Patents Issued in January 26, 2016
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Patent number: 9242487Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a roll-out motor that rotates a roll body supported by a roll body support unit, a feed roller pair that transports a paper drawn from the roll body, and a load measuring unit that measures a rotation load of the roll body when the roll body is rotated at a low speed and a rotation load of the roll body when the roll body is rotated at a high speed. A rotation angle range in which the roll body is rotated at the high speed is greater than a rotation angle range in which the roll body is rotated at the low speed. In one rotation of the roll body, at least a part of the rotation angle range of the roll body rotated at the low speed overlaps with the rotation angle range of the roll body rotated at the high speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kenji Hatada, Naohiro Ueyama, Ryo Hamano, Naoto Hayakawa
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Patent number: 9242488Abstract: An image recording apparatus including: a first conveying path for guiding a recording medium in a conveying direction; a recording portion configured to record an image on the recording medium guided by the first conveying path; a tray provided below the recording portion so as to accommodate the recording medium; a supplying roller configured to supply the recording medium accommodated by the tray to the first conveying path; a first arm provided above the tray, wherein the supplying roller is provided on a distal end of the first arm; a first frame configured to support the recording portion; and a second frame provided separately from the first frame and configured to support the first arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Samoto, Yuji Koga
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Patent number: 9242489Abstract: A roller includes an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion arranged concentrically with the outer cylindrical portion. A plurality of connection spokes are provided for connecting the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion to each other, wherein each of the connection spokes are connected along a non-linear connection path with respect to an axis extending between the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion of the roller to provide a tunable spring constant in the roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Fred O. Stephens, Chalam Kashyap
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Patent number: 9242490Abstract: A bankbook printing apparatus 100 comprises a bankbook printing section 130 configured to print on a bankbook conveyed from an insertion opening 111 in an opened state; a closing mechanism 150 configured to close the bankbook printed by the printing section 130; and a conveyance mechanism 110 configured to convey the bankbook inserted into the insertion opening 111 in an opened state towards a downstream and to convey the bankbook closed by the closing mechanism 150 towards an upstream where the insertion opening 111 is arranged and discharge the closed bankbook from the insertion opening 111.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mitsuhiro Nozaki
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Patent number: 9242491Abstract: A liquid ejecting head is adapted to eject liquid toward a target medium. A transporter is adapted to transport a tray on which the target medium is mounted toward a region facing the liquid ejecting head via a transporting path. A tray guide is disposed in a front side of the liquid ejecting apparatus, and having a supporting face adapted to support the tray thereon. The tray guide is movable between a first position connecting the supporting face with the transporting path to allow the transporter to transport the tray to the transporting path and a second position escaping the supporting face from the transporting path. The supporting face is kept being parallel to the transporting path when the tray guide is moved between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Eiichi Miyashita, Takashi Akahane, Hiroki Nakashima, Satoshi Noda
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Patent number: 9242492Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a support shaft that supports a roll-shaped recording medium; a motor that applies a rotational force to the support shaft; a motor control section that controls the motor; and a recording section that performs recording on the recording medium transported from the support shaft, in which the motor control section is capable of controlling the motor so that the motor alternately enters a braking state and a non-braking state.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Daisuke Miyashita
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Patent number: 9242493Abstract: A printer assembly includes: a housing having referencing slots defined in opposite sidewalls; a stop positioned towards a lower end of each referencing slot; a print bar carriage slidably received within the housing; and a lift mechanism for lifting the print bar carriage relative to the housing. The print bar carriage includes: a chassis; a printhead supported by the chassis; and a pair of lugs, each lug being slidably received in a respective referencing slot of the housing. Each stop has a datum surface which defines a printing position of the print bar carriage, the print bar carriage being in the printing position when each lug is in abutting engagement with a respective datum surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Memjet Technology Ltd.Inventors: Alejandro Campillo, Rajan Ramaswamy, Tinh Tran, David Lovelace
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Patent number: 9242494Abstract: A printing device includes a location area acquirer that acquires a location area for a printing subject from a background image and a foreground image; a rough edge image acquirer that acquires a first edge image showing a rough contour of the printing subject; a precise edge image acquirer that acquires a second edge image showing a precise contour of the printing subject; a location position acquirer that acquires a position and a posture of the printing subject from the second edge image; a calculator that calculates, based on the position and the posture of the printing subject, a transform matrix usable to perform normalization such that the printing subject assumes a predetermined posture; and a printing data generator that creates printing data actually usable for printing, by use of an inverse matrix of the transform matrix, from printing data edited by an operator.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ROLAND DG CORPORATIONInventor: Yasutoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9242496Abstract: A printed material (5) has a transparent base member (51), a first image layer (52) formed on the base member, an intermediate layer (53) formed on the first image layer, and a second image layer (54) formed on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a lower white background layer (531) positioned above the first image layer, a light blocking layer (532) positioned above the lower white background layer, and an upper white background layer (533) positioned above the light blocking layer. In the printed material, a thickness of the light blocking layer is uneven in conformity with undulation of the first image layer, and therefore a surface of the intermediate layer which is in contact with the second image layer is flat. With this structure, it is possible to prevent or suppress the undulation of the first image layer from appearing in the second image layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SCREEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.Inventors: Masayuki Nakano, Kazushi Moriwaki
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Patent number: 9242497Abstract: An inkjet recording medium, comprising an ink-receiving layer containing a pigment, a binder and an inkjet ink-fixing agent comprising a cationic compound disposed on at least one surface of a base paper, wherein 50% or more by weight of calcium carbonate is contained in terms of a solid content based on a total amount of the pigment contained in the ink-receiving layer; 75 to 90 parts by weight of the pigment, 1 to 10 parts by weight of the binder and 5 to 20 parts by weight of the inkjet ink-fixing agent are contained based on 100 parts by weight of the ink-receiving layer; the drop water absorbency of the ink-receiving layer (according to the drop water absorbency defined in Japan Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, J. TAPPI, No. 32-2:2000 except that a drop water amount is 0.001 ml) is 200 seconds or less; and a Stockigt sizing degree according to JIS-P-8122 for the inkjet recording medium is 5 seconds or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Misaki Watanabe, Akinobu Chatani, Satoshi Tsuda, Tadashi Yoshida, Takanori Otsuhata, Koji Kutsuwa
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Patent number: 9242498Abstract: With the printing method according to the above described aspect of the present invention, when first ink and second ink made of resin are placed on a printing medium, a first dot for which a first ink droplet land on the printing medium and a plurality of second dots for which a plurality of second ink droplets land on the printing medium are in contact, but adjacent ones of the second dots are separated from each other. With this printing method, the first ink is high in stretchability, and the glass transition point when the second ink is cured is higher than the glass transition point when the first ink is cured.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Akihiko Tsunoya, Keigo Sugai, Yoshikazu Hama
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Patent number: 9242499Abstract: The glue application unit comprises side glue application members which have a pair of scrapers (7, 7) and can engage with the back margins (s) of the book block (P). The scrapers consist of elastic rod-like bodies (7a) and scraping portions (7b) provided at leading ends of the bodies. The scrapers obliquely extending in a direction of movement of the book block from the outside of the path of the downwardly protruding portion of the book block into the path in such a way that the scrapers contact each other in an inverted V shaped configuration. The scraping portions engage with the back margins of the book block by the elastic biasing of the bodies while the downwardly protruding portion of the book block passes between the scrapers.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: HORIZON INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Hirohito Nakanishi, Kou Ohuchiyama, Takehito Yokogi, Akira Onodera
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Patent number: 9242500Abstract: Even when a binding process for binding a plurality of sheets without using a staple is performed after performing printing on both faces of the sheets, the binding process can be performed so that the bound sheets are not easily separated. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus, comprises: performing a binding process for binding, without using a staple, a sheet on which an image is printed based on image data; specifying an area where the binding process is to be performed, the area being included in the image data; deleting image data of the specified area; and printing the image on the sheet based on the image data on which deleting is performed.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takao Ikuno
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Patent number: 9242501Abstract: A printed article (1) comprises a substrate (2) and an image (3) printed on the substrate. The image includes line art (4) comprises conductive ink. The image includes representations of at least two items (61, 62) which overlap such that line art of a first item is joined at least one point (71) to line art of a second item.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: NOVALIA LTD.Inventor: Kate Stone
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Patent number: 9242502Abstract: The invention relates to an identification document (21) comprising a non-transparent core (6), and one or more layers of a transparent material (14) arranged on at least a back (13) or a front surface (12) of said core. In order to achieve an identification document where forgery attempts are visibly detectable, the identification document (21) has a translucent security element in a region (7) where the thickness of the non-transparent core (6) material is smaller as compared to the thickness of the non-transparent core material in other parts of said core (6).Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Gemalto SAInventors: Teemu Pohjola, Kristian Lappalainen
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Patent number: 9242503Abstract: An electronic transaction card for completing a transaction is provided, the card includes an integrated stylus that can be used to sign paper receipts. In some embodiments the stylus is constructed to have a metal alloy tip that leaves an indelible mark when abraded on paper and does not require replacement or replenishing like an ink pen or pencil. In one embodiment a transaction card is provided that is substantially rectangular and at least one of the corners is shaped to define a mount that is configured to engage a stylus of the above construction for signing paper receipts. In another embodiment a transaction card is provided with a stylus for signing paper receipts having a stylus arm that is integrated into the base of the transaction card and a stylus tip of the above construction for signing paper receipts.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATEDInventor: Frederick F. Branca, Jr.
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Patent number: 9242504Abstract: After applying an ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite 30 on a print pattern 22 of dry state and also permeating the resin composite through the print pattern to thereby reproduce the adhesion of the print pattern 22, the print pattern 22 is transferred under water pressure onto the surface of article 10 to form the decoration layer 22D on the surface of the article 10. Then, the preliminary irradiation of ultraviolet ray permeating only near the surface of this decoration layer 22D is performed to form a fine surface height variation portion 23 by shrinkage of ink in the surface of the ink printing portion of the decoration layer 22D. Thereafter, the complete irradiation of ultraviolet ray permeating through the total thickness of the decoration layer 22D is performed to completely harden the total thickness of the decoration layer 22D while maintaining the surface height variation portion 23. This enables the matting of the decoration layer in a controlled state without applying a topcoat.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: TAICA CORPORATIONInventors: Wataru Ikeda, Yosuke Ono
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Patent number: 9242505Abstract: A production method of workpiece is provided. First, an adhesive layer is applied on a workpiece, wherein a material of the adhesive layer includes thermosetting resin and radiationcurable resin. The adhesive layer is impressed by a mold, so that the adhesive layer forms a three-dimensional pattern. A first curing process is performed on the adhesive layer by one of radiation-curing and thermal-curing. The workpiece is punched after the first curing process is performed on the adhesive layer, so that the workpiece forms a three-dimensional workpiece. A second curing process is performed on the adhesive layer by another one of radiation-curing and thermal-curing after the workpiece is punched. In addition, a workpiece with three-dimensional pattern is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Wan-Li Chuang, Chien-Min Chang, Ju-Chen Chiu, Chih-Hua Liu, Tsung-Sheng Chuang
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Patent number: 9242506Abstract: A modular cap assembly for covering a center bore of a wheel includes an outer piece having a first outward face with a cap retention structure formed therein, a first inward face, and a plurality of first mounting clips projecting from the first inward face to removably engage a wheel retention structure and couple the outer piece to the wheel. The cap assembly also includes a center piece having a second outward face, a second inward face, and a plurality of second mounting clips projecting from the second inward face to removably engage, one at a time, both the cap retention structure and the wheel retention structure. The second outward face is spaced from a wheel face when the center piece and outer piece are together coupled to the wheel and substantially flush with the wheel face when the center piece is coupled directly to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Omix-Ada, Inc.Inventors: Patrick W. Bennett, Alain Eboli
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Patent number: 9242507Abstract: A guide rail type vehicle is provided with a guide wheel that comes into rolling contact with a guide rail, a switching wheel that is comes into rolling contact with a switching rail installed at a switching location of the guide rail, a wheel axle in which the guide wheel is connected to the top end and the switching wheel is connected to the bottom end, a support receiver of which the height dimension is set to be smaller than the corresponding length dimension of the wheel axle and which supports the wheel axle, and adjustment device which adjusts the sizes of a gap of the guide wheel side and a gap of the switching wheel side, which are accessed from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the wheel axle, and are therefore capable of adjusting the height of the guide wheel and the switching wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Maeyama, Hiromichi Yamamoto, Kousuke Katahira
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Patent number: 9242508Abstract: The omni-directional wheel includes first support parts and second support parts which support large-diameter rollers and small-diameter rollers. Each of the first support parts is disposed at a position where the first support part is held between a pair of the large-diameter rollers, while each of the second support parts is disposed at a position where the second support part is held between a pair of the small-diameter rollers. The large-diameter rollers and the small-diameter rollers are disposed such that their outlines are arranged on a single circumference, with a part of the small diameter-side end face of the small-diameter rollers partially inserted in the recessed portions of the large-diameter rollers.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: WHILL, Inc.Inventors: Kazuo Bando, Junpei Naito
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Patent number: 9242509Abstract: Vehicle tires with solid materials, such as rubber and polymer, are designed to increase the safety of the vehicle without the risk of having a flat tire. The tires are non pneumatic and have treads. The tires are for use on a variety of vehicles, including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, buses, aircrafts, earthmovers, tractors, trailers, carts, heavy equipments, and lawnmowers.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: Alice Chang
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Patent number: 9242510Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless tire. The wheel includes a cylindrical rim portion that is parallel with an axis of rotation of the wheel and includes a transversely flat outer surface corresponding to at least eighty percent of the total width of the rim portion. The tire is mounted on the rim portion of the wheel and includes a cylindrical tire body presenting a transversely flat inner surface that engages the outer surface of the wheel. A plurality of traction lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire and extend radially outwardly from the tire body. A plurality of drive lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire, extend radially inwardly from the tire body and engage corresponding receptacles on the rim portion of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Lindsay CorporationInventor: Thomas J. Korus
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Patent number: 9242511Abstract: A pneumatic tire with a tread has crown main grooves, shoulder main grooves, a pair of middle ribs between the crown main grooves and the shoulder main grooves, and a pair of shoulder ribs between the shoulder main groove and tread edge. The shoulder rib has shoulder lateral grooves spaced at a pitch Ps. The middle rib has middle inclined grooves spaced at a pitch Pm. The crown rib has a plurality of crown lateral grooves which cross over the crown rib and are spaced at a pitch Pc. The pitch Pc is larger than the pitch Ps and smaller than the pitch Pm.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Yoshiaki Takemoto
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Patent number: 9242512Abstract: Tire tread comprising a plurality of rubber pads, each rubber pad being delimited by an incision of depth and of closed contour, this tread having: on a first portion, of a depth at most equal to 60% of the depth of the incision, blocking means designed to limit the movements of the lateral wall relative to the wall facing it, and on a second portion of the incision, of a depth at most equal to 60% of the depth of the incision and extending the first portion of depth, geometric shapes of second amplitude or that are rectilinear (that is to say of zero amplitude), the second amplitude being less than the first amplitude, and, the first portion of the incision delimiting a first portion of pad and the second portion of the incision delimiting a second portion of pad, the maximum sectional surface area of the second portion of the pad is greater than the maximum sectional surface area of the first portion of the said pad.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventor: Sylvie Lhospitalier
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Patent number: 9242513Abstract: A tread portion includes land portions partitioned by circumferential grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction and lateral grooves extending in a tire width direction. At least one land portion comprises an annular sipe. A surface of a portion of the land portion surrounded by the annular sipe includes at least one inner side inclining face that inclines toward the annular sipe. A surface of a portion of the land portion along a periphery of the annular sipe includes at least one outer side inclining face that inclines toward the annular sipe. The inner side inclining face and the outer side inclining face are disposed so as not to be opposite each other. A step is formed between a first edge of the annular sipe of the inner side inclining face or the outer side inclining face and a second edge of the annular sipe opposing the first edge.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventor: Harutaka Inoue
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Patent number: 9242514Abstract: The present invention relates to a runflat device (2), particularly, but not exclusively, a combined runflat and double sided beadlock that can be fitted to any size and type of wheel (1) regardless of the shape and depth of the wheel well (10). The runflat device (2) can be fitted using standard tools and tightened through manipulation of a valve assembly (52).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: RUN FLAT SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventor: Richard Lust
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Patent number: 9242515Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a belt cross-sectional width BW as a total width in a tire width direction of a belt layer and a distance Wl as a distance in the tire width direction from an edge on the tread portion side of a run flat liner to an edge of the belt layer. The belt cross-sectional width BW and the distance Wl are such that 0.25?Wl/(BW/2)?0.45 is satisfied. A thickness Wr in each of the side wall portions of the pneumatic tire is a thickness in the tire width direction of the run flat liner at a maximum width position, a thickness Ws is a thickness in the tire width direction of a rubber layer at the maximum width position, and the thickness Wr and the thickness Ws are such that 1.2?Wr/Ws?1.9 is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventor: Keisuke Nakazaki
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Patent number: 9242516Abstract: A member for attachment to tire includes a functional object in suspension in a soft substance of very high deformability.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventors: Martine Borot, Jonathan Champredonde
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Patent number: 9242517Abstract: The utility model provides a tire pressure monitor cap utilizing colors to indicate tire pressure. The tire pressure monitor cap comprises a transparent cover, an alarm bolt, a spring, a floating seat, a rubber pad, a ventilating plate, a metal housing and a gasket; the rubber pad includes a circular protruding seat having a wall higher than that of the outside wall, and a circumferential depression therein, wherein the center is provided with the conical portion, an circular groove arranged outside the protruding seat to receive a hard O-ring inserted thereinto and facilitate inner wall of the O-ring integrated with outer wall of the protruding seat; the O-ring not only increases intensity of the outer wall of the rubber pad by its hard plastic material, but also decreases pressure from the flange of the transparent cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: Chien-Chuan Hsiao
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Patent number: 9242518Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air passageway in the tire that is operable to be sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air from a valve device through the passageway to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. The valve device has an internal pressure membrane that regulates the inlet flow of the air to the tube pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber CompanyInventor: Daniel Paul Luc Marie Hinque
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Patent number: 9242519Abstract: A hitch coupler, comprising a frame is disclosed, wherein the frame includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart plates having apertures disposed there through. A vertically extending clevis pin is adapted to slide within the apertures of the vertically spaced apart plates between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin further includes a pin housing having a guide slot, wherein the guide slot has an offset portion used to lock the pin in either the extended position or the retracted position. Further, the pin houses an internal spring having a torsional bias that urges the pin to a locked position in either the extended or retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.Inventors: Eric M Terpsma, Richard T. Polanic
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Patent number: 9242520Abstract: A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may include a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a locking member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may also include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball member, the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an first direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position, and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the second release mechanism in a second direction positions the locking member in the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Lynn H. Mida, Jacob S. Belinky
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Patent number: 9242521Abstract: A multi-function hitch accessory retaining device and method which includes an assembly comprising a housing, receiver engagement pin, biasing mechanism, fastener, and coupling pin that is inserted into an accessory shank and configured to easily engage and disengage a conventional hitch receiver as well as a method of firmly securing the shank within the hitch receiver tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: John R. Columbia
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Patent number: 9242522Abstract: A coupler lock for attaching to a trailer hitch coupler. The hitch coupler has a socket. The coupler lock includes a locking bar and a plug member for receipt within the socket of the hitch coupler and supported by the locking bar. The coupler lock includes a base structure removably attached to the locking bar. The base structure includes a locking structure actuatable to lockingly retain the base structure attached to the locking bar so as to retain the plug member within the socket of the hitch coupler. The locking structure is positioned above the plug member with the base structure attached to the locking bar and the plug member retained within the socket of the hitch coupler.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: WINSTON PRODUCTS LLCInventors: Winston Breeden, III, Thaddeus T. Brej, David Edward Birn Rathman
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Patent number: 9242523Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers is disclosed. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Aeplog, Inc.Inventors: William Teppig, Jr., James Whang
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Patent number: 9242524Abstract: A suspension assembly having a frame hanger, a first control arm mounted between the frame hanger and an axle attachment member, a second control arm mounted to the frame hanger and to the axle attachment member, wherein the second arm extends from a centerline of the first control arm at an angle alpha such that the first control arm and the second control arm are not parallel to each other, wherein the centerline of the first control arm and the centerline of the second control arm extend to intersect at a point that is at a virtual center of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Ashley T. Dudding, Richard J. Aumann, Michael Brannigan, Matthew J. Van Meter
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Patent number: 9242525Abstract: A rotating air conditioner apparatus and method comprising an elongated shaft, whereby one or more of a condenser coil, an evaporator coil, and a compressor rotate around the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, balancing weights rotate with the shaft and are positioned to prevent uneven rotation of rotating air conditioner during operation. The evaporator and condenser contain a plurality of fins and/or fan blades and coils for refrigerant. Inlets and/or adjustably directed outlets on the evaporator and/or the condenser provide for circulation of air through the rotating air conditioner apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: Herbert S Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9242526Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for a motorized vehicle with means for conveying, for cooling, and for heating of air. The air conditioning system comprises a housing with flow guide devices and air vents, an evaporator, and a heat exchanger. The housing is developed with an air distribution element and a range of variation. The flow guide devices of the air vents are arranged within the air distribution element, and the heat exchanger is arranged within the range of variation. With the arrangement of the heat exchanger, it is possible to change the outer dimensions of the range of variation and therefore of the air conditioning system while maintaining unchanged functionality and by using identical components such that the air conditioning system can be adapted to the installation space of different motorized vehicle types.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventors: Gerald Richter, Sezgin Gökcen
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Patent number: 9242527Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerant circuit and a process for operation of the refrigerant circuit of an HVAC system of a vehicle, particularly an electric or hybrid vehicle. The refrigerant circuit includes a primary circuit with a compressor, a heat exchanger for heat transmission between the refrigerant and the environment, a collector, a first expansion member, a heat exchanger for supply of heat from the fresh air to be conditioned of the vehicle interior to the refrigerant and a heat exchanger arranged switched in parallel to the heat exchanger. Further, the refrigerant circuit is provided with a secondary train that extends starting from a tapping point positioned between the compressor and the heat exchanger up to a connection point and is provided with a heat exchanger for heat transmission from the refrigerant to the fresh air to be conditioned for the vehicle interior, and a subsequent control valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventors: Marc Graaf, Florian Wieschollek, Christian Rebinger, Dirk Schroeder
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Patent number: 9242528Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger arrangement for heating of air, with a heat exchanger (8) which is integrated into a refrigerant circuit (60), configured to be able to have refrigerant flow through it and able to be impinged on by air. The heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the air. The heat exchanger (8) exhibits two components (8a, 8b) configured to be segregated from each other. The first component (8a) is configured with a condensation surface and a heat-removal surface. The second component (8b) exhibits a supercooling surface. Between the components (8a, 8b) on the refrigerant side, a refrigerant phase separation element is placed. The heat exchanger is configured as a tubular heat exchanger with tubes situated in rows, wherein the first component (8a) is configured with at least two rows and the second component (8b) with at least one row.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventors: Marc Graaf, Roberto Della Rovere, Navid Durrani
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Patent number: 9242529Abstract: A ventilation device includes an impeller rotatable to move air from an air inlet end to an air outlet end of the impeller. An opening is defined in a rear end of the housing. The rear end of the housing is fixed to the air inlet end of the impeller. The housing includes a hemispherical wall defining an interior space. The hemispherical wall has a plurality of annularly spaced and a plurality of annularly spaced outer holes, with the inner holes spaced from the outer holes in a radial direction. A plurality of tubes is formed on an inner face of the semispherical wall, with each tube extending from a corresponding one of the inner and outer holes into the interior space but spaced from the rear end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Inventor: Chin-Tuan Liao
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Patent number: 9242530Abstract: This invention is directed to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a first fluid, a second fluid, and a phase change material (PCM). Both tubes and header tanks contain phase change material. The phase change material header tanks are advantageously located outside of the first fluid's header tanks.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
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Patent number: 9242531Abstract: A method for controlling a climate control system is disclosed. In one example, the climate control system includes an air mixing valve that is adjusted in response to a energy conversion device load demand. The method may provide improved climate control in a vehicle cabin during high energy conversion device load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Patent number: 9242532Abstract: A method of controlling an automotive air-conditioning system includes compressing a refrigerant by sensing the operation of an air conditioner while a vehicle is driven after starting an engine of the vehicle, circulating the cooling water cooled by exchanging heat with external air in the cooling module to cool the intercooler or the electric device, and controlling operation speeds of a water pump in the cooling system and of a cooling fan, while keeping the vehicle idling or running, and ending the control by determining whether vehicle speed, pressure of the air conditioner, temperature of the cooling water, and temperature of the intercooler or the electric device are within predetermined values.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jae Yeon Kim, Hong Rok Shim
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Patent number: 9242533Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, at least one fixed window panel that is fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the upper and lower rails. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The movable window panel may include a panel portion and a carrier element integrally formed with the panel portion, with the carrier portion slidably received in the lower rail and movable along the lower rail as the movable window panel is moved between its closed and opened positions. The window assembly may include conductive heater grids that are electrically powered without use of jumper wires that electrically connect between heater grids of the fixed window panel at opposite sides of the movable window panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darin J. Snider, Michael J. Hulst
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Patent number: 9242534Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle may include an outer frame disposed at an external side of the vehicle, and an inner frame disposed at an internal side of the vehicle compared with the outer frame and having a shape in accord with a shape of the outer frame. The outer frame and a bright molding provided for improving aesthetic features of the vehicle may be configured such that the bright molding is able to be directly mounted to the outer frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sang Young Im
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Patent number: 9242535Abstract: A roof apparatus includes a movable panel configured to open and close an opening formed at a roof of a vehicle, a pair of guide rails provided at respective edge portions of the opening in a vehicle width direction and being extended in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a pair of support brackets provided at respective edge portions of the movable panel in the vehicle width direction and supported at the pair of guide rails to be movable and slidable relative to the guide rails, the movable panel being configured to be opened while maintaining a tilt-up state, and a wall portion provided at a front edge portion of each of the support brackets at an upper side of each of the guide rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shintaro Katsura, Ryuta Fukada
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Patent number: 9242536Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle includes a first closing element movably supported by a stationary part and is configured to move to an upward position with at least its front edge. A second closing element movably supported by the stationary part and is positioned rearward of the first closing element. The second closing element moves between a closed position in which it closes said roof opening and an at least partly open position. An air guide on a lower side of the first closing element guides and directs the air caught by said first closing element when in its upward position during driving of the vehicle to create a boundary layer of air which is situated between the outside and the inside of the vehicle at the position of the roof opening when said second closing element is in its at least partly open position.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.Inventor: Robert Rikkert
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Patent number: 9242537Abstract: A frame molding for a vehicle door configured to provide with a door panel and a door frame and configured to be mounted to a corner portion of a window opening includes a base member including a synthetic resin-made first base portion formed to extend along a first portion of an inner peripheral edge portion of the corner portion of the window opening, the first portion positioned at the door panel, and a synthetic resin-made second base portion formed to extend along a second portion of the inner peripheral edge portion of the corner portion of the window opening, the second portion positioned at the door frame and a decoration sheet being provided at the first base portion and the second base portion to cover respective surfaces of the first base portion and the second base portion, the surfaces facing an outside of a vehicle compartment.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Aisih Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Yoshida, Toshifumi Yanai