Patents Issued in April 14, 2015
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Patent number: 9004534Abstract: Provided is construction of a steering apparatus for an automobile that is capable of simplifying tuning for stabilizing forward displacement in the forward direction of a steering wheel during a secondary collision, and preventing damage to the component members of the section that supports a bracket 12b on the column side with respect to the bracket 11 on the vehicle side. In construction where the bracket on the vehicle side 11 and the bracket 12b on the column side are connected at only one location in the center section in the width direction of the both brackets by a locking capsule, the top edges of a pair of protruding sections 63 that protrude to both the left and right sides of the bracket 12b on the column side closely face the bottom edge of a bent section 56 of the bracket 11 on the vehicle side.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Minamigata, Minao Umeda, Takeshi Fujiwara, Osamu Tatewaki, Kiyoshi Sadakata
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Patent number: 9004535Abstract: A chassis for an electric vehicle comprises: a base frame, a front frame, a rear frame, two side frames, four suspension devices and four wheels. The front frame and the rear frame have the front arc-shaped tube and the arc-shaped rear tube fixed to the base frame, the arc-shaped tubes can not only reduce the number of tubes required but also increase the area of thrust force as compared to the straight tubes. Besides, the arc of the arc-shaped tubes avoids a connection point of an acute angle. Moreover, the height is larger than the width, which will produce less torque on the base frame as compared to that if the height is smaller than the width, thus preventing the torque acted on the base frame from damaging the connection points and improving the structural strength of the chassis at the connection points.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Energy Control Limited.Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
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Patent number: 9004536Abstract: A seatbelt tension adjustment device includes an elongated upper body having a downward facing protrusion that is pivotally secured to a lower body having a box-like shape. The lower body including an upper surface for receiving the protrusion and an internal cavity for positioning a rotatable drum therein. The rotatable drum working in unison with the downward facing protrusion to engage a seatbelt in an adjustable manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Leroy Heath
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Patent number: 9004537Abstract: A regal push carriage for children including a cart ornamented with a crown atop an attachable roof and a plurality of decorative fleurons disposed upon the cart. A plurality of Light Emitting Diodes is disposed to illumine within the crown and the plurality of decorative fleurons when activated by depression of a switch member, wherein said plurality of Light Emitting Diodes scintillates and sparkles against a plurality of reflective elements disposed integral with the crown and plurality of decorative fleurons, thereby reminiscent of jewels and precious stones, whereby the appearance of traveling royalty is impressible to passersby.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Crystal La Mora Ortiz
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Patent number: 9004538Abstract: A motor vehicle mud flap is a plate-like body having a suspension section, a quadrant section, and an extension section. The suspension section is adapted for attachment to a mud flap bracket for suspension of the mud flap therefrom. The quadrant section is coupled with the suspension section and has an array of elongate through-openings. The extension section is coupled with the quadrant section and has an array of elongate through-openings. The array of elongate through-openings is defined by alternating recesses and ribs in parallel and longitudinal disposition. Each recess is configured as a pair of opposed elongate shallow recesses fluidly coupled by an elongate through-opening having a width less than the width of each recess. Water and air can flow through the recesses, and debris larger than the width of the through-openings is deflected by the mud flap.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Inc.Inventors: Wesley K. Eklund, Thomas Gerst, Gary Roberts, Walter Hill
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Patent number: 9004539Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire spray collecting assembly for a vehicle, such as a truck and/or trailer. There is accordingly provided a tire spray collecting assembly connectable to a fender of a vehicle. The assembly includes an air diverter connectable to the rear end of the fender for directing tire water spray towards the front end of the vehicle. The assembly includes a collector connectable to the bottom of the fender. The collector is configured to capture said water spray so re-directed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: James Samuel Curtis
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Patent number: 9004540Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a feature region (24) that selectively influences incident electromagnetic radiation (30). According to the present invention, it is provided that the feature region (24) includes metallic nanopatterns (28) in which volume or surface plasmons are excited and/or resonance effects are caused by the incident electromagnetic radiation (30).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventors: Michael Rahm, Marius Dichtl, Manfred Heim, Hans Lochbihler, Thomas Kampfe, Thomas Pertsch, Jorg Petschulat, Ernst-Bernhard Kley
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Patent number: 9004541Abstract: A fitting for sealingly connecting to a pipe end of a pipe comprising a plastic material, comprising a base member and a support member, wherein the base member is made of a metal, and the support member is designed as a separate part made of plastic. The base member comprises means on the inside thereof, and the support member comprises means on the outside thereof for connecting the base member and the support member in a sealing fashion. A system comprising such a fitting with a composite or multi-layered pipe and a sleeve, or such a fitting with a plastic pipe and a sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Viega GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Sudi Sinoplu, Andreas Schneider
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Patent number: 9004542Abstract: A pipe fastening structure includes an end member attached to an end part of a metal pipe, and a nut for fastening the end member attached to the metal pipe to a counterpart. In the pipe fastening structure, the end member has a first spherical part to be brought into contact with a sealing surface of the counterpart, a second spherical part formed integrally with the first spherical part so as to be in contact with a sliding surface formed in the nut, and a neck continuous with the second spherical part and having the shape of a straight pipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideki Toyoshima, Kazumi Miura, Masakazu Nomura
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Patent number: 9004543Abstract: Locking member having a male end-piece having a collar, a female end-piece having a ring which receives the male end-piece, and two flaps configured to be pushed in through two apertures of the ring and which are blocked behind the collar following insertion of the male end-piece, each flap having an inner and outer faces connected to each other by front and rear faces, relative to the insertion of the male end-piece. Each flap has inclined portions formed on the front face and set back from a foremost portion of this front face and including a guiding portion connecting the foremost portion to the inner face and cooperating with the end of the male end-piece to guide insertion thereof, and a blocking portion connecting the foremost portion to the front face and blocking the flaps against front edges of the apertures to act counter to opening of the member.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: HutchinsonInventors: Jean-Baptiste Bongiorni, Denis Godeau
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Patent number: 9004544Abstract: A threaded joint comprises a coupling, a first pin, and a second pin, wherein the thread of the first pin has a pitch different from the pitch of the thread of the second pin. The extremities of the pins have slanted contact surfaces of complementary shape that make mutual contact after make-up of the joint. The slanted common plane of contact of both pins has an angle to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint which is greater than 0°. In an alternative embodiment the contact surfaces of the pins are split into two staggered planes and comprise a seal in-between.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Tenaris Connections LimitedInventors: Gabriel E. Carcagno, Alfredo Francisco Quiroga
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Patent number: 9004545Abstract: A clamp for sanitary fittings includes a clamp body formed of a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member movable about a hinge assembly from an open configuration to a closed, latched configuration. The hinge assembly detachably couples the first arcuate member to the second arcuate member. The hinge assembly includes an arcuate finger extending from an end of the first arcuate member, a pin-receiving recess formed within the arcuate finger, and a post formed on an end of the second arcuate member. Upon assembly, the arcuate finger cradles around the post and the post fits within the pin-receiving recess.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Carl T. Whitaker, Bruce Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Kenneth R. Davis
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Patent number: 9004546Abstract: A security box inter alia for tools has a metal box and a lid of the swing and slide type utilizing a pair of box hinges fixed to the box and a pair of lid hinges fixed to the lid, and a pair of intermediate hinges connected to both sets of hinges by links which make all the hinges parallel and enabling the door hinge to lie outside the plane of the door opening. In a variant, there is no intermediate hinge and the lid opening angle is less. The lid and box have interengaging profiled edges which in the closed position mutually obstruct but, when the lid slides to the open position, the profiles separate and the lid is free to swing open.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Lokaway Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Brett Dunstan
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Patent number: 9004547Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing device for a vertically movable closing element (1) for the at least partial closing of an opening (2) of a room. According to the invention, the fixing device for fixing of the closing element (1) in a closed state comprises at least one first fixing unit (6), arranged on the closing element (1), and an engaging unit (7), corresponding to the first fixing unit (6), in an opening bottom (2.1) and at least one second fixing unit (11), which is arranged on a guide (3), arranged to the side of the opening (2), for the closing element (1) and has a tensioning hook (11.1), which in the closed state of the closing element (1) can be latched in the closing element (1) in the area of an upper side of the closing element (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Werner Thomas
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Patent number: 9004548Abstract: This device for locking an opening part (9) of a jet engine nacelle with respect to a fixed part (7, 17) comprises: means (13, 16) for locking said opening part (9) with respect to said fixed part (7, 17), means for actuating (21) these locking means that are mounted such that they can move on said opening part (9) between a closed position, in which they enable said locking means (13, 16) to be immobilized, and an open position, in which they enable these locking means (13, 16) to be released. Said actuating means comprise gripping means (21). This device comprises means (41, 43) for immobilizing, in the open position, said gripping means (21) with respect to said opening part (9) at least in the direction of movement of said opening part (9).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: AircelleInventors: Jean-Philippe Joret, Guy Vauchel
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Patent number: 9004549Abstract: A locking apparatus for a case and the case having the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus includes an operating knob formed at an external surface of the case and a latch connected to the operating knob and configured to slide with respect to the case. The latch may include i) a body portion connected to the operating knob, ii) an opposite wall portion having opposite walls which extend from a first side of the body portion, iii) a hitch member formed on a second side of the body portion, wherein the first and second sides are opposing each other, and iv) a reinforcing member disposed between the opposite walls.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Won-Il Lee
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Patent number: 9004550Abstract: A latch with dual rotary magnets is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet holds in a closed position a magnetic insert attached to a respective door by magnetic attraction to secure both doors in the closed position relative to the compartment. Mechanical hook-like rotary pawls supplement the action of the magnets. In addition, the latch is provided with a safety feature that prevents the latch from opening in the event that the vehicle in which the latch is installed is involved in a collision.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Southco, Inc.Inventors: Eric Carabalona, Robin Talukdar, Kevin A. McCloskey, Robert Benson Speers, Jr.
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Patent number: 9004551Abstract: A lockable or latchable device includes first and second members proximate to each other, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The device also includes a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the device such that the fluid is in simultaneous contact with at least a portion of each of the first and second members when the first and second members are in a position for locking or latching. A permanent magnet is disposed in the device to inhibit displacement of the magnetorheological fluid when the first and second members are in the locked or latched position. An electromagnet is disposed in the device such that magnetic flux from the electromagnet, when activated, disrupts the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet when the first and second members are in the locked or latched position to unlatch or unlock the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera
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Patent number: 9004552Abstract: A heavy vehicle door or ramp is opened and closed using an intuitive control system. The door includes a latch assembly, a lock assembly, and a power unit to assist in opening and closing the door. The door includes an interior joy stick handle and an exterior lever handle. From outside the vehicle, the door is opened and closed by pivoting the lever handle downwardly and upwardly, respectively. From the interior of the vehicle, the joy stick handle is pulled inwardly to close the door and pushed outwardly to open the door. Pivoting the joystick handle forwardly engages the blast locks, while pivoting the joystick handle rearwardly unlatches the latch assembly and disengages the blast locks. The power assist unit is actuated by pivotal movement of the outside door handle and lateral pivotal movement of the interior joystick handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Trimark CorporationInventors: Tom F. Sonnek, Brandon L. Hemann, Robert W. Donaldson
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Patent number: 9004553Abstract: A robot bumper including a bumper body having a forward surface and a top surface angling away from the forward surface. The bumper body conforms to a shape of a received robot chassis. The robot bumper also includes a force absorbing layer disposed on the bumper body, a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of electrical contacts arranged along the top surface of the bumper body, and a force transmission layer disposed between the force absorbing layer and the membrane switch layer. The force transmission layer includes a plurality of force transmitting elements configured to transmit force to the membrane switch layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Stephen A. Hickey, Andrew Pastore, Chikyung Won, Roger Dale Gamble, Andrew Beaulieu
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Patent number: 9004554Abstract: A safety guard for a vehicle, such as a school or transit bus, tractor trailer or the like-type vehicle, includes a front guard positioned at an angle in front of a wheel of the vehicle that will function to push individuals and other animate objects lying in the path of the vehicle out of the path of the wheels for safety purposes, while being mounted for telescoping movement to protect the safety guard from damage upon abutting an inanimate object during operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Public Transportation Safety International Corp.Inventor: Mark B. Barron
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Patent number: 9004555Abstract: A pet waste disposal kit includes a kit bag with an impermeable lining that can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder of the pet handler. The kit bag serves as the secondary container for filled waste collection bags, and it also serves to store the other materials contained in the kit. The kit also includes a supply of lightweight, impermeable, biodegradable plastic gloves, which can be made of biodegradable polyethylene, and a supply of waste collection bags made of lightweight, impermeable, biodegradable plastic, containing a disinfecting-deodorizing mixture. The disinfecting-deodorizing mixture contains a highly alkaline compound, a desiccant and a deodorizer. The waste collection bags have re-sealable zip-locks or twist ties. The kit also includes a supply of antiseptic hand wipes or a liquid hand sanitizer.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Louis Chirico
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Patent number: 9004556Abstract: A master coupling link assembly comprises a master coupling link and at least one sub-coupling link. The master coupling link has a first eye dimensioned to receive a lifting hook and at least two second eyes separated from the first eye. The at least one sub-coupling link is coupled to the master coupling link at one of the at least two second eyes, and the sub-coupling link is formed with the master coupling link.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignees: The Ulven CompaniesInventors: Dennis Gaibler, Michael A. Hall
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Patent number: 9004557Abstract: A release fitting for an elongate strap is provided. The release fitting includes a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap. An arm is pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion. The body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position. A shaft assembly slidably is disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion. A bracket is pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Ancra International LLCInventor: H. Thomas Knox
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Patent number: 9004558Abstract: A mobile detonation-proof transport container designed for easier loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects is provided. The container is configured as an upright cylindrical container comprising a shell part, an open bottom part for the loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects in the container and a top part comprising a mounting plate having a bottom side and individually maneuverable gripping tools for the loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects in the container mounted on the bottom side of the mounting plate, wherein the individually maneuverable gripping tools comprise, firstly, vertical gripping tools for the maneuvering of detonation-dangerous objects in the vertical direction and, secondly, horizontal gripping tools for the maneuvering of detonation-dangerous objects in the horizontal plane. Also provided is a method for easier and safer handling in connection with the loading and unloading of detonation-dangerous objects in the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Dynasafe International ABInventors: Johnny Ohlson, Eric Ohlson, Willy Wilhelmsson
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Patent number: 9004559Abstract: A compliant underactuated grasper includes a palm base and two fingers. Each of the fingers comprises: a proximal phalanx; a distal phalanx; a compliant flexure joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a pin joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the palm base, the pin joint constraining angular movement of the proximal phalanx relative to the palm base to rotation about a pin pivot axis. The grasper further includes at least one actuator to move the fingers. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Mark Claffee, Nicholas Roy Corson
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Patent number: 9004560Abstract: A robot hand includes a pair of bits and holds a microtube by causing the pair of bits to perform an opening-closing operation. The pair of bits has a lug that comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of a container body or a cap portion of the microtube, and a rectangular recess in which parts of the cap portion and a flange of the microtube are inserted while the lug is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the microtube. The rectangular recess includes surfaces between which the cap portion and the flange are disposed. The pair of bits is closed while a corner of the rectangular recess is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the container body to retain the microtube in an orientation different from that in the state in which the cap portion is inserted in the rectangular recess.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventor: Makoto Umeno
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Patent number: 9004561Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a EUV cleaner system and process for cleaning a EUV carrier. The euv cleaner system comprises separate dirty and cleaned environments, separate cleaning chambers for different components of the double container carrier, gripper arms for picking and placing different components using a same robot handler, gripper arms for holding different components at different locations, horizontal spin cleaning and drying for outer container, hot water and hot air (70 C) cleaning process, vertical nozzles and rasterizing megasonic nozzles for cleaning inner container with hot air nozzles for drying, separate vacuum decontamination chambers for outgassing different components, for example, one for inner and one for outer container with high vacuum (e.g., <10?6 Torr) with purge gas, heaters and RGA sensors inside the vacuum chamber, purge gas assembling station, and purge gas loading and unloading station.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
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Patent number: 9004562Abstract: An apparatus and method are used for remotely blocking a cavity of a component_of an energized electrical transmission system. A protector has a blocking part for blocking the cavity of the component. The protector has a hotstick connector. A dielectric hotstick has an engagement part such as a hook at a remote end of the dielectric hotstick. The hook may be removably connected to the external point of attachment for remote installation of the blocking part blocking the cavity within a component, such as a piece of equipment or support structure. The blocking part may be remotely installed blocking the cavity using a dielectric hotstick operated by a user who is in a position outside a safe Limit of Approach. The blocking part may comprise a compressible material such as rubber or memory foam.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Cantega Technologies Inc.Inventors: Leo Morin, Keith I. Yeats, Martin S. Niles, Casey Douglas Merrills, Edmond LeRouzic
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Patent number: 9004563Abstract: An adjustable length device for grasping and manipulation of objects comprising a head region with opposing jaws joined to a handle region via a telescoping tube region. The tube region comprises a toothed rod connected to the jaws and a cable connected at one end to a trigger in the handle region and at the other end via a lever to a toothed rod locking mechanism (TRLM). The lever comprises one or more teeth that can mate with those of the toothed rod. Squeezing the trigger causes the lever in the TRLM to engage with the toothed rod and releasing the trigger causes the lever to disengage.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: PikStik, LLCInventors: David Buzby, John McKenney
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Patent number: 9004564Abstract: Disclosed is a wafer support and alignment apparatus. The wafer support and alignment apparatus includes a wafer support component adapted to seat, align and support a wafer. The wafer support component includes at least one flat portion to support the wafer, at least one alignment lip portion protruding upward from the at least one flat portion, and at least one recessed pocket carved out of a portion of the at least one base portion. The at least one recessed pocket is adapted to receive at least one pad.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Pergande, Charles T. Carlson
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Patent number: 9004565Abstract: A one-piece construction chopsticks including a body having a first portion and a second portion conjoined by a U-shaped back end, the first and second portions having a respective S-shaped center portion and reverse-S shaped central portion disposed in a figure 8 position relative each other, that permits the separation of the front ends to pick up a food particle upon only the application of pressure on the center and central portions. A notch in each of the center and central portions helps to align the first and second portions and limits the size of the opening between the grasping ends.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Tam P. Tran
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Patent number: 9004566Abstract: A pair of chopsticks that may be reversibly attached in a cooperating manner for providing a forceps- or tweezers-like spring action for grasping objects, such as food, or for being used in the conventional manner for using chopsticks, is described. Identical angled channels located in the vicinity of the non-grasping end of each chopstick and having a depth of about one-half the width of the chopstick, permit the opposing channels to be fitted together to join the chopsticks. A retaining member may be wrapped around the channel joint to stabilize the joint and hold the chopsticks together. In another embodiment, two shallow angled side indentations are cut into the width of each chopstick at diagonally opposing sides of the primary angled channel formed therein, creating compression surfaces which oppose rotation and opening of the channel joint.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Keith M. Pecoraro
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Patent number: 9004567Abstract: A movable bulkhead 10, 110 for a motor vehicle such as a van 1 is disclosed comprising a number of panels 11, 12, 13, 111, 112 and 113 hingedly connected together to permit the bulkhead 10 to be moved or transformed between forward and rear positions by rotation of the panels 11, 12, 13, 111, 112 and 113. The bulkhead 10 is U-shaped defining a concavity that faces forward when the bulkhead 10 is latched in the forward position and rearwardly when the bulkhead 10 is latched in the rear position so as to maximize the cargo carrying capacity of the van 10.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Torsten Gerhardt, Steve David Fleming, John K. Harding
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Patent number: 9004568Abstract: In a cowling fastening structure (1) for fastening a first cowling member (2) and a second cowling member (3) to each other by using a clip (30), the two cowling members are provided with opposing walls (13, 21) having a mutually aligned through holes (15, 26) formed therein, the clip is provided with a first member (31) and a second member (32) joined by a hinge (33). A free end of the first member formed with an engagement hole (39) is passed through the through holes, and a free end of the second member formed with an engagement claw (44) is passed around the opposing walls so as to engage the engagement claw with the engagement hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Nifco Inc.Inventors: Yusuke Inoue, Yotaro Abe, Hajime Naoi
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Patent number: 9004569Abstract: A pocket member includes a flat-shaped first floor portion located forward and extending substantially horizontally and a flat-shaped second floor portion located in back of the first floor portion and rising obliquely rearward from the first floor portion. A trim recess portion recessed outward in a vehicle width direction is formed at a portion which is located above a trim opening portion and between a door armrest portion and a speaker storage portion which respectively protrude toward a vehicle-compartment side. The trim recess portion is configured to extend obliquely forward and upward from the trim opening portion along the direction substantially perpendicular to the second floor portion. Accordingly, an appropriate storage position of any stored bottle containers, regardless of its size (a large-sized one, a small-sized one) can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Katsuhiro Hamamoto, Keishi Nishimura, Kazuhisa Kodama
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Patent number: 9004570Abstract: A method of setting a gap or margin between an edge of a decklid and a vehicle surface includes providing a powered cinching latch assembly including a powered actuator that moves a striker member between a presented position and a fully cinched position. The cinched position of the striker is adjusted to provide an acceptable gap or margin between an edge of the decklid and an adjacent vehicle surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Bhupendra A. Patel
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Patent number: 9004571Abstract: A hard folding cover system for securely covering the bed of a pickup truck that can be opened or closed without the need to manually lift and fold individual panels sequentially in order to access the bed of the truck. The cover includes a plurality of hard folding panels that pivotably interconnected by alternatingly attached up-acting hinges and down-acting hinges whereby the panels are configured to sequentially fold and retract lengthwise while riding along side tracks. The cover is configured to operate between a flat position and at least one retracted position; in the retracted position, at least one of the folding panels is in a substantially vertical position. As the cover is retracted, the panels sequentially fold vertically toward one another. The retracted position, the panels do not block a rear window or brake light of the vehicle on which the cover is installed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventors: Richard Gregory Bernardo, Brandon G. Bernardo
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Patent number: 9004572Abstract: An actuating device for an adjustable convertible top system of a motor vehicle includes at least two hydraulic drive cylinders. A first drive cylinder transmits an adjustment movement to a first gearing arrangement, and a second drive cylinder transmits the adjustment movement to a second gearing arrangement. The first drive cylinder and the second drive cylinder are connected hydraulically in series, such that an annular volume of the first drive cylinder is in fluid communication with a circular volume of the second drive cylinder via a connecting line. There is a difference between an annular area of the first drive cylinder forming the annular volume and a circular area of the second drive cylinder forming the circular volume. Intermediate gears having a different geometry and/or kinematics compensate for a speed difference between the two drive cylinders resulting from the difference.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbHInventors: Georg Kopp, Franz Haberl
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Patent number: 9004573Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet vehicle includes a convertible top cover, which is adjustable by means of a convertible top rod assembly between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position opening the vehicle interior toward the top. The convertible top rod assembly includes a rod arrangement on both sides in relation to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top. Each rod arrangement includes a main link and a main column, which are pivotably mounted on a vehicle-fixed main bearing. At least one transverse bow connects the rod arrangements with each other. The transverse bow is respectively connected to an auxiliary link on both sides in relation to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the convertible top. Each auxiliary link is pivotably connected to the respective main column on the one hand and to the respective main link on the other hand.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Webasto-Edscha Cabrio GmbHInventor: Franz Haberl
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Patent number: 9004574Abstract: A roll-up golf cart side curtain having a rigid PVC pipe installed on the bottom of said curtain to assist in quickly rolling up the curtain into a neat, compact position. The rigid pipe is cut down one side, along the entire length and installed on the bottom of the curtain.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Carroll Fisher
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Patent number: 9004575Abstract: A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is disclosed. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wings,’ and integral rib bracing mechanisms are disclosed. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a ‘memory’ to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventors: Gary Alan Grandominico, Dominic Plauche Grandominico, Raymond Augustus McDonald, Bret Jameson Moss
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Patent number: 9004576Abstract: When a collision load is transmitted to a gusset, the load is transmitted to an inner side in a vehicle width direction via an inclined wall. Accordingly, moment that causes a front side member to be projected and bent inward to the inner side in the vehicle width direction with an intersection being a starting point acts on the front side member. Then, the front side member, which has been projected and bent inward, collides with a power unit that is disposed in an engine compartment from an outer side in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, a lateral force to the inner side in the vehicle width direction can be obtained for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kosuke Sakakibara, Tomoyuki Kuriyama, Akihiro Tamaoki, Kenjiro Yamada, Shintaro Kitakata, Yasuyuki Hihara, Yasutaka Hasegawa
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Patent number: 9004577Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative panel including a design surface; and a circumferential edge portion that is formed so as to cross from the design surface, wherein the circumferential edge portion has a first face 7 that is continuous from the design surface along a circumferential extension direction and a second face 8 that is formed in a circumferential extension direction along the first face 7, wherein a face variation line is provided at a boundary between the first face 7 and the second face 8, wherein a decorative panel 1 is provided in such a manner that a decoration film 5 is imparted to at least a part of the design surface and a part of the circumferential edge portion, and wherein the decoration film 5 includes a trimming terminal portion CL along the face variation line.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhisa Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9004578Abstract: A bracket for use in a vehicle includes a base configured to be welded to an interior surface of a vehicle fascia and configured to receive a sensor. The base has a configuration that generally matches a shape of at least a portion of the interior surface. An orientation of the sensor is based at least in part on an orientation of the base relative to the interior surface of the vehicle fascia.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Jose Alberto Moctezuma Garcia, Cecilia Oddett Paredes Mancilla, Ira Goldberg
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Patent number: 9004579Abstract: A baffle structure of an open car that may be disposed in a traverse direction at a rear side of a seat of the open car to protect an occupant, may include a lower cross member that may be disposed along a lower floor panel of a vehicle body in the traverse direction and of which a cross-section thereof may be in a shape of pipe, an upper cross member that may be disposed in the traverse direction at a predetermined distance from the lower cross member and of which a cross-section thereof has quadrangle shape, and a column of which a lower end portion thereof may be connected to the lower cross member, an upper end thereof may be connected to the upper cross member, and a cross-section thereof has a quadrangle pipe shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyeyeon Kim
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Patent number: 9004580Abstract: A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rudy M. Vican, Michael R Kaphengst, Rick J. Ferrara, Denis L. Arnold
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Patent number: 9004581Abstract: As a fixing part structure of pipes for a vehicle, in which part of the bottom surface of a floor panel is covered by an under cover and the pipes are arranged in the front-back direction of the vehicle between the under cover and the floor panel, adopted is a configuration in which: a clamp that holds the pipes is fixed to the bottom surface of the floor panel; a cutout is formed in a vertical wall at least a front end edge of the under cover; and the clamp is placed in the cutout. Further, the cutout of the under cover is formed into a shape along the outer shape of the clamp, and a flange is formed along the outer surface of the clamp, in the periphery of the cutout.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Keisuke Tokuda
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Patent number: 9004582Abstract: In a floor structure of a vehicle body center section, a floor side member is provided at lower portions of a main floor panel, a vertical wall is formed at a front side of a rear floor panel, a rear seat is installed on the rear floor panel, a rear seat leg extends downward along the vertical wall, a lower end portion of the rear seat leg is mounted to a portion of the rear floor panel, a rear seat leg reinforcement member that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction is disposed on each of upper portions at both left and right sides of the floor panels, a rear end portion of the reinforcement member is connected to the lower end portion of the rear seat leg, and a front end portion of the reinforcement member is connected to the main floor panel and the floor side member.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Kentaro Jojiki, Yu Hashiba, Keisuke Kawai
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Patent number: 9004583Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes: a bumper face disposed at a vehicle front end; and a lower grill disposed at a bumper opening section of the bumper face. The bumper face includes: a hook cover (20), after formed integrally with the bumper face within the bumper opening section, separated from the bumper face; and a hook cover holding mechanism (26) formed within the bumper opening section integrally with the bumper face to detachably fix the hook cover (20). The hook cover (20) includes: a cover body section (40) for closing a hook cover attachment portion in the bumper face; and a cover snap-fit claw (32) for snap-fitting onto a bumper engaging portion in the hook cover attachment portion. The hook cover holding mechanism (26) includes a hold latch nail (34) for engaging with the cover snap-fit claw (32) by resilient deformation of the hook cover (20).Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Takahashi, Masaharu Endou