Patents Issued in December 31, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150377346
    Abstract: A shift control device for an electrically driven vehicle, which is installed in the electrically driven vehicle including a motor as a drive source and an automatic transmission coupled to an output shaft of the motor, has a shift controller that performs shifting of the automatic transmission using a previously set shift line. The shift controller has, as the shift line, an electricity consumption prioritized shift line with priority placed to improve electricity consumption rate, and a driving force prioritized shift line with priority placed to suppress the frequency of shifting. The driving force prioritized shift line is used for a predetermined time after completion of the shift control using the electricity consumption prioritized shift line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Tsukizaki, Ryohey Toyota, Toshifumi Hibi, Yutaka Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20150377347
    Abstract: In the active transportation mode of a motor vehicle, only the forward gears can be selected. The weakest shift element, in particular the weakest brake or clutch in an automatic transmission, always is closed in the forward gears. Preferably, manual shifting options in an electronically controlled automatic transmission with a manual mode are additionally suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Norbert FISCHER
  • Publication number: 20150377348
    Abstract: A gear change control device is provided in which a feedback control level for making an actual gear ratio between input rotational speed and output rotational speed of a transmission coincide with a target gear ratio is calculated. A control level calculation device calculates the feedback control level based on a deviation of acceleration of change in the actual gear ratio with respect to acceleration of change in the target gear ratio thereby making it possible to enhance the control responsiveness compared with a case in which the feedback control level is calculated based on the deviation of the actual gear ratio with respect to the target gear ratio, and also to detect the occurrence of a deviation of the actual value from the target value at early stage and carry out feedback, thus enabling gear change control to be carried out more linearly than in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Takahito FUJITA, Hideo KOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150377349
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes an ECU. The ECU stores a N?1 speed downshift/a N?2 speed downshift/a N?1 speed upshift/and a hysteresis lines. The hysteresis line is a predetermined distance above the N?1 speed upshift line, and is below the N?2 speed downshift line. The ECU controls the speed of the automatic transmission based on a quantity of state of a vehicle, and the plurality of stored shift lines, and execute, when an N speed is established, a first downshift that changes a speed from the N speed to an N?2 speed, when the quantity of state of the vehicle is in a region above the hysteresis line, after the quantity of state of the vehicle has risen above the N?1 speed downshift line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koshiro KOSAKA, Seiji KUWAHARA, Takahiro KONDO
  • Publication number: 20150377350
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement includes a hydrostatic transmission in which a hydrostatic unit functioning as a pump is hydraulically connected to a hydrostatic unit functioning as a motor in order to transfer drive power. The arrangement is configured with structure for damping hydraulic pressure fluctuations. The structure is assigned to a hydraulic line connecting at least one of the hydrostatic units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: MICHAEL RATZKE, TORSTEN ElSOLD, JAN-WILLEM VERHORST
  • Publication number: 20150377351
    Abstract: A shift control device for shift controlling an automatic transmission in a powertrain drivingly connecting a power source, a hydraulic transmission element, and an automatic transmission in the mentioned order, has a hydraulic transmission element required output calculator that calculates a required output to be output from the hydraulic transmission element to the automatic transmission based on the output of the power source obtained from the slip condition between the input and output elements of the hydraulic transmission element and a total efficiency of the hydraulic transmission element, and a hydraulic transmission element total efficiency calculator that calculates, for each output rotation speed of the hydraulic transmission element, a speed ratio and a torque ratio between the input and output elements of the hydraulic transmission element, each being required for achieving the calculated hydraulic transmission element required output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Urasawa, Yutaka Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20150377352
    Abstract: An actuation device for a motor vehicle having a transmission with gear steps and a friction clutch for automated actuation of both the transmission and the friction clutch, where the actuation device has an actuator device with whose help both a rotational movement and a translational movement is executable, in order to improve the actuation device in terms of construction and/or function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dominik Herkommer, Dirk Reimnitz, Peter Greb
  • Publication number: 20150377353
    Abstract: Cylinder for an actuator (11), in which said cylinder (10) comprises at least a liner (13) of a tubular shape developing along a longitudinal axis (X), a head portion (14) and a bottom portion (15), each disposed at one of the ends of the liner (13), and longitudinal tie rods (21) connected, externally to the liner (13), both to the head portion (14) and to the bottom portion (15); the longitudinal tie rods (21) are distanced with respect to each other on the circumference of the liner (13), they are made of a composite material formed by reinforcement fibers located in a matrix of binder material and wound between the head portion (14) and the bottom portion (15) according to a predominant orientation substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (X), and have a continuous annular shape defined by two longitudinal branches (21a) connected by two opposite connection portions (21b, 21c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Nicola PIRRI, Andrea BEDESCHI, Paolo Dario MAINI
  • Publication number: 20150377354
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nozzle sealing structure for metal gas pipes, which comprises a metal gas pipe and a seal. The seal is to cover the nozzle of the metal gas pipe, and has appropriate elasticity. Its outer side is configured with a conical surface. The seal is elastically fixed inside the nozzle of the metal gas pipe through the conical surface. The structure features easy assembly, perfect sealing, no pollution to the environment, and no harm to human health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Pao-Chi CHANG, Chin-Chu LIU
  • Publication number: 20150377355
    Abstract: A sealing interface (26) that utilizes an elastomeric sealing member (28) is disclosed herein. The sealing interface (26) is configured to provide effective sealing while requiring only relatively low amounts of force to deform the elastomeric sealing member (28) sufficiently to form an effective seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Philippe COENEGRACHT, Maddy Nadine FREDERICKX
  • Publication number: 20150377356
    Abstract: A header ring for use in a stuffing box comprising an annular body portion of an elastomeric material, an annular radially inward projecting sealing lip portion formed on said body portion and an annular, axially facing pedestal portion formed on said body portion, said pedestal portion defining an annularly extending radially inwardly facing pedestal surface, the sealing lip portion defining an annularly extending, radially inward facing sealing surface, the sealing surface and the pedestal surface forming a juncture, at least a portion of the pedestal portion adjacent the juncture and forming the pedestal surface and at least a portion of the sealing lip portion adjacent the juncture and forming a portion of the sealing surface being comprised of a layer of reinforced elastomeric material bonded to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: John A. Miller, Robert H. Ash, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150377357
    Abstract: A seal assembly is for sealing a space between first and second members and includes a generally annular elastomeric seal body disposed about an outer surface of the first member and extending circumferentially about a central axis. The body includes a base portion and a sealing portion, the sealing portion having an inner end integrally formed with the base portion and an outer, free end sealingly engageable with an axial surface of the second member so as to define a generally annular seal interface. A wiper is coupled with the seal body and has an engagement portion contactable with an axial surface of the second member at a position spaced radially outwardly from the sealing portion outer end. As such, the wiper engagement portion directs substances on the second member axial surface generally away from the sealing interface when the wiper contacts the substances during rotation of the rotatable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Yefim Epshetsky, Gregory G. Gildea, Maria Concepcion Martin
  • Publication number: 20150377358
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for processing a high-temperature process fluid using a processing machine in a subsea location while protecting dynamic seals within the machine. In some examples a small portion of the process fluid is cooled using a cooling system the cooled process fluid is then directed towards the dynamic seals. In other examples the dynamic seals are shielded and isolated from the high temperature process fluid and cooler barrier fluid is circulated within an enclosed volume in proximity to the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: FRAMO ENGINEERING AS
    Inventors: Robert GROETTE, Anders BRUNVOLD, Per Gunnar VIKRE, Haakon Jostein GRIMSTAD
  • Publication number: 20150377359
    Abstract: A mechanical seal control apparatus includes a thermally responsive element for reducing or negating face contact pressure upon at least one seal face of a mechanical seal when heat is generated within the mechanical seal above a pre-determined temperature. The thermally responsive element preferably includes, or is, a shape-memory material sensitive to thermal changes to increase or decrease in size, or change in shape, when subjected to changes of temperature of the mechanical seal and is, preferably, a bimetal, such as, for example, nitinol. Upon cooling of the mechanical seal, the shape-memory material substantially, or entirety, reverts to its original size or original shape to increase the face contact pressure for retaining the integrity of the mechanical seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: AES ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Carl-Eiler Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20150377360
    Abstract: A mechanical seal for sealing faces includes a fluid circulation groove including an inlet section where a fluid comes in from a high pressure fluid side, an outlet section where the fluid goes out to the high pressure fluid side, and a communication section that provides communication between the inlet section and the outlet section is provided in one of sealing faces of a pair of sliding parts that slide on each other. The fluid circulation groove is isolated from a low pressure fluid side by a land section R. At least a sectional area of the groove in the inlet section or the outlet section is set to be different from a sectional area of the groove in the communication section in such a manner that pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid circulation groove is lowered in the communication section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Masatoshi ITADANI, Yuichiro TOKUNAGA
  • Publication number: 20150377361
    Abstract: One embodiment of the seal housing for a face seal described herein include a base with a seal element support and a shroud both extending from the base in a common direction. The seal element support and the base define a space for receiving a seal element. The shroud includes a tip having a head portion that tapers toward a neck portion that is reduced in size relative to the head portion. The tip is secured to a stem of the shroud through a set of circumferentially distributed countersunk holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Colin D. Craig, Enzo DiBenedetto, Christopher P. Kmetz, Jonathan Logan Miller, Mark R. Sondeen
  • Publication number: 20150377362
    Abstract: A sealed bearing assembly comprises an inner magnetic ring and an external magnetic ring to magnetically attract ferrofluid to block liquids or gases. The sealing can be maintained when a shaft is in a linear movement relative to a shell, and the sealed bearing assembly is under stringent conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jimmean Lin, Jamin Shiau
  • Publication number: 20150377363
    Abstract: An example apparatus includes a valve body defining a fluid flow passageway between an inlet and an outlet, a cage disposed in the fluid flow passageway, a plug disposed in the cage, a retainer collar coupled at an end of the plug, where an exterior surface of the retainer collar includes a first engagement surface having a first non-circular cross-section, and an anti-rotation collar coupled at an end of the cage, where the anti-rotation collar has a second engagement surface defining an aperture to receive the retainer collar, where the aperture has a second non-circular cross-section, where the engagement surfaces interact to inhibit rotation of the retainer collar and the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Randall Scott Collison, Chad Michael Engle, Christine Rae Hodny
  • Publication number: 20150377364
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve an eccentric cammed ball. The seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal ring retainer may be threadedly secured to an interior of the valve body, thereby retaining the seal ring in the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Paul R. Dalluge
  • Publication number: 20150377365
    Abstract: A valve apparatus of the present invention includes a body, a seat and a cap, in which the body includes a chamber and passageway therein, the chamber is connected with the passageway, and the body includes a first ladder toward the passageway. The seat is disposed in the passageway. The seat includes a second ladder toward the first ladder of the body, and the second ladder of the seat is engaged with the first ladder of the body. The seat also includes a third ladder opposite to the second ladder. The cap has a flange which is contacted with the third ladder of the seat to fix the seat in the body tightly so that the cap is against the seat to prevent the seat from pulling out of the valve apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Yi-Ming FAN
  • Publication number: 20150377366
    Abstract: A ball valve comprises a selectively movable valve seat on its ball plug that is pressure actuated. The ball valve also comprises a moveable upstream valve seat that can selectively be seated by pressure actuation. The upstream valve seat thereafter will remain seated until the pressures upstream and downstream of the upstream valve are equalized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hartman, Brian T. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20150377367
    Abstract: An intermediate piece for a stop valve, in particular a membrane valve, for fluids including a pressure piece. The pressure piece has at least two locking slides for locking a locking member of a closure element. The intermediate piece includes a cylinder in which the pressure piece can be guided in axial manner. The intermediate piece has a recess, which is arranged in such a way that in mounting position of the pressure piece the locking slide can be shifted into the recess, thus releasing the locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Jochen Steigert, Zeno Schuler
  • Publication number: 20150377368
    Abstract: Provided is a three-way valve having and actuator (66) and first (100) and second (102) piston assemblies movable by the actuator (66) and arranged in tandem, wherein each piston assembly (100,102) has a backside (104,106) in fluid communication with a common pressure source for pressure balancing the piston assemblies (100,102). By having the backsides (104,106) in fluid communication with a common pressure source and by isolating the piston assemblies (100,102) from a main chamber, an axial load on the actuator (66) is minimized, thereby allowing for more compact valve designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Richard Coates, III, Scott L. Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20150377369
    Abstract: A valving arrangement is provided with a specially designed second fluid port which equalizes lateral forces induced upon a spool valve to greatly reduce or eliminate such forces and thereby virtually eliminate laterally induced ware upon the spool valve or a valve port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis R. QUE
  • Publication number: 20150377370
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having at least a first bore and a second bore, a flow passage connecting the first bore to the second bore, a plurality of ports opening to each bore respectively, the first bore being upstream of the second bore. First and second spools are disposed in the first and second bores, respectively, for controlling the flow of fluid to and from the respective ports. A check valve is disposed in the flow passage and configured to prevent fluid flow from the second spool towards the first spool through the flow passage while allowing fluid flow from one of the ports in the first bore towards the second spool through the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis Reynolds, Brian Slattery, Rolf Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150377371
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for a double isolation valve comprises a body with a valve cavity. The valve body has a pocket formed therein. A disc is disposed in the central section of the pocket. The disc is interposed between two spring-actuated seats. Each of the seats is in fluid communication with opposing valve sides. The pocket central section is in fluid communication with the valve body cavity. Each of the seats is provided with two different types of gaskets in series. In operation, reverse pressure causes retraction of the seats, thereby relieving valve body cavity overpressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Roberto Pozzati
  • Publication number: 20150377372
    Abstract: A convertible valve having a conversion element retained in a seat to convert a valve gate from bidirectional flow to unidirectional flow. The convertible valve includes a valve gate moveable between a first open position and a second closed position, a seat moveable between a first position and a second position, and a conversion element retained in the seat. The seat, in its first position, maintains the valve gate in its first open position. With the valve gate in the first open position, the convertible valve allows bi-directional fluid flow. Fluid flowing through the convertible valve creates downward force on the conversion element and the seat. Upon reaching a predetermined force, the seat moves to its second position allowing the valve gate to move to its second closed position. With the valve gate in the second closed position, the convertible valve allows only unidirectional fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: TOP-CO INC.
    Inventor: Gregory James Alexander Andrigo
  • Publication number: 20150377373
    Abstract: A soft-sealing, concentric butterfly valve (10) for mounting with couplings or flanges is described, comprising a valve housing (12) with a through running boring (14), in which a rotary damper (16) is mounted to a spindle (18) and is arranged standing in a circular-cylindrical valve seat (20) and the valve seat (20) is equipped internally with conical contact surfaces (20a) for the damper (16). The valve housing (12) comprises on a first side (12a) a coupling end piece (22) and the valve housing (12) is on the opposite side (12b) equipped, with several threaded bolt holes (24) arranged radially around the through running boring (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Frank BORGE
  • Publication number: 20150377374
    Abstract: A cryogenic valve includes a first port and a second port, a valve body, a valve stem, a sealing member, a valve element and a housing. The valve body includes a valve seat defining a fluid orifice in fluid communication with the first port. The valve stem is configured to engage with the valve body, wherein at least one of the valve stem and valve body form an inner valve cavity. The valve element is positioned within the inner valve cavity. The valve element is also configured to bias the sealing member against the orifice to substantially block flow through the orifice and the first port. The bias is controlled in response to control of the valve element by a valve actuator. A channel is configured to allow fluid flow through at least one of the valve stem and valve element along a longitudinal axis. A housing is configured to substantially seal and enclose at least a portion of the valve body and valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Yozo SATODA
  • Publication number: 20150377375
    Abstract: A control system includes a hydraulic pressure control valve and an electronic control unit. The hydraulic pressure control valve includes a spool configured to be moved inside a sleeve. The hydraulic pressure control valve is configured to control a hydraulic pressure by moving the spool between a first end and a second end of the sleeve. The hydraulic pressure control valve includes a stopper configured to transmit vibration to the sleeve. The electronic control unit is configured to control the spool to vibrate in the first end or the second end when foreign matter is stuck in the hydraulic pressure control valve, such that the spool or a member that moves the spool repeatedly hits the stopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noboru TAKAGI, Satoru ONOZAWA, Yoshinobu UCHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150377376
    Abstract: A valve device for a hydraulic circuit includes an actuator unit comprising an electromagnetic circuit which comprises an armature, a core, a coil carrier, a coil, and a flux guiding device. A valve unit comprises a unit formed by a valve tappet and the armature, inlet and outlet ports, and a control port arranged between the inlet and outlet ports. A longitudinal through bore is arranged in the unit to extend from the inlet port into an actuator chamber. A first control body cooperating with a first valve seat and a second control body cooperating with a second valve seat are arranged at the unit in which the longitudinal through bore is formed. The armature and the valve tappet are loaded in an opening direction of the inlet valve by a spring element and are loadable in an opening direction of the outlet port by energizing the electromagnetic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: ROLF LAPPAN, LUKAS ROMANOWSKI, CHRISTOPH SADOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20150377377
    Abstract: There is provided a very reliable three-way solenoid valve that can reliably switch a refrigerant flow passage while ensuring a refrigerant flow rate even under a large-differential pressure environment without increasing the size of an electromagnetic coil and the like. A valve body includes a conduction hole that communicates with a back pressure chamber formed on a side of a second valve element opposite to a second valve seat, a third valve seat that is positioned between the conduction hole and a second outlet, a third valve element that is movably disposed so as to approach and be separated from the third valve seat, a coil spring that biases the third valve element toward the third valve seat, and actuating rods that are interposed between a first valve element and the third valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroshi KAINUMA, Masashi HAYASAKA, Yasushi KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20150377378
    Abstract: A magnetic valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) defining an inlet opening (3) and an outlet opening (4), a valve seat (11), a valve closing element, and an armature tube (7) is disclosed. A piston (6) is arranged movably inside the armature tube (7), said piston (6) being connected to the valve closing element, and an armature (5) is arranged movably at least partly inside the piston (6). A coil (9) is arranged externally to the armature tube (7) in such a manner that at least a part of the armature (5) arranged inside the piston (6) is arranged inside the windings of the coil (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Michael Birkelund, Johan van Beek
  • Publication number: 20150377379
    Abstract: A planar valve of flow of fluid in channel that is driven by a direct current and allows easy miniaturization down to millimeter scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Yuriy Y. Krasnov, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150377380
    Abstract: A gas valve capable of switching for two different gas supplies, has two outlets, two independent rotation positioning areas and two staggered groups of fire holes, one outlet responds to the first gas supply, and the other outlet corresponds to a second gas supply; when the gas valve is mounted on a stove, each outlet is connected to the gas nozzle fit for the corresponding gas supply, then when the corresponding gas supply is used, only the valve rod is switched to the corresponding rotating positioning area, the rotating positioning area corresponds to the corresponding group of fire holes and outlet, only the outlet fit for the gas supply supplies gas to the stove at the moment, and the other outlet is in a closed state all the time, so the gas valve capable of switching for two different gas supplies can be realized without replacing the gas nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Xueya Li
  • Publication number: 20150377381
    Abstract: An actuating apparatus for operating a valve assembly includes an actuator body that selectively couples to the valve assembly and an actuator stem that has an end that extends into the actuator body. The valve assembly has having a valve body, a valve member in the valve body, a valve stem attached to the valve member, and a profile on an end of the valve stem distal from the valve member. The actuating apparatus also includes an adapter assembly in the actuator body having a threaded end that engages the actuator stem, and a profiled end distal from the threaded end that engages the profile on the valve stem and couples to the valve stem, so that selectively applying axial forces to the adapter assembly moves the valve stem and the valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Anja King, Blanca Estela Montoya, Keith M. Adams
  • Publication number: 20150377382
    Abstract: A system for verifiably locking a first cylindrical component to a second cylindrical component in a safe and secure manner. The system provides a visible indication when the first component and second component are fully and effectively secured. The first cylindrical component comprises a lock cylinder fixedly attached to the first cylindrical component. The lock cylinder comprises a lock piston. The second cylindrical component comprises a channel with a guide region and a lock region. The visible portion of the lock piston provides an indication of whether or not the lock piston is secured in the lock region of the channel. The system is also capable of being operated from a control panel to operate the locks, receive signals from sensors, and to display the lock status of the system. The system offers redundant verifications to enhance safety in operating environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Leo William Abel
  • Publication number: 20150377383
    Abstract: A valve comprises a tappet and a sensor for detecting an adjustment stroke of the tappet, in particular an inductive sensor, wherein the sensor comprises a signal transmitter which comprises a coil, of which the coil axis (S) is substantially in parallel with the axis (A) of the tappet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Markus Feinauer, Christof Jacob, Sebastian Kundel
  • Publication number: 20150377384
    Abstract: A vessel for laying a pipeline includes a plurality of workstations disposed along a pipelaying path that includes an upstream portion away from a first end of the vessel and a plurality of ramps in the region of the first end of the vessel. The plurality of ramps includes a first ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end, and a second ramp which is disposed along the pipelaying path downstream of the first ramp, whose inclination is adjustable and which has a first upstream end and a second downstream end. The downstream end of the first ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel and the upstream end of the second ramp is positioned inboard of the first end of the vessel and above the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: SAIPEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Diego LAZZARIN, Gianluca TOSO, Enrico RUARO
  • Publication number: 20150377385
    Abstract: A method of abandoning a pipeline during subsea pipelaying from a pipelay vessel includes suspending the pipe string from a tendon element of an abandonment string and engaging further tendon elements to an upper end of the abandonment string while lowering the pipe string to a handover depth. At the handover depth, tension is applied via a wire to the top of the pipe string at an acute angle to the launch axis. This deflects the pipe string from the launch axis into axial alignment with the wire to transfer the weight load of the pipe string to the wire, whereupon the abandonment string can be decoupled from the pipe string. Recovery of the pipeline from the seabed can be effected by a reverse process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: John Duncan Cruickshank
  • Publication number: 20150377386
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket includes a first bracket portion with a first leg and a first bar element, a second bracket portion with a second leg and a second bar element, and a hub assembly supported on at least one of the first and second bracket portions. The hub assembly can be configured to couple a flexible hose to the adjustable bracket. The first bar element can be telescopically received by the second bar element so that a distance between the first and second legs is selectively adjustable. A fastener can fix the first and second bar elements in a desired relationship. The hub assembly can include first and second support members that are pivotably connected to rotate between open and closed positions. The second support member may have a slot that allows the second support member to rotate and move laterally with respect to the first support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Mitchell, Mike Dooley, Odair Dafonseca, Yoram Ringer
  • Publication number: 20150377387
    Abstract: A first shot body member includes a pair of side walls, a semi-circular sleeve positioned between the pair of side walls to define a portion of a longitudinal pocket, and a pair of deflecting wings. Each deflecting wing is coupled to one of the side walls at a corner. A second shot isolation member of an elastically resilient second material is bonded to portions of an interior surface of the longitudinal pocket defined by each of: the semi-circular sleeve, each of the pair of side walls, each of the pair of corners, and each of the pair of wings. Mold members can include supporting surfaces to support interior and exterior portions of the wing during the second shot molding operation, while leaving an exposed interior bonding surface that defines a portion of the second shot molding cavity. Related methods are further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventors: Jason A. MEYERS, Roger E. PILON, Tien T. DIEP
  • Publication number: 20150377388
    Abstract: A pipe hanging assembly that includes a single piece of steel having a first upper horizontal section, second and third angled sections coupled to the first section, fourth and fifth vertical sections extending vertically from the second and third sections, respectively, sixth and seventh vertical sections extending vertically and parallel to the fourth and fifth sections, respectively, and eighth and ninth curved sections. The eighth curved section connects the fourth and sixth sections to form a first U-shaped holder, and the ninth curved section connects the fifth and seventh sections to form a second U-shaped holder, with the eighth section disposed at a different elevation than the ninth section. Two different pipes can be supported in the first and second U-shaped holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Thackeray
  • Publication number: 20150377389
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a layer consisting of a composition comprising a copolyamide of formula X/10.T/Y for transporting a heat transfer fluid in a vapor compression circuit, wherein: X represents either the residues of an aliphatic amino acid comprising between 8 and 18 carbon atoms, or a lactam, or the unit X1.X2 representing the residues resulting from the condensation of an aliphatic diamine comprising between 6 and 18 carbon atoms and a (cyclo)aliphatic diacid comprising between 6 and 18 carbon atoms; 10.T represents the residues resulting from the condensation of a decanediamine and terephthalic acid; and Y represents the residues resulting from the condensation of an aliphatic diamine comprising between 9 and 14 carbon atoms and an aromatic diacid, Y being different from the unit 10.T; the molar proportion of 10.T units being higher than 0%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: Arkema France
    Inventors: Philippe BLONDEL, Benoit BRULE, Eric GAMACHE, Estelle MEURICE PIERRAT
  • Publication number: 20150377390
    Abstract: A piping component according to an embodiment includes a first joint member and a second joint member. The first joint member has a first covering portion. The first covering portion covers one of end portions of a bonding unit between the first joint member and a first piping unit, located in an insertion direction of the first piping unit, from a side of a hollow of the first joint member. The second joint member has a second covering portion. The second covering portion covers one of end portions of a bonding unit between the second joint member and a second piping unit, located in an insertion direction of the second piping unit, from a side of a hollow of the second joint member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Yoshihisa OOSAKI
  • Publication number: 20150377391
    Abstract: A threaded joint for pipes including a pin and a box, characterized in that the relationship 0.05 degrees??sb??sp?2.0 degrees is satisfied, where ?sb is an angle of an insertion surface of the female thread on the box side relative to a plane perpendicular to an axis of pipe, and ?sp is an angle of an insertion surface of the male thread, which faces the insertion surface of the female thread, on the pin side relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Takuya NAGAHAMA, Hiroshi CHIKATSUNE, Kazunari TAKAHASHI, Masaki YOSHIKAWA, Jun TAKANO, Masateru UETA, Takamasa KAWAI
  • Publication number: 20150377392
    Abstract: A fluid connection joint to couple tubular pipes intended to convey gas, compressed air and other fluids. The fluid connection joint includes a deformable internal ring having sealing surfaces internally to engage with an outer surface of a first tubular element and frontally to engage with a second tubular element. The deformable internal ring is located within a housing that is coupled to a flange of the second tubular element by fixing screws. The tightening of the fixing screws results in a substantially radial compression of the internal ring and seals around the first tubular element and a second substantially axial compression of the frontal seal against the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Mauro Dell'Acqua, Eros Di Giusto
  • Publication number: 20150377393
    Abstract: A hydraulic connecting bush for correcting hydraulic lines for hydraulic circuit-breaker drives, having a hollow cylindrical main body with at least two annular grooves, extending circumferentially on the main body outer cylindrical surface and having sealing rings inserted therein, the main body being made of a material having a first elasticity modulus. The bush may be configured for overlapping insertion in hydraulic lines to be connected, in contact with each other at end faces, the hydraulic lines being made of a material having a second elasticity modulus, a gap forming between, the main body and the hydraulic lines, such that if the first elasticity modulus is less than the second elasticity modulus, and an internal pressure is applied, the main body expands more than the hydraulic lines and closes the gap in the region of the sealing rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Matthias SCHMIDT, Joachim BOHLAENDER
  • Publication number: 20150377394
    Abstract: A gasket for use between adjoining pipe flanges includes a retainer which defines a bore and includes a first face and an opposite second face. The retainer is constructed and arranged with a first groove in the first face and with a second groove in the second face, the first groove includes a first form for seal retention and the first seal element includes a first cooperating form for retention of the seal element within the first groove. A second seal element is received within the second groove and the retention of each seal element within its respective groove is accomplished without the use of a bonding material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: LAMONS GASKET COMPANY
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20150377395
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with: a cylindrical main body section that is provided with at least one annular rib on the outer circumferential surface; and a deforming section that is configured from a bellows that can be deformed in an axis line direction and diameter direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuro KODA, Jumpei NISHIOKA, Kenichi NISHIYAMA, Hiroaki USUI