Patents Issued in October 1, 2013
  • Patent number: 8544329
    Abstract: An ultrasonic testing equipment includes an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of transducers arranged along a predetermined annular curved surface, a transmission/reception control unit that causes at least two transducers of the plurality of transducers to transmit the ultrasonic waves to and receive the same from a tubular test object and a ultrasonic testing waveform display unit which displays ultrasonic testing waveforms received by the selected transducers radially corresponding to the propagation directions of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from and received by the selected transducers. The waveform display unit displays the waveforms radially with a point of time corresponding to an echo on an incident point of the ultrasonic wave to the test object contained in the waveform as a beginning point and displays circles indicating points of time corresponding to the echo on the internal surface and/or the external surface of the test object around the beginning point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Yamano, Hiroshi Shikada, Kenji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8544330
    Abstract: The embodiments of the probe or the probe handle additionally include an integrally formed cooling structure with at least one dividing wall that is connected to an outer wall and an inner wall of the probe. The outer wall and the inner wall of the probe together form a medium flow space inside the probe, and the dividing wall divides the medium flow space into a continuous medium flow path where a predetermined medium travels to carry undesirable heat away from the probe handle. The undesirable heat is generated from electronic components and or an array of transducer elements in the probe handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: David Oaks, Chris Sanders
  • Patent number: 8544331
    Abstract: A parameter-free method to analyze sensor signals incorporates two or more of frequency demodulation, amplitude demodulation and phase demodulation of the raw signal data. The resulting signal is transformed to a frequency domain, and target fault characteristics from the demodulated signal are identified. The method is used to detect faults in bearings, gears and other mechanical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of Ottawa
    Inventors: Ming Liang, Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
  • Patent number: 8544332
    Abstract: An exemplary vibration testing device includes two mounting bases, a vibration generator located between the mounting bases, two pivot shafts, a supporting platform, two supporting elements and a control system. Each supporting element is telescopically extendable and retractable. The control system includes a lift control unit for controlling telescopic movement of the supporting elements, a first rotary control unit for controlling a rotationally movement of the vibration generator about the pivot shafts, and a second rotary control unit for controlling rotatable movement of the supporting elements about the pivot shafts. The control system is configured for controlling the vibration testing device to move between a first testing status in which vertical vibration forces are generated by the vibration generator and applied to the supporting platform and a second testing status in which horizontal vibration forces are generated by the vibration generator and applied to the supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien-Huan Chiu
  • Patent number: 8544333
    Abstract: An air pressure sensor (100) for impact recognition is provided, having a chamber (R), and a sensor element (S) for generating a signal as a function of the air pressure being situated in the chamber (R). The chamber (R) is sealed off by a pressure compensation element (M, MV). The pressure compensation element (M, MV) is designed in such a way that penetration of interfering substances into the chamber (R) is prevented. However, transmission of pressure into the chamber (R) from the outside is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Boris Adam, Martin Schuerer
  • Patent number: 8544334
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing compensating atmospheric pressure measurements in fired equipment. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided compensating pressure measurements. The method includes providing a wind compensating ring tube having three or more apertures to equalize pressure inside the compensating ring tube, installing the wind compensating ring tube adjacent to a furnace, connecting a pressure transmission tube from the wind compensating ring tube to one or more pressure sensors, and transmitting pressure from inside the wind compensating ring tube to the one or more pressure sensors by the pressure transmission tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yokogawa Corporation of America
    Inventor: Tadao Jo
  • Patent number: 8544335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Orbital Research Inc.
    Inventors: Greg S. Shaw, Troy Prince, Joseph Snyder, Michael C. Willet, Frederick J. Lisy
  • Patent number: 8544336
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor array is made of two conductive layers, wherein each conductive layer is formed with a plurality of elongated conductors disposed in a substantially parallel manner between an upper and a lower insulating sheet, wherein the upper and lower insulating sheets are bonded to each other between adjacent conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Xsensor Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Main, David Jack
  • Patent number: 8544337
    Abstract: An impact sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer operatively connected to a chromic device. The chromic device includes a chromic material that changes from a first color state to a second color state in response to electric power generated by the piezoelectric transducer when exposed to a given level of impact force. The chromic material is bistable so that the chromic material remains in the second color state for a significant amount of time. An impact force to which the sensor has been subjected may be quantified by observing the chromic device. In one embodiment, the chromic material is an electrochromic material, such as a viologen, that changes through a color gradient of light transmission states from the first color state to the second color state. A printed color gradient may be used to aid in quantifying the impact force. In another embodiment, the chromic device includes a thermochromic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Kuczynski, Arvind K. Sinha, Kevin A. Splittstoesser, Timothy J. Tofil
  • Patent number: 8544338
    Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue and/or crack growth testing, including a cyclic loading device and a preferred sample mounted at one end. An embodiment of the device has at least two concentric and coaxial load frames, with guiding interfaces between adjacent load frames to maintain alignment. Solid state actuation systems, which deform in response to the application of energy, are mounted at the end opposite the sample between adjacent load frames to provide up to two modes of actuation, including tension, compression, or torsion. The preferred sample includes a cylindrical gage section with a concentric hole running from a first end, and terminating within the gage section, with one mode of loading introduced at the terminus of the hole, and reacted at the end where the hole originates. A second mode of loading is optionally introduced at a second end of the specimen. Mount hardware for conventional specimens is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: FractureLab, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Pettit
  • Patent number: 8544339
    Abstract: A well access line monitor. The monitor may be employed to directly interface and establish the current yield strength of a plastically deformable line such as coiled tubing or slickline. Such interfacing may take place in advance of, or during an application. Thus, the fitness of the line for the application may be established in real-time. Further, with comparison to a reference log of projected yield strength for the line over the course of multiple bend cycles, the remaining life of the line may also be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, Robert Michael Ramsey, Hifzi Ardic
  • Patent number: 8544340
    Abstract: An improved test fixture to evaluate thin composite laminates commonly used in deployable space structures. The fixture is designed to impart a pure moment into the coupon, a necessary improvement to prior test methods where results are obtained by fitting material properties in a nonlinear structural analysis of the test. Fixture mechanics allow for direct calculation of the coupon flexural modulus and allowable flexural strain based on two key measurements, fixture displacement and applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Emil V. Ardelean, Thomas W. Murphey, Gregory E. Sanford
  • Patent number: 8544341
    Abstract: A device for estimating a stream of urine entering a toilet or urinal includes a measuring unit configured to estimate an amount of the stream of urine, and an indicator to provide an indication to an individual of the amount of the stream of urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Ernest W. Grumbles, Timothy A. Bachman, John W. Ahern
  • Patent number: 8544342
    Abstract: A vortex flowmeter has a flow conditioning structure entirely inside a flow tube and an externally mounted pair of ultrasonic transducers for detecting vortices generated by vortex shedding structures within the flow tube. The flow conditioning structure can be installed within a short flow tube section retaining the shedder and providing a flow passage having a desired shape. The use of external transducers, coupled with a selectable flow conditioning structure allows many calibration and maintenance tasks to be performed without having to shut down flow and access the passive components inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Onicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Murray F Feller
  • Patent number: 8544343
    Abstract: A flowmeter for detecting gas flow rates in a pipe includes a container configured to be attached to the pipe having a channel through which the gas flows, and a plurality of recesses. Each recess has a window made of metal. The flowmeter includes a plurality of transducers, with one transducer of the plurality of transducers disposed in each recess. The flowmeter includes a controller which determines the gas flow rate through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel J. Gottlieb, Donald R. Augenstein, William R. Freund, Jr., Richard A. Zuckerman, Herbert Estrada, Calvin R. Hastings
  • Patent number: 8544344
    Abstract: First and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 are fixed to a tubular main body 1 via first and second fitting bases 4 and 5. On front and rear surfaces of an end portion of each of the first and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 are provided first and second electrodes 6 and 7. When the tubular main body 1 is secured to a circuit box, each of the end portions of the first and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 is inserted between first and second contact members provided on the circuit box such that the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 are electrically connected to the first and second contact members, respectively to connect the first and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 to the circuit box by one touch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Atsuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8544345
    Abstract: There is a positive displacement flowmeter, which includes at least two primary measuring elements rotatable on respective spaced apart axes within a housing between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The elements are linked to rotate in accordance with volumetric flow through the flowmeter from said inlet to said outlet. There are at least two opposed pole magnets disposed at separated positions on one of the elements and a pole sensitive sensor located in a rotational path of said magnets whereby said sensor is adapted to emit an output signal upon activation by said at least two of said opposed pole magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Wayne Frederick Fuller
  • Patent number: 8544346
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning thereof in a liquid flow path, comprising: a housing configured to be received in the flow path and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet defining a flow direction therebetween; a current generator including a shaft supported by the housing and having a rotor mounted thereon and having a plurality of vanes, the shaft extending in the housing along the flow direction allowing rotation of the rotor with the vanes by liquid passing through the generator, and a stator associated with the rotor for producing electrical signals corresponding to the rotation of the rotor; and, electrical wiring for electrically connecting the current generator to a power receiver for transferring the electrical signals thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hydrospin Monitoring Solutions Ltd
    Inventor: Dani Peleg
  • Patent number: 8544347
    Abstract: A force measurement assembly includes a first component supported by a first load measuring device and having a first measurement surface; a second component supported by a second load measuring device, spaced apart from the first component by a gap, and having a second measurement surface; and a third load measuring device operatively coupled to both the first component and the second component; wherein the first load measurement device is configured to output at least one first quantity that is representative of the load being applied to the first measurement surface, the second load measurement device is configured to output at least one second quantity that is representative of the load being applied to the second measurement surface, and the third load measuring device is configured to output at least one third quantity that is representative of a load being transferred between the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventor: Necip Berme
  • Patent number: 8544348
    Abstract: A method and tube for separating a sample. The tube is configured to separate agglomerated or clumped material or other sample components having over a particular size from other smaller size portions of the sample. For example, blood clots may be separated from serum of a blood sample. The tube includes a chamber with a closed bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom, and a sample inlet branch coupled to the chamber. A slit is positioned between the chamber and the sample inlet branch so that after a sample is placed into the sample inlet branch, a portion of the sample having a size smaller than the slit (e.g., liquid material) passes through the slit and into the chamber, and material in the sample having a size larger than the slit remains in the sample inlet branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Protedyne Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Massaro
  • Patent number: 8544349
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid into or out of a fluid vessel, such as a tank, and is particularly useful in transferring fluids with particulates or high viscosity in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable shaft is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A plug sealing the passage is at a first location. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the plug and the distal end of the passage. The shaft extends through and is secured to the diaphragm. A fluid transfer opening is located in the passage between the diaphragm and the plug. Longitudinal displacement of the shaft causes the fluid transfer opening to be in fluid communication with a fluid vessel, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the shaft while maintaining an aseptic seal of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Allpure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Zumbrum
  • Patent number: 8544350
    Abstract: This invention provides a sample injector for injecting a fixed amount of a sample into a mobile phase medium and discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample. The sample injector includes a first member having a medium passage for supplying the mobile phase medium and a sample passage for supplying the sample and a second member having a discharge passage for discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample to an outside of the injector. The second member is provided in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are configured to move to a sample charging position and a sample injection position. The sample charging position is for the sample chamber to connect with the sample passage. The sample injection position is for the sample chamber to connect with the medium passage and the discharge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Itafuji, Masayuki Kouketsu
  • Patent number: 8544351
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for characterizing the flowability of a dry powder, and particularly for use with toner particles. The methods and apparatuses use an optionally transparent or semi-transparent cylindrical container. When the container is partially filled with dry powder, the dry powder is aerated and torque measurements are then taken while rotating the container to determine the flowability of the dry powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Zona
  • Patent number: 8544352
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement including a probe and a bracket that are provided for a calorimetric mass flow meter for measuring the mass flow in a measuring tube. The probe is mounted in the bracket in such a manner that the probe is guided essentially without contact with a radial spacing through a probe recess a wall of the measuring tube and is positioned in a cross section of a flow-through area of the flow of the measuring tube. The bracket is designed in such a manner that the probe is thermally de-coupled from the measuring tube. The sensor arrangement for the calorimetric mass flow meter is capable of increasing the measuring accuracy and increasing the flexibility during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Glatzel, Jörg Kube, Marc Rhode, Andreas Seidel
  • Patent number: 8544353
    Abstract: The spindle drive of an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat comprises a spindle (24) and a nut unit (28), wherein the nut unit (28) comprises a nut (30) made from plastic and a retainer. The nut (30) is in engagement with the spindle (24) by means of an internal thread (34) and retained in the retainer. The nut (30) has an outer jacket comprising recesses (38, 40). The retainer is configured as a tube section (32) comprising an inner space adapted to the outer jacket. The tube section (32), in the area of the recesses (38, 40) is deformed towards the inside such that material of the tube section (32) is located within the recesses (38, 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilfried Beneker, Ivica Stanic
  • Patent number: 8544354
    Abstract: Monitoring means 46, 47 are provided to monitor working hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic engagement elements for the high gear range of a vehicle automatic transmission 2. Characteristic changing means 5 is provided to change, to a high vehicle speed side, a gear shifting characteristic when shifting from the middle gear position to the low gear position. According thereto, it is possible to quickly shift from a middle gear position to a low gear position without reducing the durability of hydraulic engagement elements for a high gear range, thereby, to achieve sufficient acceleration performance during climbing a slope, which improves driveability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Iitaka, Shiro Godai, Kohsaku Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8544355
    Abstract: A parking lock arrangement for a motor vehicle gearbox. A parking lock cog can be fixed to a shaft of the motor vehicle gearbox rotatable about a first axis. A parking lock pawl is supported so that it can pivot about a second axis. An actuating mechanism can pivot the parking lock pawl into a locking position, in which the parking lock pawl meshes with the parking lock cog. A release mechanism can pivot the parking lock pawl out of the locking position into a release position, in which the parking lock pawl is decoupled from the parking lock cog. The actuating mechanism has a cam, which is supported so that it can pivot about a third axis and which in a first cam position holds the parking lock pawl in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Georg Burgardt, Stefan Kapp
  • Patent number: 8544356
    Abstract: A fitting recess portion that connects fitting holes to each other is formed in a peripheral face of a ball screw nut. A circulation member includes a pair of fitted portions that are fitted in the fitting holes, and a connecting portion that provides communication between the fitted portions. A communication groove that has an opening on the fitted end side of the connecting portion and that extends in the axial direction is formed in the connecting portion. When the connecting portion is fitted in the fitting recess portion and the opening of the communication groove formed in the connecting portion is blocked by a bottom portion of the fitting recess portion, a second path that forms a return path together with first paths formed in the fitted portions is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Asakura, Takashi Hara
  • Patent number: 8544357
    Abstract: A differential roller screw comprises an outer nut, and rolling elements comprising a first set of rollers equipped with first grooves, the first set being arranged in a first cylindrical ring around the screw. The screw comprises a second set of rollers equipped with second grooves. The second set is arranged in a second cylindrical ring. The two cylindrical rings are coaxial. An intermediate cylindrical element is arranged between the two sets of rollers, the intermediate element comprising a first internal thread formed with a first pitch and having a first direction and a second external thread formed with a second pitch and having a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Yannick Baudasse
  • Patent number: 8544358
    Abstract: An actuating device for selecting gear steps in a gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that can be moved between at least two drive-setting positions and a locking mechanism for restricting the movement range of the lever and locking certain positions or for locking the selector lever. The locking mechanism comprises a locking recess connected to the selector lever and a blocking cam that can be rotated by an actuator. The cam engages in the locking recess. Complex locking tasks are possible with the simplified actuating device. In addition, the range of movement of the selector lever can be freely positioned largely variably and its width can be changed. Furthermore, the selector lever of the actuating device is movable by the actuator or locked in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Giefer, Ludger Rake, Sascha Rosentreter, Daniel Heitmann
  • Patent number: 8544359
    Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first shaft base, a second shaft base rotatably connected to the first shaft base, a wire harness, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the wire harness. The first shaft base defines a first through hole along a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft base defines a second through hole. The clamping mechanism includes a main body connected to the second shaft base, and a locking member engaged with the main body. The second shaft base rotates relative to the first shaft base around the longitudinal axis. The main body further comprise a clamping portion on an end thereof, and the clamping portion is capability of radial deformation. The locking member resists the clamping portion to clamp the wire harness. The wire harness extends through the first through hole, the second through hole, and then the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Qiang Liu
  • Patent number: 8544360
    Abstract: An industrial robot includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly, and a cable assembly. The first rotation assembly includes a holding seat, a first rotation shaft rotatably positioned in the holding seat, and a first driver driving the first rotation shaft to rotate. The second rotation assembly includes a fixing seat. The cable assembly is received in the first rotation assembly and the second rotation assembly. The fixing seat includes a main body and a retaining portion extending from one end of the main body, and the main body of the fixing seat is positioned on the holding seat and fixed with the first rotation shaft of the first rotation assembly. The main body of the fixing seat defines a passing slot to receive the cable assembly and a passing hole communicating with the passing slot through which the cable assembly passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Liu, Jun-Hai Liu
  • Patent number: 8544361
    Abstract: A link fitting having bearing supports, an inner core and an outer band surrounding it all. Each bearing support includes a first stepped portion, a separate second stepped portion and a recess disposed between the first and second stepped portions. The inner core includes a central elongate layer, a first outer layer and a second outer layer. The first and second outer layers are disposed on opposed first and second sides of the central layer. The first outer layer engages the first side of the central layer and a portion of the first stepped portion on each of the two bearing supports. The second outer layer engaging the second side of the central layer and a portion of the second stepped portion on each of the two bearing supports. Opposed first and second ends of the central layer disposed within the recesses of each of the two bearing supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Blair HSM Composites LLC
    Inventor: Vincent Padden
  • Patent number: 8544362
    Abstract: A crankshaft flange protector comprising a cover having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall, the top wall having a recessed portion formed of an interior sidewall and a recessed portion bottom wall sized to correspondingly receive and support the crankshaft flange therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: SpeedRanger Aviation, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis L. Nielson
  • Patent number: 8544363
    Abstract: Intended is to unitize a clamp device for a rotation indexing apparatus for a machine tool, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the clamp device and the assembly of the indexing apparatus including the clamp device. The rotation indexing apparatus (1) for the machine tool comprises the clamp device (2) for clamping a clamp disc (11) by causing a clamp element (6) to exert a pressing force on the clamp disc (11), thereby to bring a rotary drive target member (4) such as a circular table into a clamped state. Of the individual members constituting the clamp device (2), the individual major members excepting the clamp device (11) to be mounted on a rotating shaft (5) are unitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tsudakoma Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Tatsuda
  • Patent number: 8544364
    Abstract: A power cable jacket tearing tool. A first tool body portion has a first aperture for receiving the cable therethrough, and a second tool body portion has a second aperture for receiving the cable therethrough. The first and second tool body portions are rotatably connected to one another to form a joint allowing each tool body portion to rotate relative to the other about a pivot axis that passes through the first and second apertures. The second tool body portion supports a rotatable spool for receiving and spooling the end of a selected conductor of the cable. The tool also includes a motor for driving the spool, a power source for powering the motor, and a control mechanism for controllably coupling the power source to the motor. The motor is carried by the second tool body portion, whereas the control mechanism is carried by the first tool body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: A. Larry Michaels
  • Patent number: 8544365
    Abstract: The ratchet tool has a housing, a ratchet mechanism and a locking plate. The housing includes a chamber and multiple locking grooves. The ratchet mechanism is mounted rotatably through the housing. The locking plate is mounted in the chamber of the housing and has multiple wings. The wings correspond to and engage the locking grooves of the housing in order to lock the ratchet mechanism and the housing. Therefore, users can easily assemble and disassemble the ratchet mechanism and the housing by taking out the locking plate when a broken component needs to be repaired or changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Tzu-Chien Wang
  • Patent number: 8544366
    Abstract: A spark plug removal tool apparatus and method for a spark plug having components of an extended smooth spark arc producing terminal portion, an adjacent helical threaded portion, an adjacent hex drive, an adjacent insulator portion, and a terminal electrical interface extension. The tool apparatus includes a non rotating collet extension having a plurality of fingers to removably engage the electrical interface and an inner surrounding sidewall that threadably engages the collet, also an outer surrounding sidewall rotatably engaged to the inner surrounding sidewall not having one-way axial movement as between the inner and outer surrounding sidewalls, wherein the collet, inner, and outer surrounding sidewalls are all co-axial. Operationally, when the tool starts to unscrew the spark plug from an engine head, an axial non-rotating force is applied to the electrical interface extension that helps prevent separating damage between the spark plug components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Hugo Oswaldo Castan Leyva, Daniel J. Cisneros
  • Patent number: 8544367
    Abstract: A socket for a wrench comprises a fixed portion provided with a first fastener receiving aperture and a rotatable portion provided with a second fastener receiving aperture. The fixed and rotatable portions are disposed such that the first and second fastener receiving apertures are in overlying relationship to define a fastener receiving space and the rotatable portion is rotatable with respect to the fixed portion to adjust the fastener receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Nigel A. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8544368
    Abstract: A magnetic device assembled with a square hole of a socket includes a base received in a connecting portion of the square hole, a magnetic element mounted to an end of the base. The magnetic element magnetically attracts a bolt received in a driving hole of the socket, and at least one expansive portion formed at an end of the base disposed opposite to the magnetic element. The expansive portion selectively hinders a connecting portion of the square hole of the socket. The magnetic device is received in the square hole of the socket without departing from the driving hole of the socket in an operating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hong Ann Tool Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Patent number: 8544369
    Abstract: A screwdriver for collated screws in which a tip of the screw projects forwardly of the tool prior to initiation of the screwdriving sequence and, preferably, a forwardly directed socket carried on a retractable nose portion engages the head of the screw to be driven and urges the screw forwardly into a workpiece such that the pinching of the screw between the nose portion and the workpiece initiates retraction of the nose portion preferably leading to engagement of the screw by a rotating driver shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Scott Park
  • Patent number: 8544370
    Abstract: A tool incorporating a multi-function tool tip on an elongated shaft is disclosed for adjusting and maintaining different irrigation-related products of one or more manufacturers, having a handle configured at one shaft-end, and formed at an opposite shaft-end a multi-function tool-tip with a screw adjustment member located between two outwardly-extended generally planar members. In one tool function mode leading-edge portions of the planar members are sized and shaped to align and rotate within a conical recess of a first irrigation-related product and facilitate engagement of the screw adjustment member with an upper end of an adjustment screw centered within the conical recess. In other functional modes, the planar members are sized and shaped for insertion through an adjustment port of a spring-loaded slidably-positionable member of a second irrigation-related product to pull the member outward to a desired degree and/or make water emitting adjustments interiorly within the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: John Watley Lamar
  • Patent number: 8544371
    Abstract: A paperboard slitter machine includes a first housing, a rotary cutter movable in and out of the first housing for cutting a paperboard, a second housing, a passage defined between the first housing and the second housing for the feeding of the paperboard to be cut, a linking mechanism holding two roller brushes in the second housing and a driving device controllable to move the linking mechanism in carrying the roller brushes out of the second housing into the passage to press on the paperboard at two sides relative to the rotary cutter for enabling the paperboard to be accurately and smoothly cut by the rotary cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Tzu-Che Lin
  • Patent number: 8544372
    Abstract: A cutting device (10) includes a sled (12) guided on a base (14) for reciprocating linear movement along a blade (20) that is supported on the base below the sled and includes an inclined working edge (28) projecting beyond the sled. The sled is manually movable while the blade is held stationary, so that a workpiece supported on the sled is conveyed against and along the working edge for cutting the workpiece. Mechanisms for adjusting the blade height, inclination angle, and bevel angle are also disclosed. Novel saw blades are also disclosed, and preferably include a blade extension extending from the working edge beyond the maximum travel of the sled. The blade extension may remain in the kerf at the end of a cutting stroke, preventing the blade from jamming against the workpiece upon a return stroke and may also provide an unobstructed means by which to gage blade angle relative to the sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: John J. Economaki
  • Patent number: 8544373
    Abstract: A saw blade includes a saw blade body having a first face, a second face opposing the first face, and an axis of rotation extending between the first face and the second face. The saw blade includes a cutting element disposed about an outer periphery of the saw blade body. The saw blade includes a spline arbor interface portion disposed about an inner periphery of the saw blade body and having a peripheral face defining an eye disposed substantially collinearly with the axis of rotation of the saw blade body. The saw blade body defines a relief portion extending along at least a portion of an edge between the peripheral face of the spline arbor interface portion and at least one of the first face and the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Simonds International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Howe
  • Patent number: 8544374
    Abstract: A tip 14 is rotatably attached to a tip holder 10. The tip holder 10 is made into a cylindrical shape and its end has an installation part 16. An opening is arranged at a holder joint. The tip holder 10 is attracted by a magnet for attachment so that detaching and attaching can be performed easily. Tip offset data is recorded as a 2-dimensional code 17 on the surface of the tip holder 10. When replacing the tip holder, the offset data is read out and inputted to a scribe device, thereby canceling the offset. This eliminates the operation required for correction when attaching/detaching the tip holder and enables easy tip replacement during a short time of device stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Yamamoto, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 8544375
    Abstract: A system and method capable of providing a cooperative network for applying countermeasures to airborne threats is provided. The system contains at least one aircraft having an airborne countermeasures system (ACS) capable of controlling deployment of countermeasures located on the aircraft. The system also contains a central countermeasures management system (CCMS) capable of communicating with the ACS to control the ACS in deployment of the countermeasures located on the aircraft. The aircraft may be one of a series of aircrafts, where each aircraft within the series of aircrafts has a separate ACS thereon, and where each separate ACS is capable of controlling deployment of countermeasures located on an aircraft within the series of aircrafts on which the separate ACS is located. When multiple aircrafts are within the network, the CCMS is capable of communicating with each separate ACS in response to the airborne threat, to control deployment of the countermeasures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Kravitz
  • Patent number: 8544376
    Abstract: A transparent armor system includes a hard face fabricated from a substantially transparent glass-ceramic material exhibiting crystalline bodies throughout the mass of the glass-ceramic material and a backing covering a rear surface of the hard face opposite an anticipated incoming projectile. The backing has a refractive index substantially matching that of the hard face such as to allow substantial transparency of the transparent armor system. The hard face serves to disburse energy caused by the impact of an incoming projectile with the transparent armor system, while the backing serves to retain any pieces of the hard face fractured during ballistic impact. In certain embodiments, a plurality of hard faces are held in parallel and spaced apart arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schott Corporation
    Inventors: John Carberry, Katherine Leighton, John Boyett, Carl Cline, Marcella Mirata, Wiktor Serafin, Edgar Aleshire
  • Patent number: 8544377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand (100) for a motorcycle, a heavy weapon (70) or a motorcycle (1) equipped with the heavy weapon (70). The stand (100) includes a propping unit (101, 102 and 105) as well as pivoting means (103, 104) for enabling the propping unit (101, 102 and 105) to be swiveled between a working position and a storage position. The propping unit (101, 102 and 105) includes two propping elements (101 and 102). The pivoting means (103, 104) include a pivoting element (103), which allows a simultaneous swiveling and outward spreading motion of the propping elements (101 and 102) from the storage position in the proximity of the chassis of a motorcycle, the heavy weapon (70) or a motorcycle equipped with the heavy weapon (70) to the working position, and locking means (108, 109 and 110) for securing the propping elements (101 and 102) in the working position and in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Wolf Pack Oy
    Inventors: Tom Rajalin, Mikko Helkama, Tero Huopaniemi
  • Patent number: 8544378
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for construction equipment having a float function is provided. The hydraulic system can perform ground leveling as making a boom descend due to its own weight without using hydraulic fluid that is discharged from a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic system includes a holding logic poppet mounted in the float valve to prevent an abrupt descending of the boom due to leakage of the hydraulic fluid through a flow path between the main control valve and the float valve during the operation of the boom cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Jin Wook Kim