Patents Issued in January 6, 2015
  • Patent number: 8925939
    Abstract: A steering system includes a rack shaft, a rack housing, a rack end, and an impact absorbing member that is provided between a restriction face formed within the rack housing and an end face of the rack end, and that absorbs an impact generated when the restriction face and the end face come into contact with each other. The impact absorbing member includes an elastic portion, and a restriction portion having an elastic modulus higher than that of the elastic portion and having a length in the axial direction, which is shorter than that of the elastic portion. A compression allowance, which is a difference in length in the axial direction between the elastic portion and the restriction portion, is brought to zero when the restriction face and the end face come into contact with each other via the impact absorbing member due to a steering input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuya Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8925940
    Abstract: A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Tilting Motor Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Mighell
  • Patent number: 8925941
    Abstract: A method of producing a modular independent suspension having portal wheel ends is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, assembling a first flank component and a second flank component to opposite sides of a sub-frame configured to receive a carrier. The method further includes assembling a first upper control arm and a first lower control arm to the first flank component. The method further includes assembling a second upper control arm and a second lower control arm to the second flank component. The method further includes assembling a first portal wheel end to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm. The method still further includes assembling a second portal wheel end to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: AxleTech International IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gerard Cordier, Lillian Cantuern, Philippe Mella, Alexandre Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 8925942
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle support (12) for motor vehicles. The axle support comprises at least one receiving element (10) for the steering device, which preferably comprises a tubular hollow body (10a) and is either produced in a single piece with the axle support or is bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: KSM Castings Group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Buschjohann, Heiko Kauert
  • Patent number: 8925943
    Abstract: A wheelchair includes a frame, a rear caster coupled to the frame, a drive wheel coupled to the frame, a front caster, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly couples the front caster to the frame such that upward movement of the front caster relative to the frame causes the front caster to move toward the drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Invacare Corp.
    Inventor: James H. Molnar
  • Patent number: 8925944
    Abstract: A control arm for a vehicle suspension is provided. The control arm includes a control arm body having a connector for attachment to a wheel assembly, a horizontal bushing for coupling the control arm with a vehicle frame and a vertical socket for also coupling the control arm with a vehicle frame. The vertical socket has a housing which is press fit into an opening of the control arm body and a stud which extends through the housing for engagement with the vehicle frame. A bearing is positioned within the housing between the housing and the stud. The stud has a rounded outer surface, and the bearing has a rounded inner surface for allowing rotational movement of the bearing and housing relative to the stud. A retainer member is in engagement with the housing and the bearing for retaining the bearing in the inner bore of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Byrnes
  • Patent number: 8925945
    Abstract: A sheet-metal control arm for a wheel suspension of a motor vehicle includes a base body, and two eyelets arranged in spaced-apart relationship at least at one end of the base body. Each eyelet has an opening, with the openings of the eyelets receiving a chassis bearing. At least one of the eyelets has a wall which is provided with a projection which is configured to at least partly bridge a gap to a wall of the other one of the eyelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Dominik Mohrlock, Wolfgang Seemüller
  • Patent number: 8925946
    Abstract: A vehicle (3) comprising at least two axles (6, 7, 8) fitted with at least two tires the axis of rotation of which are always mutually parallel from one axle to another. Each axle (6, 7, 8) bears at least 10% of the load of the vehicle and at least two axles (6, 7, 8) bear different loads during running. Also disclosed is a method for distributing the load between said at least two axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Techniques S.A., Compagne Generale des Establissements Michelin
    Inventors: Loic Albert, Fabien Marlier, Philippe Mansuy
  • Patent number: 8925947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bodywork of a motor vehicle comprising side members and a rear axle construction which is connected to the bodywork, the rear axle construction having means for attaching the rear axle construction to the bodywork and having a suspension, and the rear axle construction being configured as a torsion-beam axle or as a multi-link axle. The object to provide a generic bodywork of a motor vehicle with a rear axle construction which allows, in a financially favorable manner, a modular rear axle concept, i.e. the selective use of a torsion-beam axle or of a multi-link axle is achieved in that the bodywork has means for receiving the attachment means of a torsion-beam axle and of a multi-link axle and has means for receiving the attachment means and the suspension of a torsion-beam axle and of a multi-link axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Kai Schmitz, Axel Grüneklee, Burkhard Schulze-Bergkamen, Michael Brenneis
  • Patent number: 8925948
    Abstract: A bicycle bottom bracket assembly that reduces the accumulation of dirt and/or corrosive substances inside the shaft extending between the crank arms of the assembly. The bottom bracket assembly includes a shaft having a through-cavity that extends along its longitudinal direction; a crank arm is associated with each end portion of the shaft, and the through-cavity extends unobstructed through the crank arms and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Dal Prà, Nicola Sgreva
  • Patent number: 8925949
    Abstract: A bicycle frame comprising a front triangle and a rear triangle. The front triangle comprises, in turn, the following tubular elements: a seat tube; a top tube; a down tube; and a steering tube. Whereas the rear triangle comprises, in turn, the following tubular elements:—two inclined seat stays and two horizontal chain stays. The frame is characterized in that the elements comprised in the front triangle are manufactured as one single piece, and in that the two chain stays are joined to said front triangle by means of a bushing, which is inserted into a seat, which is obtained in correspondence to a bottom bracket axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Diamant S.R.L.
    Inventor: Philippe Zecchetto
  • Patent number: 8925950
    Abstract: A bicycle having a frame with two sections spaced apart at a distance, one section a left and one a right section, three connection respectively for a saddle, crank and front fork connected to the left and right sections. A rear fork is connected to the frame by a rotatable connection having an axis, and the rear fork can rotate from an extended position to a folded position where a wheel affixed to the rear fork inserts between the left and right sections. The rear fork may also have a series of links and a shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Mauro Falzari
  • Patent number: 8925951
    Abstract: A multi-configurable trailer where the load carrying surface can preferably be raised or lowered to enable the easy loading or unloading of the trailer, and/or a variety of different kinds of attachments which can preferably be removably connected to the chassis of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Small Implement Trailer Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Shane Kenneth Bartlett
  • Patent number: 8925952
    Abstract: An above-bed structure having two or more feet is attached into a bed of a truck using inserts which can be removed or retracted to provide a flat, unobstructed truck bed. Each insert includes an above-bed cleat portion and a below-bed peg portion which is received in a below-bed socket. Each insert is received first vertically without substantial rotation into its socket and then by rotation to a terminal point wherein the insert is vertically held by the socket. The above bed structure is then placed onto the inserts such that the feet mate with the inserts to prevent the inserts from rotating away from their terminal point, thus preventing the inserts from being removed from their sockets. The attachment can be completed by inserting mounting pins into aligned holes on the cleat portions and the feet. In one embodiment, the feet are supported on a bed place section of the insert which is offset from the rotational axis of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Cody James Leech, Kristopher William Schwennsen, Scott Morrison
  • Patent number: 8925953
    Abstract: A bearing assembly having a bearing block of a fifth wheel coupling. The bearing block has at least one vertical fastening flange. The tractive unit has a frame element, which has a vertical section. The vertical fastening flange is connected to the outside of the vertical section by a screw connection. A component, on which the vertical fastening flange is supported at least in the vertical direction, is fastened to the vertical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: José Algüera
  • Patent number: 8925954
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The housing includes spaced-apart first and second sections. The first section includes an elongated slot formed through a portion thereof. A tow bar guide is attached to an interior side of the first section and includes an elongated opening formed therethrough with opposite first and second portions. The tow bar includes a first guide member that extends outwardly from the tow bar at the proximal end thereof, and a second guide member that extends outwardly from a medial portion of the tow bar. The first guide member extends through the first portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide and is operably engaged with the slot in the first section. The second guide member is operably engaged with the second portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Williams, Jr., Gregory S. Hopper, David Allen DeKarske
  • Patent number: 8925955
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a an elongated hitch member having a distal free end and an opposite proximal end. The hitch member is configured to be movably secured within a hitch receiver of a vehicle, and movable between retracted and extended positions relative to the hitch receiver. A first locking mechanism is operably secured to the hitch receiver and releasably engages the hitch member to maintain the hitch member in a retracted position. A housing is attached to the hitch member distal end. The housing includes an opening formed through a portion thereof, and a shaft is movably secured within the housing and is axially rotatable within the housing. A second locking mechanism is operably secured to the housing that releasably engages the shaft to prevent rotation of the shaft. An elongated coupler arm extends through the housing opening and is secured to the shaft such that the coupler arm rotates with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventor: David Allen Dekarske
  • Patent number: 8925956
    Abstract: A snowshoe/ski that allows a rider to glide and turn going downhill as well as to climb and navigate a variety of terrain in varying snow conditions. At its base is a center ski which operates on hard-pack snow surrounded by an integrated outer ski or hull that creates buoyancy in deep powder preventing the device from sinking. The center ski has a fine scaled traction area under the foot zone that allows it to slide forward but not backwards. The underside of the main body has an exaggerated version of this traction extending a little beyond the foot zone but away from tip and tail granting maximum glide. The top of the device has a convex shape keeping unwanted snow from building up and weighing down the wearer. The present invention thus relates to a hybrid device that combines elements from snowshoes and cross-country and/or downhill skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: James B. Harkin
  • Patent number: 8925957
    Abstract: A foldable valet cart is described. In one example, the valet cart includes a base frame, plurality of wheels coupled to the base frame, a lower vertical support frame pivotally connected to the base frame to fold against the base frame, an upper vertical support frame pivotally connected to the lower vertical support frame opposite the base frame to fold against the lower vertical support frame, and a hanger rod pivotally connected to the upper vertical support frame opposite the lower vertical support frame to fold against the upper vertical support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Willis Grundvig, Gertrude Davis
  • Patent number: 8925958
    Abstract: This invention relates to central hanger brackets and equalizers for tandem suspension, used in trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, provided with spring pack arranged on the axles of the vehicle comprising an equalizer, provided with an intermediate area located in the upper part of the body, said area coupling to a surface arranged in the central hanger bracket. The set promotes a structural arrangement that allows the articulation of said equalizer, and eliminates the use of fixing pins, bushings or screws to attach said set to said central hanger bracket, in order to simplify the system and reduce the number of components, providing better conditions for the durability and maintenance of the suspension and thus reducing the operating cost and the cost of the product itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Suspensys Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.
    Inventor: Joao Felipe de Souza Araujo
  • Patent number: 8925959
    Abstract: Multi-piece constructions for an illuminated emblem assembly for connection to an airbag cover are provided herein. An airbag assembly can include an airbag cover having front and rear surfaces, an emblem portion having one or more translucent areas and an illumination source. The airbag cover can include attachment elements protruding from the rear surface. The emblem portion and the illumination source can include openings for accommodating attachment elements. The illumination source can include a light guide and light emitting diodes (LEDs), where the LEDs are fitted in recesses formed in the light guide. The emblem portion can be arranged between the airbag cover and the illumination source, and the emblem portion and the illumination source can be aligned such that at least one of the one or more translucent areas is illuminated by light passing through the emblem portion from the illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: TASUS Canada Corporation, TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Bosch, Vaughn Pipe
  • Patent number: 8925960
    Abstract: A vehicle ceiling structure includes a ceiling interior material that covers a curtain shield air bag with a terminal side, an assist grip is attached to a body panel through an attachment hole provided in the ceiling interior material and an attachment portion is provided on the assist grip. The attachment portion is in contact with or faces an outer circumference of the attachment hole in a surface of the ceiling interior material in a vehicle cabin side. The vehicle ceiling structure on a surface thereof in a vehicle cabin outer side, has an annular groove facing the outer circumference of the attachment portion such that the annular groove surrounds the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiku Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Uchida
  • Patent number: 8925961
    Abstract: A curtain airbag device has an airbag that is accommodated in a state where the airbag is wound or folded; a bracket that has a guiding plate portion which guides the airbag inward in a passenger compartment of a vehicle when the airbag is deployed and is provided with a fragile portion, the bracket is fixed to an upper portion of an inner panel of a vehicle body; and a cover sheet that, when the airbag is deployed, covers the fragile portion in a state where the cover sheet is positioned between the airbag and the guiding plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhito Furusawa, Naoyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8925962
    Abstract: A vehicle airbag structure deploying an airbag at a predetermined designed position in an initial stage of deployment, while suppressing a swinging motion, to allow the airbag to continuously deploy and inflate toward a vehicle seat and reliably receive an occupant at an appropriate position. The vehicle airbag structure includes: an intermediate panel provided between a front panel and a rear panel; a joining the rear panel and the front panel to form an airbag; an intermediate panel forming a gas duct to guide inflator gas; and a gas circulation hole formed by a portion of the intermediate panel facing in a circumferential direction to generate, inside the airbag, a gas flow in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventor: Akihiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8925963
    Abstract: There is provided an airbag coolant releasing device for releasing a coolant into an airbag. The device includes: a cylinder which is formed into a cylindrical shape; a coolant pack which is formed of a flexible film, wherein a coolant is sealed in the coolant pack and the coolant pack is received in the cylinder; a piston which is inserted into the cylinder; a drive unit which drives the piston with respect to the cylinder such that the piston presses the coolant pack; and a nozzle which is provided in an end portion of the cylinder which is located opposite to a side of the drive unit and which releases the coolant ejected from the coolant pack into the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Inuzuka, Atsushi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8925964
    Abstract: A ballast assembly for a work vehicle includes a ballast weight having a central groove. Two pairs of coupling pins extend across the central groove. A pair of support rods are attached to an underside of a frame part of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a pair of ballast bracket, each of which is releasably coupled to a corresponding pair of the coupling pins. The assembly also includes a pair of links, each having an end pivotally coupled to a corresponding ballast bracket, and having a body with a slot which slidably receives a corresponding support rod. A hydraulic cylinder has a first end pivotally coupled to one of the links and a second end pivotally coupled to the frame part. Each ballast bracket includes a latch member which releasably holds the ballast bracket to the corresponding pair of coupling pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steven A. Duppong, Bryan K. Buerkle, Robert David Andrew Wolsky, Lucas Aaron Laudenbach, James Gregory Johnson
  • Patent number: 8925965
    Abstract: This utility tray is rectangular in shape and mounts securely to the rear fender of a motorcross bike. The main frame has tapered side walls with U-shaped cuts to accommodate tools such as Tee Handle Wrenches. A quarter portion of the utility tray has a top tray. The top tray incorporates two large holes to accommodate aerosol cans and two small holes for the front and rear axles. On the back section of the top tray is a tool rail with strategic holes for screwdrivers, bolts and sockets. The bottom of the main frame mounts a trapezoid shaped fender pocket, four non slip standoffs and an auxiliary stabilizer strap. To mount the utility tray, insert the rear fender into the trapezoid fender pocket and apply the strap. This combination gives the utility tray a tremendous amount of stability. While the utility tray is mounted, the seat is able to be removed to access the air filter. The utility tray stores in a vertical position when mounted on a wall bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Louis G Pecora
  • Patent number: 8925966
    Abstract: A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryuta Inoue, Ken Itou, Yuya Sato
  • Patent number: 8925967
    Abstract: A seat belt arrangement for a vehicle seat having a seat part and a back part and which is positioned substantially centrally between the nearside and offside of a vehicle. First and second anchorage points are provided on the vehicle structure on opposite sides of the seat part, the first anchorage point providing an anchorage for one end of the seat belt and the second anchorage point comprising a latching mechanism for receiving a latch carried by the seat belt. A third anchorage point comprising a retractor system is located on the vehicle structure behind the seat. The first, second and third anchorage points are each located at a relatively low position; and an upper mounting provided on the back part (towards an upper end thereof) is at a higher level than the first, second and third anchorage points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Gordon Murray Design Limited
    Inventor: Ian Gordon Murray
  • Patent number: 8925968
    Abstract: A composition book having a front and back cover and a plurality of pages stitched together wherein the plurality of pages may have hole punches and the front and back cover may have hole punches such as to allow the composition book to fit within a binder and wherein the plurality of pages are perforated such that they may be removed from the composition book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Acco Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Denise E. Sada, Bobby G. James, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8925969
    Abstract: A spray shield for the pipe connection flange of pipes carrying hazardous fluids. A band composed of metal or other suitable material encompasses a pipe flange and supports a spray diffusion mesh or device so that any spray of pressurized leaked fluid is coalesced to drops or streams of leaked fluid which descend by gravity for collection rather than being sprayed into the environment in the vicinity of the leaking flange joint. The spray shield band is secured about the flange by an over-center latch mechanism that tightens the band and spray diffusion mesh around the flange connection. A locking pin or lockout device is inserted through aligned holes of the latch mechanism when closed and functions to secure the latch against release and movement from its latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Dwayne D. Sonnier
  • Patent number: 8925970
    Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Patent number: 8925971
    Abstract: A thin-wall tube connecting assembly includes a connecting bar, and a tightening nut connected to the connecting bar through threads. The connecting bar is in a hollow tube-shape. One end of the connecting bar includes an expansion cone having an exterior diameter that is larger than that of other parts of the connecting bar. Another end of the connecting bar includes exterior threads. An elastic tube sits between the expansion cone of the connecting bar and a tightening nut. A rigid ring wraps around the exterior of the elastic tube, which shares a same axis with the tightening nut. A tube to be connected has an interior diameter that is equal to or larger than the exterior diameter of the expansion cone of the connecting bar. The rigid ring has an interior diameter that is equal to or larger than an exterior diameter of the tube to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Hanlin Wang, Zhongxian Wang
  • Patent number: 8925972
    Abstract: In-line pressure balanced expansion joint for thermal expansion compensation of piping and ducting of circular cross section with the tie rods located inside the device consists of one large, central expansion joint and two smaller, mirror-symmetrical, side expansion joints (2a) and (2b). Three expansion joints are made of bellows (3) and (9) and of straight pipe spools and annular plates welded to each other. Tie rods (15a) and (15b) are placed on a circle at equal angular intervals which connect the sides of the expansion joints. The inner surfaces of the sides of the central expansion joint are reinforced with welded rectangular radial ribs and triangular ribs. The compactness and functionality allows expansion joints for all types of piping and ducting and is particularly suitable for making expansion joints for piping and ducting with a diameter greater than 2 meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Numikon D.O.O., Pipetech Jocic, Innospin AG
    Inventors: Zdravko Ivancic, Misa Jocic
  • Patent number: 8925973
    Abstract: A system and method for connecting two flexible containers is provided, in particular for the environmentally sealed connecting of two open ends of tubular films. The method has at least the following method steps of: everting a first open end of a first flexible container over a first ring; everting a second open end of a second flexible container over a second ring, subsequently inserting the first ring through the second ring into the inside of the second flexible container; subsequently aligning, in a parallel and coaxial relationship, the rings in relation to one another; and abutting the rings with the ends clamped in between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Flecotec AG
    Inventors: Guenter Untch, Peter Lais, Martin Koch
  • Patent number: 8925974
    Abstract: A connector has a pivot shaft extending axially between a pair of flanges of a connector body. The retainer includes a bearing portion at one end, with an expandable insertion slot engageable with the pivot shaft such that the retainer pivots about the pivot shaft. The retainer has a temporary engagement position where a pipe can be inserted and removed and a regular engagement position where a bulge portion of the pipe is engaged preventing the pipe from being removed. A stopper claw formed on an opening edge of the insertion slot contacts with a contact surface, preventing the connector body from pivoting beyond the temporary engagement position. This prevents a condition where the retainer further pivots past the temporary engagement position which can cause the insertion slot to expand and the retainer separating from the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Nagaya, Kenji Tozaki, Morio Narita
  • Patent number: 8925975
    Abstract: A threaded connection includes first and second tubular components each with an axis of revolution. The first component including a male threaded end, the second component including a female threaded end, and both the male and female threaded ends finishing in a terminal surface. The threaded zones include, over a portion defined as in a self-locking make-up, threads, which before the self-locking make-up and when viewed in a longitudinal section passing through the axis of revolution of the first and second components, each include: a thread crest, a thread root, a load flank, and a stabbing flank. A width of the thread crests of each component reducing in a direction of the terminal surface of the component under consideration, while a width of the thread roots increases. A lead of the male stabbing flanks and/or load flanks is different from a lead of the female stabbing flanks and/or load flanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Vallourec Oil and Gas France, Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Granger, Olivier Caron, Eric Verger
  • Patent number: 8925976
    Abstract: A fitting for use with metal tubing in a jacket, the fitting including: an adapter, the adapter having a tubular member defining a longitudinal passage having a longitudinal axis for fluid flow; a body for receiving the tubing, the body positioned opposite the adapter and aligned with the longitudinal axis; a sealing member positioned between the adapter and the body; a retainer positioned external to the sealing member, the retainer receiving the adapter and receiving the body; a first flange located near the adapter and a second flange located near the body; and a fastener for drawing the first flange and second flange towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Treichel, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 8925977
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system for use with a spigot includes a bell and a sealing device. The bell is adapted to mate with the spigot. The bell includes a first end and a second end. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device includes a locking segment including a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Patent number: 8925978
    Abstract: An assembly may include a fitting, a first pipe, and a first seal. The fitting may include an annular body having a first insertion end and an inner diametrical surface having a first knurled portion disposed adjacent the first insertion end. The first pipe may include a first end portion that is received into the first insertion end of the body and an outer diametrical surface including knurls formed thereon. The knurls of the outer diametrical surface may engage the first knurled portion of the fitting. The first seal element may be disposed within the fitting and may sealingly engage the first pipe and the fitting body. The engagement between the inner diametrical surface of the fitting and the outer diametrical surface of the pipe may a press fit and/or an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy L. Jamison, Kevin Neil Young, Robert McKenzie, Marcus Robert Elmer
  • Patent number: 8925979
    Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively moveable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hartwell Corporation
    Inventors: Manuel Andres Hernandez, Thomas J. Helsley, Timothy S. Rozema
  • Patent number: 8925980
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an arrangement for opening and closing a suspended ceiling or corresponding of an elevator car and also a locking device. The suspended ceiling or corresponding is supported in place at least partly by one or more locking devices. In the method the suspended ceiling or corresponding is opened from its locking and lowered away from its position and fixed again into its position. In the opening phase of the suspended ceiling the locking devices supporting the suspended ceiling are pre-tuned into a state where the suspended ceiling continues to stay in place in the upper position and after pre-tuning the suspended ceiling is released from its locking by lifting the suspended ceiling first upwards and after this by letting the suspended ceiling lower downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Rami Heikintupa, Pekka Halonen
  • Patent number: 8925981
    Abstract: A locking system for a hoistway door having an elongated casing, a slider member operatively connected to an electromechanical system for upward and downward movement of the slider. A keeper associated with the locking system allowing for secure locking and unlocking of the hoistway door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: John W. Ray, II
  • Patent number: 8925982
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a lock device is adapted to unlock a lock by transferring a lock catch from a locking position to a releasing position. The device includes an electric motor, which is mechanically connected to an axle via at least one transmission device, and rotation of the axle actuates the lock catch. In at least one embodiment, the transmission device includes a weakening structure adapted to break and disrupt the mechanical connection between the electric motor and the axle if a threshold force is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Phoniro AB
    Inventors: Olle Bliding, Johan Hörberg, Lennart Sjöstedt, Jens Norshammar, Thomas Persson
  • Patent number: 8925983
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a vehicle includes a striker, a locking apparatus body. The locking apparatus body is used for locking and releasing the striker. The locking apparatus body includes a housing, a first rocking shaft, a latch and a pawl. The housing includes a recess for receiving the striker. The first rocking shaft is disposed in the housing and has a first axis. The latch is supported by the first rocking shaft so as to be rotatable relative to the housing around the first axis between a locking position in which the latch locks the striker in the recess and a releasing position in which the latch releases the striker in the recess. The pawl is used for locking the latch. The locking apparatus body locks the striker when moving housing to the striker and is operable in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Ikkei Ohgitani, Yoshio Ojima, Takahiro Fukagawa, Takashi Murase
  • Patent number: 8925984
    Abstract: The present invention is a waste pick-up and storage device for scooping solid and semi-solid pet waste. The device includes a bag portion and a scoop portion. In an embodiment, two scoops scoop the pet waste into the bag. In an embodiment, a portion of the scoop is detachable, and another portion is secured to the bag for providing support. The scoop is used to sweep the pet waste into the bag. The scoop portions can serve as handles of the device. In an embodiment, the device can be single-handed. The device can have a receptacle, a cover rotatably attached to the receptacle, and wherein the cover has a handle attached to a surface opposite the base of the receptacle. The waste pick-up and storage device is foldable to be flat, and can be made from a combination of flexible materials for the bag, and inflexible materials for the scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Poopooh LLC
    Inventors: Praveena Joseph-de Saram, Markus Manfred Helmut Mittermaier
  • Patent number: 8925985
    Abstract: A garden hand-weeding tool, which distributes, rather than concentrates, gripping forces in order to effectively grip and remove plants, including their roots, from the soil without crushing or severing them and without clogging the apparatus. The present invention generally comprises; pivotally connected specially contoured jaw and handle assemblies, a non-crushing gripping zone, and an opening for soil and debris to exit the gripping zone upon repetitive use. The jaws, biased to an open state, are positioned into the soil longitudinally about a weed and then closed via the operator's hand grip/force applied to the handles. The jaws when fully closed do not create a complete mating closure along their length thereby eliminating the chance of severing the weed or root. This allows the entire weed including roots to be easily removed from the soil. A jaw is self-cleaning with each new mouthful pushing the last out through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Wyles
  • Patent number: 8925986
    Abstract: A clamp (1) is described for manipulators including a body (2) provided with two coplanar seats (21, 22) for housing the respective jaws (G1, G2). The jaws (G1, G2) are translatable in parallel in the respective seats (21, 22) alternately in the two ways, between a retracted position and an extended position, with average- or long-stroke. The clamp further includes an electrical motor (M) for activating the jaws and an electronic unit (CPU) for controlling the electric motor, inside the body (2) of the clamp (1). A transmission assembly is operatively interposed between the electric motor and the jaws, and includes in its turn two pushing screws (V1, V2) and respective translation assemblies (GT1, GT2). The rotation given by the electric motor (M) to the counter rotating pushing screws (V1, V2) causes the translation in opposite directions of the translation assemblies (GT1, GT2), which trail the jaws (G1, G2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GIMATIC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maffeis
  • Patent number: 8925987
    Abstract: An overhead lift apparatus defines a frame having tracked lateral clamp arms defining three rotatable and spreadable wheels on opposing ends of the frame activated by a hydraulic spreading and retracting apparatus, the lateral clamp arms clamp onto an inner surface of an upper portion of a welded ring lifting the ring for transfer from one location to another without deformation of the ring, including additional outriggers with additional wheels to expand the diameter size for larger rings, and larger cylindrical vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Cody
  • Patent number: 8925988
    Abstract: A connecting device of a door trim and a pull handle for a vehicle includes a sliding back prevention boss which protrudes from the door trim of the vehicle and a supporting boss which protrudes from the pull handle mounted on the door trim and inserted into the sliding back prevention boss. As such, a phenomenon in which sharp edges are generated due to a broadside collision of a vehicle may be prevented and collision energy due to the collision may be decreased, thereby making it possible to improve salability and safety for a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jong Ho Lee, Jae Ho Choi