Patents Issued in June 10, 2014
  • Patent number: 8746635
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a display device is provided. The supporting apparatus may include a stationary unit coupled to an installation site, a device supporting unit that supports the display device, a connection unit that connects the stationary unit to the device supporting unit and that guides motion of the device supporting unit, and a tilting frictional unit interposed between the connection unit and the device supporting unit to guide a tilting motion of the device supporting unit. The tilting frictional unit may include a first arc member fixed to the connection unit and a second arc member fixed to the device supporting unit. The first and second arc members contact each other to generate frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hoon Kim, Kyung-Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 8746636
    Abstract: A mixing stand device is disclosed for holding a conventional bucket container of a viscous building material in a proper stationary position for mixing. The present mixing stand device comprises a rigid frame assembly erected and attached upon a base platform in a position that allows a worker to stand upon the platform forward of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is formed having an inwardly tapered cylindrical configuration that is fitted to receive the bucket container, the frame assembly comprising upper and lower circular band members spaced apart and coaxially disposed at the respective top and bottom of the frame assembly with a plurality of leg members each being laterally disposed at 90° to the other and extending between the upper and lower band members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Rauchut
  • Patent number: 8746637
    Abstract: A foldable frame includes two tubes, a rectangular tube and two base parts. The two tubes are pivotably or fixedly connected to the base parts. Two ends of the rectangular tube are connected to two respective extension portions of the two base parts by two pins, so that the two tubes are pivotable about the two pins. The frame can also be structured as one tube directly connected to the rectangular tube, and the other tube is pivotably connected to the base part. The extension of the base part is pivotably connected of the rectangular tube by a pin to form a single-point folding feature. An outer tube is rotatably movable between one of the tubes and the rectangular tube, and the outer tube hides the rectangular tube when the two tubes are arranged linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Chun-Sheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8746638
    Abstract: A stand for engaging support of a smart mobile telephone includes a base plate formed of planar thermoplastic polymer generally rectangular in shape having a midline axis and a first and second extreme edges in opposed relationship, parallel and spaced apart from the midline axis. A first and a second flex plate formed of the planar thermoplastic polymer and include an attachment region extending from an extreme edge and to a first root edge and is fused to base plate in a manner to bias the first flex plate toward the base plate. A generally rectangular limb extends beyond the root edge to a living hinge affixed to a generally rectangular first riser defining at least one first tab being configured to engage the registration slot when the first riser is rotated to an attitude perpendicular to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Michael H. Carney
  • Patent number: 8746639
    Abstract: A flat panel wall mount for mounting a flat panel to a wall has a wall bracket connecting with a mounting bracket. The wall bracket has a wall bracket left section and a wall bracket right section. The wall bracket left section connects to the wall bracket right section by connectors such as bolts and nuts. A wall bracket left section bottom joining tab is formed on the wall bracket and a wall bracket right section bottom joining tab is formed on the wall bracket. The wall bracket left section bottom joining tab connects to the wall bracket right section bottom joining tab. The wall bracket left section bottom joining tab is parallel to the wall bracket right section bottom joining tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: My Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8746640
    Abstract: A hook having a fastener receiver with an axis of radial symmetry and two opposing edges defining a linear axis, where a support extends from the first edge and is angled away by a first angle from a midline plane defined by the linear axis and the axis of radial symmetry and a retainer extends from the second edge and is angled away from the midline plane by a second angle, preferably equal to the first angle and oppositely directed. The hanger hook is preferably of one piece construction but a two-piece interlocking version may also be made. Direct access to the fastener receiver is provided for tools and fasteners. The hanger hook retains equipment against 9 G horizontal accelerations and 3 G vertical accelerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Simon Broadley, Brian VanderPloeg
  • Patent number: 8746641
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a mounting assembly for mounting an antenna unit or other device. The mounting assembly includes at least one bracket and at least one retaining assembly. The bracket can be movably positioned at multiple orientation angles with respect to a surface. The bracket includes a latching edge that defines multiple recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds to one of the orientation angles. The retaining assembly is positioned adjacent to the bracket. The retaining assembly includes at least one protrusion that can engage one of the recesses to form a latching connection between the bracket and the retaining assembly. The latching connection can retain the bracket at an orientation angle corresponding to the engaged recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fackler
  • Patent number: 8746642
    Abstract: A mounting system for attaching an audio/visual device to a surface via a surface mounting member. The mounting system includes a support attachment bracket configured to operatively connect to the surface mounting member, a display mounting bracket configured to operatively connect to the audio/visual device, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the display mounting bracket relative to the support attachment bracket between a collapsed position and a tilted position, and a locking feature configured to selectively engage a post for retaining the mounting system in the collapsed position. The locking feature is disposed on one of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism. The post is disposed on another of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Molter
  • Patent number: 8746643
    Abstract: The inventive concept disclosed comprises a storage grate for grills of the type typically used in outdoor barbecue grills and particularly, kamado-style grills. The device is essentially a one-piece rod having been bent and formed into specific angles and segments, thereby allowing the device to be attached onto an outdoor cooking grill or kamado-style charcoal cooking grill as is marketed by many commercial brands. The device serves the purpose of short-term or long-term retention and storage of the grill used in the cooking process prior to, or after use of the grill for cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Chance
  • Patent number: 8746644
    Abstract: An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the inventive apparatus can comprise a mounting system that can be used to hang a mirror, piece of art, or other flat article that is positioned within a frame to a door without the need for a screw driver or any other tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew S. Kressin
  • Patent number: 8746645
    Abstract: A portable riser for supporting a laptop computer or other article at an angle to a supporting surface. The riser includes a base and lid attached to each other by a double hinge. Arc shaped legs deploy form the riser when the lid is moved from a closed position to an deployed position a position where the lid rests against the opposite side of the base. The legs are formed by deforming a sheet of flexible material that lies between the base and a cover plate. The lid and the sheet of flexible material are coupled to each other so that when the lid is moved from the closed to the deployed position, the sheet of material is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Fellowes, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Knych
  • Patent number: 8746646
    Abstract: An end clamp for fastening a framed PV module on a carrier profile includes a first and second part with respective tooth systems corresponding to each other. The first and second parts together comprise a first section which holds down a frame of the framed PV module onto a surface of the carrier profile, a second section which laterally fixes the frame, a third section with an opening to have a screw pass therethrough, and a fourth section which supports the end clamp on the surface of the carrier profile. The first and second parts slide one inside the other parallel to the first and second sections in at least one discrete position corresponding to a specific frame height provided between the surface and the first section. The first and second parts thereby have one respective remaining degree of freedom and a clearance fit in two other degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Schletter GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Fluhrer, Hans Urban
  • Patent number: 8746647
    Abstract: A device for aiding in storing implements comprising a retractable support adapted to engage a hook. The support being held to an implement via a monolithically formed, or attached, base portion. The device being capable of use with a wide variety of implements and having various forms adaptable for use to aid in hanging implements or for assisting them to stand alone. The support being retractable and capable of being held in various positions via an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Stewart, III
  • Patent number: 8746648
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting heavy load is developed which consists of parallel spring sets in a M×N matrix, where M is the number of Modules and N is the number of spring sets in each module. Each spring set may be comprised of a single coil or multiple coils in series. Each module is pre-compressed to the design installation load employing hydraulic jacks working in parallel by a single pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Piping Technology and Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Godina, Hyder Husain
  • Patent number: 8746649
    Abstract: A system and method to control vibrations exerted on a non-vibrating structure. The system includes an adjustable variable stiffness support securely attached to both the non-vibrating structure and a vibrating structure. A driver operably associated with the variable stiffness support is configured to selectively adjust the variable stiffness support. A control system in data communication with both a sensor system and the driver includes an algorithm to determine whether adjustment of the variable stiffness support is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Haynes, David L. Williams, Michael R. Smith, Robert J. Pascal, David E. Heverly, Taeoh Lee
  • Patent number: 8746650
    Abstract: An apparatus that securely supports and displays for adjustable viewing of portable electronic devices where the apparatus can be frictionally engaged into any accessible material seam as well as being supportable on flat surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Santo R. Curatolo, Giorgio Curatolo
  • Patent number: 8746651
    Abstract: A valve has a first duct, a second duct into which the first duct opens, thereby defining an intersection that forms a seat at right angles to the first duct for a valve disk that slides in the second duct at right angles to the seat between a closed position and an open position, and an actuator for operating the valve disk between its two positions. For the open position, the actuator is controlled to bring the valve disk into close proximity to a wall of the second duct facing the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Laurent Albert, Antoine Dutot, Nicolas Renard
  • Patent number: 8746652
    Abstract: An illustrative method for operating a valve, where the valve includes a valve seat, a valve plunger and a stepper motor for moving the valve plunger from a first position into a second position in which the valve plunger is pressed against a valve seat and for compressing a flexible element assigned to the valve plunger in said second position. The stepper motor may be driven a defined number of steps (NTOTAL) in order to move the valve plunger into the second position and to compress the flexible element. The method may include: driving the stepper motor a first number of steps (N1) at a first current level (I1); driving the stepper motor a second number of steps (N2) at a second current level (I2); and driving the stepper motor a third number of steps (N3) at a third current (I3) level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell Technologies SARL
    Inventors: Ed Van Gils, Giovanni Paolo De Cesare, Marco Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 8746653
    Abstract: A winding body for a magnetic assembly of a solenoid valve is disclosed, which comprises a base body, onto which a winding wire is wound, and two electrical connection domes, each of which has a first clamping gap with a first width, into which the winding wire wound onto the base body is inserted, wherein each of the winding wire ends rests on a contact surface of a wire support, which, in the direction of the corresponding winding wire end, is arranged behind the first clamping gap, and to a corresponding magnetic assembly, and to a corresponding solenoid valve comprising such a winding body, and to a corresponding method for winding the winding wire onto the winding body according to the disclosure. In order to receive the corresponding winding wire end, in the region of the contact surface of the wire support, a second clamping gap with a minimal second width is arranged behind the first clamping gap, the width being smaller than the first width of the first clamping gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Kellner, Ernst Lorenz, Martin Haas, Wolfgang Mailaender, Ruediger Prumbs
  • Patent number: 8746654
    Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8746655
    Abstract: An actuator for a butterfly valve, having a gearbox, an actuator stem and a handle. The actuator stem is formed as a single piece, comprising a position indicator, seal disc, worm gear, and stem shaft with splines for fitting into the valve. The handle is also formed as a single piece, comprising the wheel or knob, shaft, and worm for operating the worm gear. By forming the gearbox as a single piece as well, the entire actuator can be made as three major pieces. Optionally, the gearbox can be formed with cylindrical fittings which press-fit over pins on the valve, replacing the conventional mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kennedy Valve Company
    Inventor: Paul Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8746656
    Abstract: An auxiliary operative handle of a rotational bathing faucet includes an operative handle including a conjugating end having a plurality of conjugating protruding hooks extending from the conjugating end; an elongated end extended from the one side of the conjugating end; and a circular wedging slot defined between the conjugating protruding hooks and the elongated end, wherein the operative handle is coupled with a knob of the faucet through the wedging slot and forms a secure position when the conjugating protruding hooks are conjugated with an outer periphery of the knob, so that the elongated end is used as a lever arm to rotate towards left or right, and a user is able to operate the faucet with less force. Also, the user gets to know whether the water is on or off by the position of the elongated end to precisely control the amount of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Alexander Yeh Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 8746657
    Abstract: A multi-piece valve disk of a sliding and/or seat valve, a ring seal with an elastic sealing ring with an external sealing zone is placed in a ring groove of the valve disk onto a dimensionally stable backup ring, and where an elastic restoring region effectively positioned between the backup ring and the external sealing zone is arranged in the backup ring, the restoring region being embodied in one piece with the sealing ring of its material adjacent to the external sealing zone of the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Martin Sauer, Dieter Weimer
  • Patent number: 8746658
    Abstract: A coaxial valve for regulating and blocking a fluid medium having a valve housing having at least one inlet opening, at least one outlet opening and a flow duct connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening; a tubular valve sleeve disposed in an axially movable manner in a portion of the flow duct and having an inflow and an outflow opening for the medium, wherein the inflow and outflow openings open into the flow duct; a closure member disposed in the valve housing and arranged coaxially with the valve sleeve and configured to close the inflow opening; and a drive configured to axially move the valve sleeve and having an electric servomotor and a transmission part coupled between the servomotor and the valve sleeve, the transmission part configured to transmit an axial movement to the valve sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Adolf Gauss, Arno Voit
  • Patent number: 8746659
    Abstract: A device for opening a door by staving it inwards, so that the device can exert a trust on the vertical surface of the door and stave it inwards when the device is positioned against the door on the side to which it opens by being pulled, the device comprising an actuator, an intermediate soleplate, and an upper jacking bar, the device comprising an upper jacking device fixed in a hinged manner to the upper end of the upper jacking bar, and comprising at least one wedging and locking device forming: a front flat portion, a riser portion, and a rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Libervit
    Inventor: Yvan Cardona
  • Patent number: 8746660
    Abstract: An absorber or desorber contains a layer (10) for a structured packing which has corrugations, wherein a plurality of open channels (12, 14, 16) is formed by the corrugations, wherein the channels include a first corrugation valley (22), a first corrugation peak (32) and a second corrugation peak (42). The first corrugation peak (32) and the second corrugation peak (42) bound the first corrugation valley (22), wherein the first and second corrugation peaks have a first apex (33) and a second apex (43). An indentation (34) extending in the direction of the first apex (33) is formed on the first apex (33) of the first corrugation peak (32). The first corrugation valley (22) has a valley bottom (23), wherein the normal spacing (27) of at least one point of the indentation (34) from the valley bottom (23) of the corrugation valley (22) is smaller than the normal spacing (28) of the first apex (33) from the valley bottom (23) of the corrugation valley (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Solzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Ilja Ausner, Markus Duss, Raymond Plüss
  • Patent number: 8746661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydro-pneumatic piston accumulator (1), particularly for vehicle suspension systems, consisting of an accumulator housing (2) and a separating piston (6), which is disposed free-floating inside the accumulator housing in a displaceable manner in the direction of the movement axis (4). The separating piston separates an accumulator area (8) for a hydraulic medium from a pressure area (10) that is filled or is to be filled with a compressible medium, and is guided with an interior guide opening (30) on an elongated guide element (32), which is axially fixed within the accumulator housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hemscheidt Fahrwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Runkel
  • Patent number: 8746662
    Abstract: A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body-made of foam with holes extending inwardly from an outside surface to an inside surface, wherein the tubular body-comprises at least one tubular foam layer and at least one reinforcing layer applied to said foam layer over at least a part of the axial length of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Elisna S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Willy Poppe
  • Patent number: 8746663
    Abstract: A mechanically adjustable elastomer bearing based on a correspondingly arranged spring element whose spring stiffness can be adjusted or pretensioned individually by deformable elastomer bodies or elastomer layers. The deformation of the elastomer layers, and thus of the spring elements, is achieved by a pressure-generated device which is fully integrated into the spring element. The elastomer bearing are particularly suitable for use as bearings in rotor and gearbox for large wind turbines, but can also advantageously be employed in machine and vehicle construction, and in particular package clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: FM Energie GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 8746664
    Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A detent mechanism is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod. The clamping arm is moved by a biasing mechanism from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in a retracted position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Rentz
  • Patent number: 8746665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive apparatus (10) for the linear movement of a processing tool with respect to a workpiece, having a tool holder (18) which is fixed on a carriage (16) and is intended for the fastening of the processing tool, having a stationary guide device (12) in which the carriage (16) is guided such that it can be displaced in a vertically linear manner, and having a drive device (42) with a first force transmission means (46) which, in an engaged position, engages with a second force transmission means (40) connected to the carriage (16) in order to move the carriage (16). According to the invention, it is provided that the drive device (42) is mounted in the guide device (12) such that it can be moved between a release position, in which the force transmission means (40, 46) do not engage with one another, and the engaged position in such a way that the gravitational force of the drive device (42) causes a movement from the release position into the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: IHT Automation GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Kurt Nachbargauer
  • Patent number: 8746666
    Abstract: A media carrier, adapted to hold a plurality of pieces of magnetic media, is disclosed. This media carrier can be placed on the workpiece support, or platen, allowing the magnetic media to be processed. In some embodiments, the media carrier is designed such that only one side of the magnetic media is exposed, requiring a robot or other equipment to invert each piece of media in the carrier to process the second side. In other embodiments, the media carrier is designed such that both sides of the magnetic media are exposed. In this scenario, the media carrier is inverted on the platen to allow processing of the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hertel, Julian Blake, Edward Macintosh, Alexander Kontos, Frank Sinclair, Christopher Rowland, Mayur Jagtap, Sankar Ganesh Kolappan
  • Patent number: 8746667
    Abstract: A machine tool having a machine frame and a workpiece table. It is provided that the workpiece table (5), on one of its sides (14), is held on the machine frame (2) by a holding device (4), the holding device (4) having at least two holding elements (6, 7), which are spaced apart from one another on the said side (14) of the workpiece table (5) and which are disposed at differing height positions (9, 10), such that an upper and a lower holding element (6, 7) is realized, and at least one of the holding elements (6, 7) being equipped with at least one piezo actuator (24) for altering its length and, associated therewith, influencing the position of the workpiece table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mikron Agie Charmilles AG
    Inventors: Frank Bratschi, Jan Konvicka, Markus Kindler
  • Patent number: 8746668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a table saw, including: a work table, including a working surface for placing a workpiece; a fence, slidably arranged on said work table for support said work piece; a first motor, arranged below said working surface of the work table; a blade, driven by said first motor for cutting motion, and at least part of the blade is protruding out of the working surface of the work table in the cutting process, characterized in that: A planer detachably arranged on said work surface, said planer including a housing, a second motor located in said housing and a blade shaft driven by said second motor to rotate about its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co.
    Inventor: Warren Brown
  • Patent number: 8746669
    Abstract: To provide a chip supply pallet preventing destruction of a chip and preventing a reduction in a productivity from being brought about in exchanging a wafer sheet, the chip supply pallet includes a first member 33 having a tension ring 51 brought into contact with a wafer sheet from a lower side, and a fixing member 54 of fixing a ring frame holding the wafer sheet on an inner side on a lower side of the wafer sheet brought into contact with the tension ring 51, and a second member 34 having a fixed portion for fixing to a predetermined position of a chip supply apparatus and a held portion 36 of being held when the chip interchanging pallet 3 is transferred, and the first member 33 is configured to be able to rotationally displace relative to the second member 34 fixed to the predetermined position of the chip supply apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Takanami
  • Patent number: 8746670
    Abstract: A bundle of identical book blocks composed of a plurality of folded print sheets or signatures standing upright on lower edges of the printed sheets or book blocks. The book blocks are formed with first and last book block sections having different dimensions. A quadrangular bundle is formed from the book blocks by aligning first limit surfaces of the book block sections flush with each other along one of the two side surfaces or along the upper or lower surfaces of the bundle so that a second limit surface of the first book block section opposite the first limit surface of the first book block section projects with an offset with respect to a limit surface of the last book block section opposite the first limit surface of the last book block section. The bundle is compressed and then secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Konrad Boos
  • Patent number: 8746671
    Abstract: A sheet conveying system includes a sheet inserting apparatus that inserts a second recording medium between first recording media conveyed by a sheet conveying apparatus, and transmits a first time at which second recording media can be successively received hypothetically, and a second time indicating a difference between a conveying time from an accumulating unit of a second recording medium to a merging point at which a second recording medium is inserted and a conveying time from a sheet receiving surface of the sheet inserting apparatus to the merging point. The sheet conveying apparatus sets longer one of the received first time and second time as an insertion interval; and conveys first recording media such that an interval extended by an added value obtained by adding a conveying time corresponding to a length of second recording medium to the insertion interval is provided between the first recording media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tatsushi Machida, Hitoshi Hattori, Atsushi Kanaya, Yoshikatsu Tsuji, Ryo Kanno
  • Patent number: 8746672
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing time and effort for a user in setting a size of an irregular-size sheet. Width information indicative of a width of a sheet set by the user is stored in a storage unit. A width of the sheet held by a sheet holding unit that holds the sheet is detected. From the width information stored in the storage unit, candidates for a size of the sheet are extracted based on the detected width of the sheet. The extracted candidates for a size of the sheet are displayed on a display. A size of the sheet selected by the user from among the displayed candidates for a size of the sheet is set as a size of the sheet held by the sheet holding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8746673
    Abstract: A system includes a media path along which physical media travels. A media pick device picks and transports the media in the media path according to one or more pick parameters. A device monitor can monitor a media pick or jam event and provide a media pick event output. The media pick event output identifies a media fault relating to at least one of the pick or the transport of the media. A controller processes the media pick event output to control the media pick device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Nickerson, Richard L. Payne
  • Patent number: 8746674
    Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus in a sheet processing machine has at least one driven transport belt for the transport of sheet printing materials from a first location to a second location. It being possible for the transport belt to be driven at different transport speeds. The acceptance of the sheet printing materials at the first location is carried out at a relatively low transport speed, and the transfer of the sheet printing materials at the second location is carried out at a relatively high transport speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Herden, Bernhard Wagensommer
  • Patent number: 8746675
    Abstract: A sheet feeder attracts an uppermost sheet of a sheet stack of a plurality of stacked sheets, and feeds the sheet in a sheet feeding direction. The sheet feeder includes an endless belt, a charging device, and a control device. The endless belt is made of a dielectric material, passes over upstream and downstream rollers, and is disposed above the sheet stack to face the sheet stack. The charging device applies an alternating voltage to an outer circumferential surface of the endless belt to form thereon alternating charge patterns. The control device separately controls the respective rotation states of the upstream and downstream rollers to make a sheet contact surface of the endless belt go slack in sheet attraction and make the sheet contact surface of the endless belt taut with tension into a substantially flat surface in sheet conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Nishida, Manabu Nonaka, Yoshikuni Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8746676
    Abstract: Provided are a sheet feeding device with improved separating/feeding performance. The sheet feeding device includes a sheet storage portion, a pickup roller which feeds the sheet, a driving motor which rotates the pickup roller, a feed roller and a separating roller which separate and feed the sheet, and a drive transmission mechanism which when the pickup roller abuts on the surface of the sheet accommodated in the sheet storage portion to feed the sheet, allows the pickup roller to perform intermittent rotation that alternately perform rotation and stop twice or more while one sheet is fed. The drive transmission mechanism is connected to the driving motor and includes an input gear having a plurality of protrusions and a regulating portion which is engaged with the protrusions of the input gear to regulate the rotation of the input gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sho Ota
  • Patent number: 8746677
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for moving print media in a printer includes: a rotatable shaft extending lengthwise along an axis of rotation and a hub. The hub is operatively and pivotally connected to the shaft at a connection such that the hub rotates with the shaft about the axis of rotation and so that the hub may tilt on the shaft relative to the axis of rotation. The device also includes a pick tire or other feature on the hub on each side of the connection to move print media when the shaft rotates the hub. In another embodiment, a method for moving print media in a printer includes: applying a force to a sheet of print media at two locations spaced apart across the sheet; and, simultaneously with the act of applying, equalizing the force applied at the two locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Juan D Ramos, Kieran B Kelly, Keith Jariabka
  • Patent number: 8746678
    Abstract: An image forming device includes: a feeding roller; a support shaft; a support portion; a drive shaft; a planetary gear unit; and a driving force transmission unit. The support portion rotatably supports the feeding roller and is pivotally movably supported to the support shaft. The drive shaft is rotatable upon receipt of a driving force from a motor. The planetary gear unit includes a sun gear rotatable integrally with the drive shaft, and a planetary gear swingably movable about the sun gear while maintaining meshing engagement therewith. The transmission unit includes an input gear meshingly engageable with the planetary gear when the drive shaft rotates. The transmission unit transmits the driving force to the feeding roller through the drive shaft, the sun gear, the planetary gear, and the input gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuta Uchino
  • Patent number: 8746679
    Abstract: A noncircular sheet feed roller includes a core and a rubber belt mounted on the core. The core includes a peripheral member having a peripheral surface which is arcuate about a center axis thereof, and a pair of support ribs which are provided opposite from the arcuate peripheral surface of the peripheral member to be spaced from the peripheral member by a space and extend parallel to the center axis symmetrically with respect to the center axis. The rubber belt is a looped belt which has a predetermined width as measured along the center axis and has an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The peripheral member is inserted in the rubber belt, and a portion of the rubber belt is fitted in the space between the peripheral member and the support ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Hanyu
  • Patent number: 8746680
    Abstract: A paper tray for a printer includes a bottom plate and a rear plate. A plurality of papers is placed on the bottom plate. The plurality of papers includes a first paper and a second paper. The first paper is located on a topmost portion of the plurality of papers, and the second paper is located adjacent to the first paper and below the first paper. A plurality of bent pieces is secured on the rear plate. Each bent piece includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is placed on the rear plate. An obtuse angle is defined between the first piece and the second piece. The second pieces of the plurality of bents pieces are configured to allow the first paper sliding there over, and block the second paper sliding there over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Chung Lo
  • Patent number: 8746681
    Abstract: A sheet feeder is provided that includes a housing, a feed tray having a loading surface, and a swingable opening cover including a sliding contact portion, extending in a direction perpendicular to a width direction of a sheet. The sliding contact portion is configured to slide in contact with a feed tray in a swing motion of the feed tray from a first position where the loading surface is directed downward above the housing to a second position where the loading surface is directed upward at an upstream side relative to the housing in a feeding direction. The sliding contact portion is disposed on at least one end of the opening cover in the width direction, and exposed to an outside of the sheet feeder when the feed tray is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatsugu Mizuno, Kouji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8746682
    Abstract: A large capacity automatic printer paper tray operatively mounts a printing device to its upper extent. A paper support is disposed in a frame of the paper tray and is slideably supported by vertical frame rails. A drive screw rotatably secured in the frame is operatively coupled to the paper support. An actuator motor operatively drives the drive screw to raise and lower the paper support. Lower and upper limit sensors control the motor to limit downward and upward movement of the paper support. A paper pick-up interface plate transfers a top paper from the paper support into a paper pick-up roller of the mounted print device, via a feed roller of the print device. A pull-track sensor operates the motor to maintain a top level of paper on the paper support between a minimum and a maximum pull-track threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Tareq E. A. Suleiman
  • Patent number: 8746683
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeder, which can reliably feed a sheet without requiring the extra operation of a regulating member, and an image forming apparatus. The sheet feeder comprises an intermediate plate 4 provided in a cassette body 2 so as to rotate in up and down directions around a rotation fulcrum portion 4a. The cassette body 2 has a freely movable rear end regulating member 5. The rear end regulating member 5 has a holding portion 5a which prevents the rotation fulcrum portion 4a of the intermediate plate 4 from being detached from the cassette body 2. In the transportation, the rear end regulating member 5 is set to a position where the holding portion 5a prevents the rotation fulcrum portion 4a of the intermediate plate 4 from being detached from the cassette body 2 and the intermediate plate 4 can rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8746684
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a sheet feed cassette to hold a stack of recording media, a cover detachably attachable to the sheet feed cassette to cover an opening of the sheet feed cassette through which the recording media are supplied, an image forming part to form images on the recording media, and a discharge tray having a top surface on which the recording media discharged from the image forming apparatus after image formation are stacked. The sheet feed cassette is disposed below the discharge tray and is contractibly extendable, protruding outwardly from the image forming apparatus to accommodate large-sized recording media in its extended state. The cover includes a displaceable discharge auxiliary member slidable against the cover so as to be flush with the top surface of the discharge tray and detachably attachable to the sheet feed cassette together with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Okano, Eiji Tachibana