Patents Issued in March 15, 2016
  • Patent number: 9284939
    Abstract: A laser spark plug for an internal combustion engine includes at least one element for guiding, shaping and/or generating laser radiation, a combustion chamber window and a housing. The housing has, on the opposite side of the combustion chamber window from the element, an aperture for the passage of the laser radiation guided, shaped and/or generated by the element into a prechamber disposed at the end of the housing on the combustion chamber side. At least one overflow channel is provided for a fluid connection between an internal space of the prechamber and a combustion chamber surrounding the prechamber. When a fluid flows into the internal space of the prechamber through the overflow channel, a fluid flow is obtained that enters the interior of the aperture at a minimum angle ?, in particular measured with respect to the longitudinal axis of the laser spark plug, of 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Pascal Woerner, Juergen Raimann, Joerg Engelhardt, Martin Weinrotter
  • Patent number: 9284940
    Abstract: A system and method for converting wave energy into electric energy in an intelligent, practical, and efficient manner. The system utilizes a power input shaft coupled with a vertically reciprocating buoy to rotate a crank gear and a ratchet gear meshing therewith. When the gears rotate, a plurality of generators coupled therewith produce electric energy. A flexible pivot device connects the power input shaft and the crank gear for absorbing impacts against the system from irregular and variable passing waves. The power input shaft is adjusted in response to water level fluctuations for maximum efficiency. A counterbalancing and maintenance device is coupled with the buoy to improve energy conversion efficiency and to uplift the buoy to a safe position in extreme conditions. An intelligent control system is included to monitor, control, and optimize the operations of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Fuquan Lee
  • Patent number: 9284941
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a natural energy extraction apparatus which can extract kinetic energies of river water currents or tidal water currents at various depth layers, and which is easy to attach to the fixed structure above water current. A natural energy extraction apparatus comprises a float, a vertical-axis water turbine fixed to the float and extending downward, a power transmission device engaging an upper end of the float and converting rotational kinetic energy of the float to driving torque for driven equipment, and arm members supporting the power transmission device rotatably around a horizontal axis at one ends and supported by a fixed structure above a water current rotatably around a horizontal axis at the other ends, wherein the float and the vertical-axis water turbine are located in a river water current or tidal water current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ALBATROSS TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventor: Hiromichi Akimoto
  • Patent number: 9284942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subassembly for forming a hydraulic motor after assembly onto an assembly including a shaft, said subassembly including a cover forming a housing element, a multilobe cam, a cylinder block opposite the cam, pistons guided so as to slide radially within the respective cylinders of the cylinder block and bearing on the lobes of the cam, and a valve intended to apply pressurized fluid to said pistons in series, wherein said subassembly includes means for temporarily attaching the cylinder block to the cover and means for accessing an element of the valve through the cover in order to enable, during installation, the angular positioning of said element with respect to the shaft, followed by the attachment thereof to the shaft. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling such a hydrobase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Poclain Hydraulics Industrie
    Inventors: Bernard Allart, Cécile Borgnon, Gery Depierre, Hervé Desumeur, Philippe Lucienne, Clément Recoura, Julien Viard
  • Patent number: 9284943
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine formed from an arrangement of fixed stator blades to provide fluid flow acceleration into an arrangement of rotatable blades secured to a generator for invoking electrical power generation. The stator blades are maintained in position by use of a stator plate. Rotor blades are coupled to the generator. The amount of stator and rotor blades may be scaled in number and size depending upon the type of generator to be driven and associated mechanical energy to be obtained. The stator blades are designed for air deflection in a direction for optimal rotor blade rotation by accelerating air flow into a pre-swirl before the flow contacts the rotor blades. Each stator blade is oriented at a sufficient stagger angle so that an angle of the relative velocity does not exceed the stall angle of said rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Vortexis Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gecheng Zha, Bertrand Dano
  • Patent number: 9284944
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Darrieus windmill, and more specifically, to a vertical axis type Darrieus windmill that enables self-start in the low wind velocity range. The Darrieus windmill, in which a primary vertical shaft is rotated by the lift forces generated by primary blades, has a starting means for assisting the starting or rotation of the primary shaft at a low wind velocity. The present invention provides advantages of enabling self-start and rotation due to the lift generated by the blade in low wind velocity conditions and enabling the generation of rotating moments in any wind direction or wind velocity, thereby easily starting even in urban areas with very low wind velocities or large variations in wind direction, and thus enabling the generation of electricity over a wide range of wind velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: CYGNUS POWER CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yang Il Yoon
  • Patent number: 9284945
    Abstract: The disclosed wind turbine utilizes adjustable blades, forcing wind into channels away from the rotational axis. These channels direct wind to conversion surfaces a desirable distance from the rotational axis of the turbine, producing more torque. The channels feature independent exhaust points and intake points, minimizing vortices within the blades that can reduce torque. The blades of the disclosed turbine overlap, creating a larger constant percentage of air flow into the turbine channel. A modular tower for mounting a wind turbine is also disclosed. Finally, a wind directional amplifier for use with a wind turbine is disclosed. The wind directional amplifier directs the flow of wind to the optimum location for capture surfaces. When used with multiple wind turbines, the wind directional amplifier may be used to focus more or less air flow to one or more turbines, thereby selectively controlling the output of all the turbines collectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Brendle, Stephen N. Brinkerhoff
  • Patent number: 9284946
    Abstract: A windmill is disclosed having over speed protection. In a preferred embodiment, the vanes are symmetric, curved metal sheets, with each vane's shape having a circular arc corresponding to its portion of the cylindrical support structure. Each vane is mounted with a large leading portion exposed to the wind. The imbalance of surface area causes the wind to push the vane open when moving downwind and push the vane closed when moving upwind. During periods of high rotational speed, the off-axis centers of mass cause each vane to rotate towards a closed position under centrifugal force. Once the critical speed is reached, the vanes fully close as they pass through the upwind side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Lane
  • Patent number: 9284947
    Abstract: A windmill rotates on a vertical axis, with plural articulated working members circling around. Each working member has a pivotal edge like a vane, a flag or a hinged door, swings on its own axis and is also rotatable around the central axis. On the axis of each working member is furnished a joint controller to restrain the movement of each, flipping and engaging the favorable wind in about ¾ turn of the central axis but disengaging in the rest ¼ turn. The engagement of the controller is elastically releasable on excessive load or over-speeding, allowing the respective working member to skip the engaging temporarily during each rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Zhong Ai Xia
  • Patent number: 9284948
    Abstract: A blade for a partial pitch wind turbine is described, wherein the blade has a truncated aerodynamic profile provided at the pitch junction of the blade. The truncated trailing edge acts to prevent the formation of a trailing edge gap during pitching between the trailing edges of the inner and outer blade sections of a partial pitch blade, thereby reducing the negative impact of air leakage, etc., when pitching a partial pitch blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Envision Energy (Denmark) ApS
    Inventors: Michael Friedrich, Peter Grabau
  • Patent number: 9284949
    Abstract: To facilitate adjusting a bearing arrangement, particularly in a wind turbine, for different operating situations, the bearing arrangement has an adjusting device with which the bearing preload can be adjusted starting from a base preload. This can allow, for example signs of wear to be compensated, manufacturing tolerances or design inaccuracies to be corrected and in particular current loading states to be addressed. This design avoids the otherwise usual overdimensioning of the bearing arrangement, thereby increasing the efficiency of the wind turbine as well as the service life of the bearing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Eolotec GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Pick, Wolfgang Losert
  • Patent number: 9284950
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for installing at least one sensor device within a rotor blade of a wind turbine. A first substantially planar light beam is emitted in the interior of the rotor blade. Finally, at least one second substantially planar light beam is emitted in the interior of the rotor blade, wherein the plane of the first planar light beam is oriented at a predetermined angle to the plane of the second planar light beam. Further, the planes of the first and second planar light beams are aligned on the blade flange of the rotor blade. At least one sensor device is subsequently aligned in reference to the planar light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Technische Universität München
    Inventors: Thorbjörn Buck, Lars Hoffmann, Mathias Müller, Rolf Wojtech
  • Patent number: 9284951
    Abstract: A solar-energy heat power-generating system and thermoelectric conversion device thereof, the thermoelectric conversion device comprising a power generator (5), an air compressor, a turbine and an intermediate body (12) fixedly connected between the air compressor and the turbine; the interior of the intermediate body (12) is rotatably connected to a transmission shaft (28); the transmission shaft (28) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the power generator (5); the air compressor impeller (7) of the air compressor and the turbine impeller (18) of the turbine are both installed on the transmission shaft (28); the power generator (5) is also connected to a conducting wire (3) for inputting current; the solar-energy heat power-generating system comprises a heat collector and the thermoelectric conversion device; the air compressor of the thermoelectric conversion device is located upstream of the heat collector, and the turbine is located downstream of the heat collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhui Wang, Minhui Wang, Yuelei Zhang, Mi Mou, Yueying Li, Yingzhao Ma
  • Patent number: 9284952
    Abstract: The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Gary Scott Peele
  • Patent number: 9284953
    Abstract: A fluid end assembly comprising a fluid end housing with multiple discharge manifold ports which provide a fluid end assembly that overcomes problems associated with prior art single port discharge manifold designs that result in non-symmetrical flow of discharged fluids through the fluid end discharge valves, resulting in premature failure of said valves. The multiple port discharge manifolds overcome problems associated with non-symmetrical flow of discharged fluids through a fluid end discharge valve, thereby improving valve life and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: George H Blume
  • Patent number: 9284954
    Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor having high controllability and capable of exhibiting high mounting performance and securing sufficient compression capacity is provided. The compressor of the present invention comprises a first cylinder block and a second cylinder block, and an actuator. The actuator includes an actuator main body and a control pressure chamber. A first cylinder bore and a first storage chamber are formed in the first cylinder block. A second cylinder bore and a second storage chamber are formed in the second cylinder block. The first cylinder bore is formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second cylinder bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Shinya Yamamoto, Takahiro Suzuki, Kazunari Honda, Kei Nishii, Yusuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9284955
    Abstract: According to a compressor of the present invention, the compressor further comprises an oil separating mechanism 40 which separates oil from the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressing mechanism 10, the oil separating mechanism 40 includes a cylindrical space 41 in which the refrigerant gas orbits, an inflow portion 42 for flowing the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressing mechanism 10 into the cylindrical space 41, a sending-out port 43 for sending out, from the cylindrical space 41 to the one container space 32, the refrigerant gas from which the oil is separated, and an exhaust port 44 for discharging the separated oil and a portion of the refrigerant gas from the cylindrical space 41, and a center of the sending-out port 43 is deviated in a direction opposite from the inflow portion 42 from a center axis of the cylindrical space 41.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hiratsuka, Osamu Aiba, Takeshi Hashimoto, Akinori Fukuda, Shiho Furuya, Atsushi Sakuda, Yoshiyuki Futagami, Hiroyuki Kawano, Yusuke Imai, Takashi Morimoto, Tatsuya Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 9284956
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm pumps including a muffler-mounted sensor are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a diaphragm pump includes a shaft coupled to at least one diaphragm, an exhaust chamber configured to receive a motive fluid that has driven reciprocation of the at least one diaphragm and the shaft, a muffler disposed at least partially within the exhaust chamber, the muffler having a sensor mounting chamber defined therein, and a proximity sensor disposed in the sensor mounting chamber, a sensing end of the proximity sensor being flush with an end of the sensor mounting chamber nearest the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Dale Treml, John Conrad
  • Patent number: 9284957
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater conveying assembly with a pump (2) and with a drive device (3), in which the drive device (3) is sealed off with respect to the surrounding water and with respect to a process medium, the pump (2) and the drive device (3) being combined into a module (4), and the pump (2) having at least one inlet port (21) and at least one outlet port (22), the module (4) being assigned a collecting element (5), which tapers preferably in the direction of the inlet port (21), at least one suction lance (7) being flow-connected to the inlet port (21). It is possible to change over to a punctiform inlet port which precedes the collecting element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ITT Bornemann GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Jaeshke
  • Patent number: 9284958
    Abstract: A rotary compressor includes a cylinder with a cylinder chamber, a piston, a blade and a pair of bushes. The piston is movable-within the cylinder chamber. The blade is integrally formed with the cylinder or piston and penetrates a groove formed in the other to segment the cylinder chamber into high and low pressure chambers. The bushes are provided at the groove and sandwich the blade from both sides of the blade. At least one of the pair of bushes includes an oil supply passage formed from a blade-side sliding surface to a groove-side sliding surface, a blade-side oil reservoir formed on the blade-side sliding surface, and a groove-side oil reservoir on the groove-side sliding surface. Ends of the oil supply passage open to the blade-side and groove-side oil reservoirs. The groove-side oil reservoir being wider than the blade-side oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Inada, Takazou Sotojima, Yoshitaka Shibamoto, Kenichi Sata
  • Patent number: 9284959
    Abstract: A turbine creating fluid displacement or thrust having an outer frame superstructure comprised of opposed disk assemblies extending parallel, each joined concentrically to a central sun gear and central drive shaft housing, each spaced apart along a central axis defining an interior operating space to support a motor driven driveshaft joined to a rotatable interplanetary assembly that secures two or more orbiting evenly spaced planetary turbines by bearing means each having a pivoting wing/s which presents a maximum contact surface profile in drive maximally impinging on air or water and pivoting back to a position of least resistance in glide thereby creating current or thrust, each made to counter rotate, once around its axis as the interplanetary assembly rotates once around the propulsion turbine's central axis, each maintaining a transverse planetary turbine and wing orientation relative to the direction of created thrust or fluid displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Ronald Grigg
  • Patent number: 9284960
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a medical pump comprising: a. A hard housing comprising a top (24) and bottom (1) hard shells, within which a rigid wall (3) and a movable membrane (2) create three distinct chambers; wherein i. said movable membrane tightly separates said second (29) and third (22) chambers ii. said first and third chambers have a watertight interface iii. said second chamber (29) is designed to contain a fluid iv. said first chamber (23) comprises a first venting mean (20) which is arranged to provide a fluidic communication between said first chamber (23) and the external environment; v. said third chamber (22) comprises a second venting mean which is arranged to provide a fluidic communication between said third chamber (22) and the external environment b. A pumping element (4) located in the first chamber (23) c. A least one pressure sensor which measure the pressure gradient between the first chamber (23) and the second chamber (29) d. A fluid pathway which permits: i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEBIOTECH S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Chappel, Ricardo Allendes, Frédéric Neftel
  • Patent number: 9284961
    Abstract: A fan device includes a rotor 20 and recesses 40 to be filled with claylike weights 70. The rotor 20 includes an impeller 23 and a shaft 10. The impeller 23 has a hub 21 and vanes 22. The recesses 40 are provided on a surface 212 that crosses an axial direction of the hub 21. Each recess 40 has a first area 41 and a second area 42. The first area 41 is circumferentially arranged and extends in a substantially circumferential direction. The second area 42 is connected to an outer circumferential side of the first area 41 and has a shorter length in the circumferential direction than the first area 41. The weight 70 is closely adhered to wall surfaces 421 and 422 formed along a radial direction in the second area 42 so as to prevent separation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: MINEABEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Mashima, Yoichi Kawai
  • Patent number: 9284962
    Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes rotors that provide vertical and horizontal thrust. During forward motion, the vertical lift system is inactive. A lift fan mechanism positions the fan blades of the aircraft in a collapsed configuration when the vertical lift system is inactive and positions the fan blades of the aircraft in a deployed configuration when the vertical lift system is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Zee.Aero Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey A. Long, Rodin Lyasoff
  • Patent number: 9284963
    Abstract: A dryer with a modular blower assembly that allows easy assembly and field servicing through replacement of the blower assembly as a unit. The blower assembly generally includes unique motor mounts that allow a motor assembly to be secured within a housing without being directly fastened to other members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: American Dryer, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Michael
  • Patent number: 9284964
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a novel arrangement for equipment used to compress fluids. A single prime mover is connected to a plurality of compressors. A supply conduit with parallel branch conduits directs fluid to be compressed to at least two compressors and parallel output conduits from each compressor are connected to a common output conduit, which directs compressed fluids to at least one additional compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Omar Angus Sites
  • Patent number: 9284965
    Abstract: An in-line water hammer arrester comprises a housing connectable at each end to a piping system, a fluid channel disposed within the housing to permit fluid to flow from the piping system through the housing and back into the piping system, a piston and a pressurized gas chamber. When a pressure spike occurs, the piston is pushed against the pressurized gas chamber allowing an expanded area for water flow until the pressure spike is dissipated and the piston returns to its resting position. When used with flexible hoses and tubing typically found with household appliance water supply lines, the in-line arrester is easily installed by a crimping or clamping type connector and takes up little space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Condon, Bill Ghiglieri
  • Patent number: 9284966
    Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement (10) to increase a motor load is described. The hydraulic arrangement comprises a hydraulic consumer (28), a load pressure-controlled hydraulic pump (24), a hydraulic tank (26), and a hydraulic control circuit (30), connected with the hydraulic consumer (28), with which a volume flow conveyed by the hydraulic pump (24) can be changed, wherein the hydraulic control circuit (30) comprises an excess pressure valve (42) and an electronically controllable control valve (36). In order to ensure a prioritization of the hydraulic consumer with a simultaneous increase of the motor bad, a proposal is made that the hydraulic control circuit (30) comprise a load pressure-controlled pressure compensator (38) between the excess pressure valve (42) and the control valve (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Mario Seebode, Thilo Kazimiers
  • Patent number: 9284967
    Abstract: In a clip that copes with pitches of a plurality of types of screw grooves, force to support the engaged screw members is increased at low cost. Each elastic locking piece extends from the first side to the second side opposite to the first side, in the direction of the axis of the screw member such that its leading end approaches the screw member within the insertion hole of a tubular body part. Each elastic locking piece is elastically deformable such that its leading end is separated from the screw member. Each locking piece has at its leading end a locking claw that engages with the screw groove of the screw member. A claw leading-edge of the locking claw has a straight section extending straight on one side in a circumferential direction around the axis, and a curved section extending curvedly along the circumferential direction on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DAIWA KASEI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Iwahara, Makoto Kato, Atsutoshi Kaji
  • Patent number: 9284968
    Abstract: A device for mounting objects to a pole is disclosed. The device includes a first part having a channel therein and keys extending therefrom. A second piece also having a channel therein has keyways adapted to slidably receive the keys on the first part. The first and second parts are joined together to suspend objects from a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Doug Clouser
  • Patent number: 9284969
    Abstract: A thermal expansion joint suited for metal sheet component assemblies and method of connection is described. The expansion joint connection is formed by overlapping edge portions of components which are subject to different temperatures. Slot apertures are formed in the edge portion of a first component at predetermined locations and hole apertures are formed in the edge portion of the second component and disposed for confronting alignment with the slot apertures. A connecting sleeve is disposed in each hole aperture and projects through the hole and associated slot and a retention washer is secured over an end of the connecting sleeve on the other side of the second component. A fastener extends through the retention washer and the connecting sleeve to clampingly interconnect the overlapped edge portions of the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Eric Durocher, Guy Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 9284970
    Abstract: A connector assembly formed by attaching two stamped housing sections to form a connector housing having a housing groove with a groove bottom and two side walls. The connector housings with spring can be used as a mechanical connector and/or as an electrical connector for numerous applications and across numerous industries. The groove geometries can easily be altered using different stamping dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Farshid Dilmaghanian, Peter J. Balsells, Majid Ghasiri, Derek Changsrivong
  • Patent number: 9284971
    Abstract: A fastener includes a body having deformable first end, a second end, and a passage extending through the body between the first and second ends. The fastener further includes a corebolt having first and second ends and a region of reduced diameter disposed between the first and second ends and a sleeve having first and second ends, the second end having a bulbing portion. The corebolt is disposed within the sleeve and the body with the first end of the corebolt in engagement with the first end of the sleeve and the first end of the body disposed adjacent the second end of the sleeve. The bulbing portion is adapted to form an enlarged blind head when the corebolt is rotated in relation to the sleeve. The first end of the body is adapted to deform radially inwardly into the region of reduced diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: John D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 9284972
    Abstract: A panel-insert assembly including a panel and an insert, wherein the panel includes a core and a face sheet positioned over the core, wherein the face sheet defines an opening therein, and wherein the insert is positioned below the face sheet and includes a thread member engaged with the panel, the thread member extending in a first circumferential direction about the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley, Michael S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9284973
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for affixing an object to a surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a magnet formed with an opening at its center. The magnet is attached to the surface by inserting a screw into the opening. A spacer and a flat washer are attached to the screw, with the spacer being positioned between the flat washer and the magnet. After the screw is affixed to the surface, a metal object can be magnetically attached to the screw and magnet to secure the object to the surface. A backer plate is also contemplated for securing non-magnetic objects to the screw and magnet. Multiple backer plates can be affixed to objects to support a greater amount of weight if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9284974
    Abstract: In a clip that copes with pitches of a plurality of types of screw grooves, force to support the engaged screw members is increased at low cost. The clip includes opposite elastic locking pieces. Each elastic locking piece extends from a first side to a second side opposite to the first side, in the direction of the axis of the screw member such that its leading end approaches the screw member within the insertion hole of a tubular body part. Each elastic locking piece is elastically deformable such that its leading end is separated from the screw member. Each locking piece has at its leading end a locking claw that engages with the screw groove of the screw member. The first side of the locking claw has a straight section extending straight, and the second side opposite to the first side has a helical section extending helically along the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DAIWA KASEI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshio Iwahara, Makoto Kato, Atsutoshi Kaji
  • Patent number: 9284975
    Abstract: An elastomeric bushing and a bearing which is equipped with the bushing in question. The bushing can, even after installation in the bearing, be pretensioned or calibrated, by displacement of elastomeric material in the interior of the bushing, where the displacement is carried out by different pressing means and tensioning means in the bushing and/or in the surrounding bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FM Energie GMBH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Franz Mitsch
  • Patent number: 9284976
    Abstract: A countershaft as disclosed herein may include one or more bearing zones along its axial length. Each bearing zone may include one or more radial holes in fluid communication with one or more grooves, respectively, and one or more axial channels formed along the longitudinal length of the countershaft. Each groove may be positioned adjacent an interface between a rotating member and a non-rotating member and include one or more features therein, such as a profile and/or taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Waukesha Bearings Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Blair, James L. Otto, Mike Gwizdek
  • Patent number: 9284977
    Abstract: The front bearing (110) of a heat engine starter having an output pinion starter drive (120) comprises, in the front, a transverse wall (111) having an opening (112), for passing a body (122) of the starter drive (120) there through, and a cavity (200) for mounting a sealing joint (240). The cavity is set up on the inner periphery of the rear surface (400) of the front bearing. The rear surface is configured so as to form a bearing abutment for the outer ring (231) of a rolling bearing (230) and moreover has at least one hollowed-out area (300) intended to be filled with grease so as to form a grease supply. The hollowed-out area is mostly set up outside the cavity. A heat engine starter having an output pinion is characterized in that it comprises one such front bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Alexis Chalmet, Thierry Paltrie
  • Patent number: 9284978
    Abstract: An oil film bearing for supporting a roll neck in a rolling mill, suitable in particular for transmitting high bearing forces when the bearing partners are slightly and slowly moved with respect to each other, has a bearing surface into which are incorporated rods made of a friction-reducing material (e.g., low friction compounds), which extend in a substantially perpendicular direction to the bearing surface. The rods are deformed during heat processing to define a bearing surface. The bearing partner, such as a roll sleeve, rests on the free face of the deformed rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jochen Corts
  • Patent number: 9284979
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting a bearing assembly on a shaft includes an internal flange, external flange, and a sleeve. The internal flange is securable to the bearing assembly and has a displacement pin extending outward that defines an initial position of the bearing assembly relative to the shaft. The external flange is secured to the internal flange via fasteners passing through elongated holes. The external flange has an opening configured to receive the displacement pin. The external flange may be rotated when coupled to the internal flange with the fasteners between a first position where the external flange opening is not in register with the displacement pin and a second position where the external flange opening is in register with the displacement pin. A sleeve has a tapered outside diameter and is engageable with the external flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Baldor Electric Company
    Inventor: William Gregory Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9284980
    Abstract: Bearing assemblies, bearing components and related methods are provided for heavy load applications. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a first bearing apparatus having a base member and a first plurality of polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) on a first surface of the base member, the first plurality of PDCs defining a first collective bearing surface. A second bearing apparatus is configured to engage and slide over the first collective bearing surface. the second bearing apparatus may include a second plurality of PDCs defining a second collective bearing surface. The collective bearing surfaces may be configured to be substantially planar or substantially arcuate. Such bearing assemblies may be implemented in, for example, bridges, roadways, buildings, railways and other structures and machines that may require heavy load bearing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: David Miess
  • Patent number: 9284981
    Abstract: Methods for minimizing thermal expansion in an assembly, e.g., a bearing assembly, for a vehicle are provided. The assembly has at least two components with substantially different linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CLTEs). The assembly has a polymeric composite with a first CLTE, a lightweight metal component (e.g., a housing) with a second CLTE, and a third component (e.g., a bearing component) having a third CLTE. The second CLTE is ?25% more than the third CLTE. The first CLTE is less than or equal to the third CLTE, so that the polymeric composite structure coupled to the first surface reduces radial thermal expansion of the first metal component and minimizes separation of the second surface of the first metal component from the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid G. Kia, William E. Treib
  • Patent number: 9284982
    Abstract: A cage is made of a magnesium alloy such as AZ91D, and is molded by means of injection molding. In this cage, a confluence region is brought away to outside the cage during the injection molding. The confluence region is a region including a void formed by merging of flows of the magnesium alloy. When observing a cross sectional surface of the cage, a ratio of an ? phase having a grain size of 20 ?m or greater is less than 15% in the magnesium alloy constituting the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kawamura, Eiichiro Shimazu, Yasutake Hayakawa, Takahiro Okuno, Junichi Ooshimo, Ryuichi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9284983
    Abstract: A roller bearing element for a large roller bearing includes the following features: at least one contact zone for a roller bearing counter element, the contact zone has an induction-hardened surface layer, the roller bearing element is comprised of a steel, which includes an admixture of carbon of at least 0.46 mass %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Baozhu Liang, Ulrike May, Gerhard Wagner, Claus Rumpel
  • Patent number: 9284984
    Abstract: A rolling-element bearing cage section for a rolling-element bearing is configured to guide at least one rolling element between a first and a second rolling-element bearing ring of the rolling-element bearing. The rolling-element bearing cage section is configured to partially or completely receive the at least one rolling element prior to installation in the rolling-element bearing. The rolling-element bearing cage section includes a porous material adapted to absorb a lubricant and release the lubricant as a result of a centrifugal force acting on the lubricant during rotation of the rolling-element bearing cage section, thus allowing a liquid lubricant to be used in a rolling-element bearing without the need for complex seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Padelis Katsaros
  • Patent number: 9284985
    Abstract: An oil seal bearing of a fan includes a ring-shaped body for supporting a shaft of the fan, and a protruded portion disposed on the ring-shaped body. The protruded portion has a first slope, wherein the first slope is disposed corresponding to an inner top surface of a hub of the fan. An oil storage space is formed between the first slope, the shaft and the inner top surface for storing a lubricant. A first angle is formed by the extension of the first slope and the inner top surface, such that the lubricant is retained by the capillarity between the first slope and the inner top surface. Under this circumstance, the oil sealing is achieved without any additional oil seal, the effective bearing height is maximized, and the advantages of enhancing the supporting efficiency and lengthening the lifetime of the product are also achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Wen Lu, Chun-Chih Wang, Ding-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 9284986
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement in an actuator of a forest machine comprising a frame of the actuator, which frame defines a first opening. The bearing arrangement also comprises a bushing, at least part of the bushing arranged in the first opening, the bushing defining a second opening, at least part of an axle and/or a bearing being arranged in the second opening, the axle or bearing being arranged stationary or movable in relation to the bushing, and the bushing being removable from the frame of the actuator. Further, a method for maintaining an actuator of a forest machine, the actuator comprising a bearing arrangement of the described type. In the method, a second, corresponding bushing is provided, which is fitted for said first opening; said bushing is removed from the frame of the actuator, wherein said first opening is exposed; and said second bushing is installed in said first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Waratah OM OY
    Inventors: Esa Jääskeläinen, Juho Keskinen, Kari Hanne, Toni Jormanainen, Juha Nevalainen, Antti Hirvonen
  • Patent number: 9284987
    Abstract: A warning device having a close range wireless interface is provided. The warning device includes a body portion, top portion, a base portion, a microcontroller for controlling the device, a battery, at least one sensor for sensing at least one of a velocity, an enveloped acceleration and a temperature reading of the bearing, and at least one illuminating device for displaying the health status of the bearing. The close range wireless interface includes an RFID tag having an integrated circuit, and a radio, an antenna for receiving and transmitting modulated and demodulated signals, and a digital bus connecting the microcontroller to the RFID tag. The microcontroller stores at least one of the sensed velocity, enveloped acceleration and the temperature values into a memory disposed within the RFID tag. The memory is a dual access memory that enables data transfer via the RFID radio or via the digital bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Jon D Murphy
  • Patent number: 9284988
    Abstract: A guide device is provided in which rolling elements can be assembled into circulation paths in a short time. A slider body is provided with rolling element insertion holes open at positions of a member mounting surface superposed over a return passage. The insertion holes extend in the length directions of leg parts and reach positions which bisect cross-sections of the return passage. The opened shapes of the insertion holes are elongated hole shapes with dimensions in the rolling element movement direction larger than dimensions in the width directions. For this reason, if balls are inserted from the rolling element insertion holes, spaces are formed inside of the return passage visible from the rolling element insertion holes in the rolling element movement direction of the balls. A rod-shaped fixture is inserted into each space to press the balls in the rolling element movement direction of the return passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Mizumura