Patents Issued in April 1, 2014
  • Patent number: 8684092
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow backup or alternate fluid flow routes around malfunctioning BOP control components using a remotely installed removable hydraulic hose connection. The backup fluid flow route sends pressure-regulated hydraulic fluid to a BOP operation via an isolation valve rigidly attached to the BOP, then to a hose connected to an intervention panel on the BOP and finally through a valve that isolates the primary flow route and establishes a secondary flow route to allow continued operation. To increase reliability, the backup components route from a spare BOP function and are rigidly fixed to the BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventors: Scott P. McGrath, Brian K. Williams
  • Patent number: 8684093
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bench Tree Group, LLC
    Inventors: Pedro R. Segura, Daniel Q. Flores, William F. Trainor
  • Patent number: 8684094
    Abstract: A flow control system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a closure device which is biased toward a closed position in which the closure device prevents flow through the flow chamber. The closure device can be displaced to the closed position in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. A structure can prevent the closure device from being displaced to the closed position. The fluid composition can flow through the structure to an outlet of the flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Greci
  • Patent number: 8684095
    Abstract: A pipe setting tool includes a tool shaft, a coupler mounted on a first end of the tool shaft, and a tool sleeve affixed to the tool shaft defining a space therebetween. An outside diameter of the tool sleeve ensures close conformity to a borehole to position a geothermal pipe mounted thereto in close proximity to the outside diameter of the borehole. A moveable seal cap may be mounted on the tool shaft, moveable between a first position spaced-apart from the tool sleeve during down-hole movement of the tool to permit fluid flow through the space and a second position against the tool sleeve during up-hole movement of the tool to establish a seal with the tool sleeve to prevent fluid flow through the space. A second end of the tool shaft may receive a pipe hook to attach a geothermal pipe to the pipe setting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas G Pullman, Roger H Woods
  • Patent number: 8684096
    Abstract: Anchor assemblies for installation within an existing conduit. The anchor assemblies have a nondeformable mandrel, an expandable metal sleeve, and a swage. The expandable metal sleeve is carried on the outer surface of the mandrel. The swage is supported for axial movement across the mandrel outer surface from a first position axially proximate to the sleeve to a second position under the sleeve. The movement of the swage from the first position to the second position expands the sleeve radially outward into contact with the existing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Martin Alfred Stulberg
  • Patent number: 8684099
    Abstract: A technique employs a formation isolation valve that utilizes a ball rotatably mounted within a valve housing. The valve is designed to enable rotation of the ball about a fixed axis without translation of the ball. Rotation of the ball is achieved by connecting an arm to the ball at a position offset from the axis of rotation. A movable mandrel also is connected to the arm to enable selective actuation of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shaun Azimi, Ricardo Martinez, Arin Basmajian, Frank Coss
  • Patent number: 8684100
    Abstract: A method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed. A device is provided that includes a material that expands from an original shape to an expanded shape when a selected charge is applied to material. The device is placed in the wellbore in the original shape. The selected charge is applied to the material to expand the material, causing a pressure differential across the device in the wellbore. A fluid is supplied into the device to set the device in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin S. Tingler, John J. Mack, Earl B. Brookbank
  • Patent number: 8684101
    Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
    Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Roger Graham Gilbertson, Valery Martynov
  • Patent number: 8684102
    Abstract: A seeding implement is provided that includes a depth adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate rapid reconfiguration of a ground engaging tool for varying penetration depths. In an exemplary embodiment, the seeding implement includes a ground engaging tool and a packer arm pivotally coupled to a packer support structure. The seeding implement also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer arm, and configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of the ground engaging tool into the soil. The seeding implement further includes a depth adjustment assembly including a slot within the packer support structure, a corresponding slot within the packer arm, and a fastener disposed through the slots. In this configuration, the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool is varied by adjusting a position of the fastener within the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Kevin Hall
  • Patent number: 8684103
    Abstract: A universal sweep plow configured to mate securely and be attached to a seed boot. The universal sweep plow includes sweep plow attachment formed from a single unit of metal and an anchor. The attachment includes a central portion configured to mate with a seed boot and right and left central portion openings configured to align with an anchor hole in the seed boot. The right and left wing portions extend outward and rearward from the central portion. The anchor is configured to attach the sweep plow to the seed boot by passing through the right and left central portion openings and the anchor hole in the seed boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Blake Neudorf, Dave Wiebe
  • Patent number: 8684104
    Abstract: A detachable head for ramming a pipe casing including an external ring having a first diameter, wherein the first diameter is operatively sized to enable the external ring to engage with an outer surface of the pipe casing, a reaction ring having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and operatively sized to enable the reaction ring to engage with a front surface of the pipe casing, an internal ring having a third diameter, wherein the third diameter is smaller than both the first and second diameters, and operatively sized to enable the external ring to engage with an inner surface of the pipe casing, and wherein the reaction ring is secured between the internal and external rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew J. Fisk, III, Mark J. Case
  • Patent number: 8684105
    Abstract: A technique is provided which improves durability in a power tool having a torque transmission device. The representative power tool has a torque transmission device 151. The torque transmission device 151 includes a projection 171 formed on one of opposed surfaces of a first rotating member 153 and a second rotating member 155 and protruding in a direction of a rotational axis, a recess 161 for receiving the projection 171, which is formed in the other of the opposed surfaces and recessed in the direction of the rotational axis, a projection-side engagement surface 175a formed on the projection 171, and a recess-side engagement surface 165a formed on the recess 171. Torque is transmitted when the projection-side and recess-side engagement surfaces 175a, 165a are engaged with each other, while the torque transmission is interrupted when the projection-side and recess-side engagement surfaces 175a, 165a are disengaged from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyonobu Yoshikane, Yoshitaka Machida
  • Patent number: 8684106
    Abstract: A battery pack 10 includes a housing 11, a group of cells 12, a board 13, a plurality of second terminals 14, and a cover 15. An opening 16c is formed in the housing 11. The board 13 has a terminal arranging part 13A. A plurality of the second terminals 14 are arranged on the terminal arranging part 13A of the board 13. The cover 15 has a plate-like shape, and covers an area of the board 13 which is positioned between the terminal arranging part 13A and the opening 16c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hanawa, Kousei Yokoyama, Keita Saitou
  • Patent number: 8684107
    Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a plurality of densely packed wells to efficiently utilize available drilling space. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of drilling densely packed wells may include drilling a second well using magnetic ranging while drilling to control a distance between the second well and a first well (the first well being either existing or drilled immediately prior to starting to drill the second well), and drilling a third well using magnetic ranging while drilling to control a distance between the third well and the first and second wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Clark
  • Patent number: 8684108
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring underground drilling in which vibration is monitored by creating a model of the drill string using finite element techniques or finite difference techniques and (i) predicting vibration by inputting real time values of operating parameters into the model, and then adjusting the model to agree with measured vibration data, (ii) predicting the weight on bit and drill string and mud motor speeds at which resonance will occur, as well as when stick-slip will occur, so that the operator can avoid operating regimes that will result in high vibration, (iii) determining vibration and torque levels along the length of the drill string based on the measured vibration and torque at one or more locations, (iv) determining the remaining life of critical components of the drill string based on the history of the vibration to which the components have been subjected, and (v) determining the optimum drilling parameters that will avoid excessive vibration of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Evans Turner, Mark Ellsworth Wassell
  • Patent number: 8684109
    Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean borehole comprising: a) pumping a drilling fluid down a drillstring (12), the drillstring (12) having a bit (14) at an end thereof, b) rotating the drillstring (12) about its longitudinal axis so that the bit forms a borehole (10) in the ground, the method further comprising the steps of: c) determining a desired drilling fluid flow rate range d) determining the desired upper and lower limits of the fluid pressure at the bottom of the wellbore (the BHP); e) determining the viscosity of drilling fluid which will maintain the BHP within the range set by the upper and lower BHP limits over the entire or the majority of the required drilling flow rate range; f) adjusting the composition of a drilling fluid to bring the drilling fluid to the viscosity calculated in step e above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Managed Pressure Operations Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Charles Orbell, Pat Savage
  • Patent number: 8684110
    Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store the plurality of formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve concentric with the inner sleeve. The inner and outer sleeves include corresponding slots configured to align in response to relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves, and when aligned the slots of the inner and outer sleeves allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of formation cores is inserted into the core catching tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lennox E. Reid, Jr., Carsten Sonne
  • Patent number: 8684111
    Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed. The drill bit has an axis, and a barrel, and a cutting member fixed to the barrel. The barrel is arranged to engage a drill shaft for driving the drill bit around the axis. The barrel and the cutting member are adjacently located on the axis. The drill bit has an aperture centered on the axis, the aperture passing completely through both the cutting member and barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Andy Bell, Raymond Purser
  • Patent number: 8684112
    Abstract: Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods are described herein. In some embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a diamond table having an indentation in a cutting face thereof and a shaped feature in a substrate at the interface between the diamond table and the substrate, the shaped feature corresponding to the indentation in the cutting face of the diamond table. In further embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a sacrificial structure positioned within an indentation in a diamond table. In additional embodiments, a method of forming a cutting element may include positioning a sacrificial structure in a mold, positioning a powdered precursor material over the sacrificial structure, and pressing and sintering the powdered precursor material to form a diamond table having an indentation in a cutting face formed by the sacrificial structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Baker Hughes Incorporated, Element Six Ltd
    Inventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Nicholas J. Lyons, Matthew S. Hale, John H. Liversage
  • Patent number: 8684113
    Abstract: A device for adapting a manual wheelchair to drive with a powered wheel is disclosed. The device attached to the wheelchair provides means for raising the wheelchair front caster wheels and simultaneously having the powered wheel contact the driving surface. The disclosed device may be rotated so that the powered wheel lifts from the surface as the front caster wheels are lowered to contact the driving surface enabling manual operation of the wheelchair. The disclosed device includes a mechanism for steering the powered wheel, controls for varying the forward or backward speeds and braking. The device may be detached from the chair and is adaptable to fit a large variety of wheelchairs with capability for ergonomically adjusting the steering column for the comfort of the user. Optional human interface devices may be incorporated so the chair occupant may control speed and steering by operating a joystick, head array or other such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory Edward Laconis
  • Patent number: 8684114
    Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Phillip Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8684115
    Abstract: A vehicle and a modular drive apparatus for the vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus includes a wheel assembly rotatable about a central axis in first and second directions. The wheel assembly is also pivotable about a pivot axis transverse to the central axis in third and fourth directions. The apparatus includes an electric motor coupled to the wheel assembly for rotating the wheel assembly in the first and second directions. The apparatus includes a braking device coupled to the wheel assembly for braking the wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a steering mechanism coupled to the wheel assembly for pivoting the wheel assembly in the third and fourth directions. The apparatus includes a housing receiving the wheel assembly, the electric motor, the braking device, and the steering mechanism to define a self-contained unit for attaching to and detaching from the vehicle to provide interchangeability of the self-contained unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Wade W. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8684116
    Abstract: Disclosed is a construction machine comprising an engine room having first and second exhaust ports, preventing deterioration of air flows due to collision of exhaust airs through the first and the second exhaust ports, and reducing noise transmission on lateral sides of the construction machine. The construction machine comprises an engine guard surrounding an engine room; an engine, a heat exchanger, and a cooling fan, which are installed in the engine room; and an exhaust air guide. The engine guard is formed with exhaust ports including the first and second exhaust ports. The first is opened in parallel to an axial direction of an engine output shaft. The second is formed in proximity to the first exhaust port downstream of the first exhaust port with respect to a direction parallel to the axial direction of the engine output shaft and opened upward below the first exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8684117
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle with an engine system and a power dissipation system. One example method includes, during directing airflow from an airflow generating device to cool a component of the power dissipation system, and directing the airflow from the airflow generating device to cool a component of the engine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd Adam Ptacek, Scott Leute, Patrick Allen
  • Patent number: 8684118
    Abstract: A cooling structure having a sufficient cooling efficiency in cooling an electricity storage device while securing a living space in a vehicle cabin when installed in a compact vehicle having a short distance from a rear seat to the rear end of the vehicle. A battery is contained in an IPU installed in the vehicle. The cooling structure for the battery has an air inlet opened into the vehicle cabin, an air intake duct extending from the air inlet to the IPU and a cover disposed to cover the air inlet and having a hole communicating the air intake duct with the inner side of the vehicle cabin. The air inlet has an opening inclined toward the inner side of the vehicle cabin in one side section of a rear portion of the vehicle cabin near a C-pillar located obliquely posterior to a rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keishi Kosaka, Byoungju Lee, Yoshiaki Takahashi, Tohru Kuribayashi, Hidehisa Mokudai
  • Patent number: 8684119
    Abstract: A battery is arranged so as to be located between left and right frame members in plan view of the vehicle and to the rear of the cylinder with respect to the front-back direction of the vehicle and so as to overlap at least a portion of the transmission case with regard to the location of at least a portion of the battery in the front-back direction of the vehicle, the long side of the battery being furthermore oriented in the front-back direction of the vehicle and the short side of the battery being oriented in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America, Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Andrew Metzger, Bryan Harper
  • Patent number: 8684120
    Abstract: In a cab for construction machine, a support structure for a front console is provided with a first fixed member supporting a cover member and a second fixed member supporting the first fixed member from below the first fixed member. The first fixed member is fixed to a front plate at two locations directly below both ends of a front window. The second fixed member is fixed to a floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Suneya, Shigeaki Usui
  • Patent number: 8684121
    Abstract: A wearable mobility device comprising a base for the placement of a shoe, the base including a heel-support section, a battery pack, a tail reflector, and a wireless receiver. The device including a first wheel having a wheel hub motor embedded therein, the motor rotatably connected to a first partial axial shaft connected to the base. The device including a second wheel having a wheel hub motor controller embedded therein, the motor controller rotatably connected to a second partial axial shaft connected to the base and operative to control a speed of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel. The device also including a remote control for controlling the speed of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel, the remote control operative to transmit one or more control signals to the wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being electrically coupled to the motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Acton, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Treadway
  • Patent number: 8684122
    Abstract: A center motor power-assisted bicycle includes an internal transmission and has a regenerative function. A transmission comprises, in a drive wheel hub, a planetary gear, a one-way clutch for reverse input, a clutch switching device, and, a sun gear and transmits driving force from a sprocket to the drive wheel. A transmission control mechanism selectively rotationally fixes the sun gear to the axle to change speed when driving force is applied. The clutch is disposed between the sun gear and the axle, and selectively rotationally fixes the sun gear to the axle by the operation of the clutch switching device when reverse input is applied. While the bicycle is driven, the clutch switching device moves the clutch to the rotatable state, to transmit driving force. While the bicycle is traveling without being driven, the clutch is locked, so that reverse input is transmitted to the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Maeno, Kiyohiro Ito
  • Patent number: 8684123
    Abstract: A personal vehicle having two wheels that are arranged substantially side-by-side and connected by a linkage mechanism to one another. The linkage mechanism supports the wheels in a substantially parallel relationship as the two wheels tilt from side to side. A foot placement platform is associated with each wheel, as is a motor to drive the wheels. Gyroscopic sensors are used to in driving the wheels to maintain an upright position. Various embodiments are disclosed including folding platforms, a parallelogram linkage structure, handles and/or seats that may extend above the wheels, lower leg contact surface, and other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8684124
    Abstract: A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a device for producing a supply of pressurized air. The suspension system is operably disposed between a frame member and a wheel frame member of the motorcycle. The suspension system comprises at least one double-acting pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: AirFX, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Schwindt
  • Patent number: 8684125
    Abstract: An articulated steering load-carrying vehicle (1) with a front portion (2), which by a steering joint (10) is connected to a rear portion (3), and in which the front portion (2) includes a first power engine (12) and at least one forward driven wheel pair (5, 5?), and in which, the rear portion (3) includes a load receiving device (6) and at least two driven wheel pairs (7, 7?; 8, 8?). A second wheel pair (8, 8?) of the at least two driven wheel pairs (7, 7?; 8, 8?) on the rear portion a second wheel pair (8, 8?) is steeringly connected to the rear portion. A system for driving of such a load-carrying vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Niva
  • Patent number: 8684126
    Abstract: In a rearward pedal movement restraint assembly for a vehicle, an intermediate portion of a clutch pedal, which moves rearward by the impact of a frontal collision of the vehicle when the frontal collision occurs, contacts a forward portion of a knee panel so that the clutch pedal pivots toward the front of the vehicle so that the amount of rearward movement of the clutch pedal is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8684127
    Abstract: An electric power steering system includes a shaft coupling that drivably couples a worm gear to an output shaft such that the worm gear is tiltable with respect to the output shaft. The shaft coupling includes a fixing part coupled to the output shaft and a cylindrical part having an inner periphery in rectangular cross section and fixed to the fixing part. A coupling part that is inserted in the cylindrical part and that has an outer periphery in non-circular cross section, engageable with the inner periphery, is formed at a proximal end part of the worm gear, and the outer periphery is ridged such that gaps that allow the coupling part to tilt are provided inside the cylindrical part. Then, the cylindrical part presses an inner ring of the first rolling bearing toward an axially distal end side of the worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Hama, Yutaka Nagahashi
  • Patent number: 8684128
    Abstract: A steering gear comprises a helical pinion and a helical gear which are mounted in the gear housing and driven by an electric motor, wherein a control unit and a sensor system connected thereto are also disposed in or on the steering gear so as to detect and control the rotor position and/or rotation of the rotor of the electric motor. A section of the shaft of the worm located on the drive side extends in the axial direction and protrudes from the gear housing, wherein the protruding end of the section on the drive side is designed as a rotor shaft of the electric motor, and the control unit and/or the sensor system are disposed on the gear housing. The control unit and the sensor system are preferably disposed on differing sections of the gear housing. This allows a very compact, cost-saving and flexible implementation of the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Lenksysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Bieber, Martin Budaker, Thomas Kuehnhoefer
  • Patent number: 8684129
    Abstract: A controller applies slight rotational torque to a drive gear of a reduction mechanism also in a predetermined range in which a motor does not produce any steering operation assist force. That is, the motor is caused to produce slight rotational torque not enough to drive a driven gear, and the rotational torque direction is reversed under a given condition. Accordingly, a backlash between the drive gear and the driven gear is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Terada, Hideki Higashira, Yasuyuki Yoshii, Naoki Maeda, Shirou Nakano
  • Patent number: 8684130
    Abstract: An acoustic damper arrangement for a combustor which has an inner liner configured for use at a first temperature during operation and an outer liner configured for operation at a second temperature lower than the first temperature during operation is disclosed, the acoustic damper arrangement comprising: a plurality of flexible sheets; and at least one hollow body having an interior volume, each of said at least one hollow body being fixed to one of the plurality of flexible sheets, wherein the acoustic damper arrangement is configured to be fixed to both the inner liner and the outer liner such that the interior volume of the at least one hollow body is in communication with a chamber formed by the inner liner, and the plurality of flexible sheets accommodate expansion and contraction of the inner liner relative to the outer liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Mirko Ruben Bothien, Stephen W. Jorgensen, Douglas Pennell
  • Patent number: 8684131
    Abstract: A dual muffler is provided which includes an inlet pipe, an end of which an exhaust gas is introduced from an engine. Additionally, an outlet pipe, an end of which is connected to an opposite end of the inlet pipe, branched at the opposite end of the inlet pipe running toward a side and the opposite side such that the exhaust gas from the inlet pipe is discharged through an opposite end is also provided. A housing covers the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to expose the end of the inlet pipe and the opposite end of the outlet pipe to an outside environment; and a sound-absorbing material fills the interior space of the housing except for the remaining space where the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ki Chul Park, Dong Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8684132
    Abstract: A sound transmission system of a motor vehicle, having an intake sound transmission device which can be coupled via a first tubular connecting element to an air intake manifold which leads to an internal combustion engine and via a second tubular connecting element to a vehicle interior, having a resonator device which interacts with the intake sound transmission device and can be coupled via a third tubular connecting element to the air intake manifold which leads to an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Müller, Heike Görner
  • Patent number: 8684133
    Abstract: Acoustically damped component for a vehicle, an engine, a transmission or a vehicle trim panel, includes a flat basic body provided on at least one side with a rib structure. The ribs of the rib structure form chambers which are arranged irregularly on at least one region of the component, which has a resonant frequency of from 200 to 1000 Hz. The chambers are configured irregularly in such a way that chambers of the component have different dimensioning and/or geometry in comparison with adjoining chambers, such that emitted airborne sound can be reduced and/or eradicated. A response to a transient excitation of at least two part areas of that surface of the component which is provided with the chambers having a correlation of from 0.5 to 0.85, preferably of from 0.6 to 0.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventor: Claus Vogel
  • Patent number: 8684134
    Abstract: An acoustical panel for forming a monolithic ceiling or wall, the panel extending across a rectangular area, and having a core made primarily of gypsum, the core being essentially coextensive with the panel area such that it has two opposed sides, each of an area substantially equal to the area of the panel, the core having a multitude of perforations extending generally between its sides, the perforations being distributed substantially uniformly across the full area of the core and being open at both sides of the core, the face side of the core being covered by a porous layer, the perforations being optionally restricted at a rear side of the core, the porous layer at the face side of the core being suitable for adherence of drywall joint compound and a water-based non-blocking paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: USG Interiors, LLC
    Inventors: Erin Dugan, Mark Miklosz, Rafael Bury, Lee K. Yeung, William A. Frank
  • Patent number: 8684135
    Abstract: Sound barrier panels that are made from various waste materials, including scrap fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), scrap carpet fibers, recyclable plastics and mineral wool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Heritage Research Group
    Inventors: Gregory Smith, Anthony J. Kriech, Daniel Robinson, Matthew Kriech
  • Patent number: 8684136
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a fall arrest system. The fall arrest system may include a post disposed on a clamp. The clamp may be configured to secure to a base structure. The fall arrest system may also include a davit arm disposed on the post via one or more hinges. The post may be configured to support a winch and the davit arm may be configured to support a cable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: National Trench Safety, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald W. Chilton
  • Patent number: 8684137
    Abstract: A roof jack apparatus that includes a rail having first and second end portions and a slide connector slidably received by the rail and capable of being fixed at a position along the rail. The slide connector is configured to releasably receive a jack support for at least partially supporting the rail above a roof. The roof jack apparatus also includes a fascia rest disposed on the second end portion of the rail for resting against a fascia of the roof. The slide connector can move along the rail with respect to the fascia rest. A plank support disposed on the second end portion of the rail can receive and support at least one plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Collister, Brenden J. Jones
  • Patent number: 8684138
    Abstract: A hunting stand assembly is provided for facilitating erection and positioning of the hunting stand by one person. The assembly includes a base assembly configured for coupling to a support surface and a support assembly configured for securing to a tree. An elongated stand is configured for propping against the tree. A lower end of the stand is pivotally coupled to the base assembly. A pulley assembly has a first end coupled to the support assembly and a second end coupled to the stand. A lift rope extends between the first end of the pulley assembly and the second end of the pulley assembly such that pulling a free end of the lift rope urges the first end towards the second end. Thus, the stand is urged to pivot towards the support assembly and into a desired position against the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: John E. Marsh, II
  • Patent number: 8684139
    Abstract: A step tool has front and rear leg tubes, a bottom and top footplate, a connection device for connecting the footplate and the leg tubes, a lock catch device of the top footplate. The front leg tubes are joined to the rear leg tubes rotatablely. The foreside of the top footplate joins to the front leg tubes rotatablely. A rail is fixed on the rear leg tubes. The lock catch is disposed on the top footplate and is detachly connected to the rail. The lock catch device includes two connecting ears, a rotation axis, a lock catch and a torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: New-Tec Integration (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 8684140
    Abstract: A centrifugal clutch having a rotor, a clutch component, and at least one centrifugal weight movable relative to the rotor. When the rotational speed of the rotor is below a predefined value, the centrifugal weight is in a first position and at a distance from the clutch component so that the rotor can rotate freely relative to the clutch component and, when the rotational speed of the rotor is above a predefined value, the centrifugal weight executes a movement relative to the rotor under a centrifugal force into a second position so that the centrifugal weight produces a mechanical force fit between the rotor and the clutch component. The centrifugal weight has first toothing and the clutch component a second toothing so that the first toothing, above the predefined rotational speed, engages into the second toothing, establishing a form-locking connection between the rotor and the clutch component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Skylotec GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Rinklake
  • Patent number: 8684141
    Abstract: A device for lifting vehicles and other objects may include a first tubular body and a second tubular body. The second tubular body is mobile in relation to the first tubular body in a longitudinal direction of the first tubular body. A first receiving chamber for a first fluid medium is provided in the interior of the first tubular body. A second receiving chamber is provided for the first fluid medium and a line connection provides fluid communication between the first receiving chamber and the second receiving chamber. The line connection extends through at least a portion of the first receiving chamber. According to various aspects, the device includes a supply line configured to supply a second fluid medium, different from the first fluid medium, to the first receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Herrmann AG
    Inventor: Johannes Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8684142
    Abstract: Using a position detection device, a position of a person in a building area outside of an elevator system is detected. It is determined that the person has not actuated a destination call for the elevator system within a preset period of time. As a result of the determination, a security measure is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Lukas Finschi
  • Patent number: 8684143
    Abstract: An elevator system has at least one common pair of guide rails for guide shoes of an elevator car, running along the common pair of guide rails, and for guiding elements of a counterweight, running along the same pair of guide rails. The guide shoes of the elevator car follow a straight trajectory and the guiding elements of the counterweight are deflectable by at least one deflecting element within a crossing region for the elevator car and the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Eric Rossignol