Patents Issued in May 17, 2016
  • Patent number: 9341158
    Abstract: Noise produced by the blades of a wind turbine electric generator is reduced by creating randomly varied serrations on the trailing edge of the blade, thereby creating vortices of varying size, energy, and distance from the trailing edge. This configuration creates vortices that tend to cancel one another while avoiding the creation of adjacent, mutually reinforcing vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Inventus Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Smith, Daniel Brake
  • Patent number: 9341159
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling wind turbine loading. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of determining a current thrust value for the wind turbine, calculating a thrust differential based on the current thrust value and a predetermined maximum thrust value, calculating a desired pitch offset value based on the thrust differential and a thrust sensitivity value, and adjusting a pitch of the wind turbine utilizing the pitch offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arne Koerber, William Edwin Holley, Leonardo Cesar Kammer, Charudatta Subhash Mehendale
  • Patent number: 9341160
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a number of blades and an optical measurement system comprising a light source, such as a laser, an optical transmitter part, an optical receiver part, and a signal processor. The light source is optically coupled to the optical transmitter part, which includes an emission point for emitting light in a probing direction. The optical receiver part comprises a receiving point and a detector. The optical receiver part is adapted for receiving a reflected part of light from a probing region along the probing direction and directing the reflected part of light to the detector to generate a signal used to determine a first velocity component of the inflow. The emission point is located in a first blade at a first radial distance from a center axis, and the receiving point is located in the first blade at a second radial distance from the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LM GLASFIBER A/S
    Inventors: Peter Fuglsang, Lars Fuglsang, Lars Christian Hvidegaard Hammer
  • Patent number: 9341161
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting power includes a track and an airfoil coupled to the track. The track includes first and second elongate sections, where the first elongate section is positioned above the second elongate section. The airfoil includes a suction surface lying between a pressure surface and the track, and is moveable in opposite directions when alternately coupled to the first elongate section and second elongate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Lumley
  • Patent number: 9341162
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a fundamental frequency of power supply grid being operatively connected to a power supply grid. The method includes determining a variation of active power at one or more locations within the power supply grid, updating based on the determination a calculation of at least one of a steady-state and a dynamic-state related coefficient parameter of the power supply grid, and determining, using a frequency controller of the wind turbine facility and based on the updated calculation, an amount of active power to inject into the power supply grid corresponding to a desired fundamental frequency of the power supply grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jorge Martinez Garcia
  • Patent number: 9341163
    Abstract: A wind-turbine control device controls a wind turbine generator in which a rotor having a plurality of blades receives wind and rotates. The generator generates electrical power through the rotation of the rotor. The electrical power is supplied to a utility grid, and electric energy to be supplied to the utility grid can be changed according to a change in the frequency of the utility grid. The wind-turbine control device includes a subtracter to calculate a frequency change, which is the difference between a measurement value of the frequency of generated output power of the wind turbine generator and a set value of the frequency of the generated output power of the wind turbine generator. The wind-turbine control device further includes a limiter to limit a change in the electrical power corresponding to the frequency change calculated by the subtracter, based on the rotational speed of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Hisanobu Shinoda, Masayuki Hashimoto, Yukio Yamashita, Takehiro Naka, Akira Yasugi, Takumi Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9341164
    Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine includes at least one heating mat for generating heat, wherein the heating mat is mounted at an outer surface of the blade. The blade further includes at least one through-hole running from an inner space of the blade to the outer surface of the blade. The blade further has at least one conductive element, wherein the conductive element is electrically coupled to the heating mat. The conductive element is inserted in the through-hole for generating an electric connection between the inner space and the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Soeren Oemann Lind, Finn Daugaard Madsen, Karsten Schibsbye
  • Patent number: 9341165
    Abstract: A power generation system comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, a pump operably connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, and a turbine manifold assembly operably connected to the first vessel and the second vessel, wherein the pump creates a positive pressure in the first vessel to force a fluid in a first direction through the turbine manifold assembly and into the second vessel to a pre-determined level by a negative pressure in the second vessel, wherein, once the fluid reaches the pre-determined level in the second vessel, the pump creates a positive pressure in the second vessel to force the fluid in an opposing second direction through the turbine manifold assembly and back into the first vessel by a negative pressure in the first vessel to complete a cycle is provided. Furthermore, associated methods and a turbine manifold assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Howard G. Hoose, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9341166
    Abstract: An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure is at least partially embedded into the flexible polymer matrix through a first surface. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lu-Zhuo Chen, Chang-Hong Liu, Jia-Ping Wang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 9341167
    Abstract: A vehicle energy harvester including a subunit having an upper surface forming a roadway surface; a vehicle activated treadle on the subunit, the vehicle activated treadle moveable between a first position in which an upper surface of the treadle is at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the roadway surface and a second position in which the upper surface of the treadle is flush with the upper surface of the roadway surface; a generator that generates power in response to movement of the vehicle activated treadle; and a vehicle speed detection device that detects a speed of a vehicle travelling over the roadway surface based on a speed of movement of the vehicle activated treadle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kinetic Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9341168
    Abstract: A device for applying a directed contact pressure force to a multitude of samples. A first part of the device includes a multitude of sample receptacles that receive a multitude of joining surface modules of the same kind, and a second part of the device is connected to the first part in such a manner that a multitude of fluidically intercommunicating hydraulic cylinders in one of the two parts can load the joining surface modules simultaneously in a loading direction at a predetermined force that is substantially identical in respect to all samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Bundesrepublik Deutschland, vertreten durch das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie, dieses vertreten durch den Präsidenten der BAM, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und—prüfung
    Inventors: Uwe Beck, Stefan Hielscher, Matthias Weise, Kai Kittler
  • Patent number: 9341169
    Abstract: A method for determining a piston position in a downhole tool, having steps of providing a transducer in the downhole tool, wherein the tool has a piston used to create a vacuum for the downhole tool, providing a transducer tone burst to provide acoustic energy toward the piston, reflecting the transducer tone burst by a surface of the piston, receiving the transducer tone burst at a receiver, calculating time of flight for the transducer tone burst and determining the piston position in the downhole tool based upon the calculated time of flight of the transducer tone burst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Audrey Apoteker, Sylvain Bedouet, Frederic Jacqueme
  • Patent number: 9341170
    Abstract: An axial piston machine includes a housing part, a drive shaft, which is mounted in the housing part, and a cylinder drum, which is connected to the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and which accommodates a plurality of pistons. Each of the pistons bound a working chamber and are supported on a swashplate. The working chambers can be connected in alternation to a high-pressure channel and to a low-pressure channel, which extend in the housing part. An insert part is rigidly inserted into the housing part. A control surface of the insert part is directly opposite the cylinder drum. The insert part has a high-pressure channel section and a low-pressure channel section, which have approximately kidney-shaped opening areas in the control surface. The other openings of the high-pressure and low-pressure channel sections opposite the opening area in the control surface are formed radially on the insert part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Clemens Krebs
  • Patent number: 9341171
    Abstract: A gas compression system includes at least one first compressor provided with at least one first cylinder and one second cylinder that are combined together such that a gas to be compressed, which is taken into the first cylinder at an intake pressure, is compressed by the intake of an engine gas to the second cylinder. The system further includes a pressure checking device to check the pressure of the engine gas during the feeding thereof into the second cylinder. The pressure checking device includes a pressure detector for measuring the pressure of the gas to be compressed during the intake thereof to the first cylinder; and a regulator for adjusting the flow rate of the engine gas in the second cylinder such that the pressure of the gas to be compressed is constant during the intake thereof to the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Yannick Fourneron, Eric Pinton
  • Patent number: 9341172
    Abstract: A positive displacement pump (1) with a pump head (3), in which (3) at least one pump space (6) is provided, with a pump diaphragm (7), which is associated with the at least one pump space (6) and which (7) separates the pump space (6) from a reciprocating drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KNF Flodos AG
    Inventors: Daniel Kohli, Stephan Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 9341173
    Abstract: An improved lance pump is disclosed for pumping a pumpable product, particularly lubricant including grease, from a lubricant supply. The pump comprises a head for placement above the supply, a tubular lance structure affixed to the head and extending down into the supply, and a pump tube inside the lance structure that is reciprocated up and down for pumping lubricant from the supply on both upstrokes and downstrokes of the tube. A ram at a lower end of the lance structure is positioned for forcing lubricant up into the tube and past an inlet check valve on a downstroke of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Laughlin, Paul G. Conley
  • Patent number: 9341174
    Abstract: A compressor that allows a discharge port to assume a large circumference and a large area at an exit end thereof so as to optimize the discharge resistance and the pressure-receiving area and assuring improved volumetric efficiency through reduced dead volume, includes a discharge port 5b, an entrance end of which opens into a compression chamber and an exit end that is able to open and shut with a discharge valve 43. The discharge port 5b is constituted with a recessed portion 50 formed to achieve a predetermined depth from the exit end and a through portion 51 having a smaller sectional area than the sectional area of the recessed portion 50. The through portion 51 is formed so that its width measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the discharge valve is greater than its width measured along the longitudinal direction of the discharge valve 43.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: VALEO THERMAL SYSTEMS JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Endo, Tomoyasu Takahashi, Yoshihiro Adachi
  • Patent number: 9341175
    Abstract: A seal for a pump includes a seal housing configured to be received in a housing of the pump and a seal assembly received in the seal housing. The seal further includes a seal holder receiving at least a portion of the seal assembly, the seal holder being configured to rotate with respect to the seal housing. The seal also includes a guide coupled to the seal housing and retaining the seal holder, such that the seal holder rotates with respect to the seal housing, wherein during operation of the pump, the seal holder and a portion of the seal assembly rotate. A pump includes the pump seal, and a method for refurbishing a pump seal includes removing and replacing at least a portion of a seal assembly of the pump seal, wherein refurbishing the pump seal does not require removing a pump shaft from the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LOBEPRO, INC.
    Inventor: Rolando Nico M. Ramos
  • Patent number: 9341176
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump includes a motor having a recess in an outer circumferential portion, a crank which rotates together with a motor output shaft, a driving member including a driving element which reciprocates in accordance with the crank rotation, and a diaphragm which forms a pump chamber which expands and contracts in accordance with the reciprocating driving element. The pump also includes a suction passage which draws a fluid into the pump chamber, a discharge passage which discharges the fluid, a suction valve formed in the suction passage to regulate a reverse flow of the fluid to the suction passage, a discharge valve formed in the discharge passage to regulate a reverse flow of the fluid to the pump chamber, and an elastically deformable cylindrical member which holds the diaphragm and includes a projection which engages with the recess of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OKENSEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuki Itahara
  • Patent number: 9341177
    Abstract: Air compressor systems, upgrade kits, computer readable medium, and methods for controlling an air compressor for improved performance. The methods may include receiving a working air requirement; determining an estimated air pressure of the air compressor to deliver the working air requirement; measuring a pressure of the air compressor; comparing the measured pressure with the calculated estimated air pressure; if the measured pressure of the air compressor is greater than the determined estimated air pressure by a predetermined greater amount, then decreasing an output control of the air compressor; and if the measured pressure of the air compressor is less than the calculated estimated air pressure by a predetermined lesser amount then increasing the output control of the air compressor. The air compressor may be controlled based on a measured pressure of delivered working air. An oil control system may shut off oil to parts of the air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Grant Andrew Field, Simo Tanner, Karl Ingmarsson
  • Patent number: 9341178
    Abstract: A system includes a pump for connecting to a fluid source. The system also includes an adjustable-speed drive coupled with the pump. The system further includes a flow meter coupled with the pump. The system also includes a processor coupled with the adjustable-speed drive and the flow meter for receiving an approximately instantaneous power consumption and an approximately instantaneous pumping rate. The processor is configured to select an optimal pumping rate for operating the pump based upon a comparison of metrics representing approximately instantaneous pumping rates and approximately instantaneous power consumptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Lincoln Williams
  • Patent number: 9341179
    Abstract: The current application discloses various embodiments where a portion of a fluid end pump body is made of a first material the other parts of the pump body are made of a second material where the first material is a material having better resistance to fatigue and the second material used is a material of less quality and cheaper than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Ochoa, Philippe Gambier, Aude Faugere, Christopher Shen, Joe Hubenschmidt, Tze Wei Chua, Walter Taylor
  • Patent number: 9341180
    Abstract: A connection plate for a hydrostatic piston machine includes two connection openings on opposite lateral surfaces of the connection plate. The connection openings are arranged at an offset from a main axis of the connection plate on a common side. Two slotted recesses are formed from an inner face of the connection plate. The slotted recesses are each connected in the area of the first end section of the slotted recesses to one of the connection openings in order to connect the piston machine to a hydraulic circuit. A valve cartridge is inserted in an installation bore of the connection plate. The installation bore is formed opposite the plate axis in the connection plate with respect to the connection openings and extends approximately parallel to axes of the connection openings. The valve cartridge is hydraulically connected to one of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Spielvogel
  • Patent number: 9341181
    Abstract: When a flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through a solenoid is stopped to move a movable part from a closing-side position to an opening-side position and to thereby open the flow regulating valve. When a sound reducing control performing condition is fulfilled, a valve-opening control for reducing sound is performed. In the valve-opening control, until a fuel pressure in a pump chamber is decreased and the flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through the solenoid is continuously performed to hold the movable part at the closing-side position. After the flow regulating valve is opened, the passage of current through the solenoid is stopped. Before the movable part reaches the opening-side position, the passage of current is again temporarily performed. An electromagnetic attracting force is temporarily generated and a moving speed of movable part is decreased by the attracting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9341182
    Abstract: An electromagnetic pump includes a coil configured to conduct an alternating current, a cylinder, and a piston assembly. The piston includes a cavity configured to receive fluid and an aperture defined in a first end thereof The piston is arranged within the cylinder to define an interface between the piston and the cylinder, and the piston is configured to move linearly between a first position and a second position within the cylinder. The piston is positioned in the electromagnetic pump such that it is within a magnetic field which is generated by the coil when the coil conducts a current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GOTEC SA
    Inventor: Pierre Mayoraz
  • Patent number: 9341183
    Abstract: A downhole reciprocating pump assembly for pumping wellfluids from a wellbore has a cylindrical barrel and a plunger disposed within the barrel. A plunger adapter for such pump assembly is configured to allow passage of sand or other particles through the adapter and into a central bore of the plunger so that it does not enter the space between the outer wall of the plunger and inner wall of the barrel of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Don V. Carruth, Jyothi Swaroop Samayamantula
  • Patent number: 9341184
    Abstract: A coupling system for receiving a push rod includes a housing defining an internal channel having a sloped wall, and a piston received within the internal channel. The piston includes at least one flexible member arranged within the channel to be acted upon by the sloped wall to engage the push rod. The only external force required to couple the push rod is an axial force on the piston in a direction. The only external force required to de-couple the push rod is an axial force on the piston in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest A. Dion, Ed McLean, Fred Boussu, Manny J. Salinas, Sean J. Albert
  • Patent number: 9341185
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wear-resistant surface treating agent, a manufacturing method thereof, and a compressor using the same. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the surface treating agent includes an organic solvent, nanodiamond powder and carbon nanotube powder dispersed in the organic solvent, and a PTFE solution mixed with the organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent is an amide-based organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinsung Park, Chuljig Bae, Eunsoo Yang, Byeongchul Lee, Youngkyun Lim, Daesoon Lim, Seungkoo Lee
  • Patent number: 9341186
    Abstract: A scroll pump has a tip seal between an axial end of the scroll blade of one of stationary and orbiting plate scrolls of the pump and the plate of the other of the stationary plate and orbiting plate scrolls. The scroll pump may have a ballast gas supply system and use the operation of the ballast gas supply system to assess the condition of the tip seal. Alternatively, the scroll pump may have two pressure sensors that sense pressure at two locations spaced along a compression mechanism of the pump to assess the condition of the tip seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John Calhoun
  • Patent number: 9341187
    Abstract: A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, first and second temperature sensors, and a control module. The shell may define a lubricant sump. The compression mechanism may be disposed within the shell and may be operable to compress a working fluid. The first temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a first position. The second temperature sensor may be at least partially disposed within the shell at a second position that is vertically higher than the first position. The control module may be in communication with the first and second temperature sensors and the pressure sensor and may determine whether a liquid level in the lubricant sump is below a predetermined level based on data received from the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy R. Brostrom, Sunil S. Kulkarni, Ronald L. Van Hoose
  • Patent number: 9341188
    Abstract: A bolt fastening system for a turbomolecular pump wherein a first member is fastened in an axial direction with respect to a second member by multiple bolts arranged concentrically with respect to a rotor shaft center. The bolt-fastening system equipped with multiple pairs of non-penetrating pinholes arranged concentrically with respect to a rotor shaft center and formed opposing one another in respective opposing faces of the fastened first and second members, and equipped with pins provided for each pair of pinholes and inserted into the pairs of pinholes. When the size of a gap between a bolt and a bolt hole formed in the first member is Db, and a sizes of the gaps between the pins and the pinholes formed in the first and second members are Dp1 and Dp2, the gap sizes Db, Dp1, and Dp2 satisfy the equation Db?(Dp1+Dp2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahito Kogame
  • Fan
    Patent number: 9341189
    Abstract: A fan includes a motor and an impeller. The motor includes a stationary portion and a rotating portion rotatably supported by the stationary portion. The stationary portion includes a stator and a bearing portion arranged inside of the stator. The rotating portion includes a rotor magnet arranged radially outside the stator; a shaft inserted in the bearing portion, and having an upper portion fixed to the impeller directly or through one or more members; and a thrust portion arranged axially opposite the bearing portion, and including an annular surface arranged around the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teiichi Hirono, Shinichiro Noda, Yoshiharu Ikegami, Tomohiro Hasegawa, Tomohiro Yoneda, Shunji Matsumoto, Seungsin Yoo, Kouta Kabune
  • Patent number: 9341190
    Abstract: An approach is provided in which a cooling manager retrieves pre-characterization data corresponding to a fan that electronic components included in a computer system. The pre-characterization data includes operational zones based upon fan power measurements and fan speed settings. The cooling manager sets the fan to a first speed setting within a first operational zone, and detects that one of the components generates a temperature change value that exceeds a specified temperature change value corresponding to the component. In turn, the cooling manager selects a second operational zone and sets the fan to a second speed setting within the second operational zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Walter Berry, Diyanesh Babu Vidyapoornachary Chinnakkonda, Prasanna Jayaraman, Vijay Anand Mathiyalagan, Tony Emile Sawan, Eakambaram Rangaswamy Thirumalai
  • Patent number: 9341191
    Abstract: An improvement for a turbine generator or pump having main bearings separated by a span of shaft and a thrust equalizing mechanism adjacent one of said main bearings, the improvement comprising a stationary length compensator interposed between the thrust equalizing mechanism and its adjacent main bearing to reduce the span between said main bearings. Preferably the length compensator is composed of material that shrinks less than the shaft of the generator, and the height of the length compensator, i.e., the compensating dimension, is selected according to desired thrust equalizing mechanism operating parameters over a temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: EBARA International Corporation
    Inventor: Joel V. Madison
  • Patent number: 9341192
    Abstract: A fan assembly for a computing device is disclosed. The fan assembly can include an impeller having a number of blades and a motor for turning the blades. The motor can turn the blades via a magnetic interaction between the impeller and the motor. A fluid dynamic thrust bearing can be used to control a position of the impeller relative to the motor. In particular, the impeller can be configured to rotate around an axis and the thrust bearing can be used to control movement of the impeller in a direction aligned with the rotational axis. In one embodiment, the thrust bearing can be configured to stabilize the impeller when vibratory forces act upon the fan assembly. More particularly, parameters associated with the thrust bearing can be selected to counteract vibratory forces emitted by a speaker system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Aiello, Jesse T. Dybenko, Brett W. Degner
  • Patent number: 9341193
    Abstract: A cabin air compressor drive ring includes an outer ring defining an axis, an inner ring co-axial with the outer ring, a plurality of webbings connecting the inner ring to the outer ring, and a plurality of vane engagement pins axially protruding from the outer ring. The vane engagement pins are spaced circumferentially about the outer ring, and the inner ring includes a drive ring bearing interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Seth E. Rosen
  • Patent number: 9341194
    Abstract: An inner bushing assembly (280) to provide a biasing force between a guide vane (260) and an inner ring half (261) of a gas turbine engine compressor (200) is disclosed. The inner bushing assembly (280) includes a first bushing (281), a second bushing (282), and a biasing element (283). The first bushing (281) is configured to be installed about an inner vane shaft (267) of the guide vane (260) adjacent to an airfoil (265) of the guide vane (260). The second bushing (282) is configured to be installed about the inner vane shaft (267) distal to the airfoil (265). The biasing element (283) is configured to be installed about the inner vane shaft (267) between the first bushing (281) and the second bushing (282).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: John Frederick Lockyer
  • Patent number: 9341195
    Abstract: A centrifugal fan module comprising a fan housing and an impeller is provided. The fan housing includes an air inlet and a sidewall. The sidewall is pivotally disposed in the fan housing to rotate in the rotational direction relative to the fan housing. A tongue portion is formed between the sidewall and the impeller, a pressurized region is formed from the tongue portion along the rotational direction to the air outlet, the pressurized region includes a strong airflow region and the dust-discharging hole is in the strong airflow region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventor: Cheng-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 9341196
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil tank attachment structure arranged in a construction machine secures the strength of a hydraulic oil tank as well as secures a large capacity thereof. The attachment structure is arranged in a compact excavator provided with a revolving superstructure, a working device attached to the revolving superstructure, a hydraulic actuator including a revolving motor that drives the revolving superstructure and an actuator that drives the working device. A hydraulic oil tank made of synthetic resin, which stores hydraulic oil to be supplied to the hydraulic actuator, is attached on a revolving frame of the revolving superstructure. The hydraulic oil tank attachment structure has a holding member provided with a projecting part formed on a side surface of the tank, which is fixed on the revolving frame of the revolving superstructure so as to surround side surfaces thereof to hold the hydraulic oil tank via the projecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Kawamoto, Kohei Maeda
  • Patent number: 9341197
    Abstract: A modular switching valve arrangement (12) having a plurality of switching valves (20) which are arranged adjacent to one another is characterized in that each switching valve (20) includes at least one media connection (34) which has a connecting piece (26) mounted thereto, and in that the connecting piece (26) braces the corresponding switching valve (20) with a shared carrier plate (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH
    Inventor: Joachim Götzelmann
  • Patent number: 9341198
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive device for a hydraulic excavator, includes: a first hydraulic pump; a first boom directional control valve and a second arm directional control valve which are connected in parallel to the first pump; a second hydraulic pump; and a second boom directional control valve and a first arm directional control valve which are connected in parallel to the second pump; wherein: the hydraulic drive device also includes: a third hydraulic pump; a third boom directional control valve connected to the third pump and controlling the flow of pressure oil supplied to a boom cylinder; and a third arm directional control valve connected in tandem with the third boom directional control valve and controlling the flow of pressure oil supplied to an arm cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kazunori Nakamura, Yasuo Okano, Kouji Ishikawa, Kensuke Sato, Hiroyuki Azuma, Mitsuhiko Kanehama, Yusuke Kajita
  • Patent number: 9341199
    Abstract: A torque converter hydraulic control subsystem for a transmission is provided. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with a torque converter clutch (TCC) regulation valve, a TCC control valve, and a lubrication boost valve. The torque converter hydraulic control subsystem is configured to provide cooling and lubrication fluid flow to a torque converter in all modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher G. Benson, Todd R. Berger
  • Patent number: 9341200
    Abstract: The target input shaft torque determination unit determines a target input shaft torque. The target output shaft torque determination unit determines a target output shaft torque so that a deceleration force for decelerating the vehicle is generated on the output shaft of the power transmission device in a state in which connection and disconnection states of the forward travel clutch and the reverse travel clutch are maintained at the state before the start of the shuttle action when the shuttle action is started. The torque-balance information is stored in a storage unit and defines a relationship between the target input shaft torque and the target output shaft torque to achieve a balance of the torques of a power transmission device. The command torque determination unit uses the torque-balance information to determine torque commands for the motor from the target input shaft torque and the target output shaft torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Miyamoto, Kenichi Yamada, Yasunori Ohkura, Yasuki Kishimoto, Masao Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 9341201
    Abstract: Self-adjusting end clamps are disclosed. The clamps may include a top member and a bottom member having vertically arranged holes. As a bolt placed in the vertically arranged holes is tightened, the top and bottom members move toward one another to grip an object therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sunrun South LLC
    Inventor: Greg McPheeters
  • Patent number: 9341202
    Abstract: A support device for detachably supporting a portable electronic apparatus includes a base body, a support column member standing from one end of the base body, a flap axially supported in the support column member turnably clamp the portable electronic apparatus between the flap and the support face, conical rollers attached to the flap, each conical roller having an outer periphery diameter enlarged from one end portion thereof, and an urging device provided between the support column member and the flap and urging the flap in a direction of approaching the base body. The flap includes an arm portion, and support shafts extending in a right-and-left width direction from a tip of the arm portion. The support shafts incline relative to the base body, and each conical roller is turnably supported on the support shaft such that a small diameter portion is located close to the arm portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Tatsurou Fujiu
  • Patent number: 9341203
    Abstract: A releasable clip that includes a coil, a first arm portion, and a second arm portion. The arm portions initially extend from the coil in substantially parallel planes, each arm portion initially extends away from a longitudinal axis of the releasable clip, and each arm portion extends from the coil to a respective shoulder portion. A first leg portion and a second leg portion, each leg portion extends from a respective shoulder portion, and each leg portion initially extends toward and crosses the longitudinal axis of the releasable clip. A first arch portion and a second arch portion, wherein each arch portion extends from a respective leg portion to a respective terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Brian K. Disharoon
  • Patent number: 9341204
    Abstract: A fastening clip (10) for mounting a component part (28), especially an airbag or an airbag module, on a support (30) includes a head portion (12), a clip body (14) and retaining elements (16) laterally projecting from the clip body (14) which are elastically deflectable. The clip body (14) defines an interior and includes windows (20) through which the retaining elements (16) protrude outwardly from the interior. An assembly having such fastening clip (10) furthermore includes a support (30) having a mounting aperture (34) matching with the dimensions of the clip body (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Fischer
  • Patent number: 9341205
    Abstract: A family of devices attach elements previously bored in a cylindrical manner, wherein each device has a in extending along an axis and a tapered shaft and a head, and a bushing intended for accommodating the shaft of the pin, the bushing extending along the same axis having an outer cylindrical surface and an inner tapered surface. The family has at least two devices with bushings presenting, before installation by interference, an identical outer diameter and a different rate of taper of the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LISI AEROSPACE
    Inventor: Nicolas Guerin
  • Patent number: 9341206
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support channel assembly that secures and supports a bundle. The support channel assembly includes a support channel having a bottom and two sides and at least one flange. Each side of the support channel having a hook at a distal end. The flange has a top, a bottom and sides. The flange includes a locking tie receiving area for receiving a locking tie to secure the bundle and a support channel engaging area for receiving the hooks of the support channel to secure the flange to the support channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney Rouleau, James Banaszak
  • Patent number: 9341207
    Abstract: A web component suitable for use with a snap-fit assembly is disclosed herein. The web component includes, but is not limited to, a sheet metal member that has a periphery and a first side and a second side. The sheet metal member also includes a plurality of protrusions that extend from a first surface of the first side and from a second surface of the second side. The plurality of protrusions are disposed proximate a portion of the periphery and are configured to engage a female receiver associated with the snap-fit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Grieco