Patents Issued in April 26, 2016
  • Patent number: 9322585
    Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus includes a casing body attached to an opening formed at one end of a box-shaped cooling compartment so as to close the opening, a refrigeration cycle unit including a compressor and a radiator provided on an outer side of the cooling compartment relative to the casing body and an evaporator provided on an inner side of the cooling compartment relative to the casing body, a diagnosis process executer configured to control the refrigeration cycle unit to execute a diagnosis process for diagnosing a performance of the cooling compartment, and a performance determinator configured to determine the performance of the cooling compartment in the diagnosis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ikemiya, Masaaki Takegami
  • Patent number: 9322586
    Abstract: A cooling system includes: a compressor that circulates refrigerant; a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a cooling portion that uses the refrigerant to cool the heat generating source; a first line through which the refrigerant, which has been discharged from the compressor, flows to the cooling portion; a second line through which the refrigerant circulates between the heat exchanger and the cooling portion; and a selector valve that switches between fluid communication of the first line and fluid communication of the second line. A control device includes a detecting unit configured to detect an abnormality of the compressor; and a switching unit configured to switch the selector valve to interrupt the fluid communication of the first line and to allow the fluid communication of the second line when the abnormality has been detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Ohno, Kazuhide Uchida, Yuki Jojima, Yoshiaki Kawakami, Eizo Takahashi, Kousuke Sato
  • Patent number: 9322587
    Abstract: A heat pump device that can efficiently feed a high-frequency current to an electric motor and effectively heat a compressor includes a compressor including a compression mechanism configured to compress a refrigerant and a motor configured to drive the compression mechanism, heat exchangers, an inverter configured to apply a voltage to the motor, and an inverter control unit configured to drive the inverter. The inverter control unit includes a stagnation detecting unit configured to determine whether heating of the compressor is necessary and notify the determination result and a high-frequency-alternating-current-voltage generating unit and a PWM-signal generating unit configured to shift to a heating operation mode when the heating is necessary and, in the heating operation mode, generate PWM signals to provide, based on a heating time carrier signal having two or more frequencies, a period in which a reflux current flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Shinomoto, Kazunori Hatakeyama, Shinsaku Kusube, Shinya Matsushita
  • Patent number: 9322588
    Abstract: Provided is a dual purpose insulating food serving assembly having a receptacle composed of interior and exterior thermoplastic shells sealed to each other and forming an interior chamber containing a laminate composed of at least one layer of reflective material and at least one layer of foam. A separate, removable, food serving dish is disposed within the receptacle. The assembly optionally includes a demountable lid and one or more removable ice packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Fit & Fresh, Inc.
    Inventors: Maureen Carroll, Michael E. Docherty, Brian Gyoerkoe, Alyssa Enderle
  • Patent number: 9322589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a freezer and method for fabricating a freezer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Goran Micic, Simon Clark, Elliot Rothberg
  • Patent number: 9322590
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance with a finger guard is provided. The finger guard includes a base plate positioned on and mounted to a cabinet of the refrigerator appliance. The finger guard also includes an arcuate plate mounted to the base plate. The arcuate plate extends away from the cabinet. An outer side edge of the door may sweep along the arcuate plate during opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stuart McVey Phillips, Stewart Christopher Keeling, Steven David Paul
  • Patent number: 9322591
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment; a first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment; a storing device coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment, wherein, when the first door is closed, the second storage compartment is disposed in the first storage compartment; and a second door connected to the first door and configured to be opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment, wherein the interior of the second storage compartment is accessible when the first door is closed and the second door is opened, wherein the first door includes a plurality of first coupling parts to which the storing device is coupled, wherein the storing device includes: a frame; and a basket installed on the frame, wherein each of the frame and the basket includes at least one second coupling part interacting with at least one of the plurality of first coupling par
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seungjin Oh, Jonghwa Lee, Changbong Choi, Manho Park, Kiyoung Lim
  • Patent number: 9322592
    Abstract: A refrigerator is discussed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet that includes a storage compartment. The refrigerator further includes a first door hinged on a first edge of the cabinet and configured to open and close a first portion of the storage compartment. The refrigerator further includes a first basket assembly supported by a first hinge mounted at a first inner wall of the storage compartment. The refrigerator further includes a first locking device configured to selectively couple the first basket assembly to the first door. The refrigerator further includes a first release device configured to release the first locking device and accessible from a first inner surface of the door and a first outer surface of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minsub Kim, Kyukwan Choi, Kyusuh Park
  • Patent number: 9322593
    Abstract: An umbrella draining assembly mainly includes a cylindrical containing cistern body, a flinging device disposed in an inner section of the containing cistern body, and a bearing plate disposed at a bottom edge of the containing cistern body. A positioning component is disposed in the containing cistern body. The flinging device includes an embedding section, at an inner edge thereof is disposed a plurality of tapering serrated segments. A transmission component is disposed at a bottom edge of the embedding section. When the umbrella draining assembly is in use, a top shaft of an umbrella is inserted into the embedding section, with the positioning component fixing the position of the umbrella. The transmission component drives the embedding section to rotate quickly, causing rainwater on the umbrella to be flung outward due to centrifugal force and to fall on the bearing plate at a bottom edge of the containing cistern body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Li-Hwa Cheng
  • Patent number: 9322594
    Abstract: A drier comprising a drier chamber inside a drier housing. An inner atmosphere of the drier chamber has an elevated temperature relative to the outer atmosphere. An inlet lock and an outlet lock reduce the inflow of the outer atmosphere into the drier chamber and the outflow of the inner atmosphere into the outer atmosphere. The inlet lock comprises a first air curtain, which extends over the inlet lock and which runs upward, and a second air curtain, which is behind the first air curtain in the direction of motion of the objects and which extends over the inlet lock and which runs downward. The outlet lock is designed substantially identically to the inlet lock, however the objects first pass through an air curtain directed downward and then pass through an air curtain directed upward. The conveyor system is designed that the objects are moved continuously and at a substantially constant height through the entire drier housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: EISENMANN AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Bruckner
  • Patent number: 9322595
    Abstract: An improved, energy efficient method and apparatus for conditioning of fracturing sand provides an elongated, rotatable drying/cooling shell with co-current flow of heated air and sand through the shell. Structure operable to deliver additional quantities of wet sand into the shell is provided at a zone between the shell inlet and outlet, and downstream of the point where the initial quantity of wet sand is substantially dry. The additional quantities of wet sand mix with the initial quantities of substantially dry sand in order to evaporatively dry the additional quantity of wet sand, and to cool the initial and additional quantities of wet sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Industrial Accessories Company
    Inventor: Donald E. Shinn
  • Patent number: 9322596
    Abstract: The formation of cracks is suppressed in a drying process for a water-containing wet gel without modifying the gel and without using a reagent. A water-containing wet gel is dried by removing water and then removing the remaining solvent. For example, a wet-gel container storing water-containing wet gel, containing a wet gel and a solvent, is heated. The solvent is vaporized into an upper space of the wet-gel container. The solvent-containing gas diffuses into a dehydrating agent container, and water is removed by a dehydrating agent. This state is maintained for one to two days to remove almost all amount of water from the solvent. Thereafter, the dehydrating agent container is detached and the wet gel, from which water has been removed, is heated to almost completely remove the solvent, and further heated at a higher temperature to completely remove the solvent to obtain a crack-free dry gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Koichi Kajiwara, Ryohei Maehana, Shungo Kuwatani, Kiyoshi Kanamura
  • Patent number: 9322597
    Abstract: A method reduces carbon dioxide resulting from a steel production process. The carbon dioxide is reacted with an electropositive metal in combustion to produce carbon monoxide. The resultant carbon monoxide is fed back into the steel production process. In this method, the carbon monoxide can be used in a direct reduction method as a reduction gas or can be fed to a blast furnace process. The reacted metal can also be recovered by electrochemical conversion from its oxides or salts. In particular, a form of regenerative energy can be used to recycle the electropositive metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Manfred Baldauf, Günter Schmid
  • Patent number: 9322598
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the heat treatment of steel products, in particular of steel strips or sheets, in which the product is brought from a starting temperature to a target temperature in a booster zone having at least one burner; the burner is operated with a fuel, in particular a fuel gas, and an oxygen-containing gas which contains more than 21% oxygen; and the product is brought into direct contact with the flame generated by the burner, the air ratio ? within the flame being set as a function of the starting temperature and/or the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Eichelkraut, Hans-Joachim Heiler, Werner Högner, Fred Jindra, Rainhard Paul, Ola Ritzén
  • Patent number: 9322599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a concentration plant with differently-functioning sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: CFT S.P.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Catelli, Stefano Romei
  • Patent number: 9322600
    Abstract: A thermosyphonic heat recovery unit for thermosyphonic heat transfer of heat from a hotter first fluid to a cooler second fluid comprising a heat exchanger including a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit, optimized means for connecting fluids to the two conduits to optimize heat transfer and fluid flow, a pressurized cold fluid input and hot fluid output, whereby the second fluid thermosyphonically flows through said second conduit as the first fluid flows through said first conduit. Said system having an optimized heat exchanger tube-on tube spirally wound, with wind direction to take advantage of the Coriolus force effect, for optimized refrigerant and other fluid turbulence and therefore optimized heat transfer, and optimum location of said heat exchanger and sizes of connecting tubes to minimize refrigerant friction related pressure loss, and to optimize heat transfer, refrigerant flow and thermosyphonic second fluid flow through said heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Olive Tree Patents 1 LLC
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 9322601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1, 1?, 1?) for cooling an optical fiber (13), including two portions (20, 29), each of the portions (20, 29) including at least one receiving surface (204, 294) on which a half-channel (240, 2490) is provided, such that, once the two portions (20, 29) are placed in contact at the receiving surface (204, 294) thereof, the two portions (20, 29) form a main through-channel for accommodating the passage of the optical fiber (13), characterized in that each of the portions (20, 29) is a block of a thermally conductive material and in that at least one (20) of the portions includes a cylindrical secondary channel (209), which is in fluid connection with a plurality of openings (2046) distributed along the half-channel (2040) of said portion (20), in order to form a heat-transfer fluid distribution chamber for the plurality of openings (2046).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Conductix Wampfler France
    Inventor: Francois Corso
  • Patent number: 9322602
    Abstract: A heat exchanger provided with a plurality of plate-like fins 2 arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval and a plurality of flat-shaped heat transfer pipes 3 inserted in a direction orthogonal to said plate-like fins 2 and through which a refrigerant flows, in which said heat transfer pipe 3 has an outside shape with a flat outer face arranged along an air flow direction and a section substantially in an oval shape and first and second refrigerant flow passages 31a, 31b made of two symmetric and substantially D-shaped through holes having a bulkhead 32 between the two passages inside, which is bonded to said plate-like fin 2 by expanding diameters of said first and second refrigerant flow passages 31a, 31b by a pipe-expanding burette ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sangmu Lee, Akira Ishibashi, Takuya Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9322603
    Abstract: A work machine includes a thermostat provided upon a path that conducts the cooling water to the radiator, and that opens and closes the path according to a temperature of the cooling water, a fan device that blows external air at the radiator, an output changeover switch that changes over output of the engine between high and low, a rotational speed setting unit that sets a rotational speed for the fan device according to the temperature of the cooling water, and a rotational speed adjustment unit that adjusts rotational speed of the fan device, wherein, within a temperature range for the cooling water in which the thermostat is fully opened from fully closed, the rotational speed of the fan device to be lower when the output changeover switch is changed over so as to limit the output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Kazuo Chounan, Tetsuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9322604
    Abstract: A semi-automatic or automatic rifle comprising a barrel attached to and upper receiver and including a compressible bolt carrier extension system. The compressible bolt carrier extension system includes a bolt carrier, an extension spring, two pins, and a reciprocation bolt carrier extension piece. As a whole, the compressible bolt carrier extension system makes possible the use of elongated upper and lower receivers to be used for chambering long-action or other center fire cartridges for use with AR rifles such as the M-16, and M4 etc., eliminating the need for any buffer or buffer tubes other than those commercially available. A further advantage of the compressible bolt carrier extension system is the reduction of felt recoil as the system fully loads during the recoil stroke as it pushes against the buffer absorbing additional recoil energy. The system can be incorporated into firearms using a variety of cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel R. Neitzling
  • Patent number: 9322605
    Abstract: A trigger mechanism guard assembly includes two arms, each having a first end with a trigger guarding surface and a second end and a housing with substantially parallel side surfaces configured to at least partially enclose the second ends of the arms. The housing is configured to be movable relative to the arms such that the housing has a first position and a second position, the second position being closer to the first ends of the arms compared to the first position. Movement of the housing from the first position to the second position causes movement of the first ends of the arms away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kargyle L.L.C.
    Inventors: Garret Noyons, Kyle Frake
  • Patent number: 9322606
    Abstract: An adjustable gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume, the regulator having at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from the pass through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: F & D Defense LLC
    Inventor: Corby Hall
  • Patent number: 9322607
    Abstract: A compact silencer device for a firearm comprising of multiple chambers which trap the gases from a projectile exiting the barrel of a gun to slow down the gases and reduce the temperature, sound, and flash associated with the projectile. In one embodiment, the first chamber which attaches to the barrel of the firearm comprises of sound baffling materials or gas porting baffles which vent gases from the second chamber passing rearward. The second chamber comprises of a chamber which can accommodate a retractable third chamber of the device, the second and third chamber of the device can have sound baffles to slow down the gases from the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Lau
  • Patent number: 9322608
    Abstract: Archery bows are described that include a first limb releasably connected to a riser by a fastener; wherein one of the first limb and the riser comprises a first end having a generally V-shaped, elongate mounting section, and the other includes a mounting surface shaped to mate with the generally V-shaped, elongate mounting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TRIBE ARCHERY, LLC
    Inventor: Heath Jeremy Painter
  • Patent number: 9322609
    Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Davies Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Stanowski
  • Patent number: 9322610
    Abstract: A firearm with replaceable grip in one embodiment includes a grip frame, a grip, and a rotary camlock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the grip from the grip frame. The camlock mechanism may be rotated between locked and unlocked positions preventing or enabling removal of the grip from the grip frame. In one embodiment, the camlock mechanism includes a movable blocking surface engageable with the grip to block its removal. The camlock mechanism in one configuration may comprise a rotatable locking cam that defines the blocking surface. A camtrack may be provided to convert rotary motion of the cam into linear displacement relative to the grip frame for selectively projecting or retracting the blocking surface relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph J. Zajk, Sam Vavro
  • Patent number: 9322611
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a selectable barrel support that can be inserted into a forend of a firearm stock to support a first barrel type and flipped, rotated, or otherwise moved to support a second barrel type (or third or fourth barrel types). Bull and tapered barrels are examples of two barrel types that the selectable barrel support can be used to support. The selectable barrel support enables a firearm owner or gunsmith to exchange barrel types on a firearm without having to switch out the firearm stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Grady E. Barfoot, Turner Sessions
  • Patent number: 9322612
    Abstract: Trigger guard lock device for retaining a firearm in a holster and enabling unlocking and removing the handgun from the holster in a single motion. In an aspect, a trigger guard device comprises a device body having a channel for receiving a firearm trigger guard, a lock automatically locks upon insertion of the guard and is positioned within the channel for retaining the guard and a release lever to permit the lock to pivot. The release is positioned at the top rear of the holster such that the release is actuated by finger of a user during the natural withdrawal motion. In this manner, the user may unlock and remove the handgun in a single motion. Also, the device includes an adjustable stabilizer for the handgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Safariland, LLC
    Inventor: Norman E. Clifton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9322613
    Abstract: A system for firing shell-cased projectiles including multiple barrels and a breech assembly, which includes multiple detonators each aligned to a corresponding one of the barrels. Each detonator may include a plunger coupled to a firing pin, and a solenoid for driving the plunger and firing pin toward the corresponding barrel upon firing, and an actuator-driven mechanical safety device including a slide plate switchable between first and second lateral positions. The slide plate may include multiple entrapment pins, each corresponding to one of the detonators. When the slide plate is in the first lateral position, each of the entrapment pins are positioned so as to obstruct movement of the plunger in the corresponding detonator, thereby rendering the corresponding detonator inoperable to fire even if the corresponding solenoid is actuated. On the other hand, when the slide plate is in the second lateral position, each of the detonators is operable to fire when the corresponding solenoid is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: NONLETHAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Oberdick, Michael Scott Oberdick
  • Patent number: 9322614
    Abstract: A front iron sight for a firearm including a housing defining an open unobstructed tubular aperture for a sightline therethrough and a partially open top portion, and preferably with a leading end of the front iron sight housing including a straight flat top portion and straight exterior side wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Dwight P. Williams, Kenneth W. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9322615
    Abstract: Low profile folding front and rear firearm sights are disclosed. The firearm sights can be assemblies including a base, an arm, and a sight attached to the arm. The sight assemblies can also include a spring-loaded pivot pin configured to pivotally couple the arm to the base. The sight assemblies can also include a linking pin connecting the pivot and the arm. The linking pin may be inserted into the pivot pin, such that a longitudinal axis of the linking pin intersects a rotational axis of the pivot pin. The sight assemblies can also include a bushing that includes one or more slots (e.g., locking slots and/or detent slots) and is non-permanently attached to the base. The spring-loaded pivot pin can force the linking pin into the at least one bushing slot when the arm is in a deployed and/or folded (stowed) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Raybman
  • Patent number: 9322616
    Abstract: A viewing apparatus (106) for a rifle scope (104), the viewing apparatus comprising a camera unit (108) having a camera and attachment means operable to attach the camera unit to a rifle scope such that the camera is exposed to an image visible at an eyepiece of a rifle scope, the camera being adapted to generate image data from the image to which it is exposed, the camera unit being arranged and operable to transfer the image data from the camera to a display unit (110), the display unit comprising display means being arranged and operable to display the image data received from the camera unit, the display unit further comprising attachment means (140) operable to attach the display unit to a rifle scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nitesite Ltd.
    Inventors: David Craven, Philip Craven
  • Patent number: 9322617
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the field of firearm accessories, and, more specifically, to reusable laser sighting devices for rocket launchers and other large weapons, particularly reusable laser sighting devices that allow retrofitting of existing weapons inventory. Some embodiments include a base plate that is configured to be permanently coupled to a rocket launcher, such as the M72 LAW, and a laser module configured to removably couple to the base plate. In various embodiments, the systems disclosed herein permit a the module to be removed from the base plate of a spent rocket launcher, and coupled to the base plate of a new rocket launcher, thereby reducing waste. In various embodiments, the laser module may be factory calibrated with respect to the base plate, and therefore once the base plate has been fixed to the rocket launcher, no field calibrations of the laser module are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Crimson Trace Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Hartley, James McDonald, Dale Suzuki, Dee Swartz, Jason Kleiber
  • Patent number: 9322618
    Abstract: A blast debris protective harness includes a front shell portion and a rear shell portion joined together. Each of the front and rear shell portions has an inside shell member and an outside shell member. A cavity is defined between the inside shell member and the outside shell member. A ballistic insert is configured to be retained within the cavity. The harness is an outer garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Cara Tuttle, Magdalena Mulherin, Annette LaFleur, Kristine Isherwood, Katherine Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9322619
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall M. Lee, Jerry L. Jones
  • Patent number: 9322620
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the production of camouflage that include steps such as harvesting a set of objects that have a diversity of color from the environment, placing the set of objects within a scene, capturing a set of images of the scene, adjusting color in the set of images, assembling a composite image, printing the composite image, making color adjustments and reprinting the composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Muddy Water Camo, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Maloney
  • Patent number: 9322621
    Abstract: An armor system pellet and an array and armor composed therefrom are provided. The pellet includes a pellet body and a plurality of projections for interlocking adjacent pellets when arranged in an array. The projections are configured for maximizing a contact area between adjacent pellets without substantially restricting independent movement of each of the pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Edan Administration Services (Ireland) Limited
    Inventor: Hananya Cohen
  • Patent number: 9322622
    Abstract: An improved shotshell of the type having a hull, having a propellant, a wad, and a load. The improvement comprises the load comprising of at least one non-spherical slug and shot, with at least one shot disposed in front of the slug in the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: OLIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ben N. Frank, Morris C. Buenemann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9322623
    Abstract: A preferred projectile includes a toughened polymer resin comprising an elastomer-modified epoxy functional adduct formed by the reaction of a bisphenol A liquid epoxy resin and a carboxyl terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile elastomer; and a curative agent by which the toughened polymer resin is cured; wherein the cured toughened polymer resin is in the shape of a bullet. The projectile preferably has an average density less than the density of lead. A preferred ammunition cartridge includes a propellant and the aforesaid projectile fixed in position relative to the propellant; and an ammunition cartridge includes a primer; a propellant; and the aforesaid projectile; as well as a casing containing the primer, propellant and projectile, with the projectile projecting from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Einstein Noodles, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Jonathan Seeman, Dewey Privette
  • Patent number: 9322624
    Abstract: A liquid-jacketed disrupter comprising a container (101) for receiving liquid and housing a receptacle (120) for explosive material, in which the container comprises one or more indentations (115) which result in the generation of liquid jets upon detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Alford Research Limited
    Inventors: Sidney Alford, Roland Alford
  • Patent number: 9322625
    Abstract: A water-resistant cartridge includes a pyrotechnic that when ignited launches water from a disrupter cannon to disable and/or destroy an explosive device. The cartridge includes a seal that seals between an outer surface of the cartridge and an inner surface of the barrel to limit water that escapes from the barrel rearward of the seal and cartridge. Prior to launching the water, the water in the barrel surrounds the cartridge forward of the seal. As the pyrotechnic burns and provides an expansive force on the sides of the cartridge, the water between the sides of the cartridge and the inner surface of the barrel resists the expansive force to help retain the shape of the cartridge, so that it may be more easily removed from the barrel after firing. The force provided by the pyrotechnic blows a cover of the cartridge off to provide the force directly to the water to launch the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: F. Richard Langner
  • Patent number: 9322626
    Abstract: Shell holders for firearms have a body including a plurality of bores, a plurality of elastomeric elements, each associated with a different selected one of the bores, each elastomeric element having a protruding portion that protrudes a selected distance into the bore, a plurality of movable adjustment elements, each connected to the body and each operably engaged to a different selected one of the elastomeric elements, wherein the selected distance the protruding portion of the elastomeric element protrudes into the bore is adjustable based on an adjustment position of each adjustment element, and the selected distance is independently adjustable for each elastomeric element. The shell holder may be for a shotgun. The movable adjustment elements may include a plurality of jaws movable with respect to the body. There may be a gap defined between the body and each jaw. The elastomeric elements may be received within the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: PRO MAG MFG., INC.
    Inventor: Michael W. Ballard
  • Patent number: 9322627
    Abstract: A munitions safety and arming device for artillery ammunition, and an artillery ammunition having the same are provided. The munitions safety and arming device for artillery ammunition includes: a body having a first movement path and a second movement path communicating with the first movement path; a mass body housed in the first movement path and moving from one side of the first movement path to the other side of the first movement path upon receiving centrifugal force based on rotation of an artillery ammunition when the artillery ammunition is fired; a slide member movably installed in the second movement path and slidably moving by a predetermined distance when pressed by the movement of the mass body; and a movement delay unit protruding from the first movement path to reduce the centrifugal force exerted on the mass body to delay a time for the mass body to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Jong Soo Oh, Seung Seob Lee, Choon Jae Lee, Kyoung Woong Seo, Dong Wan Lim
  • Patent number: 9322628
    Abstract: A tape measure for measuring a workpiece includes a housing, a coilable measuring tape at least partially disposed within the housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage a first surface of the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction substantially normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. The second face faces outward from the end of the tape. A magnet housing is coupled to the end hook member, a first magnet is disposed within the magnet housing and arranged to magnetically engage the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned adjacent the second face, and a second magnet is disposed within the magnet housing and is arranged to magnetically engage the workpiece when the workpiece is positioned adjacent the first face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Wade F. Burch, Scott R. Fischer, Michael S. Steele, Abhijeet A. Khangar
  • Patent number: 9322629
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Sauder, Derek A. Sauder, Justin L. Koch, Troy L. Plattner, David Huber
  • Patent number: 9322630
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing and checking a thread arranged in a cylinder head to receive a spark plug. However, the invention also relates to a device for checking the thread introduced into the cylinder head. By defining a starting point of the internal thread to be produced specifically in terms of position thereof within the parent hole by using spark plug parameters, the spark plug will always be aligned with its spark gap oriented toward the injector. For the purpose of checking, use is made of a plug gage, the screw-in thread of which has the parameters of the spark plug thread and with which, by using a measuring face, the position of an extension on the threaded body can be established. The extension simulates the ground electrode of the spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Wilkins, Amando Jose Jose Sebastian, Timothy M. Hull, Juergen Bleyer, Reece Adams, Francis Maslar, Mike O. Thompson, Alexander M. Stoll
  • Patent number: 9322631
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a surface measurement instrument includes rotating a work piece having an undulating surface on a turntable of a metrological apparatus; measuring the surface of the work piece at a plurality of rotational positions; analyzing the results of the measurement to determine parameters describing an error causing characteristic of the metrological apparatus; and using the determined parameters to correct measurement data for the error causing characteristic of the metrological apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Taylor Hobson Limited
    Inventor: Paul J. Scott
  • Patent number: 9322632
    Abstract: A linear position sensor assembly having a magnetic shield minimizes interference (noise) from adjacent electrical and electromagnetic devices, particularly solenoids. The sensor assembly includes a permanent magnet linear contactless displacement (PLCD) sensor comprising a pair of magnetic field sensors which are spaced apart by a member of high magnetic permeability such as a metal bar. The sensors and metal bar are enclosed, i.e., surrounded on three sides, by a cover or shield of high magnetic permeability material such as steel or mu metal, for example. A permanent magnet is disposed in sensed proximity to the sensors and translates with a clutch actuator component. When the clutch actuator component translates axially, the two field sensors provide a signal to associated electronics having high linearity, low noise and no deadband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Inc.
    Inventors: Xinyu Zhou, Moussa Ndiaye, Michael Partridge, Xu Han, Michael McLeod
  • Patent number: 9322633
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes running generally in a first direction. The sensor also includes a plurality of sense electrodes running generally in a second direction. The sense electrodes have branches running generally in the first direction. End portions of the adjacent branches of adjacent sense electrodes extend beyond one another to define respective coextensive portions of the branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Esat Yilmaz, Peter Sleeman, Samuel Brunet, Matthew Trend, Harald Philipp
  • Patent number: 9322634
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement comprises an input surface, an optical sensor, a first capacitive sensor, an evaluation unit and a device. The input surface has at least one light-permeable part surface. The optical sensor is disposed below the at least one light-permeable part surface. The first capacitive sensor is disposed below the input surface. The evaluation unit is coupled to the optical sensor and configured to carry out a light-permeability measurement of an object located on the input surface using the optical sensor. The device is configured to evaluate a change in capacitance of the first capacitive sensor. The device is connected to the first capacitive sensor and further configured to generate a first output signal if there is a change in capacitance. The evaluation unit is further configured to generate a presence signal if a measured light permeability falls below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Reimann