Patents Issued in January 12, 2016
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Patent number: 9234703Abstract: An automatic charge hearth access door assembly for a melting furnace includes an access door movable between a closed position for covering a furnace opening located on a face of the furnace and an opened position for providing access to the furnace opening. A latch mechanism is configured to automatically secure the access door to the face of the furnace in the closed position. An open-and-close drive assembly includes a motor and arm operably connected to the motor. The open-and-close drive assembly is configured to automatically move the access door relative to the face of the furnace between the closed position and opened position and simultaneously move the access door relative to the arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kevin D. Trent, Jr., Johnrobert J. Teets, Patrick A. Merricle, Lynn Fell
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Patent number: 9234704Abstract: A heat exchanger 10 includes a conduit 12 for conveying cooling fluid relative to a body to be cooled. A heat transfer arrangement 62 is arranged in communication with an interior of the conduit 12, the heat transfer arrangement 62 and the conduit 12 together defining an assembly that is mountable adjacent the body to be cooled, convective heat exchange occurring, in use, due to movement of the cooling fluid relative to the body and to the heat transfer arrangement 62 of the assembly and radiant heat exchange occurring between the body and at least part of the heat transfer arrangement 62 of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Mark P. Taylor, John JJ Chen, Mohamed Farid, Robert John Wallace
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Patent number: 9234705Abstract: A scaleable indirect evaporative cooler system (10) fitted within a container incorporates a plurality of dry and wet passage heat exchangers (30) where the dry passages of the plurality of heat exchangers feed into a common space (32) from which conditioned air is delivered via a delivery fan (40) downstream of the dry passages of the heat exchangers. An exhaust fan 22 draws air from the common space (32) through the wet passages of the heat exchanger to a common exhaust space (34) before being exhausted to atmosphere via the exhaust fan (22).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: F.F. Seeley Nominees Pty LtdInventor: Rob Gilbert
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Patent number: 9234706Abstract: A plurality of heat transfer fins are arranged so as to surround straight pipe portions of heat transfer tubes connected through bends in a serpentine arrangement. Heat transfer surfaces for transferring heat between air of the heat transfer tubes and the heat transfer fins have holes each having a radius smaller than the critical radius of a nucleus that occurs upon phase change from water vapor to condensed water droplets such that the holes are filled with the air at all times. Water is allowed to move from the holes filled with the air having low surface energy to metal part having high surface energy, thus improving drainage.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Mamoru Hamada, Yusuke Tashiro, Hisatoshi Fukumoto, Koji Yamashita, Hiroyuki Morimoto
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Patent number: 9234707Abstract: Heat exchanger systems and methods for controlling airflow cooling are provided. One system includes a bypass pre-cooler having a housing, an inlet configured to receive core engine airflow into the housing from one or more aircraft ducts, a heat exchanger within the housing and a bypass section within the housing having an airflow path separate from the heat exchanger. The bypass pre-cooler also includes a valve coupled to the inlet and configured to switch airflow between the heat exchanger and the bypass section and an outlet coupled to the heat exchanger and the bypass section.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steve G. Mackin, Eric Landre
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Patent number: 9234708Abstract: A heat exchanger with a housing comprising two chambers separated by a partition plate, with each chamber comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening for fluids. The housing and the partition plate are formed from a single metal sheet, the partition plate is formed from a middle area of the metal sheet, comprising a plurality of ribs and channels running alternately in parallel, and the housing is formed from side areas of the metal sheet which are folded along bend lines.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: NFT Nanofiltertechnik Gesellschaft mit beschränkter HaftungInventors: Daniel Krohn, Simon Jocham
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Patent number: 9234709Abstract: A heat exchanger tube with a tube axis, a tube wall, a tube outside and a tube inside. Continuously running, axially parallel or helically circling inner ribs are formed out of the tube wall on the tube inside, each inner rib having two rib flanks and a rib tip. A continuously extending groove is formed between adjacent inner ribs. The rib tip has at regular intervals recurring elevations which have an essentially frustopyramidal form. The inner ribs are raised in the radial direction on the contour line which is defined by the transitional edge of a rib flank to the rib tip and protuberances advancing out of the rib flank are formed in this region. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: WIELAND-WERKE AGInventors: Achim Gotterbarm, Ronald Lutz, Andreas Beutler
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Patent number: 9234710Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided comprising a stack of heat exchanger plates (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) formed of sheet metal having a three-dimensional structured pattern (2, 3), each heat exchanger plate (1,1a, 1b, 1c) having a groove (10), a gasket (9) being arranged in said groove (10) and resting against an adjacent heat exchanger plate (1a), said groove (10) having a bottom inner surface (11), said inner surface bottom (11) having at least a protrusion (14, 15) directed to said adjacent heat exchanger plate (1a). It is intended to minimize the risk of a leakage. To this end in the region of said protrusion (14, 15) said gasket (9) is compressed more than in a region out of said protrusion (14, 15).Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventor: Lars Persson
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Patent number: 9234711Abstract: A coil consists of several arc-shaped tubes whose first end is connected to tail end sequentially to form a continuous curve. The angle spanning between the first end and the tail end of the arc-shaped tube is greater than 180 degrees. The center lines of joints of two adjacent arc-shaped tubes have a common tangent point or the center lines of joints of two adjacent arc-shaped tubes are in tangent connection with a center line of a straight tube. The coil and the heat exchanger with the same have impact construction, small volume and high heat exchange efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Hangzhou Shenshi Energy Conservation Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Weili Shen
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Patent number: 9234712Abstract: A plug for ease of alignment of a temperature probe or sensor inside a duct of a transformer winding is provided. The plug is shaped for secure placement into a duct or passage of a transformer winding without requiring any adhering material. The insertion of the plug into the duct or passage brings the temperature probe into contact with the desired point along the transformer winding being thermally monitored.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventors: Charlie Sarver, William E. Pauley, Jr., Barry Dean Havens, Christopher Lee Adams, Dan William Benedict
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Patent number: 9234713Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for repeating and semi-automatic cone-breech firearm systems are provided. A semi-automatic cone-breech firearm system may, for example, comprise a tapered semi-automatic seven (7) or eight (8) lug bolt having a cartridge channel that facilitates engagement of an ammunition cartridge with a cartridge seat and/or a plunger-style ejector.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Innovative Tool and Advanced Weapon Solutions, LLCInventor: Clifford W. Olson
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Patent number: 9234714Abstract: A firearm magazine housing contains a spring to forcibly urge a follower with ammunition rounds stacked thereon toward an open end of the housing, thereby to facilitate delivery of the ammunition rounds into the firing chamber of a firearm. By a positional adjustment of the spring, the urging force that the spring applies to the follower during loading of ammunition rounds is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventors: Christopher R. Castro, Dana D. Huffman
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Patent number: 9234715Abstract: A device for converting a firearm to a fixed magazine is disclosed. The device includes a magazine catch member having a through hole, and a one way threaded member comprising a threaded section and a head. The threaded section is able to pass through the through hole, and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the one way threaded member in a tightening direction. A kit for enabling a user to fix the magazine is also disclosed. A method for loading a magazine having a fixed magazine is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: John Cassady
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Patent number: 9234716Abstract: The present invention relates to rifling of a gun barrel to provide grooves and bores in the gun barrel separated by a single edge area and a polygonal area.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Frederick J. Feddersen
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Patent number: 9234717Abstract: A quick-detach barrel mounting system for removing and attaching a barrel to a receiver of a firearm. The quick-detach barrel mounting system can include a barrel nut having a body defining an axial bore. A proximal end of the barrel is received at least partially through the axial bore, and the barrel nut releasably engages a front end of the receiver. A hand guard can be mounted to the receiver and can define a cutout proximate the receiver. The hand guard at least partially encloses at least a portion of the barrel and the barrel nut, and the cutout is at least partially aligned with the barrel nut. At least a portion of the barrel nut is accessible via the cutout of the hand guard for at least partially disengaging and engaging the barrel nut with the receiver when the hand guard is mounted on the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: RA Brands, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael Brent Jarboe
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Patent number: 9234718Abstract: A projectile launcher having a pair of band securement elements each configured to secure the ends of a band and a pair of members disposed a distance from the pair of securement elements and located to permit the band to wrap about each of the pair of members passing the medial portion of the band between the pair of members to stretch the band toward the drawn condition of the projectile launcher.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Levi N. Ricke
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Patent number: 9234719Abstract: A shooting bow includes pulleys, a string latch housing, bow riser, barrel, first limb, second limb, a first cam, and a second cam. The bow riser is enjoined with the barrel. The first and second limbs extend from the bow riser. The first and second cams are pivotally retained on the first and second limbs. A bowstring is retained by the first and second cams. A first pulley and a second pulley are retained on the barrel. Both cams have a string track and a cable track. One end of the string is coupled to the first cam and the other end is coupled to the second cam. As for both cables, one end is coupled to the first cam, the middle of the cable travels around a pulley or track, and the other end is coupled to the first limb, first cam axle or back to the cam.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: James J. Kempf
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Patent number: 9234720Abstract: A cable guard for a compound bow deflects cables of the compound bow away from the path of an arrow and away from a plane in which a string of the compound bow travels to prevent interference between the cables and the arrow and string. The compound bow includes a riser and spaced apart limbs extending from the riser. The cables and the string extends between the limbs. The cable guard comprises a frame for attachment to the compound bow. A first bearing is supported by the frame and extends along an axis. A second bearing and a third bearing each extend along a respective axis transverse to the axis of the first bearing. The second bearing and the third bearing each present a bearing surface with the bearing surface of the second bearing spaced from and facing the bearing surface of the third bearing for receiving the cable therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Prater Custom Archery, LLCInventor: Don C Prater
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Patent number: 9234721Abstract: An ergonomic grip for a revolver can be better suited to people's hands by extending the forward edge of the finger interface forward to near the lower portion of the trigger guard. The palm interface and the finger interface can intersect or nearly intersect at the bottom of the grip. The grip has a substantially cone shaped cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Falcon Industries, Inc.Inventor: Steve Hines
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Patent number: 9234722Abstract: A device is convertible between a knife and a fore grip of a firearm. The device has a grip body operatively connected to a blade, and an attachment member connecting the grip body to a longitudinally extending rail of a firearm. The blade converts between an extended position when the device is disconnected from the firearm to a stored position when the device is connected the rail. The blade remains oriented along the longitudinal axis of the grip body when it is in both the stored position and the extended position. The grip body remains operatively connected to the blade when the device is disconnected from the firearm and the blade is in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Switch Grip LLCInventors: Michael Christopher Rice, Torrance L. Adcock, Jr.
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Patent number: 9234723Abstract: According to the invention, the projectile (1) is provided with a strapdown homing device (2), said device having a lock-on phase during which the latter attempts to detect a target (C), and including an viewing direction (3), said viewing direction (3) being fixed with respect to the projectile (1) and extending along the longitudinal axis (4) of the latter, said projectile (1) further comprising control means (8) for automatically controlling said projectile (1) so as to cause the longitudinal axis (4) thereof, in flight and during the lock-on phase of the homing device (2), to trace a circle, the radius of which increases in time, until the target (C) is detected.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: MBDA FRANCEInventor: Francois De Picciotto
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Patent number: 9234724Abstract: A classroom barrier comprising a sliding panel or hinged panel designed to block a classroom door or window opening in certain emergency situations such as the presence of an armed assailant. The barrier is locked from the inside with no chance for it to be unlocked from the exterior. The classroom barrier is simple to operate, bullet resistant, and impenetrable for some predetermined length of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: DAW Technologies, LLCInventor: Peter J. Spransy
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Patent number: 9234725Abstract: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology 14, robotic vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation, reaction system and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Kevin Diaz
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Patent number: 9234726Abstract: Feedback is provided to a marksman by placing a target graphic over a sensitive layer. As a result of a bullet penetrating the sensitive layer, the appearance of regions of the sensitive layer immediately around a bullet hole gradually change appearance. The regions first appear to have a first color and then gradually change to a second color within a predetermined length of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Robert Z. Sharrock
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Patent number: 9234727Abstract: An explosive matrix includes a grid structure formed from a single length of detonating cord with one set of spaced-apart detonating cord sections lying in one plane that perpendicularly overlays a second set of spaced-apart sections lying in a second plane such that at each section crossing location the crossing consists of no more than two perpendicular sections of detonating cord. A tool for forming the matrix includes a frame comprising four side members, each having identical castellated edges in which are defined a plurality of notches for receiving a section of detonating cord.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Jon K. Mitchell
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Patent number: 9234728Abstract: A modular reconnaissance capsule or reconnaissance pod is provided that is suitable for deployment by means of an artillery launching platform, such as a conventional 40 mm grenade launcher or 155 mm cannon wherein a parachute is deployed at a pre-calculated observation altitude, the parachute being designed to yield a sufficiently slow rate of descent to permit live video capture and transmission of images as forward observation information. Alternatively, pods according to the invention may also be air dropped from an aircraft, either piloted or pilotless, thus allowing the aircraft to operate at a safe distance and yet provide close reconnaissance even under a cloud cover. Accurate information about targeting dynamics is made available to the user through commercially available products. The invention complements other reconnaissance methods and provides easy-to-use real-time visual information for a desired area of interest.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Lonestar Inventions, L.P.Inventors: Osman Ersed Akcasu, Ibrahim Onur Uslu, Yusuf Leblebici
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Patent number: 9234729Abstract: An improved injection dart is disclosed. A flow restrictor positioned at a forward end of a dart body is provided. The flow restrictor has a generally cylindrical restrictor body portion and a radially outward extending flange portion at a forward end thereof. The flange is securely held in position. The restrictor body also having a recess in a rearward end. The flange portion holds said restrictor in a position where an inner bore of a cannula is precisely aligned with the restrictor bore. The restrictor acts to diminish a variable flow rate so that all flow rates above a maximum flow rate are restricted to be less than the maximum flow rate. The flange also keeps a forward end of the flow channel bore open but allows for radially inward deformation of the restrictor at a rear end of said flow channel bore.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: PNEU-DART, INC.Inventor: Blair D. Soars
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Patent number: 9234730Abstract: A hand grenade comprising a detonator, an explosive charge having a periphery, a hollow shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, an electronic circuit, and a power source. The hand grenade has at least two environments of control.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Kendrick Cook
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Patent number: 9234731Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge case processing device to produce and prepare empty cartridge cases (2) comprising a trimmer holder (6) in which a die body (14) is received in the lower section (6.1) and in an upper section (6.2) a bushing (25, 25.1) guided shaft (5) is received on which a cutter (12), an expander die (3) and a decapping pin (15) are coaxially arranged characterized by the integration of an adjusting nut (26) coaxial with the shaft (5) in the upper section (6.2) of the trimmer holder (6), which when turned relative to the shaft (5) leads to the position of the cutter (12) being adjusted in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Wojciech Keska
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Patent number: 9234732Abstract: An explosives storage system including a container having an opening extending from a top end of the container along a center axis of the container, a sidewall formed between an outer perimeter of the container and an inner perimeter of the opening, and a base portion formed at a bottom end of the container to enclose a bottom of the opening, the bottom of the opening having a hemispherical shape.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Deward L. Cummings, III
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Patent number: 9234733Abstract: The framing layout assembly includes a housing that is positionable proximate the member. A tape is operationally coupled to the housing. The tape may be extendable from the housing. The tape has indicia printed thereon. The indicia indicates distance. The tape has a tape hole extending therethrough. A guide is operationally coupled to the housing. The tape extends through the guide. A stop is operationally coupled to the housing. The stop is extendable through the hole in the tape. The tape is retained at a pre-determined distance. A jig is operationally coupled to the housing. The jig is positionable on the member. A user marks the member at the pre-determined distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Marcus Paul Sampson
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Patent number: 9234734Abstract: A length measuring instrument including a hollow profile section extending in a longitudinal direction and an end piece fixed on the hollow profile section for closure of the hollow profile section on an end of the hollow profile section. A scale is disposed inside the hollow profile section, wherein the scale includes a measurement graduation which can be scanned by a scanning unit that is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the hollow profile section. The length measuring instrument includes a sealing element on the end piece for sealing off the hollow profile section, wherein the sealing element has a cross-section that is at least extensively equivalent to an inside diameter of the hollow profile section. In addition, the sealing element rests sealingly so that a circumferential surface of the sealing element is on an inner face of the hollow profile section.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: DR. JOHNANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBHInventors: Markus Schmöller, Michael Steber
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Patent number: 9234735Abstract: A linear position sensing system includes a sensor, a conduit and an enclosure. The sensor has a connector and a converting element, where the connector includes a first end attached to the converting element and a second end that passes through the conduit and is configured for attachment to a moveable element of an external device. The enclosure houses the sensor. The conduit includes a first end fitting that is attached to the enclosure and a second end fitting that is affixed at a port or other aperture of the external device. The second end of the connector is configured to be inserted in the port other aperture and attached to the moveable element without disassembly of the external device.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Control Products, Inc.Inventor: Richard O. Glasson
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Patent number: 9234736Abstract: A sensor assembly for determining a spatial position of a first part relative to a second part has at least one magnet disposed on the first part. The magnet generates a magnetic field that extends to the second part. The sensor assembly further has a pair of magnetic field sensors arranged at a spatial distance from each other on the second part. The magnet is positioned in an interval defined by the spatial distance between the magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field sensors each produce an output signal depending on the magnetic field. The output signals of the two magnetic field sensors are combined to form a common sensor signal related to the spatial position of the first part relative to the second part. The output signals of the two magnetic field sensors essentially represent a direction of the magnetic field at the location of the respective magnetic field sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignees: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH, SENSITEC GMBHInventors: Thomas Engel, Uwe Loreit
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Patent number: 9234737Abstract: A method for measuring and aligning a rotary cylindrical or other rotationally symmetrical apparatus, such as a kiln or a drum. The apparatus to be measured and aligned has a shell and at least one supporting ring. As the rotary apparatus is rotating under process conditions, measurement points are measured on the surface of the rotating object's shell in the axial direction on both sides of each supporting ring on the same circumferential line. Regression circles are calculated from the measured points, center points are determined for the calculated circles and a straight line and its center point are determined between the center points of the circles calculated on both sides of each supporting ring. A reference straight line is calculated for the center line of the shell and the object's shell is aligned to be straight by transferring the determined center points of the shell to the calculated reference line.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Andritz OyInventors: Teemu Hakkinen, Heikki Iivarinen, Pertti Kaikkonen, Tuomo Lintunen
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Patent number: 9234738Abstract: A detection track includes a first detection element group that includes a plurality of first magnetic resistance elements arranged at a pitch ?/(2n) when an order to cancel target harmonic components among a plurality of harmonic components superimposed on a fundamental component of a detection signal for multi-pole magnetic pattern is assumed as n, and a second detection element group that includes a plurality of second magnetic resistance elements arranged at the pitch ?/(2n), a plurality of first dummy magnetic resistance elements arranged among the first magnetic resistance elements, and a plurality of second dummy magnetic resistance elements arranged among the second magnetic resistance elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Takumi Asano, Takeshi Musha, Hiroshi Nishizawa, Takashi Okamuro, Noriyasu Hasegawa
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Patent number: 9234739Abstract: In-situ calibration of an interferometer includes making a sequence of phase measurements of a test object using the interferometer, each of the measurements having a same carrier fringe frequency, where at least some of the measurements are made at three or more different orientations of carrier fringes, and determining information about the test object based on at least some of the phase measurements, in which determining the information includes reducing errors in the measurements arising from imperfections in the interferometer based on the measurements made at the three or more different orientations.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Zygo CorporationInventors: Daniel M. Sykora, Michael Kuechel
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Patent number: 9234740Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection of an object. The apparatus comprises an array of light sources and a support structure. The array of light sources is configured to generate beams of coherent light with a substantially uniform distribution of the beams of coherent light in an area on a surface of an object in the area that results in a number of speckle patterns in light reflected from the surface of the object in the area in response to the beams of coherent light in the area. The support structure is associated with the array of light sources.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Morteza Safai, Kimberly D. Meredith
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Patent number: 9234741Abstract: Method and system of interferometrically measuring, in reflection, a non-spherical surface with two diffracted beams (of different diffraction orders) formed by a diffractive element positioned transversely to the axis of a common-path interferometer. The first diffracted beam substantially maintains the wavefront of a beam incident onto the diffractive element, while the second diffracted beam has a wavefront profile corresponding to the profile of the measured surface. The first diffracted beam may be reflected by the surface in a cat's eye configuration, while the second diffracted beam is reflected by the surface in a confocal configuration. The surface being measured can be modified to substantially balance radiant powers of the first and second diffracted beams upon reflection off the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: DMETRIX, INC.Inventors: Chen Liang, Pixuan Zhou
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Patent number: 9234742Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a laser tracker remotely from the laser tracker through gestures performed by a user. The method includes providing a rule of correspondence between each of a plurality of commands and each of a plurality of user gestures. A gesture is performed by the user with the user's body that corresponds to one of the plurality of user gestures. The gesture performed by the user is detected. The gesture recognition engine determines a first command from one of the plurality of commands that correspond with the detected gesture. Then the first command is executed with the laser tracker.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker, Kelley Fletcher, Gregory D. Pease, Robert C Mehler
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Patent number: 9234743Abstract: An aircraft is provided and includes an airframe, first and second main rotors rotatably supported on the airframe to rotate about a rotational axis in opposite directions, first and second emitters disposed on an emitter blade of the second main rotor, each of the first and second emitters being configured to emit an emission toward a detector blade of the first main rotor, a detector disposed on the detector blade of the first main rotor, the detector being configured to detect the emissions of the first and second emitters and a flight computer which determines a clearance between the first and second main rotors in accordance with detections of the emissions by the detector.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventor: Bryan S. Cotton
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Patent number: 9234744Abstract: A smart phone senses audio, imagery, and/or other stimulus from a user's environment, and acts autonomously to fulfill inferred or anticipated user desires. In one aspect, the detailed technology concerns phone-based cognition of a scene viewed by the phone's camera. The image processing tasks applied to the scene can be selected from among various alternatives by reference to resource costs, resource constraints, other stimulus information (e.g., audio), task substitutability, etc. The phone can apply more or less resources to an image processing task depending on how successfully the task is proceeding, or based on the user's apparent interest in the task. In some arrangements, data may be referred to the cloud for analysis, or for gleaning. Cognition, and identification of appropriate device response(s), can be aided by collateral information, such as context. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Digimarc CorporationInventors: Geoffrey B. Rhoads, Tony F. Rodriguez, Gilbert B. Shaw
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Patent number: 9234745Abstract: A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Ibrahim Abdulhalim, Mike Adel, Michael Friedmann, Michael Faeyrman
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Patent number: 9234746Abstract: Laser light is emitted to a sheet member wound on a forming drum in a range which includes the entire width of the sheet member and distance data on a distance to a reflecting surface is obtained, using a two-dimensional laser sensor which has a detection range along a drum circumferential direction, while moving either the two-dimensional laser sensor or the forming drum in a drum width direction. Further, the positions of width-directional opposite end sections of the sheet member are calculated on the basis of the obtained distance data.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroki Inoue, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Nobuhiro Tani, Toshihide Suzuki
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Patent number: 9234747Abstract: An apparatus which estimates an inside of an object, includes: a first obtaining unit which obtains light path models and a first light intensity distribution, based on an assumption that a first object includes no second object, distribution; a second obtaining unit which obtains a second light intensity distribution which is an intensity distribution of observed light; a voting value calculating unit which calculates a voting value for each of positions on a predetermined plane, based on a result of comparison in light intensity between the first and second light intensity distributions; a voting unit which votes the voting value to voting regions on a light path model along which light reaches each position; and an estimating unit which estimates whether the second object exists in each voting region, based on a result of the voting.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yasunori Ishii, Toshiya Arai, Yasuhiro Mukaigawa, Yasushi Yagi
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Patent number: 9234748Abstract: An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of an threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Quest Metrology, LLCInventors: Phillip Dewayne Bondurant, David William Rook, David H. Bothell, Christian Robert Lentz, David Jack Savage
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Patent number: 9234749Abstract: Processing images includes projecting an infra-red pattern onto a three-dimensional object and producing a first image, a second image, and a third image of the three-dimensional object while the pattern is projected on the three-dimensional object. The first image and the second image include the three-dimensional object and the pattern. The first image and the second image are produced by capturing at a first camera and a second camera, respectively, light filtered through an infra-red filter. The third image includes the three-dimensional object but not the pattern. Processing the images also includes establishing a first-pair correspondence between a portion of pixels in the first image and a portion of pixels in the second image. Processing the images further includes constructing, based on the first-pair correspondence and the third image, a two-dimensional image that depicts a three-dimensional construction of the three-dimensional object.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATEDInventor: Jin Gu
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Patent number: 9234750Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine within a work area having a crest includes a first data map and a second data map. At least one sensor system generates operating data indicative of a change in terrain and a controller compares the operating data to the first data map while the machine is within a zone adjacent the crest. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kenneth L. Stratton, Troy K. Becicka, Michael Taylor, Thandava K. Edara
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Patent number: 9234751Abstract: A bubble type level for determining the orientation of a structure, such as an elongate pipe, that includes several differently oriented bubble vials that are secured within the level body in a manner such that if the bubble vials become broken or otherwise damaged, they can be easily replaced and the level need not be discarded. The bubble type level of the invention also includes a body portion having top and bottom rails that are chamfered in a manner to automatically align the level with the longitudinal axis of the pipe when the level is connected to the side of the pipe. The level further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets that are connected to the bottom rail of the level and can be used to releasably interconnect the level with a length of ferrous pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Mark L Silberberg
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Patent number: 9234752Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning apparatus, comprising a rotatable spindle, a sliding member, wherein a spindle counter segment of the sliding member is displaced along the spindle when the spindle rotates, a first guide for the sliding member, which interacts with a first guide counter segment of the sliding member and, in the process, leaves the sliding member with a linear mobility along the first guide axis and a pivotability about the first guide axis, and a second guide for the sliding member, which interacts with a second guide counter segment of the sliding member and, in the process, restricts the pivotability of the sliding member about the first guide axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventors: Pascal Hutter, Benjamin Seifert, Josef Lais