Patents Issued in April 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9321581
    Abstract: Processes and devices for delivering a fluid by chemical reaction are disclosed. A chemical reaction is initiated in a reaction chamber to produce a gas, and the gas acts upon a piston to deliver the fluid. Preferred devices typically include an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a fluid chamber, a piston between the lower chamber and the fluid chamber, and a barrier between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. When the barrier is broken, reagents in the upper chamber and the lower chamber are mixed together to generate the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Corrie Bennison, Chris Muenzer, Tim Blum, Chris McKenzie, Steve Madland, Jeff Ellis, Amy Heintz, Brian Kaseman
  • Patent number: 9321582
    Abstract: A stand-up packaging apparatus for a shirt includes a shirt shaped front panel, a shirt shaped back panel, a top seal, an attachment mechanism, a gusset base, an interior chamber, and a top opening. The shirt shaped front panel and the back panel are perimetrically connected to each other except around a shoulder edge of the shirt shaped front panel and the back panel. The gusset base is connected in between a base edge of the shirt shaped front panel and the back panel so that the stand-up packaging apparatus for a shirt is able to stand-up on a flat surface. The interior chamber is positioned with the shirt shaped front panel and the back panel and accessed through the top opening, which is opened through the top seal and the attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism also shuts the top opening when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Timur Yildiz
  • Patent number: 9321583
    Abstract: The invention is a pallet assembly for supporting an electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels during storage and transport, the pallet manufacture including: a deck; a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck; a plate attached to an edge portion of the deck, for aligning the pallet assembly with an apparatus for building an electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels; and at least one alignment bracket for aligning and preventing lateral movement of at least two solar panel support channels attached to the bottom of the electrically connected array of a plurality of solar panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OPTERRA ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David S. Potter
  • Patent number: 9321584
    Abstract: A potted tree support assembly includes a housing with a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A plurality of interlocking slats is positionable in the housing to define a plurality of compartments each configured for receiving a base of a tree therein. A plurality of receiving members is mounted onto an inner surface of the perimeter wall. Each of the receiving members has an associated opposing receiving member on the perimeter wall to define an aligned pair of the receiving members. Each of the slats has a pair of opposed ends and the opposed ends of each of the slats is removably positionable in a selectable one of the aligned pair of the receiving members. A plurality of legs is coupled to and extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Randy Schall
  • Patent number: 9321585
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a combined drape and carrying bag unit used in medical and surgical settings with an indicator attached to a drawstring of the unit. Conversion of the unit from a drape or mat configuration involves pulling on exposed drawstring sections and results in deployment of the identifying indicator. The indicator includes preprinted information, a barcode for scanning, and/or space for the inscription of information by medical personnel. The inclusion of an integrated indicator with the combined drape and carrying bag unit informs medical personnel of the contents of the unit when in the bag configuration and obviates the need for opening the bag and discovering its contents, thereby reducing exposure of medical personnel to biohazard waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventor: William Parks
  • Patent number: 9321586
    Abstract: A cargo transport unit for transporting cylindrical cargo includes a first side and an opposite, second side, a first end and an opposite, second end, a trough including inclined support walls supporting the cylindrical cargo, and a frame structure supporting the trough from below and including plural transverse supports. A first longitudinal edge profile and a second longitudinal edge profile of its bottom structure are both made of a profile including a continuous seamless structure extending from a first end to a second end of the cargo transport unit, and the transverse supports include a lower part extending from the first to the second longitudinal edge profile, and located at a height level of the longitudinal edge profiles, the lower part at its first end being welded to the first longitudinal edge profile and at its opposite, second end being welded to the second longitudinal edge profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OY LANGH SHIP AB
    Inventor: Hans Langh
  • Patent number: 9321587
    Abstract: A locking system applicable in a large container comprises a first component, a second component, and a latch (10). The latch (10) is movably received within the first component, and correspondingly the second component is provided with a groove (14) to receive a section of the latch (10) extending from the receiving section of the first component. The locking system also comprises a handle (9). The handle (9) is arranged on the first component via pivot shafts (13) and is allowed to turn towards an outer side of the first component. The handle (9) is provided at a section thereof away from the pivot shaft (13) with male pins (11). The latch (10) is provided with concave profiles in correspondence to the male pin (11). The male pin (11) and the concave profile (12) are engaged to form a sliding pair. Furthermore, the handle (9) and the latch (10) constitute a lever system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Shanghai Hongyan Returnable Transit Packagings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanli Jian, Qingxin Liao, Zuocheng Qian
  • Patent number: 9321588
    Abstract: A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises a plurality of rigid tubular walls each having opposing ends and an intermediate segment with a closed tubular cross-section, the plurality of rigid tubular walls arranged in a closely spaced relationship and interconnected at their ends to form a six-sided storage tank, with each of the six sides of the storage tank defined by four successive of the plurality of rigid tubular walls connected end-to-end, such that the interiors of the plurality of rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber; and an exterior support structure, the exterior support structure including one or more braces connected to the exteriors of at least some of the plurality of rigid tubular walls and adapted to reinforce the at least some of the plurality of rigid tubular walls against dynamic loading from fluid in the interior fluid storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Regu Ramoo, Mohan Parthasarathy, Thomas Lamb
  • Patent number: 9321589
    Abstract: A storage and discharge apparatus for particulate material includes a silo and a dispensing cone adjacent a lower end of the silo. The dispensing cone is formed in a partial conical shape and includes a fill portion oriented to face the lower end of the silo at a base end of the conical shape and a dispense portion at an apex end of the conical shape. The dispense portion includes extension sections that extend longitudinally outward from the apex end of the conical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: GENCOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Marc G. Elliott, Vitto A. Cavallaro, Joseph T. Mollick
  • Patent number: 9321590
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic storage system having a storage volume enclosed at least sectionwise by a covering made of at least one wall panel (3), wherein the wall panel (3) is attached to a support structure. The invention further relates to a kit for automatic storage systems and to a method for assembling an automatic storage system (1), wherein at least one wall panel (3) is placed on at least one support (8) substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support (8). In order to simplify the assembly of the storage system, according to the invention, attachment segments (3c) or mounting segments (8b) designed as latching elements on the wall panels (3) and the supports (8) have at least one mounting surface (3d) facing outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: KARDEX PRODUKTION DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Harald Preschke
  • Patent number: 9321591
    Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transferring case units to and from predefined storage areas in an automated case unit storage system, the automated case unit storage system including an array of multilevel storage racks with picking aisles passing therebetween and at least one multilevel vertical conveyor having movable shelves, the autonomous transport vehicle including a frame configured to traverse the picking aisles and a transfer deck connecting the picking aisles to the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor for transferring case units between the predefined storage areas and the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor, and a controller connected to the frame, the controller being configured to effect movement of the autonomous transport vehicle through the picking aisles for accessing each storage area within a respective level of the array of multilevel storage racks and each shelf of the at least one multilevel vertical conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: John Lert, Stephen Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Foster D. Hinshaw, Nathan Ulrich
  • Patent number: 9321592
    Abstract: A conveying surface 37 is planar. A driving surface 30 positioned opposite to the conveying surface 37 has a flat surface 31, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the timing belt, on the center portion in the lateral direction of the timing belt. Belt teeth 32 are formed at a constant interval in the longitudinal direction on both of the outer sides of the center portion. The whole of the driving surface 30 is covered with a fabric 36, which is stretchable in both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the timing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Tajima
  • Patent number: 9321593
    Abstract: This device comprises a pair of parallel arms (1, 2) having clamps (11, 21) for clamping the packages (E) to be transported and means for regulating separation which comprise:—a scissor mechanism (4) having two rods (41, 42) articulated to the rear end of the arms (1, 2) and carrying roller means (46, 47);—guide sections (5, 5a . . . ) distributed on the packaging machine, provided with a longitudinal track (51) for guiding the roller means (46, 47) of the scissor mechanism (4) and—actuating means (7) suited to moving each guide section (5, 5a) and arranging the latter in a position suited to determining the separation of each pair of parallel arms (1, 2) in each area of the route of the transport device by means of a variation in longitude of the scissor mechanism (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bossar Packaging, S.A.
    Inventor: Sáez López Abel
  • Patent number: 9321594
    Abstract: An actuating unit (50) for a sorting device (10), the actuating unit (50) comprising a flap holder (60) and at least one flap (80, 80?) having a drive component (81, 81?) for transmitting a drive force to a drive wheel (32) of a transport unit (18), the flap (80, 80?) being displaceably mounted in the flap holder (60) between a resting position and a drive position, a movement limiting component (82) being provided on the flap (80, 80?), said movement limiting component cooperating with a movement limiting element (63), such that the displacement movement of the flap (80, 80?) is limited in the direction of the resting position and/or in the direction of the drive position. Sorting device (10) having such an actuating unit (50) and method for mounting such an actuating unit (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Interroll Holding AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Droste, Thomas Bertran, Uwe Kaeser
  • Patent number: 9321595
    Abstract: A motorized drum has a drum shell, and a motor and a cycloidal reducer, are disposed inside. An output of the reducer rotates slower than the motor, and a hollow input shaft accommodates miscellaneous components. The hollow input shaft has an eccentric raceway that engages an input gear of the cycloidal reducer, and urges it into eccentric motion. The cycloidal reducer has an internal toothed output ring gear that is rotationally affixed to the drum shell for transmitting rotary power thereto. A fixed shaft is coupled to a guide pin housing that constitutes a fixed reference point of the cyclo reducer. A torque coupler has orthogonally placed driving face pairs that couple the guide pin housing to the fixed shaft. The hollow input shaft has plural axially protruding driven tabs for receiving an input torque from the motor rotor. A coupler has orthogonally arranged driven face pairs for coupling the hollow input shaft to the motor rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Mol Belting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurens G. J. Wolters, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof
  • Patent number: 9321596
    Abstract: A bulk material handling assembly comprises a pair of spaced-apart walls, an elongate vibrator, a pair of saddle clamps, and a pair of locking members. The saddle clamps encircle and releasably secure the axial end portions of the vibrator to the spaced-apart walls of the bulk material handling assembly. The locking members are secured to the saddle clamps and to the end portions of the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Travis J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9321597
    Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding objects singulated from a bulk mass of objects includes receiving the bulk mass into a hopper system having a hopper screw set including first and second hopper screws and a plurality of feeding pockets defined by the thread forms of the hopper screws. Rotation of the hopper screws tumbles the bulk mass to cascade and singulate individual objects into respective feed pockets. An object set including at least one singulated object is discharged from the hopper screw set by rotation of the hopper screws. A discharge assembly including a ramp and star wheel receives the discharged object set, and transfers the object set to a discharge outlet. The object set output from the discharge outlet is received by a target defined by a receiving article. In one example, the object is rounded, the target is an opening of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Morrison Timing Screw Co.
    Inventors: Nick Wilson, Ryan Finke, Dustin Lee
  • Patent number: 9321598
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyor which estimates weight of a transport object while it is carried without using devices such as a load cell which directly measures weight. The conveyor has a plurality of zones forming a series of carriage ways. An approach-run zone and a weight-measurement zone are arranged adjacently in the conveying direction and are provided with different drive motors. The drive motor of the approach-run zone and the drive motor of the weight-measurement zone are controlled with respectively different predetermined rotation speeds as their target rotation speeds. A rotation speed sensing means obtains the change of rotation speed of the drive motor in the weight-measurement zone when a transport object is conveyed into the weight-measurement zone from the approach-run zone, and a weight sensing means then calculates the weight of the transport object based on the change of the rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd., University of Hyogo
    Inventors: Nozomu Araki, Kazuo Itoh, Kazushi Maeda
  • Patent number: 9321599
    Abstract: A transport device for goods, comprising a transfer device for transferring the goods (4) from a delivering conveying device (3) of the transport device to a discharging conveying device (6) of the transport device having an endless transport element (8) which can be driven in a circulating manner, having a first drive (15) for driving a first section (7) of the endless transport element (8), which first section (7) is intended to receive the goods (4) and is assigned to the delivering conveying device (3), and a second drive (17) for driving a second section (16) of the endless transport element (8), which second section (16) is intended to dispense the received goods (4) and is assigned to the discharging conveying device (6), wherein the endless transport element (8) is arranged on a carriage (9) which is held by a carriage carrier, and the carriage (9) can be adjusted along a carriage axis by way of a speed difference between the first and the second drive (15, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MALL HERLAN MB GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Luz, Uwe Reich
  • Patent number: 9321600
    Abstract: A convey mechanism is a moving mechanism used to move a rack, which can store cuvettes, along a linear moving direction. A driving unit drives the convey mechanism to intermittently move the rack along. A detection unit outputs an error signal when it detects that a placement state of the rack on the convey mechanism corresponds to an error placement which does not allow the convey mechanism to normally convey the rack, and does not output any error signal when it detects that the placement state does not correspond to the error placement. A controller controls the driving unit to stop a convey operation of the rack when the error signal is output. The controller controls the driving unit to execute the convey operation of the rack when the error signal is not output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeya Yamauchi, Eiichi Azuma
  • Patent number: 9321601
    Abstract: A base belt for use with an automated unloading apparatus that can automatically unload a container having a plurality of items located on the base belt, and a container configured for use with an automated unloading apparatus. The base belt has a trailer end configured to be removably attached to a container. The base belt has an unloader end configured to be removably attached to the automated unloading apparatus. The container has a container body having an interior and an attachment point on the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Pippin
  • Patent number: 9321602
    Abstract: A single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) for the input and the output of rectangular single sheets (38) respectively into and out of a container (12a to 12d). These rectangular single sheets can in particular be banknotes (38). The single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) has a feeding device with feeding elements for the sheet-by-sheet feeding of single sheets (38) and for storing these single sheets (38) in a stack (36) of single sheets in the container (12a to 12d). Further, the single sheet handling device has a separating device with separating elements for the sheet-by-sheet removal of single sheets (38) of the stack (36) from the container (12a to 12d). The feeding elements and the separating elements are arranged separately from the container (12a to 12d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Holland-Letz, Ayhan Aslan, Ludger Hoischen, Martin Loeser, Dirk Brexel
  • Patent number: 9321603
    Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus of an embodiment including a first roller, a second roller, a plurality of biasing members, a control section, and a driving section. The second roller is provided to face the first roller. The plurality of biasing members bias the second roller toward the first roller at different strengths respectively. The control section selects one biasing member of the plurality of biasing members. The driving section selectively drives the biasing member that is selected by the control section and makes the biasing member bias the second roller toward the first roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9321604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic splicer for the continuous supply of laminar strips, comprising a reel holder for incorporating two reels that can be positioned alternately in a feed position for feeding to an application process and in a standby position, there being above the reel holder a guide rail on which a splicer head that can move in a movement projected towards a splicing zone is mounted, carrying the laminar strip of a reel arranged in standby for splicing it with the laminar strip of the feed reel during a joint movement of said laminar strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Manuel Torres Martinez
  • Patent number: 9321605
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing brake squeal in a web tension brake. The apparatus comprising an anti-squeal friction pad assembly having a friction pad mounted on a back plate and a rubber isolation layer sandwiched between the back plate and a second back plate. The rubber isolation layer to dampen vibrations and break up the symmetry of the brake assembly minimizing acoustic resonances that cause the objectionable squeal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: DOVER FLEXO ELETRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Ekola
  • Patent number: 9321606
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a discharge tray having a supporting surface supporting a recording medium; a discharge mechanism which has a discharging slot through which the recording medium on which an image is formed is discharged and is provided to discharge the recording medium from the discharging slot in a discharge direction which is a direction toward a space vertically above the supporting surface of the discharge tray; and a press down unit which is configured to relatively move toward and away from the supporting surface with respect to the discharge tray, the press down unit being relatively moved away when contacting with a downstream end in the discharge direction of the recording medium discharged onto the discharge tray by the discharge mechanism, and applying the own weight to the downstream end of the recording medium when the recording medium is supported by the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Kobayashi, Kohei Terada
  • Patent number: 9321607
    Abstract: A hand-held tape dispenser adapted for supporting a tape roll thereon and including a housing, a cutting unit connected to the housing, a protect cover, a noise reduction unit, and a linkage unit. The housing has an installing portion adapted to support the tape roll thereon. The protect cover is pivoted to the housing and has a grip portion corresponding in position to the installing portion. The noise reduction unit is pivoted to the housing and has a noise reduction roller that is adapted to contact a tape of the tape roll. The linkage unit interconnects the protect cover and the noise reduction unit such that the noise reduction unit and the protect cover are simultaneously pivotable toward or away from the installing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Chun-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 9321608
    Abstract: A spool assembly comprising a housing structure, a spool rotatably retained in an interior region of the housing structure, and a sealed sheath encasing the housing structure to define a barrier for the encased housing structure and the rotatably retained spool. The spool assembly further comprises a locking arm disposed outside of the sealed sheath and configured to operably engage the spool through the sealed sheath and through the housing structure in a manner that does not penetrate the sealed sheath, where the locking arm prevents the spool from rotating relative to the housing mechanism when operably engaged with the spool. The locking arm may disengage from the spool in a hands-free manner when the spool assembly is loaded into a bay of an additive manufacturing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad E. Beery, David M. Kozlak, Timothy A. Hjelsand
  • Patent number: 9321609
    Abstract: A filament drive mechanism for use with an additive manufacturing system, the filament drive mechanism comprising first and second drive shafts engaged with each other and configured to rotate in opposing rotational directions around substantially parallel and fixed axes, where the first and second drive shafts include engagement surfaces substantially aligned with each other for engaging a filament therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn M. Koop, Peter D. Schuller, Paul J. Leavitt
  • Patent number: 9321610
    Abstract: An exemplary device for use in an elevator system includes at least one friction member that is selectively moveable into a damping position in which the friction member is useful to damp movement of an elevator car associated with the device. A solenoid actuator has an armature that is situated for vertical movement. The armature moves upward when the solenoid is energized to move the friction member into the damping position. The armature mass urges the armature in a downward vertical direction causing the friction member to move out of the damping position when the solenoid is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard N. Fargo, Daniel S. Young, Jason K. Romain, Harold Terry, Randall Keith Roberts, Leandre Adifon
  • Patent number: 9321611
    Abstract: An exemplary braking device for an elevator car includes a first brake member configured to remain fixed relative to an elevator car for applying a braking force to a first side of an element such as a guide rail. A second brake member is moveable relative to the first brake member for applying a braking force to a second side of the element. A brake release member adjacent the first brake member is received against the first side of the element between the first brake member and the first side of the guide rail. The brake release member is moveable relative to the first brake member for selectively releasing the braking device from engagement with the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Wei Wei
  • Patent number: 9321612
    Abstract: An exemplary elevator system includes an elevator car. At least one guiderail guides movement of the elevator car. The guiderail has a length in a direction of movement of the elevator car and a depth generally perpendicular to the length. A plurality of flat belts are situated relative to the elevator car such that movement of the flat belts for causing movement of the elevator car is approximately four times a corresponding movement of the elevator car. A plurality of sheaves is situated for directing the flat belts as the belts at least partially wrap around the sheaves. The plurality of sheaves remains fixed near one end of the guide rail. The plurality of sheaves rotate about coaxially aligned axes and have a collective width along the axes that is no greater than the depth of the guiderail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard N. Fargo, Frank J. Sclafani
  • Patent number: 9321613
    Abstract: A blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, comprising a blade gripping assembly with a number of blade gripping tools and a sensor arrangement realized to sense a specific feature of the rotor blade is provided. Thereby, the specific feature is such that it can orientate the blade holding device relative to the rotor blade in a blade gripping maneuver. A method of moving a blade gripping device for gripping a rotor blade is also disclosed, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, relative to the rotor blade is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Steen Mattrup Hansen, Jesper Moeller, Kenneth Helligsoe Svinth
  • Patent number: 9321614
    Abstract: A method of transferring a load is disclosed. The method includes the steps of enabling synchronization of first and second hoists and first and second trolleys and choosing a hoist function or a trolley function. The first and second hoists are a first mover and second mover, if the hoist function is selected. The first and second trolleys are the first and second movers, if the trolley function is selected. The method includes the steps of commanding one of the first mover and second mover to be the master and the other to be the slave and actuating a master control associated with the master. The method further includes the step of outputting signals to the first and second actuators such that the master and the slave are moved in a direction indicated by the master control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Moran, Steven Pfeifenroth
  • Patent number: 9321615
    Abstract: A panel hoist and components of various kits including components of a panel hoist are described herein. A panel hoist can be used to hold any of a variety of panels, such as a door attachable to a semi-tractor trailer, and to maneuver the panel for putting into a position for mounting the panel to a panel mounting point or for removing a panel disconnected from a panel mounting point. Various types of suction cups and supplemental panel holders can be used to hold the panel while the panel is moved or prepared for movement. A panel hoist can allow a single person to maneuver panels in various ways instead of having to rely on multiple people to maneuver the panel. Maneuvering the panel can include raising, lowering, or rotating the panel. Various panel hoist components can be configured as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Greg W. Shaw, William Kreiner
  • Patent number: 9321616
    Abstract: Various lifting systems are described that use one or more of the following features. A method for setting an adjustable height upper pulley on a tall structure; load transfer from a suspended load to a tall structure; fan-based stabilizer; stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism using a closed loop of cable and traction winch for a crane application; crane-based lifting system that uses a closed loop of lifting cable looped around a traction winch; and a stabilizer or horizontal load position control mechanism that does not need a closed loop of cable. Other embodiments are also described and claims. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Marvin M. May
  • Patent number: 9321617
    Abstract: A device for tensioning of a rope, the device comprising two or more sheaves (6, 6?), each sheave (6, 6?) being operated by a motor (7, 7?), where a rope (10) to be tensioned may be arranged so that it sequentially rests against the contact surface of the sheaves of the device. The sheaves (6, 6?) are arranged in pairs on a rotatable support (2), where the axes of rotation of the sheaves and the turntable are substantially parallel. The sheaves have a first position in which the rope (10) may pass unhindered between the sheaves (6, 6?) of the pair, and be rotated by said support (2) to second position in which the rope (10) has been wound to a substantial contact angle about the sheaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FLAMEK LTD
    Inventor: Karl Fredrik Sandvik
  • Patent number: 9321618
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pair of telescoping arms pivotally coupled between a base and a platform. Each arm comprises a base portion pivotally coupled to the base to pivot about a base pivot axis, an extension portion slidably coupled to the base portion and pivotally coupled to the platform to pivot about a platform pivot axis, and, a pivot support assembly attached along a side of one arm of the pair facing toward the other arm of the pair. The pivot support assembly is configured to allow longitudinal travel of a pivot anchor with respect to the base portion. The pivot assembly is coupled between the pivot anchors. The drive assembly is connected to controllably move the extension portions inwardly and outwardly with respect to the corresponding base portions, and controllably move the pivot anchors toward and away from the corresponding base pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: David McIntosh, Steve M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9321619
    Abstract: A gripping arm for a clamping attachment for a forklift has a load engaging inner arm including portions defining a load face. The inner arm is pivotal about a first axis parallel to the load face and pivots about a second axis normal to the first axis to engage and secure a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventors: Qinglin Wang, Hailong Lin
  • Patent number: 9321620
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: STOKELY-VAN CAMP, INC.
    Inventors: Rei-Young Amos Wu, Gregory Schimmel, Subodh K. Raniwala, Michael F. McGowan
  • Patent number: 9321621
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aseptic filling system which is disposed in an aseptic environment and with which preforming, bottle formation, and filling of bottles with a beverage are performed in an aseptic state. The aseptic filling system includes a preform molding machine, a blowing machine for forming bottles by blowing up the preforms molded by the preform molding machine, and a filling machine for filling the bottles formed by the blowing machine with the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kitano, Takashi Harashima, Haruhiko Kondo, Yoshihiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 9321622
    Abstract: A container for insertion of a carton containing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The container may include a base surface and a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces that may extend from the base surface. The surfaces may define a cavity sized to receive the carton. A method for inserting the carton containing the beverage ingredient into the beverage dispenser is disclosed. The method includes inserting the carton into the container, partially inserting the container into the beverage dispenser, and causing a fitment to engage the beverage dispenser. The fitment protruding from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Bryan Connerat, Mark Friedlein, Carlos J. Ayala-Diaz
  • Patent number: 9321623
    Abstract: A Sabbath compliant water dispenser, which comprises a hot water chamber, a heating element that is positioned in the hot water chamber for heating a body of water which is retained within the hot water chamber and a tap, through which hot water is dispensable. The water dispenser is controlled by a controller which is operable in a Sabbath mode to command the heating element to maintain the body of water at an essentially constant temperature which is near to scalding temperature and to command introduction of unheated water into the hot water chamber, when a low water level condition is detected. This way, overheating of the heating element is prevented, while also preventing the introduced water from being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Zuri Naaman Victor, Ltd.
    Inventors: Raoven Raoven, Gidon Ben-Moshe
  • Patent number: 9321624
    Abstract: A saddle pad for use with a western saddle includes a felt cover containing two air cushions inserted into cavities on each side of a central line of the pad, each cushion partly filling at least the front half of the cavity and partly is provided with barrier walls extending forwardly from the rear wall of the cushion, and a single pump connected to the two cushions to supply the same pressure to provide better comfort for the rider and to the horse during riding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Kronborg Jespersen
  • Patent number: 9321625
    Abstract: Methods and systems for no-glue pocketed spring unit construction. Rows of pocketed springs, preferably arranged into modules of more than two pocketed springs surrounding a central hole, are ultrasonically welded together when paired vibrating probes and anvils press layers of pocketed spring fabric from the rows of pocketed springs together and a welding pulse is transmitted to the vibrating probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Martin Wolfson
  • Patent number: 9321626
    Abstract: A packaged MEMS transducer device comprising: a die, including: a semiconductor body having a front side and a back side, opposite to one another in a first direction, at least one cavity extending through the semiconductor body between the front side and the back side, and at least one membrane extending on the front side at least partially suspended over the cavity; and a package designed to house the die on an inner surface thereof. The transducer device moreover includes a sealing layer extending on the back side of the semiconductor body for sealing the cavity, and includes a paste layer extending between the sealing layer and the inner surface of the package for firmly coupling the die to the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Shaw, Fabrizio Soglio
  • Patent number: 9321627
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an accommodation space formed between a first base material and a second base material, and a first functional element and a second functional element in the accommodation space. The accommodation space is disposed in an internal region of a bonding portion that bonds the first base material and the second base material together. The bonding portion includes a first bonding region provided on one side thereof and a second bonding region provided on the other side thereof. The electronic device includes a first wiring portion which is electrically connected to the first functional element and has a first direction toward the outside of the accommodation space through the first bonding region, and a second wiring portion which is electrically connected to the second functional element and has a second direction toward the outside of the accommodation space through the second bonding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Furuhata
  • Patent number: 9321628
    Abstract: A MEMS device wherein a die of semiconductor material has a first face and a second face. A membrane is formed in or on the die and faces the first surface. A cap is fixed to the first face of the first die and is spaced apart from the membrane by a space. The die is fixed, on its second face, to an ASIC, which integrates a circuit for processing the signals generated by the die. The ASIC is in turn fixed on a support. A packaging region coats the die, the cap, and the ASIC and seals them from the outside environment. A fluidic path is formed through the support, the ASIC, and the first die, and connects the membrane and the first face of the die with the outside, without requiring holes in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Dino Faralli, Benedetto Vigna, Laura Maria Castoldi
  • Patent number: 9321629
    Abstract: A method and structure for adding mass with stress isolation to MEMS. The structure has a thickness of silicon material coupled to at least one flexible element. The thickness of silicon material can be configured to move in one or more spatial directions about the flexible element(s) according to a specific embodiment. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recessed regions formed in respective spatial regions of the thickness of silicon material. Additionally, the apparatus includes a glue material within each of the recessed regions and a plug material formed overlying each of the recessed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: mCube Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Koury, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9321630
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting underwater sounds is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a substrate with a vacuum-sealed cavity. A support structure and an acoustic pressure sensor are situated on the substrate. The support structure of the apparatus may include a first oxide layer situated on the substrate, a silicon layer situated on the first oxide layer, and a second oxide layer situated on the silicon layer. The acoustic pressure sensor of the apparatus includes a first electrode layer situated on the substrate, a piezoelectric layer situated on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer situated on the piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment, the surface area of the second electrode layer is between about 70 to 90 percent of the surface area of the piezoelectric layer. In various embodiments, the support structure is thicker than the piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: PGS Geophysical AS, Agency For Science Technology and Research (A*STAR)
    Inventors: Jinghui Xu, Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Winston Sun, Chengliang Sun