Patents Issued in April 14, 2015
  • Patent number: 9003880
    Abstract: A system includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) system having an NDT probe and a processor. The NDT probe includes a testing sensor and a motion sensor. The testing sensor is configured to capture sensor data from an inspection area, and the motion sensor is configured to detect a measurement speed at which the NDT probe moves relative to the inspection area. The processor is configured to determine a speed comparison between the measurement speed and a reference speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott Leo Sbihli, Jason Howard Messinger, Francois Xavier De Fromont, Robert Carroll Ward
  • Patent number: 9003881
    Abstract: A yaw-rate sensor for determining a Coriolis force includes a semiconductor substrate, a mass body mounted so it is movable over the semiconductor substrate, a drive unit for setting the mass body into an oscillating movement, and a detection unit for determining a deflection of the mass body which is caused by the Coriolis force. The detection unit includes a piezoresistive element, whose electrical resistance is a function of the deformation of the piezoresistive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Neul, Daniel Christoph Meisel
  • Patent number: 9003882
    Abstract: A high-Q, mode-matched, vibratory tuning fork based MEMS device, capable of sensing rotational and translational motion around three axes, and processes of fabrication are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a MEMS device has first and second proof masses actuated along a first axis, and a third and fourth proof masses actuated along a second orthogonal axis. Each of the proof masses includes an inner mass mechanically coupled to an outer frame. A plurality of electrodes sense rotational or translational motion along the three orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Farrokh Ayazi, Divyanshu Agrawal
  • Patent number: 9003883
    Abstract: In an angular velocity sensor, an upper electrode of a first piezoelectric element and a lower electrode of a second piezoelectric element are connected to an input terminal of a first Q/V conversion circuit, and a lower electrode of the first piezoelectric element and an upper electrode of the second piezoelectric element are connected to an input terminal of a second Q/V conversion circuit. Thus, vibration noise components of the quantities of charge generated at the first and second piezoelectric elements are cancelled out, and Coriolis components of the quantities of charge generated at the first and second piezoelectric elements are added, whereby only the Coriolis components are extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Hayashi, Nobuyuki Yamada, Takeshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9003884
    Abstract: An oscillation type inertia force sensor includes an oscillator, an oscillation circuit unit, and a detection circuit unit. The oscillation circuit unit functions as a self oscillation circuit of a closed loop with the oscillator as a resonant element, and includes an AGC circuit. The AGC circuit includes a VGA circuit, a comparison circuit comparing a predetermined reference voltage with a voltage of the monitor signal to output a control signal based on the compared result, and a pulse width modulation circuit modulating the control signal to a pulse width modulation signal. Based on the pulse width modulation signal, the driving signal is modulated with the output of the VGA circuit switched between an ON state and OFF state to control the degree of the amplification factor of the VGA circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kato, Akira Mori, Makoto Narita, Yoshihiko Koizumi
  • Patent number: 9003885
    Abstract: A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Zhiyu Pan, Christoph Lang, Gary Yama, Matthias Metz, Markus Ulm
  • Patent number: 9003886
    Abstract: Embodiments of compact micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices are provided, as are embodiments of methods for fabricating MEMS devices. In one embodiment, the MEMS device includes a substrate, a movable structure resiliently coupled to the substrate, and an anchored structure fixedly coupled to the substrate. The movable structure includes a first plurality of movable fingers, and a second plurality of movable fingers electrically isolated from and interspersed with the first plurality of movable fingers. The anchored structure includes fixed fingers interspersed with first and second pluralities of movable fingers in a capacitor-forming relationship. First and second interconnects are electrically coupled to the first and second pluralities of movable fingers, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Yizhen Lin, Sung Jin Jo, Lisa Z. Zhang
  • Patent number: 9003887
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a cylindrical case having a bottom and a side wall, a piezoelectric element attached to an inner bottom surface of the case, a terminal retainer configured to hold outer terminals and inner terminals, and wires connected to the inner terminals and configured to feed power to the piezoelectric element. The side wall of the case has a thin portion adjacent to an opening of the case and a thick portion adjacent to the bottom of the case. The elastic member is provided between the thick portion and the terminal retainer. An opening region surrounded by the thick portion is preferably covered with the elastic member. The case is preferably internally filled with a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taku Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9003888
    Abstract: A method for obtaining seismic information about a subsurface formation using at least one fiber optic cable having its proximal end coupled to a light source and a photodetector comprises: transmitting into the cable at least one light pulse; receiving at the photodetector a first and second light signals indicative of the physical status of at least one first cable section and at least one second cable section, respectively, wherein the first and second sections are selected so as to provide first and second information items, respectively; optionally, further processing at least one of the first and second information items so as to produce derivative information; and outputting at least one of the first, second, and derivative information items to a display; wherein the second item differs from the first item in at least one aspect selected from the group consisting of: resolution, area, and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jorge Louis Lopez, Peter Berkeley Wills, Jeffery Joseph Mestayer
  • Patent number: 9003889
    Abstract: A resonant pressure sensor including one or more resonant-type strain gauges arranged on a diaphragm may include a sensor substrate made of silicon and including one surface on which one or more resonant-type strain gauge elements are arranged and the other surface which is polished to have a thickness corresponding to the diaphragm, a base substrate made of silicon and including one surface directly bonded with the other surface of the sensor substrate, a concave portion formed in a portion of the base substrate bonding with the sensor substrate, substantially forming the diaphragm in the sensor substrate, and including a predetermined gap that does not restrict a movable range of the diaphragm due to foreign substances and suppresses vibration of the diaphragm excited by vibration of the resonant-type strain gauge elements, one or more conducting holes, and a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuusaku Yoshida, Takashi Yoshida, Hiroshi Suzuki, Shuhei Yoshita, Hisashi Terashita
  • Patent number: 9003890
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pressure sensor that provides improved reliability, reduced cost, and improved performance over currently available pressure sensor designs. The pressure sensor may include a spiral concentrically wound tube coil having a sealed end and an open end, wherein the stem or open end of the tube is oriented so as to be parallel with a plane of the coil windings. In one embodiment, the spiral concentrically wound tube coil may be a Bourdon tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tiro Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Riley Levenson, Gavin Chandler
  • Patent number: 9003891
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a support element placed on a vehicle wall, a retaining element having a retaining wing for fastening the device in an opening of the wall, and a sealing element between the support and retaining elements. The retaining element is rotatable relative to the support element along a rotation path, e.g. by a bayonet-type movement. The support element, the retaining element and/or the sealing element are designed such that a play remains between the support element, the retaining element and/or the sealing element in a first section of the rotation path, and such that the support element and/or the retaining element move(s) relative to the sealing element so as to eliminate the play at the end of the rotation path, whereby the sealing element is sealingly compressed between the support element and the retaining element, thus sealing the fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Christian Frank
  • Patent number: 9003892
    Abstract: A testing fixture includes a driving component, a supporting component, a first resilient component, a plurality of connecting components and a plurality of testing components. The driving component includes a board and a sleeve. A guiding slot is formed on a lateral wall of the sleeve. The supporting component includes a base, a bridging pillar and a guiding pin. The base includes a plurality of pivot hole structures. The bridging pillar is disposed on a surface of the base and movably disposed inside the sleeve. The guiding pin is disposed on a lateral surface of the bridging pillar and slidably passing through the guiding slot. The first resilient component is disposed on the bridging pillar and contacts against the sleeve, so as to move the base relative to the board. The connecting components pivot to the pivot hole structures, and each testing component is disposed on the corresponding connecting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jian-Wu Hou, Shou-Lun Chang
  • Patent number: 9003893
    Abstract: A chain link tester and method of use is disclosed herein. The chain link tester may contain a tapered lever and may be adapted to operatively connect to a torque metering device. The chain link tester may be used to test chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Timothy Tilley
  • Patent number: 9003894
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measurement system having a first ultrasonic sensor with a first ultrasonic buffer and a second ultrasonic sensor with a second ultrasonic buffer is disclosed. The first and second ultrasonic buffers have different cross sections in order to reduce distortion of the ultrasonic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lei Sui, Toan Huu Nguyen, Evan Lawrence Ross, Alexander Michael Zorn
  • Patent number: 9003895
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a flow conditioner for displacing and mixing fluid flow to minimize the effects of thermal gradients on the accuracy of a transit time ultrasonic flowmeter and defines an envelope in a cross sectional direction in a pipe having a first ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. The conditioner has a second ramp adapted to be disposed in the pipe and in juxtaposition with the first ramp, the second ramp extending from the outside of the envelope inward toward the center of the pipe in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and forming an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the pipe's inner surface. An apparatus for determining fluid flow in a pipe having ultrasonic transducer sites. A method for determining fluid flow in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Laird, Gregor Brown
  • Patent number: 9003896
    Abstract: A torque sensor includes a central hub, a fastening ring arranged radially outwardly from and coaxially circumferentially around the central hub, a continuous imperforate flange disc that extends radially between and interconnects the central hub and the fastening ring, and strain gages or other force transducers for measuring a torsional shear strain in the flange disc. The flange disc has blind pocket recesses that are recessed into the flange disc from one or both axial sides thereof. Each pocket recess is bounded at the bottom by a pocket recess floor. Strain transducers are mounted on the inner surfaces of the pocket recess floors in the pocket recesses and/or on the outer back surfaces of the pocket recess floors on the opposite side of the flange disc. The strain transducers measure torsional shear strain in the recess floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Nold, Juergen Andrae
  • Patent number: 9003897
    Abstract: A force sensor may include a housing having a cavity enclosing a sense die, an actuating element and an elastomeric seal. The sense die may have a force sensing element for sensing a force applied to a surface of the sense die, and a temperature compensation circuit. The temperature compensation circuit may be located on the surface of the sense die and may be configured to at least partially compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the force sensing element. The actuating element may extend outside the housing and be used to transfer a force applied externally from the housing to the sense die. The elastomeric seal may include one or more conductive elements separated from the edge of the elastomeric seal by an insulating elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wade, Lamar Floyd Ricks
  • Patent number: 9003898
    Abstract: Provided herein is a multi-axis sensor including: a pair of electrodes positioned such that at least partial areas thereof face each other; an elasticity member having one of the pair of electrodes installed in its upper portion and another of the pair of electrodes installed in a lower portion; and a sensor unit electrically connected with the pair of electrodes, and configured to detect a change of capacitance value between the pair of electrodes and a change of resistance value of the elasticity member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Hyungpil Moon, Jachoon Koo, Hyouk Ryeol Choi, Seonggi Kim
  • Patent number: 9003899
    Abstract: A force sensor may include a sensing die with a sense diaphragm. An actuation assembly may include a button member and a pin and/or other features, where a first end of the pin may engage the sense diaphragm and a second end of the pin may engage the button to facilitate transferring a force applied to the button to the sense diaphragm. In some cases, the interface between the button member and the pin may allow the button member to swivel or pivot, at least to some degree, relative to the pin, which may facilitate transferring a force from the button member to the diaphragm with minimal mechanical loss. In some cases, the second end of the pin may be at least partially tapered, with the taper engaging the edge of an indentation in the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wade
  • Patent number: 9003900
    Abstract: A chain force measuring device for measuring a chain force of a bicycle includes a dropout body unit having frame and axle connecting portions which are respectively connected to a frame fork and a wheel axle to define an accommodation space therebetween, and a hall sensing unit having a sensor extending from the frame connecting portion to spacedly confront a magnetic element which is disposed on a slidable carrier. By shifting of the magnetic element with the carrier due to the chain force exerted on the wheel axle, a magnetic field generated thereby is changed so as to give off a signal indicative of the magnitude of the chain force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Hsiao, Hong-Jun Xu
  • Patent number: 9003901
    Abstract: A starter includes a motor, a speed reducer, a pinion that transmits the drive torque of the motor to an engine ring gear, a partition wall that separates between the motor and the speed reducer, a pinion driving solenoid that pushes out the pinion to the ring gear side, and a motor energizing switch that opens and closes an electric point of contact. The starter is able to control independently operation of the pinion drive solenoid and operation of the motor energizing switch, the starter further includes a rotation detector disposed in a motor side inner space separated by the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Niimi
  • Patent number: 9003902
    Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover and having a variable speed transmission disposed within a housing is disclosed. A power take off is driven by an output shaft of the prime mover and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9003903
    Abstract: A linear unit for applying an axially acting force, composed of a rotational/translational gear (2) which has a threaded spindle (18) and a threaded nut (19) which are arranged in a gear housing (22), and of an electric motor (1) with a rotor (12) and with a stator (11) which are arranged in an electric motor housing (10). In order to simplify the set-up of the linear unit, while at the same time reducing the packaging space required, according to the invention the threaded spindle (18) is mounted rotatably and axially fixedly inside the gear housing (22) and is connected to the rotor (12) outside the gear housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventor: Stefan A. Drumm
  • Patent number: 9003904
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for a vehicle includes a transmission mechanism, a clutch unit and a switching mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes first and second gears meshing with each other. The clutch unit is slidable along a crankshaft rotation axis between an engaging position, in which the clutch unit engages the first gear, and a disengaging position, in which the clutch unit is disengaged from the first gear. The switching mechanism includes a motor, and a clutch-driving member that is driven by the motor to move relative to the transmission mechanism and the clutch unit and to drive sliding movement of the clutch unit from the disengaging position to the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Kai Wang, Chao-Chang Ho
  • Patent number: 9003905
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus may selectively transmit torque of power source to two input shafts through two clutches and may output changed torque through two output shafts after the torque selectively transmitted to the two input shafts is changed, wherein the two input shafts may respectively have a plurality of input gears fixed thereon, the two output shafts may respectively have a plurality of speed gears rotatable on the output shafts and a plurality of synchronizers operably connecting each speed gear to any one of the output shafts, and each input gear may be engaged with at least one speed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sueng Ho Lee, Jongsool Park, Kyeonghun Lee, Choung Wan Son, Chang Yeon Cho, Jong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 9003906
    Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9003907
    Abstract: Dual coupling gear mechanism for a motor vehicle, having a first input shaft and a second input shaft and having a first and a second countershaft, the input shafts and the countershafts being connected to each other by means of a plurality of shiftable wheel sets in order to establish at least seven forward gear stages and at least one reverse gear stage. At least one wheel set has a fixed wheel which is connected to one of the input shafts and two loose wheels which are rotatably supported on the first and on the second countershaft, respectively, and which are in engagement with the fixed wheel. An electric engine is connected to a loose wheel of one of the wheel sets or can be connected thereto by means of a shift clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Jens Weller, Klaus Kranich
  • Patent number: 9003908
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a working vehicle includes: a main change speed mechanism configured to transmit a rotating power, generated by a power source; a first auxiliary change speed mechanism configured to transmit the rotating power, transmitted through the main change speed mechanism, to drive wheels; a second auxiliary change speed mechanism configured to transmit the rotating power to the drive wheels; a first lever configured to operate the first auxiliary change speed mechanism to perform a first auxiliary shift operation; and a second lever configured to operate the second auxiliary change speed mechanism to perform a second auxiliary shift operation, wherein: the first auxiliary change speed mechanism is activated when the second auxiliary change speed mechanism in a neutral state; and the second auxiliary change speed mechanism is activated when the first auxiliary change speed mechanism is in the neutral state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Sagawa, Takashi Wakino, Fumiaki Nishikawa, Tatsuzo Murakami, Satoru Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9003909
    Abstract: A rack bar supporting device for a vehicle steering apparatus, having a clearance between the rack bar and a support yoke can be kept always constant when the vehicle steering apparatus is operated, which makes it possible to reduce operational friction and noise, to maintain the supporting force of the support yoke and the rack bar to be constant for a long time, and to improve a steering feeling of a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Kwang Ho Yang, Kyoung Min Kim
  • Patent number: 9003910
    Abstract: An instrumental unit includes: a step motor; a gear including: a gear body rotated by torque of the step motor, the gear body including a first surface formed with a recess and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a rotary shaft projecting from the first and second surfaces; a controlling spring accommodated in the recess, a center of the controlling spring through which the rotary shaft projects, the controlling spring having lengths in long and short axis directions orthogonal to each other and having a line-symmetric shape with respect to each of the long and short axis directions; and a case accommodating the step motor, the gear body and the controlling spring, an inner surface of the case including: a first portion supporting the second surface; and a second portion pressing the controlling spring in the recess of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Taisei Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9003911
    Abstract: A ball screw device even with a small lead angle and a small number of circulation rolls, includes a rotational part, which keeps unequal division of tongue portions and legs connected to the tongue portions to a minimum and ensures the strength of the tongue portions. A recirculating part of the ball screw device includes a pair of legs, each having a tongue portion for scooping up balls in a direction approximately tangential to a spiral raceway, and a main body connecting the pair of legs. First divided faces for dividing the pair of legs along a ball recirculating path, and a second divided face for dividing the main body along the ball recirculating path are also included. The second divided face is formed by an upper divided face and a lower divided face of the ball recirculating path so that the upper divided face and the lower divided face intersect with each other when viewed from a flat surface of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunari Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9003912
    Abstract: Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Omni USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Daniel, Bradford Newcomb
  • Patent number: 9003913
    Abstract: An operation input device includes: an operation body having a handle portion, the operation body tilting when the user tilts the operation axis line of the handle portion, and the operation body turning when the user turns the handle portion around the rotation axis line; a stopping portion that abuts on and stops the operation body so as to limit a tilting range of the operation body; a first concavo-convex portion disposed on the operation body; and a second concavo-convex portion. The second concavo-convex portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the first concavo-convex portion of the operation body when the stopping portion stops a tilting motion of the operation body. The first concavo-convex portion and the second concavo-convex portion are engaged with each other so as to restrict a turning motion of the operation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Yamazaki, Shingo Kitabayashi, Masaaki Hirao
  • Patent number: 9003914
    Abstract: A device for generating a return force for a control stick that is movable from a neutral position along a travel path, includes a mechanical connection member connecting the stick to a resilient return member for returning the stick towards the neutral position. The mechanical connection member and the resilient return member produce, over a first portion of the travel path, a first strength of return force and, over a second portion of the travel path, a second strength of return force. A transmission part is mechanically connected to the stick so that any stick movement along the second portion corresponds to turning movement of the transmission part, and so that the return force to the stick is transmitted to the stick positioned in the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Bernard Robic, Christian Gouard, Herve Gorecki
  • Patent number: 9003915
    Abstract: Regardless of the shift range of the ‘current shift stage’ while the shift lever is at the home position, the shift range is necessarily shifted to N range if the operator presses the first button. Thus, the operator can shift the shift range from N range to R range or D range (N?R, N?D) if, while maintaining the pressed state of the first button, the operator moves the shift lever from the home position, which is at the center of the three shift positions, to A position or B position corresponding to indication R or indication D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kamoshida
  • Patent number: 9003916
    Abstract: A support structure for a shift lever includes a rotation shaft coupled to the shift lever, a base plate including a support that pivotally supports the rotation shaft to tiltably support the shift lever, a restriction member coupled to the base plate, and a fixing portion that fixes the restriction member to the base plate. The base plate includes a guide that guides the coupling of the restriction member to the base plate. The rotation shaft includes a main protrusion, which protrudes from an end surface of the rotation shaft in an axial direction, and an auxiliary protrusion, which protrudes in the axial direction from the end surface by a smaller protrusion amount than the main protrusion. The restriction member is fixed in contact with the main protrusion so that the restriction member cooperates with the support to restrict movement of the rotation shaft in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomasa Sasaki, Daisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9003917
    Abstract: A gear shifter includes a frame and a pivot frame pivotally mounted to the frame. A gear shift lever is pivotally interfaced to the pivot frame by a pivot pin passing through a bore in the gear shift lever. The gear shift lever extends upwardly beyond the frame and a lower section of the gear shift lever extends downwardly into the frame. A fastener passes at least partially though the gear shift lever and interfaces with the pivot pin such that, one position of the fastener locks the pivot pin within the gear shift lever and within the pivot frame and, a second position of the fastener frees the pivot pin from both, therefore facilitating removal of the gear shift lever. The lower section of the gear shift lever is interfaced to a first transmission linkage and the pivot frame is interfaced to a second transmission linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: DG Auto Sales and Service LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Geberth, Robert Runman
  • Patent number: 9003918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a robot arm of an industrial robot. The robot arm includes a flange provided to secure an end effector and several sequentially-positioned members connected by means of links, of which one of the members is mounted immediately before the flange, and the flange is mounted to rotate with respect to an axis relative to this member. To adjust the flange with respect to the member mounted immediately before the flange, the robot arm comprises an adjustment device that includes a base carrier is detachably attachable to the flange particularly by means of screws, with an adjustment means disposed on the base carrier that interacts with a counter-adjustment means disposed on the member mounted immediately before the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Liebl, Gernot Nitz
  • Patent number: 9003919
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounted SCARA robot includes: a base, a first arm that is connected to the lower side of the base via a first coupling part centering around a first articulated shaft and that can pivotally move around the first articulated shaft within a horizontal plane, a second arm that is connected to the lower side of the first arm via a second coupling part centering around a second articulated shaft and that can pivotally move around the second articulated shaft within a horizontal plane, a working shaft that is mounted on the second arm, a second articulated shaft motor and a second articulated shaft reducer for driving the second arm, and a working-shaft rotation motor that rotates the working shaft. The second articulated shaft reducer is provided on the second coupling part, and the working-shaft rotation motor is arranged directly below the second articulated shaft reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kumagai, Mitsuhiro Fukatsu
  • Patent number: 9003920
    Abstract: A pedal arm provided with an arm main body has a first end portion, a second end portion, a pedal pad portion, and a shaft portion. The arm main body includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion in a first direction, and a third wall portion and a fourth wall portion in a second direction. One of the first wall portion and the second wall portion includes an abutting portion where the first end portion and the second end portion contacts, and the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion include a first curved portion and a second curved portion. A first depressed wall portion and a second depressed wall portion are formed on the first curved portion and the second curved portion, which are formed in inward convex shapes, respectively, and parts of the first depressed wall portion and the second depressed wall portion contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: F-Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Katsumi Nagahori, Tohru Izu, Shuichi Inoue, Takanori Matsumura
  • Patent number: 9003921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle pedal which comprises a body, a platform, and a pin, where the pin comprises a traction spike, a thread, a shoulder and a head. The platform is removable, and the platform is constrained in relation to the body by the pin, where the shoulder and head are used to locate the platform away from the body during tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Hive Global
    Inventor: David Weagle
  • Patent number: 9003922
    Abstract: A quick release coupling is incorporated into the drive train of the bicycle to couple the crank to the drive shaft. It includes an axle with a flat keyway facilitating installation. A crank arm has an opening matching the circumference of the shaft other than at the flat area. The opening includes a protrusion engaging the keyway to transmit torque. A land is near an end of the shaft. Each coupling has an opening similar to the opening through each crank arm. The orientation of the coupling is with the flat region aligned with the keyway. In this orientation, the coupling is slid over the end of the shaft until the flat area is aligned over the land. The coupling may be rotated until the flat area is misaligned with the keyway and within the land. In this position, the crank arm is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Torino, David-Henry Oliver
  • Patent number: 9003923
    Abstract: A cover structure of a machine tool, including a fixed cover for isolating the inside portion of the machine tool from the outside, the inside portion serving as a machining space, and a one-side opening type slide door for opening and closing an opening portion formed in the fixed cover, includes a stop structure portion for, when the slide door is closed, stopping the slide door at a predetermined distance away from the end surface of the opening portion of the fixed cover. The stop structure portion is provided on a portion of the slide door other than the closing-direction-side end surface of the slide door, or at a portion of the fixed cover other than the slide-door-closing-side end surface of the opening portion of the fixed cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Sato
  • Patent number: 9003924
    Abstract: A cup-shaped flexible externally toothed gear of a wave gear device comprises a cylindrical body part, and an external-teeth area thereof includes a pushed portion pushed radially outward by a wave generator and a groove formed in a position adjacent to the pushed portion toward a diaphragm. The reaction force of the wave generator can be reduced because the groove is formed to partially reduce thickness in a portion that does not affect the root strength of the external teeth. The increase in root stress can be suppressed when the roots of the external teeth are thickened, and root strength can be effectively increased. The load torque of the wave gear device can thereby be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Satoru Kanai
  • Patent number: 9003925
    Abstract: An axle module may comprise an outer housing and a ring gear assembly rotatably supported within the outer housing on a hub. The axle module may further include first and second shafts arranged within the ring gear assembly, and first and second inner hubs rotatably fixed to the first and second shafts, respectively. Additionally, the axle module may include first and second clutch packs, each having a first plurality of friction plates fixed for rotation to the first and second inner hubs, and a second plurality of friction plates fixed for rotation to the hub. Exemplary axle modules may have a reduced packaging width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenten Corliss, Samuel Oram, Joseph Palazzolo, Matthew Schmalenberg
  • Patent number: 9003926
    Abstract: An oil passage structure of a chain-driven oil pump includes three lines of oil passages for supplying oil from the center support to the torque converter, a first oil passage for supplying oil to the torque converter through the inside of an input shaft of the torque converter, a second oil passage for supplying oil to the torque converter through a space defined by the outer periphery surface of the input shaft and the inner periphery surface of a stator shaft, and a third oil passage for supplying oil to the torque converter by bypassing the drive sprocket. The third oil passage is provided on the outer periphery side of the drive sprocket and in a position where it does not interfere with the operation of a chain. Accordingly, it is possible to utilize the flex lock-up to a maximum extent, and to reduce the diameter of the sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mizuno, Koichi Tanaka, Yusuke Ogata
  • Patent number: 9003927
    Abstract: A tire repair tool including a combined reamer and plugger wherein a single combined bit is fitted into a handle, the bit including a reamer element and a plugger element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan T. Stansbury, Brandt A. Haener
  • Patent number: 9003928
    Abstract: A modular access tool for operating door handles and door locks of motor vehicles from the exterior of the motor vehicle. The access tool is provided in sections which are removably attachable to one another such that the overall operative length is adjustable in discrete steps. A working head, such as a loop, a hook, or a magnet is attachable at the end of the access tool. Optionally, an illumination light may be attachable at the end of the access tool. Sections join together by threadless interference based detent devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Aurelio A. Vigil
  • Patent number: 9003929
    Abstract: An oil filter removal tool and system for the removal and drainage of an oil filter comprising: an oil drain connector, where said connector connects to an oil filter cap of the oil filter; a turn bolt at a distal end of the tool, where said bolt is used to turn the removal tool; a second turn bolt, where the second turn bolt turns counter clockwise to secure the connector to the filter cap; a drain tube provided at the distal end of the tool that inserts onto a drain plug; a body portion, where the body portion secures around the oil filter and surrounds the oil drain connector; and notches, where said notches are provided around a perimeter edge of the body portion of the removal tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Gervacio Laurel