Patents Issued in January 28, 2014
  • Patent number: 8636237
    Abstract: A herb grinder includes a metal sheet having a first surface and an opposite second surface. the sheet being configured to include, on at least one of the surfaces, a plurality of grooves extending parallel with one another and spaced apart from one another, wherein the grooves and said at least one of the surfaces, a plurality of grooves extending parallel with one another and spaced apart from one another, wherein the grooves and at least one of the surfaces define a square wave shape having flat valleys and flat peaks, wherein the flat valleys are roughened by a process of photochemical etching. A plurality of holes of a first type, extending from a peak to the bottom surface of the metal sheet, and a plurality of holes of a second type extending from a valley to the bottom surface of the metal sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Violina Syndicate, LLC
    Inventors: Eitam Scharf, Kimberly Dian Grant
  • Patent number: 8636238
    Abstract: A replaceable distributor plate, adapted for protecting a lower horizontal disc of a rotor of a vertical shaft impact crusher, includes a first portion of a bayonet joint, the first portion being adapted for cooperating with a second portion of the bayonet joint, the second portion being associated with the lower horizontal disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Rowan Dallimore, Knut Kjaerran
  • Patent number: 8636239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a belt retractor for winding up and unwinding a safety belt, with at least one force transmission element which is held by a first part of the belt retractor and which can be connected to a second part of the belt retractor, the force transmission element being held in a recess of the first part in such a way that it can be pressed axially into the recess of the first part, with the result that the connection to the second part is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Takata AG
    Inventors: Robert Fleischmann, Andreas Maunz, Hans-Jürgen Divo, Gerhard Klingauf, Robert Hofer, Hermann Hasse, Wolfgang Schrade, Armin Toth
  • Patent number: 8636240
    Abstract: A ground maintenance assembly for an aircraft generally including a support member provided with a longitudinal bore and a rigid post portion, a first inner member provided with a longitudinal bore disposed in and secured in such support member and a second inner member provided with a longitudinal recess adapted to receive a pitot tube of such aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Serias Design LLC
    Inventors: Ernest T. Jefferson, James H. Van Dis
  • Patent number: 8636241
    Abstract: A fixed-wing VTOL aircraft features an array of electric lift fans distributed over the surface of the aircraft. A generator is (selectively) coupled to the gas turbine engine of the aircraft. During VTOL operation of the aircraft, the engine drives the generator to generate electricity to power the lifting fans. Power to the lifting fans is reduced as the aircraft gains forward speed and is increasingly supported by the wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Richard H. Lugg, Harold Youngren
  • Patent number: 8636242
    Abstract: The system of the present application includes a system duct in fluid communication with a tailboom duct, the system duct having a downstream portion with an anti-torque cutout and a pro-torque cutout. The system further includes an anti-torque nozzle exteriorly proximate to the anti-torque cutout and a pro-torque nozzle exteriorly proximate to the pro-torque cutout. A rotating sleeve is configured to selectively allow airflow into at least one of the anti-torque nozzle and the pro-torque nozzle. A thrust nozzle is in fluid communication with the system duct. An upper clamshell and a lower clamshell are each configured to selectively control airflow in the thrust nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Dudley E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8636243
    Abstract: The system of the present application includes a duct for receiving airflow from within a duct portion of a tailboom. The airflow is a mixture of fan driven air and engine exhaust. The system includes a fixed nozzle assembly with an anti-torque nozzle, a pro-torque nozzle and a thrust nozzle. A rotating sleeve valve is located within the fixed nozzle assembly. The rotating sleeve valve located within the fixed nozzle assembly and is configured to selectively redirect airflow into one or more of the anti-torque nozzle, the pro-torque nozzle and the thrust nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8636244
    Abstract: The system of the present application includes a duct for receiving airflow from within a duct portion of a tailboom. The airflow is a mixture of fan driven air and engine exhaust. The system includes a fixed nozzle assembly with an anti-torque nozzle, a pro-torque nozzle, and a thrust nozzle. A rotating thrust director is located upstream of the fixed nozzle assembly. The rotating thrust director located is configured to selectively redirect airflow into one or more of the anti-torque nozzle, the pro-torque nozzle and the thrust nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk L. Groninga
  • Patent number: 8636245
    Abstract: An aircraft having at least one in-flight attitude control system, in turn having at least one actuator; and a hydraulic circuit connected to the actuator and having at least one pump designed to deliver a first flow when the pressure of the hydraulic circuit is above a presettable threshold value. The pump is designed to deliver a second flow greater than the first flow, and the aircraft has a sensor for detecting a quantity associated with the pressure of the hydraulic circuit; and a programmable central control unit, which controls the pump to deliver the second flow when the quantity detected by the sensor corresponds to a pressure of the hydraulic circuit below the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Agusta S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Vanni
  • Patent number: 8636246
    Abstract: A system and method to control flight of an aircraft. The aircraft having an engine with a rotatably nozzle assembly configured to create forward propulsion and yaw control of the aircraft. The engine exhaust passing through the nozzle is redirected with a valve disposed within the nozzle. Lift is created with a lift system carried by the wing of the aircraft. Additional lift is created during flight with a retractable wing extension disposed within the wing of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Robertson, Kirk L. Groninga
  • Patent number: 8636247
    Abstract: A gas generator assembly includes a propellant chamber housing an amine based propellant. A reaction chamber is coupled with the propellant chamber. The reaction chamber includes a reaction chamber housing, and a porous reaction matrix within the reaction chamber housing. The reaction matrix includes a catalyzing agent, and the catalyzing agent is configured to non-combustibly catalyze the amine based propellant into one or more pressurized gases. An injector is in communication with the propellant chamber. The injector is configured to deliver the amine based propellant to the porous reaction matrix. A discharge nozzle is coupled with the reaction chamber and is configured to accelerate and discharge the one or more pressurized gases. In one example, the gas generator is coupled with one or more of an impulse turbine assembly and an electric generator to form a micro power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Danforth, Richard D. Loehr, Kevin P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8636248
    Abstract: A tailwheel assembly for an aircraft includes a ventral fin including a fixed airframe portion of the ventral fin and a moveable tailwheel portion of the ventral fin. A tailwheel strut extends through the ventral fin and includes a fixed first strut portion and an extendable second strut portion having the moveable tailwheel portion of the ventral fin secured thereto. A tailwheel is secured to the extendable second strut portion. A method of operating a tailwheel assembly for an aircraft includes extending an extendable portion of a tailwheel strut from an airframe of the aircraft. The tailwheel strut has a tailwheel secured thereto and is located at least partially in a ventral fin of the aircraft. A tailwheel portion of the ventral fin is moved away from a fixed airframe portion of the ventral fin via extension of the extendable portion of the tailwheel strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon L. Stille, Steven D. Weiner
  • Patent number: 8636249
    Abstract: A storage system for an emergency apparatus provided in a conveyance includes at least one structure-holder connectable to a structural component of the conveyance. A frame is attached to the at least one structure-holder, and a carrier is configured to receive the emergency apparatus. A locking apparatus has a locking position in which the carrier is fastened to the frame, and an unlocking position in which the carrier is detached from the frame. A belt element is fixedly connected to the carrier. A first end of a retaining belt is connectable to a structural component of the conveyance via a belt-winder, and a second end of the retaining belt is fastenable in a detachable manner via a belt lock to the belt element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Conen, Sebastian Westphal
  • Patent number: 8636250
    Abstract: An external hook system for a rotary-wing aircraft includes a lower frame interface which accommodates longitudinal and lateral loads and an upper frame interface. A tension member is mountable between the lower frame interface and the upper frame interface to transfer tension loads between the lower frame interface and the upper frame interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl M. Toni, Mary McCarthy, Bruce H. Barr, Anthony Z. Stobiecki, Thomas Swift, Thomas Dziekonski
  • Patent number: 8636251
    Abstract: A storage compartment is provided for a transportation means, for mounting in an overhead region. The storage compartment includes, but is not limited to a universal housing module and a transformable container module. Various container modules, in particular fixed bins and pivot bins, can be installed in the universal housing module without this requiring any alteration of the housing module. The transformable container module can be converted within the housing module from a state as a fixed container to a state as a movable chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Mayer, Thomas Lerche
  • Patent number: 8636252
    Abstract: A unitized composite structure comprises a composite member having at least one integrally formed composite stiffener. At least one end of the stiffener includes a runout forming a substantially smooth transition between the stiffener and the composite structure. The stiffener and runout may comprise a crown, side walls, and base cap. The transition in the runout may include a width of the crown increasing, a height of the side walls decreasing, and the base cap splaying outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Pook, Peter J. Lockett, Andrew Glynn
  • Patent number: 8636253
    Abstract: A rollable and accordion foldable refractive lens concentrator flexible solar array blanket structure assembly for a spacecraft/satellite application consisting of at least one or more rows of electrically interconnected solar cells and at least one or more rows of deployable elongated refractive lenses elevated and aligned from the top surface of the solar cells. The entire blanket assembly, inclusive of lenses and solar cell substrates, kinematically deploys by unrolling or unfolding the assembly for its stowed package configuration, and the final tensioning of the blanket assembly produces an aligned assembly where the solar cell substrate subassembly and the lens subassembly are coplanar. Deployment of the integrated blanket assembly (with refractive lenses) is directly coupled through the unrolling or the accordion unfolding deployment kinematics of the concentrator blanket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Deployable Space Systems
    Inventors: Brian R Spence, Stephen F White, Kevin Schmid
  • Patent number: 8636254
    Abstract: A cross flow instability inhibiting assembly generates periodic aerodynamic disturbances on a swept wing. The cross flow instability inhibiting assembly is dynamic in that it can be selectively turned on and off as needed. The cross flow instability inhibiting assembly is a strip of material separating a set of electrodes from a set of electrodes. When energized, the fields created between the electrodes and electrodes create plasma disturbances around the electrodes. The electric fields and plasma create heating and body force disturbances on the air or surrounding fluid. These plasma generated disturbances disrupt development of unstable voriticity due to cross flow, inhibiting transition to turbulent flow of the wing to which it is attached. The electrodes may be connected to electrical power in series or they may be connected to an alternating configuration. The system allows for various uses based on the design of the wing and the conditions in which the host aircraft is flying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Hansen, Paul D. McClure, Sergey Macheret
  • Patent number: 8636255
    Abstract: A stand for a musical instrument which includes a ground-engaging base, a post that extends from the base, and a clamp assembly attached to the post. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamping arms, each of which is variably spaced relative to the other along an axis transverse to the post, to detachably engage a respective side of the instrument, when placed therebetween, to hold the instrument in a convenient position for a user to access and play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Cristina Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 8636256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curtain support assembly to receive a curtain rail for a curtain for separating at least two regions in a cabin of a vehicle, comprising one or several header components for covering a space formed between the curtain rail and a ceiling in the cabin. The assembly according to the invention comprises one or several load-bearing frame structures, each comprising at least one profile component, on which in each case on at least one side the header components are arranged. The frame structure may be made from standard components and may comprise header components that are hardly subjected to any mechanical loads and that are therefore less demanding to produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Mosler, Andreas Neumann
  • Patent number: 8636257
    Abstract: A support and cushioning device for supporting and holding an electronic device includes a first supporting assembly, a fixed bracket, an adjusting board, and a plurality of elastic members. The adjusting board is mounted to the distal end of the first support assembly. The fixed bracket is elastically mounted to the adjusting board by means of a plurality of elastic members. The fixed bracket includes a base body and a plurality of holding arms extending out from a periphery of the base body. The plurality of holding arms and the base body cooperatively define a holding space for holding an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Yu Tsou, Cong-Cong Wang, Jing-Hui You
  • Patent number: 8636258
    Abstract: A stand for supporting an object, for example a human cranium, includes a base, rods, and a pivotal joint. The base contains a plurality of stabilizers, a plurality of mounting blocks, and a means for connecting said stabilizers to said mounting blocks. The rods connect to the base at one end and contact the supported object at the other end. The rods are bound together by a fastener at a point between the base and the supported object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jolen Anya Minetz
  • Patent number: 8636259
    Abstract: A carriage holder for support of an apparatus includes identical upper and lower support plates having on their outer edge a number of indentations corresponding to the number of apparatus to be supported, said indentations providing aligned radial horizontal grasping surfaces on one side of said apparatus. The carriage holder also includes a series of vertical spring pivot pins joining said upper and lower support plates, adjacent to each said indentation, each such pin bearing a torsion spring loaded retractable clamp member to provide grasping surfaces in retracted position opposite to the grasping surfaces of said indentations. The carriage holder also includes an unobstructed aperture in each of said aligned support plates for mounting said carriage holder on a shaft. The carriage holder further includes a locking mechanism to hold said carriage in a fixed position on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Semba Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott G. Manke, Brian A. Harbrecht, Anthony Charles Grabski, Robert Charles Mierendorf, James L. Rane
  • Patent number: 8636260
    Abstract: A stabilizer-damper for stabilizing a broom, mop, or other long-handled device while such device is resting against a countertop or other surface. The stabilizer-damper is a device that provides stabilization to prevent the long-handled device from falling to the floor and also provides a damping effect to lessen the intensity and harshness of the sound if the long-handled device happens to fall to the floor. The stabilizer-damper fits onto the handle and provides a frictional surface to resist movement of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Product Harmonics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek K. Gauger, Thomas Heath
  • Patent number: 8636261
    Abstract: A formliner is disclosed. The formliner includes a plurality of courses, each course having a plurality of pockets, each pocket sized and configured to receive a decorative brick. The formliner is modular in nature and includes a joining portion for overlapping or being overlapped by a second formliner. At least one ridge of the formliner is at least partially within the joining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Architectural Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall G. Walters, Richard E. Fasching
  • Patent number: 8636262
    Abstract: Coupling apparatus for use with electric actuators are described herein. An example coupling apparatus described herein includes a coupling assembly to operatively couple a fluid flow control member of a fluid valve and a drive system of the electric actuator. Rotation of the drive system in a first rotational direction causes the coupling assembly to move in a first rectilinear direction and rotation of the drive system in a second rotational direction causes the coupling assembly to move in a second rectilinear direction opposite the first direction. The coupling assembly includes a biasing element that is to be deflected to provide a seat load to the fluid flow control member when the fluid flow control member is in sealing engagement with a valve seat of the fluid valve and electric power to the electric actuator is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Arthur Schade, Thomas Pesek, Galen Wilke
  • Patent number: 8636263
    Abstract: A pressure actuated valve assembly includes a valve body. The downstream end portion of a main spring is engaged with a downstream end portion of the valve body and the main spring is axially aligned with the valve body. A main spring guide is engaged with an upstream end portion of the main spring proximate an upstream end portion of the valve body. The main spring guide is mounted for movement toward the downstream end portion of the valve body by compression of the main spring. A hold-down sleeve is engaged with the downstream end portion of the valve body and includes a stop structure proximate the main spring guide. The stop structure is configured to engage the main spring guide to maintain a predetermined minimum clearance between the main spring guide and the upstream end portion of the valve body with the valve body in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Delavan Inc
    Inventors: Steven Scott Deaton, John David Canny
  • Patent number: 8636264
    Abstract: A powder metal component (34) has an outer diameter that is inserted in a bore of another component (18) during assembly with an interference fit between the two components. Ribs (30) are formed on the outer diameter of the component (34) during compaction and sintering of the component. The ribs (30) have a surface that has been compressed to a greater density than a surface (31) of the outer diameter between the ribs to produce a major diameter and effective roundness defined by high points of the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals, LLC
    Inventors: Ian W. Donaldson, Michael C. Doran, James T. Young, II
  • Patent number: 8636265
    Abstract: A motorized improved winch for raising and lowering, for example, theater scenery by means of cables and which incorporates a tubular support enclosure for supporting and housing a moving drum and the required components for emergency braking and for moving the drum in synchronization with relation to the cable guiding means, preferably mounted on the tubular support enclosure, and for driving the electrical sensors (limit switches and encoder) if desired. The winding and unwinding of the cables on or off the drum does not change the cable runs relative to the cable guiding means. The improved winch can be used in theaters and can be installed at the sides of the stage, up at the stage gridiron, or above the gridiron. With this improved winch counterweights are unnecessary. The improved winch is compact and can be easily manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Olaf Soot
  • Patent number: 8636266
    Abstract: The safety barricading system includes at least one mesh panel that is secured against an existing surface, object, or structure via a plurality of uniquely defined clips. The safety barricading system is designed to adaptively attach onto a building or structure in a temporary or permanent basis, and prevent objects from falling there from. The safety barricading system includes tools that remove the clips after use as well as joiner assemblies that abut adjacent sections of mesh panels at varying angles. The uniquely defined clips each include an eccentric pin joiner and mesh clip button that attach to one another as well as onto the respective clip, and sandwich the mesh panel there between so as to secure the mesh panel to the respective clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bart's Ltd.
    Inventor: Shane Gill
  • Patent number: 8636267
    Abstract: A plurality of atomizing fans are mounted on a portable land craft. A pump delivers pond water to the land craft to evaporate the pond water. A land based generator powers the pump and the atomizing fans. The entire system could be mounted on a single trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Roger P. Boulter
  • Patent number: 8636268
    Abstract: A method for the efficient solubilization of carbon dioxide in water through the use of high energy impacts is disclosed. The method can optionally includes mixing the carbon dioxide and water to form an annular dispersed flow, accelerating the carbon dioxide and water prior to the collision; providing a retention network to collect the carbonated water flow. Also disclosed are systems and apparatuses for practicing the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Apiqe Inc
    Inventor: Giancarlo Fantappie
  • Patent number: 8636269
    Abstract: A corrugated laminate material (44) for use in an evaporative heat exchanger, said material including a water retaining medium having a wettable surface (40) and an opposed vapour resistant surface (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: FF Seeley Nominees Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Wilton James
  • Patent number: 8636270
    Abstract: A low cost, flexible, torqueable structure for use as at least a portion of a medical device comprises a coil formed of a wound element. The coil includes a plurality of adjacent windings. Connected portions of a region between the adjacent windings are formed (by, for example, laser welding) such that torque can be transmitted between adjacent windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Isaac Ostrovsky
  • Patent number: 8636271
    Abstract: A damper is shown for damping the movements of a valve spring in an engine. The valve spring can be housed within the damper or the damper may be located inside of the valve spring. The damper is made from a suitable polymer and has one or more tabs or slots located radially to a central axis and one or more helical springs, rings or bands housed in the slots or between the tabs. The helical springs, rings or bands are located on the outer surface of the damper where the valve spring is housed within the damper. The cross section, number and location of the tabs, slots, helical springs, rings or bands can be adjusted depending on the particular application of the damper and the amount of damping that is desired for the particular application. The damper can also incorporate a hub or stem seal and ports for receiving oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald N. Check, Jonathan E. Slade, Jason B. Youd
  • Patent number: 8636272
    Abstract: A one-piece multipole plate for a magnetic clamping apparatus, a process for making such plate and a magnetic apparatus having such plate. The magnetic apparatus has a plurality of pole pieces and the plurality of pole pieces extend from the plate and are formed of one piece with the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tecnomagnete S.p.A.
    Inventors: Michele Cardone, Giovanni Cosmai, Roberto Faranda, Antonino Giglio
  • Patent number: 8636273
    Abstract: A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Megumi Saito
  • Patent number: 8636274
    Abstract: A storing and issuing device (11) for banknotes (12) and/or other flexible documents, for use in an equipment for the automatic processing of banknotes, in which the storing and issuing device includes a taking-up roller (50), a motor (60) for the taking-up roller, at least one transport belt (52) provided for wrapping on the taking-up roller (50) together with the banknotes (12) and holding means (53, 54, 79) actuatable for causing an entering banknote Bn(n) to be engaged with the transport belt (52). The storing and issuing device (11) comprises an electronic unit (65) for the holding means (53, 54, 79) and the motor (60) for the taking-up roller, for causing the entering banknote to be stored on the taking-up roller, with void space queuing providing substantial contact between the input edge of the entered banknote Bn(n) and the output edge of a last stored banknote Bn(n?1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CTS Cashpro S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Ciampi, Carlo Simonotti, Mirko Billet
  • Patent number: 8636275
    Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a separating and feeding unit which has a separating member and a paper feeding member coming into contact with the separating member at a predetermined separating pressure, and separates and feeds an original sheet by sheet from a bundle of originals placed on an original placing table; a conveying unit which conveys the original separated by the separating and feeding unit toward a scanning position; a separating pressure switching unit which applies and releases the separating pressure and which is controlled by a control unit to release the separating pressure after a leading edge of a preceding sheet of the original has passed through the separating and feeding unit and to apply the separating pressure before a sheet of original separated and fed next to the preceding sheet of original is fed from the bundle of original to the separating and feeding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mamoru Kambayashi, Motoya Sano, Hideki Tobinaga, Shinya Kitaoka, Atsushi Kanaya, Norio Kimura, Michitaka Suzuki, Yoshito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8636276
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a sheet tray, a conveying unit, a reading unit, a detecting unit, and a control unit. The conveying unit conveys the sheet along a conveying path in a conveying direction. The reading unit reads the sheet at a reading position in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The control unit controls the reading unit to start reading the sheet when the detection unit detects that a leading edge of a sheet reaches a position upstream of the reading position by a first distance. The control unit controls the reading unit to stop reading the sheet when the detection unit detects that a trailing edge of the sheet reaches a position downstream of the reading position by a second distance. The first distance and the second distance are determined according to the size of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shingo Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8636277
    Abstract: In an imagining apparatus having a removable media input tray that moves in a direction transverse to a media feed direction and includes a reference edge surface and a media alignment guide moveable to a selected position within a predetermined range of travel with respect to a reference edge surface, a system for automatically translating the pick mechanism to a selected position during insertion of the media input tray based on the position of the media edge guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A Blair, Dustin Daniel Fichter, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 8636278
    Abstract: The feeding device includes a storage unit, a feeding roller which rotates while contacting the uppermost sheet stored in the storage unit to move the uppermost sheet forward, a separation plate disposed forward in the movement direction of the uppermost sheet and provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the movement direction, and a separation auxiliary member is disposed along the inclined surface of the separation plate and operated by a force received when the uppermost sheet comes in contact. The separation auxiliary member includes a rotation shaft parallel with the inclined surface, and a first resistance part rotating about the rotation shaft as the center from an initial position projecting from the inclined surface to an embedded position embedded in the inclined surface as a friction coefficient of the first resistance part is higher than that of the inclined surface and the received force is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuki Emoto, Yasuyuki Asai
  • Patent number: 8636279
    Abstract: This invention provides a bottom removal-type paper supply apparatus used in an image reading apparatus or the like which can always accurately supply paper into the image reading apparatus regardless of whether the amount of paper stacked on a paper support base is small or large. In order to transport paper stacked on the paper support base into the apparatus, a first pickup roller to which a pressing force can be applied by a pressing roller and a second pickup roller at a central portion of the paper support base which assists the first pickup roller are provided. The second pickup roller is provided with a shutter. By closing the shutter when the paper stacked on the paper support base is less than or equal to a prescribed number of sheets or weight, the pickup roller and the paper can be prevented from contacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventors: Norihiro Suzuki, Masayoshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 8636280
    Abstract: An apparatus for stacking flat articles on-edge has a helical drive assembly with spaced-apart helical screws. The helical screws receive and hold the articles on-edge therebetween, and eject the articles towards a stack holding unit. The stack holding unit is configured to hold a stack of articles on-edge separately from the helical screws. The apparatus includes a conveyor that supports the lower edges of the articles during their transport to the stack holding unit. The stack holding unit has an article entry opening with a height that is smaller than a height of the articles to be stacked during operation, and the height of the article entry opening is preferably adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: W+D Direct Marketing Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Dörrie, Gerald Benders, Horst Kostrzewa, Wilfried Wieneke
  • Patent number: 8636281
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a main body, a first guide member coupled to the main body so as to be rotated from a first position to a second position, and a second guide member rotatably coupled to the first guide member. The first guide position defines a first paper discharge path to discharge paper, a printed surface of which is inverted, when it is in the first position. The first guide member defines a second paper discharge path, along which the printed surface of the paper is directly discharged, when it is pivotally rotated from the first position to the second position. The second guide member guides the paper on the first paper discharge path and does not interfere with the paper on the second paper discharge path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Hoi Kim
  • Patent number: 8636282
    Abstract: A sheet feed apparatus which includes a sheet feed tray in which a plurality of sheets is loaded in piles; a sheet feed roller which is provided at a forward position of the sheet feed tray in a sheet feed direction, and sends the loaded sheets inside thereof; and a lift detection sensor which detects, by using a movable lever, a lift of a sheet bundle which occurs when the sheet bundle, of which a rear or a side in a sheet feed direction is bound, is sent by the sheet feed roller therein, the lift detection sensor being provided at a side position of the sheet bundle in a width direction and at a backward position with respect to the center of the sheet bundle in the sheet feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oshiro, Ken Iguchi, Isao Yahata, Kikuo Mizutani, Hiroyuki Taki, Chiaki Iizuka, Hidetoshi Yokochi, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroyuki Tsuchihashi, Hiroyuki Hazu, Yoichi Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki Sugiyama, Yuichi Saito, Jun Ishii
  • Patent number: 8636283
    Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus for transporting a sheet along a transport path has a sheet transport mechanism having a plurality of transport rollers for transporting a sheet; and a jam clearing mechanism for removing the sheet, when the sheet causes a transport failure and is jammed on the transport path. The jam clearing mechanism has a coupling member coupled to a transport roller, a jam clearing dial that transfers a rotation force to the transport roller through the coupling member, and a switching device for switching so that the coupling member separates from the transport roller in transporting a sheet, while being coupled to the transport roller in clearing a jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Akiyama, Seiji Nishizawa, Toshiya Sato, Koji Kanda, Tetsuya Noda, Toshiyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 8636284
    Abstract: A sheet conveyer, including a first roller to rotate to convey a sheet in a conveying direction; a separator arranged to be opposed to the first roller and configured to nip the sheet and to separate the sheet from other sheets; a multiple sheet sensor arranged in a downstream position with respect to the first roller and configured to sense presence of multiple sheets, the multiple sheet sensor including an emitter and a receiver; and a second roller arranged in a downstream position with respect to the multiple sheet sensor and configured to convey the separated sheet, is provided. A component being at least one of the emitter and the receiver is arranged in an outer side position with respect to the separator, and at least a part of the component is arranged in an inner side position with respect to the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8636285
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling cards has a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a base plate for supporting cards being manually removed. An upper plate with a U-shaped opening is spaced above the base plate and defines a slot for cards to pass. First and second spaced apart card guides define side edges of the slot. The first card guide is shorter than the second card guide, creating an offset in a first direction of travel of cards being removed. A method of removing cards is also disclosed, enabling movement of cards in at least two directions due to the presence of a card guide offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Paul K. Scheper, Sion D. Walsh
  • Patent number: 8636286
    Abstract: A face seal comprises a first half and a second half. Each half of the face seal comprises an inner sealing ring, the inner sealing ring being generally L-shaped in cross-section, an elastomer ring disposed over the inner sealing ring, and an outer ring disposed over the elastomeric ring, the outer ring being generally Z-shaped in cross-section. The inner sealing ring comprises an axially extending circular cylindrical portion, a radially extending planar ring portion coupled to the cylindrical portion, and a sealing surface defined by the seal side planar wall. The outer ring comprises an axially extending second circular cylindrical portion, a seating flange extending radially outward from a front end of the second cylindrical portion, and a backing flange extending radially inward from the rear end of the second cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Brian D. Vik