Patents Issued in April 7, 2015
  • Patent number: 8997903
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device or apparatus for assisting in the operation of a wheelbarrow having a tray, handles and at least one front wheel. The present device may generally include a motor, a power/fuel source, a drive wheel and a drive mechanism for rotationally coupling the drive motor to the drive wheel, the drive wheel able to contact the front wheel of the wheelbarrow in a direct wheel-on-wheel engagement when the present device is attached to the underside of the wheelbarrow tray. The present device may be slidingly attached to the wheelbarrow, such as by one or more slides, to permit its movement forward and backward for the drive wheel to engage or disengage the front wheel. The present invention further includes the present device attached to a wheelbarrow or tray, and methods for assembling and operating the device and attaching it to a wheelbarrow or tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Vandelinde
  • Patent number: 8997904
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump powering system includes a mobile vehicle, a first electric current generator device, and one or more electric pump motors. The mobile vehicle has first and second prime movers. The first electric current generator device is disposed onboard the mobile vehicle and is configured to be mechanically coupled with the first prime mover to convert movement created by the first prime mover into first electric current. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current to power a hydraulic pump. The second prime mover is configured to generate movement that is converted into a propulsive force that propels the mobile vehicle. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current in order to power the hydraulic pump to pump a fluid into a pumping location located off-board the mobile vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Douglas Cryer, George J. Wnukoski, David Kamensky, Ramesh Krishnan, William Halli, Alexey Gaev, Ryan Martorella, Tarun Shivlani
  • Patent number: 8997905
    Abstract: A utility vehicle can comprise a wheeled platform, a motor coupled to the platform and configured to propel the platform, at least one cleaning element coupled to the platform, wherein the at least one cleaning element is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and one or more controls configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The at least one cleaning element can also be movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the wheeled platform, and the one or more controls can further be configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Johnson, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 8997906
    Abstract: A method for reversing an air mover to remove debris from a cooling system of a work vehicle. In one embodiment, the largest required fan speed for cooling the engine coolant, hydraulic oil and the charge air is used as the set point speed for a fan. The fan is operated at the set point speed to generate airflow across each of the heat exchangers. Multiple conditions are evaluated for reversing the direction of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Rex Schertz, Gerald R. Johnson, Daniel Soldan
  • Patent number: 8997907
    Abstract: A cowling assembly (10) is installed about the radiator (R) of a vehicle (V). A frame (12) fits about the radiator and defines an opening through which air can flow into the radiator. A rack and pinion drive (600) for moving a sheet (618) over the frame to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator, the frame and sheet producing a smoother flow of air over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on the vehicle while still allowing air flow into the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Aero18, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Rode
  • Patent number: 8997908
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members; a frame; and an operator area having an operator side and a passenger side. The utility vehicle further comprises a roll cage extending above the operator area; a front windshield coupled to the roll cage; and a rear windshield coupled to the roll cage. The utility vehicle further includes a roof latched to the roll cage, a first door hinged to the roll cage along the operator side, and a second door hinged to the roll cage along the passenger side. The couplings between the rear windshield and the roll cage, between the roof and the roll cage, and between the first and second doors and the roll cage each being free of a fastener. The front and rear windshields, the roof, and the first and second doors enclose the operator area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J Kinsman, Angus M Morison, Keith A. Hollman, Adam J. Schlangen, Greg W. Fedelem, Daniel L. Goffman, Paul J. Johnson, Kelly J. Knutson, Jeremiah T. Johnstun
  • Patent number: 8997909
    Abstract: A movable support platform is disclosed that includes a platform, a skirt coupled to a periphery of the platform that provides an enclosed space below the platform that retains pressurized gas, and a thrust propulsion device coupled to the platform for pressurizing gas in the enclosed space. The thrust propulsion device includes an array of gas-propelling devices “distributed thrusters” that propel gas into the enclosed space below the platform. The distributed thrusters may be comprised of Nano Molecular Solid-state Electrodynamic Thrusters (“NMSET”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Game Changers, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Zonenberg, Jason D. Sanchez, Piotr A. Garbuz
  • Patent number: 8997910
    Abstract: An electric bicycle configured to generate electricity by pedals thereof, the electric bicycle includes a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle; a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel; a pedal housing provided at the a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, a pedal housing provided at the center frame, a pedal shaft provided with the pedals at both end portions thereof while passing through the pedal housing, an accelerating unit allowing the pedal shaft to pass therethrough and provided with an input side directly connected to the pedal shaft to increase rotational speed, and a generating unit allowing the pedal shaft to pass therethrough and directly connected to an output side of the accelerating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Il Yong Kim, Chang Bok Ko
  • Patent number: 8997911
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a steering section and a main body section connected together; a steerable wheel which is rotatably mounted to the steering section and which steers the vehicle body; a non-steerable wheel which is rotatably mounted to the main body section; a steering apparatus for inputting a steering instruction information; an inclination actuator apparatus for inclining the steering section or the main body section in a turning direction; a steering actuator apparatus for varying a steering angle of the steerable wheel based on the steering instruction information inputted from the steering apparatus; and a control apparatus which controls the inclination actuator apparatus and the steering actuator apparatus. The control apparatus controls a center of gravity to move in a steering direction included in the steering instruction information at an initial steering stage so that an acceleration toward turning-locus inner side is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Equos Research, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8997912
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric motorcycle provided with: an electric motor (M) for driving a rear wheel (110) which is a drive wheel; a battery (B) for supplying power to the electric motor (M); and a controller unit (130) for performing drive control of the electric motor (M). The electric motorcycle is of the scooter type in which a footrest section is constructed between the front wheel (105) and the rear wheel (110), and is provided with a controller housing compartment (129) disposed in the footrest section so as to be downwardly recessed. An opening (131) is formed in the bottom of the controller housing compartment (129), and a cooling fin (130c) is provided in the bottom surface of the controller unit (130) in a state in which the cooling fin (130c) is housed in the controller housing compartment (129) and downwardly protrudes from the opening (131) to face the outside. As a result, the controller unit (130) is directly and efficiently cooled by airflow produced during travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Hakamata, Akinori Honma, Kazuhiro Iida, Takeshi Nagao
  • Patent number: 8997913
    Abstract: A vehicle control device and a vehicle control method automatically bring a vehicle to a halt by operating a brake. Thereafter, when the vehicle stops, a shift position is switched to a parking position by the control of a shift position actuator. This makes it possible to keep the vehicle stopping without any difficulty, and to prevent the vehicle from moving again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rumi Enzaki
  • Patent number: 8997914
    Abstract: A pump supplying reservoir oil reservoired in an input case to devices to be supplied with the reservoir oil and a filter for filtering the reservoir oil circulating in the input case are provided in the input case. A pump supplying reservoir oil in each of left and right axle cases to a hydraulic continuously variable transmission provided in each of the axle cases and a filter filtering the reservoir oil circulating in each of the left and right axle cases are provided in each of the left and right axle cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hideya Umemoto, Akira Minoura
  • Patent number: 8997915
    Abstract: A wheel loader includes a vehicle frame, an engine, an operating fluid tank, a stand, a rear support frame, and a base member. The engine is mounted on the vehicle frame. The operating fluid tank is disposed in front of the engine. The stand is fixed to the vehicle frame and supports the operating fluid tank. The rear support frame is disposed facing the stand with the engine interposed there-between and fixed to the vehicle frame. The base member is disposed above the engine and has one end fixed to an upper part of the stand and the other end fixed to an upper part of the rear support frame. A diesel particular filter, a nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter, and a connecting pipe are all mounted on the base member with the connecting pipe connecting the diesel particulate filtering device and the nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Hayashi, Nobuo Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8997916
    Abstract: A clutch actuator and a speed change actuator are disposed so as to be adjacent to each other on one side of an engine main body along the axis of a crankshaft. The clutch actuator is provided with a manual clutch operating part capable of being manually operated. The speed change actuator is provided with a manual speed change operating part capable of being manually operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Norita, Toshimasa Mitsubori
  • Patent number: 8997917
    Abstract: A universal interconnection system includes a bushing assembly having one or more bushing member disposed in an operative engagement between the components, wherein each bushing member is individually interconnected between the oppositely disposed components via corresponding bushing fasteners. Each of the oppositely disposed components comprises at least one interconnection aperture through which a portion of a bushing member is disposed prior to being secured therein by a corresponding bushing fastener. Each bushing fastener is removable from the bushing member thereby providing secure yet releasable interconnection of the oppositely disposed components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Gilberto Mesa
  • Patent number: 8997918
    Abstract: The invention relates to protective device for an articulated vehicle (1) comprising at least a first and second vehicle portion (4, 6); a control gear (8) connected to the respective vehicle portion (4, 6); and an actuating member (16) for, via the control gear (8), changing the relative position of the vehicle portions (4, 6) in relation to one another. The protective device (2) comprises at least one stiffening means (22), which fixes the position of each respective vehicle portion (4, 6) in relation to one another whenever the acceleration and/or speed of at least one of the vehicle portions (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a stiffening means of such a protective device (2) for an articulated vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Björn Nordberg
  • Patent number: 8997919
    Abstract: A motor-driven steering controller for controlling a steering wheel of a vehicle. The controller includes a steering torque controlling unit, a braking force estimating unit, a right and left braking force difference estimating unit and an assist steering torque providing unit. The steering torque controlling unit controls a steering torque on the steering wheel depending on a steering operation. The braking force estimating unit estimates braking forces to be imposed on wheels of the vehicle. The right and left braking force difference estimating unit estimates difference between the braking forces to be imposed on the right and left wheels each estimated by the braking forces estimating unit. The assist steering torque providing unit provides an assist steering torque for the steering torque controlling unit on the basis of the difference in braking force between right and left wheels estimated by the right and left braking force difference estimating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Jtekt Corporation, Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Wataru Tanaka, Yuji Muragishi, Eiichi Ono, Katsuhiro Asano, Minekazu Momiyama, Hiroaki Kato, Kenji Asano
  • Patent number: 8997920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the reduction of the natural vibration (resonance) of a component (2). According to the invention a vibration behavior of component (2) is determined, wherein to each of the positions having vibration amplitudes, which exceed a preset threshold value, an attenuation element (1) is locally mounted, which is formed as a multilayered adhesive element including a support layer (1.1) and a self-adhesive damping mass. Moreover the invention relates to an attenuation element (1) for the reduction of the natural vibrations of a component (2). According to the invention the attenuation element (1) is formed as a multilayered adhesive element of a support layer (1.1) and a self-adhesive damping mass (1.2), wherein the support layer (1.1) is formed of a bend-resistant material and the damping mass (1.2) preferably is formed of butyl rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Faist Chemtec GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Fuhrmann, Christoph Grevener, Christian Hardt, Zdislaw Kornacki, Petra Lawrence, Heike Ursula Obst, Dimitrios Patsouras
  • Patent number: 8997921
    Abstract: An exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes an end cap and a muffler close to each other to achieve uniformity therebetween and which is capable of preventing the occurrence of a knocking sound. The exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a muffler connected to an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust of an engine E and an end cap is attached to a muffler rear end portion. In the end cap, an insertion portion thereof is inserted into and held by an end cap inserted portion provided in the muffler rear end portion, and multiple protruding portions are formed on an outer surface of the insertion portion at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of the outer surface. The multiple protruding portions come in contact with an inserted portion inner peripheral wall surface of the end cap inserted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Uzawa, Yoshitaka Hayama
  • Patent number: 8997922
    Abstract: An exhaust muffler for a vehicle includes a muffler body coupled to an exhaust pipe and a tailpipe coupled to the muffler body. The muffler body has a plurality of expansion chambers, an exit communication pipe that discharges exhaust to the tailpipe from one of the plurality of expansion chambers positioned in a most downstream part of an exhaust flow path, and a spark arrester arranged in the exit communication pipe. An exhaust flow path narrowing portion is provided at an entrance portion of the exit communication pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsuya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8997923
    Abstract: The bandwidth or acoustical range of an acoustic structure is increased by locating a sound wave guide within the acoustic cell. The wave guide divides the cell into two acoustical chambers. The two chambers provide an effective increase in resonator length of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Fumitaka Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 8997924
    Abstract: A utility material can include microparticles, an organic binder and an inorganic binder. The microparticles can be present in an amount from about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on wet formulation. The inorganic binder can optionally include sodium silicate. The organic binder can optionally include a vinyl acetate. The utility material can be formed into a variety of different products or building materials, such as wallboard, shear panels. In addition, the building material may be particularly used to attenuate sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: AshTech Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Kipp, Dilworth L. Pugh, Michael D. Ridges, William T. McCarvill
  • Patent number: 8997925
    Abstract: Disclosed is a highly heat resistant sound absorbing material for a vehicle capable of maintaining a shape even at high temperatures of about 200° C. or above and which satisfies UL 94V-0 flame retardancy. More particularly, the a highly heat resistant sound absorbing material includes a fiber material having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of at least about 25% and capable of maintaining a shape at a temperature of about 200° C. or above, and a thermosetting binder resin capable of maintaining a shape at a temperature of about 200° C., wherein the fiber material and thermosetting binder resin are provided at a specific proportion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, NVH Korea, Inc.
    Inventors: Keun Young Kim, Bong Hyun Park, Won Jin Seo, Youn Jin Cho, Ki Dong Lee, Su Nam Lee
  • Patent number: 8997926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fall protection systems to which a scaffolder can tie off during scaffold construction by adjusting the height of the lifeline and to move along the entire length of a scaffold level without having to disengage the lifeline. In one embodiment the fall protection system includes two vertical support members adapted to be affixed to a scaffold frame wherein the two vertical members have attachment means for attachment of a lifeline, and wherein the attachment means are located at each respective vertical member and configured for movable attachment at a plurality of positions along the vertical axis of each support members. In addition the present invention relates to methods to use the fall protection system during scaffold construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Robert O'Reilly, Chris John Chetti
  • Patent number: 8997927
    Abstract: A fall restraint system includes a cable for attachment to a fall restraint harness assembly of a worker. The cable can be attached to a boom arm cantilevered on a mast carried from the ground or can be stretched between two points on opposed walls. A shock absorber is provided for absorbing at least part of the shock forces so as to reduce the loading applied to the support system. This comprises an elongate member with a movable member or sleeve mounted on it for longitudinal movement. The movement is resisted by a friction brake or a compressible material contained within a tube so that the sleeve moves along the tube in response to loads exceeding the normal load to reduce the loading on the cable while compressing the material in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Tuffbuilt Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Vetesnik
  • Patent number: 8997928
    Abstract: The fall restraint traveler device has a hollow body structure, two or more spacers, one or more lanyards and a leash. The hollow body structure has a first end and a second end. A safety rope extends passing through both first and second ends. The body structure has an elongated slot extending between the ends. The two or more tubular spacers are placed internal of the body structure with the safety rope passing through each spacer. The one or more lanyards are for attachment to a climber. Each lanyard has at least one locking element. The device is aligned with and free to slide along the safety rope during ascent or descent of the climber and in the event of a fall, the at least one locking element tightens as it pulls on the safety rope pulling the rope out of alignment and thereby cinching to the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Morgan Todd Ellis
  • Patent number: 8997929
    Abstract: A ladder locking designed intended to prevent access to a tree stand and an attached ladder includes a two-piece interlocking frame, top and bottom hooks to engage rungs of the ladder, and a locking bar. The frames include a mesh covers having a width greater than the tree stand ladder. The frame is secured to the ladder by the top and bottom hooks, which provide opposing hangers hooked over and clamping ladder rungs. A bottom of the frame includes a locking bar which insertingly engages between the two frame sections and secured with a padlock. The frame is placed over a ladder and locked to prevent unwanted persons from ascending the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: David A. Todd, John Todd
  • Patent number: 8997930
    Abstract: Various embodiments of ladders, ladder components, accessories for ladders, ladder systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a ladder and platform system is provided having at least two ladders and a platform or plank. The platform or plank has coupling mechanisms that provide adjustable but secure coupling of the platform to the ladders, either with the top cap or with the rungs. Other embodiments include storage devices and paint trays for use with ladders and ladder systems incorporating such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Ryan Moss, Ryan Crawford, Ben K. Jackson, Stephen E. Boynton, Heidi Phillips, Keith Emmel
  • Patent number: 8997931
    Abstract: A stepladder includes a front section having a first front leg and a second front leg and a step attached to the first front leg and the second front leg and a latch engaged with the step. The stepladder includes a rear section having a first rear leg and a second rear leg and a cross bar attached to the first rear leg and the second rear leg. The rear section has a first stud which extends from the first rear leg toward the second rear leg and separate and apart and not in contact with the second rear leg and not in contact with the cross bar. The latch is engaged with and latched to the first stud to define an engaged position where the first front leg and the first rear leg are in an open position and form an inverted v shape and are prevented from folding together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Parker, Brian A. Wong Shui, Devin Lee Moore, Christian M. Otis, Erick E. Rios
  • Patent number: 8997932
    Abstract: A climbing safety assembly for securing a ladder to a stanchion includes a plate that may abut a stanchion so the plate extends laterally away from the stanchion. The plate selectively engages a ladder. The ladder is retained proximate the stanchion so the ladder may be safely climbed by a user. A hook is operationally coupled to the plate. The hook may selectively engage the stanchion so the hook retains the plate on the stanchion. A belt is operationally coupled to the plate. The belt may be extendable around the stanchion so the plate is retained on the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Ochoa
  • Patent number: 8997933
    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 comprise a plurality interconnected polygonal shapes defining a top standing surface. The platform can be a grating that has load bearing properties and that can be cast from a mold. The platform includes a perimeter wall, a surface portion, and one or more reinforcement walls. A height or thickness of the surface portion is less than a height or thickness of the perimeter wall and/or the reinforcement walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ardisam, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Furseth, Randy L. Schamberger, Benjamin T. Nelson, Brendan Lonergan
  • Patent number: 8997934
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a gear system for a wind turbine is disclosed. The lubrication system comprises a reservoir adapted to contain lubricant, first pump means arranged to supply lubricant from the reservoir to the gear system via a first fluid connection, and vacuum generating means arranged in fluid connection with the reservoir, thereby maintaining a total air pressure in the reservoir which is lower than an ambient pressure during normal operation. The lowered total air pressure in the reservoir draws lubricant from the gear system into the reservoir, thereby increasing the lubricant level in the reservoir and decreasing the lubricant level in the gear system, allowing the lubrication system to be operated in a ‘dry sump mode’. In the case of an emergency or during start-up the vacuum generating means is stopped, thereby increasing the total air pressure in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Thomas Korsgaard Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8997935
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a fluid includes an auxiliary reservoir inside a main reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir includes an auxiliary reservoir shell with a fill passage at or near its bottom. The auxiliary reservoir shell also has a vent passage at or near its top. The fill passage and the vent passage fluidically connect the auxiliary reservoir to the main reservoir. A fluid inlet is located inside the main reservoir and outside of the auxiliary reservoir. A fluid outlet located inside the auxiliary reservoir between the fill passage and the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Szolomayer, David L. Motto
  • Patent number: 8997936
    Abstract: A compressor lubrication system including a positive displacement pump, a pressure relief valve assembly, and a divider block. The pressure relief valve assembly includes a housing that has an opening to the fluid distribution system and a relief passage. A conduit is connected from the relief passage to a fluid reservoir. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve that has an open position in which fluid from the fluid distribution system can enter the relief passage, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from entering the relief passage. A biasing element maintains a biasing force on the pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve is maintained in the closed position when the biasing force exceeds the fluid force on the pressure relief valve and the pressure relief valve moves into the open position when the fluid force exceeds the biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Compressor Products International LLC
    Inventor: Curtis Roys
  • Patent number: 8997937
    Abstract: The device is configured for moving a fluid within a gearbox. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a base portion coupled to a rotatable member within the gearbox. An inlet portion of the device is configured to draw the fluid from a reservoir portion of the gearbox. The device is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid from the inlet portion toward the base portion along an interior surface of a conical portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a conical portion having an external threaded portion configured to capture a fluid during a rotation of the device. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid captured by the threaded portion along an exterior surface of the conical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Sinusas, Walter West Riley
  • Patent number: 8997938
    Abstract: A method for modernizing an elevator installation includes installing story terminals for input of a destination story on the stories of the building, which terminals are so coupled with an elevator control device connected with an input device in the elevator cage that, at least in a standard mode, after input of the destination story call detected by means of the story terminal, the cage automatically travels to the selected destination story, and in that case a story selection in the cage by use of the input device is no longer possible. The indicating means for representing selected stories of the input device are so incorporated in the control system that the indicating means, after input of a story call by way of the story terminal, are activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Paul Friedli, Dennys Taiana
  • Patent number: 8997939
    Abstract: A control system for a hydraulic elevator. The system (10) controls an elevator (1) which includes an elevator cylinder (5) with a piston (5a) coupled to a car (2), a pump (4) having an outlet coupled to the elevator cylinder (5), and an electric motor (3) coupled to the pump (4). A speed regulator (11) for controlling the speed of the car (2) is driven in predetermined modes, such that the pump (4) rotates at predefined speed. The speed regulator (11) is driven such that the motor (3) of the pump (4) is supplied with a voltage having a frequency (f) the value of which corresponds to a predefined speed value (?), increased by an amount (cft; fts, ftD) which is a predetermined function of the working pressure (P1) of the pump (4). This balances the effect of the leakage of operating hydraulic fluid in the pump (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Brea Impianti S.U.R.L.
    Inventor: Sebastiano Acquaviva
  • Patent number: 8997940
    Abstract: An elevator installation includes a control unit and at least one elevator cage in a building with a plurality of stories, wherein elevator control units are arranged on at least two stories. A travel request is communicated to the control unit, wherein a destination story is defined either by the input into the elevator control unit or by an input into a control unit, which communicates the input to the control unit, and wherein the at least one input travel destination and the at least one input travel request are executed by the control unit by means of a collect operating mode. Energy consumption values of the elevator installation for journeys are determined by the control unit. A journey is undertaken to that destination story or travel request story for which the at least one energy consumption value of the elevator installation is smaller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Valerio Villa
  • Patent number: 8997941
    Abstract: An elevator safety circuit can be used to decelerate an elevator car during an emergency stop in a controlled manner. The safety circuit includes a series chain of safety contacts having an input connected to a power source and a first safety relay deriving electrical power from an output of the series chain of safety contacts. A delay circuit is arranged between the output of the series chain of safety contacts and the first safety relay. Hence, if any of the safety contacts open to initiate an emergency stop, a process controlled by the operation of the first safety relay is delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Abad
  • Patent number: 8997942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a well carcass (102) for an elevator installation (103), which well carcass may be arranged so as to be free-standing and/or in an elevator well (100) and serves for receiving a load suspension means (200) which is moved upward and downward in the well carcass (102) with the aid of carrying means, in particular a traction device (208), via at least one drive shaft (204) connected to a drive motor (126) and mounted horizontally on the well carcass (102) or in the elevator well (100). The object on which the invention is based is to produce the well carcass and the associated elevator installation in a simple and cost-effective way, along with optimal space utilization for the load suspension means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Thoma Aufzuge GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Fritz
  • Patent number: 8997943
    Abstract: A bicycle brake apparatus includes first and second brake arms. The first brake arm includes a first brake arm mounting portion for mounting the first brake arm to a bicycle frame member, a first brake pad mounting portion, and a first control interface portion. The second brake arm includes a second brake arm mounting portion for mounting the second brake arm to the bicycle frame member and a second brake pad mounting portion. A synchronizing link communicates a synchronizing force that arises from one of the first brake arm or the second brake arm to the other one of the first brake arm or the second brake arm so that the first brake arm and the second brake arm move in synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventors: Daisuke Nago, Osamu Kariyama, Tatsuya Matsushita, Masahiro Nakakura, Takefumi Terada
  • Patent number: 8997944
    Abstract: Linear brake systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment, a baseplate having a linear brake housing mounted thereto is provided. A linear brake is partially disposed within the brake housing. The linear brake includes a braided cable; a collar attached to the proximal end of the braided cable; a member attached to the distal end of the braided cable; a rope having a portion that passes into a bore in the collar, through a tunnel formed by the braided cable and the collar, and exits the braided cable by passing between cable strands; and an interface mounted to the baseplate to extend the braided cable constrict the braided cable upon the rope. The collar secures the proximal of the braided cable to the brake housing and the member secures the distal end of the braided cable to the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James E. Sadeck, Dale Tabor
  • Patent number: 8997945
    Abstract: This invention relates to a brake caliper adapted for use in a vehicle disc brake assembly and method and apparatus for producing the same. The method for producing the brake caliper comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mold member having at least two mold sections; (b) providing a core member having at least a first male extension which is adapted to form an integrally cast locating recess in the brake caliper which is used as a locating surface for subsequent machining of the brake caliper; (c) disposing the core member in the mold member in a predetermined position; (d) supplying a suitable material to the mold member so as to form a brake caliper within the mold; (e) removing the brake caliper from the mold, wherein the brake caliper includes an integrally cast locating recess formed therein by the first male extension of the core member; and (f) machining the brake caliper using at least the integrally cast locating recess formed therein as a locating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Morais, Harry Miller
  • Patent number: 8997946
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake assembly comprising a brake disk stack having a center axis; and a plurality electro-mechanical actuators for applying braking pressure to the brake disk stack. The actuators are circumferentially arranged around the center axis, and each actuator includes a housing, a linearly movable ram, a screw for linearly moving the ram, a nut mounted for rotation in the housing and operatively engaged with the screw such that rotation of the nut effects linear movement of the screw for urging the ram into forceful engagement with the brake disk stack, an electric motor for rotating the nut, and an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the screw relative to the housing when the nut is rotated to effect linear movement of the screw. The foregoing arrangement provides for greater stroke than prior art actuators without sacrificing durability and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Haydon, Michael J. Ortman, Steve Anderson, Eric Schwaigert
  • Patent number: 8997947
    Abstract: A friction brake device for a vehicle includes: a hydraulic brake unit including a piston member for pressing a friction member by advancement; an electric brake unit including a nut member being relatively movable in a piston movement direction with respect to the piston member by a motor and for pressing the piston member by advancement; a piston return mechanism including a biasing member for making biasing force, oriented in a retreat direction, elastically act on the piston member in accordance with a relative advancement amount of the piston member with respect to the nut member; and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller determines whether an adjustment permission condition associated with a wear amount of the friction member is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, the controller allows the motor to perform a relative position adjustment of the nut member with respect to the piston member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Shiraki
  • Patent number: 8997948
    Abstract: A hand-detecting brake system for baby stroller is equipped on a stroller frame, including a handle holder, a brake mechanism, an electric motor, and a battery. The handle holder is connected to one end of the stroller frame equipped with a hand-detecting device for creating a signal when user's hand being held or touched on the handle holder. The brake mechanism is operatively mounted on one side of a first wheel of the stroller frame for braking and un-braking the first wheel. The electric motor is capable of driving the brake mechanism to brake the first wheel when being received the signal from the hand-detecting device, and un-brake the first wheel when the signal from the hand-detecting device being disappeared. The battery electrically connected to the hand-detecting device and the electric motor for supplying needed power thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Lerado (Zhong Shan) Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wei-Yeh Li, Nien-Li Peng, Tsung-Li Wu
  • Patent number: 8997949
    Abstract: A low weight and low cost brake beam assembly having high static strength and fatigue resistance having two independent brake heads each including a receiving section for receiving and retaining an end of a tension member, an end of a compression member and a portion of an end extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: A. Stucki Co.
    Inventor: Jorge Alberto De la Fuente Farias
  • Patent number: 8997950
    Abstract: A vibration control device for railroad vehicle includes an actuator with a cylinder coupled to a truck of a railroad vehicle, a piston, a rod coupled to the piston and a vehicle body, a rod-side chamber and a piston-side chamber in the cylinder, a tank, a first on-off valve disposed at an intermediate position of a first passage communicating between the rod-side chamber and the piston-side chamber, a second on-off valve disposed at an intermediate position of a second passage communicating between the piston-side chamber and the tank, and a pump for supplying fluid to the rod-side chamber. A warm-up operation of the actuator is performed by opening the first and second on-off valves and driving the pump after the vibration control device is started and before a transition is made to a normal control mode for suppressing the vibration of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ogawa, Jun Aoki, Masaru Uchida, Chie Yabuki
  • Patent number: 8997951
    Abstract: An actively controlled colloidal damper having controllable damping characteristics. The damper has a cylinder (2); a piston (4) reciprocatably guided and supported by the cylinder (2) and forming a closed space (3) in cooperation with the cylinder (2); a porous body (8) having a large number of fine holes and received in the closed space (3); operation liquid (7) received in the closed space (3) together with the porous body (8), flowing into the fine holes in the porous body (8) when the pressure in the closed space (3) is increased, and flowing out of the fine holes when the pressure in the closed space (3) is decreased, and pressure regulation means, such as a servo value (6) and a pump device (10), for regulating the pressure in the closed space (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: School Juridical Person of Fukuoka Kogyo Daigaku
    Inventor: Claudiu Valentin Suciu
  • Patent number: 8997952
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle shock absorber has a tube at least partially filled with damping liquid and extending, a piston rod axially shiftable inside the damper tube, and a piston connected to the piston rod and subdividing the damper tube into a piston rod-side working chamber and an opposite working chamber. An on-off control valve is axially movable inside the piston between a closed and an open position. A first soft-characteristic damping valve inside the piston through which the damping liquid may flow in both flow directions is connectable to a flow path of the damping liquid from one into the other working chamber through the control valve. A second hard-characteristic damping valve through which the damping liquid may flow in both flow directions is also provided in the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Bilstein GmbH
    Inventors: Ole Göetz, Wolfgang Hamers, Klaus Schmidt, Dmitrij Smeljanskij, Freddy Woenarta