Patents Issued in September 24, 2013
  • Patent number: 8540030
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and program product for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a method includes tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. This can include deploying the plurality of riser joints from a vessel to form an operationally deployed marine riser string, reading riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The method can also include retrieving one or more of the operationally deployed riser joints, reading riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Amin Radi
  • Patent number: 8540031
    Abstract: The invention features an encapsulating device and system to contain a fluid or substance spilled during a blowout of a pipe at subsea level. The system features a semi-circular housing that fits underneath the flange of a pipe. A heater is provided inside the housing. The system features a tri-flange system having flanges on the top and sides of the housing. The side flanges are closed and sealed and then the top flange is closed. Side flanges divert pressure in the system. The system discloses arms and sealants to aid in sealing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Rimi
  • Patent number: 8540032
    Abstract: A swellable apparatus for filling a space in oil or gas tool such as a wellbore packer is described. The swellable apparatus comprise a hydrocarbon swellable body which swells on exposure to a hydrocarbon fluid, and at least one water swellable body which swells on exposure to a second fluid comprising water. The hydrocarbon swellable body is interposed between the aqueous fluid and the water swellable body and comprises at least one access pathway configured to permit the passage of water to the water swellable body. The pathway may be formed by perforation, or by incorporating an additive into the hydrocarbon material, such as a foaming agent or polyoctenamer. Embodiments of the invention comprise variations in cross-linking in the hydrocarbon swellable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 8540033
    Abstract: Embodiments of a land preparation tool for preparing land includes a tool mounting surface defining a non-planar tool mounting surface profile and a cutting surface disposed on a surface opposite the tool mounting surface. A first channel for receiving a first securing bolt and a second channel for receiving a second securing bolt, both channels disposed within the land preparation tool and are adjacent and parallel to each other. An intermediate connector includes a first connector channel, a second connector channel, a tool interface, and a tool holder interface, the tool interface couples with the tool mounting surface of the land preparation tool. A land preparation apparatus includes a tool holder secured to a rotatable drum, and the land preparation tool and the intermediate connector are secured to the tool holder with the two securing bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fecon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Stanley, Robert Hentz
  • Patent number: 8540034
    Abstract: Pneumatic drill device comprising an outer casing, an assembly of a cylinder and a movable piston actuating a pick element, a device for supplying the cylinder with compressed air, an air exhaust device and an operational control device, wherein the outer casing is formed from two complementary sections adapted to fit into one another in order to enclose, in addition to the cylinder and piston assembly, the said devices for supplying the cylinder, for air exhaust and for operational control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sullair Corporation
    Inventors: Julien Poncet, Alain Mucig, Patrice Charlat
  • Patent number: 8540035
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II, Simon J. Harrall, Thomas M. Redlinger, Christopher M. Vreeland, Andrew Antoine, David J. Brunnert, Tommy L. Laird, Michael J. Moody, Frederick T. Tilton
  • Patent number: 8540036
    Abstract: A hardfacing composition for downhole well tools, such as earth-boring bits, contains sintered ultrahard particles. The ultrahard particles consist of tungsten carbide grains, cobalt and vanadium. The ultrahard particles are dispersed within a matrix metal of iron, nickel or alloys thereof. The composition may also have sintered tungsten carbide particles of a larger size than the ultrahard particles. The ultrahard particles have a greater hardness than the sintered tungsten carbide particles. The ultrahard particles and the sintered tungsten carbide particles may be in a spherical pellet form. Other hard metal particles may be in the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James L. Overstreet
  • Patent number: 8540037
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact wear resistant tool has a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a thickness of at least 0.100 inch and forms an included angle of 35 to 55 degrees. The superhard material has a plurality of substantially distinct diamond layers. Each layer of the plurality of layers has a different catalyzing material concentration. A diamond layer adjacent the substrate of the superhard material has a higher catalyzing material concentration than a diamond layer at a distal end of the superhard material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 8540038
    Abstract: A track assembly and vehicle for omnidirectional travel. The track assembly includes a driving arrangement and two or more closed loop linking members connected to the driving arrangement. The track assembly also includes freely rotatable rollers for contacting a surface, the rollers supported on the closed loop linking members. The rollers travel a roller path defined by the motion of the closed loop linking members. An omnidirectional vehicle includes two or more track assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Stuart G. Ullman
  • Patent number: 8540039
    Abstract: An accommodating structure with a belt transmission structure. Two tracks are fixed on a body by several joining elements. Several sliding teeth are provided around the tracks. A belt is fixed at the sliding teeth along the loop structure of the tracks. The belt winds around the tracks as the sliding teeth slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Shu-Fen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8540040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GSE Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Glen Raymond Simula, Luke Stephen Luskin, David Jon McKinstry
  • Patent number: 8540041
    Abstract: A driving system for electric vehicle is disclosed to use a clutch switching unit for controlling a motor rotor-driven bushing to rotate a wheel hub via a direct-drive active clutch or via a set of planet gears and a reducing clutch. At the initial state after startup of the motor, the direct-drive active clutch runs idle, enabling the wheel hub to provide a low-speed high-torque output, saving power consumption. When the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined level, a control circuit drives a clutch motor to move the clutch switching unit in releasing the reducing clutch to idle the planet gears, enabling the direct-drive active clutch to be switched on so that the rotor of the motor can rotate the wheel hub directly to accelerate the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsin Su, Ta-Yu Su
  • Patent number: 8540042
    Abstract: The construction machine including an engine room having an engine, a radiator ii for cooling the engine, and a hydraulic pump which are arranged therein, and a counterweight area which is located adjacent to the engine room and in which batteries are installed, a ventilation passage for cooling the engine room and a ventilation passage for cooling the batteries are formed separately and independently in the substantially same direction, and a flowing direction of cooling air flowing in the ventilation passage for cooling the engine room and a flowing direction of cooling air flowing in the ventilation passage for cooling the batteries are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Atarashi, Shuichi Terakado, Shigehisa Funabashi, Shinya Okumura, Shigekazu Kieda, Yasunori Ota
  • Patent number: 8540043
    Abstract: A bulkhead cover for a vehicle air intake system includes a forward wall defining a bulkhead cover primary port for receiving an air flow admitted through a grille of a vehicle, a first side wall extending from an outer lateral side of the forward wall to an outer lateral side of an intake enclosure, and a second side wall extending from an inner lateral side of the forward wall to an inner lateral side of the intake enclosure. The intake enclosure defines an intake port between the outer and inner lateral sides of the intake enclosure. A bulkhead cover auxiliary port is defined in the second side wall for receiving additional air flow admitted through the grille and thereby reducing snow ingestion through the bulkhead cover primary port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James P. Mehlos, Brandy Kay Laakso, Clifford Randall Salvesen, Timothy T. Laakso, Anthony John Leanza, Patrick M. Shafer
  • Patent number: 8540044
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for managing operations on a peripheral surface of a building. The system includes one or more cables wrapped around the peripheral surface of the building. Further, the system includes one or more wheeled devices capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building. The one or more wheeled devices are operatively connected to the one or more cables. The one or more wheeled devices and the one or more cables are capable of moving on the peripheral surface of the building as an assembly. In addition, one or more instances of the assembly are operatively connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City For Science and Technology (KACST)
    Inventors: Mazen A. Ba-abbad, Fahad Hassan Saeed Almalki
  • Patent number: 8540045
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle frame, a swing arm and a fuel tank. The vehicle frame includes a front portion and a rear portion and defines a longitudinal centerline therebetween. The front portion is configured to support a recumbent seat. The rear portion is configured to be coupled to the swing arm and. The swing arm defines a longitudinal centerline and includes a wheel mounting portion configured to be coupled to a wheel assembly. The wheel mounting portion defines a radial axis that is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle frame in at least one plane. The fuel tank is coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle frame such that the fuel tank is above the longitudinal centerline of the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tanom Motors, LLC
    Inventors: Merrill C. Hall, Adam J. Canni
  • Patent number: 8540046
    Abstract: An accelerator position sensor for detecting accelerator position is provided rearwardly of a head pipe and on the upper side of a main frame. A breaker for cutting off battery power supplied to a controller for performing drive control of a motor unit is provided on the accelerator position sensor. The breaker and the accelerator position sensor are covered with an electrical unit case provided with an opening part. The opening part is provided with a closing member by which the opening part can be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Nishimori, Takeo Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8540047
    Abstract: A lower rail is fixed to a vehicle floor, and an upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to the lower rail. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail. A rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor, a rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between a flange of the spring holder and the web and is compressed by tightening the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Takayasu, Shinya Ishima, Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato
  • Patent number: 8540048
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission including a fluid pump and a fluid motor operably coupled to one another in a fluid circuit is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to receive signals indicative of operator inputs, and determine a variable pressure limit in the fluid circuit based on the signals indicative of operator inputs. The controller is further configured to control displacement of at least one of the fluid pump and the fluid motor based on the variable pressure limit, such that a pressure level in the fluid circuit is maintained below the variable pressure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Will, Randall T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8540049
    Abstract: A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element. The suspension element is characterized by a total compliance. The total compliance includes a shear compliance and a beam compliance. The beam compliance is not significantly larger than the shear compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Jason D. Silver
  • Patent number: 8540050
    Abstract: A glazing unit having improved vibroacoustic damping properties, including: at least one glass sheet; at least one vibroacoustic damping strip, the strip including at least one element made of damping material and the strip being fastened to one of the faces of the glass sheet. The face of the strip facing the glass sheet has a surface area in contact with the glass sheet which is strictly inferior to the surface area of the face of the strip facing the glass sheet. The glazing unit makes it possible to damp noise and vibrations while taking up little space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Sylvain Payot, David Fournier
  • Patent number: 8540051
    Abstract: A silencer for a two-stroke motor of a power tool, including a silencer inlet to which adjoins a flow channel of channel length so that the flow channel can be connected to an outlet of a combustion chamber of the two-stroke motor, whereby the flow channel at the channel end opposite the silencer inlet opens out into a first chamber of depth, between the silencer inlet and the first chamber the flow channel is so flow-beneficially designed, that due to its mass inertia the exhaust gas flowing into the silencer inlet predominantly flows into the first chamber and after filling the first chamber flows back again thereby creating a counterpressure in the direction of the combustion chamber, so that in spite of small geometric dimensions it provides a periodically actin counterpressure on the outlet of the combustion chamber of the two-stroke motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Christian Kellermann
  • Patent number: 8540052
    Abstract: A hunting stand operable to provide an elevated position for a hunter wherein the platform of the stand includes a chair that is movably mounted on the platform. The chair is operably coupled to a base support member that is movably mounted within an annular channel that is integrally formed with the platform. The hunting stand further includes a frame having a plurality of longitudinal support members and horizontal support members. The platform further includes a centrally located hole that is operable to facilitate the positioning of the hunting stand such that the platform is surroundably mounted a tree. A plurality of apertures are journaled through the upper surface of the platform adjacent to the channel and function to receive a locking pin that functions to releasably secure the base support member in a position along the channel. The platform includes a railing mounted adjacent the perimeter of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Devin Brown
  • Patent number: 8540053
    Abstract: A method of providing a traversable path along a surface, the method including the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, the portable pathway having a frame member comprising at least a first layer, and at least one adjustable step coupled with the frame member. The method further includes securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Martin D. Stanaland
  • Patent number: 8540054
    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: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cavarello, Edward S. Czechowski, Robert M. Kolodziej, Michael A. Nuchereno
  • Patent number: 8540055
    Abstract: An oil supplying apparatus for a vehicle, includes an engine driven mechanical oil pump, a hydraulic actuator operated by pressure of oil supplied from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the hydraulic actuator, an engine lubrication device lubricating each member of the engine with the oil supplied from the engine driven mechanical oil pump, and a priority flow valve selectively establishing priority flow and secondary flow conditions when a low oil pressure is working on the hydraulic actuator and when a high oil pressure is working on the hydraulic actuator, respectively, the priority flow condition allowing an oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the hydraulic actuator with priority over an oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the engine lubrication device, the secondary flow condition allowing the oil supply from the engine driven mechanical oil pump to the engine lubrication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisashi Ono, Yuki Nishida
  • Patent number: 8540056
    Abstract: An oil pan leak guard that is attachable to the undersurface of an oil pan. The leak guard has a wire framework, an oil absorbent material supported by the wire framework, and a washer integrated with said wire framework. The washer provides a leak guard opening that receives the oil plug of the oil pan. The washer is clamped against the oil pan when the oil plug is received through the leak guard opening, screwed into the oil plan opening, and tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Roy Bentley
  • Patent number: 8540057
    Abstract: An elevator system and a method for maintenance of such an elevator system include a device for receiving a plurality of sensor signals. The device is mounted on at least one elevator car or at least one counterweight of the elevator system. The device includes at least one processor and at least one computer-readable data store in at least one device housing. A first sensor for generating a sensor signal is a position sensor and/or a speed sensor and/or an acceleration sensor which is mounted in and/or on the device housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Kilian Schuster, Donato Carparelli
  • Patent number: 8540058
    Abstract: An elevator in which a first gap between a car sill and a landing sill can be maintained as small as possible except at a space of the car sill which passes over a second connecting element that drives a landing door on a landing. The structure of the elevator is simple, inexpensive and reliable, wherein a second gap of the space required for the connecting element, which gap is larger than the first gap, can be closed and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Ikonen, Jouni Kalm
  • Patent number: 8540059
    Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a first wheel base, a second wheel base, a linkage part, a passive brake device and an active brake device. The first wheel base and the second wheel base are installed on two feet of a stroller, respectively. A first wheel set and a second wheel set of the stroller are pivotally connected to the first wheel base and the second wheel base, respectively. The passive brake device and the active brake device are connected to a first end and a second end of the linkage part, respectively. The active brake device includes a first engaging part and a driving part. The driving part is rotatably disposed on the second wheel base. When the driving part rotates between a locking position and a releasing position, the driving part drives the first engaging part and drives the passive brake device to move via the linkage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Fang-Ming Li, Hai-Bo Zeng
  • Patent number: 8540060
    Abstract: There is provided a disk brake comprising: a mounting member axially extending over a disk periphery, the mounting member including a pad guide where a friction pad travels; a caliper; and a return spring between the friction pad and the mounting member and urges the friction pad into a return direction separating from the disk, wherein the return spring includes: a first extended portion where a base end side thereof is fixed to a back plate of the friction pad while a top end side thereof extends separating from the disk; and a second extended portion folded from the top end side of the first extended portion toward the mounting member, a top of the second extended portion extending to elastically abut to the side of the mounting member, and a plate thickness direction of the first extended portion extends to be approximately a radial direction of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Hayashi, Masatoshi Tazaki
  • Patent number: 8540061
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for mounting, removing and retaining brake pads in disc brakes, such as air-operated disc brakes utilized on commercial vehicles, in a manner which does not require the use of separate brake pad retaining devices while providing positive retention of the brake pad. A preferred embodiment includes a brake caliper mount having brake pad abutment surfaces having radially-oriented and lateral grooves which permit a brake pad with corresponding projections on is lateral sides to be inserted through an opening of the brake caliper into the radially-oriented grooves until the backing plate projections are aligned with the lateral groove, and advancing the brake actuator behind the brake pad to place the brake pad in an operating position in which the actuator prevents the brake pad from realigning with the radially-oriented grooves until the actuator is retracted to permit brake pad extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. Plantan, Harish Radhakrishnan, Dennis A. Wolf, Richard L. Lantz, Will E. Roberts, Steven C. Bell
  • Patent number: 8540062
    Abstract: A dampening assembly for a portable electronic device includes a housing. The housing includes a top portion and a bottom portion. A pivot arm is pivotably coupled to the bottom portion of the housing. A reservoir is defined between the top portion and the bottom portion. The reservoir includes at least one of a fluid and a viscous material. A first portion of the pivot arm is disposed within the reservoir. A second portion of the pivot arm extends through and above the top portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Martin Earl Holman, IV, Bruce Alan Ivanik, Douglas Wayne Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 8540063
    Abstract: Wheeled luggage including an extendable tongue permits use as a hand-truck to transport an additional piece of luggage supported on the extended tongue. The wheeled luggage may be similar to conventional wheeled luggage, but further includes a tongue movable between an inactive and active positions. In the inactive position, the tongue is positioned within a footprint of a bottom of the luggage. In the active position, the tongue extends beyond an outer edge of a bottom of the body to provide supportive structure on which the additional luggage may be placed. The structure of the extendable tongue may have various suitable configurations. A mechanism may be provided for moving the tongue between the inactive and active positions while the user and luggage are in an upright position. An optional strap and/or strap retraction mechanism may be provided to securing the additional luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Aaron LaTowsky
  • Patent number: 8540064
    Abstract: A drive for an hybrid vehicle, having an electric machine situated in a housing and having a clutch that is provided with a release mechanism. The release mechanism is connected to a housing-mounted component, that is locked against rotation, via at least one damping element, the damping element absorbing multi-dimensional motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Banhegyi, Andreas Herzberger
  • Patent number: 8540065
    Abstract: A mode selector mechanism for a selectable one way clutch assembly includes a lever moveable between a first position, a second position and a third position. A lever biasing device biases the lever in a first direction. A piston acts in opposition against the lever biasing device to move the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction. The piston is actuated by a variable hydraulic signal. The lever is disposed in the second position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure between a first fluid pressure and a second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the third position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure greater than the second fluid pressure. The lever is disposed in the first position when the variable hydraulic signal includes a fluid pressure less than the first fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos, Chunhao J. Lee, Robert K. Saley
  • Patent number: 8540066
    Abstract: A rotationally fixed connection of first and second components (2, 4) of a transmission (1) for torque transfer. The fixed connection is produced by the combination of two different types of connection elements (6, 7, 8, 9), such that the connection elements (6, 8) of a first type ensures the mutual centering of the first and the second components (2, 4) to be connected and torque transfer, while the connection elements (7, 9) of a second type enable the first and the second components (2, 4) to be axially fixed and transfer axial operating forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Martin Brehmer, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt
  • Patent number: 8540067
    Abstract: A power transmission arrangement includes a differential gear adapted to transfer power from an input shaft to a first output shaft, and a first brake adapted to effect the first output shaft and a second brake adapted to effect the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Timothy Kingston, Mats Akerblom, Thomas Andersson
  • Patent number: 8540068
    Abstract: In a control unit (50), a predetermined amount of money of fund money that is the money to be dispensed as the change or the like (i.e., predetermined denominations and the number for each denomination or predetermined total amount of the fund money) is set in advance. The control unit (50) controls an insertion unit (12), a transport unit (16), a storing unit (22) and an escrow unit (20), so as to automatically perform a dispensing process for feeding the money corresponding to the predetermined amount of the fund money from the storing unit (22) to a dispensing unit (14), after the control unit (50) serves to perform a depositing process for taking the money into a casing (10) from the exterior thereof via the insertion unit (12), and then feeding the money taken in the casing (10) to the escrow unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Tasuku Nakamoto, Kazuhiro Doi, Yasuhiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8540069
    Abstract: Lubrication systems for transport systems are disclosed that are powered by a rotating shaft of the transport system. The lubrication system includes at least one circular member mounted on the rotating shaft. The at least one circular member is coupled to and imparts rotation to a third circular member and separately to a fourth circular member for imparting rotation there to. The third circular member is coupled to a first linkage. The first linkage extends from the third circular member to a fifth circular member. The fourth circular member is coupled to a second linkage. The second linkage couples the fourth circular member to the first linkage between the third and fifth circular members. The fifth circular member is coupled to a pump shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Walter Srb-Gaffron, Uwe Fritz, Abdullah Ercan
  • Patent number: 8540070
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for transferring a cylindrical coil suspended on a first stem projecting horizontally from a first base to a remotely positioned and axially aligned second stem projecting horizontally from a second base. The system comprises a track extending between the first and second stems, a carriage movable along the track, and a conveyor on the carriage, with a receiving end and a delivery end. The carriage is movable along the track to a first location at which the receiving end of the conveyor underlies the coil suspended from the first stem. The conveyor is vertically adjustable from a lowered position spaced beneath the coil to an elevated position at which the coil is lifted from the first stem and supported on the receiving end of said conveyor, with the conveyor then being operable to shift the coil to a position supported on the conveyor delivery end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Ward Holloway P.E.
  • Patent number: 8540071
    Abstract: A conveyor roller support arrangement includes a frame having a pair of opposed end-frames, each end-frame including a mounting support for mounting a respective end of a conveyor roller, wherein at least one of the mounting supports is displaceable relative to the frame between an operative position in which the roller is mounted for rotation and a removable position in which the roller is free for removal from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: John Dowling
  • Patent number: 8540072
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging for a detonation cord that is used especially for igniting shaped charged perforators in perforation guns utilized in the oil and natural gas industry. According to the invention, the detonation cord is wound on one plane as a flat coil. Also disclosed is a method for examining whether a detonation cord has faulty points. Said method is characterized in that the detonation cord is subjected to an x-ray examination in the packaging before being delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Dynaenergetics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Rospek, Malte Veehmayer, Dimitri Riesen
  • Patent number: 8540073
    Abstract: Arrangements are described for enabling a folded foil balloon to be supplied to a printer for enabling an image to be applied to a surface of the balloon. The balloon is first folded around a paper substrate, and a paper cover sheet is attached to the folded-over edge portions and tail portion of the balloon, so as to form a packaged balloon. The packaged balloon is formed with a tapered leading edge to facilitate insertion into a standard ink-jet printer. The packaged balloon may be in the form of a greetings card, with the fold of the card either along the left edge or the top edge of the card. The packaged balloon may be supplied with one or more light sources and/or power sources, either on the inside or outside of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Magic International Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip Edward Lang
  • Patent number: 8540074
    Abstract: A reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device for providing an easy and unique way to absorb fluids from raw, thawed, or cooked foods. The device features two outer layers that sandwich two middle layers and an absorbent gasket. The gasket is positioned between the two middle layers. Borders are disposed on each side edge of the device. The device may be used in combination with a holding system that includes a base and a serving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Lewis Matthews, III
  • Patent number: 8540075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a square cigar tube, comprising a first square tube part (1) and a second square tube part (2). The first square tube part and the second square tube part are connected; a through hole (11) is arranged in the first square tube part, and a through hole (21) is arranged in the second square tube part; a first magnet accommodating space (12) is arranged on an end surface of the first square tube part connected to the second square tube part, and a first tube lid (3) is arranged on the other end; a second magnet accommodating space (22) is arranged on an end surface of the second square tube part connected to the first square tube part, and a second tube lid (4) is arranged on the other end; a first magnet (8) is arranged in the first accommodating space, and a second magnet (9) is arranged in the second accommodating space. The square cigar tube makes it easy to take out or put in a cigar, is accurate in positioning, and is convenient to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Almaster Research & Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ngan Andrew Chau
  • Patent number: 8540076
    Abstract: Whether constructed of square or rectangular configuration with handles for lifting and carrying about, and with internal shelves or braces to receive and hold compartmentalized partitioned layers to accept the various tools of various trades, the container of the invention, when of a composition to support the weight of studs and boards placed upon them, provides a crate which cannot only carry the tools of the trade, but can serve as a workbench in performing needed work at a jobsite location, as well as to support the weight of a workman standing upon included boards and studs as a “step” to reach elevated heights in the doing of a required job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Bucholz
  • Patent number: 8540077
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To provide a compact case built-in with a hinge unit that can be easily assembled while reducing manufacturing costs of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Yoshida Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzo Yoshida, Michiaki Kumagai, Yasuko Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8540078
    Abstract: Extracting or removing at least a portion of liquid phase from a whole sample using a centrifugal force is disclosed. Centrifugal forces are used to apply pressure to a whole sample and drive a liquid phase through a passage region that can be perforated and/or porous and maintain a drier portion within a separation container. The whole sample can be dried, which includes a remaining sample where excess or a selected amount of liquid is removed. Direct access to the separation container or area can then be made to provide for an efficient withdrawal of the drier material from the separation container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 8540079
    Abstract: A sludge filtration apparatus has a sludge tank configured to store sludge and at least one filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filtration membrane for filtering the sludge and a pipe insertable in the filtration membrane to supply air to a secondary side of the filtration membrane for dislodging the sludge from the filtration membrane. The pipe has a plurality of holes for discharging gas, namely air, to an area in which the filtration membrane inclines downwardly with the secondary side thereof. The sludge filtration apparatus can prevent thickened sludge from remaining in an upper portion of the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Metawater Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Yoshida, Mikimasa Yamaguchi