Patents Issued in May 17, 2016
  • Patent number: 9341258
    Abstract: A return to neutral (RTN) mechanism for a variable drive apparatus having a rotatable control shaft is provided. The RTN mechanism incorporates a neutral lockdown plate secured to the housing of the variable drive apparatus and disposed about the rotatable control shaft, a control arm fixed to the control shaft to impart rotation thereto, a single, rotatable return arm piloted upon a protective cover, and a pair of springs to bias the control shaft back to a neutral position from either a forward or reverse rotation. A single spring may optionally be used to form a unidirectional RTN mechanism, or two springs having different spring rates may optionally be used to alter the return rates of the control shaft back to a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Austin J. Templin
  • Patent number: 9341259
    Abstract: A gear shifting method and device of a multistage transmission in which gear shift of a main transmission and an auxiliary transmission is mechanically operated by operation of one shift lever The device is provided with: a cam mechanism that has a select operation output member and a shift operation output member, which separate, into shift operation and select operation for each direction, operation by operation of one shift lever that moves along at least one H-shaped shift pattern, a first cam groove that operates by the select operation, and operates a shift mechanism for the auxiliary transmission that shifts a shift fork for the auxiliary transmission, and a second cam groove that operates a select mechanism that selects a target shift fork from among a plurality of shift forks for the main transmission; and a shift mechanism for the main transmission that operates by the shift operation, and shifts the shift fork for the main transmission selected by the select operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Iwao
  • Patent number: 9341260
    Abstract: A shift control method for a dual clutch transmission (DCT) vehicle may include, performed by a controller of the DCT, an actual shift determining step, a cooperation control termination determining step, a flare determining step, an engine torque reducing step, a torque adding step, an engine torque raising step, and a shift finishing step of reducing an amount of reduction of the engine torque until synchronization is completed in proportion to a synchronization prediction time in which it takes an engine speed to reach a synchronization speed when the synchronization prediction time is smaller than a reference time during which the torque adding step and the engine torque raising step are performed, and having slip control over an engagement-side clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Cho, Ho Sung Kim, Sang Mo Ha
  • Patent number: 9341261
    Abstract: A torque converter clutch (TCC) control valve system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a dual valve assembly with a first exhaust line that opens to air and a TCC control valve assembly with a second exhaust line that opens to air. The TCC control valve assembly communicates with the dual valve assembly through a fluid line, and the TCC control valve assembly further communicates with a torque converter having a lockup clutch. When the lockup clutch is in a faulted open state, air is drawn into the dual valve assembly through the first exhaust line. The air flows through the dual valve assembly and from the dual valve assembly though the fluid line to portions of the TCC control valve assembly, and from the TCC control valve assembly to the torque converter. The air replaces hydraulic fluid in the torque converter, and the displaced hydraulic fluid from the torque converter exits through the second exhaust line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Joel H. Gunderson, Derek Kinch
  • Patent number: 9341262
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source, such as an engine, an electric machine, or combination thereof. A torque converter is selectively coupled to the power source such that drive torque can be altered before being distributed into a transmission of the vehicle. A torque converter bypass clutch enables torque from the power source to selectively transmit directly to the transmission with little or no torque altering provided by the torque converter. At least one controller in the vehicle is in communication with a storage device. The controller sends road condition data to the storage device regarding a road segment. During a subsequent drive to or over the road segment, the controller receives the road condition data and enables the torque converter bypass clutch to slip to dampen driveline disturbances when the vehicle passes over the road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Walter Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Daniel Scott Colvin
  • Patent number: 9341263
    Abstract: Vehicle control device of vehicle including lockup clutch configured to directly couple between input/output rotating members of fluid power transmission device transmitting power of engine to automatic transmission, vehicle control device engaging lockup clutch when running state of vehicle in predetermined running state, vehicle control device providing lockup clutch pressure learning control of learning oil pressure of lockup clutch used in start-time lockup slip control in which lockup clutch placed in slip-engaged state toward engaged state at start of vehicle based on rotation speed of engine at time of engagement of lockup clutch, vehicle control device inhibiting engagement of lockup clutch when running state of vehicle in predetermined running state and also in second predetermined running state, vehicle control device engaging lockup clutch after running state of vehicle goes out of second predetermined running state, and providing lockup clutch pressure learning control in engaging process of locku
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Wataru Matsubara, Hiroya Fujiwara, Akira Hino, Shun Minaki, Naoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9341264
    Abstract: A variator has an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted coaxially with the input shaft and rotatable by the input shaft, an output disc (12) facing the input shaft (18) and being mounted coaxially with the input disc, a toroidal cavity defined between the input and output discs and a plurality of rollers (14, 16) located in the toroidal cavity, in rolling contact with the input and output discs (10, 12), each of the rollers being mounted on a roller carriage (17). The variator has means (34) for applying an end load to the variator to urge the rollers (14, 16) into contact with the input and output discs (10, 12) and resiliently deformable means for applying a reaction force to each of the roller carriages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: David John Burtt
  • Patent number: 9341265
    Abstract: A primary piston is described of molded plastic and equipped with a functional metallic insert and at least one groove. The primary piston is installed in a master cylinder comprising at least the primary piston and a secondary piston, these being mounted in the bore hole of a master cylinder. These pistons can create pressure in a primary pressure chamber and a secondary pressure chamber, respectively, due to the action of a push rod on the primary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Olivier Bernadat, Laurent Lhuillier, Daniel Grech, Marc Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9341266
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder has an internal shaft that rotates in response to extension or contraction of an output rod. A magnet is affixed to the shaft, the position of which is detected by a sensor internal to the hydraulic cylinder for determining the position of the output rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Texas Hydraulics, Inc.
    Inventor: Reed Vivatson
  • Patent number: 9341267
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cylinder having an inner wall formed with fine uneven patterns to improve durability. The fine uneven patterns according to the present disclosure increases oil film pressure between a piston ring and an inner wall of the cylinder, and smoothly supplies engine oil to where the engine oil is insufficient, thereby reducing abrasion between the piston ring and the inner wall of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Gi Kim
  • Patent number: 9341268
    Abstract: A watertight apparatus of exterior component for a vehicle may include a coupling member coupling an exterior component and a vehicle body panel, and having a coupling groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of a part of the coupling member which passes through a vehicle body panel, and a watertight pad which is arranged to be in close contact with a bottom of the exterior component, a first side of which is coupled to a part of the vehicle body panel through which the coupling member passes and a second side of which is inserted into the coupling groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Nam Cheol Kim, Jeong Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9341269
    Abstract: A control valve for connection units for flexible hoses comprises a plurality of petals rotatable between a position of complete opening and a position of complete closing. The petals consist of pairs of petals with different shape and sizes, alternately arranged along the circumference of the connection unit. The petals of smaller size are controlled to close more slowly than those of larger size. The upstream surface of the petals of smaller size is provided with a pair of fins laterally protruding from the upstream surface so as to rest on the upstream surface of the petals of larger size to oblige the latter to close before the petals of smaller size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MIB ITALIANA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Bormioli
  • Patent number: 9341270
    Abstract: A globe valve assembly includes a globe valve and a bonnet secured to a housing of the globe valve. The globe valve assembly further includes a yoke assembly having a yoke secured to a globe valve actuator, and a connector assembly secured to the yoke and configured to be connected to the bonnet to secure the globe valve to the globe valve actuator. The connector assembly includes a first arm pivotally secured to the yoke and a second arm pivotally secured to the yoke, with the first arm and the second arm being movable between an open position in which the yoke can receive the bonnet and a closed position in which the arms engage and connect the bonnet to the yoke, and a latch to fasten the arms in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: David Boretti
  • Patent number: 9341271
    Abstract: A device for driving a regulation valve for casting liquid metal contains a main rod controlling the opening and closing of the valve, and a coupler linking the main rod and the valve. The device also contains a coupler controller able to activate and deactivate the coupler, enabling linkage and detachment of the main rod and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Vesuvius Group S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Boisdequin, Jeffrey Butts, Jason Quinn
  • Patent number: 9341272
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a body of a gate configured to seal a gate valve. In certain embodiments, the body has a first face with a first coating disposed thereon, and a second face opposite the first face and having a second coating disposed thereon. The body also may include a flow bore that extends from the first face, through the body of the gate, to the second face and a reference structure that does not have either the first coating or the second coating disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the reference structure is configured to define a plane on the first face, the second face, or both during a planarization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Loc Hoang
  • Patent number: 9341273
    Abstract: A sliding stem control valve includes a valve body, a seat ring located within the valve body and a valve plug slidably mounted within the valve body, the valve plug and the valve seat cooperating to control fluid flow through the control valve. A composite seal assembly is located between the valve plug and the valve seat, the composite seal assembly includes a composite seal ring located between a first backup ring and a second backup ring. A biasing element is located adjacent the second backup ring and a retainer ring is located adjacent the biasing element to maintain the biasing element adjacent the second backup ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Ted D. Grabau
  • Patent number: 9341274
    Abstract: A pilot passage that is in communication with an input port at all times is formed inside a spool, the pilot passage and a second pressure receiving chamber on one side of a pilot piston are made to be in communication with each other at all times through a constantly open communication passage formed in a continuous portion between the spool and the pilot piston, the second pressure receiving chamber and a first pressure receiving chamber on the other side of the pilot piston are made to be in communication with each other through an opening/closing communication passage that is formed in a piston box and that is opened and closed with a pilot valve, and the pilot piston is driven and the spool is switched by turning the pilot valve on and off to supply/discharge pilot air to/from the first pressure receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Yoichi Morodomi
  • Patent number: 9341275
    Abstract: Elastomeric check valves for use, e.g., in small pump devices, may include a molded elastomeric valve body forming a pocket that extends from an opening at the valve inlet to a terminus inside the valve body, and having a slit extending from the terminus to a valve outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MiniPumps, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Peck, Po-Ying Li, Changlin Pang, Jason Shih
  • Patent number: 9341276
    Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve body having a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, the pressure of the first pressure chamber being lower than that of the second pressure chamber. The pressure of the second pressure chamber is discharged to the first pressure chamber in response to the change of the pressure of the first pressure chamber. A blocking device is arranged between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. A valve stem is arranged in the valve body with one end movably contacting the blocking device. A diaphragm is connected to the valve stem and is arranged adjacent to or above the first pressure chamber. When the pressure of the first pressure chamber is changed, the diaphragm forces the valve stem to move by sensing the pressure change of the first pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Le Wang
  • Patent number: 9341277
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to apparatus, systems and methods used in connection with a needle valve device operating in a pressurized flow system. The apparatus, systems and methods provide for automatic positioning of a needle relative to a seat in the needle valve device to provide consistent calibration with minimal user interaction after a maintenance event or upon a start-up of the pressurized flow system. The apparatus, systems and methods utilize a calibration collar secured to a shaft of an actuator within the needle valve device. The calibration collar includes one or more locking mechanism and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Paul Keenan, John Maillet, Jr., Ryan Hill
  • Patent number: 9341278
    Abstract: A system for manually overriding a solenoid operated valve in an event of power failure is provided. The system includes a solenoid operated valve and a lifter. The solenoid operated valve includes a valve body including a sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a sealing element selectively separating the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet and a solenoid configured to selectively couple and decouple the sealing element to the sealing surface. The lifter is threadedly coupled to the solenoid operated valve. Rotation of the lifter relative to the valve body in a first direction causes the lifter to decouple the sealing element from the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: John C. Esche
  • Patent number: 9341279
    Abstract: An automated impactor turn wheel capable of being activated and used to turn valves from a remote location. In certain instances, the impactor turn wheel is contemplated to turn a ball valve. The improved impactor turn wheel will generate increased torque which will allow improved operation of a ball valve in high pressure applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Safoco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason McNabney, Mustafa Ahmad A. Alalawi
  • Patent number: 9341280
    Abstract: A valve for regulating the pressure of a gas flow in a duct according to two pressure levels includes a gate whose position is controlled by an actuator with two chambers and a first control means with a first set point pressure P1 making it possible to position the gate in a first regulated position by comparing a pressure Pav downstream of the gate and the first set point pressure P1. The valve further includes a second control means with a second set point pressure P2 making it possible to position the gate in a second regulated position by comparing the pressure Pav downstream of the gate and the second set point pressure P2 and permutation means for making the first control means or the second control means communicate alternately with one of the chambers of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventor: Guillaume Pirat
  • Patent number: 9341281
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Colt Irrigation LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Patent number: 9341282
    Abstract: A flow control valve and a valve-position monitoring and control system coupled to the valve member and configured to precisely determine valve conditions related to the rotary position of the valve member. The system has an array of spaced apart transducers in an arcuate arrangement and in a fixed, non-moveable position relative to the valve's housing. A magnetic-field source is fixed to and rotates with the valve member as a unit. The magnetic-field source includes magnetic members adjacent to and out of physical engagement with the transducers. The magnetic member moves along an arcuate path parallel to the arcuate arrangement of the transducers as the valve member rotates through the plurality of rotary positions. The magnetic-field source provides magnetic flux detectable by at least a plurality of the transducers to precisely determine the rotational position of the magnetic-field source and/or the valve member, and the fluid flow rate through the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Robson
  • Patent number: 9341283
    Abstract: Apparatus includes a spindle having an outer surface configured with a surface finish that has openings/grooves, the outer surface also having an outer diameter; and also includes a switch target arrangement having a switch target in combination a target ring configured to be installed in the switch target so as to form the at least one switch target arrangement, and is also configured with an aperture having an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the surface finish of the spindle, so that when the at least one switch target arrangement is installed over the spindle, interference causes at least a portion of the target ring to deflect into a groove/space of the surface finish of the spindle so as to energize the target ring to grip the surface finish of the spindle to secure the switch target when the spindle moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC.
    Inventor: James R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 9341284
    Abstract: This invention provides a fluidic device comprising a diaphragm valve having a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer, the elastic layer having a diaphragm that is mechanically sealed against the fluidics layer and the actuation layer by a sealing ring in the actuation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: IntegenX Inc.
    Inventor: Mattias Vangbo
  • Patent number: 9341285
    Abstract: A cable clip is provided for mounting cables onto solar modules. The cable clip is a one piece assembly that is comprised of two main sections: a first recess for clipping onto a solar module and a second recess for receiving a cable from a solar module. The cable clip may be designed in either a parallel or perpendicular configuration which gives installers of solar modules maximum flexibility when mounting cables onto modules. A multi-level clip is also described for cases when a multitude of cables are required to be mounted onto a solar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Randy Dorn, Garrett Gauvain
  • Patent number: 9341286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sprinkler reducer fixing bracket including: a body having an insertion space portion fitted to a horizontal bar, a first mounting portion to which a reducer is fitted, first shaft holes formed on one side of the first mounting portion, a through hole formed at the center of a wall portion defining the insertion space portion, protruding portions protruding backwardly from the top and underside of the through hole, and long holes formed on the protruding portions; a locking pin having a shape of ‘U’ fitted to the long holes; a hook having a second mounting portion to which the reducer is fitted, second shaft holes formed on one side of the second mounting portion, and a plurality of inclined teeth formed at a position pushing one side of the locking pin on the rear side thereof when turned around a shaft member and becomes at a closed position; and the shaft member coupled to the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KOFULSO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 9341287
    Abstract: Fluid conveying pipes and processes of forming such pipes using friction stir welding. The fluid conveying pipes are formed from a pipe section that includes a first barrel coaxially and concentrically disposed within a second barrel. The first barrel and the second barrel are each formed from one or more sections or plates where longitudinal extending facing edges of the plates are friction stir welded (FSW) together along a seam(s) that extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end thereof. A plurality of the pipe sections can be connected together end to end using circumferential FSW seams to form a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Eller, Randy J. Brown, Duy N. Pham, Eugene C. Jansen, Trevor Owen, Kevin Miller
  • Patent number: 9341288
    Abstract: A flexible tubular duct for conveying corrosive fluids and used in the filed of petroleum extraction at sea. A flexible tubular duct includes at least one inner carcass (2) and a polymer sealing sheath (3). The inner carcass has a reinforcement metal profile (7) that is helically wound. The reinforcement metal profile (7) is made of an alloy having the following weight composition: 30 to 32% of Ni; 26 to 28% of Cr; 6 to 7% of Mo; 0.10 to 0.3% of N; 0.015% of C; 2% at most of Mn; 0.5 to 1.5% of Cu; 0.5% at most of impurities, the remainder consisting of Fe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Didier Marchand
  • Patent number: 9341289
    Abstract: A corrugated pipe includes an annular corrugated pipe body made of resilient material circumscribing a hollow conduit and including alternating annular ribs and annular valleys extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. At least one protuberance integral with the pipe body and having a protuberance sidewall extends radially outward from a modified annular rib to an apex positioned outwardly from the modified annular rib, the protuberance sidewall extends into the valleys immediately adjacent the modified annular rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PLASTIC TUBING INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Maroschak, Douglas Everson
  • Patent number: 9341290
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for coupling a wafer style primary element of a process measurement system between process pipes in a manner which aligns the primary element with the process pipes, while maintaining alignment and preventing leaking in the event of a dynamic shock to the process pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: John Henry Stehle, Paul Timothy Deegan, Dave Craig Winters
  • Patent number: 9341291
    Abstract: A damper access assembly includes an adapter and a removable damper access duct section for use in a ventilation duct system to access a damper. The adapter includes a radially outwardly directed flange. Each of the ends of the damper access duct section includes a radially outwardly directed flange. The flange of the adapter is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to one of the flanges of the damper access duct section. The other second flange at the other end of the damper access duct section is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to the ductwork. A technician may release the damper access duct section from the adapter and from the ductwork and remove the damper access duct section to access the damper. The damper access assembly may include one or more clamps that cooperate with the flanges of the adapter and the removable access duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Langdon Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Patent number: 9341292
    Abstract: An inside corner pull elbow fitting comprising a body having a first hub dimensioned for receipt of an electrical conduit, a second hub dimensioned for receipt of an electrical conduit, and an elbow portion positioned between said first and second hubs. The elbow portion has a wall defining a hollow interior that extends between the hubs, each end of the elbow portion having extension, the elbow portion including a cutout region positioned between said first and second ends and in an inner curved region of the elbow portion, the cutout region having a perimeter defining an opening to the hollow interior of the elbow portion; and a cover having a surface substantially corresponding to the perimeter defining the opening of the elbow portion, the cover further having tabs depending from first and second ends of the cover, the tabs dimensioned to be resiliently secured to the extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: BRIDGEPORT FITTINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Smith, Delbert Auray
  • Patent number: 9341293
    Abstract: A connection part providing communication between biopharmaceutical containers and/or conduits, includes a connection sheath (32) and two connection skirts (38a, 38b). The connection sheath (32) and both connection skirts (38a, 38b) have resiliency such that the connection part (30), from a disassembled state, is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened without loss of integrity so as to be made threadable through both collars (14, 24). Then, due to the resiliency thereof, the connection part contacts, with resilient clamping for support and with sealability, the coupled portion of the outer surface of both collars (14, 24). Moreover, from the assembled state, the connection part is transversely stretchable, at the site of both connection skirts (38a, 38b) thereof, until transversely widened so as to be capable of being unthreaded from both collars (14, 24) and thus be converted to the disassembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventor: Mareva Gueneron
  • Patent number: 9341294
    Abstract: A unisex ball valve coupling includes an interface end that engages an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly. A valve of the coupling has a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage. A valve shaft rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position. The valve shaft has a first surface. A blocking member is movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and, in the non-blocking position, the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Raycon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tak-Yiu Wong
  • Patent number: 9341295
    Abstract: A reductant system for an aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The reductant system includes at least one reductant feed line and a reductant system component such as a dosing module. The feed line is connected to the dosing module with a fluid connector. The fluid connector includes a body made from a first material that has a low heat conductivity and an insert made from a second material that has a greater heat conductivity than that of the first material. The insert extends from the body of the fluid connector into a storage chamber of the dosing module, and conducts heat from heated reductant in the feed line to the reductant stored in the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Heichelbech, Jim F. Burke, John Anthis, Andrew Myer
  • Patent number: 9341296
    Abstract: A heater jacket for a fluid line including a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface; a spacer disposed within the tube between the inner surface and the fluid line; and wherein the spacer includes a hole for receiving the fluid line therein and spaces the fluid line from the tube inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Yednak, III, Frederick L. Pettinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9341297
    Abstract: A closure element for closing the ends of pipes, in particular steel pipes, having a circular base cover whose outer diameter corresponds at most to the outer diameter of the pipe, having a side which faces towards the pipe interior and comprises at least two elastic clamping elements which in the assembled condition are supported on the inner surface of the pipe and clamp the base cover therewith. In order to permit universal usage, the closure element comprises means for selectively adjusting/changing the radial position of the clamping elements on the base cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Vallourec Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Schneider, Dieter Beckmann, Volker Ketzer
  • Patent number: 9341298
    Abstract: An end cap for an open end of a hydraulic fitting having a peripheral flange can be provided by a threaded ring and a threaded insert. The threaded insert can be rotatably engaged with the threaded ring to move axially back and forth. The threaded insert has a forward end face which can engage the open end of the hydraulic fitting to close the hydraulic fitting end or to couple with it. The threaded ring includes a locking member to embrace and engage the peripheral flange. The end cap can be used to prevent loss of oil from the hydraulic fitting during service of equipment on which the hydraulic fitting is utilized, and for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory Molloy
  • Patent number: 9341299
    Abstract: A lockable pipe cover includes an inner cap and an outer cover which are selectively coupled together for axial rotation. When the cap is locked, the inner cap and the outer cover are free to rotate independently from one another thus rotation of the outer cover will not remove the cap from the pipe. In the unlocked position, the inner cap and the outer cover are coupled for rotation and thus rotation of the outer cover results in rotation of the inner cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Knox Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Dohn J. Trempala
  • Patent number: 9341300
    Abstract: An inflatable purge dam apparatus for use with pipes of different nominal pipe size (NPS) includes first and second inflatable purge bladders, and an intermediate bridge conduit. In a first aspect, the purge bladders each comprise an expandable inner purge gas retaining liner and a heat-resistant stretchable outer protective cover. The protective covers comprise a heat-resistant stretchable material that is constructed to undergo variable stretching to increase the size of the purge bladders as they are inflated with purge gas to a desired sealing pressure, thereby allowing the purge bladders to form an effective weld zone seal in pipes of different NPS. In a second aspect, an air vent conduit extends between first and second ports located proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the first purge bladder. The air vent conduit provides a vent pathway for venting air from the weld zone through the first purge bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Hacikyan
  • Patent number: 9341301
    Abstract: A device and method of use for the repair of a leaking fuel tank fill pipe are provided. The device and method of use are designed to create a durable repair of a leaking tank fill pipe without the cost, time, and difficulty associated with replacing an entire diesel fuel tank on a semi-truck tractor. The device is a collar which threads onto damaged threads on a fill pipe neck and creates a leak-resistant seal with the fill pipe neck. A tank fill cap can then be screwed onto the collar, which forms a leak-resistant seal with the fill cap. The device may have one or more mechanisms to retain the collar on the tank fill pipe neck. The method of use may include re-cutting damaged threads on the fill pipe neck with the collar device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Carlos Davito
  • Patent number: 9341302
    Abstract: A method and means for repairing the junction of a main and lateral pipe are provided. A repair assembly includes a launcher device, a bladder assembly surrounding the launcher device, and a liner assembly surrounding the bladder assembly. The bladder assembly is frangibly connected to the launcher device to maintain the position of the bladder assembly relative to the launcher device during transport and positioning of the assembly. Likewise, the liner assembly, which includes main and lateral liner members, is frangibly connected to the bladder assembly. The frangible connections allow the position of the repair assembly to be maintained. The frangible connections can be broken, such as by inflation and/or tearing or pulling apart of the components of the repair assembly. Thus, the invention provides a way to mitigate the movement of components of the repair assembly during transport and positioning of the repair assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LMK Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9341303
    Abstract: A multi-sectional portable pigging pole to retrieve a pig from a pipe. The pole having a first shaft member and a second shaft member configured to interlock so as to form a shaft that extends reach into the pipe to retrieve the pig from therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Larry D. Osborne
  • Patent number: 9341304
    Abstract: A modular filtration frame assembly is provided for holding components of a pipe system and filtration system. The modular frame assembly comprises a skid formed by a base and a central spine. The base has at least two legs and at least one lateral support disposed between the two legs, and the central spine has two uprights and at least one cross bar disposed between the two uprights. A component support member is attached to the central spine for supporting components of the pipe system. In the modular frame assembly, the base, central spine and component supports can be formed by selecting from predetermined and presized components in response to the design and size of the pipe system and filtration system. The component support member holds predetermined components of the pipe and filtration system having a predetermined centerline at the same vertical distance from the cross bar, thereby maintaining the same centerline for all pipe system components supported by the skid regardless of component diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Scott W. Osiecki, David A. Furth, Mark A. Ferguson, Jonathan A. Fitch, Michael Fox, Seiya Ohta, Todd B. Abernethy
  • Patent number: 9341305
    Abstract: A tensile switchable supporting frame is provided. The supporting frame with an adjustable tensile structure includes at least two elastic modules, which are composed of a plurality of tension springs to achieve the objective of multi-stage adjustment. According to the weight of the loaded device, the user is capable of selecting the suitable elastic module to appropriately activate the amount of tension springs. The proper tension also provides the user with a better operative experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventors: Ching-Yi Yeh, Juei-Hsien Wang
  • Patent number: 9341306
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting accessories includes a base that has a mounting surface and at least one aperture. The apparatus further includes a mounting mechanism coupled to the mounting surface of the base, with the mounting mechanism being connectable with a mountable accessory. Further, the apparatus includes at least one resiliently bendable support coupled to the base via retractable engagement with the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SPYDERMOUNT LLC
    Inventor: Franz S. Amussen
  • Patent number: 9341307
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for displaying or projecting images on a vehicle are described herein. The system includes a mount bar for engaging a hitch receiver tube of a vehicle, and an intermediate arm having a first end rotationally coupled with the mount bar, where the first end is lockable in a position with respect to the mount bar. The system also includes a projector arm having a first end rotationally coupled with a second end of the intermediate arm, where the first end of the projector arm is lockable in a position with respect to the second end of the intermediate arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Hitch Demon, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Seal