Patents Issued in April 14, 2015
  • Patent number: 9004433
    Abstract: A folding support device and methods for constructing and using the same are provided by the present invention. A foldable support member contains a series of hinge sections and support and stress limiting members. Construction is provided enabling the device to safely collapse and stow while traveling, but to unfold and provide a gripping tension on both a support member and a support device in a reliable manner. Force analysis is provided securing the item in an upright way via a force transfer generated by the supported weight itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: John A. Krieger
  • Patent number: 9004434
    Abstract: A cradle includes a cradle body having a push button and a pair of holding arms facing each other in a compressed state by first elastic members in the cradle body, receding from each other while the push button is being pressed, and advancing toward each other while applying pressure to the holding arms to hold a portable body mounted on the cradle body. A driver is disposed in the cradle body and in interaction with the pair of holding arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Cheol Kang, Won-Tae Kim, Chung-Keun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9004435
    Abstract: A hanger bar assembly for a recessed luminaire is disclosed. The hanger bar assembly includes a first hanger bar member having a first attachment structure disposed on an end thereof, and a second hanger bar member having a second attachment structure disposed on an end thereof, the second hanger bar member being adjacent to the first hanger bar member. The first and the second attachment structures each include a first wall having a first fastener aperture and a second wall having a second fastener aperture, the first and second fastener apertures being formed about a common central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Grzegorz Wronski
  • Patent number: 9004436
    Abstract: A pedestal structure of a cash register display is disclosed, including a base, a supporting arm, a retaining shaft lever, at least one extension spring and a display loading plate. Multiple retaining grooves and an inclined slide walls are arranged on each of two side plates of the base. The supporting arm is pivoted between the two side plates through a first pivot unit, and a first end section of the supporting arm is provided with a slide opening. The retaining shaft lever passes through the slide opening and is positioned in one of the retaining grooves or on the inclined slide wall of each of the side plates. The extension spring is installed between the first pivot unit and the retaining shaft lever. The display loading plate is pivoted on a second end section of the supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Posiflex Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Huang-Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 9004437
    Abstract: A vibration proof structure of a seat apparatus for a vehicle, includes a first member and a second member movably arranged relative to each other in a first relative direction corresponding to a forward movement of a seat element in a front and rear direction of the vehicle and in a second relative direction corresponding to a rearward movement of the seat element in the front and rear direction, a first restriction wall restricting a relative movement of the first member to the second member in the first relative direction, a second restriction wall restricting the relative movement of the first member to the second member in the second relative direction, and a resistance force applying portion applying a resistance force to the first member moving in the first relative direction while not applying the resistance force to the first member moving in the second relative direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukifumi Yamada, Naoki Goto
  • Patent number: 9004438
    Abstract: A display stand includes a base, a leg and a bracket. The bracket is mounted to a backside of the base and includes a bridge for receiving the at least one portion of the leg. The bridge includes a first detent and a second detent. The portion of the leg that is received by the bridge is movable into a first position or a second position. A different portion of the leg mates with the first detent to support the display stand at a first viewing angle when the leg is rotated while in the first position. Yet another portion of the leg mates with the second detent to support the display stand at a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle when the leg is rotated while in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent D. Katterheinrich
  • Patent number: 9004439
    Abstract: A post anchor for securing a support post for a structure comprises a base with four upstanding sidewalls forming a cavity into which a post is inserted, and means to secure the post inside the cavity. Interior ribs and exterior augmented corners resist deformation under pressure exerted by the post. Interior channels allow water to drain from inside the cavity toward a drain hole. The anchor post is slightly elevated relative to the ground, allowing air and water to circulate around the post and post anchor. The post anchor is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is given a textured surface, and may include an ultraviolet protection additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Peak Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John Gross, Simon Walker, Frank Fan, Wei Min Zhu
  • Patent number: 9004440
    Abstract: A ground-anchored umbrella stand comprises a base unit which is to be anchored in the ground and includes a soil sleeve extending into the soil. A pole mounting unit, in which the pole is inserted, is fastened to the base unit so as to be able to tilt relative to the base unit in all directions in space. An adjustment and locking mechanism between the base unit and the pole mounting unit allows tilting and aligning the pole mounting unit in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: May Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz May
  • Patent number: 9004441
    Abstract: The system for securing equipment includes a locking device attached to equipment to be secured, a plurality of fasteners, and an anchoring device. The locking device can be a U-bolt with threaded ends to attach to a backflow valve of a sprinkler system or locking bolts attached to a park bench or barbecue grill. Each fastener has a first surface with a first threaded hole in alignment with the locking device and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface with a second threaded hole aligned with anchoring device. The anchoring device can be a flat bar fixedly attached to the fasteners at one connector end and permanently mounted in place at an anchoring end. Each fastener has an L-shape, so that a first surface engages the locking device and opposing second surfaces engage the anchoring device. A concrete plug for outdoor use holds the anchoring end in place for permanency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Oscar Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9004442
    Abstract: Vibration is transferred through components that pass from an engine compartment to a passenger cell in a vehicle. One such component is the transmission cable (7). An inner cable provides the mechanical movement between the gear shifter and the gear box, and an outer conduit houses the cable. An abutment attaches this conduit to a body of a vehicle. The present invention provides a fixing element (19) or abutment for securing a conduit for carrying a cable (7) therethrough to a vehicle body, the conduit comprising a first portion and a second portion (37), wherein the fixing element (19) is configured to retain a damper for absorbing vibration in the longitudinal length of the conduit between the first and second conduit portion, at least a portion of the damper being formed of silicon rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Cable System Company Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Norris
  • Patent number: 9004443
    Abstract: An early-stripping formwork system for concreting of constructions comprising beams, slab and columns comprises several rectangular standard formworks (1), props with multiple early-stripping support mechanisms (2), several filler beams (3) and filler panels. The standard formwork (1) consists of a panel (11) and a formwork frame (12), and the formwork frame (12) is provided with L-shaped corners (121) at its four corners. Each of the early-stripping prop (2) consists of an upper support inner tube (21) and a lower support tube (22) which form a telescopic connection, a rectangular head plate (23) is disposed at the top end of the upper support inner tube (21), one corner of the head plate (23) fits an internal corner of any one of the L-shaped corners (121) on the formwork frame (12). A load-releasing mechanism (24) is connected between the upper support inner tube (21) and the lower support outer tube (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shandong Prima Formwork Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianhua Zhang
  • Patent number: 9004444
    Abstract: Valve control device includes a body with a longitudinal axis, a control member housed at least partially in the body in a bottom portion along the longitudinal axis, a piston movable along the longitudinal axis and housed in a portion of the body forming with the piston a control chamber of the piston, an element movable in rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis on a top portion of the body, and sealing means between the movable element and the control chamber in the area of the connection port and/or of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventor: Paul Muzzo
  • Patent number: 9004445
    Abstract: A press-fit space is formed between a hole end wall portion of a stator core and a closing end wall portion of a stopper, which are axially opposed to each other in a press-fit hole of the stator core. At least one of the hole end wall portion of the stator core and the closing end wall portion of the stopper, which are axially opposed to each other, has a recess that increases a volume of the press-fit space formed between the hole end wall portion of the stator core and the closing end wall portion of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Iwata
  • Patent number: 9004446
    Abstract: A sliding valve device includes a fixing portion, a sliding component and a driving member. The fixing portion has an inlet port and an outlet port. The sliding component is connected with the fixing portion, and includes a fluid channel. The driving member is used for driving movement of the sliding component, wherein the driving member is not in contact with the fluid channel, the inlet port and the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Tsai
  • Patent number: 9004447
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes an outer frame, a ferromagnetic cylinder, a plastic air faucet, an electrical coil module and a spring. The plastic air faucet has a first end extending through a through hole of the outer frame and a second opposite end extending through a hollow channel of the ferromagnetic cylinder. The electrical coil module is located within the outer frame and has a central passage allowing the ferromagnetic cylinder to be accommodated inside. The ferromagnetic stopper is slidable along the central passage of the electrical coil module, wherein the ferromagnetic stopper has a seal gasket. The spring is located between the air faucet and the ferromagnetic stopper. When the electrical coil module is electrified, the ferromagnetic stopper and the ferromagnetic cylinder attract each other to against the resilient force of the spring to push the seal gasket against the air opening of the air faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Xiamen Koge Micro Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Kai Tung, Sheng-Min Yang
  • Patent number: 9004448
    Abstract: A valve and valve cartridge assembly can provide an opening and closing operation with a low torque. The valve and valve cartridge assembly can be switched between a first transmission relationship and a second transmission relationship, and the first and second transmission relationships are formed between the top of the valve cartridge and a transmission device. The first transmission relationship is established so that the valve cartridge is driven to rotate axially. The second transmission relationship is established so that the transmission member drives the valve cartridge to carry out a squeeze sealing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shanghai Hongyan Returnable Transit Packagings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zuocheng Qian, Fang Yuan, Martin Thornhill, Gino Lutzu
  • Patent number: 9004449
    Abstract: A conical rotary valve for chromatographic applications is provided, including a valve stator, a valve rotor, a drive adaptor and a pair of stoppers each mounted to the stator. The drive adaptor is rotatable and coupled to the valve rotor for transmitting a rotating force thereto. The drive adaptor has a body and a pair of radial arms projecting from the body radially outward from the axis of rotation on opposite sides thereof. Each of the pair of radial arms is movable along a respective arcuate travelling course with respect to the stator. The stoppers are each positioned to obstruct one of the radial arms at an end of the corresponding travelling course. The stoppers are positioned to simultaneously engage the radial arms, thereby balancing the reaction forces created within the valve when the radial arms reach the ends of their travelling courses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mecanique Analytique Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Gamache, André Fortier
  • Patent number: 9004450
    Abstract: Described herein is a fluid valve assembly includes a body that defines a fluid cavity. The body includes an inlet through which fluid enters the fluid cavity and an outlet from which fluid exits the fluid cavity. The fluid valve assembly includes at least one arm rotatably coupled to the body and positioned within the fluid cavity. Additionally, the fluid valve assembly includes a flap coupled to the at least one arm. The flap includes a domed portion and a flat portion extending radially outwardly away from the domed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Onkarappa Bolanahalli, J. Victor Perr, Parashuram Kapase, Rohini U. Deutkar, Ankur V. Garg
  • Patent number: 9004451
    Abstract: A control valve (8) for a medical suction device (1) is provided, with the control valve (8) having an actuating element for freeing and closing a flow path (15) through a valve chamber (11) through the use of a valve plunger (12). Additional air intake openings (16) are formed on the actuating element (10) and define an additional flow path (21) through the valve chamber (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schölly Fiberoptic GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Schlenker, Thomas Lietzau, Hartmund Biedermann
  • Patent number: 9004452
    Abstract: Valve bodies having integral boost reducing capability are described herein. An example fluid regulator includes a body having a main passageway defining an orifice to fluidly couple an inlet and an outlet where the main passageway defines an inlet volume boundary between the inlet and the orifice and an outlet volume boundary between the orifice and the outlet. A portion of the outlet volume boundary includes an inner wall adjacent the orifice. A valve plug is disposed within the second portion of the passageway such that the inner wall substantially surrounds an outer surface of the valve plug to substantially restrict fluid flow between the inner wall and the outer surface of the valve plug and toward the throat. The valve body having a secondary fluid passage within the outlet volume boundary to increase fluid flow toward the throat of the valve body when a fluid flows across the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared B. Chizek, David Blair Davis
  • Patent number: 9004453
    Abstract: A tapping fitting, particularly a flap or ball cock, with a fitting housing made from plastic for connection to a drain spigot of a plastic container for liquids, particularly an interior container of a transport and storage container, wherein the fitting housing is provided with a conductive device at least part of which is made from electrically conductive plastic for dissipating an electrostatic charge, wherein the conductive device is the conductive device has an integrally conformed earthing conductor for the electrically conductive connection of the conductive device to a ground potential and is also connected integrally with the fitting housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 9004454
    Abstract: A system for vertically lifting and lowering a container relative to a supporting surface. The system includes at least two lift mechanisms wherein each mechanism includes a frame attached to the container. An elongated cylinder and piston is associated with each frame so that its axis is substantially vertical. A control circuit selectively connects a power source to each cylinder and piston to move the cylinder and piston between a retracted position in which the piston is spaced upwardly from the supporting surface and an extended position in which a foot on the piston engages the supporting surface and lifts the container upwardly from the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Luis Enrique Faure, George J. Noya
  • Patent number: 9004455
    Abstract: A device, system, and associated methods for appliance lifts are disclosed. The appliance lift sits on the bottom of a cabinet, rolls forward and rotates forward and up using four rotating bars and a gear with spring and damper linking them together. This system consists of a platform dimensioned of a size and shape to support most kitchen counter-top appliances or any other like sized items. The platform is supported by a series of linkages housed in a frame. The frame is then on a moveable track. The entire structure is sized to fit inside the lower section of a standard kitchen cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cabinet Essentials Group, LLC
    Inventor: Barry J. Falcon
  • Patent number: 9004456
    Abstract: A manual marine winch includes a safety knockout override preventing release of winch tension without the handle in stowed position. The winch includes a housing; a rotating drum on the housing; a winch line on the drum; a control for spooling and un-spooling the winch line on the drum, wherein the control includes a handle for selectively tensioning the drum and moveable between a position engaged with the drum and a disengaged stowed position; a tension holding mechanism on the housing comprising a ratchet gear coupled to the drum, a pawl selectively engaged with the ratchet gear, and a knockout configures to selectively disengage the pawl from the gear to allow for release of winch tension; and a safety knockout override coupled to the housing and selectively engaged by the handle and configured to prevent release of winch tension when the handle is not in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. Patterson Company
    Inventors: Richard A Topping, Jr., Donald Joseph Sluka
  • Patent number: 9004457
    Abstract: A portable, universal, hand rail apparatus that can be easily and quickly attached or detached to any dock that has cracks between adjacent dock boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Cloyde Lynn Carl
  • Patent number: 9004458
    Abstract: A valve for dispensing water and air in installations for spraying water under pressure, includes: firstly, a body (2) equipped with two independent circuits (C1, C2), each for circulating a fluid, one air, the other water, each of the circuits including (i) a chamber (5, 15) accommodating a shutter member (6, 16) in the form of a spool, (ii) a duct (7, 17) for admitting the fluid, (iii) a discharge duct (8, 18) for discharging the fluid, and (iv) a drain duct (9, 19) for draining the fluid contained in the discharge duct; and, secondly, control elements for controlling the shutter members so as to make each one move between an open position which allows the fluid to pass and in which the drain duct is shut off, and a closed position in which the fluid is prevented from passing and the drain duct is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Neige
    Inventors: Pierrick Jouneau, Eric David, Michel Galvin
  • Patent number: 9004459
    Abstract: A humidifying apparatus is disclosed in which gas is provided to a first side of a membrane and liquid to a second side of the same membrane. The membrane is non-porous to the liquid but porous to vapor of the liquid and is liquidphilic to said liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius Johannus Van Der Net
  • Patent number: 9004460
    Abstract: A combined collector and distributor for a distillation column that includes a collector portion connected to a distributor portion. The distributor portion includes a channel-like distributor to distribute liquid into an underlying packing The collector portion has spaced rows of collection elements that cover the open spaces and distribution elements of the distributor portion and one or more rectangular sumps into which descending liquid drains from the collection elements. The liquid in turn drains from the rectangular sump or sumps into a pre-distribution box located within a header of the distributor portion. The collection elements that cover the open spaces are set at higher positions than the collection elements covering the distribution elements to form chimneys to allow the ascending vapor to escape from the collector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Brown, John P. Ricotta, Andrew P. Dybdahl, Guang X. Chen
  • Patent number: 9004461
    Abstract: A humidifier having a field-replaceable water heating enclosure and a humidifier main unit configured to receive the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is provided. The field-replaceable water heating enclosure may include a water inlet, a water outlet, a water vapor outlet, and a resistive heating element. The humidifier main unit may be configured to provide water to the field-replaceable water heating enclosure via the water inlet when the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is received by the humidifier main unit. To facilitate this, the humidifier main unit may include a manifold structured to interface with the water inlet, the water outlet, and the water vapor outlet. The humidifier main unit also may be configured to provide electrical power to the resistive heating element of the field-replaceable water heating enclosure when the field-replaceable water heating enclosure is received by the humidifier main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Schwendinger, David J. Emmons, Andrew Morris, XinHua Cao, Eric Barton, Steven Wolff
  • Patent number: 9004462
    Abstract: Vaporizable material is supported within a vessel to promote contact of an introduced gas with the vaporizable material, and produce a product gas including vaporized material. A heating element supplies heat to a wall of the vessel to heat vaporizable material disposed therein. The vessel may comprise an ampoule having a removable top. Multiple containers defining multiple material support surfaces may be stacked disposed within a vessel in thermal communication with the vessel. A tube may be disposed within the vessel and coupled to a gas inlet. Filters, flow meters, and level sensors may be further provided. Product gas resulting from contact of introduced gas with vaporized material may be delivered to atomic layer deposition (ALD) or similar process equipment. At least a portion of source material including a solid may be dissolved in a solvent, followed by removal of solvent to yield source material (e.g., a metal complex) disposed within the vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: John N. Gregg, Scott L. Battle, Jeffrey I. Banton, Donn K. Naito, Ravi K. Laxman
  • Patent number: 9004463
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section and a direct evaporative heat exchange section. The indirect evaporative heat exchange section is usually located above the direct evaporative heat exchange section, and an evaporative liquid is passed downwardly onto the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid that exits the direct evaporative heat exchange section then passes downwardly across and through the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid is collected in a sump and then pumped upwardly to be distributed again across the direct heat exchange section. The indirect heat exchange section is comprised of a plate type heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Carter, Zan Liu, David Andrew Aaron, Philip Hollander
  • Patent number: 9004464
    Abstract: A curved spring includes one and another end parts configured to approach and separate relative to each other in an approaching/separating direction and plural beam parts that bend between the one end part and the other end part and extend in an extending direction. The plural beam parts are arranged in a width direction orthogonal to the approaching/separating direction. At least one combination of adjacent beam parts among combinations of the plural beam parts includes an outer side beam part having a width greater than a width of an inner side beam part in the width direction. The outer side beam part has a length less than a length of the inner side beam part in the approaching/separating direction. The one and the other end parts and at least one beam part of the plural beam parts are integrally molded on a shared plane by a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Hazama, Kentaro Nagasawa, Toru Hirokane
  • Patent number: 9004465
    Abstract: A helical compression spring, preferably of steel, in particular CrSi steel or CrNi steel, comprises a coating which has at least one a-C: H: Me coating or a plurality of layers of CrN (16) and a-C: H: Me coatings (14) alternately. In a method for coating a helical compression spring, preferably of steel, a plurality of layers of CrN and a-C: H: Me coatings are applied alternately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Burscheid GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Kennedy, Han-Rainer Brillert, Michael Zinnabold
  • Patent number: 9004466
    Abstract: A system and method to change a spring rate of a damper in real time. The damper includes a housing having an inner surface that forms a cavity. An elastomeric material is disposed within the cavity and fixedly attached to the inner surface of the housing. A first chamber is formed by a first end of the elastomeric material and the inner surface of the housing. The method includes restricting movement of the elastomeric material by regulating the pressure within the first chamber, which in turn changes the spring rate of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Barnes, Frank B. Stamps
  • Patent number: 9004467
    Abstract: A partition member for partitioning a primary liquid chamber and a secondary liquid chamber is provided with a damping orifice and an elastic partition member. A leg portion integrally projects from a lower surface of the movable diaphragm so as to be pressed vertically against a stopper surface formed on an upper surface of the bottom portion of a frame member. A third liquid chamber is defined between an outer circumferential portion of the leg portion and the support wall. When a bottom surface of the leg portion is pressed against the stopper surface, the third liquid chamber is sealed to confine a hydraulic fluid thereby increasing the internal pressure. When the leg portion is brought out of contact with the stopper surface, the third liquid chamber is opened to the secondary liquid chamber, thereby allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow out of the third liquid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Yamashita Rubber Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Satori, Yukinobu Hirano
  • Patent number: 9004468
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to ensure that a torque rod breaks downward when a predetermined load or greater is input thereto. A torque rod has a first annular portion (21), a second annular portion (22), a connecting stay portion (24) that interconnects the first annular portion (21) and the second annular portion (22), a first attachment member (31) that is connected via a first rubber elastic body (41) inside the first annular portion (21), and a second attachment member (32) that is connected via a second rubber elastic body (42) inside the second annular portion (22). The connecting stay portion (24) has an upper fork portion (24U) and a lower fork portion (24L), and the bending strength of the lower fork portion (24L) is less than that of the upper fork portion (24U). A cavity portion (30) to which part of the first annular portion (21) is exposed is formed between the upper fork portion (24U) and the lower fork portion (24L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Kamei, Mutsuo Tezuka
  • Patent number: 9004469
    Abstract: A device used for providing dynamic isolation and damping of dynamic vibrations, in a passive way, originated in the launch vehicle of a space shuttle and reaching the payload or satellite. The device comprises a plurality of identical elementary unit elements, such that the device is designed in a modular way, allowing the individual modularity of each of the elementary unit elements. Each of the elementary unit elements is tailored and designed individually, and the complete device can be designed for each particular application and payload needed as a function of each of the elementary unit elements allowing an easy design and lower costs, for a wide range of payload applications. Each elementary unit element comprises a spring component and a damping component, such that the functionalities provided for each component are separated and can be individually tailored, thus providing a device having a wider range of adaptation capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: EADS CASA Espacio S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Lancho Doncel
  • Patent number: 9004470
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes an elastomeric jounce bumper which engages a jounce bumper cap during relatively large compression movements of the shock absorber. The jounce bumper cap includes a jounce bumper nose retaining feature which engages the nose of the jounce bumper during the compression movements. The jounce bumper nose retaining feature restricts sliding movement of the elastomeric jounce bumper with respect to the jounce bumper cap to eliminate noises associated with the relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Fleniken, Christopher Conrad, Ben Schaller
  • Patent number: 9004471
    Abstract: A workpiece elevating support device which can be utilized by being installed in a carriage-type conveying apparatus for conveying an automobile body while changing the height thereof in each section in an automobile assembly line. The workpiece elevating support device includes at least two center-folding double link mechanisms arranged in parallel on a base, each of which is composed of a lower parallel link, an intermediate link member, an upper parallel link, and an upper link member. The upper link member is consecutively provided with a workpiece support. There is juxtaposed a lock to hold the center-folding double link mechanisms in an expanding-rising posture, which is taken when the upper link members are vertically raised to a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Ooe
  • Patent number: 9004472
    Abstract: A five axis vise includes two separated vise body portions that are supported on a machine tool table or other support that fixes the vise body portions in position. The vise body portions have jaws spaced up from the machine tool table sufficiently to permit machining five surfaces of a work piece held in the jaws. A vise screw is rotatably mounted in one of the vise body portions, and extends to the other vise body portion to actuate a movable jaw on the other vise body portion. The vise screw is threaded into a jaw nut that has a drive surface that engages and drives a driven surface on the movable jaw, with the drive and driven surfaces being inclined relative to the axis of force application to provide a downward force component on the movable jaw as it is tightened. The vise screw is an assembly of a threaded shank or shaft and a hub that is rotatably mounted in one of the body portions, with the threaded shank or shaft being locked in position in the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9004473
    Abstract: An articulated work holder for a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle including a base member and first, second and third, support arms having multiple degrees of rotational movement and a vise member carrying vehicle engagement pads for supporting a fractional dimensioned, performance vehicle between the vise engagement pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Brad Lee Perreault, David Morris
  • Patent number: 9004474
    Abstract: A fixing device for fixing a workpiece includes a base, a first pressing block pressing the workpiece to the base, a second pressing block, a first support member, a second support member, and a side pressing block. The workpiece includes a preprocessing portion to be machined, which has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner and outer surfaces of the preprocessing portion are sandwiched between non-rigid materials during a machining process to avoid the generating of swarfs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zi-Ming Tang, Ming-Fu Luo, Fa-Guang Shi
  • Patent number: 9004475
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism includes a positioning member, a support plate, a frame, a fastening assembly, and an operating assembly. The support plate defines a through hole. The fastening assembly is fixed to the frame. The fastening assembly includes a fastening member and an elastic member. The positioning member extends through the through hole of the support plate, and is fastened by the fastening member under an elastic force of the elastic member. The operating assembly resists the fastening member, thereby driving the fastening member away from the positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Bing Xu, Shan-Yan Xia, Zhi-Wen Wang, Qing-Song Wen
  • Patent number: 9004476
    Abstract: A work orienting plate or angled vise parallel for use with a machine vise and which angled plate has first, second and third reference edges with the second and third reference edges being spaced apart side edges that are perpendicular to the first edge. Angled work piece support edges join the second and third reference edges, respectively. The angled work piece support edges are at different angles from one another so that a work piece can be supported on any one of the edges relative to a reference surface of a vise on which the work orienting plate is mounted to position the work piece at selected angles for machining angled surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9004477
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a log or similar material during cutting is disclosed. The apparatus includes a log holder having a housing and a saddle. A cavity formed in the housing is tapered along a longitudinal axis for receiving an end of a log. The saddle is disposed adjacent to the tapered cavity and offset from the longitudinal axis to inhibit rotation of the log during cutting. A pole and a base rotatably support the log holder in the elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Chad M. Neumann, Michael V. Rzeppa
  • Patent number: 9004478
    Abstract: A welding workbench assembly comprises a base. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a first wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel is adjacent to the first panel at a first end of the first panel and the third panel is adjacent to the first panel at a second end of the first panel. The welding workbench assembly further comprises a second wraparound barrier comprising at least three panels, including a fourth panel, a fifth panel, and a sixth panel. The fifth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a first end of the fourth panel and the sixth panel is adjacent to the fourth panel at a second end of the fourth panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Osicki
  • Patent number: 9004479
    Abstract: A ski tip hold down assembly for holding the tip end of the ski. The ski tip hold down assembly having a base attached to a work bench and an upright stand affixed to the base. The upright stand having a ski rest on a top surface thereof and a ski tip hold down bar secured to the upright stand in spaced apart relation to the ski rest defining an opening adapted to receive a ski tip, with the ski oriented in a base-up configuration, with the ski tip extending underneath the ski tip hold down bar. The apparatus further including a tail rest assembly having a base adapted to be used on the work bench in spaced apart relation to the ski tip hold down assembly and further including an upright stand affixed to the base with a ski rest provided on a top surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Aldrich C. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9004480
    Abstract: A web product folding and stacking machine includes two folding line making rolls, two folding fingers, a first carrier unit, a stoppage unit and a holder. The folding line making rolls and the folding fingers are operated to fold up web products on the first carrier unit to form a stack of interfolded web products. Further, there is at least one suction device arranged on the top surface of the first carrier unit to suck the web products nearing the top surface of the first carrier unit and facilitate accurate stacking of the interfolded web products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Pin Hsu
  • Patent number: 9004481
    Abstract: In a provided apparatus, an upper roller to be engaged with a sheet upper face and a lower roller to be engaged with a sheet lower face are arranged at a sheet discharging port in a manner capable of being pressure-contacted and being separated, the upper roller is formed with a large-diameter soft roll face and a small-diameter hard roll face, and a pressurization force of roller lifting-lowering means with which the upper roller is pressure-contacted to and is separated from the lower roller is switched to be high or low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Riso Kagaku Corporation, Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Mimura, Kenta Idezuki, Kenichi Sano
  • Patent number: 9004482
    Abstract: A sheet conveyor incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes an attraction/separation unit including an attraction belt, a first tension roller, and a second tension roller, a support member to support the attraction/separation unit, a roller drive unit to rotate one of the first and second tension rollers, a charging member to uniformly charge a surface of the attraction belt, a mechanism to swing the attraction/separation unit to move the attraction belt reciprocally about the support member between a sheet attraction position and a sheet conveyance position being located farther from the sheet stack than the sheet attraction position, and a pressing member disposed inside a loop of the attraction belt to press the attraction belt at the sheet attraction position toward the sheet stack and separating from the attraction belt at the sheet conveyance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikuni Ishikawa, Manabu Nonaka