Patents Issued in September 30, 2014
  • Patent number: 8845237
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying a reinforced soil structure, said structure comprising: a fill, a first facing including an outer face defining the front face of the structure, and at least one stabilization element connected to the first facing and extending in a reinforced area of the fill located behind the front face of the structure, the modification method including the steps of arranging a second facing along the outer face of the first facing, disconnecting the stabilization element from the first facing, connecting the stabilization element to the second facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventor: Nicolas Freitag
  • Patent number: 8845238
    Abstract: A panel assembly of a trench box has a frame, a receptacle affixed within the frame, a connector having one end portion received in the receptacle at an opposite end portion extending outwardly of the frame, and a pipe having one end affixed to the opposite end portion of the connector member and extending outwardly therefrom. The connector member has a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. This flange bears directly or indirectly against either or both of the receptacle and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Roger F. Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8845239
    Abstract: A shoring box having frame supports coupled to lateral spreader bars. The shoring box is configured to accept exterior panels in a manner capable of providing vertical translation about an exterior surface of the shoring box. The shoring box is further configured to accept a plurality of interior panels in a manner capable of providing customizable shoring above and below utility lines, pipes, duct banks, and the like. In this regard, the shoring box is adapted to shore around one or more obstructions within an excavation, trench, or hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Taymurt Shoring, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Taylor, Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 8845240
    Abstract: A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, different portions of the impermeable membrane are positioned (a) between the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket and the bottom surface of the corresponding reinforcing member, (b) around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member, (c) along the top surface of the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket, and (d) angled upward toward an adjacent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: AWT IP, LLC
    Inventor: Carlton Dudding
  • Patent number: 8845241
    Abstract: A radius end mill including an end mill body which is rotated around an axis thereof; a chip discharge flute being provided at an outer periphery of a tip portion of the end mill body; a gash being provided at a tip portion of the chip discharge flute; a rake face being formed on a wall face facing an end-mill rotational direction in the chip discharge flute or the gash; a cutting edge being formed on the rake face; the cutting edge including an end cutting edge, an outer peripheral cutting edge, and a convex circular-arc-shaped corner cutting edge; the end cutting edge being formed at a side ridge portion on the tip portion of the rake face; the outer peripheral cutting edge being formed at a side ridge portion on the outer peripheral side of the rake face; the convex circular-arc-shaped corner cutting edge being formed at a corner side ridge portion formed by the end cutting edge and the outer peripheral cutting edge; wherein the corner cutting edge has a positive cutting edge inclination angle; and the por
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventor: Taro Abe
  • Patent number: 8845242
    Abstract: A coolant distributor for use with a cutting head of a machine tool that is adapted to be rotated about a rotational axis. The coolant distributor comprises a generally cylindrical body adapted to be coupled to the cutting head about the rotational axis, the generally cylindrical body having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being disposed adjacent the cutting head when the generally cylindrical body is coupled to the cutting head. At least one feed passage is formed in the generally cylindrical body, the feed passage having a first end disposed proximate the first end of the generally cylindrical body and a second end disposed proximate the second end of the generally cylindrical body. A deflecting element is disposed in the feed passage proximate the second end of the feed passage. An outflow passage is connected to the feed passage and disposed obliquely to the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Schuffenhauer, Ramona Beck
  • Patent number: 8845243
    Abstract: Reaming tool includes a head and one or more detachable cutting inserts fixed in seats. The seat includes radial, tangential and axial support surfaces, while the cutting insert has a mirror-symmetrical polyhedron shape comprising six limiting surfaces, viz. two chip surfaces and four clearance surfaces, a number of alternately usable identical cutting edges formed in the transitions between the chip and clearance surfaces. The cutting insert has a rhombic cross-sectional shape with four clearance surfaces, which meet each other in pairs at obtuse angles in two opposite corners, and which, along each individual chip surface, form two cutting edges alternately usable by indexing the cutting insert. The seat additionally includes a slope surface forming an obtuse angle with the radial support surface, suitably of the same magnitude as the obtuse angle between the clearance surfaces of the cutting insert. Tool head and reaming insert for the tool are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Per Hansson
  • Patent number: 8845244
    Abstract: A drill bit, has a front side (5) and a circumferential surface (19) adjoining the front side (5). The front side (5) has a main cutting edge (7) including a transverse cutting edge (3) extending through a center axis (11) of the drill bit (1), and has two first and second main cutting-edge regions (13, 15) adjoining the transverse cutting edge (9) and extending radially toward the circumferential surface (19). The circumferential surface (19) comprises at least two chip flutes (21, 23), which between them delimit a first and a second web (25, 27), and three lands, of which a first land adjoins the end of the first main cutting-edge region (13) facing away from the transverse cutting edge (9), and serves as a free cutting-edge land (33), and additionally has a free cutting edge (39), a second land adjoins the end of the second main cutting-edge region (15) facing away from the transverse cutting edge (9), and serves as a guide land (35), and a third land serves as a support land (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mapal Fabrik fur Prazisionswerkzeuge Dr. Kress KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Krenzer
  • Patent number: 8845245
    Abstract: A dampened spindle cartridge and a dampened spindle adaptor are provided for damping tool vibrations during operation of a machine tool. Damping media is arranged inside a cavity formed within the spindle adaptor or the spindle cartridge. The damping media may be a solid aggregate, such as steel shot or sand, or a viscous fluid, such as oil. The damping media attenuates and/or converts tool vibrations into friction and heat, thereby dissipating vibration energy generated during cutting operations performed by the machine tool and prevents reinforcement of the forced vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Haas Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene F. Haas, Fred G. Eubanks, Peter A. Kiss, Curt J. Gelderman
  • Patent number: 8845246
    Abstract: A machine tool comprising a machine frame having dimensionally rigid side walls, each including top-side horizontal guide rails. A compound slide is displaceable in or on the guide rails. On the front of the compound slide is a machining unit comprising a spindle head which is vertically displaceable. A workpiece mounting unit is disposed in the space between the side walls. The workpiece mounting unit may have a workpiece table or a workpiece chucking device. In order to form an enlarged access to the work area of the machine tool, one side wall is shorter at the front than the other side wall. Further, the linear guides or guide rails mounted to the side walls of the machine frame may be aligned at an acute angle ? to the vertical center plane of the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Seebach GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Tüllmann, Matthias Brand
  • Patent number: 8845247
    Abstract: A milling machine has a base, a work platform mounted movably on the base, and a ruler mounted on the work platform. The work platform is movable relative to a base axis. The thermal compensation system includes a sensor and a control unit. The sensor is configured to be mounted on the base for sensing a position of each of the work platform and the ruler relative to the base axis. The control unit is coupled to the sensor, and determines a work platform displacement and a ruler displacement according to the positions sensed by the sensor. The control unit further calculates a compensation value based on the work platform displacement and the ruler displacement. The control unit is configured to correct the position of the work platform relative to the base axis according to the compensation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Buffalo Machinery Company Limited, The Department of Electrical Engineering, National Chang-Hua University of Education
    Inventors: Ching-Wei Wu, Ying-Shing Shiao, Chia-Hui Tang, Yu-Che Wang, Paul Chang
  • Patent number: 8845248
    Abstract: A transport structure for transporting and/or lifting a large scale generator, in particular a generator of a wind turbine is disclosed. A handling base is included with an upper side and a lower side and a first longitudinal end and second longitudinal end, and an interface arrangement at the handling base realized such that a generator can be releasably attached to the handling base in the direction of the upper side. A method for transporting and for lifting a large scale generator is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henning Poulsen
  • Patent number: 8845249
    Abstract: A toolless quick release device for attaching cargo handling system equipment to floor fittings is provided. The quick release device includes a stud, outer retainer, and inner retainer. The stud includes a locking head portion configured to be received in a slotted track. The neck portion of the stud and a center portion of the inner retainer are disposed within a center hole of the outer retainer. The hole of the outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball. The ball may engage one or more recesses in the inner retainer and rotatably fixes the outer portion with respect to the inner portion of the stud. The outer portion further includes an arcuate track that receives a tab from the inner retainer, with the arc length of the track defining the possible relative rotation of the inner retainer and stud with respect to the outer retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventor: John F. Rowles
  • Patent number: 8845250
    Abstract: A tie-down anchor for insertion into a stake opening in the sidewall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The tie-down anchor is constructed for releasable engagement with the sidewall, and arranged for receiving and releasably engaging at least one tie-down line. The tie-down anchor comprises a continuous, elongate flexible frame having first and second side members extending apart from a common transition point. The tie-down anchor is moveable from a first position, disengaged from a pick-up truck sidewall, to a second position, disposed through a stake opening, engaged with the pick-up truck sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Helms
  • Patent number: 8845251
    Abstract: Fastening devices are disclosed herein with variations on how said devices resist loosening or un-fastening from a structure or structures. In some examples, the fastening devices accomplish the removal resistant condition by using a spring component engaging ridged surfaces. The spring component generally consists of a spring ring conveniently coiled to a canting position. One exemplary design is characterized by incorporating a screw element with its head underside surface being ridged and a lock element with a ridged topside surface and engaging the two ridges surfaces. Another exemplary design is characterized by a screw element having a head outer sidewall being ridged for cooperating with a bore having a ridged inner sidewall. The bore can be part of a first body or structure or a lock element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Changsrivong, Hugh Cook
  • Patent number: 8845252
    Abstract: A bolt (10) for securing timber to any other material, comprises: a bolt head (101) with a series of spiked teeth (102) on its underside; a cylindrical bolt rod (103) extending from the bolt head (101) is threaded and split into two rods (105a,b) at its free end, so as to define a slot (106) therebetween. In use a user drills a hole through pieces of timber to be secured together, and hammers the bolt through the hole. The spiked teeth on the bolt head lock into the timber, securing the bolt at one end. At the free, split end of the bolt rod, a washer and nut are tightened onto the bolt. A cold chisel is hammered into the slot between the split ends of the rod, bending the ends outwards and thus preventing the nut from loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Doye, Daniel Hardingham
  • Patent number: 8845253
    Abstract: A fastener includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end, a helical thread having a crest, a root, and flank portions formed on at least a portion of the elongated body, and at least one protrusion extending from the crest and flank portion. The at least one protrusion is an axially extending V-shape of the crest, flank portions, and root of the helical thread with a peak of the at least one protrusion having a ridge that extends radially outward from the root of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Triangle Fastener Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Stager, James Richard Johnston, Charles Whitehill Friday
  • Patent number: 8845254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-locking bolt-nut assembly including a bolt; a nut tightened on the bolt; and a washer provided between the bolt and the nut, wherein the nut has a counterbore being formed in the nut, and has a plurality of stop protrusions formed on the inner surface of the circumferential sidewall of the counterbored portion of the nut, the stop protrusions being arranged in a circumferential direction at regular intervals, the washer including the rotation-preventive protrusion protruded on inner circumference of the washer towards the center thereof, the rotation-preventive protrusion being inserted into the insertion guide groove; and a plurality of elastic protrusions which is protruded on outer circumference of the washer, being inclined in the direction where the nut is turned to tighten it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Sang Cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 8845255
    Abstract: A variety of fasteners and guide assembly devices are disclosed. The fasteners in various forms include a guide member that protrudes from the fastener to facilitate guiding of the fastener into a hole, passage, opening, etc. or corresponding fastener component such as a nut. The guide member may be substantially rigid or substantially flexible. The guide member may be permanently or temporarily attached to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Jordan CreativeWorks, LLC
    Inventor: Jordan S. Bernhard
  • Patent number: 8845256
    Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment for a fastener comprising a cylindrical shaft, a head attached to the shaft, and two or more external longitudinal threadforms, where each threadform comprises a plurality of spaced protrusions forming a separate sinusoidal path around the shaft. When the shaft is inserted into a corresponding mating receptacle, a combination of the shaft and the mating receptacle provides two or more pitches. The disclosure further provides for a fastener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kevin O. Gaw
  • Patent number: 8845257
    Abstract: A fastener is fixed to a body panel by inserting a second portion of a clip and the body panel between a flange-shaped head and deformed bulge created by crimping a blind rivet inserted into a mounting hole in the body panel. Afterwards, when a fender panel is inserted between a first portion and the second portion of the clip, pressure is applied to the inserted fender panel from above and below by ribs and on the first and second portions, thereby clamping the fender panel between the first and second portions, and fixing the fastener to the fender panel. The fastener is positioned inside an anti-rotation depression in the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8845258
    Abstract: A paper sheet binding die set comprises first and second dies, each having an opposed surface comprising a plurality of tooth portions. The first and second dies face each other such that the first die and the second die are capable of meshing with each other. Each tooth portion of the first die comprises a valley-bottom portion, and a peak-top portion. Each tooth portion of the second die comprises a valley-bottom portion, a peak-top portion, and an inclined-surface portion extending at an incline from the valley-bottom portion to the peak-top portion. The peak-top portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of the first die has a length so as to cover the inclined-surface portion of the corresponding tooth portion of the second die upon meshing of the first and second dies. The first and second dies pressurize the plurality of stacked paper sheets to bind them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Shohei Mori
  • Patent number: 8845259
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and corresponding apparatus of transferring a piece of cloth (3) from a pair of spreader clamps (4,5) to a conveyor (1) via a transverse boom, where the piece of cloth is first suspended and straightened between the spreader clamps, then delivered to the transverse boom (8,9), and subsequently delivered from the transverse boom to the conveyor. Apart from that, a straightening of the fore edge of the piece of cloth is performed, seen in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor, after its delivery from the clamps to the transverse boom has been initiated, but before it is delivered to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Jensen Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Steen Nielsen, Henrik Munch Jensen, Niels Peter Madsen
  • Patent number: 8845260
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving pipe between pipe storage racks and a pipe handler on a pipe deck of a drilling rig. The apparatus is capable of retrieving pipe from tiered stacks of pipe in a pipe rack located behind Samson posts, and moving the pipe up and over the Samson posts onto a pipe stand or pipe handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Markwater Handling Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Virgil Gerber
  • Patent number: 8845261
    Abstract: A system of single or multiple modules with self driving capabilities specifically for the movement of single or multiple shipping containers with a single operator on foot using a ‘wireless control unit’ to imitate commands to the individual modules, inter-connected to act in concert. As the units are configured from one (1) to forty-five (45) containers, the modules are connected utilizing the specialty pin assembly inherent to the invention. The invention has the capability to articulate in the vertical plane, allowing the complete modular unit to transverse inclines; declines and slight obstructions while in the normal operational environment. This accommodates ramps up or down onto the barges, or onto surfaces in the receiving ports. The ‘wireless control unit’ also allows the operator and the Command and Control operations to visualize the individual module while transversing all surfaces allowing for the visualization of the stack in a three dimensional display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Stephan Vincent Kroecker
  • Patent number: 8845262
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate transit table configured to mount thereon a plurality of substrates; a substrate processing chamber configured to process the substrate one by one; a substrate transfer device capable of loading the substrate into the substrate processing chamber from the substrate transit table and unloading the substrate from the substrate processing chamber to the substrate transit table; and N number of (N is an integer equal to or larger than 3) substrate holding devices provided at the substrate transfer device and configured to hold the substrates one by one. Here, a multiplicity of (2 to N?1 number of) substrates are concurrently held by 2 to N?1 number of substrate holding devices among the N number of substrate holding devices and one substrate is loaded into the substrate processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Akira Murata, Issei Ueda, Osamu Kuroda, Kouji Kimoto, Masahiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8845263
    Abstract: A system for moving a shelving system includes a lifting system that is operable to engage a section of a shelving system with a lifting element and to move the section of the shelving system upwardly or downwardly relative to a ground surface. The system also employs a moving device that is positionable between the shelving-system section and the ground surface when the lifting device moves the shelving-system section upwardly. The moving device also receives the section of shelving system onto a receiving area when the lifting device lowers the shelving-system section. The at least one movement component allows the at least one moving element to move relative to the ground surface. A lifting system for lifting a shelving system may include a jack and a lifting bracket that couples operation of the jack to upward or downward movement of the shelving-system section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Gondola Train
    Inventor: Richard G. Walsh
  • Patent number: 8845264
    Abstract: A bed transport and utility dolly comprising two or more supports which removably attach at the head and the foot of an adjustable bed. The dolly provides bed transport in a taller and thinner form and allows easy movement through doorways and safe navigation of hallways. The present art apparatus and method of use utilizes the ability of an adjustable bed to substantially retract the bed support arms or legs whereby the transport and utility dolly retains the weight of the bed and allows rotation of the bed into a taller and thinner form before transport, all without the use of specialty tools or extra dollies. Each support comprises a frame with a pivotally attached swing arm having one or more bed couplers with quick release mechanisms which removably attach to the frame or other structurally supportive portion of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: NOA Medical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig P. Kubiak, Michael W. Megown
  • Patent number: 8845265
    Abstract: A detection link of a spill guard link mechanism is pivoted and connected to a bucket bracket in a position proximate to a bucket pivot support axis rotatably supporting a bucket and above a lower surface of a boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Oyama, Masahiro Sugioka, Shusaku Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8845266
    Abstract: Systems, equipment and processes involving one or more aspects such as extending the scope of automation in port container facilities, increasing port capacity within fixed land resources, increasing operational productivity, increasing safety, increasing the velocity and reliability of goods movement, increasing freight security, reducing negative environmental impacts, and/or reducing the overall cost of goods movement are disclosed. In some implementations, storage areas may be accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Marine Terminals Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ward, Kai Stuart Martin
  • Patent number: 8845267
    Abstract: A propeller pod drive for a vessel has at least one driveshaft for driving a propeller, at least one radial bearing arrangement for receiving radial forces, at least one axial bearing arrangement for receiving axial forces of the driveshaft. A thrust collar is supported in axial direction on at least one side in axial direction at a guide device, and a supporting structure for arranging the at least one radial bearing arrangement and the axial bearing arrangement. The guide device has at least three, axial sliding segments arranged in a segment guide and each of which has a sliding surface in contact with the thrust collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: RENK Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dierk Welz, Uwe Wenzel, Rainer Mischak
  • Patent number: 8845268
    Abstract: A compressor typically for use in a turbocharger comprises a downstream radial compressor impeller wheel, an upstream axial compressor impeller wheel and an intermediate stator. The compressor housing has an inlet with inner and outer walls that define between them an MWE gas flow passage. An upstream opening defined by the flow passage provides communication between the passage and the intake and at least one first slot downstream of the upstream opening provides communication between the passage and the inner surface of the inner wall. The stator comprises a plurality of fixed vanes and is disposed in the inner wall of the inlet between the radial and axial impeller wheels. The position of the slot can be at one of several positions along the gas flow passage, in other embodiments there are second and third slots and the flow passage is divided into two parts. All the arrangements are designed to improve the compressor map width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Bahram Nikpour
  • Patent number: 8845269
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor for a turbine engine including a casing (4), at least one compressor stage consisting of a stationary blade (2) impeller and a mobile blade (1) impeller positioned upstream from said stationary blade (2) impeller, and cavities (5) made in said casing opposite the through-path of the mobile blades (1), said cavities having a length L2 measured axially and being shifted upstream relative to the blades (1) so as to generate an overlap with a length L1, characterized in that the lengths L1 and L2 are respectively between 35% and 50% and between 80% and 90% of the axial chord Cax measured at the outer end of the blades (1), and in that the cavities (5) do not in communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Xavier Jean Yves Alain Agneray, Jerome Jean Bert, Alexandre Franck Arnaud Chartoire, Armel Touyeras
  • Patent number: 8845270
    Abstract: A rotor assembly is disclosed herein. The rotor assembly includes a hub disposed for rotation about an axis of rotation. The rotor assembly also includes at least one blade fixed with the hub for concurrent rotation with the hub. The at least one blade extends along a height axis radially outward from the hub with a root portion proximate to the hub at a first end of the height axis and an airfoil portion extending radially inward from a second end of the height axis opposite the first end. The rotor assembly also includes a sheath extending at least partially around the root portion. The sheath is pivotally engaged with the at least one blade to pivot about the height axis and allowed to weathervane to reduce noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Carl David Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 8845271
    Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft comprising a rotatable elongated cylinder with axially spaced journal bearing surfaces on the inside diameter and a thrust face on each end. A sleeve on the shaft incorporates a flange on one end that transmits thrust force to one thrust face on the elongated cylinder. A flanged collar on the opposite end of the shaft transmits thrust force to the thrust face on the opposite end of the elongated cylinder. A radially extending flange on one end of the elongated cylinder transmits thrust forces to stationary housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: William E. Woollenweber, Joseph S. Delgado
  • Patent number: 8845272
    Abstract: A turbine shroud includes a body having a plurality of sides. A first inward facing groove is defined by a first side of the body, and a first seal covers the first inward facing groove to define a first fluid passage in the first inward facing groove along the first side of the body. A first inlet port through the first seal fluid communication through the first seal into the first fluid passage. A method for forming a turbine shroud includes forming an inner surface and forming an outer surface opposed to the inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured for exposure to a hot gas path. The method further includes defining a first slot in the inner surface and extending a first seal across the first slot to define a first fluid passage in the first slot along the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Wayne Weber, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Patent number: 8845273
    Abstract: A fluid transfer arrangement comprising a duct having a first end and a second end, a pulse generation mechanism located at the first end of the duct to direct fluid pulses towards the second end of the duct in use, and a baffle located at the second end of the duct that defines an aperture having sharp edges. The sharp edges generate ring vortex fluid flow from the aperture in use. Applications include impingement heating and cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Zahid M. Hussain, Christopher T. J. Sheaf, Brian A. Handley
  • Patent number: 8845274
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon presence sensor used to detect for the presence of a fuel in a buffer cavity of an inter-propellant seal. A sensor is formed on a rotor shaft in the buffer cavity and an optical imaging device is used to view a change in appearance of the sensor when a hydrocarbon forms on the surface. The sensor is formed from either an oil/fuel leak detection powder or an oil colorimetric developer. A white light source or a laser is reflected off of the sensor and an optical imaging device reads the reflected light to detect for a change in color or intensity of the light to indicate if a hydrocarbon is present on the sensor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth D. Garvin, Elizabeth V. Stein, Alex Pinera
  • Patent number: 8845275
    Abstract: A cranking pad assembly for a gearbox of a turbomachine including a cranking pad shaft rotatably secured in a gearbox housing and engageable with a gearbox drivetrain when urged inwardly into the gearbox housing. The cranking pad shaft includes an interface for a cranking tool. An interlock pin retains the cranking tool at the cranking pad shaft and a disconnect spring is operably connected to the gearbox housing to bias the cranking pad shaft outwardly from the gearbox housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Short, Jeff A. Brown
  • Patent number: 8845276
    Abstract: Fluid-powered devices are detailed. The devices may be utilized as motors or pumps, for example, and are capable to switching dynamically between these functions. They additionally may use surface-area, rather than solely pressure, differentials to produce rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden, Michael Edward Moore
  • Patent number: 8845277
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a bearing and a bearing support having a first wall extending between first and second ends and operatively supported by the bearing at a first end. An engine case is secured to the second end radially outward of the first end. A second wall integral with and extending transversely from the first wall provides a flexible support. The second wall has a flange, and a gear train component is secured to the flange. A gas turbine engine includes a support structure which supports the main rotatable structure via bearings and gear train components. The support provides both the necessary structural support for the rotor structure as well as desired flexibility for a fan drive gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Todd A. Davis
  • Patent number: 8845278
    Abstract: A radial turbine includes a radial turbine wheel provided with a main pathway in which blade height progressively increases while curving toward an axial direction from a radial direction. A sub-let is formed on a shroud side of the radial turbine wheel at a position separated from the main inlet in the radial direction and the axial direction. Also, a blade shape that forms the sub-inlet is such that, in a plane orthogonal to the axial line of the radial turbine wheel, a center line of the blade is inclined at a predetermined angle toward the rotation direction with respect to the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Higashimori, Masayuki Kawami
  • Patent number: 8845279
    Abstract: A supercharger device, including, at least one of a variable turbine and a compressor geometry; a guide vane device arranged in a housing, wherein the guide vane device includes at least one vane mounting ring; at least one guide vane is at least one of rotatably mounted thereon the vane mounting ring and rotatably mounted therein the vane mounting ring; and an adjusting ring arranged coaxially to the vane mounting ring and mounted on the latter, which is rotated relative to the vane mounting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Patric Hoecker, Florian Rentz, Ian Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8845280
    Abstract: A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine has an aerofoil portion extending from a root to a tip. The tip carries winglets. A gutter extends across the tip to entrain gas leaking around the tip (over tip leakage). The aerofoil portion has a mean camber line and the gutter has a center line. In the examples described, the conditions that (a) the mean camber line and the centre line coincide at the exit when viewed from the tip towards the root, and (b) the mean camber line and the center line are parallel at the exit when viewed as aforesaid, are not both fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Diamond, Caner H. Helvaci, Roderick M. Townes, Ian Tibbott, Dougal R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8845281
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor comprises at least one stage suited to separate a liquid phase and a gas phase with the aid of at least one of a hydrophobic, super-hydrophobic, hydrophilic or super-hydrophilic surface layer, wherein the hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic surface layer is disposed on at least one of an inlet guide vane, impeller, return channel straight hub, or exiting hub bend; and the hydrophilic and/or super-hydrophilic surface is disposed on at least one of the impeller casing, diffuser casing, exiting casing bend, return channel straight hub, exiting hub bend, collection point, or drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ciro Cerretelli, Kripa Kiran Varanasi, Michael Bernhard Schmitz, Emad Ahmad Obaid Gharaibah, Christopher Edward Wolfe
  • Patent number: 8845282
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a carbon seal and a seal plate. The seal plate has a contact face configured to slidably engage the carbon seal. The seal plate has a surface disposed on an opposing side of the seal plate from the contact face. The surface forms a portion of a single passage that extends an entire length of the seal plate. The continuous cooling provided by single passage along the seal plate allows for a more uniform temperature profile along the contact face of seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. LaPierre, Eric Charles Mundell
  • Patent number: 8845283
    Abstract: A compressor blade and process for inhibiting rub encounters between a blade tip of the blade and an interior surface of a case that surrounds the rotating hardware within a compressor section of a turbomachine. The compressor blade includes a cap that defines the blade tip at a radially outermost end of the blade, and a plurality of flexible elements extending from a surface of the cap that defines the blade tip. The flexible elements extend from the surface in a span-wise direction of the blade, and are operable to become rigid due to centrifugal stiffening at compressor operating speeds and, optionally, cut a groove the interior surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Warren Arthur Nelson
  • Patent number: 8845284
    Abstract: An apparatus for restricting fluid flow in a turbo-machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first inter-stage sealing member configured to be located between a first rotating airfoil stage and a second rotating airfoil stage attached to a rotor shaft, the first inter-stage sealing member including a segmented structure that includes a plurality of segments forming a circumferential surface, the first inter-stage sealing member including: a first base portion including a securing mechanism configured to at least substantially radially and tangentially secure the inter-stage sealing member to an inter-stage support structure; a first axial retention mechanism; and a first axially extending sealing portion configured to be outwardly radially loaded against at least one of the first rotating airfoil stage and the second rotating airfoil stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Raymond Farrell, Gary Charles Liotta, Ian David Wilson
  • Patent number: 8845285
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a turbine assembly includes a second component circumferentially adjacent to a first component, wherein the first and second components each have a surface proximate a hot gas path and a first side surface of the first component to be joined to a second side surface of the second component. The assembly also includes a first slot formed longitudinally in the first component which extends from a first slot inner wall to the first side surface and a second slot formed longitudinally in the second component which extends from a second slot inner wall to the second side surface. The assembly also includes a first groove formed in a hot side surface of the first slot, the first groove extending from the first slot inner wall to the first side surface, wherein the first groove comprises a tapered cross-sectional geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Wayne Weber, Christopher Lee Golden
  • Patent number: 8845286
    Abstract: A turbine section of a gas turbine engine is provided. The turbine section is annular about a longitudinal axis and includes first turbine with a first inlet and a first outlet; a second turbine with a second inlet and a second outlet; an inter-turbine duct extending from the first outlet to the second inlet and configured to direct an air flow from the first turbine to the second turbine; and a first guide vane disposed within the inter-turbine duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Dhinagaran Ramachandran, Sujatha Guntu, Vinayender Kuchana, Balamurugan Srinivasan, Anish Gupta, Paul Couey, Craig McKeever, Malak Malak, Gopal Samy Muthiah