Patents Issued in April 21, 2015
  • Patent number: 9010739
    Abstract: Provided is a vibration isolation device such that weight reduction can be achieved and it is possible to simplify the structure of a resin molding die for molding the bracket member. Engagement in a direction where the external member (60) slips out of the bracket member (30) occurs in a structure achieved in such a way that a pair of first wall section parts (62) of the external member (60) are installed inside the bracket member (30). As a result, it is possible to curb a situation where, as in the case of conventional vibration damping devices, undercut shapes are formed. Consequently, it is possible to simplify the structure of the resin molding die for molding the bracket member (30). Furthermore, as regards the external member (60), a portion between the leg sections (50), which form a pair, is omitted, and therefore, weight can be reduced correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Kato, Toshifumi Sakata
  • Patent number: 9010740
    Abstract: Coil, tube, and other structures configured with a plurality of individual coils, internal structures, legs or extensions with each having multiple cants per coil, internal structure, leg or extension, and wherein the cants formed therein allow for a load-deflection force when each is compressed. In addition, any horizontal or moment forces are substantially reduced and/or eliminated when a downward vertical force is applied, as minimal or no torsion is created in the individual coils, legs or extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Veloce Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Jaster
  • Patent number: 9010741
    Abstract: The suspension bump stop device comprises a rolling bearing (44) that forms an axial bump stop, equipped with an upper ring (46), with a lower ring (48) and with a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the rings, the upper and lower rings being supported respectively by an upper cup (40) and a lower cup (42), the lower cup forming a bearing means for a suspension spring (18), at least one sealing lip being provided on one of the cups so that it bears against a bearing surface portion of the other cup. The bearing surface portion is substantially cylindrical, the sealing lip being directed downwards away from the rolling bearing and bearing with radial interference against the said surface portion, the said substantially cylindrical surface portion being connected towards the top to a shoulder against which the lip can bear if the two cups become radially eccentric relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Samuel Viault, Yves-André Liverato, Cédric Brulard, Guy Heck
  • Patent number: 9010742
    Abstract: A part fixturing system for securing a workpiece includes an expanding clamping device and a work holding device. The expanding clamping device includes a clamp base portion, first and second traversing wedge blocks, an actuation screw, and a clamp plate portion. The clamp base portion comprises a longitudinal recess, and the traversing wedge blocks are located inside the longitudinal recess, each block including an inclined contact surface and a threaded aperture. The actuation screw passes through the longitudinal recess of the clamp base portion and the threaded apertures of the traversing wedge blocks. The clamp plate portion comprises first and second declined contact surfaces. The work holding device comprises first and second support columns that define a longitudinal loading envelope. The expanding clamping device is positioned inside the longitudinal loading envelope of the work holding device and couples the workpiece to the first and second support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Koczera
  • Patent number: 9010743
    Abstract: When information about weight of a sheet indicates weight less than a predetermined weight, a sheet stacking apparatus configured to align sheets to be stacked on a stacking tray discharges the sheet onto the stacking tray while overlapping the sheet with another sheet by an overlapping unit, and, when the information about the weight of the sheet indicates weight not less than the predetermined weight, the sheet stacking apparatus discharges the sheet onto the stacking tray without overlapping the sheet with another sheet by the overlapping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Miyake, Mitsuhiko Sato, Shunsuke Nishimura, Takashi Yokoya, Hiromasa Maenishi, Yutaka Ando, Nozomi Kumakura, Akihiro Arai
  • Patent number: 9010744
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a projection forming unit configured to form a projection on a sheet. The projection is formed in the vicinity of a binding portion of a sheet bundle. When a succeeding sheet bundle is discharged on the sheet bundle in which the projection has been formed on a top surface thereof, the succeeding sheet bundle is stacked by moving on the already stacked sheet bundle without being caught by the binding portion of the already stacked sheet bundle as an end of the succeeding sheet bundle is guided by the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Tokuma, Rikiya Takemasa, Hideki Kushida
  • Patent number: 9010745
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus and a method of controlling the same align sheets stacked on a stacking unit, by causing a first alignment member and a second alignment member to come into contact with edges of a sheet stacked on the stacking unit in a sheet width direction. In a case that a second sheet that is different from a first sheet stacked on the stacking unit is to be stacked on the first sheet and aligned using the first alignment member and the second alignment member, control is performed to discharge a partition sheet onto the first sheet stacked on the stacking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shin Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9010746
    Abstract: A sheet medium processing device comprising a stacking mechanism mounted on a frame, a first switching mechanism and a retractable paper baffle adjacent to the medium exit of the stacking mechanism; the stacking mechanism comprises a lower ticket stacking assembly, an upper ticket stacking assembly capable of moving parallelly above the lower ticket stacking assembly and a parallel movement confining mechanism, wherein the upper ticket stacking assembly and the lower ticket stacking assembly are both belt-conveyor mechanisms, and the belt of the upper ticket stacking assembly has a tendency of tightly pressing against the belt of the lower ticket stacking assembly. The first switching mechanism simultaneously controls the reciprocation of the paper baffle and the parallel movement of the upper ticket stacking assembly, enabling the stacking mechanism to be selectively provided with a transport state and a stacking state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shandong New Beiyang Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenxing Zhao, Zhigang Xu, Ming Gao, Qingbang Xu
  • Patent number: 9010747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a supply module (1000) for supplying notes of value to a value note receiving region (1004) of a value note cassette (16a to 16d), wherein the notes of value are receivable in a value note receiving region (1004) in the form of a value note stack (1006). The supply module (1000) comprises at least one retaining element (1008, 1010), which, in a retaining position, contacts a front-side note of value of the value note stack (1006) and holds the value note stack (1006) in the value note receiving region (1004). In a supply position, the retaining element (1008, 1010) is arranged such that a note of value is suppliable to the value note stack (1006).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Petermann, Paul Freitag
  • Patent number: 9010748
    Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus of the present invention includes a feeding apparatus body, a storage case body, a storage case caster which movably supports the storage case body in a pull-out direction, and a drop-out preventing units having a pull-out stopper which regulates a pull-out position of the storage case body from the feeding apparatus body, a storage case stopper which is provided at a rear end in the pull-out direction of the storage case body, an upper-face rail portion which is formed in the feeding apparatus body to guide the storage case stopper into the pull-out direction, and a drop-out stopper which is engaged with the storage case stopper at the rear end in the pull-out direction compared to the pull-out stopper to regulate a movement of the storage case body toward the pull-out direction, if the storage case body is rotated with a predetermined angle or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryuji Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 9010749
    Abstract: A sheet feeder is provided that includes a housing, a feed tray having a loading surface, and a swingable opening cover including a sliding contact portion, extending in a direction perpendicular to a width direction of a sheet. The sliding contact portion is configured to slide in contact with a feed tray in a swing motion of the feed tray from a first position where the loading surface is directed downward above the housing to a second position where the loading surface is directed upward at an upstream side relative to the housing in a feeding direction. The sliding contact portion is disposed on at least one end of the opening cover in the width direction, and exposed to an outside of the sheet feeder when the feed tray is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatsugu Mizuno, Kouji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9010750
    Abstract: A media cassette housing system, which may be usable in an image formation apparatus such as a printer or copier, includes: a guide member configured to guide an insertion of a media cassette from an entrance into an installed position of a cassette housing unit and to guide a pulling out of the media cassette from the installed position to the entrance of the cassette housing unit; and a swingable member provided to the guide member and swingable in inserting and pulling directions of the media cassette. The swingable member includes a slide guide surface configured to come into sliding contact with a slide surface of the media cassette upon the insertion and pulling of the medium cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Totsuka
  • Patent number: 9010751
    Abstract: A sheet feed device has a tray with holding surface for holding sheets, a feed unit for feeding sheets from the tray, and a separation plate. The separation plate has an inclined surface and two or more separation portions that separate a sheet from the sheets held in the tray. At least one of the separation portions projects a first distance from the inclined surface. The separation plate also has a projection positioned on the inclined surface that projects a second distance from the inclined surface. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A first of the separation portions is positioned upstream of the particular projection in the sheet feed direction, and a second of the separation portions positioned downstream of the particular projection in the sheet feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuo Asada, Yukio Shiohara
  • Patent number: 9010752
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to cool a sheet discharged onto an output sheet stacking surface while keeping the sheet from floating up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Finetech Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Nawa
  • Patent number: 9010753
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a stacking tray that stacks sheets, a conveying member that conveys a sheet to the stacking tray and discharges the sheet bundle from the stacking tray, wherein the conveying member includes a conveying roller and a conveying belt stretched by a plurality of stretch rollers, and a sheet processor that performs predetermined processing to the sheet bundle. When the conveying member conveys the sheet to the stacking tray, a part of the conveying belt that is not wound on the stretch roller contacts the conveying roller by moving the conveying belt as such a nip for conveying the sheet is formed. When the conveying member discharges the sheet bundle from the stacking tray, a part of the conveying belt that is wound on the stretch roller contacts the conveying roller by moving the conveying belt so that a nip for conveying the sheet is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuusuke Shibasaki, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Shingo Matsushita, Katsuhiro Kosuge, Ryuji Yoshida, Wataru Takahashi, Takashi Saito, Akihiro Musha, Takuya Morinaga, Ikuhisa Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9010754
    Abstract: A post-processing device includes: a stacking section that stacks a sheet; an output section that outputs the sheet stacked on the stacking section; a facing section that is arranged to face an end portion of the stacked sheet on an upstream side in an output direction; a movable support section that is provided to be movable from the stacking section toward a downstream side in the output direction of the stacked sheet, and when the stacked sheet is outputted from the stacking section, supports the stacked sheet with the stacking section; and a pressing section that is provided in the movable support section to face an end portion of the stacked sheet on the downstream side in the output direction, and presses the stacked sheet against the facing section with movement of the movable support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9010755
    Abstract: A printer apparatus has a contact pressure device for flat articles on a continuously moving transport belt, in particular letters in a franking and/or addressing machine. In order to increase the usable region and/or of the throughput of the printer apparatus, flat articles of different thicknesses are processed with predetermined speed, without slippage, in succession with arbitrarily small gaps between successive articles. An elastic, bellows-shaped, resiliently supported air bag has a low-friction, wear-resistant cover surface that is in non-positive contact with the transport belt. With its associated retention and air supply devices the bellows serves as a mobile contact pressure module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Ortmann, Wolfgang Muhl
  • Patent number: 9010756
    Abstract: A sheet feeder is provided that includes a driving roller, a driven roller configured to rotate in accordance with rotation of the driving roller and feed a sheet while pinching the sheet with the driving roller, an elastic shaft inserted through the driven roller and configured to rotatably support the driven roller, the elastic shaft including a protrusion formed on at least one end of the elastic shaft in an axial direction of the elastic shaft, the protrusion protruding outward in a radial direction of the driven roller, and two recess-shaped bearings configured to support two end portions of the elastic shaft in the axial direction, respectively, at least one of the bearings including a contact surface configured to contact the protrusion when the elastic shaft is supported by the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Akimatsu
  • Patent number: 9010757
    Abstract: A target and object receiving device that includes a base portion having an outer edge and a lower coupling area disposed on a top surface of the base portion. An upper portion is spaced vertically from the base portion and includes an outer edge and an upper coupling area disposed on a bottom surface of the upper portion. A separator extends vertically from the lower coupling area to the upper coupling area. Either: (a) the top surface of the base portion approaches the bottom surface of the upper portion as the top surface extends from the outer edge of the base portion toward the lower coupling area; or (b) the bottom surface of the upper portion approaches the top surface of the base portion as the bottom surface of the upper portion extends from the outer edge of the base portion toward the upper coupling area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Julie A. Stevens Kang
  • Patent number: 9010758
    Abstract: A playing card holder includes a first and second opposing panel defining a playing card retaining space therein, and a foldable kickstand for selectively supporting the playing card holder in an upright orientation. The playing card holder includes a plurality of protrusions or other card retention structures extending into the retaining space to engage the playing cards therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Craig Malmloff
  • Patent number: 9010759
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to drinking games and apparatuses for the use therewith. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved drinking game component and cup alignment apparatus for use with various drinking games. The drinking game cup or attachment and cup alignment apparatus may be designed in such a manner as to allow for simplified, accurate and reliable positioning of one or more drinking cups on a playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Sean Michael McDonnell
  • Patent number: 9010760
    Abstract: Shooters must presently take their firearms out of their hands to then manually actuate a new target into shooting position. This Target Apparatus will allow the shooter to shine his laser light, infrared light, flashlight, or multi-spectrum light onto a Target Apparatus-mounted sensor that engages a drive means mounted upon the target frame that then forwards a new target into position without removing the firearm from its' shooting position. The unit also uses a unique target backing material that does not require targets to be made of rolls of coated or heavy material stock. The system can utilize rolls of cash register paper, cut sections of gift wrapping paper, hand towel rolls, or even paper towels as target materials without snagging and preventing the next target from being presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Edward Lee McMillan, III
  • Patent number: 9010761
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotatable shaft having a shaft surface and a first seal disposed in a sealing engagement with the shaft surface. At least a second seal is disposed in a first position relative to the rotatable shaft where the second seal is not in sealing engagement with the shaft surface and is movable to a second position relative to the rotatable shaft where the second seal is in sealing engagement with the shaft surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Deutsch, Michael Macklin, Beat Kuttel
  • Patent number: 9010762
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a seal ring for a mechanical seal, comprising: a base body (2) with a diamond layer (3) which is applied to the base body (2) and configured as a sliding surface, wherein the diamond layer (3) has a thickness (D) which is less than or equal to 4 ?m, particularly less than or equal to 3 ?m, particularly less than or equal to 2 ?m, particularly preferably about 1 ?m, and wherein the base body (2) is without fissures or only comprises fissures that have a maximum longitudinal extension (L) on a surface of the base body (2) or in the base body (2) that is less than or equal to 5 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Otschik, Andreas Schrüfer, Dieter Ziegenbein, Rudolf Kollinger, Lothar Schäfer, Markus Höfer, Markus Armgardt
  • Patent number: 9010763
    Abstract: A leaf seal has a pair of annular packs of stacked leaves. Each pack is mountable to one of the components with its leaves extending towards the other component such that the leaf edges of at least one of the packs are presented for wiping contact with the other component. The packs are axially spaced from each other by a controlled axial clearance. Within each pack the leaves are stacked face-to-face such that neighboring leaves are separated from each other by interleaf gaps which allow an axial leakage flow through the seal. Further, within each pack the packs are positioned such that, when viewed in the axial direction, the leaves of each pack of the pair substantially obscure the interleaf gaps of the other pack of the pair. The controlled axial clearance is the dominant flow restriction in the seal determining the amount of leakage flow through the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Ingo Henry Johannes Jahn
  • Patent number: 9010764
    Abstract: Slide ring seals have the problem that they generate noise under certain conditions of use. In order to suppress this noise in an effective way, the slide ring seal has at least one damping part that comprises at least one shaped sheet metal part. It is provided with at least one elastically deformable spring part that is supported under pretension. Between the damping part and the support area microfriction is generated that leads to an effective noise damping action. The slide ring seal is advantageously used in the automotive field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: KACO GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Hoffmann, Eckhard Ogaza
  • Patent number: 9010765
    Abstract: A gasket for use around a thread neck of an automotive component, the gasket dimensioned to prevent the gasket from falling off of the thread neck and to prevent a male screw portion from biting into the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomichi Miyashita, Mamoru Musasa
  • Patent number: 9010766
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for temporarily sealing a pipe including apparatus and methods for creating a temporary airtight seal at the open end of a pipe in a plumbing or refrigeration system. One such apparatus includes a body, grommet, washer, and a nut. Multiple airtight seals are created including a first primary seal between an exterior of the pipe and the grommet and a secondary seal between the open end of the pipe and the washer. The grommet does not require teeth and the apparatus does not require adhesive, sealant, or any other type of similar materials. Use of the apparatus and methods greatly minimizes and/or eliminates the potential for marring or otherwise distorting the open end of the pipe, thereby facilitating reuse of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: DPR Futures LLC
    Inventor: David Edward Rubin
  • Patent number: 9010767
    Abstract: A chuck has a chuck body at least generally centered on a body axis and a collet in the hole and having an external screwthread. A ring axially nondisplaceable in the body has an internal screwthread engaging the screwthread of the collet and external gear teeth. The body is formed with a radially outwardly open cavity seat in which some of the teeth of the ring are exposed. A gear fitted in the seat meshes with the ring teeth and can rotate about a drive axis not parallel to the body axis to rotate the ring about the body axis. According to the invention a sleeve on the chuck extends axially across and covers the seat to retain the gear therein and is formed with a through going aperture through which a tool can fit to engage and rotate the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Roehm GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Baumann
  • Patent number: 9010768
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is disclosed. The utility vehicle may include storage areas under the dash. The utility vehicle may include suspension systems for utility vehicles having shocks with both a fluidic stiffness adjustment and a mechanical stiffness adjustment. The utility vehicle may include an electrical power steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Kinsman, Kelly J. Knutson, Louis J. Brady, Donald Brett Gass
  • Patent number: 9010769
    Abstract: A baby stroller that has a frame incorporated on it, which allows the baby stroller to be attached to a shopping cart in a manner that allows both the stroller and cart to be operated simultaneously by a single user. A frame that can be attached to a standard baby stroller, for connecting the stroller to a shopping cart, which allows the baby stroller and shopping cart to be operated simultaneously by a single user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Guillermo Munive
  • Patent number: 9010770
    Abstract: Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a system and method for an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”) that may be removably fixed to a payload object so that transport of the object across rough or uneven terrain is made less burdensome. Notably, some embodiments of an ACS may be integral to a given payload object. Certain embodiments of an adjustable chassis system advantageously do not include axles, yet may be raised or lowered to adjust ground clearance of the chassis and payload object. Moreover, certain embodiments of an ACS may be easily disassembled or collapsed for compact storage. Yet another advantage of certain ACS embodiments is that, by virtue of the independent side-to-side height adjustment, a payload object carried by the ACS may serve as a level seat or work surface over inclined or uneven ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Brian Cantrell
  • Patent number: 9010771
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting carts including a machine body, a steering control arranged on the body, a steering pedestal pivotally arranged with respect to the body, and a selection mechanism adapted to be selectively coupleable between the body and the steering pedestal providing for a caster mode and a steering mode respectively. A method of using a dual mode utility machine including depressing a first lever thereby engaging a pivoting selector into a steering pedestal engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by rotatably manipulating a tiller, and depressing a second lever thereby disengaging the pivoting selector from a steering pedestal engaging position to a body engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by pushing and/or pulling a machine from side to side via a fixed tiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Holtan, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 9010772
    Abstract: A carrier for an assembled fall hazard anchor includes a frame including a rear bar and first and second carrier handles connected to the rear bar to define a plane. Wheels are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the rear bar and located outwardly of the carrier handles. First and second abutments are secured to the rear bar intermediate the carrier handles and extend downward for a substantial portion of the radius of the wheels. A swiveling hook is located intermediate the carrier handles and at an adjustable spacing above the plane and spaced in front of the rear bar. With the carrier handles not pivoted by the user, the ring of the assembled anchor can be received in the swiveling hook. The swiveling hook with an adjusted spacing, the ring and the assembled anchor can be raised by pivoting the carrier handles about the rear bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Garlock Safety Systems
    Inventor: Stephen C. Johanneck
  • Patent number: 9010773
    Abstract: A frame for a baby carriage includes two side supporting members, a handling member, a traverse connecting member and a central supporting member. The handling member has opposite ends connected to the two side supporting members, respectively. The traverse connecting member has opposite ends connected to the two side supporting members, respectively and spaced apart from the handling member. The central supporting member is arranged between the two side supporting members so as to form two side-by-side seat areas and terminating at the traverse connecting member so as to form a T-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Horst, Dylan A. Mellinger, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Andrew J. Winterhalter
  • Patent number: 9010774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a raiser (2) for skidpan practice with motorcycle, comprising a supporting portion (3) with support wheels (5a-c) and a raising portion (6). The raising portion (6) is attachable to the front wheel of the motorcycle in such a way that it allows the front wheel to rotate around a first rotational axis. The raising portion is raisable and lowerable with respect to the supporting portion. The raising portion is rotatable around a second axis of rotation that essentially extends in the direction of motion of the front wheel, allowing the raiser to be used with motorcycles as they lean sideways in curves. In one embodiment, the second axis of rotation of the raiser is arranged below the upper end of the supporting wheels or below the rotational axes of the supporting wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cedergrens Mek. Verkstad Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Curt Cedergren
  • Patent number: 9010775
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a stabilizing device comprises a rotating base, a torso support, and leverage handles. In one embodiment, the rotating base comprises a plurality of radially outward extending legs with wheels or casters, to enable the stabilizing device to be easily rotated and moved. In another embodiment, the rotating base is a shaft with a rotating means, such as ball bearings. The height of the shaft may further be adjustable using known methods, such as a hydraulic cylinder or equivalent means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Carl Palmer
  • Patent number: 9010776
    Abstract: A two wheel scooter made of replaceable and interchangeable parts, with metal wheel brackets at either end of a deck, connected by a spine piece, with the spine piece recessed into a wooden scooter deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jon Elliott, David Yin
  • Patent number: 9010777
    Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly comprising a base plate, a hanger, and at least one tensional and/or compressible member interposed therebetween that utilizes rotation of the hanger to at least partially and temporarily deform the tensional and/or compressible member, thereby creating zones of tension and/or compression within the tensional and/or compressible member and facilitating smooth, near frictionless, and efficient motion of the skateboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Braden Boards, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Braden, Roger Braden
  • Patent number: 9010778
    Abstract: A forward board has a forward foot placement section, a wheel arch section with a high point, a forward caster mount section extending rearwardly and upwardly from the forward end of the forward board. A rearward board has a rearward foot placement section, a rearward caster mount section extending forwardly and downwardly from the rearward end of the rearward board. A connector/torque assembly couples the forward and rearward boards and includes a longitudinal pivot/connecting rod, a torsion spring. A forward wheel with a forward caster is rotatable about a first axis positioned beneath the high point of the front wheel arch section. A rearward wheel with a rearward caster is rotatable about a third axis positioned rearwardly of the rearward board. The foot placement sections are in a common plane extending through the wheels above the first and third axes when the wheels are in a neutral forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Burns
  • Patent number: 9010779
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an elderly assistance apparatus comprises a frame, wheels, and a lever mechanism. The lever is comprised of caregiver leverage handles, patient lifts, and a fulcrum. In another embodiment the elderly assistance apparatus may comprise patient stabilizers. In one embodiment, the stabilizers are mounted crutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Carl Palmer
  • Patent number: 9010780
    Abstract: A scooter includes a frame body, a handle unit, and a wheel unit. The frame body includes a main member formed with an accommodating space, a seat-connecting rod, and a front member connected to a front end of the main member. The seat-connecting rod has a front end connected to the main member. The seat-connecting rod is pivotable relative to the main member between a retracted position to be accommodated in the accommodating space, and an expanded position, where a rear end of the seat-connecting rod is away from the accommodating space for being coupled to a seat. The handle unit includes a front fork connected to the front member. The wheel unit includes a front wheel mounted to the front fork, and at least one rear wheel mounted to the main member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fran Wheel Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping-Jan Chiu
  • Patent number: 9010781
    Abstract: A steering knuckle to be used with the steering assembly of a vehicle such as a farming tractor is disclosed. The steering knuckle comprises several preconfigured attachment areas where attachment element(s) or bracket(s) can be releasably yet rigidly secured. The attachment areas may be further reinforced with additional knuckle material (e.g. metal, metallic alloy). The steering knuckle therefore provides predetermined and preconfigured attachment locations where a wheel-replacing track system can be secured, thereby allowing the track system to be mounted to the vehicle while avoiding attachment at inconvenient or weak locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Steeve Paré, Steve Fréchette, Serge Latulippe, William Gasse, André Léger, André Todd
  • Patent number: 9010782
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method for improving the roll characteristics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes an axle, a sprung mass, a first control arm, a second control arm, a third control arm, a first pivotable joint, a second pivotable joint, a third pivotable joint, and a fourth pivotable joint. The torsional stiffness of the first control arm, the second control arm, the first pivotable joint, the second pivotable joint, the third pivotable joint, and the fourth pivotable joint are substantially equal to or greater than the torsional stiffness of the axle, whereby the axle bends and twists during a sprung mass roll event in order to limit an amount of roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Kiselis, Michael Alwyn Brown
  • Patent number: 9010783
    Abstract: A ball joint includes a base body, a ball socket formed in the base body, and a ball pivot having a joint ball which is received in the ball socket. The joint ball is held in the ball socket by a locking ring which has a flange portion bearing upon the base body. The flange portion has an outer periphery formed with a circumferential groove, with a groove flank of the groove providing a welding area. A welding seam running about the flange portion connects the locking ring to the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Meyer, Andreas Will
  • Patent number: 9010784
    Abstract: A suspension unit is disclosed having a hanger having a front face with an aperture and a control arm having a front face with an aperture. The control arm is pivotally attached to and depends from the hanger such that the front face of the hanger and the front face of the control arm are opposed one another with the aperture on the front face of the hanger being aligned with the aperture on the front face of the control arm. A jounce spring and a rebound spring are coaxially mounted to a shaft. The shaft is mounted through the apertures and springs. The rebound spring is positioned between the front faces of the hanger and the control arm and the jounce spring is positioned horizontally to one side of both the hanger and the control arm with the shaft in a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Parto Rezania
  • Patent number: 9010785
    Abstract: A suspension system includes spring bellows that are associated with pneumatic springs of vehicle axles, are connectable by lines having level control valves to a main pressure line, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The main line is connectable by valves alternately to a compressed air source and a sink, and can be shut of with respect thereto. To set different air mass flow rates when air is supplied to/removed from the bellows, the bellows of the springs at least on a vehicle axle or side can be connected to the main line in parallel with the connecting lines, at least by further connecting lines having further level control valves, and can be shut off with respect thereto. The further valves have nozzle cross-sectional surfaces the same size as the other level control valves. Chokes are downstream of the further valves in the ventilation direction, the cross-sectional surfaces thereof being smaller than the nozzle cross-sectional surfaces of the further valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Gocz, Michael Haverkamp, Johann Lucas, Andreas Rutsch, Thomas Stellmacher
  • Patent number: 9010786
    Abstract: A multi-directional lever drive system comprising a lever drive assembly comprising a lever for imparting actuation for driving a shaft through a roller mechanism, and engaging a switch assembly whereby the properties of the roller mechanism can be selected to drive the shaft forward, neutral, and reverse. The proposed switch assemblies enable convenient direction control from the same lever that inputs actuation to the drive assembly, making the lever drive assembly suitable for systems such as a lever propelled wheelchair, a winch, and hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Ekelem, Michelle Sangalang
  • Patent number: 9010787
    Abstract: A wheelchair is disclosed herein. The wheelchair includes a base frame extending in a fore-aft direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the fore-aft direction. The wheelchair also includes a plurality of wheels supporting the base frame for movement. The wheelchair also includes a seat frame operable to support a seat and a wheelchair occupant sitting in the seat. The wheelchair also includes a support assembly interconnecting the seat frame to the base frame for pivoting movement between an upright position, a fully-tilted position and an intermediate position between the upright position and the fully-tilted position. The support assembly utilizes a plurality of control paths to direct the seat frame in translating and rotating planar body motion that defines a fixed centrode. A center of gravity of the seat frame and the seat and the wheelchair occupant is definable in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: KI Mobility
    Inventors: Murray G. Slagerman, Thomas J. Whelan, Richard E. Schneider, Douglas H. Munsey
  • Patent number: 9010788
    Abstract: A handlebar comprises a transverse extension piece including a first gripping portion. First and second handlebar segments are disposed on opposite ends of the transverse extension piece. Each of the handlebar segments comprises an upper handlebar grip portion and a lower handlebar grip portion. The upper handlebar grip portion includes a first curved section adjoining one end of the transverse extension piece and extending forwardly and inwardly from the transverse extension piece, and a second straight section. The upper handlebar grip portion includes a second gripping portion. The lower handlebar grip portion includes a curved end portion adjoining the end of the second straight section of the upper handlebar grip portion and extends outwardly and then downwardly. The lower handlebar grip portion includes a third gripping portion. The three gripping portions of the handlebar define a plurality of gripping positions in combination with a plurality of riding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: John Toffaletti