Patents Issued in October 7, 2014
  • Patent number: 8850888
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor. The inertial sensor 100 according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a membrane 110; a mass body 120 disposed under the membrane 110; a piezoelectric body 130 formed on the membrane 110 to drive the mass body 120; and trenches 140 formed by being collapsed in a thickness direction of the piezoelectric body 130 so as to vertically meet a direction in which the mass body 120 is driven. By this configuration, the trenches are formed by being collapsed in a thickness direction of the piezoelectric body 130 to provide directivity while retaining the rigidity of the piezoelectric body 130 to prevent a wave from being propagated in an unnecessary direction, thereby driving the inertial sensor 100 in a desired specific direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Mo Lim, Sung Wook Kim, Sung Jun Lee, Kyo Yeol Lee, Yun Sung Kang
  • Patent number: 8850889
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes: a rectangular moving electrode; a pair of beams which connect to centers of two opposite sides of the moving electrode, and support the moving electrode freely swingably; and first and second fixed electrodes which are provided on one side and other side of a boundary line, respectively, and are arranged to be opposed to a front surface of the moving electrode at a predetermined interval. A straight line that connects the pair of beams to each other is taken as the boundary line. Then, on a back surface of the moving electrode, first and second recessed portions are formed on one side of the boundary line and the other side thereof, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yoshida, Yuji Suzuki, Nobuyuki Ibara, Hideki Ueda, Takeshi Okada
  • Patent number: 8850890
    Abstract: An inertial sensor includes a substrate, a mass element, and a detecting device for detecting a movement of the mass element relative to the substrate, the mass element being coupled to the substrate with the aid of a spring device, wherein the spring device has a T-shaped cross-sectional profile. A method for manufacturing an inertial sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Classen
  • Patent number: 8850891
    Abstract: A micromechanical component having a fixing point and a seismic weight, which is connected to the fixing point by at least one spring and is made at least partially out of a first material, the first material being a semiconductor material, the seismic weight being additionally made out of at least one second material, and the second material having a higher density than the first material. In addition, a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component is provided, having the steps of forming a seismic weight at least partially out of a first material, the first material being a semiconductor material, connecting the seismic weight to a fixing point of the micromechanical component, using at least one spring, and forming the seismic weight from the first material and at least one second material, which has a higher density than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Reinmuth
  • Patent number: 8850892
    Abstract: An actuator driven by a smart material device and suitable for use as an actuator, energy capture device, or sensor, having an enclosed compensator, potting material, at least one actuating arm, and two mechanical webs and a movable supporting member adapted such that application of a suitable electric potential causes a change in shape of the smart material device, thereby flexing the mechanical webs and causing movement of the actuating arm. As an energy capture device or sensor, external motion causes the actuating arm to move, thereby causing the smart material device to generate recoverable electrical energy or an electric signal indicating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Viking AT, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Moler, Aaron Dickey
  • Patent number: 8850893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (1) and a method for measuring pressure, variation in sound pressure, a magnetic field, acceleration, vibration, or the composition of a gas. The sensor (1) comprises an ultrasound transmitter (2), and a cavity (4) arranged in connection with it. According to the invention, the sensor (1) comprises a passive sensor element (3, 3?) located at the opposite end of the cavity (4) to the ultrasound transmitter (2), the distance of which from the ultrasound transmitter (2) is selected in such a way that the resonance condition is met at the ultrasound frequency used, the ultrasound transmitter (2) comprises a light-construction diaphragm oscillator (9), which is thus well connected to the surrounding medium, and the sensor includes means for measuring the interaction between the ultrasound transmitter (2) and the cavity (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Heikki Seppa, Teuvo Sillanpää
  • Patent number: 8850894
    Abstract: A device and a method for ultrasonic testing by means of a local immersion technique of a stringer component section of a flat component are provided. The device includes a test head assembly mounted as moving floatingly by a holding device in the Y-direction longitudinally. The test head assembly includes: a test head that can be connected to an automatically actuated handling device and that can be moved by the handling device along the stringer; a test head holder; and a counter-holder coupled with the test head holder by an actuation element, wherein the actuation element is configured to steer the test head holder and the counter-holder from a closed position to an open position, the test head holder and the counter-holder being mounted floatingly along a guiding rail running in the X-direction transversely to the stringer, and fit, in a force-loaded manner, to each side surface of the stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Walter De Odorico, Roman Koch
  • Patent number: 8850895
    Abstract: The disclosed invention describes an unpowered apparatus which can wirelessly sense pressure based on microfluidics for point-of-care glaucoma diagnosis. Moreover, the disclosed invention teaches methods to construct the invention using microfabrication processing. Finally, a detailed and illustrative schematic of the wireless readout system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: John Yan
  • Patent number: 8850896
    Abstract: A physical quantity detector includes a diaphragm including a displacement part that is displaced under external pressure, a ring-shaped fixing part that holds an outer circumferential part of the diaphragm, a holding member having a projection part that projects from an inner circumference of the fixing part toward a center at one surface side of the diaphragm, a support fixed to the projection part, and a pressure-sensitive device having a first base part fixed to the displacement part, a second base part fixed to the support, and a pressure-sensitive part provided between the base parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kenta Sato, Naoki Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8850897
    Abstract: A sensor and method of sensing dimensional changes, stress changes or pressure changes on a substrate uses a sensor in the following manner. Temporarily and non-destructively attach a piezoresistant sensor to a surface. The piezoresistant sensor has an electrically conductive elastic body having at least one pair of opposed ends, and the elastic body contains conductive nanotubes homogeneously distributed therein. The elastic body has at least one surface with two opposed ends and electrodes at each of the opposed ends. A current is passed through the elastic body between the two electrodes. The current passing through the elastic body is sensed (e.g., a voltmeter). A mechanical step is performed with or on the substrate, and the sensor measures changes in the current between the electrodes, indicating strain or pressure on the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: 7-Sigma Incorporated
    Inventors: Wade R. Eichhorn, Kristian G. Wyrobek
  • Patent number: 8850898
    Abstract: A test fixture for applying a prescribed displacement to a material includes a first and a second portion, a first and a second adjustable pin, and an actuator. The first portion includes a first pin that to engages the material at a first location on the material. A second pin is engages the material at a second location on the material. A third pin engages the material at a third location on the material. The first adjustable pin holds the material against the second pin at the second location. The second adjustable pin holds the material against the third pin at the third location. The actuator is adapted to configure a relative position between the first pin and the second and third pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Johnsen
  • Patent number: 8850899
    Abstract: Processes and systems for logging production of fluid produced into a well bore without intervention of the well are disclosed. Two or more markers may be introduced into produced fluid at spaced apart locations along a well. The time for each marker to reach a common point may be measured and production rates for produced fluids at each spaced apart location may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventor: Philip M Snider
  • Patent number: 8850900
    Abstract: An operation amount detection apparatus includes a transmission member that transmits a load corresponding to an operation amount between a shaft portion and an operation target member through connecting portions that connect a first support portion supported by the operation target member and a second support portion supported by the shaft portion, and a detection device that detects an operation amount based on an amount of deformation of the connecting portions. A plurality of the connecting portions are provided in parallel between the first support portion and the second support portion, and deflect due to transmission of a load so that the first support portion and the second support are relatively displaced in a direction of a linear motion. The respective connecting portions are mutually opposed in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isono, Noboru Fujiwara, Hirofumi Otsuka
  • Patent number: 8850901
    Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load, and protecting against overload conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke, and an overload protection device including at least one elastic member having a nonlinear force-deflection characteristic defining a limit point and negative stiffness region, drivenly coupled to the actuator opposite the load, and operable to provide a secondary work output path when an overload condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis
  • Patent number: 8850902
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating histological samples, in particular for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that, in particular after an infiltration operation, is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette (1), having a sample receiving chamber (2) which is embodied and intended to be filled at least partly with a liquid (3), in particular with liquid paraffin. The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that an apparatus is provided that is introducible into the liquid (3), in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height (6) of the liquid (3), and/or that an apparatus is provided whose volume is increasable, in particular under open- and/or closed-loop control, in order to elevate the fill level height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Arne Burisch, Christian Löchte, Annika Raatz, Hermann Ulbrich, Karl-Heinrich Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 8850903
    Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Artel, Inc., Seyonic S.A.
    Inventors: Richard H. Curtis, Kirby Pilcher, David L. Bohnsack, Charles Ewing, George Rodrigues, John T. Bradshaw, Marc Boillat
  • Patent number: 8850904
    Abstract: A horizontal atmospheric dustfall component trap includes: a dust sampling port that includes a ceiling plate, a side wall, and four or more partition plates; an air pipe; and a trap container, wherein the side wall is a plate that has a vertical center axis and has a side surface having a shape of a substantially circular truncated cone or a polygonal truncated cone widened upward, wherein the side wall is provided with four or more external air inlets each having an opening disposed at the same interval in the circumferential direction of the side wall and disposed at a specific height near the upper end thereof, and wherein the four or more partition plates divide a space surrounded by the side wall into fan-shaped areas having an equal size in a horizontal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Ito
  • Patent number: 8850905
    Abstract: An automated sampler for sampling contaminants that are dissolved in water. An empty, sealed first vial is placed at a first sampling station with a dual-port needle, and a mechanical syringe pump displaces a programmable volume of gas from the first vial. A sealed second vial having a field sample of water with dissolved contaminants, typically without a headspace region, is placed at a second sampling station, with a dual-port needle. The syringe pump extracts an aqueous volume from the second vial, then transfers the aqueous volume into the first vial. This is all done without exposing the field sample to any external gasses or other compounds, and without opening the seal of the field sample to atmosphere. The sample in the first vial is heated, and an aliquot of headspace from the first vial is then injected into an analyzer device for identification and quantification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: EST Analytical, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Meece
  • Patent number: 8850906
    Abstract: A device for sampling fluids that has an outer conduit having a first end connected to a non-pressurized fluid reservoir and a second end adjacent to the testing location that is remote from the fluid reservoir. An inner fluid conduit is positioned within the outer conduit, the inner fluid conduit having a first end extending into the fluid reservoir and the second end adjacent to the testing location, the second end having a connector. A pressure source selectively connects to the connector and selectively applies a vacuum to the second end of the inner fluid conduit to draw fluid from the through the inner fluid conduit and applying pressure to purge the inner fluid conduit of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bay6 Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Marchand, Douglas J. Tschetter
  • Patent number: 8850907
    Abstract: [Problem] A test carrier able to secure a high air-tightness is provided. [Solution] A test carrier 10 comprises a cover member 50A and a base member 20A which are bonded together while sandwiching a die 90 between them. ultraviolet rays can pass through the cover member 50A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoto Nakamura, Yoshinari Kogure
  • Patent number: 8850908
    Abstract: A method and structure for a device including a non-contact gap control device for maintaining a distance between surfaces can include a pliable platform, a frame to which the pliable platform is secured, an aerodynamic floating (AF) head attached to the pliable platform and a probe for measuring, testing, and/or characterizing a substrate adjacent to the AF head. A pressurized gas source can be coupled to the AF head, such that a pressurized gas is ejected onto the substrate to maintain a distance between the substrate and the AF head during measurement. While the frame can be held immobile, the pliable platform can react in response to irregularities in the substrate to maintain a generally constant distance between the AF head and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Liu, Johann E. Junginger, Gaetano Lavigne, Vlad Skorokhod, Sarah J. Vella
  • Patent number: 8850909
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle starting system includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor, and a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear. A one-way clutch drivingly interconnects the drive plate and an engine crankshaft and includes an inner race fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race fixed for rotation with the drive plate, and a plurality of rollers positioned radially therebetween. A cage positions the rollers in circumferentially spaced apart alignment with outer cam surfaces. A split ring is positioned within grooves on each of the inner race and the outer race. The split ring is fitted within one of the grooves at a first clearance and fitted within the other of the grooves at a predetermined second clearance at least ten times the first clearance to isolate the outer race from vibrations of the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Steele, Adrian Cioc
  • Patent number: 8850910
    Abstract: An apparatus for the shredding or mixing of bulk material, which is mounted on a mobile chassis which may be driven by a power source on the chassis or pulled by a tractor or truck therefor. A power assist transmission is capable of changing a transmission power ratio between the power source and a shredding or mixing member, such as an auger, without any interruption of power to the auger. An oil pump forms part of the transmission for delivery of hydraulic fluid to components in the transmission, and means are provided to reverse the direction of rotation of the oil pump and to also increase the rate of rotation of the oil pump with respect to the rate of rotation of the input shaft, to generate oil pressure required at very low motor rotations per minute to enable the necessary rotation of augers with a full load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Conrad Ten Have
  • Patent number: 8850911
    Abstract: A preload unit module, which has at least one ramp disk and a cage, which carries a plurality of rolling bodies that are held axially against one another in a positively locking fashion. The cage is rotationally pivotable relative to the at least one ramp disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ramon Jurjanz, Fritz Wiesinger, Tomas Smetana
  • Patent number: 8850912
    Abstract: A linkage-type synchronous slide structure of relative slide assembly includes a slide member and a relative slide member slidably connected to the slide member. The relative slide member is formed with a slide guide section. The slide member is slidable relative to the relative slide member along the slide guide section. Two extensible/retractable assemblies with a variable length are respectively oppositely disposed on two sides of the slide guide section. Second ends of the extensible/retractable assemblies are respectively pivotally connected to corresponding sections of two sides of the slide member. First ends of the extensible/retractable assemblies are pivotally connected with each other and slidable along the slide guide section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Way Han Dai, Hsiu Fan Ho
  • Patent number: 8850913
    Abstract: A manual transmission of a motor vehicle, is actuated by manually shifting a shift lever in a gearshift console having a selector gate and shifting gates in a multiple-H shifting pattern, with coaxial input and output shafts and a parallel countershaft, and with a number of gearset planes. Transmission gears are implemented by engaging at least two associated gear clutches. The gear clutches are divided into a selection group and a shifting group. The selection group gear clutches can be actuated exclusively by moving the shift lever in the selection gate so as to couple the input and counter-shafts. The shifting group gear clutches can be actuated exclusively by moving the shift lever in the shifting gates so as to couple the output and counter-shafts, and the gear clutch respectively engaged in the shifting gates having the two opposite gears is a selection group gear clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Christian Nikolaizig
  • Patent number: 8850914
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dual clutch gear mechanism with a countershaft design for a vehicle with central synchronisation, in which a braking device is provided for slowing down each partial gear mechanism and a band brake (1,2) is provided as a braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Eckardt Lübke
  • Patent number: 8850915
    Abstract: To achieve downsizing of a power unit and the vicinity thereof by permitting compact axial arrangement in a straddle-ride type vehicle on which the power unit having a twin-clutch type transmission is mounted. The transmission has a pair of main shafts with respective different axes and corresponding clutches. One of respective axial centers of the main shafts is disposed on one (above) of the sides with respect to a line and the other is disposed on the other side (below), the line connecting an axial center of the counter shaft with an axial center of a pivot shaft, as viewed in side elevation from the axial direction of the main shafts and counter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Fujimoto, Kinya Mizuno, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Mitsuo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8850916
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a pressure signal to an actuator piston to control movement of a synchronizer actuator fork of a transmission includes moving the synchronizer actuator fork from a start position into a target position by applying an initial fluid pressure value. The time required to move the synchronizer actuator fork is measured to define a measured actuation time, and compared to a target actuation time. A correction factor is applied to the initial fluid pressure value to define a revised fluid pressure value when the measured actuation time is not within a pre-defined time range of the target actuation time. When the measured actuation time is greater than the pre-defined time range of the target actuation time, the initial fluid pressure value is increased. When the measured actuation time is less than the pre-defined time range of the target actuation time, the initial fluid pressure value is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Jay Weingartz, Matthew D. Whitton, Steven P. Moorman, Matthew Kempeinen
  • Patent number: 8850917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spindle drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong Keun Kang
  • Patent number: 8850918
    Abstract: An exemplary adjustable steering column comprises a gear positioned and configured to cause a shaft to rotate about its central axis as the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more telescoping friction plates arranged and configured so as to rotate with the shaft when the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more raking friction plates, each raking friction plate being positioned in frictional contact with at least one of the one or more telescoping friction plates and configured to exhibit a different rotation than the one or more telescoping friction plates when the steering column telescopes. The shaft imposes a compressive load between the one or more telescoping friction plates and the one or more raking friction plates so as to induce friction between the telescoping friction plates and the raking friction plates and thereby resist their relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 8850919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle twist-grip shifter, which is connectable to a fixed handgrip and is mountable as a structural unit on a handlebar. In this way the fixed handgrip is securely fixed on the handlebar. Moreover, the individual components have an advantageous size for production in an injection molding process. The twist-grip shifter gives the operator a precise operation by avoiding disruptive frictional effects of the rotatable handgrip part on the mounting tube, for which purpose ball bearings are used for bearing the take-up spool, and a metallic positioning ring is used in the positioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Weiss
  • Patent number: 8850920
    Abstract: A remote control assembly having a conduit and a core element slidably disposed in the conduit. An adjustment device is selectively connected to one of the conduit and the core element for adjusting an effective length thereof. The adjustment device includes an adjustment housing and a slider. A locking element, having locking teeth, engages with slider teeth of the slider. The locking element defines a cavity for allowing insertion of a tool to facilitate movement of the locking element from a locked position to an unlocked position. Also, a cover is slidably supported on the housing and the cover includes a detent to further facilitate movement of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Edward Koontz, John William Harrison, Joseph Matthew Laperriere, III
  • Patent number: 8850921
    Abstract: An adjustment device may include a conduit-adjustment mechanism and a cable-adjustment mechanism. The conduit-adjustment mechanism may be connected to first and second conduit segments and may be movable to adjust a position of one of the first and second conduit segments relative to the other of the first and second conduit segments. The cable-adjustment mechanism may be connected to first and second cable segments at least partially received within the first and second conduit segments, respectively. The cable-adjustment mechanism may be configured to transmit motion between the first and second cable segments. The cable-adjustment mechanism may be movable independently of the conduit-adjustment mechanism to adjust a position of one of the first and second cable segments relative to the other of the first and second cable segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Yutang Ma
  • Patent number: 8850922
    Abstract: A vehicle accelerator pedal actuator may include a pressurized fluid source, a mounting mechanism configured to fix the accelerator pedal actuator relative to a vehicle accelerator pedal, and an actuating mechanism in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source and configured to displace the vehicle accelerator pedal. The vehicle accelerator pedal actuator may further include a valve member selectively controlling fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the actuating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael David Gray
  • Patent number: 8850923
    Abstract: A bicycle handlebar assembly includes a handlebar, two auxiliary bars, two supporting assemblies and two positioning assemblies. The two auxiliary bars are assembled on the handlebar. Each auxiliary bar has a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes corresponding to the first holes. The two supporting assemblies are mounted on the two auxiliary bars respectively. The two positioning assemblies are disposed to the two auxiliary bars and the handlebar. Therefore, each supporting assembly and the respective auxiliary bar are secured on the handlebar via the respective positioning assembly. Furthermore, each supporting assembly and the respective auxiliary bar are adjustable via the first and second holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Blktec Inc.
    Inventor: Mu-Rong Li
  • Patent number: 8850924
    Abstract: A reading rack for use with vehicles is proposed, comprising: a sheath member adapted to cover the steering wheel of a vehicle; a bottom member adapted to fasten to a surface of the sheath member; and a pressing member coupled with the sheath member and located at an upper surface of the sheath member, thereby allowing pages of an article/book to be placed above the bottom member and underneath the pressing member. The reading rack of the invention further comprises a holding member consisting of a clipping portion and a coupling portion, wherein the clipping portion is adapted to clip an article or book and couple with the surface of the bottom member by the coupling portion, thereby securely fastening a reading article or a piece of paper onto the steering wheel of a vehicle to provide for convenient reading while stopped or quick reference while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 8850925
    Abstract: A follower member (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, the follower member (1) having a roller (3) mounted on a pin (2) for a running contact against a periodic stroke producer, the roller (3) being mounted with an inner peripheral surface (4) on an intermediate ring (5) extending directly on the pin (2) and forming, together with said the (2), an intermediate sliding bearing (6) situated between the intermediate ring (5) and the pin (2), and the intermediate ring (5) protruding beyond two front ends (7) of the roller (3). The intermediate ring (5) has a clearly higher surface hardness than the pin (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Mock, Jochen Viertel
  • Patent number: 8850926
    Abstract: A bike peg including: a foot rest having an arch portion, a heel portion extending rearward from the arch portion and a forward portion extending forward from the arch portion, the arch portion being adapted to engage the arch portion of a rider's boot during normal motocross travel, the heel portion being adapted to engage the heel portion of the rider's boot in normal motocross travel at least upon the rider's boot pivoting backwards about the arch portion and the forward portion being adapted to engage the arch portion of the rider's boot at least when the rider's foot moves forward to operate the foot brake or gear pedal of the bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Byron Bruggemann, Chris Tuckett
  • Patent number: 8850927
    Abstract: Rolling element bores are provided in the outer circumferential portion of a disk-like main body. Each rolling element bore has an arcuate outer rim. Rollers each have a groove formed on the peripheral edge and extending along the entire circumference of the roller. The outer rim of each rolling element bore engages with the groove of the associated roller so that the roller is loosely fitted in the rolling element bore. Shafts are respectively formed on both sides of each roller. The shafts project from the center of the roller. An elastic ring is mounted on each shaft. Annular guide plates are respectively mounted on both sides of the disk-like main body so that the shafts of the rollers are supported by the guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Kinoshita, Katsunori Tanaka, Aki Ogawa, Naohisa Yamashita, Makoto Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8850928
    Abstract: A power takeoff unit transmits torque taken from a transmission of a vehicle to an output shaft. The power takeoff unit is comprised of a casing combinable with the transmission at a first end; a first shaft receiving the torque about a first axis; a second shaft rotatable about the first axis; a clutch slidably fitting with the second shaft and being directed to the first shaft, the clutch being movable along the first axis between a first position to interrupt transmission of the torque and a second position to transmit the torque from the first shaft to the second shaft; a first gear projecting from the bearing toward the first end and being rotatable along with the second shaft without any support excepting the bearing; and a third shaft including a second gear meshing with the first gear, thereby outputting the transmitted torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 8850929
    Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: David E. Price
  • Patent number: 8850930
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a handle and a head is pivotably connected to the handle. The head has a guide hole through which a pin extends and the pin has a side hole defined radially so as to receive a positioning unit therein. A clamping device has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the fixed jaw has a travel path and the movable jaw has a toothed rod. A slide slot is defined in one side of the fixed jaw which has a board inserted into the slot of the head. The fixed jaw has an opening in which a push spring, a stop plate and a worm rod are received. The movable jaw is slidably connected to the slide slot. The toothed rod is located in the travel path and engaged with the worm rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Shwu-Ruu Chern
  • Patent number: 8850931
    Abstract: A universal offset wrench with a width-adjustable head for fire sprinkler systems includes an operating end having a width-adjustment mechanism used to expand and retract an adjustable jaw relative to a fixed jaw. The adjustable jaw accommodates sprinkler heads of various sizes and types. The offset operating end can be used with concealed sprinkler heads by allowing the wrench to fit under the sprinkler head while clearing ceiling obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Leland J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 8850932
    Abstract: A positioning device for a hand tool includes a handle, a tool head, a positioning member and an adjusting member. The positioning member has a pusher and a spring. The adjusting member has a threaded portion1 extended therefrom and abutted against the pusher. An extending portion is extended from the threaded portion. A retaining portion is defined at one end of the extending portion. Therefore, when a user rotates the adjusting member, the retaining portion is restricted by the pusher for preventing the adjusting member being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Ching Tsai
  • Patent number: 8850933
    Abstract: Hand-operated pliers for piercing an irrigation pipe and fitting such an irrigation pipe with a drip emitter, include two jaws, a device for piercing the pipe as the two jaws are brought closer together and a device for fitting a drip emitter onto the pierced pipe while the two jaws are being brought closer together, for fitting such a pipe with such a drip emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Christophe Amouroux
  • Patent number: 8850934
    Abstract: A screwdriver blade has faces formed on front and back sides of a shank. Each face has a drive surface extending from each side edge inward toward a longitudinal axis. Each drive surface is inclined relative to a plane containing the axis and bisecting each of the side edges. A thickness of the blade increases from the shank distal end. Each of the drive surfaces appears curved when viewed in a distal end view. Each of the drive surfaces extends from the shank distal end to a face proximal end. A central portion between each of the drive surfaces may also appear curved when viewed in a distal end view, or it may be flat. The drive surfaces and the central portion may be formed at a single radius of curvature. The central portion may have a increasing width from the distal end or it may have a constant width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: David Baker, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Baker
  • Patent number: 8850935
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a shaft, at least one affecting portion, and a protection layer. The shaft is like a bar, and can be hold by a hand. The affecting portion connects with the shaft. The affecting portion can grip a specific part which a user wants to control. The protection layer is settled and/or covered on at least one portion of the hand tool surface. The protection layer is lumpy and rough. Because of the protection layer, the hand tool is shake-proof, wear-proof, slip-resistance, and electric insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Yu-Ching Kuo, Yi-Ching Yu
  • Patent number: 8850936
    Abstract: The present invention is a novel machine for repairing damaged wheel rims whereby the machine is a combination CNC and manual lathe configured of performing all of the required tasks for repairing damaged wheel rims in a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Len
  • Patent number: 8850937
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stator core is disclosed. The method includes advancing a blank at each of a plurality of press cycles to form a segment at each of the press cycles and shaping the segments. Shaping the segments further includes activating a tooth punch, activating a mounting-ear punch, and activating an joint punch. The method also includes separating the segments from the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward L. Kaiser, Peter J. Savagian