Patents Issued in February 16, 2016
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Patent number: 9260251Abstract: A multi-row magnetic dial assembly that conveys work pieces, such as fasteners, includes a work piece engaging surface disposed around an outer perimeter, adjacent a first dial surface and/or adjacent a second dial surface. Multiple magnets are disposed adjacent the work piece engaging surface to exert a magnetic force on work pieces to magnetically hold them against a dial. The magnets include a first magnet and a second magnet that exert magnetic forces so that the work piece engaging surface magnetically attracts and holds first and second rows (or more) of work pieces, the first row being distal from the second row by a row separation distance. The dial can be oriented in a horizontal plane or a non-horizontal plane. Related methods of operation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: ND Industries, Inc.Inventor: Gerald F. Snow
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Patent number: 9260252Abstract: A conveying device for a labeling machine is provided with a conveying belt frame (40), plurality of top seat fixtures (50) and a feeding device (60). A conveying belt (41) is mounted on the conveying belt frame (40). The top seat fixtures (50) are mounted at intervals on the conveying belt (41). A protrusion column (51) is protruded from the top surface of each top seat fixtures (50), so that a space can be formed between the bottom of containers and the top seat fixtures when the containers are mounted on the top seat fixtures. The shrinkable film labels can be set around the lower bottom of the containers after being cut by the labeling machine so that the labels can be shrunk to coat the bottom surface of the containers after being heated. The feeding device (60) cooperates with the conveying belt (41) and the top seat fixtures (50) so that the containers to be processed are conveyed by the feeding device (60) to the conveying belt (41) on the conveying belt frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignees: SHANGHAI DASE-SING PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Fu-Chuan Huang
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Patent number: 9260253Abstract: Apparatus and methods for assisting in controlling the supply of material onto a conveyor from a material dispenser include the use of a discharge control device coupled to each dispenser gate of the material dispenser. The discharge control device includes at least one wiper configurable to level the top of at least some of the material dispensed onto the conveyor through the material dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Brent Naizer, Ronnie Hughes
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Patent number: 9260254Abstract: A safety conveyor apparatus includes a feed section at which a worker loads the materials onto the conveyor and a subsequent conveyor section and an apparatus is provided for immobilizing the conveyor to ensure the safety of the worker in case the worker should be accidentally carried on the conveyor into the conveyor section. Each worker has a vest carrying a series of RFID tag members and a plurality of directionally shielded RFID antennas are mounted on the conveyor section on an arch above the conveyor facing downwardly and on sides facing inwardly to provide a signal to a control system responsive to detection of one or more of the tags by one or more of the antennas for stopping the movement of the conveyor. The tags are programmed with easily detectable codes which indicate the article to which they are attached allowing a periodic test procedure to be run.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignees: Lateral Innovations Inc., Groupe Gaudreau Inc.Inventors: Benoit Talbot, Real Fortin
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Patent number: 9260255Abstract: A guider for conveying a sheet-shaped object comprises two side plates (13, 14); two wheel components (7, 11) arranged in parallel between the two side plates (13, 14), a top channel plate (9) being disposed on the wheel components; and two side channel components (10, 8) disposed between the two wheel components (7, 11) and the top channel plate (9), the two side channel components (10, 8) forming a horizontal channel with the top channel plate (9), and each forming a lateral channel with the wheel component at the same side, two ends of the side channel component being respectively hinged on the two side plates (13, 14).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GRG BANKING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Guangjun Yin, En Wu, Dong Tan
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Patent number: 9260256Abstract: An apparatus for handling layers of palletized goods is disclosed including a lift head with a substantially horizontal suction face sized for a pallet including downwardly open suction chambers, which via individual valves are connected to a vacuum source, incorporated in the lift head or provided externally. The suction face is movable against a top side of an upper layer of goods on a pallet. The valves are closed if the associated suction chamber is not closed downwardly by contacting the top side of the goods on the uppermost pallet layer. The lift head along the outer sides of the suction face includes a vertically adjustable skirt with inflatable squeezing pads for exerting an inwardly directed pressure on the outer sides of at least the goods in the upper pallet layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: UNIVEYOR A/SInventors: Torben Christensen, Henrik Kjeldgaard Hansen
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Patent number: 9260257Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed. A first feed is disposed at least partially within the storage unit, and a second feed is coupled to the first feed. The second feed is configured to receive one or more materials and to transfer the one or more materials to the first feed. The first feed is configured to elevate the one or more materials to the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Ed B. Hagan
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Patent number: 9260258Abstract: A barrier for a dock with a dock upper surface terminating in a dock edge and a pair of vertical floor sleeves within the dock having openings at the dock upper surface. The barrier including an elongate base member having an H-beam structure with a horizontal web between two flanges, the base member defining a pair of forklift fork pockets, a pair of sleeve-insertion members extending downwardly from the base member and configured for engagement with the floor sleeves, at least one post member extending upwardly from the base member and a cross-member attached to the at least one post member and spaced above the base member.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Grant Leum
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Patent number: 9260259Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of printing a non-standard size image on a sheet of a size as desired by the user as possible, and preventing stoppage of printing the image even when there is no sheet of the size desired by the user in a sheet feeder. When image data is for a non-standard size, if there is a sheet feeder accommodating recording sheets of which vertical and lateral lengths corresponding to vertical and lateral lengths represented by the image data are designated, a control unit feeds the sheets from the sheet feeding cassette. If there is no such a sheet feeder, the control unit feeds recording sheets of a free size from a manual feed tray accommodating the recording sheets of the free size.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Nobuaki Miyahara
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Patent number: 9260260Abstract: An image forming apparatus, a method of controlling paper feeding thereof, and a computer-readable recording medium containing code to perform the method. The image forming apparatus includes a lift configured to supply loaded paper to a feed roller, a motor configured to move the lift so that the paper reaches and contacts the feed roller, a sensor configured to measure current that flows through the motor, and a controller configured to control driving of the motor according to a measured level of the current.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Young-kook Park, Ki-young Lee, Kang-seok Kim
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Patent number: 9260261Abstract: A method of indicating a medium jam along a medium transport path comprising one or more rollers for use in conveying the medium along the medium transport path; a microphone for detecting the sound of the medium being conveyed and producing a signal representing the sound; a processor for producing sound values from the signal and computing a moving window sum responsive to the sound values; computing a high amplitude count responsive to the sound values; and computing a post roller sum responsive to the sound values; and indicating the medium jam responsive to the moving window sum, high amplitude count, or post roller sum.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: KODAK ALARIS INC.Inventors: James E. Adams, Jr., Bruce A. Link
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Patent number: 9260262Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus has an abutment portion attached to a holding portion movably in first and second directions. The abutment portion is configured such that a movable range of the abutment portion is restricted by a second restricting portion from a first movable range in a state in which the move of the holding portion is restricted by the first restricting portion to a second movable range in a state in which the restriction on of the holding portion is released by the releasing portion. The movable range of the second movable range is narrower than a movable range of the first movable range.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuaki Matsumoto, Masaki Iwase
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Patent number: 9260263Abstract: A substrate aligning unit includes a first driving roll, a second driving roll, a web guider, an encoder roll, and a controller. The first driving roll transfers a substrate in a first direction. The second driving roll is disposed spaced apart from the first driving roll in the first direction and transfers the substrate in the first direction. The web guider controls a position of the substrate in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The encoder roll senses the position of the substrate to generate a sensing signal. The controller controls the first driving roll, the second driving roll, and the web guider based on the sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyeong-Min Yeo, Min-Uk Kim, Hyun-Seok Kim, Sin Kwon, Jae-Hyuk Chang, Sung-Hee Lee
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Patent number: 9260264Abstract: A sheet discharging device includes a shift tray 202 on which a sheet P1 is stacked, a discharging roller 6 that discharges a sheet P2 onto the shift tray 202, a blowing device 230 that sends air to a lower surface of the sheet P2 discharged by the discharging roller 6, a blocking member 231 that blocks air sent to the lower surface of the sheet P2 from a blowing port 230-2 of the blowing device 230, and a control unit that controls the blocking amount of the blocking member 231. The blocking amount is determined based upon sheet information including sheet-type information, sheet-size information, and sheet-thickness information, for example.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Tomomichi Hoshino, Masahiro Tamura, Shuuya Nagasako, Tomohiro Furuhashi, Keisuke Sugiyama, Kyosuke Nakada, Kazuya Yamamoto, Akira Kunieda, Takahiro Watanabe, Junya Suzuki, Kazunori Konno, Youhei Niitsuma, Takamasa Matsumoto, Kiichiro Goto, Kazuhiko Kitano, Takashi Fukumoto, Yasuo Niikura, Satoru Takano, Hidetoshi Kojima, Kei Sasaki, Yasushi Tsuruoka, Shintaro Matsumoto, Ryo Takahashi, Yuuta Mori, Kohjiroh Haga
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Patent number: 9260265Abstract: A bank note stacking and sorting device, comprising a bank note feeding unit, a bank note stacking unit, and a bank note sorting unit; the bank note feeding unit comprises a bank note guiding table, and a wind wheel sleeved on the bank note guiding table; the bank note stacking unit comprises a bank note stacking rack, and a bank note baffle plate disposed on the bank note stacking rack; the bank note baffle plate is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the bank note stacking rack; the bank note stacking rack is disposed in the bank note feeding direction of the bank note feeding unit for stacking bank notes; the bank note sorting unit comprises a limiting plate; the limiting plate is disposed on the bank note stacking unit, and is perpendicular to the bank note baffle plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xinming Deng, Zhuang Jiang
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Patent number: 9260266Abstract: Partial webs are separated in a slitter-winder. The partial webs (WP) are separated by spreading in a spreading device having at least a first, bowed spreader roll (14) fitted at one side of the partial webs (WP) and a second, bowed spreader roll (15) fitted at the opposite side of the partial webs. The partial webs (WP) are guided over the bowed spreader rolls (14, 15) so that the wrap angles (B 14, B15) over the spreader rolls (14, 15) are substantially unequal. The partial webs (WP) are guided to the first spreader roll (14) in a lead-in direction (Dinxy) in the XY-direction and the partial webs are guided from the second spreader roll (15) in a lead-out direction (Doutxy) in the XY-direction such that the lead-in direction (Dinxy) and the lead-out direction are substantially divergent.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: VALMET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Heikki Föhr, Tommi Vuoristo
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Patent number: 9260267Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing excess paper dust from paper fed from a high capacity feeder module that includes blades positioned after an exit of the high capacity feeder module that are configured to physically remove paper dust from sheets generated during feeding of the sheets by a fully active retard feeder from the high capacity feeder module.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Neil Flynn, John Saunders, Allan McIver, Craig Edwards
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Patent number: 9260268Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a pressing unit including a first pressing member and a second pressing member. The pressing unit is configured to sandwich and press a fold part of a folded sheet bundle between the first pressing member and the second pressing member. The sheet processing apparatus also includes a moving unit configured to move a position pressed by the pressing unit in a direction of a fold of the sheet bundle. A position pressed by the first pressing member on the sheet bundle and another position pressed by the second pressing member on the sheet bundle are shifted with respect to each other in the direction of the fold of the sheet bundle.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Keisuke Sugiyama, Kiyoshi Hata, Atsushi Kikuchi, Tomomichi Hoshino, Makoto Hidaka, Shohichi Satoh, Satoshi Saito, Mamoru Kambayashi
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Patent number: 9260269Abstract: The subject embodiments are directed to a wire packaging system for a coil of welding wire defining a bore, the system including a container adapted to receive the coil therein, the container having a base; a wire retainer having a base portion adapted to overlie the coil, the base portion defining an aperture adapted to overlie the bore of the coil; the base portion including a first support and a second support located on opposite sides of the aperture; each support extending upward from the base portion; a hold down assembly including a restraint supported near the base of the container and extending upward through the aperture to attach to a hold down member, the hold down member having first and second ends engageable with the first and second supports and the restraint adapted to apply a compressive force to the supports via attachment of the restraint to the hold down member.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.Inventors: Paul A. Weissbrod, Herbert Matthews
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Patent number: 9260270Abstract: The invention provides a packaged tow being characterized in that a carbon fiber precursor tow having a flattened shape in cross section and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface is layered and packaged in a packaging container in untwisted state. A front end and a back end of the carbon fiber precursor tow thus packaged are placed on a top of the fully-packaged carbon fiber precursor tow. When the front end and a back end of the tow are respectively applied with top/bottom surface identification means to identify top and bottom surfaces thereof, top and bottom surfaces on front ends and back ends of tows packaged in a plurality of packaging containers can be correctly identified and joined. As a result, thread breakage due to heat accumulation in twisted parts in a flame proofing process can be prevented from happening.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Ikeda, Atsushi Kawamura, Hiromasa Inada
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Patent number: 9260271Abstract: In some embodiments, a knot tying device includes a body that defines a wheel slot and inner passages that lead to the wheel slot and a wheel that fits and can be rotated within the wheel slot, the wheel including openings that can be aligned with the inner passages of the body, wherein one or more strands of material can be fed through the inner passages of the body and the openings of the wheel and the wheel can then be rotated relative to the body to twist the one or more stands.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: David Andrew Bowman, Jr., Joel Anthony Jenkins
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Patent number: 9260272Abstract: The yarn cylinder includes a hollow cylindrical body; a groove, almost annularly disposed around the cylindrical body, being formed with four sections of teeth to define four segments; and a plurality of recesses, located beside the groove one by one, each recess having a tapered end, and all tapered ends being toward the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Ying-Ling Lin
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Patent number: 9260273Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a first path and a second path through which a sheet is conveyed, and a guide portion rotatable between a first position where the sheet is guided to the first path and a second position where the sheet is guided to the second path, wherein the guide portion includes a resin member including a first guide surface configured to guide the sheet to the first path at the first position, and a second guide surface configured to guide the sheet to the second path at the second position, and a reinforcing member including a main body portion extending in a direction along an axis line of guide portion, and protrusions protruding, along the first guide surface and the second guide surface, from both end portions in a longitudinal direction of the main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsubumi Mizuno
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Patent number: 9260274Abstract: The invention concerns a lift having a drive unit. The invention further concerns a wind power installation having a lift. To reduce the costs of the lift and thus make the lift economically more attractive the lift of the kind set forth in this specification is characterized by a cupboard used as the lift car. In that respect the invention is based on the realization that a cupboard in its basic structure with bottom, side walls and a door does not differ from a lift car produced specifically for a lift. Naturally there are differences, for example in suspension and operation of the door, but those differences can be removed insofar as they are an obstacle to use of a cupboard as a lift car so that the complication and expenditure overall is always still less than the complication and expenditure for a lift car constructed specifically for the lift.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Aloys WobbenInventors: Hermann Meyer, Ulrich Neundlinger
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Patent number: 9260275Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling gear device for entraining a shaft door by means of an elevator car door that can be actuated by a door drive for elevator devices, comprising entrainment means (110) provided on the side of the elevator car door and counter entrainment means (210) arranged on the side of the shaft door. The counter entrainment means can be acted on by the entrainment means (110) for entraining the shaft door, wherein the entrainment means (110) and/or the counter entrainment means (210) can be lowered at least partially in the elevator car door or the shaft door.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Elevator AGInventors: Guenter Reuter, Gerald Steinz, Thomas Netzer, Aleksandr Gentner, Petros Burutjis, Adam Kolasinski
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Patent number: 9260276Abstract: A system and method for assisting drivers of Bomb Carts and Shuttle Carriers to position their vehicles appropriately for loading and unloading containers at a gantry crane. The system uses laser scanners mounted at various levels on the gantry crane sill beams to determine the type, position, orientation and skew angle of the vehicles as well as whether the vehicles are in a loaded or unloaded condition. In addition, the system provides indicator devices to direct drivers how to move their vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: TMEIC CorporationInventors: David G. Stocker, Michael G. Bartel, Gregory A. Hedrick
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Patent number: 9260277Abstract: A winch system 10 coupled to a processor energy source 12 having multiple processor driving rollers 14. The processor 12 provides energy to the winch system 10. The winch system has a body 18 with a front face 20, a back face 22, lateral sides 24, a top 26, a bottom 28 and an imaginary vertical axis A-A. Multiple driven winch drive rollers 32 are supported by the body 18 so that they are rotatable about axes that are parallel to the vertical axis in response to the multiple processor driving rollers. A winch drum 36 is attached to the body 18. A drum gear 38 influences the speed and direction of winch drum rotation. Attached to the winch drum is a cable 40 having a proximal end 42 region and a distal end region that is detachably attachable to an object 46 to be retrieved by the winch system. The cable extends outwardly from the front 20 or back faces 22 of the body 18.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Glen Raymond Simula, James A. Bertino
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Patent number: 9260278Abstract: A remote handling apparatus includes a joystick device, a load lifting device and a counterforce controller. The joystick device includes a counterforce generator that generates operation counterforce via a stick that accepts manual operation. The counterforce controller includes a pulsed counterforce controller and/or a deviation counterforce controller. The pulsed counterforce controller calculates a time rate of change of a dynamic load value of the load object, and outputs a counterforce command signal indicating a counterforce command value for generating pulsed counterforce. The deviation counterforce controller calculates a deviation amount of a dynamic load value from a static load value, and outputs a counterforce command signal indicating a counterforce command value for generating a counterforce. Embodiments may be implemented as an auxiliary apparatus, which is attached to an existing remote handling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Ozaki, Hirokazu Kitanishi, Akira Takagi, Hisaaki Hiue
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Patent number: 9260279Abstract: A lift assembly including a base, a drive mechanism, and a drum assembly adapted to be driven by the drive mechanism. The drum assembly includes first and second drum segments positioned adjacent each other, each drum segment including a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion, and a tapered portion between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. The lift assembly further includes first and second flexible drive elements at least partially wrapped around the small diameter portions of the first and second drum segments, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
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Patent number: 9260280Abstract: A loading and unloading device is disclosed that provides users with a convenient and hands-free way to move a dragster or other suitable vehicle in and out of a trailer. The loading and unloading device comprises a dolly, a winch, and a pulley system. The winch is secured to the dolly, and functions to secure a winch cable to a dragster and pull the dragster in toward the dolly. Furthermore, a pulley system is secured to the dolly for redirecting the winch cable from the winch. The dolly can also comprise an arm that is secured to either end of the dragster and that raises or lowers either end of the dragster. The dolly can also comprise wheels secured to front and rear axles of the dolly to allow for ease in transportation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Tony West
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Patent number: 9260281Abstract: A lift efficiency improvement mechanism is provided for use with a service wedge configured to be removably installed in an access slot of a turbine casing. The lift efficiency improvement mechanism includes a connector element, which is connectable with the turbine casing proximate to the access slot and a manually transportable lift efficiency improvement device, which is supportably coupled to the connector element and movably coupled to the service wedge. The lift efficiency improvement device is configured to urge the service wedge to move relative to the access slot responsive to corresponding operator control movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Alan Davi, Thomas James Batzinger
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Patent number: 9260282Abstract: There is a device for providing an easy opening in a beverage container such as a can. The device can comprise a body section, extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. This body section can comprise a first section having a rounded end. There can be a second section comprising a substantially flat section extending along the longitudinal axis. This second section comprises at least one first prong and a second prong comprising a hook which can extend to a sharpened section. The opening device is configured to create an opening in a metal can, wherein the first prong is configured to grip a bottom of a can, the second prong is spaced from the first prong and is configured to puncture a hole in the can when pressed, and the rounded end is configured to push through the opening to create a wider opening in the can.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Ryan Michael Laverty
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Patent number: 9260283Abstract: Multi-flavored beverage dispensing may be achieved by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system for dispensing a combination of externally supplied flavor concentrates and water may include a housing, a lid, a base, a valve, and a flow control assembly. The valve may include a dispensing nozzle, a handle, and a sensor activated by movement of the handle, the valve adapted to separately receive a flavor concentrate and water and mix the two fluids in the nozzle before dispensing. The flow control assembly may include a multiplicity of paired mechanically adjustable flow control elements and dispensing controllers. The flow control assembly may be controlled by a touch-sensitive control panel and a computer. The touch-sensitive control panel may be adapted to receive user flavor selections, and the computer may control the dispensing controllers responsive to user touches of the control panel and manipulation of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jason Minica, Deborah Absalon, A. A. Jud Schroeder, David Santy
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Patent number: 9260284Abstract: A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.Inventors: Carlos Hernan Marina, Ricardo Ruiz de Gopegui, Agnete Enga, Vincent Faivre d'Arcier, Tim Connelly, Jonathan Cedar, Tucker Fort
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Patent number: 9260285Abstract: A tote bag beverage dispensing apparatus includes a housing having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes bottom and upstanding side walls that define an interior area for carrying articles and an open top for access thereto. The lower portion includes insulated bottom and upstanding side walls defining a compartment and defining a slot for access thereto. The compartment is configured to receive a bladder of liquid having a dispensing nozzle and is insulated for maintaining a temperature of a bladder of liquid, such as a beverage, placed therein. One side wall of the lower portion defines an aperture configured to receive the dispensing nozzle of the bladder of liquid therethrough. The slot transitions between a closed configuration blocking access to the compartment and an open configuration allowing access to the compartment. A flap coupled to the lower portion conceals the opening and the dispensing nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Tracey Murray Luebbers
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Patent number: 9260286Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a fluid path through which fluid to be dispensed is configured to flow. The nozzle includes a main fluid valve positioned in the fluid path to control the flow of fluid therethrough, and a secondary fluid valve positioned in the fluid path to control the flow of fluid therethrough. The secondary fluid valve includes a secondary valve body and a secondary valve seat, the secondary valve body being movable between a closed position, wherein the secondary valve body sealingly engages the secondary valve seat, and an open position wherein the secondary valve body is spaced away from the secondary valve seat. The nozzle further includes an actuator operatively coupled to the main and secondary fluid valves. The actuator and main and secondary fluid valves are configured such that initial actuation of the actuator opens only the secondary fluid valve and not the main fluid valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: OPW FUELING COMPONENTS INC.Inventors: Timothy M. Garrison, Matthew R. Lauber, James E. Kesterman, Harold M. Schubert
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Patent number: 9260287Abstract: A riding crop for controlling a horse by striking its flank or hindquarters includes a slender, elongated shaft with a handle at its proximal end and a popper at its distal end. To ensure that the popper is normally the first part of the riding crop that strikes the horse, the popper has a thicker or larger cross-sectional dimension than the mid-length portion of the shaft that supports the popper. The popper can have a relatively resilient or pliable characteristic with respect to the more rigid shaft. When the pliable popper contacts the horse prior to any other portion of the riding crop, it deforms to soften or cushion the impact from the riding crop reducing the chance of injury or harm to the horse.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Inventor: Ramon Dominguez
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Patent number: 9260288Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a corresponding device for filling at least one seat cushion of a seat with, and emptying same of, a fluid, in which, during a filling or emptying operation, depending on a switching state of an actuating member designed for filling or emptying the at least one seat cushion, a first pressure value determined upstream of a throttle point through which the fluid flows, and a second pressure value determined downstream of the throttle point, are detected, and, depending on the first pressure value and the second pressure value, an estimated value of a mass of fluid supplied to or removed from the at least one seat cushion is determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbHInventors: Michael Beuschel, Martin Ebel, Stefan Bauer, Mehmet Cini
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Patent number: 9260289Abstract: An optical-microwave-quantum transducer can include a tapered optical fiber configured to transmit and receive optical signals. The optical-microwave-quantum transducer can also include a cantilever that can include an optical cavity that includes a nanophotonic crystal. The optical cavity can be configured to provide mechanical excitation in response to electromagnetic excitation induced by photons emitted from the tapered optical fiber. The cantilever can also include a mechanical coupler that is configured to induce electrical modulation onto a superconducting cavity in response to the mechanical excitation. The mechanical coupler can also be configured to provide mechanical excitation in response to electromagnetic excitation induced by photons from the superconducting cavity. The optical cavity can further be configured to provide electromagnetic excitation that induces optical modulation on the tapered optical fiber in response to the mechanical excitation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventor: Jae I. Park
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Patent number: 9260290Abstract: An apparatus is formed on a substrate including at least one semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising at least one of a portion of a first structural layer and a portion of a second structural layer formed above the first structural layer. The second structural layer has a thickness substantially greater than a thickness of the first structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the MEMS device includes a first portion of the second structural layer and a second portion of the second structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the MEMS device further comprises a gap between the first portion of the second structural layer and the second portion of the second structural layer. In at least one embodiment, the gap has a width at least one order of magnitude less than the thickness of the second structural layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Emmanuel P. Quevy, Carrie W. Low, Jeremy Ryan Hui, Zhen Gu
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Patent number: 9260291Abstract: Getter structure comprising a substrate and at least one getter material-based layer mechanically connected to the substrate by means of at least one support, in which the surface of the support in contact with the substrate is smaller than the surface of a first face of the getter material layer, in which said first face is in contact with the support, and a second face of the getter material layer, opposite said first face is at least partially exposed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUEInventors: Stephane Caplet, Xavier Baillin
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Patent number: 9260292Abstract: A sensor device has a substrate, a sensor section provided on an upper surface of the substrate, a circuit section provided on the upper surface of the substrate, a plurality of connection pads that electrically conduct with the sensor section or the circuit section, and a metal protective film covering at least a part of the circuit section from above.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Takashi Kasai
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Patent number: 9260293Abstract: A MEMS lead frame package body encloses a MEMS device enclosed in an internal cavity formed by the mold body and cover. A conductive internal shell with a connection window sits in the cavity. The MEMS device is mounted in the shell and electrically coupled to the lead frame through wire bonds directed through the connection window. To accommodate a MEMS microphone, an acoustic aperture extends through the mold body aligned with a hole in the internal shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventor: Thomas Goida
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Patent number: 9260294Abstract: The integration of pressure or inertial sensors into an integrated circuit fabrication and packaging flow is described. In one example, a diaphragm is formed by depositing a metal over a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed over the diaphragm. A metal mesh layer is formed over the second dielectric. The first dielectric layer is etched under the diaphragm to form a cavity. The cavity is lined with a sealing layer. The cavity is covered to form a chamber adjoining the diaphragm, and the cover is sealed against the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Kyu Oh Lee, Sasha N. Oster, Feras Eid, Sarah Haney
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Patent number: 9260295Abstract: A method embodiment includes providing a MEMS wafer comprising an oxide layer, a MEMS substrate, a polysilicon layer. A carrier wafer comprising a first cavity formed using isotropic etching is bonded to the MEMS, wherein the first cavity is aligned with an exposed first portion of the polysilicon layer. The MEMS substrate is patterned, and portions of the sacrificial oxide layer are removed to form a first and second MEMS structure. A cap wafer including a second cavity is bonded to the MEMS wafer, wherein the bonding creates a first sealed cavity including the second cavity aligned to the first MEMS structure, and wherein the second MEMS structure is disposed between a second portion of the polysilicon layer and the cap wafer. Portions of the carrier wafer are removed so that first cavity acts as a channel to ambient pressure for the first MEMS structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng
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Patent number: 9260296Abstract: A method embodiment includes providing a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) wafer including a polysilicon layer having a first and a second portion. A carrier wafer is bonded to a first surface of the MEMS wafer. Bonding the carrier wafer creates a first cavity. A first surface of the first portion of the polysilicon layer is exposed to a pressure level of the first cavity. A cap wafer is bonded to a second surface of the MEMS wafer opposite the first surface of the MEMS wafer. The bonding the cap wafer creates a second cavity comprising the second portion of the polysilicon layer and a third cavity. A second surface of the first portion of the polysilicon layer is exposed to a pressure level of the third cavity. The first cavity or the third cavity is exposed to an ambient environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Hua Chu, Chun-Wen Cheng
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Patent number: 9260297Abstract: A cantilever beam structure where stress is matched and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. An example method may comprise depositing a first sub-layer of a first material with a first deposition menu and depositing a second sub-layer of the first material with a second deposition menu different from the first deposition menu. The first sub-layer and the second sub-layer can be disposed adjacent to each other to form a first layer. The method may further comprise depositing a second layer of a second material different from the first material. The first layer and the second layer can be disposed adjacent to each other. The method may further comprise matching stress between the first layer and the second layer by adjusting at least one of thicknesses of the respective sub-layers of the first layer and a thickness of the second layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Institute of Microelectronics, Chinese Academy of SciencesInventors: Binbin Jiao, Ruiwen Liu, Zhigang Li, Yanmei Kong, Dapeng Chen
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Patent number: 9260298Abstract: A stacked MEMS microphone packaging method includes the steps of: providing a substrate having a conducting part and a through hole; affixing a retaining wall to the substrate and forming a conducting circuit in electrical connection with the conducting part; mounting a processor chip and a sensor chip on the substrate to have the sensor chip be disposed at a top side of the through hole; providing a carrier board having a first solder pad and a second solder pad and fixedly mounting the carrier board at the retaining wall and electrically coupled to the first solder pad and the second solder pad. Thus, the method can make a flip architecture MEMS microphone, reducing the steps of the packaging process and lowering the degree of difficulty of the manufacturing process and the manufacturing costs.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: LINGSEN PRECISION INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hsien-Ken Liao, Ming-Te Tu
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Patent number: 9260299Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for functionalizing a solid material surface with self assembling or self aggregating cyclodextrins, said method comprising the steps of: providing an adsorption solution comprising at least one modified cyclodextrins and at least one solvent; and contacting a solid material surface with the adsorption solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Aalborg UniversitetInventors: Kim Lambertsen Larsen, Ronnie Nielsen, Karen Østergaard Styrbæk
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Patent number: 9260300Abstract: According one embodiment, a pattern formation method forming a resist layer on a pattern formation surface by pressing a template provided with a concave-convex from above the resist layer to form a resist pattern on the pattern formation surface, includes: forming a resist layer in a first region having an area smaller than an area of the pattern formation surface and in a second region other than the first region of the pattern formation surface; pressing a template against the resist layer; irradiating the resist layer with light via the template to form a first resist layer in the first region, curing of the first resist layer being suppressed, and form the resist pattern including a second resist layer, curing of the second resist layer proceeds in the second region; and removing the first resist layer from the first region, the curing of the first resist layer being suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kentaro Matsunaga, Nobuhiro Komine, Eiji Yoneda