Patents Issued in April 14, 2015
  • Patent number: 9004181
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9004182
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole actuator. The actuator includes, a discontinuous tubular being configured to restrict longitudinal expansion while longitudinally contracting in response to radial expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keven O'Connor, Mark K. Adam, Jeffrey C. Williams
  • Patent number: 9004183
    Abstract: A string is equipped with a braking device to regulate its speed into the wellbore through an existing tubular. When the targeted amount of overlap with an existing tubular is accomplished the two tubulars are then joined together. The braking system can take many forms such as externally mounted mechanisms that are speed responsive to vary the braking force. The inside of the tubular can have trapped gas to provide buoyancy and reduce the dropping speed. The braking can be accomplished hydraulically through regulated flow through the tubular or by a combination of a hydraulic and mechanical device. The momentum of the dropped string can also be controlled with a swage device that at the appropriate location lands on a taper and wedges or fuses itself to the surrounding tubular to gain support from the surrounding tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 9004184
    Abstract: The invention provides a wellbore system comprising an expandable tubular element arranged in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby an annular space is present between the tubular element and a wall surrounding the tubular element. The tubular element is provided with sealing means for sealing the annular space, wherein the sealing means includes a foldable wall section of the tubular element. The foldable wall section has a reduced bending stiffness relative to a remainder wall section of the tubular element and is deformable from an unfolded mode to a folded mode by application of a compressive folding force to the tubular element. The foldable wall section when in the folded mode comprises at least one annular fold extending radially outward into said annular space. The wellbore system further comprises a folding device for applying said folding force to the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Daniele Di Crescenzo, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 9004185
    Abstract: A plug drop tool, including a body defining a chamber, a plug initially housed in the chamber and a member disposed with the body. The member is actuatable for selectively enabling communication between the chamber and an annulus at least partially defined by the body. The plug is movable into the annulus when the communication is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Madero, Clint E. Mickey, David A. Dolyniuk
  • Patent number: 9004186
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing equipment for extinguishing cooking oil fires includes fire extinguishing agent, a single-layer hot-melt resin film enclosing the fire extinguishing agent, at least one float, and a quadratic prism-shaped paper case enclosing the single-layer hot-melt adhesive film and the at least one float. The quadratic prism-shaped paper case includes a plurality of sides, at least one of which has al least one outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Bonex, Inc.
    Inventor: Koushi Kariya
  • Patent number: 9004187
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inerting method as well as an inerting system (1) to set and/or maintain a reduced oxygen content in an enclosed room (2), wherein a gas separation system (3.1, 4.1; 3.2, 4.2; 3.3, 4.3) is provided which separates off at least a portion of the oxygen from an initial gas mixture provided in a mixing chamber (6) and by so doing, provides a nitrogen-enriched gas mixture. In order to optimize the operation of the inerting system (1), the invention provides for a portion of the air to be withdrawn from the enclosed room (2) and admixed with fresh air in the mixing chamber (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Amrona AG
    Inventors: Eberlein Anselm, Peter Uwe Kersten
  • Patent number: 9004188
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building where the fire is located on an upper floor vertically displaced from a lower floor from which the fire is treated, and where the upper and lower floors each have a selectively openable environmental access along an external wall of the multi-floored building. The improved apparatus includes a tubular structure having an inlet, an intermediate portion, and an outlet and a bracing system. The bracing system has a frame, a first pivot point, and a second pivot point. The frame provides support against a sturdy surface. The tubular structure is supported on the first pivot point and rotates thereon to elevate or hoist the outlet towards the upper floor environmental access. The tubular structure is further supported on a second pivot point and further rotates thereon to elevate the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Wielgat, Daniel J. Kegg
  • Patent number: 9004189
    Abstract: A protective device with a pressure tank (1) includes an elastic extinguishing agent balloon (3) filled with an extinguishing agent (23) and a propellant, where the elastic extinguishing agent balloon (3) borders onto at least one elastic component (32) and this elastic component is fluid permeable. The upper part of the elastic extinguishing agent balloon (3) is formed as a sealing ring. The device has the advantage that when it is used in mobile and stationary objects, where vibrations and other forces act on the extinguishing device, a high degree of operational safety of the extinguishing device can be assumed, that makes it possible to discharge almost 100 percent of the extinguishing agent without any malfunctioning. The operation of the extinguishing device is also temperature independent so that no additional safety measures are required in the case of a change in the spatial attitude of the pressure tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Chrysafis Zlatintsis
  • Patent number: 9004190
    Abstract: A hand held material moving tool is disclosed. The material engaging implement has a material engaging portion adapted for movement of material. A handle is connected to a top surface of the tool. The handle is positioned low and in close proximity to the material engaging portion of the implement. The handle is connected to the tool by a swivel mechanism permitting a predetermined amount of pivot of the implement in relation to the handle about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald J. Zorn
  • Patent number: 9004191
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power tool, such as an impact drilling machine, impact screwdriver, saber saws, grinders, or the like, comprising a housing. In the housing, an electric motor and an electric or electronic module that is attached to holders in the housing, for example, an electric switch or electronics, are provided. Between the holders in the housing and the electrical or electronic modules, a vibration decoupling element is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Müller, Stephan Gasser
  • Patent number: 9004192
    Abstract: An electrical power tool includes an electric motor as a drive source, and a speed change device for decelerating rotative power of the electric motor and outputting the same to a spindle. The speed change device is configured to automatically switch between a high speed low torque mode in which a high speed low torque is output to the spindle and a low speed high torque mode in which a low speed high torque is output to the spindle based on an external torque applied to the spindle. An output rotation speed of the spindle in the high speed low torque mode is set to 4.5 times to 6.0 times an output rotation speed of the spindle in the low speed high torque mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9004193
    Abstract: Apparatus and the methods for deploying a sensor in the formation down a borehole. The apparatus comprises a downhole drilling system which is connected at a first end to the surface and is connected at a second end to a flexible drilling string downhole in the borehole. At least a portion of the flexible drilling string is locatable in a lateral hole of the borehole, and at least one downhole sensor is connectable to the portion of the drilling string that is locatable in the lateral hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Lavrut, Charles Woodburn
  • Patent number: 9004194
    Abstract: A method of translating a member through a bore involving moving fluid through a tubular member such as a drill string, and generating impulses on the member by varying the passage of fluid through the member using a valve which opens at a first rate and closes at a different second rate to urge the member to advance in a selected direction. The valve may close quickly and open slowly, or may close slowly and open quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Alan Martyn Eddison, David Anderson Coull, Derek James Stuart
  • Patent number: 9004195
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore is disclosed. An inner string and an outer string are conveyed downhole. The inner string is attached to the outer string at a first location and the wellbore is formed. The inner stringy is attached to the outer string at a second location us hole of the first location and an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore is cemented without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thorsten Regener, Ingo Roders, Carl C. Clemmensen, Sascha Schwartze, Trond R. Skar, Tore Sorheim, Morten Eidem, Gaute Grindhaug
  • Patent number: 9004196
    Abstract: A drill bit assembly has a bit head and a pin body. The bit head comprises a cutting end, an opposite connecting end with an engagement section, and a feature facing the connecting end. The pin body comprises a tubular body with an axial bore therethrough, a connecting end with an engagement section and a feature facing the connecting end. The drill bit assembly is manufactured by positioning the pin body connecting end with the bit head connecting end such that the pin body and bit head engagement sections overlap with a gap therebetween, and the pin body and bit head features are aligned; injecting a thermoplastic or other connecting material in liquid form between the bit head and pin body engagement sections and into the gap; and solidifying the thermoplastic or other connecting material such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically coupled together at their connecting ends and their features are securely aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kjell Haugvaldstad, Derek Logan, Garry Holmen, Tony R. Dopf, Aaron Logan, Rob Utter
  • Patent number: 9004197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drill stem component for exploration of a hydrocarbon well with drilling mud in movement around the component from a bottom of the well towards the surface. The drill can include a central tubular element having an axis of revolution and extended on either side respectively by a first and a second tool joint each respectively and successively including a first cylindrical portion connected to the tubular element, a second tapered portion, a third cylindrical portion with a radius greater than that of the tubular element. The drill can include a threaded end which can connect the component to another component, the component including a first shell provided with one or more functional zones, the first shell being mounted on one of the tool joints in a cohesive and removable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Vam Drilling France
    Inventors: Gabriel Roussie, Christophe Rohart
  • Patent number: 9004198
    Abstract: A hybrid-type earth boring drill bit is described having fixed cutting blades and rolling cones with cutting elements, wherein the rolling cones are associated with a spindle assembly that may be optionally divorced from the head pin assembly, and which includes bearing members that further include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ajay V. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9004199
    Abstract: In one aspect, an impregnated drill bit is provided having at least one insert positioned within at least one of the plurality of blades such that the insert spans more than 75% of the height of the blade and at least a portion of the blade has a blade height of at least 40 mm. In another aspect, an impregnated drill bit is provided having a plurality of blades with at least a portion of at least one blade having a blade height of at least 60 mm. Also provided are methods of manufacturing such impregnated drill bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuri Burhan, Gregory T. Lockwood, Jonan Fulencheck, Michael G. Azar
  • Patent number: 9004200
    Abstract: A robot has a track assembly having tracks configured to move the robot in a first direction and a wheel assembly having wheels configured to move the robot in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A toggling assembly switches between the track assembly and the wheel assembly. The robot modules can mate with each other. The robot module has an elongated shaft with a head and a narrow neck. The shaft extends outward from the side of the robot module. A mating robot module has a clamping mechanism with opposing clamps which in an opened position receive the shaft. In a closed position, the clamps define an opening which matches and engages the cross-section of the neck of the elongated shaft. The clamping mechanism has a drive mode to drive the module, a clamping mode for docking, and neutral mode for alignment prior to clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Paul Marie Moubarak
  • Patent number: 9004201
    Abstract: A jumping robot is provided. In another aspect, a jumping robot weighs less than 50 grams, jumps at least 20 cm high and has a maximum linear dimension of 10 cm. A further aspect provides a robot that employs an electromagnetic actuator that actuates at least two of: jumping, steering, self-righting, and/or mid-air orientation control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Ning Xi, Jianguo Zhao, Bingtuan Gao, Jing Xu, Matt Mutka, Li Xiao
  • Patent number: 9004202
    Abstract: Spherical wheel that can be driven by a motor comprising a first body (1.1) and a second body (1.2) which are substantially hemispherical and are mounted coaxially to one another so as to pivot about a support axle (2), the bodies being separated by an interstice (3) into which there extends a shaft (6), said shaft having an end that is rigidly connected to the support axle and an opposite end that is connected to a drive motor, characterized in that at least one element (7, 17) extending at least one portion of the outer surface of the bodies extends into the interstice. Vehicle comprising a chassis that is supported by such wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Alain Riwan, Alexandre Verney
  • Patent number: 9004203
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Entro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Smith, Harlan B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9004204
    Abstract: A lightweight motorized and tracked sled for attachment to a variety of stair chairs is described. A power supply or power source provides power to a motor driving a track configured to engage a set of stairs. The motor and track can lift and support the stair chair and a patient thereon up or down one or more flights of stairs. The track driven by the motor has a length sufficient to simultaneously engage the lips or edges of a pair of sequential steps, but may be otherwise limited in length to reduce the weight of the track. To ensure that the sled and attached stair chair are stably supported while ascending or descending stairs, the sled may have rails, skis, or passive tracks having a length sufficient to ensure that the rails, skis, or passive tracks are always over the edge or lip of no fewer than two steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan R. Walkingshaw, Mark Wenzel
  • Patent number: 9004205
    Abstract: A multi-vehicle arrangement for heavy haulage includes at least a first tractor unit mechanically connected with a second tractor unit, wherein each tractor unit forms a separately drivable tractor unit including a driver cab), a digital communication device, steering wheels, a braking system, and a power train comprising a power source, a friction clutch, and an automatic transmission, where the friction clutch is arranged to be disengaged or engaged for drive torque transmission from the power source to the automatic transmission, a digital communication link is provided between the tractor units by the digital communication devices, and a control system of the first tractor unit is arranged to control at least a clutch load of the friction clutch of each of the first and second tractor units for the purpose of reducing the risk of over-heating of any of the friction clutches during engagement or disengagement of the friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Jan Öberg, Niklas Öberg
  • Patent number: 9004206
    Abstract: An engine control device is provided including: detection units for detecting a driving state of a work machine using a generator, target engine speed setting units for causing, on the basis of the driving state, a target engine speed set for a case where electric power generation by the generator is OFF to be the same as a target engine speed set for a case where the electric power generation by the generator is ON, and engine target output calculation units for calculating an engine target output during electric power generation OFF that can be output at most when the electric power generation by the generator is OFF, and calculates an engine target output obtained by adding an output corresponding to an electric power generation amount by the generator to the engine target output when the electric power generation by the generator is ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kawaguchi, Takao Suehiro, Kentaro Murakami, Jun Morinaga
  • Patent number: 9004207
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a charging unit for externally charging a power storage unit with electric power received from an external power supply, and an electric power generation unit capable of generating electric power from drive force received from an engine. The power storage unit is configured to be internally chargeable with electric power received from the electric power generation unit. The vehicle travels in selected one of EV priority mode restricting internal charging of the power storage unit and HV priority mode controlling internal charging such that a state of charge of the power storage unit is kept within a predetermined range. When a predetermined operating condition is satisfied while the vehicle is traveling, a control apparatus generates an operation request to the engine. The control apparatus changes the operating condition of the engine depending on whether the mode is EV priority mode or HV priority mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyoda Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuta Teraya
  • Patent number: 9004208
    Abstract: Energy storage device for storing electric energy for the partial or complete electrical drive of a vehicle, wherein the device has energy storages and power storages, a drive unit of a vehicle with an energy storage device as well as method for operating an energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: FEV GmbH
    Inventors: David Seibert, Jens Bockstette, Dragan Skundric, Martin Rosekeit
  • Patent number: 9004209
    Abstract: In a motorcycle with a cowl, a bent portion which has an upright wall facing forwardly and is bent in an upward and downward direction is provided at an intermediate portion in a forward and backward direction of an air intake duct. A plurality of dewatering devices are provided, and configured to be hit from the front by traveling wind to remove moisture from the traveling wind. The dewatering devices are disposed at a plurality of locations in the air intake duct spaced from each other along the traveling wind flowing direction in the air passage in the front of the upright wall. An overall extent of a range in which the air passage can be seen up to a rear end thereof without obstruction when the air intake duct is viewed from the front of the traveling wind inlet is occupied by the dewatering devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kontani, Takahiro Sano
  • Patent number: 9004210
    Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle is disclosed. The main components of the agricultural work vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention are: a radiator mounted on the vehicle chassis in front of the engine in the engine compartment; an air cleaner support disposed in front of the radiator; the vehicle chassis, the length of which extends forward of the air cleaner support structure; a battery stored in the space created by the vehicle chassis extension forward of the air cleaner support structure; and an engine control unit securely disposed by a fixing bracket secured to a side of the air cleaner support, in the space above the battery in the engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Daedong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon Yeol Kim
  • Patent number: 9004211
    Abstract: To provide a radiator exhaust structure for a saddle type vehicle that includes step floors provided on the left and right sides of a center tunnel, a radiator disposed in the center tunnel, an exhaust air guide that is provided rearwardly of the radiator and by which exhaust air from the radiator is guided, and an under cover by which the vehicle is covered on the lower side thereof. In the radiator exhaust structure, an air guide wall serving as a front end of the under cover and extending forwardly upward is disposed rearwardly of the radiator. The upper end of the air guide wall and the lower end of the exhaust air guide are disposed proximate to each other in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9004212
    Abstract: A first panel includes an engaging section configured to engage with an engaged section so as to allow displacement of the engaged section according to swinging of a hood between a closed position and an open position and restrict the swinging of the hood in a state where an opening section is opened. The engaging section engages with the engaged section such that the engaged section is detachable by being displaced in a predetermined first direction. The machine main body further includes an auxiliary supporting section provided in a machine room and configured to restrict, by detachably supporting the engaged section detached from the engaging section, the swinging of the hood in a state where the opening section is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 9004213
    Abstract: There is provided an electric motorized skateboard. The skateboard includes a skateboard deck and wheels. The skateboard includes a first actuator with a footpad and a force sensor. The footpad is generally disposed at a deck top surface. The footpad and the force sensor are cooperatively sized and configured to translate force applied to the footpad to the force sensor. The force sensor is sized and configured to output a sensed signal in response to application of force upon the force sensor. The skateboard includes a controller in electrical communication with the force sensor. The controller receives the sensed signal and generates a motor input signal in response to the sensed signal. The skateboard includes an electric motor in mechanical communication with at least one of the wheels. The motor has a variable electric motor output in response to a value of a motor input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Geoff Ellis Larson, Benjamin Swanberg Forman
  • Patent number: 9004214
    Abstract: A three wheeled vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle frame with a frame sidewall providing a substantially flat surface, with recesses in the flat surface. Alignment arms have inner ends and outer ends, where the inner ends are mounted to the frame sidewall, and the outer ends mount a wheel hub. The inner ends have couplings with pivotal portions and fixed portions, the pivotal portions being at least partially positioned within the recesses, and the fixed portions being attached to the substantially flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James A. J. Holroyd, Gustavo A. Aramayo, Brian T. Utter, Jason J. Hohenstein, Donald Brett Gass
  • Patent number: 9004215
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement having a rotational axis, about which the coupling arrangement can rotate, having: a first coupling element with an axially-extending flat-side spur toothing system having radially extending first teeth, a second coupling element with an axially-extending flat-side corresponding toothing system which engages axially into the spur toothing system and has radially-extending second teeth, and at least one means for bracing the first coupling element axially with the second coupling element, which coupling elements are fixedly connected fixedly to one another to rotate together about the rotational axis via the toothing systems to transmit torque. The teeth of at least one of the toothing systems have tooth tip lines that are curved convexly in the axial direction away from a tooth root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hirschvogel Umformtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Hofmann, Stephan Lutzenberger, Christian Seel, Stephan Weidel
  • Patent number: 9004216
    Abstract: An airbag system mitigates intrusion in the event of an offset rigid barrier impact to a forward corner of a motor vehicle. An airbag is attached proximate a distal end of a front rail. When in the inflated condition, the airbag has an angular leading edge. An impact detection sensor generates a signal upon a corner impact event, whereby a controller processes the signal generated by the detection sensor and electrically actuates an inflator upon a predetermined impact severity. The angular leading edge of the airbag in the inflated condition acts against the offset rigid barrier to generate a lateral force against the offset rigid barrier to push the motor vehicle away from the barrier and thereby redirect impact energy by lateral movement of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Ping Chen, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jialiang Le, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 9004217
    Abstract: An electric work vehicle is provided in which the length of a high-tension cable connecting an electric motor included in a slewing motor with an inverter for controlling the electric motor can be set to be comparatively short. A region on a main frame is divided into three regions consisting of a center region, a first side region, and a second side region, via a first vertical rib and a second vertical rib. A slewing hydraulic motor and a slew assist electric motor, which constitute the slewing motor, are disposed in the center region, and an inverter for controlling the slew assist electric motor is disposed in a position near the second vertical rib in a second tool chamber provided in the second side region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Okumura, Mitsugu Ojima, Yasunori Ota, Toshihiko Ishida, Takenori Hiroki
  • Patent number: 9004218
    Abstract: A system for controlling a work vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle and an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller. The electronic joystick may be configured to transmit signals to the controller as it is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position. The joystick may also be configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions. In addition, a rate of change of the joystick force may be varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Navneet Gulati, Duqiang Wu, Aditya Singh
  • Patent number: 9004219
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control system (1), such as a car, a boat, an aircraft and like, or of a driving simulator, such as a videogame console, simulation apparatuses and the like, and with a direction control device (2), such as a steering wheel, a rudder or the like, and with directioning means (21?, 22?, 21?. 22?), said system (1) being characterized by means (6) for detecting a position of said direction control device (2), an adjustment module (7, 7?, 7?) having a frame, mechanically coupled with said direction control device (2), provided with passive actuator and adjustment means (8?, 8?, 8a, 8a?, 8b, 8b?) to adjust resistance to the movement of said direction control device (2), one or more sensors (27) for detection of position of said directioning means (21?, 22?, 21?. 22?), and at least a central control unit (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Palmarix Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Rosenmaier, Jan Klindworth
  • Patent number: 9004220
    Abstract: A strut suspension is disposed on a vehicle front side of a rotation center of a front wheel. A rack and pinion mechanism is disposed on a vehicle front side of the strut suspension. Since the strut suspension and the rack and pinion mechanism are disposed on the vehicle front side of the rotation center of the front wheel, a foot space can be moved forward to a position where the foot space overlaps the front wheel. A vehicle cabin space can be thereby increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kawaguchi, Masayuki Fujita, Yohei Kawasaki, Futoshi Miyakawa, Tatsuya Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 9004221
    Abstract: Torque sensor detects torque of steering shaft formed by first and second shafts which are connected through torsion bar. Torque sensor has: a magnetic member provided at the first shaft and having magnetic poles alternately arranged in circumferential direction concentrically with rotation axis; a first yoke member provided at the second shaft and having (a) first nail portions arranged concentrically with the rotation axis and facing the magnetic member in radial direction and (b) a first ring portion; a second yoke member provided at the second shaft and having (c) second nail portions arranged concentrically with the rotation axis so that the first and second nail portions are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction and the second nail portions face the magnetic member in the radial direction and (d) a second ring portion arranged to be separated from and face the first ring portion; and a magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Yoshida, Tatsuyoshi Maruyama, Kiyotaka Shirakubo, Kohtaro Shino, Makoto Kimura
  • Patent number: 9004222
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus transmits rotational force of a motor to a rack shaft via a driver pulley, a belt, a driven pulley, and a ball nut. A ball bearing and the driven pulley are fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut. Also, the ball nut is rotationally supported to the inner circumferential surface of a housing via the ball bearing. A female thread portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the driven pulley. The ball nut has a male thread portion formed in a first end and a flange formed in a second end. By fastening the male thread portion and the female thread portion to each other, the ball bearing is clamped between the flange and the driven pulley, while the ball nut and the driven pulley are fastened to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kaneko, Toshihiro Asakura, Yuichi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9004223
    Abstract: An ear canal tip for a hearing instrument comprises a series of slits in the ear canal tip surface to allow the ear canal tip to conform to the shape of the ear canal when the ear canal tip is inserted into the ear canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Oleg Saltykov
  • Patent number: 9004224
    Abstract: An exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes engagement units to improve the exterior design of a muffler cover and a muffler cover for an excellent appearance that can be easily and reliably attached. A cylindrical muffler is connected to an exhaust pipe for exhausting exhaust from an engine E. A front cap is provided on a front side of a muffler body portion. A muffler cover covers part of the exhaust pipe and the front cap. In the exhaust system, multiple engagement units respectively include multiple engagement receiving parts and multiple engagement claw parts. The engagement receiving parts are provided on an outer surface wall of the front cap with an interval therebetween in a circumferential direction about a muffler center axis of the muffler. The engagement claw parts corresponding respectively to the multiple engagement receiving parts and are disposed on a back surface of the muffler cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuki Uzawa
  • Patent number: 9004225
    Abstract: A muffler has a flattened cross-sectional shape the width of which is greater than its height. The muffler includes therein a plurality of expansion chambers. The muffler also includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe and first to third communication pipes, through which the expansion chambers are open to the outside. All of an opening of the inlet pipe, an opening of the outlet pipe and openings of the first to third communication pipes formed in the muffler are arranged such that they fall between a position separated away from one end of the muffler in its width direction by a ¼ length of the width of the muffler and a position separated away from the end of the muffler by a ½ length of the width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Wakatsuki
  • Patent number: 9004226
    Abstract: In one embodiment, provided is an actively tunable acoustic attenuator having a frame, a membrane within the frame, and a mass secured to the membrane. In another embodiment, provided is an actively tunable acoustic attenuator having a frame, a membrane within the frame, and a mass secured to the membrane. The membrane is coupled, either indirectly or directly, to the frame via a variable stiffness coupler. In another embodiment, provided is an actively tunable acoustic attenuator having a frame and a plurality of membrane layers within the frame. An active material is between at least two of the plurality of membrane layers. A mass is secured to at least one of the plurality of membrane layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. McKnight, Christopher P. Henry, Chia-Ming Chang, Andrew C. Keefe
  • Patent number: 9004227
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a ladder access system. The ladder access system may include a base having a clamp disposed proximal an excavation end thereof. The clamp may be configured to secure the base to an excavation support structure. A first side rail may be disposed on a first side of the base and a second side rail may be disposed on a second side of the base. The ladder access system may also include a gate disposed at a surface end of the base and extending between the first and second side rails. The ladder access system may further include a ladder support disposed proximal the excavation end of the base and extending from the first or second side rail, the ladder support being configured to uphold an upper end of a ladder disposed in an excavation and leaning thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: National Trench Safety, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald W. Chilton
  • Patent number: 9004228
    Abstract: A container for collecting a liquid lubricant has a housing having one end formed with an inlet opening connectable to a source of the liquid lubricant and an opposite end formed with a vent hole, with a piston inside the housing subdividing the housing into a front lubricant compartment into which the inlet opening opens and a rear compartment into which the vent hole opens. The piston is shiftable between a front position close to the intake opening and a rear position close to the vent hole such that as the liquid lubricant fills the lubricant compartment the piston moves into the rear position. Formations on the piston and on the housing seal between the piston and the housing around the vent hole only when the piston is in the rear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Perma-Tec GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Hildenbrand, Egon Eisenbacher
  • Patent number: 9004229
    Abstract: In order to achieve simple maintenance and/or installation of an elevator system, a marking device has at least one light emitting unit for generating at least one mark on a component of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Bjarne Lindberg, Astrid Sonnenmoser
  • Patent number: 9004230
    Abstract: A switching device including at least one sensor for detection purposes which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on the detection. In order to enable improved detection of the switching states, a switching unit is provided, the switching unit and the at least one sensor each having a communication unit for communicating with one another, and it being possible for the switching unit to be switched depending on the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cedes AG
    Inventors: Beat De Coi, Dumeng Hersche, Jürg Hegelbach, Tobias Leutenegger