Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8991513
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a water storage material from a biomass input material using supercritical or subcritical fluid processing, the water storage material capable of absorbing a liquid and releasing the liquid. The apparatus utilizes supercritical fluid processing, subcritical fluid processing, charring, or a combination thereof. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the apparatus. The apparatus further including a processing station configured to hold the biomass input material, and to use the biomass input material for processing into the water storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Tony S. Pan, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8991514
    Abstract: A cultivator may include at least one rechargeable battery for an electrical power tool as a power source. The at least one rechargeable battery may include a plurality of rechargeable batteries. Further, the plurality of rechargeable batteries may be switched in sequence, so as to be used as the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Tozawa, Shigeru Takeda, Kouji Haneda, Mitsunori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8991515
    Abstract: In a valveless percussive drill of the hydraulic type and incorporating a hammer assembly, an “intermediate” shoulder between the head portion and cushion portion of a reciprocating piston engages the end face of a distributor or liner, rather than an interior bearing structure for the piston. This end face can be made harder than the ulterior bearing structure, which may include a surface made of a different material than the piston. Collectively, the result is a percussive drill with the hammer assembly incorporating the piston substantially less susceptible to failure due to galling as the result of contamination in the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.
    Inventor: Ward D. Morrison
  • Patent number: 8991516
    Abstract: An electric tool includes a gripping portion, a working portion rotatably connected to the gripping portion about an axis, an output shaft moving in a reciprocating manner and accommodated in the working portion, and a gear box accommodated in the gripping portion for driving the output shaft. The gear box has an opening so that the output shaft is moveable from one end to the other end of the opening when the working portion is rotated relative to the gripping portion about the axis. A leakage-preventing device, such as a bushing, is arranged at the opening so that the lubricating grease can be avoided from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventor: Gan Wei
  • Patent number: 8991517
    Abstract: An impact tool includes a reaction force transmitting member, a first elastic member that biases the transmitting member forward, and a second elastic member that is pushed by the transmitting member and compressively deforms when the transmitting member moves rearward by receiving a striking reaction force caused when a tool bit strikes a workpiece, thereby cushioning the force. When the tool bit is pressed against the workpiece, the transmitting member is pushed by the tool bit and compresses the first elastic member, and comes in contact with the second elastic member in an uncompressed state, so that the transmitting member is placed in a predetermined working position in the longitudinal direction. When the transmitting member receives the striking reaction force in the working position, the transmitting member moves rearward in the axial direction of the tool bit and compressively deforms the second elastic member, thereby cushioning the striking reaction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Sugiyama, Hikaru Kamegai, Masanori Furusawa
  • Patent number: 8991518
    Abstract: A portable power wrench is controlled by an operation control unit and comprises a housing (10;50) with a rotation motor, a gear casing (15;55) including a gearing (18;56,57) and a drive spindle (19;60} and being releasably and/or rotatably connected to the housing via a swivel or multi-position connection, an operation parameter sensing device (22,23;68) is associated with the drive spindle (19,60). The sensing device (22,23;68) communicates with the operation control unit via a first signal transferring device (28;82) which is disposed between the drive spindle (19;60) and the gear casing (15;55), and a second signal transferring device (31;84) is disposed between the gear casing (15;55) and the housing (10;50), wherein the second signal transferring device (31;84) communicates with the operation control unit. At least the first signal transferring device (28;82) between the drive spindle (19;60) and the gear casing (15;55) comprises a contact free transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Industrial Technique Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Karl Johan Lars Elsmark
  • Patent number: 8991519
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic field measurements to determine the proximity of a nearby target incorporating electrically conductive material includes a drill string (54) having multiple drill pipe sections (56, 57, 58, 59) connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections (57) being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section (84) is connected in the drill string below the electrode section (57), and a hydraulic motor (62) having a rotatable drill bit sub (70) carrying a magnetic field sensing instrument package (102) is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur F. Kuckes
  • Patent number: 8991520
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprises determining a cation exchange capacity of a sample of a shale, determining a swelling characteristic of the shale using the cation exchange capacity in an equation comprising a term of the form: Az % salt=x(cation exchange capacity)y where Az % salt is a final swelling volume of the shale in the presence of an aqueous fluid having a salt concentration of z %, and x and y are empirical constants, determining a composition of a wellbore servicing fluid based on the determined swelling characteristic, and drilling the wellbore using the wellbore servicing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep D. Kulkarni, Shadaab S. Maghrabi, Kushabhau D. Teke, Dhanashree Gajanan Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8991522
    Abstract: A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing parent wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock. The method also includes running the assembly down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, a curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius substantially across the inner diameter of the casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Coiled Tubing Specialties, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce L. Randall, Michael J. Brogdin, David Brisco
  • Patent number: 8991523
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter disposed in one of the cutter pockets, wherein each rolling cutter has a substrate, a cutting face, a cutting edge, and a side surface, and at least one blocker positioned adjacent to each of the at least one rolling cutters on a leading face of the blade, wherein each blocker has a retention end and an attachment end. The retention end of each blocker is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter to retain the rolling cutter in the cutter pocket and the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuelin Shen, Youhe Zhang, Yuri Burhan, Michael A. Siracki, Mahavir Nagaraj, Bala Durairajan, Scott D. McDonough, Peter Thomas Cariveau
  • Patent number: 8991524
    Abstract: Drilling tools include a bit crown and an integrated reamer. The bit crown and the integrated reamer can be configured with approximately equal drilling lives. The bit crown can be impregnated with abrasive cutting media and include one or more external flutes. The integrated reamer can be positioned at the base the bit crown and include one or more channels that align with one or more of the outer flutes. The channels can taper such that they increase in width as they extend away from the bit crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody A. Pearce, Christian M. Lambert, Michael D. Rupp
  • Patent number: 8991525
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool having at least one cutting element with a multi-friction cutting face provides for the steering of formation cuttings as the cuttings slide across the cutting face. The multi-friction cutting element includes a diamond table bonded to a substrate of superabrasive material. The diamond table has a cutting face formed thereon with a cutting edge extending along a periphery of the cutting face. The cutting face has a first area having an average surface finish roughness less than an average surface finish roughness of a second area of the cutting face, the two areas separated by a boundary having a proximal end proximate a tool crown and a distal end remote from the tool crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Juan Miguel Bilen, Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Chih C. Lin, Suresh G. Patel, Rudolf Carl Pessier, Danny E. Scott, Michael L. Doster
  • Patent number: 8991526
    Abstract: A fixed cutter drill bit having a bit axis and a gauge diameter. The drill bit includes a bit body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of blades extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The blades define a cutting profile between the bit axis and the gauge diameter. The drill bit further includes a plurality of cutters attached to the blades in a cutter layout. The cutter layout may include a balanced cutter pattern extending from the bit axis toward the gauge diameter. The cutter layout may include one or more sets of shared cutters, wherein each set of shared cutters includes a trailing shared cutter and a leading shared cutter. The blades may define pairs of makeup surfaces and breaker surfaces. The drill bit may include a breaker upset for engaging with a device for supporting the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Drilformance Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Gillis
  • Patent number: 8991527
    Abstract: A moving device to move across a surface including a motor rolling motion apparatus is disclosed. The moving device is coupled to the motor and has a body with an outer surface. A dense population of fibrils protrudes from the outer surface, with each fibril having a free-end termination configured to establish adhesion to the surface by inter-molecular Van der Waals forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Giuseppe Patti, Daria Puccia
  • Patent number: 8991528
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated tracked vehicle comprising a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit controllably connected by means of a control member, wherein the first vehicle unit comprises a combustion engine, wherein the combustion engine is arranged to drive a generator for electrical generation, wherein the generator is arranged to transfer power via power electronic means to at least one electric motor of at least one electric propulsion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Björn Hellholm, Gustav Söderström
  • Patent number: 8991529
    Abstract: One variation may include a module including a body and a control arm; the control arm being constructed and arranged to allow a user to direct, steer, or move the module in a plurality of modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wade W. Bryant, Gael Buzyn
  • Patent number: 8991530
    Abstract: An electrically driven axle of a two-track vehicle is provided having drive shafts which are assigned to the wheels and an axle carrier with a plurality of wheel-guiding steering arms which are attached thereto. At least one electric motor is attached to the axle carrier, and furthermore a housing containing elements for making available electrical energy for the electric motor is attached to the axle carrier or forms a component of the axle carrier in the form of a base body. At least one of the wheel-guiding steering arms is connected to the base body or housing, and arms extend from the base body of the axle carrier, on the end regions of which arms the vehicle body is supported via rubber bearings. The underfloor of the base body or housing facing the roadway is preferably essentially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Langer, Tobias Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8991531
    Abstract: A hybrid drive module includes an electric machine with a stator arrangement and with a rotor arrangement which is coupled to a torsional vibration damping arrangement. The torsional vibration damping arrangement comprises an input region and an output region. A first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths are provided between the input region and the output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in the first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Dögel
  • Patent number: 8991532
    Abstract: A disassembled and assembled power module includes: a wheel shaft; a power module; a central shaft, arranged in the power module and passing through the wheel shaft; and an engaging unit, capable of fastening the central shaft to the wheel shaft. In an embodiment when the detachable power module is applied in an electric driven wheelchair, it enables the weight of the wheelchair to be reduced by simply detach and remove the detachable power from the wheelchair so that the electric driven wheelchair without the heavy power module can be carry and transport easily, and also the moving range of the electric driven wheelchair can be increased as its power module can be easily detached and replaced with another fully charged power module so that the range anxiety of the disabled person using the same or the assistant can be relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tseng-Te Wei, Yu-Yin Peng, Li-Ju Cheng
  • Patent number: 8991533
    Abstract: An air cleaner device includes an air cleaner case having a case main unit and a cover. An intake duct is disposed on the cover, and an intake path is disposed on the case main unit. An air cleaner element is formed in a position biased on a side of the cover relative to fastening surfaces of the case main unit and the cover. The cover and the air cleaner element are integrally removable relative to the case main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Abe, Takaaki Shomura, Hidetoshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8991534
    Abstract: An air filter arrangement for a work vehicle is disclosed. The air filter arrangement may include a fan shroud extending between a shroud inlet and a shroud outlet and at least one heat exchanger disposed adjacent to the shroud inlet. The air filter arrangement may also include a fan disposed within the fan shroud between the shroud inlet and shroud outlet. The fan may be configured to draw air through the heat exchanger and between the shroud inlet and shroud outlet. Additionally, the air filter arrangement may include an air filter disposed within the fan shroud between the fan and the heat exchanger such that the air flowing through at least one heat exchanger and between the shroud inlet and shroud outlet is directed around the air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Morey, William H. Adamson, Ronald D. Smith, Nicholas J. Prenger
  • Patent number: 8991535
    Abstract: Described is an electric vehicle conversion system and method comprising one or more battery packs disposed within one or more battery pack enclosures, a frontal mounting subframe assembly and an electric motor mounting frame assembly. In one implementation, the vehicle conversion system incorporates six battery pack enclosures. The described components and assemblies are designed to simplify building an electric car on the basis of an existing vehicle chassis. The frontal mounting subframe assembly is designed to be securely attached to the vehicle frame using at least four bolts and is designed to securely hold two battery pack enclosures disposed under the front hood of the vehicle. The electric motor mounting frame assembly is designed to mechanically mate with the existing engine mounting points of the original vehicle and is attached to said points with at least two bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Electric Motor Werks, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Grishashvili, Valery Miftakhov
  • Patent number: 8991536
    Abstract: To lower the fuel consumption of a vehicle having a pneumatic brake system during operation of the vehicle by utilizing existing components to their full capacity, thus contributing to energy conservation, a method and device for controlling pressure is provided, wherein modes of compressed air expansion are provided. In a second compressed-air expansion mode, compressed air is channeled from a second compressed-air storage container to the compression chamber of the air compressor during expansion phases of the air compressor. In a third compressed-air expansion mode, compressed air is channeled from a third compressed-air storage container to the compression chamber of the air compressor during expansion phases of the air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Ingo Stumberg, Christian Wiehen
  • Patent number: 8991537
    Abstract: A collapsible hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood generally includes a housing and a bumper head. The housing has a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, a base, and an opening defining an interior chamber. The bumper head has a main body, and is configured to receive a force from the hood of the vehicle. The bumper head is normally in an upright position in which the bumper head extends through the opening of the housing. However, the bumper head is collapsible from the upright position to a compressed position in which the bumper head is substantially disposed within the interior chamber of the housing. The bumper head is configured to be resettable from the compressed position to the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Snede, David M. Kileen, David Waskie
  • Patent number: 8991538
    Abstract: A cab suspension and repositioning system (110) for a truck includes a control arm assembly (130) having two control arms (134, 136) with distal ends pivotably attached to a truck chassis (112) and proximal ends pivotably attached to a cab (102), and one or more follower control arms (144, 146) having a distal end pivotably attached to the chassis (112) and a proximal end pivotably attached to the cab (102). Cab suspension assemblies (114, 170) releasably lock the cab (102) to the chassis (112) during operation. The control arm assembly (130) further provides motion control to the cab (102). Hydraulic cylinders (140) engage the control arm assembly (130) and are operable to move the cab (102) between an operating position adjacent the chassis and an access position away from the chassis (112) substantially without rotating the cab (102). A control system (200) powers the cylinders (140) and controls the transition between the operating and access positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Gerald Jay Angelo, Larry F. Gulan, Theodore J. Scherzinger
  • Patent number: 8991539
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension assembly (1) for suspending a cabin (2) of a truck or the like vehicle. The assembly comprises a plurality of spring members (4a-d) arranged between the cabin (2) and a chassis of the vehicle, and a torsion bar (5) extending between at least two of said spring members (4a-d) so as to increase the roll stiffness of the assembly. The assembly further comprises an actuator (6) with which a torsion angle of the torsion bar (5) can be adjusted allowing active roll stabilization of the cabin (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Albertus Clemens Maria Van der Knaap, Robert M. A. Frank Verschuren, Jeroen Vandenhoudt, Raymond B. C. Tinsel, Ronny Maria Theophilus Wouters
  • Patent number: 8991540
    Abstract: A hovercraft including a directional control system is disclosed. The directional control system includes at least one airflow control assembly configured to generate and direct at least one airflow. The at least one airflow generated and directed by the airflow control assembly results in component forces that are used to move and control the hovercraft in lateral, forward and reverse directions, or any degree of direction between the lateral, forward and reverse directions. The configuration of the at least one airflow control assembly enables precise control over movement of the hovercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Michael William Mercier
  • Patent number: 8991541
    Abstract: A motorized snowboard having a board with a cut out section at the rear of the board, a motor, a downwardly biased track system, and a track housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jason N Maier
  • Patent number: 8991542
    Abstract: A motorized reverse trike with a tiltable body comprises a frame with a header pipe, two front wheels, a tilting mechanism arranged on the header pipe, two suspension mechanisms hinged between the two front wheels and the tilting mechanism respectively, a steering mechanism with handlebars hinged between the header pipe and the two suspension mechanisms, and a locking mechanism for locking the tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Jinjun Yu
  • Patent number: 8991543
    Abstract: In a straddle type vehicle having front forks, the left front fork is in an elliptical shape portion whose axial cross section is formed so as to be wider in the width direction of the vehicle as compared to a length in the front and rear direction at the portion located in front of the brake caliper. The brake caliper is disposed so as to be overlapped with the elliptical shape portion, viewed from the front direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Nagakubo
  • Patent number: 8991544
    Abstract: A front bumper assembly including a bumper beam and two deflectors are provided on right and left sides of the front bumper assembly. The deflectors include hook-shaped portions and telescopic portions. The telescopic portions are received within the front bumper assembly. The hook-shaped portion of the deflector may be engaged by a rigid barrier aligned with the deflectors. In the event of a collision, the rigid barrier engages one of the hook-shaped portions and withdraws the telescopic portion from the front bumper assembly. The deflector is pulsed outwardly to move the front wheel and tire assembly to a tow-in orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Layton Stratten, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam
  • Patent number: 8991545
    Abstract: A method for detecting a weight of at least one occupant of a motor vehicle includes the steps of detecting a first load which acts on a chassis of the motor vehicle as first weight value at a time point prior to entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle, detecting a second load which acts on the chassis as second weight value at a second time point after entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle; and determining the weight of the at least one occupant by forming a difference between the first and second weight values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Franz Fürst
  • Patent number: 8991546
    Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a chassis, a compartment, a vibratory power unit positioned in the compartment and mounted to the chassis to move in vibration relative to the chassis, a pump, a fluid attenuator, and a rigid tube. The pump and the fluid attenuator are mounted to the vibratory power unit to move in vibration relative to the chassis. The rigid tube interconnects the pump and the fluid attenuator for fluid communication therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Hull, Zachary T. Flatley, Richard J. Ginsterblum
  • Patent number: 8991547
    Abstract: The invention relates to a driveline for a motor vehicle comprising drive shaft (20) suspended by means of a pendulum suspension (30), the pendulum suspension (30) comprising a fastening configuration (32, 34) fixedly connected to the vehicle and a drive shaft fastening (106) connected to the drive shaft (20) and pivotably journalled in bearings relative to the fastening configuration (32, 34), wherein the transmission configuration (50) comprises a driven input shaft (52), wherein an electric motor (60) is arranged for driving of the drive shaft (20), wherein the rotor of the electric motor (60) is connected to the input shaft (52) and a non-rotating portion of the electric motor (60) comprising the stator (66) of the electric motor (60) is fixedly connected to said drive shaft fastening (106). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bae Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Pontus Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8991548
    Abstract: A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element. The suspension element is characterized by a total compliance. The total compliance includes a shear compliance and a beam compliance. The beam compliance is not significantly larger than the shear compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Jason D. Silver
  • Patent number: 8991549
    Abstract: A three-dimensional air-adsorbing structure for use in a volume in which there is a time-varying acoustic field. The structure has a three-dimensional, unitary, skeletal, porous scaffold having scaffold openings distributed within its volume, where the scaffold openings make up at least about 50% of the volume of the scaffold, air-adsorbing material particles, and a hydrophobic binder that couples air-adsorbing material particles to each other to form agglomerates and couples particles and agglomerates to the scaffold. The structure has structure openings in the agglomerates and structure openings between agglomerates, such structure openings being open to the outside environment, wherein the cumulative volume of the structure openings that have an apparent diameter larger than about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Lifun Lin
  • Patent number: 8991550
    Abstract: A baffle for use in a sound suppressor that is designed to minimize the sound that emanates from a fired firearm. The baffle generally includes a back section and a conical section. A bore extends through each of the sections and is sized for a fired projectile to pass through. The sides of one or both of the sections are configured to reduce the sound. Further, a second hole extends through the back section at the bore to allow for the passage of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: M-TAC Precision, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Coley
  • Patent number: 8991551
    Abstract: A baffle for a weapon silencer includes an annular wall that defines an axial passageway. The annular wall defines a first section located adjacent to a first axial end and in which the diameter of the axial passageway increases from a smallest diameter adjacent to the first axial end to a largest diameter. The annular wall defines a second section having a spiraled vane is formed on an exterior surface of the annular wall. The annular wall defines a third section that is located adjacent to the second axial end, the third section having a plurality of ports that extend radially through the annular wall to allow communication between the axial passageway and an exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: GSL Technology, Inc., Gemtech
    Inventor: Gregory S. Latka
  • Patent number: 8991552
    Abstract: A firearm silencer includes a first cylindrical body section formed as a single unit having a first inner bore and a receiving end having a first axial bore, and a second cylindrical body section formed as a single unit having a second inner bore and a discharge end having a second axial bore. The first cylindrical body section is joined to the second cylindrical body section to form a cylindrical body. A plurality of baffles disposed within the cylindrical body, each baffle having a baffle axial bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: GSL Technology, Inc., Gemtech
    Inventor: Gregory S. Latka
  • Patent number: 8991553
    Abstract: A silencing apparatus for a vehicle includes: a muffler (1; 20; 30; 40) having a flattened sectional shape; an inlet pipe (7; 26; 36; 46); an outlet pipe (8; 27; 37; 47); and at least one partition plate (2, 3; 21, 22; 31, 32; 41, 42) that divides the inside of the muffler (1; 20; 30; 40) into a plurality of sound-deadening chambers. Each of the at least one partition plate (2, 3; 21, 22; 31, 32; 41, 42) has at least one communication hole. Within the muffler (1; 20; 30; 40), at least one among an opening of the inlet pipe (7; 26; 36; 46), an opening of the outlet pipe (8; 27; 37; 47), and the at least one communication hole is disposed at a position that is apart by a length equal to a half of the width of the muffler (1; 20; 30; 40) from one end of the muffler (1; 20; 30; 40) in the width direction thereof, and at least one among them is disposed at a position that is apart by a length equal to a quarter of the width from one end of the muffler (1; 20; 30; 40) in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Wakatsuki, Nakaya Takagaki, Hideyuki Komitsu
  • Patent number: 8991554
    Abstract: A mechanic's leaning device includes a base, an upper torso support having an adjustable first height above the base, and a combination step and knee support having an adjustable second height above the base which is less than and adjustable relative to the first height. The mechanic's leaning device can be used by mechanics of all sizes for working on a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from very small to very large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis A. Podzimek
  • Patent number: 8991555
    Abstract: Tree stands are disclosed for providing an elevated standing location. The tree stand can include a support post, a seat rotatably coupled to the first end of the support post, and a platform rotatably coupled to the second end of the support post. The platform can rotate from a transport configuration to an operable configuration. The platform in the operable configuration is approximately perpendicular to the support post. The platform has a tree contact point positioned above a plane of the platform when the platform is in the horizontal position. The platform can comprise a plurality of hexagons with groups of three hexagons intersecting at a point and forming a honeycomb pattern defining a top standing surface on which a hunter can stand. The contact point is configured to create an over-center locking action. The tree stand can also include a stackable ladder coupled to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ardisam, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Furseth, Randy L. Schamberger, Benjamin T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8991556
    Abstract: A fall arrest block has a drum (40) on which a lifeline is wound and from which the line can be drawn off or drawn back on, as the work man moves towards and away from the block. One end of the lifeline is permanently secured to the drum, and the drum has sockets (50) for securing ends of more than one different type of lifeline. The block also has a brake (24) in the form of a sealed unit which can be removed and replaced with a fresh unit, when servicing of the brake is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Checkmate Limited
    Inventors: Oliver Auston, Duncan Barrier
  • Patent number: 8991557
    Abstract: A gear train lubricating device configured to supply lubricating oil OL to a gear included in a gear train is provided. The gear train lubricating device includes: a shroud covering, among components constituting the gear, at least teeth of the gear; and a lubricating oil supply port through which the lubricating oil OL is supplied to a meshing position of the gear. The shroud has an outlet port formed therein, through which the supplied lubricating oil OL is discharged. The outlet port is formed in a portion of the shroud that is positioned radially outward from the gear, such that the outlet port is disposed at an angular position that is 90°±15° forward from the meshing position in a rotation direction R1 of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Arisawa, Hideyuki Imai, Tatsuhiko Goi, Motohiko Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8991558
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lubrication system having a reservoir having a body. A follower is moveably disposed in the body. The system further comprises an alarm system having an electrical switch operably associated with the follower. The alarm generates a signal when the follower is at a predetermined location in the body. The alarm system may generate a signal when the follower is at a lower location in the body such as when the reservoir has an amount of lubricant representing a predetermined amount of usage time remaining. The alarm system may also generate a signal when the follower is at an upper location in the body such as when the reservoir is filled with lubricant wherein the signal acts to automatically interrupt the fill of lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Metco Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Murphy, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8991559
    Abstract: An oil supplying assembly for a transmission of a vehicle, which may supply oil to a clutch and a pulley of a transmission, may include a base member which is mounted to a transmission main body, and includes a first oil path supplying the oil to the clutch and an oil supply column which is integrally formed to the base member and of which a second oil path for supplying the oil to the pulley is formed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Minsung Baik, Kyoung Wook Kim, Hyunchul Kim
  • Patent number: 8991560
    Abstract: The object is achieved, according to the invention, in that the traction device (208) is equipped as a pulley block (209) with two or more, in particular with four, deflecting pulleys (206, 212, 214, 219), the axes of which are arranged one below the other on an approximately vertically running plane, at least one deflecting pulley (206) being mounted in the elevator well or on the well carcass (102) above the elevator installation (103), a further deflecting pulley (219) being mounted below the elevator installation (103) in the elevator well or on the well carcass (102), and one or more, in particular two, deflecting pulleys (212, 214) being mounted on a side element (202) of the load suspension means, in particular the travel platform (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Thoma Aufzuge GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Fritz
  • Patent number: 8991561
    Abstract: An elevator brake can comprise a brake shoe with a substantially curved shape, the brake shoe being rotatable in a brake shoe support. The brake shoe support is mounted in a brake housing and can be linearly displaced between a readiness setting and an engagement setting. The brake can be actuated by an actuator. The actuator can comprise a brake store for acting on the brake through a connecting point to bring the brake into its engaged setting. A force store in the actuator can be held electromagnetically, and a resetting device enables resetting of the force store and of the actuator into the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Josef Husmann
  • Patent number: 8991562
    Abstract: A contacting device for electrically contacting tensile carriers of a suspension in an elevator system includes a housing having a recess in which an exposed segment of the suspension can be received so that the housing at least partially encloses the exposed segment of the suspension. Raised areas and recesses are alternatingly disposed on an inner side of the housing, wherein a raised area and a recess face each other in a state of use. At least one contact element is disposed in a recess of the housing, wherein the at least one raised area can be pressed against a tensile carrier of the suspension, such that the tensile carrier is brought into electrical contact with the contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Arnold Odermatt, Christoph Bissig, Hans Kocher
  • Patent number: 8991563
    Abstract: A disk brake and a method of making the disk brake capable of improving the efficiency of manufacturing a caliper. A bottom portion (41) of a bore (40) is formed by integrally welding an opening surrounding portion at the bottom portion side of a cylinder portion (35) and a bottom cover member (92) fitted to the opening surrounding portion by friction stir welding. The bottom cover member is formed into a disk shape, and provided with a protrusion (68) at one surface side facing the interior of the bore. An inflow hole (58), for a supply of a fluid pressure into the bore, is formed within the range of the protrusion to establish communication between an interior surface (71) of the protrusion and an outer surface (63) of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Suzuki, Takahiro Tokunaga