Patents Issued in December 23, 2014
  • Patent number: 8915302
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's International, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon J. Bouligny, Jr., Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Patent number: 8915303
    Abstract: A method of servicing an electric submersible pump in a well with a positive wellhead pressure includes providing production tubing in the well casing, a coil tubing string within the production tubing having an electric submersible pump at a downhole end of the coil tubing string, and a pump-receiving housing above the injection port of the wellhead. With the injection port sealed and the pump-receiving housing opened, the electric submersible pump may be inserted or removed from the pump-receiving housing. With the pump-receiving housing closed and the injection port opened, the electric submersible pump may be moved to or from the production tubing in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Petrospec Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerald Chalifoux
  • Patent number: 8915304
    Abstract: A method of traversing a travel joint with a line can include, after the travel joint has been installed in a well, activating a connector which provides sealed fluid communication between sections of the line on respective opposite sides of the travel joint. A travel joint system for use with a subterranean well can include a travel joint comprising a releasing device which permits relative displacement between sections of the travel joint, and a connector which provides fluid communication between sections of a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, Cody T. Krupala
  • Patent number: 8915305
    Abstract: A packer tool has safety devices to prevent premature and reverse setting and release operations. The safety devices are independent of shear-pin safety systems. Confined annular segments prevent a setting actuator piston from moving absent tool-setting hydraulic pressure. The setting pressure first moves a cylinder in an opposite direction to unroof the segments allowing them to exit confinement and free the piston to set the packing and the anchor slips. Release safety pins extend radially inward from a packing-holder collar into short slots formed on a mandrel surface, preventing the mandrel from being turned. Previous set motion causes the pins to leave the slots thereby freeing the mandrel to turn only after the tool has been set. A third safety device comprises an expanded ring which is dragged by the release cone during release motion until it lodges in a circumferential groove in the mandrel, locking against reverse movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Texproil S.R.L.
    Inventor: Horacio Daniel Burgos
  • Patent number: 8915306
    Abstract: The present invention is a combination of a hoof support stand and a cradle support stand that is to be used by a farrier. A hoof support and a cradle support are both attached to a multipurpose pivot mechanism. The multipurpose pivot mechanism is rotatably attached to an adjustable height stand. The rotatable capability allows a farrier to immediately switch between either the hoof support or the cradle support without needing to remove or attach additional components. The adjustable height stand is removably attached to a base support that is conical to provide optimal stability. A padded support is attached to the multipurpose pivot mechanism so that a horse's fetlock can comfortably and securely rest within the cradle support. The padded support is an improvement to slings used with conventional cradle support stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Rozanne E Adams, Alan Dale
  • Patent number: 8915307
    Abstract: A nozzle for a fire suppression system has a bonnet and a deflector base. An inlet port extends through the bonnet along the axis of symmetry of the bonnet. The inlet port receives an outlet end of a fire suppression delivery pipe to mount the bonnet to the pipe. The bonnet has a frustoconical surface which extends radially outward and downward from the inlet port. The deflector base is secured to and co-axially aligned with the bonnet at a predetermined distance to create a flow passageway therebetween. The flow passageway imparts a down angle to a suppressant flow discharging from the nozzle to better disperse the suppressant within the fire zone. A discharge port at the circumferential edge of the bonnet and deflector base constricts the suppressant flow to atomize the droplets of liquid suppressant discharged into the fire zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventors: Muhidin Lelic, Giuliano Amantini, May L. Corn, Robert G. Dunster, Rob J. Lade, Ravi K. Madabhushi, Seth Sienkiewicz, Marios C. Soteriou
  • Patent number: 8915308
    Abstract: Automatic height control of a dozer blade, the input from the slow absolute height sensor is combined with an input from a gyroscope that measures the instant rotation and recalculates it into a vertical height change using the length of the supporting arms. The combination obtains the accuracy of the absolute height information and an increased speed of measurement resulting in a compensated height estimate that is input to a hydraulic control system of the feedback type. This enables much more aggressive control even though the hydraulic system has an unknown linearity and delay associated with it. The gyroscopic sensor forms an IMU with one degree of freedom to compensate for drawbacks of the absolute height sensor with regard to delay, noise and update rate to obtain a frequent, time-correct height position with a reduced level of noise by means of a calculation based on both types of sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mikrofyn A/S
    Inventors: Claus Joergensen, Lars Kjaergaard
  • Patent number: 8915309
    Abstract: A dust box joined to a dust collecting device is formed of a box body, and a lid body that is joined to the box body by a hinge and can open and close an opening of the box body, and a main filter and a pre-filter are attached to the lid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kakiuchi, Yoshitaka Machida
  • Patent number: 8915310
    Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services—North America Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
  • Patent number: 8915311
    Abstract: A jet drill coupled to a distal end of a flexible jet lance is lowered into a well casing and advanced through a curved passage formed in a deflection shoe oriented to direct the jet drill through an orifice milled in the well casing. The jet drill is actuated with a pressurized fluid produced by a pump on the surface that is conveyed through a high pressure hose that runs through the flexible jet lance. Force transmitted through a thrust liner of the jet lance advances the jet drill while the lateral bore is being drilled. The thrust liner comprises helical coils of steel wire providing a high elastic modulus and buckling resistance, even while passing through the curved passage. Tension cables in the jet lance maintain tension on the thrust liner and enable the assembly to be pulled from the lateral bore and well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: David Belew, Jack J. Kolle, Mark H. Marvin
  • Patent number: 8915312
    Abstract: Enhancements to a drill motor include a bearing pack assembly, a balancing piston, a recording transducer package (RTP), and a latch rod assembly for a drill motor to improve performance and reliability of a drill motor. The bearing pack assembly includes a bearing housing coupled to an end cap and a drive shaft extending into the end cap and the bearing housing. The bearing pack assembly also includes a thrust bearing disposed within the bearing housing, wherein the thrust bearing separates the drive shaft and the bearing housing, and a bearing sleeve disposed within the bearing housing, wherein a radial bearing is placed between the bearing sleeve and the drive shaft. The balancing piston includes a first and second hydrodynamic seal. The recording transducer package is self powered and gathers data from a plurality of sensors in the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Multishot LLC
    Inventors: Gilbert Villarreal, Allen Richard Young
  • Patent number: 8915313
    Abstract: A boring tool for digging holes having a vertical shaft of a first diameter extending from the soil surface to a suitable subsurface distance, and a void of a second diameter, larger than that of the first diameter, at the bottom, subsurface distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Pesticide Delivery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8915314
    Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a housing, a piston mounted within the housing, a drill bit mounted below the housing, and a drive coupling operatively engaged with the housing and drill bit. The drive coupling can be configured with a plurality of lugs circumferentially disposed about the drill bit and coupled with the casing for providing rotation thereof. Alternatively, the drive coupling can be configured with segmented lugs configured to circumscribe the drill bit, or as a cylindrical chuck formed out of arch-shaped chuck segments which radially assemble onto the shank of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Center Rock Inc.
    Inventor: Leland H. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8915315
    Abstract: A drillpipe for a drill stem to drill a hole. The drill stem includes a drill string and a bottom hole assembly. The drillpipe includes a first end having a first inertia, a second end having a second inertia, a first intermediate zone adjacent to the first end, a second intermediate zone adjacent to the second end, and a central substantially tubular zone with an external diameter smaller than the maximum external diameter of at least the first or the second end. A casing is fixed on the pipe over a portion of the external surface thereof, at least one physical parameter sensor is disposed in the casing, and at least one data transmission/storage mechanism is connected to the sensor output, the casing being disposed at a distance from the first and second ends, the casing being integral with the central zone at a distance from the first and second intermediate zones and having a smaller inertia than the first and second inertias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Vam Drilling France, Association Pour la Recherche et le Developpement de Methodes et Processus Industriels
    Inventors: Jean Boulet, Stéphane Menand
  • Patent number: 8915316
    Abstract: Vehicle traction module (1) comprising—a pair of runners ((11,12), (21,22), (42, 43)), side by side according to a first direction (X)—first moving means ((14, 17, 19), (24, 31, 28), (45,48,49)) suitable to generate an alternate and reciprocal approaching and departing of the runners along the first direction (X),—the pair of runners ((11,12), (21,22), (42, 43)), having a cylindrical symmetry shape wherein the respective axis of symmetry lie along the first direction (X),—second moving means ((15, 16, 18, 17), (30,26 31, 27), (40, 41) suitable to generate a rotation of the runners along the first direction (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Osvaldo Falesiedi
  • Patent number: 8915317
    Abstract: A maneuvering drive for a trailer includes a fastening means for fastening to the trailer, a carrier movable relative to the fastening means, a drive motor held by the carrier, a drive roller rotatable drivable by the drive motor and a braking means for braking a rotary movement of the drive roller. The drive motor and the braking means are arranged coaxially to each other. In the flux of force between the drive motor and the drive roller a transmission device is provided, which has no self-locking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Truma Gerätetechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steve Aemisegger, Daniel Gumpp, Jochen Mueller, Tobias Schmid, Klaus Muessler, Ana Maria Fernandez, Joerg Mueller, Oliver Schaurer, Mario Moehring, Mathias Venschott
  • Patent number: 8915318
    Abstract: A shifting machine structure contains a base unit, a seat unit, a hydraulic unit, a cushion support unit, a rod unit, and a control handle unit. Thereby, a pressing pedal and a releasing pedal of the hydraulic unit are pedaled to move the elderly or patients toward a desired position by using the base unit, the seat unit, the hydraulic unit, the cushion support unit, the rod unit, and the control handle unit, thus obtaining delivery safety and convenience. In addition, a copper sleeve and a copper piece of each of plural shafts of the seat unit rub with each other to enhance rigidity and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jin-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 8915319
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel driven mechanism for a vehicle such as a wheelchair, an electrical bicycle, or a motorcycle, especially to a vehicle which has a wheel driven by power but without using an independent electric motor. The wheel driven mechanism comprises a rotor, a plurality of permanent magnets, a stator, and a plurality of electromagnets. The rotor is divided into a first block and a second block, and the permanent magnets are disposed within the first block to reduce the weight and the cost of the wheel driven mechanism. Furthermore, the user can easily rotate the handwheel mechanism during power off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Yee-Pien Yang
  • Patent number: 8915320
    Abstract: A shutter system for controlling a flow of fluid through an entryway includes a plurality of louvers, wherein each louver includes a pivot axis and an actuating portion. The shutter system also includes a mechanism configured to select a position for the system between and inclusive of fully opened and fully closed by rotating each of the plurality of louvers about the respective pivot axis. The mechanism is configured to engage each actuating portion and rotate each louver at a variable rate. A vehicle employing the shutter system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Balakrishna Chinta
  • Patent number: 8915321
    Abstract: A device for the removable attachment of a battery of a motor vehicle includes a top portion including an attachment to a motor vehicle, a bottom portion including a connection with the battery, and a latch and a screw including a threaded portion so as to allow locking and unlocking, then the mutual tightening and loosening of the top portion and the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Francois-Xavier Lejeune, Mickael Turpin, Joel Thevenart, Emmanuel Richez
  • Patent number: 8915322
    Abstract: Provided is a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system comprising a frame, a first container, a second container, a first manifold, a second manifold, and a casing. The frame may have: a first side; a first connecting member; and a second side. The first container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second container may be configured to house or contain CNG and be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The first manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the first side of the frame. The second manifold may be engaged to and substantially shrouded by the second side of the frame. The casing may at least partially surround the frame, the first container, the first manifold, and the second manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Trilogy Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Gibb, Michael Pintz, Stephen Polatas
  • Patent number: 8915323
    Abstract: A two-rear-wheel electric vehicle configured to lean its vehicle body frame when turning includes a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left rear arms, a battery, and a shock absorber. The vehicle body frame includes a head pipe, a front inclined portion, a bottom portion, and a rear inclined portion. The front inclined portion extends obliquely downward and rearward from the head pipe. The bottom portion includes a front support portion that supports a front end portion of the shock absorber. The bottom portion extends rearward in a front-back direction of the vehicle from a rear end portion of the front inclined portion. The rear inclined portion includes a battery support portion, and extends obliquely upward and rearward from a rear end portion of the bottom portion. A swing shaft is positioned rearward of the front support portion and below the battery support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichirou Tsujii, Junji Terada, Atsushi Ueno, Masatoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8915324
    Abstract: An electric bicycle and a control method thereof are disclosed. The disclosed electric bicycle includes a direction sensor to sense a rotation direction of pedals, a pedal load controller to adjust a load applied to the pedals, and an electronic control unit to release the load applied to the pedals through the pedal load controller when the sensed rotation direction is a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: In Ha Paick, Jae Hyung Chun
  • Patent number: 8915325
    Abstract: A swing arm (25) including a pivot portion (57) pivotally supported by a vehicle body frame (2) and an arm portion (100) extending from the pivot portion (57) towards a back side of a vehicle body. The arm portion (100) includes a box-shaped case (58) being integrally formed with the pivot portion (57) and having one side in a width direction of the vehicle body opened, and a case cover (59). A harness (64) pulled out from the motor (60) is fixedly supported on the case (58) side at a first position proximate to the motor (60), and extended to a control device (52) at a front side of the vehicle body from the arm portion (100) through a grommet (66, 67) arranged at a front wall (597) of the case cover (59) at a second position on the pivot portion (57) side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8915326
    Abstract: An axle beam arrangement on a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, has two longitudinal beams and at least one cross beam connecting the two longitudinal beams. At least one of the beams has in an installation state of the vehicle a clearance between the beam stop region and a vehicle-side stop structure, in particular a body structure. The beam has in the beam stop region at least one stop and reinforcing element which reinforces the beam stop region and which is constructed and arranged so that it comes into supporting contact with the stop structure when the beam moves toward the stop structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Peter Leibl
  • Patent number: 8915327
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a large single engine sweeper includes a transfer case assembly inserted into the chassis drive train of the vehicle on which a package of sweeping equipment is mounted. In road mode operation, power from the chassis engine passes through a chassis automatic transmission, through a transfer case assembly to the differential and real wheel assembly. In sweep mode, power passes from a propel hydraulic motor into the transfer case assembly and then to the differential and real wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Alamo Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Brooker
  • Patent number: 8915328
    Abstract: A construction machine including: a frame; an engine on a frame; a hydraulic pump; a guard panel disposed on the frame to surround an engine room and including a maintenance port for the hydraulic pump; an exhaust-gas-purification device inside the engine room; and a support member to support an exhaust-gas-aftertreatment device including the exhaust-gas-purification device just above the hydraulic pump. The support member includes a first portion to support the exhaust-gas-purification device and a second portion to support a NOx-reducing catalyst at a position closer to the maintenance port than the exhaust-gas-purification device. The catalyst supporting portion supports the NOx-reducing catalyst at a position higher than the exhaust-gas-purification device so as to form, over the hydraulic pump, a maintenance space having an upper end higher than an upper end of a space formed under the first portion and the exhaust-gas-purification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Okada
  • Patent number: 8915329
    Abstract: Tunable perforate acoustic liners are disclosed using shape memory materials, which allow the acoustic liners to tune for multiple frequencies across a wide range, unlike current designs which are limited to specific frequencies or small ranges. The liner will be initiated through a sensor and feedback loop to monitor the current acoustic environment and initiate geometry change needed to more effectively attenuate engine noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Michael Hermiller, Michael Maddux
  • Patent number: 8915330
    Abstract: A method and system for lubricating a positive displacement machine operating as an expander of a compressed gas, comprising introducing into an expansion chamber of the machine a lubricant whose pour point temperature is greater than the operating temperature of the machine in the expansion chamber as determined by the expanding gas, which thus causes the lubricant to freeze-adhere to the internal surfaces of the expansion chamber, to become fluid under increased pressure at a point of contact of the working surfaces of the expander and then to refreeze when the surfaces separate. Considerable reduction in the quantity of lubricant is realized with the attendant advantage that dis-entrainment of lubricant from the gas exhausted from the machine is largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Energetix PNU Power Limited
    Inventors: Iain Henshaw, James Derby, Ian Glease
  • Patent number: 8915331
    Abstract: A battery-powered, handheld grease gun for dispensing lubricant. A pump mechanism driven by a motor is in communication with the lubricant and has a supply port for dispensing the lubricant at a lubrication point. A sensor monitors the pump mechanism of the motor. A display displays information indicative of the monitored condition of the device, such as volume of lubricant dispensed. A processor responsive to operator input selectively energizes the motor to drive the pump mechanism to dispense lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Viktor Alekseyev, Canlong He, R. Keith Rohan, Ling Guo Kong
  • Patent number: 8915332
    Abstract: A mechanical device for reducing the energy absorbed by an electric motor of a handling plant. The device includes a first rotating member moved by the motor of the handling plant. The device also includes a second rotating member connected to the first member through a first transmission apparatus. A third rotating member is connected to the second rotating member through a second transmission apparatus, which develops a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device further includes a fourth rotating member operatively connected to the rotor of the electric motor. The fourth rotating member and the third rotating member are connected through a third transmission apparatus, which develops a transmission ratio equal to unity. The device includes a sixth rotating member connected to a fifth rotating member through a fifth transmission apparatus. The sixth rotating member and the first rotating member are connected through a sixth transmission apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Giorgio Jezek
  • Patent number: 8915333
    Abstract: An elevator comprising a cabin (1), vertical guide elements (2, 3) for guiding said cabin, at least one suspension or support belt (4, 5), groups of pulleys associated to the guide elements and the cabin; each of said groups of pulleys is composed of at least two coplanar pulleys arranged on parallel axles and vertically one above the other; each of the groups of pulleys comprises pulleys having a diameter decreasing from a pulley of a maximum diameter to a pulley of a minimum diameter. Preferred embodiments of the belts having one or two concave or convex surfaces and internal reinforcing wires are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: KONE Corporation
    Inventor: Marco Hoerler
  • Patent number: 8915334
    Abstract: A method of controlling a elevator installation with several elevator cages per elevator shaft, wherein a destination call to a desired destination story is actuated on a call input story by at least one passenger and at least one most favorable call allocation for transport of the passenger by the elevator cage from a start story to a destination story is determined for the destination call by at least one destination call control. If at least one disadvantage parameter is set, at least one disadvantage-free call allocation for transport of the passenger by the elevator cage from a start story to a destination story is determined by the destination call control, in which it is possible the start story and call input story or the destination story and desired destination correspond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Lukas Finschi
  • Patent number: 8915335
    Abstract: The electrical braking device according to the present invention includes a braking element (2) which is formed, on the one hand, by electric jaws (7) and at least one sliding block (8) mounted in the proximity of the brake disk (3) in such a way that the latter passes at least partially through the electric jaws (7) and sliding block (8), and, on the other hand, by means (4) for fastening the electric jaws (7) and the sliding block (8) to the fixed frame (6) while providing the jaws and block with degrees of freedom obtained by the combination of different connections of the “flat plane contact” (FC), “point contact” (PC) and “annular linear contact” (AC) types, in order to compensate for the misalignments and defects in the shape of the brake disk (3) when the latter is driven in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sofineco
    Inventors: Anne-Sophie Panseri, Armand Poyet, Romain Simon
  • Patent number: 8915336
    Abstract: A brake includes a brake shoe, an actuating element for pressing the brake shoe against a brake disc, and at least one lever disposed such that it increases the braking force applied by the brake shoe to the brake disc by deflecting a tangential force acting on the brake shoe during braking. The actuating element comprises at least one brake disc side part, an actuator side part, and a coupling part disposed between the brake disc side part and the actuator side part, wherein the coupling part can be pivoted relative to the brake disc side part and/or the actuator side part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Beier, Gerhard Bruns, Olaf Jantz, Hartmut Rosendahl
  • Patent number: 8915337
    Abstract: A brake device includes: a damper; an advancing and retreating member; and a gap adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism has: a control section having a control surface facing an opposite side to a braking direction; an operation member whose movement is controlled by contacting the control surface as the advancing and retreating member advances towards the braking side in the braking direction, thereby enabling relative movement with respect to the advancing and retreating member towards the opposite side to the braking direction; and a position adjustment section which, when the advancing and retreating member advances towards the braking side in the braking direction, and the operation member relatively moves with respect to the advancing and retreating member, changes an initial position of the advancing and retreating member according to the relative movement amount of the operation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Furutani
  • Patent number: 8915338
    Abstract: The present invention provides an input device of a vehicle brake system, the input device being a separate unit from an electric brake actuator, the electric brake actuator for generating a first fluid pressure, the input device of the vehicle brake system comprising: a master cylinder for generating a second fluid pressure; a stroke simulator for applying a simulated reaction force, the stroke simulator and the master cylinder forming an attachment body, with the stroke simulator disposed in communication with the master cylinder; and a component storage box provided on the attachment body for a component of either one of the master cylinder and the stroke simulator, wherein the attachment body has a vent hole with a first end in communication with the component storage box and a second end in communication with a space formed before a surface of a dashboard having the input device mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Murayama, Takaaki Ohnishi, Hideo Miyabayashi, Motoyasu Nakamura, Yoshiteru Matsunaga, Yoshiyuki Takamatsu, Nobuyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8915339
    Abstract: An interdigitated cellular cushioning system includes an array of void cells protruding from each of two binding layers interdigitated between the two binding layers. Peaks of each of the void cells are attached to the opposite binding layer forming the interdigitated cellular cushioning system. The interdigitated cellular cushioning system may be used to absorb and distribute a source of kinetic energy incident on the interdigitated cellular cushioning system (e.g., an impact or explosion) so that the amount of force transmitted through the interdigitated cellular cushioning system is low enough that it does not cause injury to personnel or damage to personnel and/or equipment adjacent the interdigitated cellular cushioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Skydex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Kanous, Peter Maurice Foley, Collin Metzer, Eric Sugano, Gerald Buchen, Mark Massmann, Jon Neal
  • Patent number: 8915340
    Abstract: Actuator arrangement with an actuator (8), a reference mass (22), a spring (24) and a first sensor (26; 42, 43; 32, 36). The actuator (8) applies a force between a first object (2) relative to a second object (16; 54). The reference mass (22) is, in use, supported by a third object (16; 56) by means of the spring (24). The first sensor (26; 42, 43; 32, 36) generates a first distance signal that depends on a first distance (z2; z5,z6; z3,z4) between the reference mass (22) and the first object (2) and is provided to a controller (6) to actuate the actuator (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Johannes Vervoordeldonk, Theo Anges Maria Ruijl, Robertus Mathijs Gerardus Rijs, Johannes Cornelius Antonius Muller
  • Patent number: 8915341
    Abstract: The invention relates to a current collector 1 for a device 2 that can be displaced with and against the driving direction F along a conductor line 5, comprising a current collector cart 8 for the guided displacement along a guide element 9 of the conductor line 5, and an energy transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schmiedle, Melchior Zumbach
  • Patent number: 8915342
    Abstract: A two stage clutch and shift actuation paddle assembly provides clutch disengagement through a first range of movement of a manually operated control lever or paddle and electronic shifting of a transmission upon movement through a second range. A return spring force generator causes a lower return force to be exerted on the generator paddle in a range of motion wherein the clutch is disengaged and a pronounced increased spring force to be exerted in advanced range of motion wherein the transmission shift actuation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: David Cook
  • Patent number: 8915343
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
  • Patent number: 8915344
    Abstract: A clutch transmission, in particular a dual-clutch transmission for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, includes at least one automatic transmission with a hydraulically actuatable clutch and at least one hydraulically actuatable gear actuator, and a hydraulic circuit having a tank supplying an unpressurized hydraulic medium and a pressure source supplying a pressurized hydraulic medium. For operating the respective clutch, a first pressure control valve and at least one second pressure control valve are arranged upstream of the respective coupling. At least one of the pressure control valves is connected with an upstream switching device which connects the at least one pressure control valve and a hydraulically actuatable parking lock either with the pressure source or with the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Schuller, Martin Bauer
  • Patent number: 8915345
    Abstract: Apparatus directed to the art of disengaging an input from an output at predetermined torque values. A torque limiting clutch capable of use as a solid drive unit and a torque limited unit for which the torque disengagement value is selectable. The torque limiting clutch has an overload assembly and a torque drive mechanism which may comprise a plurality of drive pins. Additionally, the torque limiting clutch may comprise seals to discourage contaminants from entering the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: A&E Incorporated
    Inventors: Billy Greuel, Brandon Ullrich, Timothy Alho
  • Patent number: 8915346
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a sensor unit (300) for detection of at least one feature of each note of value, and a control unit (28) which classifies the notes of value into accepted notes of value and sheet-shaped media to be returned, dependent on the feature to be detected by the sensor unit (300). A sorting gate (400) is arranged downstream the sensor unit (300), wherein the control unit (28) controls the sorting gate (400) to supply notes of value classified as accepted notes of value to a first intermediate storage (32), and notes of value classified as sheet-shaped media to be returned to a second intermediate storage (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Petermann, Paul Freitag, Richard Duesterhus, Hendrik Hoeschen
  • Patent number: 8915347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled outdoor power equipment unit, an attachment for use with such a unit and associated methods. The unit may be in the form of a mower having a mower deck. The attachment includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The conveyor assembly has operational and stored positions, the latter of which provides a narrower profile of the attachment and unit. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment is configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the unit, and provides additional functionality to a mower or other unit on which the attachment is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steffon Hoppel
  • Patent number: 8915348
    Abstract: A breakage prevention mechanism includes a pair of arms which is synchronized and moves approximately parallel, and a crossbar bridged between the top end of the arms. Both end of the crossbar and the arm are connected pivotably around two axis. Both end of the crossbar are configured to be slidable against the arm in X axis direction. A plunger is placed between both end of the crossbar and arm, which protects the crossbar by restraining the pivoting and the sliding of both in the normal condition and releasing the restraint when the unintended force is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Takeda, Seiji Nakoshi, Takashi Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 8915349
    Abstract: In a device for feeding book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) of a subsequent processing arrangement with a book block feeder (30) that essentially feeds the book blocks (2) into the infeed channel (11) vertically from above transverse to the conveying direction of the infeed channel (11), at least one push-out unit (51) is driven separately of the at least one pusher (14) of the infeed channel (11) and provided in the infeed channel (11) in the region of the book block feeder (30). The separate drive makes it possible to define a push-off motion that allows a gentle start of the push-out unit (51) relative to the book block (2) to be pushed off on the one hand and a synchronous transfer to the continuously moving pusher (14) of the infeed channel (11) on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yahya Tas, Nicolas Regent
  • Patent number: 8915350
    Abstract: A device and a method for rearranging flexible flat items, in particular printed products, which are delivered continuously in a delivery flow, relative to the delivery direction of the delivery flow. The items are delivered in an incoming delivery flow in a first delivery direction and with substantially identical orientation of the surface normals thereof, and in a predetermined cycle, to a diverting region. There, the delivery in the first delivery direction is ended and the individual items are accelerated in a second delivery direction, which is perpendicular to the first delivery direction and to the orientation of the surface normals in the incoming delivery flow, by an acceleration element which acts on the items in the diverting region in a predetermined cycle. The delivery flow moving in the second delivery direction is subsequently diverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Roland Tanner
  • Patent number: 8915351
    Abstract: A work piece conveying apparatus capable of conveying plural work pieces with differing transport pitches to each other. The work piece conveying apparatus includes a drive motor that includes an output shaft, plural drive pulleys that are fixed to the output shaft and have different diameters to each other, plural timing belts that are respectively entrained around the plural drive pulleys, and plural coupling plates that are respectively fixed to the timing belts and that move reciprocating with different transport pitches to each other accompanying forward and reverse rotation of the output shaft, and cause to convey work pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Tomida, Akihiro Shirai