scraping plate 12 is attached to the chains 10, by a distance L2 smaller than the distance L1 of the first scraping plate 11 to the opposite side of the advance direction a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hoshi, Ryosuke Yasumura, Takenori Nishizawa, Akifumi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8499923
    Abstract: A method for channeling upright containers, which are loosely queued in a row, into a transport device is performed by a rotatable separating device, which has the purpose of separating the loosely queued containers, and a stationary accumulating device for the containers downstream of the separating device. The accumulating device has a plurality of stoppers arranged in a row in the transport direction, which can be extended individually in the direction transverse to the transport direction and, in the extended state, define holding positions for the containers. The stoppers are extended one-by-one based on sensor results to sequentially fill the holding positions of the accumulating device starting from the holding position arranged farthest from the separating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Kronawitter, Stefan Angele
  • Patent number: 8499924
    Abstract: A method and a system for stabilizing the sight line of a chip component being carried on two discs, for stabilizing delivery of the chip component between the two discs, and improving and stabilizing the inspection accuracy in the visual check of the chip component. This is achieved by employing a mechanism for carrying the chip component while supporting it on the horizontal plane of the first rotary disc and then carrying the chip component while suction-holding it on the vertical plane of the second rotary disc. When the chip component is carried on the first rotary disc, the upper surface and one side face of the chip component are imaged by first and second cameras. When the chip component is carried on the second rotary disc, the lower surface and the other side face of the chip component are imaged by third and fourth cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kobayashi, Toru Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8499925
    Abstract: A conveying roller facilitates conveyance of a sticky material in the form of sheet or web to be conveyed. An outer peripheral layer of the convey roller is formed on its rolling surface with a plurality of pits at a predetermined occupancy ratio defined by an occupancy ratio of a total area occupied by all of the pits to an area of the rolling surface of the outer peripheral layer. The outer peripheral layer is formed on the rolling surface thereof with a plurality of pits at the occupancy ratio set depending on a degree of stickiness expressed by the sheet material to achieve peel properties of the outer peripheral layer which is compatible with the stickiness of the sheet material and thereby to prevent the sticky sheet material from twining around the conveying roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Arimoto, Seiichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8499926
    Abstract: Modular belt module of the type having a width, and a length, where the width and length defines a plane, and a thickness orthogonal to said plane, such that the basic module is limited by two longitudinal sides, and a front and rear side, where the module along front and rear sides is provided with eye parts, spaced by openings, such that an eye part on one edge fits inside an opening between two eye parts on an adjacent module, whereby apertures provided in the eye parts parallel to the front and rear sides overlap and may accommodate a hinge pin, characterized in that adjacent and parallel to the two longitudinal sides, upstanding flanges are provided, where each flange is provided with means for accommodating an axle, arranged parallel to the front and rear sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventors: Dieter Steinsträter, Carsten Seib
  • Patent number: 8499927
    Abstract: A pin assembly for a chain of a material moving system includes a pin having a first end and a second end, the first end having a threaded portion extending to a guide region having a reduced cross-section compared to the threaded portion, the threaded portion being at least partially modified during fabrication of the pin, the guide region extending to a transition region of increasing cross-section with respect to the guide region from the first end toward the second end, the transition region terminating at a shoulder. A fastener is configured to engage the threaded portion during construction of the chain. During construction of the chain, the pin and the fastener form a compression fit therebetween in response to a predetermined torque applied to the fastener, damaging at least a segment of the fastener, substantially limiting reuse of the fastener after the fastener has been disassembled from the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Andrew V. Lauwers, Robert Stewart Boyd
  • Patent number: 8499928
    Abstract: The chain boards of a metal filings conveyer are respectively formed with a rectangular base plate having two short sides respectively bent inward to form a side plate. The base plate has two broadsides respectively provided along a lengthwise axis with plural pivotal tubes arranged in stagger, and the pivotal tube abutting upon the side plate is cut short to form a notch for the chain board for facilitating the base plate to be compressed and bent to form the side plates. A filling collar with a central insert hole is positioned in the notch of the chain board to fill up the notch for preventing metal filings from dropping into a location between two chain boards and protecting the chain boards from being worn off by the metal filings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Miaw Yeou Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Lien Liao, Chung-Mien Liao, Hung-Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 8499929
    Abstract: A slide and shell container comprising a shell, and a slide, which is movable in the shell along a sliding path from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the interior of the container is inaccessible, and wherein in the open position the interior of the container is accessible. The shell comprises a guide slit, extending along the sliding path, wherein a guide means of the slide engages with the guide slit. Further, a single blank for forming a slide and a single blank for forming a guide means is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas Chatelain
  • Patent number: 8499930
    Abstract: An undergarment hanger suspending by a hanger or hook; thin and dual sided receiving pouches with side access openings for storing a wide range and sizes of undergarment clothing, accessories, and swimsuits. In addition, the shape of the undergarment hanger reduces creases and dimples formed on the stored article of clothing and the like. Fabric or other material may be provided adjacent the top, bottom and side access openings to rigidize the undergarment receiving pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Cara Parness
  • Patent number: 8499931
    Abstract: A nesting wheel packaging system is provided. The system includes an arrangement whereby a smaller wheel is nested substantially within a larger wheel. The wheels have a partition disposed therebetween to prevent damage. A plurality of sets of nested wheels is provided on a lower panel and an upper panel is positioned over the wheels to define a first layer or segment of wheels. Thereafter another layer of nested wheels is placed on top of the first layer or segment. The panels may have recessed areas defined therein for retaining the wheels. The arrangement is repeated until multiple layers of nested wheels are provided and are positioned on a pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Hsi, Xingxiang Zhang, Eric Qu, YuQian Jiang
  • Patent number: 8499932
    Abstract: Software media packaging apparatus and associated method for manufacturing. The software media packaging apparatus may include first and second panels. The first and second panels may be connected to each other on three edges to define an enclosure. A media storage flap may be attached to the second panel and may be adapted to hold one or more software media. The media storage flap may be perforated with one or more perforations. Each perforation may be adapted to hold a software medium. The media storage flap may be foldable across the second panel. First and second sealer flaps may be connected to at least two edges of the first panel. The first and second sealer flaps may be adapted to fold over and attach to the enclosure and the media storage flap, thereby holding the media storage flap adjacent to and substantially coplanar with the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy G. Hicks, Ciaran P. Harte
  • Patent number: 8499933
    Abstract: A compartmentalized protective case houses a portable electronic device and personal care items that are organized and held securely therewithin. The compartmentalized protective case has a major compartment for receiving and housing an electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, music player, or other digital media device. At least one cell compartment constructed within the case receives and houses personal care items removably integrated therein. Personal care items include a plurality of interchangeable replacement cells containing beauty items, cosmetics, hygienic items, oral care products such as floss or breath strips, medications, vitamins, breathe fresheners and/or health care products. A second cell compartment is preferably provided as a removable pouch or restraining system for holding identification cards, currency, visa or bank cards, and/or keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Aquarian, LLC
    Inventor: John T. Ziemba