Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Layer system for rotor/stator seal of a turbomachine and method for producing this type of layer system
    Patent number: 8992169
    Abstract: The present invention creates a layer system for the rotor/stator seal of a turbomachine, in particular a compressor, which is disposed between components of the turbomachine and can be run in with a movement of the components relative to one another, in such a way that at least one of the components is run into the layer system, having: a first adhesive layer disposed on at least one of the components; a protective layer disposed on the first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer disposed on the protective layer; and a running-in layer, which is formed softer than the protective layer and which is disposed on the second adhesive layer. The present invention further provides a method for producing a layer system for the rotor/stator seal of a turbomachine, as well as a turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Metscher
  • Wind turbine, method of control of a wind turbine and air-conditioning system
    Patent number: 8992170
    Abstract: A wind turbine having an air-conditioning system is provided. The air-conditioning system controls the climatization of the interior of the nacelle of the wind turbine. The air conditioning system includes at least one air inlet for ventilating the interior with air intake from outside of the wind turbine. The air-conditioning system also includes a heater for heating the air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Energy efficient climate control system for an offshore wind turbine
    Patent number: 8992171
    Abstract: An energy efficient climate control system for an offshore wind turbine that is integrated with the component cooling system is disclosed. The climate control system includes a cooling circuit adapted to carry heat generated by a component of the nacelle to outside the nacelle. The climate control system also includes an airflow system adapted to receive a warm outflow of coolant from the cooling circuit, across a variable flow control valve, the airflow system supplying clean ambient air to the nacelle at a predetermined relative humidity. The variable flow control valve regulates a flow rate of the coolant through the airflow system to adjust the relative humidity of the air entering the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventor: Peri Sabhapathy
  • Turbo engine
    Patent number: 8992172
    Abstract: A turbo engine, particularly a gas turbine aircraft engine, has compressor components, turbine components, and at least one combustion chamber. At least one support rib is in flow channel between two turbine components, connected one behind the other. Each support rib diverts a flow through the flow channel. A preferably cylindrical guide element runs within each support rib. Each support rib has a suction side with a greater thickness toward a radially inner flow channel wall as well as toward a radially outer flow channel wall, when viewed in the radial direction. Each support rib has a pressure side with a greater thickness toward a radially inner flow channel wall as well as toward a radially outer flow channel wall, when viewed in the radial direction. The front edge and the rear edge of each support rib are inclined in the meridian direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Hoeger, Franz Malzacher, Marc Nagel
  • Tie-rod nut including a nut flange with a plurality of mounting apertures
    Patent number: 8992173
    Abstract: A tie-rod nut includes a nut base that extends between a first nut end and a second nut end, and a nut flange that extends radially outwards from the nut base at the first nut end. The nut base includes a nut bore with a threaded bore region that extends axially from the second nut end towards the first nut end. The nut flange includes a plurality of mounting apertures that are arranged circumferentially around the nut base. The nut flange may be connected to a substrate by a fastener that extends through a first one of the plurality of mounting apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge I. Farah, David T. Feindel
  • Fan assembly
    Patent number: 8992174
    Abstract: A fan assembly includes a channel structure and a centrifugal fan. The channel structure includes a housing and at least a slit. The housing has an accommodating space and a flow channel adjacent to each other. The slit is extended along the flow channel. The flow channel is communicated with the outside of the housing via the slit. The centrifugal fan is disposed in the accommodating space. The centrifugal fan draws air along an axial direction and generates an airflow. The airflow flows into the flow channel along a radial direction, and flows out to the outside of the housing via the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shun-Chen Chang
  • Compact fan
    Patent number: 8992175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact fan, comprising a fan wheel, in particular a radial fan wheel (1), which is fastened on a rotor of an external rotor motor (82). The fan wheel (1) is supported between a front plate (8) having an air inlet opening (9), which is central, and a motor mount (11). The front plate (8) and the motor mount (11) are connected to one another via multiple spacers (12), which are disposed around the circumference. The front plate (8) and the motor mount (11) are formed as plastic or metal spray parts. The spacers (12) are formed as plastic or metal parts entirely or partially in one piece to the front plate (8) and/or the motor mount (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heli, Jürgen Schöne, Christian Haag, Alfred Korwin
  • Detachable debris removal apparatus
    Patent number: 8992176
    Abstract: A detachable portable debris removal apparatus designed to attach to a shaft, such as a golf club. The apparatus includes a housing having an internal cavity containing a motor, a fan, and a power supply to operate said motor, turning the fan. The apparatus further includes a control switch to selectively turn the apparatus on and off. Two openings in the housing permit a flow of air through the internal cavity when the motor is operated. The apparatus further includes an attachment member configured to attach to a shaft. The attachment member can be integrated into the housing or attached to an outside surface of the housing. The apparatus can further include a collection assembly disposed within the internal cavity to collect debris drawn into the housing. The collection assembly can be optionally removable from the internal cavity, permitting the apparatus to function optionally as a blower or a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Terry L Haseman, Donald J Silvert, Daniel C Pierron
  • High solidity and low entrance angle impellers on turbine rotor disk
    Patent number: 8992177
    Abstract: According to an embodiment disclosed herein, an apparatus for cooling a rotating part having cooling channels therein, the rotating part attaching to a disk rotating about an axis, the disk having a conduit for feeding a cooling fluid to the cooling channel is described. The apparatus has a first impeller rotating with the disk and in register with the conduit and an outer periphery of the disk, the impeller directing the cooling flow to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Charles C. Wu, Kevin N. McCusker
  • Handling a wind turbine nacelle
    Patent number: 8992178
    Abstract: In order to increase safety, flexibility and simplicity when handling a wind turbine nacelle compared to known solutions and devices, there is disclosed a wind turbine nacelle including a supporting structure, a nacelle housing and a plurality of handling devices to be used when handling the wind turbine nacelle. The four handling devices are connected to the supporting structure, and each of the handling devices includes an integrated moveable part. The integrated moveable part is moveable between a first position and a second position, and the integrated moveable part is inside or is flush with the nacelle housing in the first position and is extending out of the nacelle housing in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Gunnar Kamp Storgaard Pedersen
  • Turbine of a turbomachine
    Patent number: 8992179
    Abstract: A turbomachine is provided and includes first and second endwalls disposed to define a pathway, each of the first and second endwalls including a surface facing the pathway and first and second blades extendible across the pathway from at least one of the first and second endwalls, each of the first and second blades having an airfoil shape and being disposed such that a pressure side of the first blade faces a suction side of the second blade. A portion of the surface of at least one of the first and second endwalls between the first and second blades has at least a first hump proximate to a leading edge and the pressure side of the first blade, and a second hump disposed at 10-60% of a chord length of the first blade and proximate to the pressure side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Stein, Bradley Taylor Boyer
  • Replaceable staking insert assembly and method
    Patent number: 8992180
    Abstract: A rotor assembly. The rotor assembly may include a rotor, at least one axial slot positioned about the rim of the rotor having a first staking recess positioned therein, a blade positioned within each of the axial slots having a second staking recess positioned therein, a staking insert having a base portion and a projection extending therefrom with the base portion being disposed within the first staking recess and the projection being disposed within the second staking recess, and a shim positioned within the first staking recess adjacent to the base portion, opposite the projection, of the staking insert. The first staking recess retains the staking insert while the projection of the staking insert retains the blade in both the aft and forward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sukumar Agaram, Narasimha K V Rao
  • Wind turbine blades
    Patent number: 8992181
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a multilayer composite structure including a first reflective layer, and a second layer including a plurality of resistive circuit analog (CA) elements. The CA elements are tuned so as to interact with the first layer to provide absorption of electromagnetic (EM) energy over a desired frequency range. The parameters of the CA elements can be varied to provide for frequency tuning and to maintain absorption at a specific frequency range despite varying layer separation, while at the same time ensuring that the mechanical properties of the CA layer are compatible with integration into the turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Greg Peter Wade Fixter, Christopher Douglas James Spooner, Christopher James Perry
  • Time-based multi-mode pump control
    Patent number: 8992182
    Abstract: Times of at least one of on cycles and off cycles of a pump operating in one of a sub-pump mode and a continuous pumping mode are monitored. A determination is made as to whether to switch the pump from the one of the sub-pump mode and the continuous pumping mode to the other of the sub-pump mode and the continuous pumping mode based upon the monitored times of the at least one of the on cycles and the off cycles of the pump. The pump is switched to the other of the sub-pump mode and the continuous pumping mode in response to determining to switch the pump from the one of the sub-pump mode and the continuous pumping mode to the other of the sub-pump mode and the continuous pumping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Robinson, Keith A. Wells
  • System and methods for moving objects individually and in parallel
    Patent number: 8992183
    Abstract: Electro-osmosis is used to create droplets in order to easily, carefully, and quickly pick-and-place millions of objects (ranging in size from millimeters to nanometers) individually or in parallel. Droplets are formed within channels that are individually controlled in order to achieve a predetermined configuration of the selected objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Cheryl Perich, Ashley Macner, Hod Lipson, Paul Steen, Robert MacCurdy
  • Lubricant pump system
    Patent number: 8992184
    Abstract: A lubricant pump system may include a lubricant pump controlled by a proportional valve. An actuating unit may be disposed in the lubricant pump and configured to control a delivery output of the lubricant pump. A first pressure chamber and at least one second pressure chamber may be configured to adjust the actuating unit against a spring, wherein the second pressure chamber is smaller than the first pressure chamber. In response to a failure of the proportional valve, the lubricant pump may be exclusively pressurized via the at least one second pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: René Wagner
  • High-pressure pump
    Patent number: 8992185
    Abstract: A high-pressure pump has a metering valve and a valve stopper. The stopper has a regulation portion which an end surface of the valve is brought into contact with. An outer diameter of the regulation portion is equal to an outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the valve. A cylindrical sleeve is disposed around the regulation portion. When the end surface of the valve is in contact with the regulation portion, the sleeve covers a tapered surface of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Inoue
  • Suction arrangement for a refrigeration compressor
    Patent number: 8992186
    Abstract: A refrigeration compressor is provided and may include a shell carrying a suction-inlet tube having an outlet nozzle opened to the interior of the shell and a cylinder block to which is mounted a suction muffler that incorporates an admission tube provided with an inlet nozzle. The inlet nozzle of the admission tube may be disposed adjacent to the outlet nozzle of the suction-inlet tube. The inlet nozzle may admit under at least one of the conditions of underpressure in its interior or deflection of the refrigerant-fluid flow in the interior of the shell the gaseous phase and may direct the liquid phase to a region of the shell external to the inlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc., Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Marcio Silveira, Moacir Pirovano, Cleber Knies, Ernest Bergman
  • Air-cooled reciprocating compressor having special cooling air conduction
    Patent number: 8992187
    Abstract: An air-cooled reciprocating compressor for vehicles includes a compressing unit, which has a plurality of cylinders and is driven by a motor and has a fan for generating a cooling air flow. The fan is disposed on a connecting shaft between the motor and the compressing unit and takes in cooling air from the surroundings and delivers cooling air to a downstream cooling air duct, wherein the cooling air duct at least partially surrounds the cylinders and is designed such that cooling air can flow around all in-line cylinders of the compressing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hartl, Juergen Mendel, Joerg Mellar, Matthias Fritz
  • Revolution type compressor
    Patent number: 8992188
    Abstract: In a revolution type compressor using a balance weight for balancing a rotating mass, the effect of oil churn reduction is enhanced, and compressor input is reduced. A balance weight fixed to a drive shaft between a rotor of an electric motor 4 and a compression mechanism includes a weight portion in a substantially semicircular column shape for balancing a rotating mass, a cover portion which is substantially semi-cylindrical and has an opening in the vicinity of a top and bottom at an opposite side in a radial direction from the weight portion, and a hollow space surrounded by the weight portion and the cover portion. Further, a space for discharging oil is provided between the balance weight and the rotor. By the structure, reduction in oil churn, and reduction in input of the compressor are realized, and the compressor with less power consumption is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakamura, Mutsunori Matsunaga, Takeshi Tsuchiya, Masatsugu Chikano
  • Cassette system integrated apparatus
    Patent number: 8992189
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey
  • Fuel feed apparatus
    Patent number: 8992190
    Abstract: A reservoir is in a bottomed tubular shape and located in a fuel tank. A lid member closes an opening of the reservoir. A pump unit discharges fuel stored in the reservoir to an exterior of the fuel tank. The pump unit is supported by a holding portion of the lid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Okazono, Shinobu Oikawa, Hironobu Oki
  • Scroll compressor with differential pressure hole
    Patent number: 8992191
    Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided that may include a differential pressure hole formed at or in an orbiting scroll that communicates a high pressure part with an intermediate pressure part, a decompression portion formed in the differential pressure hole and having a pin member inserted therein to decompress oil. An inner diameter D1 of the decompression portion may be greater than an outer diameter D2 of the pin member. The decompression portion may include an inlet through which oil may be introduced from the high pressure part into the differential pressure hole, and an outlet through which oil from the differential pressure hole may be discharged into the intermediate pressure part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungyong Ahn, Seheon Choi, Byoungchan Kim, Byeongchul Lee
  • Input shaft lubrication for gear pump
    Patent number: 8992192
    Abstract: A shaft assembly includes a gear with a gear bore having a splined bore section adjacent to an oil dam. A shaft includes a first splined end section and a second splined end section, the first splined end section engageable with the splined inner diameter, the shaft having a bore with a bore diameter greater than a diameter of the oil dam, a first set of radial apertures axially inboard of the first splined end section in communication with the shaft inner bore and a second set of radial apertures axially inboard of the second splined end section in communication with the shaft inner bore that altogether provide lubrication of the splined end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Satish Shantilal Shah, Michael R. Blewett, Timothy P. Walgren, Michael Moorman
  • Shaft assembly including a contained shaft spring load
    Patent number: 8992193
    Abstract: An input shaft assembly is movable along an axis to absorb external impact loads. A biasing member exerts an axial load in a direction counter to potential impact loads. A stop is provided to control the application of biasing loads to control application of such axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Walgren, Steven A. Heitz
  • Rotation device including seal structure
    Patent number: 8992194
    Abstract: A seal member is configured so that an annular rubber member is disposed in an annular storage chamber of a resin annular member. Thus, the rubber annular member is not directly in contact with a drive shaft, and the rubber annular member can be prevented from wearing or peeling without requiring a rotation stopping structure for the seal member. Furthermore, the seal member is provided with first and second communication mouths, so that a brake fluid pressure is applied to compartments obtained by dividing the annular storage chamber using the rubber annular member. Thus, the rubber annular member is pressed, and then is elastically deformed, and accordingly, the resin annular member is expanded by the elastic force. Thus, a self-sealing operation can be performed on the basis of a high pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Nakamura, Tomoaki Kawabata
  • Screw compressor including a single screw rotor with first and second screw groove being bilaterally symmetric
    Patent number: 8992195
    Abstract: A screw compressor includes a rotatable screw rotor and a plurality of gate rotors. The screw rotor has helical grooves formed in an outer circumferential surface of the screw rotor. The gate rotors have a plurality of radially disposed teeth meshing with the grooves of the screw rotor. The helical grooves include a first screw groove and a second screw groove. The first screw groove compresses a fluid from one end side of the screw rotor to an other end side of the screw rotor. The second screw groove compresses the fluid from the other end side of the screw rotor to the one end side of the screw rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mohammod Anwar Hossain, Masanori Masuda, Kaname Ohtsuka
  • Seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus
    Patent number: 8992196
    Abstract: A seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus (1) manufactures a seamless capsule by means of nozzles (2a-2d). A core liquid (5) and a coating liquid (6) are supplied to each of the nozzles (2a-2d) from pumps (16, 18) through distributors (21, 22). The distributors (21, 22) and the nozzles (2a-2d) are connected to each other by core liquid distributing tubes (23a-23d) and coating liquid distributing tubes (25a-25d), and each of the core liquid distributing tubes (23a-23d) and each of the coating liquid distributing tubes (25a-25d) have the same length. A vibrator (24) is mounted to the distributor (21), and the core liquid (5) is supplied to the nozzles (2a-2d) while being vibrated. Each of the distributors (21, 22) is provided with an air vent device (35), and air vent is performed appropriately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Freund Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Ikeda, Hiroshi Nagao
  • Tire vulcanizer and maintenance method of tire vulcanizer
    Patent number: 8992197
    Abstract: A tire vulcanizer includes: a support structure (13) which includes a platen portion (14); a guide member (31) which includes a flanged portion (33) in an end portion thereof so as to cause the flanged portion (33) to be detachably supported by a peripheral edge portion of a through-hole (25) formed in the platen portion (14); and a bag head (37) which is slidably inserted into the guide member (31). The bag head (37) includes a restriction member (70) which abuts on the guide member (31) and restricts displacement of the bag head (37) in an insertion direction in a case where the bag head (37) is inserted to a predetermined position set in advance with respect to the guide member (31). The restriction monitor (70) is detachable mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the bag head (37) to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Fukuda, Mitsuru Morita, Yukihisa Harada
  • Apparatus for preparing pellets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)
    Patent number: 8992198
    Abstract: An apparatus is described having an extrusion means for extruding a molten polymer strand; a pelletizer; and a trough disposed to convey a polymer strand from the extrusion means to the pelletizer; the trough has an interior bottom surface; a water dispensing means disposed to provide a layer of water on a first portion of the interior bottom surface that is proximate to the extrusion means; a mesh or perforated surface disposed in the trough downstream from the water dispensing means, disposed to permit the separation of water from a water-immersed strand incident upon it; and a second portion of the interior bottom surface downstream from that mesh or perforated surface, disposed to contain a layer of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Dennis Gerard Madeleine, Michael Joseph Molitor, John Harvey Eng
  • Molding apparatus with dynamic seal
    Patent number: 8992199
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dynamic mold seal for use in a molding apparatus to mold a polymeric frame or gasket onto the periphery of a glass sheet. The molding apparatus may be used to form a vehicle window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventors: Charles Sitterlet, Robert Ronald Frutig
  • Resin infusion apparatus and system, layup system, and methods of using these
    Patent number: 8992200
    Abstract: A resin infusion apparatus and system, layup system comprising the same, and methods of using these are provided. The resin infusion apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder having a plurality of pores perforating an arcuate surface thereof. The interior of the cylinder is provided with one or more flow restrictors that assist in controlling the flow out of the pores of the cylinder. Laminates made of prepregs prepared using the apparatus and/or system may thus be essentially free of voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stefaan Guido Van Nieuwenhove, Thomas Koerwien, Shu Ching Quek, Thomas Miebach
  • Apparatus for cooling stator
    Patent number: 8992201
    Abstract: A cooling equipment to be used to cool a stator after molding includes first to third cooling stations, and a detecting station provided in front of the first cooling station. Each of the cooling stations includes a plurality of nozzles that spray dry mist to the stator, a plurality of fans that blow air to the stator, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the stator, and first to third control units. Furthermore, the detecting station includes a distance sensor that detects the size of the stator, and an integration control unit. The integration control unit identifies the type of the stator based on the detected size, and informs each control unit of the results. Each control unit controls the quantity of water to be supplied to each nozzle and the quantity of air to be blown by each fan based on the identified type and the detected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Saigo, Kenji Harada, Masaru Hirako, Hideaki Yasuda
  • Social networking for three-dimensional printers
    Patent number: 8992202
    Abstract: Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MakerBot Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel B. Pettis
  • Formliner and method of use
    Patent number: 8992203
    Abstract: A formliner, sheet, system, and methods of use and manufacture are provided in order to provide a product that can minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners during fabrication of a pattern on a curable material. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Prime Forming & Construction Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Daniel Fitzgerald, Brian Eugene Sheehan
  • Patch coating die
    Patent number: 8992204
    Abstract: A coating die having a shut-off bar positioned to stop the flow of coating material within the flow channel of the die when the shut-off bar is in the closed position. In the closed position, the shut-off bar extends across the material flow channel, blocking flow of coating material therethrough. The shut-off bar moves essentially orthogonal to the direction of material flow. In some embodiments, the flow channel includes a shoulder against which the shut-off bar physically seals, the seal being essentially transverse or orthogonal to the direction of the material flow channel. Coating dies having a shut-off bar are particularly suited for patch coating applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Druschel
  • Device for the layer-wise production of patterns
    Patent number: 8992205
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a device and method for manufacturing patterns in layers. The device includes an auxiliary frame, a vertically displaceable build platform, a dispensing device for applying a binder material onto the build platform, a mounting platform, a mounting platform, and a spreader device for applying particulate material. The mounting platform preferably is connected to the auxiliary frame and includes a cut-out for the build platform. The dispensing device, the spreader device, and the build platform are connected to the mounting platform, so that the dispensing device, the spreader device and the build platform are cable of being mounted, adjusted, and wired to the mounting platform while located outside the auxiliary frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Voxeijet AG
    Inventors: Ingo Ederer, Andreas Hartman
  • Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
    Patent number: 8992206
    Abstract: An imprint apparatus which brings a resin on a substrate into contact with a pattern surface of a mold and cures the resin, includes a substrate holder which holds the substrate, a mold holder which holds the mold with a mold holding surface, a driving mechanism which moves the substrate holder relative to the mold holder, and a controller which controls the driving mechanism such that the substrate holder moves relative to the mold holder while the substrate holder holds a cleaning member instead of the substrate, and the cleaning member is in contact with the mold holding surface, thereby cleaning the mold holding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohei Wakabayashi
  • Cure tool with integrated edge breather and method of making the same
    Patent number: 8992207
    Abstract: A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Dull, Michael K. Louie, Gordon M. Cox
  • Device for transporting preforms for blow molding containers
    Patent number: 8992208
    Abstract: A device for forming containers from heated parisons of thermoplastic material, which includes a heating section and a blow molding unit provided with at least one blow molding station. The parisons are held along at least a portion of a transport path between the heating section and the blow molding unit by a carrying element, which has a head that can be inserted into a mouth section of a parison and which includes at least two positionable clamping elements. At least one of the clamping elements is positioned in a recess provided on a side of the head relative to a longitudinal axis of the carrying element. The recess has upper and lower sliding surfaces that extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis for acting on the clamping element. The upper head part and the lower head part are braced relative to each other by at least one spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KHS Corpoplast GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Linke, Rolf Baumgarte
  • Metal mold for injection molding of framed glass and manufacturing method for framed glass
    Patent number: 8992209
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an injection molding die used for producing a frame-mounted plate glass by injection molding. The die is characterized in that an auxiliary cavity is provided at a position to exposed a surface of a plate glass and communicated with a cavity for a frame through a communication opening, the cavity for the frame being provided at position facing a vehicle inside surface of the plate glass. When the die is practically used for injection molding, a load applied to a peripheral portion of the plate glass during the injection molding is reduced, so that when the frame is molded onto the plate glass by injection molding, undesired breakage of the plate glass is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Central Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Osamu Nakata, Mitsuhiro Takayama
  • Method and device for diluted combustion
    Patent number: 8992210
    Abstract: A burner for diluted combustion includes a fuel nozzle for supplying fuel to a combustion chamber, at least one air nozzle for supplying air to the combustion chamber, and at least one oxygen nozzle for supplying oxygen to the combustion chamber. The air nozzle and oxygen nozzle are spatially separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Adendorff, Stefan Rudig
  • Hot surface igniter adaptive control method
    Patent number: 8992211
    Abstract: An adaptive gaseous fuel ignition control method for use in consumer and commercial appliances that reduces stress on and increases the life of a hot surface igniter without resulting in a failure to ignite condition is provided. The method provides a preheating period, a full temperature period, and a trial for ignition period. The preheating period gradually increases the power applied to reduce the stress resulting therefrom. Once a gas valve has been commanded open, the controller monitors the time for ignition of the gaseous fuel. If the time is longer than a threshold, either the applied power or the period of time during which the power is applied is increased to shorten the time. If, however, the ignition period is shorter than the threshold, either the power applied or the period of time during which the power is applied before commanding the gas valve open is lowered or shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robertshaw US Holding Corp.
    Inventors: John Kociecki, Yelena N. Kaplan
  • Torch with operating device
    Patent number: 8992212
    Abstract: A torch includes a tank adapted to contain a fuel, a firebowl atop the tank defining a fill opening, and an operating device that fits over the firebowl as a snuffer. A closing device may be fitted into the fill opening. The closing device may be movable between a lowered closed position and a raised open position. The closing device defines at least one recess for receiving a portion of an operating device that moves the closing device between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lamplight Farms Incorporated
    Inventor: Lars Hansen
  • Sealing mechanism for a vacuum heat treating furnace
    Patent number: 8992213
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a fan drive shaft in a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a housing having an annular body and a central opening. An inflatable first seal surrounds the central opening of the annular body. A second seal surrounds the central opening and is adjacent to the inflatable first seal. The sealing apparatus also includes a channel formed in the annular body adjacent to the second seal for conducting a purging fluid into the central opening. A means for injecting the purging fluid into the central opening is operably connected to the channel. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a fan drive system incorporating the sealing apparatus are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ipsen, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Moller, Werner Hendrik Grobler, Jake Hamid
  • Orthodontic self-ligating brackets
    Patent number: 8992214
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-ligating orthodontic bracket having a mounting base with a concavely contoured surface for attachment to a tooth, a main archwire slot formed upon the base, the mounting base being supported by a bracket body, and the slot being sized for receiving an orthodontic rectangular or round archwire, a ligating slide selectively slideable between an open position permitting access to the archwire slot and a closed position covering the archwire slot. The self-ligating orthodontic bracket also includes a resilient retention feature designed for holding the ligating slide in the open or the closed positions for retreating or retaining the orthodontic archwire within an archwire slot, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MEM Dental Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chou Bing Wu, Tsung Che Wei, Chih Chang Tsai, Tung Yuo Liao
  • Custom orthodontic appliance forming method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8992215
    Abstract: An orthodontic appliance is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient. A computer calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions. The appliance is automatically designed according to the final design, which also can be interactively modified and approved by the orthodontist, with the computer recalculating the effects on the treatment as a result of the doctor's changes. Brackets are fabricated as an integrated set, either by cutting slots therein or by building the brackets in layers by, for example, stereo lithography. Three-dimensional custom jigs are automatically made to exactly position the brackets on a patient's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ormco Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Chapoulaud, Craig A. Andreiko, Mark A. Payne
  • Interproximal tooth defects detection
    Patent number: 8992216
    Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting interproximal tooth defects such as caries by injecting light at one or more wavelengths into a tooth and detecting reflected/diffracted light or emitted fluorescence. The detected light intensity is characteristic of a healthy or diseased tooth in the interproximal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Dentsply Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Naim Karazivan
  • Apparatus and method for use in creating dental prosthetics
    Patent number: 8992217
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating dental prosthetics is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an ear mount portion for making contact with a patient's head such that the patient's temporomandibular joints are maintained in a fixed level position relative to the base, a chin mount portion for making contact with the patient's chin and nose bridge such that the chin mount portion maintains the patient's head in a perpendicular orientation relative to the base, a bite fork portion including a bite fork which may be inserted into the patient's mouth for the purpose of obtaining the patient's bite registration information, and a camera mount portion including a camera oriented toward the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: David Cho
  • Pre-charged prophy angle
    Patent number: 8992218
    Abstract: A prophy angle is provided that includes a housing with a prophy cup at the distal end, a first drive mechanism positioned within the housing and including a drive shaft for delivering mechanical energy to the prophy cup, a chamber enclosed within the housing to store paste in a controlled releasable manner, and an independent second drive mechanism within the housing to control the delivery of paste from the chamber to the prophy cup in a manner to reduce friction in paste delivery and to avoid contact of the paste with the first drive mechanism and its associated gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Meribel Dental, LLC
    Inventor: George Michel Mansour