Patents Issued in December 31, 2013
  • Patent number: 8615827
    Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a support, and an upper frame. The support is coupled to the lower frame. The upper frame is supported on the support above the lower frame. The upper frame includes a head support section and a foot support section including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are configured to support at least a portion of the lower extremities of a person supported on the person-support apparatus. No components of the first portion and the second portion are removed from the first portion and the second portion when the first portion and the second portion are moved from a first position to a second position. The person-support apparatus can be configured to support any one of the posterior pelvic region and the feet, calf region, upper torso, or feet of a person on the foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 8615828
    Abstract: a reclining bed that raises the upper body and legs above horizontal, but also allows the legs to recline below, the horizontal position. The resulting ergonomic benefits of sitting up for extended periods of time makes the desk specifically designed for such a bed a necessity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Ferdinand Schermel
  • Patent number: 8615829
    Abstract: An economical emergency evacuation mattress for persons in areas with limited access, such as subways and high-rises, provides a warm and secure cocoon for the patient, allows easy transport over any type of surface (e.g., up and down stairs), provides proper support for all of the patient's body, allows the patient to feel a high degree of comfort in what is otherwise a very stressful situation, and provides securing means (e.g., straps) to firmly hold the patient in place during transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Evacusled Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Kenalty, Miriam Gordon
  • Patent number: 8615830
    Abstract: A pillow system comprises a pillow having a pocket extending inside the pillow that contains one or more articles having a theme which corresponds to the theme of the outer surface of the pillow. The pillow has a top panel and a bottom panel joined at the periphery to define a peripheral edge and cushioning material disposed inside. The outer surface, having a cover theme, substantially covers one or both of the panels. The pocket extends into and is substantially enclosed by the cushioning material. Access to the pocket is through a pocket inlet along a portion of the peripheral edge. A closure mechanism, such as a zipper, at the inlet substantially closes the pocket to enclose the articles inside. The articles have an article theme that corresponds to the cover theme. If desired, the pillow can also have a theme shape that corresponds to the cover and article themes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Vicky McQuoid
  • Patent number: 8615831
    Abstract: A mattress includes a plurality of air cells. Each cell has a low air permeability envelope and a foam inflation structure that defines one or more voids inside the low air permeability envelope. The foam inflation structures expand when unloaded to cause inflation of the one or more voids. When unloaded, the ratio of the volume of the foam inflation structure to the volume of the one or more voids within the low air permeability envelope is not the same in all the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Lipman, John R. Laverack, George E. Riehm, Edward A. Gilchrest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8615832
    Abstract: A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a mesh opening, and a bearing frame. The net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft interwoven in a vertical direction. An interweaving point of the warp and the weft is fastened by a fixed connection. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is 2-6 times the diameter of the warp and the weft. The ratio of the area of an opening of the mesh opening to the area of the mesh opening is 35% to 78%. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is less than 1.5 mm. The diameter of the warp and the weft is less than 0.55 mm. The thickness of the net-shaped fabric is less than 1.1 mm. At least two edges of the net-shaped fabric are hanging between two opposite edges of the bearing frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Xiading Wang
  • Patent number: 8615833
    Abstract: A washing machine provided with recirculation with controlled flow. It further presents a method to control the level of the washing liquid, associated to the said machine, providing economy of resources such as water and cleaning products, guaranteeing an effective washing of clothes and similar articles, still associated with a decreases foam formation and lower nose emissions during the process, thus improving the operation of the equipment. The washing machine is provided with a washing tub (2), a basket (3), a two-way pump (7), level sensor (5), pool (6), recirculation hose (9), drainage hose (8) and control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Do Brazil S.A.
    Inventors: Cirilo Alex Cavalli, Johninson Imhoff, Marcelo Piekarski
  • Patent number: 8615834
    Abstract: A method of determining the number of doses and the types of a treating chemistry available in the bulk dispensing system, and providing an indication of the determination on a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl D. McAllister, Michael T. Dalton
  • Patent number: 8615835
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, John Hurd
  • Patent number: 8615836
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface; a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet; a liquid outlet; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein the filtering device includes a filtering casing which is removably mounted in the filtration chamber and which can be inserted into and removed from the filtration chamber in one piece, and the filtering casing has at least a lower end which opens at the base of the body and which constitutes a liquid inlet into the body of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8615837
    Abstract: A drain-cleaning machine comprises a cable, a motor assembly, and a speed control assembly. The cable comprises a longitudinal axis. The motor assembly is configured to rotate the cable about the longitudinal axis of the cable. The motor assembly comprises a motor and a motor control device. The motor is configured to operate at an operating speed that may vary within a range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to produce a substantially constant torque while operating at varying operating speeds across the entire range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to be powered by DC power. The motor control device is configured to receive AC power from an AC power source, convert the AC power into DC power, and communicate the DC power to the motor. The speed control assembly is configured to vary the operating speed of the motor within the range of operating speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Eel Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: C. David Hale, Alfred P. Horning
  • Patent number: 8615838
    Abstract: A barbeque grill brush including a handle with the head portion attached thereto, multiple metal bristles embedded in the bottom of the head portion, a pair of spaced L-shaped arms attached to the bottom of the head portion, and an elongated bumper spaced from the head portion and end being interconnected to the L-shaped arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: International Business Corporation, Progressive Global Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James Lu
  • Patent number: 8615839
    Abstract: A roller guide assembly is attached to a paint roller frame to maintain a consistent space between a surface adjacent to the surface being painted and a roller cover carried by the roller frame. The roller guide assembly includes a guide arm attached to a vertical portion of the roller frame and a mounting clamp that that fits on the roller frame. The mounting clamp uses an adjustable locking screw and tightening knob to secure the mounting clamp to the roller frame. The mounting clamp has a cavity configured to receive the guide arm such that the guide arm extends past the roller cover. The roller guide assembly has a storage clip mounted on the roller frame for temporarily storing the guide arm while the roller cover is being reloaded with paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Zibra, LLC
    Inventors: Danny Sweeney, Michael M. Sherman
  • Patent number: 8615840
    Abstract: A wiper system for flat or nearly flat surfaces utilizing a track system whereby a substantially vertical blade is disposed across a primarily planar surface to remove obstructing matter in a non stop horizontal reciprocation that may be set to do so in a plurality of differentiating track configurations. Additionally the present invention may be utilized and best suited for windshields, residential windows, metal paneling or headlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Taneda
  • Patent number: 8615841
    Abstract: A connecting unit for separably connecting a flat wiper blade to a hook wiper arm is provided. The connecting unit has a bracket fixed to a frame of a flat wiper blade, an adaptor pivotally mounted on the bracket and a cover pivotally attached to the adaptor. The adaptor and a linear section of a hook wiper arm are fixed via a first fixing element of the adaptor in a lateral direction of the linear section. The adaptor and a curved section of the hook wiper are fixed via a second fixing element of the adaptor and a third fixing element of the cover in a longitudinal direction of the linear section. When a first locking element of the adaptor and a second locking element of the cover engage each other, the third fixing element fixes the curved section relative to the second fixing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: ADM21 Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Kyu Kim, Kyung Jong Nam
  • Patent number: 8615842
    Abstract: A mop bucket system may include a mop bucket to contain fluids, a wringer unit including a wringer cone connected to the mop bucket to remove the fluid from a mop, and a pivotable energy-dissipation device connected to the wringer unit to dissipate energy of the fluid in the wringer unit. The energy dissipation device may pivot between a first position and a second position, and the energy dissipation device may include a aperture. The energy dissipation device may include a notch, and the energy dissipation device may include a sleeve bushing. The energy dissipation device may include a side surface having a curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Terry Treacy
  • Patent number: 8615843
    Abstract: A powered operation device for a glove box in a particular application to the field of nuclear fuel manufacturing. The device including a receiving portion designed to be driven by a motor part. The receiving portion has primary attachment means designed so as to enable this receiving portion to be mounted inside the glove box on a docking cylinder provided on the latter, and the motor part has secondary attachment means designed so as to enable this motor part to be mounted on the same docking cylinder, but outside the glove box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: S.T.M.I. Societe des Techniques en Milieu Ionisant, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Xavier Ladet, Jean-Pierre Alanore, Patrick Bolcato
  • Patent number: 8615844
    Abstract: A dust filter for filtering dust out of an air stream has a filter membrane pleated into a row of pleats. A pleat deflector is movably suspended for moving along the row of pleats for cleaning the filter membrane. The deflector has a free end extending between the pleats when the deflector and the pleats are in undeflected condition, such that when the deflector is moved along the row of pleats, the pleats are deflected and released in succession along the row. The deflector includes a flexible plate of which at least a portion between the suspension and the free end has a width transverse to the direction of movement of the deflector, where the width decreases with the distance to the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Margarita Zwanette Van Raalte, Thelma Fernandina Geusebroek-Oskam, Paulus Hermanus Van Wolferen, Akko Wolters
  • Patent number: 8615845
    Abstract: The disclosed vacuum cleaner system for an automobile fits in a cavity in the vehicle and has a tank that can be removed in a lateral direction without tools and without detaching the vacuum hose. A circuit board that carries an electronic controller is positioned alongside the motor and extends generally parallel to both the axis of the motor and the lateral direction in which the tank is removed. Cooling air is drawn though a cooling air inlet on the cabin wall to the circuit board, and then one side of the motor, through the center of the motor, to the cooling fan. From there, it is blown into a cavity where it joins exhausted working air from the vacuum and is exhausted from the vehicle through an air release opening that leads to the exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Neil N. Norell, James M. Robitaille, Matthew L. Huff
  • Patent number: 8615846
    Abstract: A hold open rod is provided. The hold open rod includes an outer tube, a lock body connected to the outer tube, an inner tube, slidingly disposed within the outer tube and lock body, the inner tube having an outer surface, and a friction pad captured between the lock body and the outer surface of the inner tube. A method for damping movement of a telescoping rod is also provided. The method includes attaching the locking body to an outer tube, configuring the outer tube and the inner tube to move with respect to each other in a telescoping manner, fitting a damper between an outer diameter of an inner tube and a locking body, and fitting the damper to frictionally engage the outer diameter of the inner tube and the locking body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Marathonnorco Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Wheeler, Julio Palma, Gary McMurtrey
  • Patent number: 8615847
    Abstract: A counterbalanced hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid of a vehicle includes a hinge box and a support member rotatably attached to the hinge box. A linkage system interconnects the hinge box and the support member, and includes a wind-up link rotatably attached to the hinge box for rotation about a spring axis, and a driven link interconnecting the wind-up link and the support member. A planar coil spring is coiled about the spring axis and is coupled to both the hinge box and the wind-up link. The planar coil spring applies a torque to the wind-up link to rotate the wind-up link about the spring axis to assist movement of the support member from the closed position into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Krajenke, Alvin N. Standard
  • Patent number: 8615848
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for an electronic device includes a cam unit and a gear unit provided at a connecting position of an upper plate and a lower plate. The cam unit includes a first cam mechanism for causing a first cam shaft connected to an upper plate to generate a torque and a second cam mechanism for causing a second cam shaft connected to a lower plate to generate a torque. Further, the gear unit includes a first gear shaft connected to the upper plate and a second gear shaft connected to the lower plate, a first gear provided in the first gear shaft, a first gear provided in the second gear shaft, and a gear mechanism that synchronizes and rotates the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Mitsui
  • Patent number: 8615849
    Abstract: A cord management system includes a case and a strap. The strap has a first attachment point at a first location on the strap and a second attachment point a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first attachment point is attached to the second attachment point so that a first segment of the strap located between the first attachment point and the second attachment point forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the case. In a second mode of operation, the first attachment point is detached from the second attachment point so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. In some embodiments, the strap is permanently attached to the case, while in other embodiments the strap is semi-permanently attached to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: CJD LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Philip Rothbaum, Allison S. Conner, Robert B. Curtis, Jonas K. Damon, Daniel A. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8615850
    Abstract: A window covering cord collection and coordination device of the invention involves two halves of an assembly which acts as an enclosure for collection of upper control lines, and as an attachment for a downwardly extending single actuation line which may be optionally employed. A key projection member fits within a complementary key slot member at a first or upper end of the window covering cord collection and coordination device and which is oriented and designed to disengage upon any significant downward separating force acting upon the series of upper controlled lines which the window covering cord collection and coordination device engages through an upper slot which enables upper controlled lines to exert a separating force against the first and second housing sections which make up the window covering cord collection and coordination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Han-Sen Lee
  • Patent number: 8615851
    Abstract: A patching system for a net in a frame with hard points at select nodes of the net includes a patching device with a pair of spaced sockets each configured to receive a hard point therein. A member interconnects the pair of spaced sockets and is configured to properly space the hard points. Another patching device is for reconnecting hard points to the net frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Holmes, Jr., Brian A. Coppola
  • Patent number: 8615852
    Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and an umbrella positioned on the base. A boss is attached to the umbrella and extends outwardly from the umbrella and away from the base. The magnetic fastener has a hole with a diameter to receive the boss. The boss is welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella. An optional carrier is attached to the base to provide additional height for suitable applications. The umbrella is positioned on the base or is attached to the carrier and positioned opposite the base. The boss is attached to the magnetic fastener such that the umbrella flexes to permit the magnetic fastener to pivot about the boss. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Termax Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Walter Smith, Daniel James Dickenson, Mark Fleydervish, John Clasen
  • Patent number: 8615853
    Abstract: In a magnetic holding device for attaching items such as eyeglasses, a badge, identification, jewelry, or accessories to an article of clothing, the magnet is replaced with a multipole magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Donald P Rathbun
  • Patent number: 8615854
    Abstract: A fixturing apparatus (100), including a first fixturing surface (230), and a plurality of locking teeth (210) attached to and extending outwardly from that fixturing surface, wherein each locking tooth includes a parallelepiped comprising a rectangular base (310), a first rectangular side (320) attached to a first end of that rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second rectangular side (330) attached to an opposing end of the rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein a first rectangular side distal end (324) is attached to a second rectangular side distal end 336.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Michael P. Fennell
  • Patent number: 8615855
    Abstract: An improved cemetery experience whereby the cemetery and accompanying facilities may celebrate and demonstrate the passion and hobbies of the deceased individual. The contemplated themed cemetery may be a stand-alone cemetery that celebrates a common passion of a plurality of individuals, yet still maintains the traditional burial and memorialization process. The themed cemetery may take a specific event, or commonly understood and loved location and memorialize that location in the theme of a cemetery where those with that common interest and enjoyment of the commonly understood location may desire to be buried. The cemetery would closely resemble both visually, and physically a replica of the theme being celebrated and may provide space for the deceased while still providing adequate income and revenue in the way of advertising for the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: David Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8615856
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming retainers on a continuous strand such as, for example, of suture material and a suture produced by the same. The apparatus may include a retainer forming member configured to rotate about a first axis. The retainer forming member may include a cutter, the cutting edge of which may directed substantially inward toward, or outward away from, the first axis to define a retainer forming zone when the retainer forming member rotates about the first axis. The apparatus may further include a support member arranged adjacent to the retainer forming member and configured to receive and support the continuous strand in the retainer forming zone. When the retainer forming member rotates about the first axis, the passing strand may be intermittently or continuously cut by the cutting edge of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Gelbart
  • Patent number: 8615857
    Abstract: Providing a glass assembly cutting method capable of improving yield by cutting a glass assembly into a predetermined size, providing a package manufacturing method, a package and a piezoelectric vibrator manufactured by the manufacturing method, and an oscillator, an electronic device, and a radio-controlled timepiece. Providing a wafer assembly cutting method of cutting a wafer assembly 60 along a scribe line M?, the method including: a scribing step of irradiating a laser beam having an absorption wavelength of the wafer assembly 60 along the contour line to form the scribe line M? on a lid board wafer 50; and a breaking step of applying a breaking stress along the scribe line M? using a cutting blade to cut the wafer assembly along the scribe line M?, wherein the scribing step involves forming the scribe line M? so that the ratio of a depth dimension D of the scribe line M? to a width dimension W thereof is 0.8 or larger and 6.0 or smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Numata
  • Patent number: 8615858
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an extraction apparatus used to pull a golf shaft out of a club head comprises a hosel engagement member, an annular cylinder bore and piston assembly, and a shaft clamping device. The assembly is positioned on the shaft by passing the shaft through an axial hole in the assembly and the hosel engagement member is placed next to the head's hosel. The shaft is clamped in the clamping device so that the hosel, the hosel engagement member, and the cylinder and piston assembly are held tightly against the clamping device. The cylinder is then pressurized, thereby applying a force to the piston and an extraction force to the head which is essentially symmetrical with the shaft. The hosel is then heated to weaken its adhesive bond to the shaft so the piston is able to move and push the head away from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Barry Lyn Holtzman
  • Patent number: 8615859
    Abstract: A double-action clinching tool includes a support having an aperture formed therein and a surface configured to receive a first layer overlapping a second layer. A clinching punch is slidably positioned in the support aperture and configured to engage the second layer. A punch is positioned opposite to the clinching punch and is configured to form an aperture in the first layer prior to the clinching punch engaging the second layer. A retractable clinching die configured to contact the first layer and to shift such that an interior wall thereof is angularly offset from an initial position when contacted by a portion of the second layer extending through the aperture of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jon T. Carter
  • Patent number: 8615860
    Abstract: The invention provides a system configured to adjust a jaw gripping force of a pulling head. A locking nut is threadedly attached to the pulling head and defines an aperture which extends therethrough. A frame adaptor is at least partially positioned within the aperture of the locking nut. The frame adaptor further receives a portion of the pulling head and a piston of a power tool within an aperture thereof, with the portion and the piston engaging one another within the aperture of the frame adaptor. The portion of the pulling head is operatively associated with a jaw of the pulling head. An adjustment nut is threadedly attached to the frame adaptor. Rotation of the adjustment nut, with the locking nut in an unlocked position, causes the jaw gripping force of the pulling head to either be strengthened or weakened, depending on the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SPS Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cristinel Cobzaru, John Wilker
  • Patent number: 8615861
    Abstract: A crimping assembly is provided for securing a cover part to a structural member. The crimping assembly includes a housing, a drive shaft disposed within the housing and rotatable in a first direction, and a first roller fixedly secured to the drive shaft and rotatable therewith. The crimping assembly also includes a slide shaft disposed within the housing and rotatable in a second direction. A second roller is fixedly secured to the slide shaft and rotatable therewith. A drive mechanism is operably coupled to the drive and slide shafts to roll the first and second rollers over the cover part to secure the cover part to the structural member. A coupling mechanism is operably connected between the drive shaft and the slide shaft to allow movement of the slide shaft towards and away from the drive shaft during operation of the crimping assembly to accommodate variations in flange thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Henry Muxlow, David Christopher Marchand
  • Patent number: 8615862
    Abstract: A membrane puller and related method. The puller includes a frame including a front end and a rear end, a lever assembly, a clamp assembly carried by the frame and including an elongate body slidably received by the front end of the frame and a clamp member fixed to the body, and a cable having one end attached to the lever assembly and another end attached to the clamp assembly, wherein the lever assembly is movable toward the front end of the frame to place the cable in tension to pull the clamp assembly toward the front end of the frame such that the elongate body slidably moves toward the rear end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Duro-Last, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Traska
  • Patent number: 8615863
    Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a fitting into a hose including a handle with a trigger parallelly disposed relative to an elongated translation rod movable in one direction including a fitting holder releasably mounted on the translation rod. A bell crank and linkage system connects the trigger to the translation rod for longitudinal movement and enhances the mechanical advantage to facilitate the insertion of the fitting into the hose. The hose holder is adjustable to accommodate different diameter hoses and the fitting holder can be changed to accommodate different shaped and sized fittings. The insertion tool can be used to insert the fitting into the hose while these units are in the ground or it can be oriented and changed to accommodate insertions at various attitudes. A knife is attached to the translation rod to allow the translation rod to be positioned to remove the hose from its fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Donald A. Hope
  • Patent number: 8615864
    Abstract: A disassembled battery and methods for disassembling the battery are provided. Holes are formed in an enclosure of the battery and a fluid is injected into the battery to inactivate an electrolyte inside the battery. The enclosure of the battery is then cut to define strips in the enclosure that can be peeled back to expose a core inside the battery. The core can be extracted and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Atsushi Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8615865
    Abstract: Methods, gaskets, and couplings for connecting two pipes are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes the steps of placing the assembled coupling over one end of a pipe, aligning the second pipe with the first pipe, sliding the coupling off the end of the first pipe so that a portion of the coupling is around each pipe, and securing the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Vandal, Douglas Compton
  • Patent number: 8615866
    Abstract: A method of monitoring quality of a control circuit in a power plant is provided. The quality of the control circuit is continuously assessed by determining characteristic quantities describing the quality by applying a plurality of testing methods suitable for describing dynamic properties of the control circuit to current operating data originating from the instrumentation and control equipment of the power plant, and by evaluating the characteristic quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kurt Andersen, Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 8615867
    Abstract: A superconductive element is described, comprising a rigid support made of a non-superconductive material, said support comprising at least one superconductive track formed by a groove containing a superconductive material having a density equal to at least 85% of the value of its theoretical density, and the process for producing said element. The present invention also relates to the possible uses of the superconductive elements, and also to superconductive devices comprising said superconductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Edison S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Giunchi
  • Patent number: 8615868
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic sensor that includes depositing a plurality of mask layers, then forming a stripe height defining mask over the sensor layers. A first ion milling is performed just sufficiently to remove portions of the free layer that are not protected by the stripe height defining mask, the first ion milling being terminated at the non-magnetic barrier or spacer layer. A dielectric layer is then deposited, preferably by ion beam deposition. A second ion milling is then performed to remove portions of the pinned layer structure that are not protected by the mask, the free layer being protected during the second ion milling by the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Yongchul Ahn, Xiaozhong Dang, Quang Le, Simon H. Liao
  • Patent number: 8615869
    Abstract: A system of assembling storage devices in the form of electrical energy modules includes two pairs of positive and negative terminals for each module, in which each of the pairs of positive and negative terminals is distributed over at least one of the external faces of each module, thus forming a terminal strip of the module. At least one interconnection block can be inserted onto part of each of the terminal strips of two separate modules and itself includes at least two pairs of anchoring points so as to form an assembly block, either by stacking the storage modules or by juxtaposing the same. At least two anchoring points of each interconnection block are in electrical contact, while stiffening the assembly, in a manner complementary to the other anchoring points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens SAS
    Inventor: Eric Chattot
  • Patent number: 8615870
    Abstract: An installation tool to install a cruise control stop switch onto a brake pedal of an automotive vehicle includes a cylindrical shaped main body, a cylindrical shaped top portion attached to an open end of the main body, a power supply enclosed within the main body and the top portion, multiple indicators attached to an outer surface of the main body, and a removable coupler located in a recess in the top portion. The coupler, which is electrically connected to the power source and the multiple indicators, is configured to receive the cruise control stop switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Neu, Danny Parks, David McCoy
  • Patent number: 8615871
    Abstract: A chip mounted circuit substrate (COF) 4 to be installed on a liquid crystal display panel 1 comprises an arrangement wiring electrodes 42 formed on a base film 41 at a first pitch P1 in a first direction (A-direction) and two of first positioning marks 43 formed at both sides of the arrangement of the wiring electrodes 43 in the first direction. Before installing the COF 4 on the liquid crystal display panel 1 by thermo-compression bonding, the first pitch P1 of the wiring electrodes 42 is selected to be narrower than a second pitch P2 after performing the thermo-compression bonding in consideration with expansion of the base film 41 in the first direction. In addition, a part of each the first positioning mark 43 overlaps a second positioning mark 12 formed on the liquid crystal display panel 1 and protrudes outward from the second positioning mark 12 in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Eto
  • Patent number: 8615872
    Abstract: A flow measurement device and a method of manufacturing a flow measurement device having a measurement tube made from plastic or at least a plastic liner are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the measurement tube can be fabricated from plastic in an injection molding apparatus. Thereafter, electrical components of the measurement tube, such as electrodes and a coil holder, for example, can be concomitantly injection molded in a common, separate injection molding process. The electrical components can there be installed easier and more reliably in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Rackebrandt, Klaus Schäfer, Marco Ehrenberg
  • Patent number: 8615873
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a terminal block for a telecommunication cable comprising the steps of providing a preformed substrate member comprising a podium member, at least one electrical connector and at least one insulated electrical wire attached to an electrical contact positioned within the at least one electrical connector; placing the preformed substrate member in a mold; and injecting a dielectric material into the mold containing the podium member to form an overmolded terminal block, wherein the dielectric material covers the at least one insulated electrical wire and a portion of the electrical contact positioned within the at least one electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Channell Commercial Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald L. Shimirak
  • Patent number: 8615874
    Abstract: Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Riley Power Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Smith, Craig A. Penterson, Richard N. DuVerger
  • Patent number: 8615875
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal blading sector for low-pressure guide vanes of a turbomachine of which at least one blade includes an internal cavity configured to accept or communicate with a gas detection probe and at least one hole formed in the wall constituting a passage for gas from a low-pressure zone of the turbomachine toward the cavity and the probe through the fitting, into a casting mold, of a core corresponding to the cavity and the casting of a molten metal in the cavity of the casting mold. The core includes, for each hole for communication with the cavity, a protrusion penetrating the internal surface of the mold and constituting the only element holding the core in position in the casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Damien Alquier, Sebastien Digard Brou De Cuissart
  • Patent number: 8615876
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structural body having a honeycomb unit includes obtaining a honeycomb molded body including a compound containing a phosphate group zeolite and an inorganic binder. The honeycomb molded body has a plurality of through holes that are defined by cell walls and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb molded body. The honeycomb molded body is dried. The dried honeycomb molded body is fired to obtain the honeycomb unit. At least one of the honeycomb unit and the dried honeycomb molded body is stored so that a difference in moisture content is approximately 5 mass % or less between a moisture content of the cell walls at a center part of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a moisture content of the cell walls at an outer periphery part of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Sato, Yuki Fujita, Hikaru Yoshida, Takehiro Umemoto