Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
  • Patent number: 8668385
    Abstract: A sensor (101) is configured such that a seal member (71) is provided in a deformed manner through crimping of a portion of a tube (11) located toward a rear end (17c) of the tube (11). The seal member (71) is deformed such that a frontward-oriented surface (75), which is a bottom surface of a recess (74) formed in a front end (73) of the seal member (72), presses a rear end (45) of an insulation sheath (41) frontward. Consequently, a front end (21a) of a sensor element is pressed against a front end (12) of the tube (11) via the insulation sheath (41). By virtue of a pressing action induced by rubber-like elasticity, high sensor responsiveness is maintained over a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Matsuo, Satoshi Ishikawa, Masamichi Ito, Satoshi Mogari
  • Patent number: 8668386
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained mobile inspection system and method and, more specifically, improved methods and systems for detecting materials concealed within a wide variety of receptacles and/or cargo containers. In particular, the present invention is an improved method and system with a novel boom structure that reduces the weight of the boom. The single, light-weight boom of the inspection system is relatively compact in a stowed configuration and has a low height and center of gravity lending to greater maneuverability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward James Morton, Francis Baldwin, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 8668387
    Abstract: Provided is a deployable, foldable fluid collection bag which may be selectively deployed as desired by the user. The bag may be configured to fit in tight spaces and be deployed to collect fluid which leaks during plumbing repairs and installations. The bag may be fabricated from a unitary piece of material and include a base, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may be coupled to the end portions of the base and to the second panel to define a pair of opposed sidewalls and a pair of opposed end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Emmett J. Ebner, Brian J. Huffer
  • Patent number: 8668388
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies including one or more superhard bearing elements having one or more grooves formed in a bearing surface thereof, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements includes a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements includes one or more grooves formed in the bearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly also includes a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: S. Barrett Peterson
  • Patent number: 8668389
    Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly includes a single-piece thrust plate and thrust shaft flange having a generally cylindrical body portion, a frustoconical body portion and a bore extending through the cylindrical body portion and the frustoconical body portion. The bore defines a first bore section and a second bore section. A lip extends between the first and second bore sections. The first bore section, the second bore section and the lip are configured to receive a thrust shaft and axial thrust forces transmitted therefrom. The thrust bearing assembly also includes a bearing assembly in operable communication with the single-piece thrust plate and thrust shaft flange. The bearing assembly supports rotation of the thrust shaft and includes a plurality of first rolling elements. The bearing assembly includes a bearing cage to retain the first rolling elements and a plurality of second rolling elements disposed between the bearing cage and the thrust shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Davis-Standard, LLC
    Inventor: Ernest W. Plasse
  • Patent number: 8668390
    Abstract: A radial shaft seal includes a seal ring connected to a support ring and having a seal lip that extends radially inwardly. A tension spring urges the seal lip radially inward against a seal raceway during operation of the radial shaft seal. A retaining device retains the tension spring and is radially supported on a rigid inner circumferential wall that radially surrounds the tension spring. The retaining device may be configured to at least one of: (i) limit a widening of the diameter of tension spring caused by centrifugal force to a predetermined upper limit and (ii) prevent the tension spring from flying off during operation at high rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ferdinand Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8668391
    Abstract: A multiple-row ball bearing arrangement, which has at least one inner bearing ring and at least one outer bearing ring which are coaxially disposed on a longitudinal axis. The multiple-row ball bearing arrangement also has a plurality of balls disposed between the inner and the outer bearing rings in at least one first ball row and a second ball row adjacent to the first ball row, and a first cage for guiding the balls of the first ball row and a second cage for guiding the balls of the second ball row. The first and the second cage each have a first and a second cage side ring. The first cage side ring of the first cage and the second cage side ring of the second cage are adjacent to each other and, at least in some sections, are arranged so as to overlap along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Norbert Felis
  • Patent number: 8668392
    Abstract: A rolling contact bearing (1) providing a radially inner ring (2) into which a shaft of a pinion unit can engage, a radially outer ring (3) which can be inserted into a cylindrical seat (4) provided in a frame (5), a plurality of rolling bodies (6) arranged between the two rings (2, 3) so as to allow the radially inner ring (2) to rotate with respect to the radially outer ring (3), and an axial locking element (10) which is mounted on a lateral annular recess obtained in the radially outer ring (3) and can be screwed to the frame (5) so as to axially lock the radially outer ring (3) within the cylindrical seat (4); an axial retaining element (37), is associated with the radially outer ring (3) and radially interferes with the locking element (10) so as to secure the locking element (10) within the annular recess (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Carlo Maldera
  • Patent number: 8668393
    Abstract: A wheel hub joint unit is provided that includes, but is not limited to a constant velocity rotary joint and a wheel bearing. The constant velocity rotary joint has a joint outer part. The wheel bearing supports a wheel hub with a double-row bearing, and the double-row bearing is disposed on the joint outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Juergen Siebeneick, Richard Starck
  • Patent number: 8668394
    Abstract: The ball bearing (1) forms a member for transmitting an axial force and comprises an inner ring (3), an outer ring (4), balls (6) disposed in a raceway chamber (5) formed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and an annular shield (8) mounted on a radially inner edge face (32) of a first ring (3). The inner and outer rings (3, 4) are mounted with freedom to pivot mutually about a point (C1) common to the axes of symmetry (X3, X4) of the two rings. The shield (8) extends from the first ring (3, 4) to the vicinity of a portion (43) of the second ring (4) that is centered on said common geometric point (C1), and the shield (8) has an end portion (83) with a surface (831) that is a truncated sphere centered on the common geometric point (C1) or a truncated cone centered on the axis of symmetry (X3) of the first ring (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Benoit Arnault, Sylvain Bussit, Mickael Chollet
  • Patent number: 8668395
    Abstract: A material imaging apparatus includes a base, support pillar and imaging camera divided into a camera base and a camera neck. The camera is mounted via a first shaft on the pillar so as to be pivotable between a right horizontal position where an imaging lens is located on a base right side and a left horizontal position where the lens is located on base left side. The camera neck is mounted via a second shaft on the camera base so as to be rotatable between a downwardly vertical position where when the camera assumes the right or left horizontal position, the lens is directed to the base placement surface side and lens optical axis is substantially vertical to the base placement surface, and an upwardly vertical position where the lens is directed to a side opposite the base placement surface and the optical axis assumes a substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mameda, Hiroyuki Furusawa, Shinsuke Ikeno
  • Patent number: 8668396
    Abstract: Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus are provided to make initial character image data left on a spent ink ribbon illegible. In the method, after forming an initial character image on an ink layer in black of the ink ribbon, a forefront of the ink layer is aligned with a forefront position of an intermediate transfer film. Then, overwrite character image data is applied on a thermal head to produce a first superimpose character image on the ribbon and a first superimpose character image on the film. After that, the forefront position of the ink layer is shifted from the forefront position of the film by a predetermined distance and the overwrite character image data is applied on the thermal head to produce a second superimpose character image on the ribbon and a second superimpose character image on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: JVC Kenwood Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Ihara, Seiichi Tanabe, Toshinori Takahashi, Yoshitaka Suzuki, Osamu Goto
  • Patent number: 8668397
    Abstract: A hand-held portable electric or manual toothbrush that is capable of delivering and removing fluid while the toothbrush is being used. A fluid delivery tube delivers fluid from a clean fluid repository to the head of the toothbrush. A fluid removal tube removes used fluid from the user's mouth. The clean fluid is delivered via a pump positioned within a cavity of the toothbrush. The used fluid is removed via a vacuum positioned within the cavity of the toothbrush. This invention enables everyone, including the young, elderly, busy, healthy, sick, disabled, handicapped, and immobile, to brush anytime and anywhere. As a result, this invention would greatly improve the oral health of the general population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Afsoon Barkhordar
  • Patent number: 8668398
    Abstract: This invention disclosed hair coloration applicator designed with a holder with two ends, at least one opening provided on each of said ends corresponding with the opening on the other end, at least one pair of coloration bars being fixed at said corresponding openings on said two ends, in which said coloration bars are made of coloring compound with a color in a specific hair color family and can be blended together to make a variety of hair color shades. The Invention allows a person to blend the right color within their hair color range since it has colors that blend together to create a variety of shades within a specific color scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Andrea Rosengard
  • Patent number: 8668399
    Abstract: A device for applying a coating includes a multi-component cartridge, a static mixing nozzle in fluid communication with the cartridge, and at least one paint applicator selected from the group including a roller, a brush, and an angled spray tip, in fluid communication with the nozzle. A method includes applying a coating to a surface with the above-described device. Another method includes applying a non-skid coating to a surface with the above-described device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventors: Richard Parks, Heather Parks
  • Patent number: 8668400
    Abstract: An applicator tip is provided for operating in conjunction with a pierceable fluid reservoir. Assemblies in accordance with the invention can lead to an exceptionally easy to use, safe, and convenient system and method of applying a fixed dosage of chemicals to which a user might wish to avoid contact, such as parasiticides. The cap-applicator can have an internal piercing tip capable of piercing the reservoir when the assembly is converted into an active configuration. Projections can be provided, in the form of fins on a tube or a multi-prong structure with straight or curved projections. The tips of one or more projections can include dispensing ports or the ports can be recessed from the distal tip, such as in a notch, so as not to be obstructed if the distal tip of the cap is pressed against an animal to dispense the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
    Inventors: William Ecker, George Engel, Bruce Harvie, Vitor Oliveira
  • Patent number: 8668401
    Abstract: A cost effective device for storing a fluid material, and controlling the amount of fluid material that will be provided on an applicator for application to a particular surface is disclosed. The device is comprised of few parts including an outer housing having a first chamber and a second chamber, a fluid insert, an applicator, and an adjustment mechanism. This makes the device cheaper to manufacture, and easy to assemble. The embodiments disclosed can be provided in a pre-assembled form to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to fill a dispenser with their fluid cosmetic products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Francavilla
  • Patent number: 8668402
    Abstract: Pipe holders retain a first pipe and a second pipe having a connector cable extending through the second pipe. The pipe holder has a first retaining section that detachably holds and fixes the first pipe and a second retaining section that detachably holds and fixes the second pipe. A second retaining chamber is surrounded by an internal surface of the second retaining section. A guide section communicatively connects the second retaining chamber to outside of the pipe holder, wherein the first retaining section, the second retaining section and the guide section are made of metal, and the connector cable that extends through second pipe and has at least one end to be connected to an electronic musical instrument is guided through the guide section to the outside. A coupling section couples the first retaining section and the second retaining section, wherein the guide section is formed in the coupling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Patent number: 8668403
    Abstract: An impact absorption panel is adapted for playground use and comprises a panel section and a plurality of projections. The panel section is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface. The plurality of projections extend from the bottom surface of the panel section. The plurality of projections have a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to collapse initially when subjected to an impact load. The second stage is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first stage. The panel section is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first and second stages. The first stage can also be distinguished from the second stage by virtue of having a comparatively smaller volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Lee Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8668404
    Abstract: A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighboring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighboring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle Building Products Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Bouchard, Marc-Andre Lacas
  • Patent number: 8668405
    Abstract: An improved road maintenance truck includes a pair of hydraulically powered roller assemblies mounted to the underside of the vehicle frame and a vertically movable compression plate mounted to the vehicle frame. Each roller assembly has a compressive roller which runs the width of the truck. Two hydraulic actuators on each end of the vehicle raise and lower the roller into place. These independent rollers allow a road patching crew to selectively lower the roller for repairing road while initially flattening the patching material with the front roller and compacting the patching material with the rear. The compression plate is mounted to an actuator which selectively raises and lowers the compression plate to compress road patching materials. A roller heating system draws engine coolant through the rollers to heat the rollers and to reduce the heat built-up in the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: William Singleton
  • Patent number: 8668406
    Abstract: The invention facilitates provision of a point-to-point cable connection between first and second points separated by an extended span of water including a first region of shallow water and a second region of relatively deep water. A plurality of ducts are provided from the first point through the first region of the extended span to an offshore termination point between the first and second points. Preferably, the ducts are buried in the seabed to prevent damage. At least one first cable is placed in one of the plurality of ducts to provide a connection between the first point and the offshore termination point. A second cable from the second point is received at the offshore termination point. The first cable is connected to the second cable at the offshore termination point to create the point-to-point cable connection. In one embodiment, the offshore termination point is located on the continental shelf near the transition to deep water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Level 3 Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Vidal, Paul Alexander, Robert M. Kelly, David Bruton, Robert Todd
  • Patent number: 8668407
    Abstract: A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wahoo Docks
    Inventors: Harold Hawkins, Timothy Osby, Michael Lyle
  • Patent number: 8668408
    Abstract: The present invention provides a skirted foundation that can be used in a jack-up rig for providing enhanced bearing capacity. The skirted foundation comprises a spudcan footing having an upper part and a base, wherein the upper part and the base are coupled at their peripherals to form an outer edge, wherein both the upper part and the base have a flat or conical configuration, and wherein the upper part supports one leg of a jack-up rig, and the base has a flat bottom or downward slope, and a skirt having an upper end being integrally coupled to the spudcan footing and downwardly projected to encircle the base and a lower end for penetrating seabed, wherein the skirt comprises a plurality of circumferential openings adjacent to the base of the spudcan footing and located within the top half of the skirt height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Kok Seng Foo, Chin Kau Quah, Okky Ahmad Purwana, Henry Krisdani
  • Patent number: 8668409
    Abstract: A twist drill includes a drill body having a chip flute extending a distance along the drill body. The chip flute has a leading edge and a run-out edge running along the chip flute. The run-out edge is disposed behind the leading edge in a direction of rotation of the twist drill. The chip flute, viewed cross-sectionally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion extends along a curve between the run-out edge and the second wall portion. The second wall portion extends in a straight line from between the leading edge and the first wall portion. The first wall portion and the second wall portion are disposed adjoining one another and together define a J-shaped cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Karl Mergenthaler
  • Patent number: 8668410
    Abstract: In an advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a housing associated with a machine, a shaft, a sleeve, and a biasing system. The shaft is associated with the housing, and the shaft has an end configured to receive a tool. The shaft is configured to be rotated by the machine about an axis of rotation extending through the shaft. The sleeve is associated with the housing, and the sleeve has a channel that is configured to receive the shaft. The biasing system is associated with the housing and configured to move the sleeve along the axis of rotation against a workpiece on which a drilling operation is performed during which a sleeve end presses against the workpiece with a force while the shaft with the tool is rotated by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steve L. Arana, Ike C. Schevers, David L. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 8668411
    Abstract: A cutting tool has a cutting insert and a holder. The cutting insert has a cutting portion and an insert shank with a cylindrical portion and a non-cylindrical portion. The holder has a clamping portion which has a clamping sleeve and a cage located therein. The cage includes a load member housing with a load member. The cage has a major abutment wall adjacent to a minor abutment wall. The clamping sleeve has first and second inner sections defined by points P1 and P2. A point P3 divides the second inner section into first and second portions. The clamping sleeve is rotatable between a secured and a released position of the cutting tool. In the secured position, the non-cylindrical portion abuts the major abutment wall, the cylindrical portion abuts both the minor abutment wall and the load member, and the load member abuts the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Iscar, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanoch Guy
  • Patent number: 8668412
    Abstract: A minimum five-axis machine tool (11) has first to third linear feed axes orthogonal to each other as well as first and second rotational feed axes orthogonal to each other, wherein a rotational axis line of the first rotational feed axis C is parallel to the first linear feed axis Z. While a tool T and a work W are moved relatively through the second and third linear feed axes X, Y to perform machining of the work W by means of the tool T, the machine tool controls the first rotational feed axis C such that a rotational axis line of the second rotational feed axis A is perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the tool T to the work W, and controls a power supplied to a motor for the second rotational feed axis A when a torque around the second rotational feed axis A exceeds a specified threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuma Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8668413
    Abstract: A coupler for a quick change rotary cutting tool assembly allowing a cutter to be quickly and releasably coupled to a shank wherein the coupler has a cylindrical portion with a threaded portion to engage the shank and a portion with a transverse groove with undercut walls to form recesses. The cutter has an anchor made as a disk with parallel flats which engage the recesses of the cylindrical portion to releasably secure the cutter to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir David Volokh
  • Patent number: 8668414
    Abstract: In a machine tool, a column base (12) is supported on a bed (11) movably in a horizontal direction, and a column (13) is installed vertically on the column base (12). A saddle (14) is supported on a side of the column (13) movably in a vertical direction, and a ram stock (15) is supported on the saddle (14) movably in a horizontal direction. A main spindle (16) is rotatably supported by the ram stock (15). A weight (22) is supported in the column (13) movably in a direction parallel to the ram stock (15), so that the weight (22) can be moved horizontally by a servo motor (23). An NC device (25) moves the weight (22) by the servo motor (23) synchronously with a movement of the ram stock (15), to adjust balance of the column (13), thereby enabling to reduce the size of an apparatus and realize space saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Atsushi Inoue, Satoshi Furutate, Tomoharu Hasegawa, Hiroyuki Domaru
  • Patent number: 8668415
    Abstract: A support saddle (20, 24) for supporting a load (14) having a taper profile along an axial length of the load (14). The support saddle (20, 24) comprises a lower surface (20A, 24A) for resting on a surface (10A) of a transportation vehicle load bed (10) and an upper surface (20B, 24B) defining a taper to substantially match the taper profile of the load (10) in a region of the load contacting the upper surface (20B, 24B), the upper surface (20B, 24B) for receiving the load (10). In other embodiments the support saddles (20, 24) are used with inserts (64, 65) and/or cushions (45). One or more of the support saddles (20, 24), the inserts (64, 65) and the cushions (45) may comprise a tapered upper surface to match the taper profile of the load (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Brian Yogodzinski
  • Patent number: 8668416
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base having a first end and a second end. A first guide head is movably mounted to the base proximate to the first end, and a second guide head is movably mounted to the base proximate to the second end. The guide heads each are movable between a raised blocking position and a lowered non-blocking position. A blocking member is movably mounted to the base, and is disposed between the guide heads. The blocking member includes a first portion engaged with the first guide head, and a second portion engaged with the second guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position. The first and second portions prevent substantial downward movement of the guide heads when the guide heads are in their raised blocking positions and the blocking member is in its first position. The guide heads are restrained in their lowered non-blocking positions by the blocking member when the blocking member is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8668417
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system is provided. The system includes a fixed-hook assembly including a frame and a hook extending from the frame. The system also includes a fabric strap including a first end and a second end and a tensioner assembly configured to receive and maintain the second end of the fabric strap therein when in a locked configuration, wherein the tensioner assembly is configured to reduce in length when placed in the locked configuration. At least a portion of the fabric strap is received within the fixed-hook assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Ryan Harrigan, Thomas Reiner, Myles A. Rohrlick, Michael Patterson Johnson, Anibal J. Garcia
  • Patent number: 8668418
    Abstract: Dunnage for filling a void space in a container. An inflatable dunnage bag has an inflation valve for inflating the bag with a gas. The inflation valve is a solid member having an elevated portion. An outer surface of the bag is tightly fixed to the solid member along a circumferential sealing area distant from the top of the elevated portion. The top of the elevated portion is a circumferential sealing rim tightly contactable by the outer surface of the bag. The solid member has an inflation opening between the sealing area and the sealing rim. The bag has an inflation opening radially inward of the sealing rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Root
  • Patent number: 8668419
    Abstract: A shearable fastening device (1) has a shearable fastener (2) having a plurality of screwthreaded portions (3), a head portion (4) which is connected to the screws threaded portions (3) via a first predetermined weakening (5) and further predetermined weakenings (6) in the form of cross-section constrictions are provided between the screwthreaded portions (3), as well as an internal recess (7), wherein the internal recess (7) extends from the head portion (4) at least into the region of the predetermined weakenings (6). At least one stepped predetermined weakening (8) is formed by its shear-off torque (aNm) being smaller than that of the next predetermined weakening further away from the head portion (4) and the shear-off torque (aNm+1) at the next predetermined weakening closer to the head portion (4) rising again with respect to the shear-off torque (aNm) of the stepped predetermined weakening (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Falk Hardt, Volker Markgraf, Gert Stauch
  • Patent number: 8668420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling parts (P1 and P2) in composite hardware by means of a riveting member (R), and is notable in that it comprises: using a bushing (200), the hollow core (230) of which has two different sections (231 and 232); using an insert (100) having no functional axial bearing surface for the radial swelling of the bushing (200) in the through-hole (T), but the diameter (D3) of which is capable of enabling the housing thereof, with no change in shape, in the first section (231) of the hollow core (230), and is also capable of enabling the forcible housing thereof in the second section (232); axially feeding the insert (100) into the bushing (200) such that the latter radially swells inside the through-hole (T) up to the small section (232) thereof and such that the recess well-defined by said small section is occupied by said insert (100); and ensuring, by means of a rivet set (400), the pressure on the first section (231) of the bushing (200) by the end that changes shape
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eris Sarl
    Inventor: Pierre Auriol
  • Patent number: 8668421
    Abstract: In the field of manufacturing container bodies by means of resistance seam welding machines, at least a disturbance variable is collected, particularly errors in cutting the metal sheet. Because of this collection of disturbance variables, at least a control variable is automatically changed in order to compensate or to diminish the influence of the disturbance variable on the welding seam quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Soudronic AG
    Inventors: Willi Mueller, Daniel Dietrich
  • Patent number: 8668422
    Abstract: As part of a system for processing workpieces, a workpiece support arrangement, separate from a process chamber arrangement supports at least two workpieces at least generally in a stacked relationship to form a workpiece column. A transfer arrangement transports at least two of the workpieces between the workpiece column and the process chamber arrangement by simultaneously moving the two workpieces at least generally along first and second transfer paths, respectively, that are defined between the workpiece column and the first and second process stations. The transfer arrangement can simultaneously move untreated and treated workpieces. Vertical motion swing arms and coaxial swing arms are described. A pair of spaced apart swing arms, the workpiece column and the processing stations can cooperatively define a pentagonal shape. Timing belt backlash elimination, a dual degree of freedom slot valve and low point chamber pumping, for removing chamber contaminants, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leszek Niewmierzycki, David Barker, Daniel J. Devine, Michael Kuhlman, Ryan Pakulski, Hongqing Shan, Martin Zucker
  • Patent number: 8668423
    Abstract: A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Kenichi Motonaga
  • Patent number: 8668424
    Abstract: An unloading system for a storage bin and related method are provided. The unloading system can have a sump configuration that includes a foundation having a floor and a foundation footing. A central tunnel can be formed in the foundation that terminates at a tunnel opening on a perimeter of the foundation. A primary sump can be formed through the floor at a location generally near a centerpoint of the storage bin and connected to the central tunnel. At least one radial sump can be formed in the floor at a location radially offset from the central tunnel and located generally between the primary sump and a sidewall of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Niemeyer, Mark S. Dingeldein
  • Patent number: 8668425
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, a chute can be employed in combination with a loader vehicle to quickly and efficiently load bulk material into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: SA Recycling LLC
    Inventors: George Adams, Terry Scot Adams, Michael J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8668426
    Abstract: Proposed is a wheeled drop-floor trailer that has a U-shaped frame with two articulated linkages pivotally installed on the sides of the U-shaped frame and suspension rods that pivotally support the drop floor in a freely hanging condition. On the side of the trailer opposite the loading side the articulated linkages are interconnected by a cross bar, which is connected to a drive mechanism, e.g., to a winch, via a cable. When the articulated linkages are inclined toward the loading side, the drop floor descends to the ground under its own weight and, after the cargo is loaded onto the drop floor, the latter is raised by pulling the linkages with the use of the winch via the cable and the cross bar in the direction opposite the loading side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ben Baron
  • Patent number: 8668427
    Abstract: A tailgate bridge apparatus for a vehicle with a bed and a tailgate includes a conventional receiver hitch secured to a rear of the vehicle; a base member with a shank releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the conventional receiver hitch, and an upright; a cross member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the upright; platforms having aft ends supported by the upper portion of the cross member wherein the platforms span the tailgate without being supported by the tailgate, platform positioning mechanisms to position the aft ends of the platforms relative to the upper portion, ramps, and ramp positioning mechanisms to align the ramps with the platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald G. England, James Roy Howell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8668428
    Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a first arm and a second arm respectively supported at their base end portions by a body and the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a first joint and a second joint; and a fork including its base end portion supported by the tip end portion of the second arm to be rotatable about a third joint. The first arm includes a first enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with an upper surface positioned higher than an upper surface of the base end portion of the first arm. The second arm includes a second enlarged portion, formed in its tip end portion, with a lower surface positioned lower than a lower surface of the base end portion of the second arm. The first and the second enlarged portion are at least partially overlapped with each other horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Kazunori Hino
  • Patent number: 8668429
    Abstract: The invention describes a depalleting device (1) and a method for operating the latter for a transported product (2) provided in a stack comprising a mounting table (8) which is adjustable linearly in a guiding arrangement (10) by a feed drive (9), and comprising a conveying device (4) arranged on the latter and drive-connected to a drive motor and with a mounting conveying device (23) arranged at least at one end section (20) of the conveying device (4). The mounting conveying device (23) is drive-connected to a drive motor that is independent of the drive of the conveying device (4). By means of a detecting means (52) of the mounting conveying device (23) a load parameter is detected which acts on the latter on placing a conveying roller up to the transported product (2) and a signal is generated in a control and regulating device for controlling the speed of the drive motor of the mounting conveying device (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: TGW Mechanics GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Angleitner
  • Patent number: 8668430
    Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: John Oren, Joshua Oren
  • Patent number: 8668431
    Abstract: A method for controlling turbine blade tip seal clearance on a non-cowled gas turbine engine includes the step of directing a flow of relatively hot, pressurized air in contact with an exterior surface of the engine core casing circumscribing the turbine. The flow of relatively hot, pressurized air may be selectively directed in contact with the exterior surface of the engine core casing circumscribing the turbine when it is desired to expand the turbine shroud radially outward, such as during transient operation of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel T. Rog, Ronald T. Clawson
  • Patent number: 8668432
    Abstract: A hearing arrangement which has a double-row rolling-body bearing, in particular an angular ball bearing for a turbocharger. The rolling-body bearing has at least one outer ring and at least one inner ring between which an intermediate space for two rows of rolling bodies is formed. For reliable and disruption-free lubrication, the rolling-body bearing has a central feed opening formed on the outer ring, and at least one outlet opening, lying opposite the central feed opening, on the inner ring for a lubricant. In the vicinity of each of the rows of rolling bodies, at least one feed opening is provided on the inner ring for feeding the lubricant to the rolling bodies so that the lubricant is injected via the inner ring, and the centrifugal force during the operation of the bearing is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Sebald, Ernst Masur
  • Patent number: 8668433
    Abstract: A wind generating device employs modules each having two turbines. Each of the turbines employs two rotors coaxially aligned by a shaft associated with an in-line generator. Alternatively, the turbine employs only one rotor for low wind areas. The arrangement includes a proximal channel with a leading portion having decreasing radius toward the first rotor which acts as a collector and a following portion connecting fluidly the first and second rotor and a distal channel which is separate from the proximal channel and opens into the following portion thereby adding to the airflow to the second rotor. Downstream from the second rotor is a diffuser with a radius increasing with distance from the rotor. The modules may be stacked vertically stacked which allows for yaw responsive to wind. The modules may be mounted on a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin L. Friesth, Franklin Joseph Desrochers
  • Patent number: 8668434
    Abstract: A system comprises an apparatus, an actuator and a processor. The apparatus defines a flow path through an aperture, the aperture defines a pressure drop along the flow path, and the actuator regulates fluid flow across the pressure drop. The processor comprises a flow module, a comparator, an estimator and a control law. The flow module maps a flow curve relating a flow parameter to a pressure ratio, and defines a solution point located on the flow curve and a focus point located off the flow curve. The comparator generates an error as a function of a slope defined between the focus and solution points. The estimator moves the solution point along the flow curve, such that the error is minimized. The control law directs the actuator to position the control element, such that the flow parameter describes the fluid flow and the pressure ratio describes the pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner, Sheryl H. Roadinger