Patents Issued in September 30, 2014
  • Patent number: 8844634
    Abstract: A downhole circulation sub or valve includes a tubular housing with an outer port and a valve piston slidably disposed in the housing. A primary fluid flow path extends through an inner flow bore of the housing and valve piston. In a first position, the valve piston isolates the outer port to prevent fluid communication between the inner flow bore and a well bore annulus. In a second position, the valve piston is moved to obstruct the inner flow bore and expose the outer port to the inner flow bore and allow fluid communication between the inner flow bore and the well bore annulus. An indexing mechanism is coupled between the housing and the valve piston to guide the valve piston between the first and second positions. The indexing mechanism may include a rotatable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffery Ronald Clausen, Nicholas Ryan Marchand
  • Patent number: 8844635
    Abstract: Expandable apparatus include a triggering element comprising an at least partially corrodible composite material. Methods are used to trigger expandable apparatus using such a triggering element and to form such triggering elements for use with expandable apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James Andy Oxford
  • Patent number: 8844636
    Abstract: A well conveyance system couples to an uphole end of an artificial lift system and operates to push the artificial lift system through a tubing string for deployment in a wellbore. The well conveyance system includes a wellbore tractor adapted to push the artificial lift system through the tubing string and a swab cup assembly having a swab cup and a perforated nipple extending therethrough. The perforated nipple includes a nipple passage allowing for fluid flow from an area downhole from the swab cup to an area uphole from the swab cup when the wellbore tractor operates. A valve selectively blocks the perforated nipple to permit a hydraulic pressure to be applied to the tubing string uphole of the swab cup, exerting a downhole force on the swab cup to aid in deployment of the artificial lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Bebak, Steven K. Tetzlaff
  • Patent number: 8844637
    Abstract: A technique provides a system and methodology for treating a plurality of zones, e.g. well zones. A plurality of flow control devices is located along a tubular structure, such as a well string in a wellbore. Each flow control device or each set of flow control devices comprises a seat member having a unique profile relative to the profiles of the other flow control devices. Drop objects are designed with engagement features arranged to engage the profiles of specific flow control devices. For example, each drop object may have an engagement feature of a corresponding profile designed to engage the unique profile of a specific flow control device or of a specific set of flow control devices to enable actuation of the specific flow control device or the specific set of flow control devices once the drop object is dropped through the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Baihly, Don Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8844638
    Abstract: A tool (10) for installing and removing a valve removal plug (60) from wellhead components, the tool comprising a curved pressure containing housing (11) having a first and a second end (12, 13), the housing having a bore (20) extending from the first end to the second end, a flexible drive member (21) within the bore and drive means (40, 41) connected to the drive member for causing rotational movement of the drive member within the pressure containing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Thornburrow
  • Patent number: 8844639
    Abstract: An integrated thermal recovery process using a solvent of a pentane or hexane or both as an additive to, or sole component of, a gravity-dominated process for recovering bitumen or heavy oil from a reservoir. A pentane-hexane specific solvent fraction is extracted at surface from a diluent stream. That pentane-hexane solvent fraction is then injected into the reservoir as part of a gravity-dominated recovery process within the reservoir, and when that solvent fraction is subsequently produced as part of the oil or bitumen blend, it is allowed to remain within the blend to enhance the subsequent blend treating and transportation steps. Meanwhile, the remainder of the diluent from which the solvent stream had been extracted is utilized at surface as a blending stream to serve as an aid in treating of produced fluids and also to serve as a means of rendering the bitumen or heavy oil stream pipelineable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: FCCL Partnership
    Inventors: Subodh Gupta, Simon D. Gittins, Mark A. Bilozir
  • Patent number: 8844640
    Abstract: A ground supported and upwardly extensible firewall curtain, such as for use in containing fires. A plurality of ground anchored and elongated housing are arranged in end-to-end interconnected fashion, such as in an advance position of an approaching fire. Each housing assembly includes an interiorly stored and upwardly extended curtain constructed of a fire resistant material. The curtains are likewise interconnected in end-to-end and inter-structurally supported fashion and so that a continuous fire wall is created to prevent or retard the advance of the fire in a given direction, such as toward residential or other populated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8844641
    Abstract: A device for containing and/or suppressing a fire may include a flexible barrier configured to at least substantially cover at least one item located on a base structure. The flexible barrier may include a flexible sheet and an intumescent material layer substantially covering a surface of the flexible sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Peltz
  • Patent number: 8844642
    Abstract: An automatic flow restrictor includes a movement sensor that detects undesired movement of a firefighting apparatus relative to a support surface and automatically reduces the flow of fluid through the apparatus to thereby reduce reaction forces acting upon the apparatus. The sensor may be a slidable member or an actuatable lever, for example, that detects movement of the apparatus along or away from a support surface, and actuates an adjuster to restrict the flow of fluid until the forces are balanced and the apparatus stops moving relative to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric N. Combs
  • Patent number: 8844643
    Abstract: A local fire shield is provided for protecting an attachment point of a fireproof system in an engine during a fire event. The local fire shield includes a mounting plate mounted on the attachment point; and a cover coupled to the mounting plate for covering the attachment point during the fire event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Justin C. Mickelsen, Martin C. Baker
  • Patent number: 8844644
    Abstract: There is provided a hand-held aerosol fire suppression apparatus, having safety pole, button, enclosure of cartridge, enclosure of cooling layer, jet nozzle, tapered jet orifice, enclosure of apparatus, combustion chamber, rear fender, piezoelectric ceramics, rear cap and safety ring; wherein the rear cap is screwed to the enclosure of apparatus; the jet nozzle is screwed or fitted to the enclosure of apparatus; a chemical agent is installed in the enclosure of cartridge and a cooling material is installed in the enclosure of cooling layer in the enclosure of apparatus; a thermal insulating layer is installed between the enclosure of apparatus and the enclosure of cartridge, between the enclosure of apparatus and the enclosure of cooling layer, and between the rear fender and the chemical agent; the combustion chamber is installed between the enclosure or cartridge and the enclosure of cooling layer; a groove is arranged on the enclosure of apparatus to facilitate gripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Shaanxi J & R Fire Fighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongbao Guo, Zhenping Deng, Gaofeng Zheng, Sanxue Zhang, Xianfei Zhu, Honghong Liu, Weipeng Zhang, Zanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8844645
    Abstract: An aerator hole spacing control with a hydrostatic traction drive including a pump and a plurality of wheel motors, a control arm mounted on a control shaft of the pump that controls the direction and the speed of the pump, and a cam follower on the control arm that contacts a cam surface having a minimum coring speed position, a maximum coring speed position, and a transport position. The cam surface may be linked to an operator speed control that moves the cam surface to determine where the cam follower contacts the cam surface to change the speed of the pump anywhere between the minimum coring speed position and the maximum coring speed position without stopping the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Stanley K. Hall, Bradley P. Aldridge, Shane D. Simon
  • Patent number: 8844646
    Abstract: An integrated module of a cylinder and reversing assembly of a reciprocating pneumatic tool is arranged between an air pressure control module and a guide outlet of a piston rod in a groove of the reciprocating pneumatic tool. The integrated module has a cylindrical body, an air pressure guiding seat positioned in the cylindrical body, a reversible actuating slot recessed into the seat body, a reversing brake block movably positioned into the reversible actuating slot, and a partition board fixedly assembled between the seat body and the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sing Hua Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Jung Lu
  • Patent number: 8844647
    Abstract: A representative power tool according to the invention performs a predetermined operation on a workpiece at least by axial linear movement of a tool bit 119 coupled to a front end region of a housing 103. The power tool includes driving mechanisms 113, 115 that are housed within the housing 103 and linearly drives the tool bit 119, and a dynamic vibration reducer 151 that has a weight 153 which is allowed to linearly move under a biasing force of an elastic element, and reduces vibration caused during operation, by movement of the weight 153 in the axial direction of the tool bit. A dynamic vibration reducer housing space 149 for housing the weight 153 and the elastic element of the dynamic vibration reducer 151 is integrally formed with the housing 103.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hikaru Kamegai, Masanori Furusawa
  • Patent number: 8844648
    Abstract: Nearby conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., are detectable from within a borehole filled with an oil-based fluid. At least some method embodiments provide a current flow between axially-spaced conductive bridges on a drillstring. The current flow disperses into the surrounding formation and causes a secondary current flow in the nearby conductor. The magnetic field from the secondary current flow can be detected using one or more azimuthally-sensitive antennas. Direction and distance estimates are obtainable from the azimuthally-sensitive measurements, and can be used as the basis for steering the drillstring relative to the distant conductor. Possible techniques for providing current flow in the drillstring include imposing a voltage across an insulated gap or using a toroid around the drillstring to induce the current flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Jing Li, Shanjun Li, Michael D. Finke
  • Patent number: 8844649
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for using controlled vibrations to bias a drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) in a borehole. In one example, the system includes a movement mechanism and a vibration control mechanism. The movement mechanism is configured to use mechanical energy provided by a mechanical energy source to enable translational movement of a first surface relative to a second surface to allow the first surface to repeatedly impact the second surface to produce a plurality of vibration beats. The vibration control mechanism is configured to influence a drilling direction in which the BHA is drilling by controlling an amplitude of the vibration beats to regulate an impact force between the first surface and the second surface, where the amplitude is controlled based on directional information corresponding to the BHA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Todd W. Benson
  • Patent number: 8844650
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a closed loop apparatus, system, process or method adapted for processing drilling mud used in a down hole well drilling process such that any undesirable particulate such as cuttings will be substantially, if not completely separated from the dirty mud while at the same time allowing the recycled drilling mud to be continuously circulated with the drilling mud. In one embodiment, the present invention includes the following components, all in fluid or mud flow communication with one another and with an adjacent drilling rig: at least one clean mud mixing tank, at least one pump system, at least one dirty mud shakers, at least one optional conveyor belt system, at least one recycled mud reclamation tank and one or more filtering centrifugal pumps or centrifuge systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Terra Tersus LLC
    Inventor: Gary Saiz
  • Patent number: 8844651
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid jet can include discharging fluid through an outlet of a jetting device, thereby causing the fluid jet to be flowed in multiple non-coplanar directions, and the fluid jet being directed in the non-coplanar directions by a fluidic circuit of the jetting device. A jetting device can include a body having at least one outlet, and a fluidic circuit which directs a fluid jet to flow from the outlet in multiple non-coplanar directions without rotation of the outlet. A method of drilling a wellbore can include flowing fluid through a fluidic switch of a jetting device, thereby causing a fluid jet to be discharged in multiple non-coplanar directions from the jetting device, and the fluid jet cutting into an earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Jason D. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8844652
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8844653
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining continuous flow through a drill string during drill pipe connection includes establishing drilling fluid flow axially through the length of a tubular sub attached to the top of a drill string. The sub is then engaged with a collar disposed at least partially around the perimeter of the sub so as to define an exterior flow path along the exterior of the sub. Radial flow is then initiated into the sub through said collar and along said exterior flow path. Axial flow is then terminated through the length of the tubular sub while maintaining radial flow into the sub. A pipe joint is then attached to the top of the tubular sub, axial flow is reestablished through the length of the tubular sub, radial flow is terminated into the sub, and the collar is disengaged from the sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dual Gradient Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Luc deBoer
  • Patent number: 8844654
    Abstract: A drill string element including an elongate tubular body delimiting an interior surface longitudinally including at least one portion of revolution and including a first hole provided in the elongate tubular body. That first hole includes a first end opening at the portion of revolution, and in a vicinity of the first end a longitudinal axis intersecting the interior surface at an intersection location. The longitudinal axis, in projection into a first plane passing through the central axis of the portion of revolution and containing the intersection location, forms a first angle of a value that is not zero and in projection into a second plane tangential to the interior surface at the intersection location forms a second angle of a value that is not zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vam Drilling France
    Inventor: Jean Boulet
  • Patent number: 8844655
    Abstract: A joint connecting a pair of members rotatable about a common axis end to end includes a first member having a threaded end portion and a non-circular exterior surface rearwardly of the threaded end portion, a second member having a threaded socket wherein the threaded end portion of the second member can be engaged, and a non-circular exterior surface, a ground engagement sleeve having a non-circular profile on an inner surface thereof whereby the sleeve can be slidably mounted on the non-circular exterior profiles of the first and second members when such profiles are brought into alignment by rotation of one member relative to the other in a manner effective to pass torque from one member to the other by means of the non-circular profiles, a first pair of alignable holes in the sleeve and first member to receive a fastener to secure the sleeve to the first member and a hole in the second member penetrating the threaded socket and positioned to receive a fastener to secure the second member to a third membe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company, LLC
    Inventor: Robert F. Crane
  • Patent number: 8844656
    Abstract: An earth bit includes a cutting cone carried by a lug, and an interstice seal assembly which forms a dynamic seal with a radial interstice lug surface of the lug. The interstice seal assembly includes a rigid sealing ring having lengthened and shortened arm portions. The lengthened arm portion extends outwardly from the shortened arm portion, and engages the radial interstice lug surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Secoroc LLC
    Inventor: Gregory W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8844657
    Abstract: A stand on mower includes a left foot pedal and a right foot pedal. Each foot pedal is spaced from the other and is dimensioned to support one of the operator's feet. Each foot pedal is biased to a neutral position generally parallel to a horizontal surface of a foot platform located generally between or behind a pair of traction drive wheels. The left foot pedal and the right foot pedal pivot independently forwardly and rearwardly to forward and reverse traction drive positions, and are connected to a pair of wheel motors respectively that rotate each of the traction drive wheels in either forward or reverse based on the traction drive positions of the foot pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Richard Hugo Clark
  • Patent number: 8844658
    Abstract: An electronic steering and control apparatus and related control methods for a pair of variable drive units. The variable drive units may be hydrostatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), or other similar devices. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that may include a mowing deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Alan D. Goetzelmann, Ivan E. Fox, Andy Vogel, Raymond Hauser
  • Patent number: 8844659
    Abstract: A motor vehicle comprising an electric motor, at least one battery, and an electronic regulation unit connected to a potentiometer of the accelerator to regulate the power supply of the electric motor. The stator of the electric motor is rotatably mounted on two fixed supports joined to the frame of the vehicle, an axle shaft of a wheel is connected to the stator and the axle shaft of the other wheel is connected to the rotor. The vehicle additionally comprises a rotation reversing device to reverse the rotation of one of the two axle shafts of the wheels with respect to the rotation of the rotor or stator, respectively, an endothermic motor, an electric generator connected to the battery and a three way clutch to couple the endothermic motor to the generator and/or stator of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Pieralisi Maip Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Gennaro Pieralisi
  • Patent number: 8844660
    Abstract: A hybrid working machine includes an engine, an assist motor configured to assist the engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, an electric power accumulating unit configured to feed the assist motor with electric power, an electric-discharge electric motor configured to perform power running with electric power of an electric power accumulator of the electric power accumulating unit, an electric-discharge hydraulic motor connected to the electric-discharge electric motor, and a hydraulic circuit configured to control driving of the electric-discharge hydraulic motor. The hydraulic circuit includes a circulation circuit configured to be connected to a hydraulic feed port and a hydraulic discharge port of the electric-discharge hydraulic motor and a selector valve configured to perform such switching as to connect the electric-discharge hydraulic motor to the circulation circuit at a time of performing an electric discharge operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kawashima, Makoto Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 8844661
    Abstract: A road vehicle having: a plurality of operating devices, and a frame comprising two door sills, which are oriented longitudinally, are arranged laterally on opposite sides of the frame, and have an internally hollow tubular shape, so that a seat is defined inside each door sill, in which at least one operating device is arranged inside at least one door sill in the corresponding seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
  • Patent number: 8844662
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a fuel system and a vehicle which can improve mountability and assembly ease of parts. A fuel system comprises a fuel storage source; a filling line adapted to connect the fuel storage source to a filling port; a supply line adapted to connect the fuel storage source to a fuel destination; a pressure reducing valve installed in the supply line; a first pressure sensor adapted to detect primary or secondary pressure of the pressure reducing valve; and an assembly which is an integration of the pressure reducing valve and the first pressure sensor. The assembly functions as a pipe fitting inserted in the supply line and has a line branch point for the supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehisa Tsubokawa
  • Patent number: 8844663
    Abstract: A twin engine improves fuel efficiency in a low-load section and generates sufficient output in a high-load section by selecting a specific bank or operating all of the banks in accordance with necessity of required load. The twin engine may include a plurality of engine banks that independently operates in a unit of a cylinder block equipped with a plurality of cylinders, transmissions that are provided at the same number of engine banks and disposed between output ends of engine banks, a power controller that selectively collects the power output from the output ends of transmissions and transmits the power to driving wheels, and a driving controller that controls the operations of the engine banks and the power controller, such that the engine banks are selectively or simultaneously operated in accordance with traveling conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wonjin Jo, Hyunwook Shin
  • Patent number: 8844664
    Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a user over a surface. In one embodiment a rear located propulsion unit is elastically linked to a forward user platform, such as a snowboard, skis, or skateboard. Preferably, the elastic interconnection includes one or more springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: James Edward Decker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8844665
    Abstract: A skid steered light all terrain vehicle (LATV), including two driving units for the wheels or tracks on both sides of the vehicle and a differential steering device with a differential gear. The differential steering device is designed to produce a defined differential speed of the two drive units of the vehicle related to the steering angle of the steering device regardless to the surface condition where the vehicle is driving. The LATV also includes an additional steering drive acting on the differential gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Swissauto Powersport LLC
    Inventors: Urs Wenger, Beat Kohler, Hans-Rudolf Jenni
  • Patent number: 8844666
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame having a head pipe axially supporting a steering shaft and a main frame extending rearwardly and downwardly therefrom. A down tube extends downwardly. An internal combustion engine is supported by the vehicle body frame with a cylinder extending upward from a crankcase. A fuel tank is arranged on the upper side of the main frame. An air-intake apparatus is configured to supply air to the internal combustion engine wherein an evaporable fuel storage container is configured to store evaporating fuel generated in the fuel tank and supply the evaporating fuel to an air-intake apparatus when the internal combustion engine is in operation is arranged in a space on the rear side of an upper portion of the down tube, the lower side of the fuel tank, and on the front side or on the upper side of the cylinder of the internal engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naohiro Ashida
  • Patent number: 8844667
    Abstract: A control device controls driving of a motor such that a clutch of a power transmission mechanism is moved to a disconnecting position and thereby a belt reacher device is moved around in a forward direction of a vehicle by a return spring of the belt reacher device, if a change from an open state to a closed state of a door is detected by a door switch. The control device controls driving of the motor such that a webbing is winded and thereby the belt reacher device is moved around to a retracted position in a backward direction of the vehicle, if a determination is made that no occupant seated in a passenger seat is detected by an output of an OFF signal from a buckle switch of the passenger seat and a determination is made that start-up of the vehicle is detected by an output of an ON signal from an ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shotaro Odate
  • Patent number: 8844668
    Abstract: A combined heat shield and wire-holding structure for a saddle-type vehicle, where the vehicle includes a pair of right and left frame sections extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a fuel tank disposed above the vehicle body frame sections. The combined heat shield and wire-holding structure comprises a heat shield, which is disposed below the fuel tank and which extends between the right and left body frame sections. The combined heat shield and wire-holding structure includes a wire-holding portion which extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction outside of the vehicle body frame, and the wire-holding portion holds a wiring harness routed through an inside portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Oshima, Masayuki Hojo
  • Patent number: 8844669
    Abstract: A modular portal wheel end system for connection to a plurality of different axles for vehicles. The portal wheel end system includes a housing configure to be selectively coupled with any one of the plurality of different axles. A plurality of input gears are configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing about a first rotational axis. A plurality of output gears are configured to be interchangeably connected to the housing about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis. Each of the gears having a different predetermined width along their respective axis. The housing includes an inner portion at least partially supporting the input and output gears and an outer ring coupled to the inner portion with the outer ring having a width corresponding to the predetermined width of the input and output gears to define a cavity surrounding the input and output gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Axletech International IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Armfield
  • Patent number: 8844670
    Abstract: An electric power steering device which, when an abnormality occurs in one phase of a three-phase brushless motor, permits continuous driving of the motor using the remaining two phases without deteriorating the steering feeling. When a power distribution abnormality of a drive system of one phase of respective phase coils has been detected by an abnormality detection section, an abnormal-time phase current instruction value for using the remaining two phase coils is calculated based on a steering assist electric current instruction value, and an electric motor is driven based on that abnormal-time phase current instruction value. At that time, when an electrical angle falls within an acceleration region, the abnormal-time phase current instruction value is increased or decreased for correction in order to accelerate rotation of the three-phase brushless motor in a steering direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yousuke Imamura, Daisuke Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8844671
    Abstract: An apparatus for damping sound in the optical beam path of a microscope, having an acoustic insulation housing for encapsulating a sound-emitting component, preferably a rapidly moving or oscillating beam deflection means, in particular a resonantly oscillating mirror, the housing comprising at least one optical entrance/exit opening, is characterized in that the housing, preferably the opening of the housing, is embodied and/or configured in such a way that the sound otherwise emerging from the housing is largely extinguished by destructive interference without thereby influencing the optical beam. A microscope having a corresponding apparatus is furthermore claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Birk, Volker Seyfried, Dirk-Oliver Fehrer, Vishnu Varden Krishnamachari
  • Patent number: 8844672
    Abstract: The invention relates to a two-stroke engine for an engine-driven tool, including a muffler, especially for a manually operated engine-driven tool such as a maintenance device for gardens or green spaces, for a hand-held tool such as a chain saw, a hand-held circular saw or an angle grinder or for a small motorcycle, a boat engine and the like, wherein the flow channel between the muffler inlet and the first chamber is formed so as to promote flow such that the exhaust gas entering the muffler inlet mainly enters the first chamber due to its inertia and once the first chamber is full flows back again. The counterpressure of the exhaust gas is produced at a point in time in which the piston releases the outlet and the fuel-air mixture at least for its most part has entered the combustion chamber through the at least one transfer passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Christian Kellermann
  • Patent number: 8844673
    Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine includes an outer shell, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and at least one constricted part. The at least one constricted part is provided in at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe on an open side thereof opening toward an inside of the outer shell. The at least one constricted part has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, which is provided with the at least one constricted part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Kainuma
  • Patent number: 8844674
    Abstract: A dual-purpose assault ladder and bridging apparatus includes a right frame and a left frame both including upper and lower frame tubes. Assault steps are connected between the right and left frames. Spanning supports connect upper frame tubes. Truss brackets secure one end of an assault step to the frame elements. Assault step support tubes are located to support the assault steps. Bridging steps are connected between the right and left frames and the assault steps. A top portion is mounted at an oblique angle slanting the top portion to position the angled assault steps substantially parallel to the ground when the ladder is leaned against a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Collin Smith
  • Patent number: 8844675
    Abstract: A portable ladder has two stiles interconnected by rungs. The ladder is provided with a stand off device, including two stand off arm assemblies, each being telescopically inserted into a receiving space. Each stand off arm assembly has a base part and a stand off arm interconnected by a hinge that allows the stand off arm to be pivoted between a position in alignment with the base part and an angled stand off position. The stand off arm assemblies are each configured such that—in extended position—the hinge is located outside the receiving space with the base part being located within said receiving space, and also such that—in retracted position—the base part, the hinge, as well as at least a portion of the stand off arm are located within the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lampe Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Caspar Bernard Lampe, Maarten Olden
  • Patent number: 8844676
    Abstract: A ladder-like access device is suited for securing to a tire of a vehicle by way of a strap, rope, chain, cable or similar structure. The device may include extendable legs to adapt its length to a range of wheel and tire sizes. A variety of structures, materials and construction methods are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kim Carl Filkowski
  • Patent number: 8844677
    Abstract: An expandable and collapsible platform system for providing a portable elevated platform for a user has a generally “A” shaped platform support member. A first vertical leg is attached to a second vertical leg via a top base and a plurality of fixed horizontal rungs. The fixed horizontal rungs incrementally increase in width from top to bottom. The first vertical leg has a first vertical leg extension and the second vertical leg has a second vertical leg extension. A horizontal beam has an engagement component for interfacing with a stationary vertical support surface with a hinge mounted to a top base. A planar flooring member is located on a top base top surface and a horizontal beam top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: George Young, II
  • Patent number: 8844678
    Abstract: The purpose of the invention is an arrangement for the lubrication of saw chains, which comprises a grease tank (3) and apparatus for feeding grease via piping (4) to a saw chain. The apparatus for feeding grease to the saw chain (2) comprise a hydraulic device (3, 5, 6, 7), which is adapted to be powered by a hydraulic system (8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Osakeyhtiö SKF Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jouko Ilmarinen
  • Patent number: 8844679
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, Christopher D. Holland
  • Patent number: 8844680
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a utility vehicle with a lubricating unit having a lubricant reservoir, a pump, and a distributor attached thereto to which supply lines to a plurality of lubrication points can be attached, and comprising a control module having at least two lubrication programs stored therein, wherein the pump initiates an ejection of grease in a cycle predetermined by the respective lubrication program. The object of the invention is to improve upon a lubrication system such that a change between lubrication programs and optionally the execution of an intermediate lubrication using an automatic lubrication system is possible during driving operations independent of the presence of a higher level on-board electronics system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera, Swen Saupe
  • Patent number: 8844681
    Abstract: A device for oil or fluid grease lubrication, including a reservoir able to house a determined quantity of lubricant, a pump arranged to draw the lubricant from the reservoir and to feed it under pressure to a delivery port to which a lubricant distribution pipe can be connected, a control unit arranged to regulate the pump operation, and a sensor for sensing the lubricant level within the reservoir. The level sensor is an infrared sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dropsa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Walter Divisi
  • Patent number: 8844682
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical brake, in particular for aircraft, the brake comprising a support carrying at least one electromechanical actuator comprising a pusher that is axially displaceable towards friction elements in order to apply a braking force to the friction elements, selectively, wherein the actuator is mounted on the support via a connection member allowing at least a portion of the actuator carrying the pusher to tilt angularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Maurice Perrault, Philippe Chico
  • Patent number: 8844683
    Abstract: A disc brake for a motor vehicle, wherein the disc brake comprises a housing, a brake disc which can be rotated relative to the housing, at least one friction lining, and at least one actuating device which is configured for bringing about a relative movement between the brake disc and the friction lining, with the result that the friction lining can be brought into contact with the brake disc, wherein the actuating device has at least one actuating piston which is guided displaceably in the housing in a hydraulically sealing manner, wherein the actuating piston can be displaced in the housing hydraulically and via a mechanical actuator. In the disc brake, it is provided that the actuating piston is coupled to the mechanical actuator via an elastically deformable driving arrangement, wherein, as a consequence of a relative displacement between the actuating piston and the actuator, the driving arrangement provides a restoring movement in accordance with its elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Sternal, Michael Walden