Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
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Patent number: 9372008Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing with a substantially open top portion. Water can be added to the humidifier by pouring the water into a water reservoir through an open top. The water is pumped from the water reservoir to an upper portion of the humidifier where it is dispersed into the environment by a flow of air. The humidifier may include both an ultrasonic nebulizer and a heater to provide a warm mix of cool mist and hot vapor. Alternatively, a warm mist can be provided by dispersed water from an ultrasonic nebulizer in combination with warm air. The humidifier may also solely provide a cool mist from an ultrasonic element, or the water can be dispersed using a wicking filter.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Christopher S. Kanel, Richard Katzman, Bill Fiebel
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Patent number: 9372009Abstract: A pressurization control system configured to regulate air pressure within a space includes a first damper fluidly coupled to an air supply, the first damper configured to control delivery of an air flow, and a second damper having an operating range, the second damper fluidly coupled to the air supply and the first damper, the second damper configured to supplement delivery of the air flow. The pressurization control system further includes a room controller configured to provide a control signal to the first and second dampers, wherein the control signal drives the first damper to direct the air flow towards the operating range, and wherein the control signal drives the second damper to direct the air flow towards a set point.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: James J. Coogan
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Patent number: 9372010Abstract: An apparatus, a method for controlling one or more outdoor devices, and an air conditioning system are provided. A freezing prevention function for an outdoor device may be activated or deactivated based on weather information received from an external weather information providing server or weather information input by a user, and freezing prevention may be performed using state and operation information of the outdoor device as necessary. Thus, user convenience may be improved, stability of the outdoor device and an air conditioning system having the same enhanced, and operation efficiency improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jaesik Jung, Duckgu Jeon
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Patent number: 9372011Abstract: A heat exchanger and a gas-fired furnace including the same are provided. The heat exchanger includes at least two heat exchange shell enclosures; and at least three rows of heat exchange tubes arranged along a furnace air flow path. Each of the heat exchange tubes defines a leaving-tube-end and an entering-tube-end, two adjacent rows are spaced from each other, the at least three rows of heat exchange tubes are connected in a leaving-tube-end to entering-tube-end fashion sequentially via the at least two heat exchange shell enclosures to define a substantially serpentine flue gas passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: GD MIDEA HEATING & VENTILATING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Chaojing Chen, Jianmin Zhang, Junhua He, Feihang Li
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Patent number: 9372012Abstract: Systems and methods for determining heating element and water heater status based on galvanic current are provided. An exemplary water heater includes a tank for holding a volume of water and an anode rod extending into the water. The anode rod has a core made of a conductive material. The water heater also includes at least one heating element configured to heat the water when energized. The water heater includes a current measurement circuit configured to generate a feedback signal describing a galvanic current flowing from the core of the anode rod to an electrical ground. The water heater also includes a controller configured to receive the feedback signal from the current measurement circuit and to control one or more operations of the water heater based on the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Brett Alan Farris
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Patent number: 9372013Abstract: The invention provides a solar thermal storage method capable of supplying heat of about 1000-1300 K to an external facility for 24 hours. Disclosed is a solar thermal storage method for storing heat using solar light energy, comprising a concentrated beam irradiation step S1 of irradiating a reactive ceramics layer with a concentrated beam obtained by concentrating solar light to heat the same while moving the reactive ceramics layer formed using reactive ceramics that transforms from an oxidized form to a reduced form with a release of oxygen when heated and returns to the oxidized form when brought into contact with the oxygen; and a thermal storage step S2 of storing the heat emitted from the reactive ceramics layer in thermal storage means while bringing the reactive ceramics layer heated in the concentrated beam irradiation step S1 into contact with gas containing the oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Tokyo Institute of TechnologyInventor: Yutaka Tamaura
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Patent number: 9372014Abstract: An ejector-type refrigeration cycle device is provided with a first ejector (15) which draws refrigerant from a refrigerant suction port (15b, 24b) by using a high-speed refrigerant flow jetted from a nozzle part (15a, 24a), and a first suction-side evaporator (19) connected to the refrigerant suction port (15b) of the first ejector (15), and a second suction-side evaporator (27) connected to a refrigerant suction port (24b) of a second ejector (24). A flow amount of the refrigerant in the second ejector (24) is smaller than a flow amount of the refrigerant in the first ejector (15). The refrigerant branched at a branch part (Z2) that is positioned on a downstream refrigerant side of a radiator (13) and on an upstream refrigerant side of the first ejector (15) flows into the second ejector (24), and the refrigerant branched on a downstream refrigerant side of the second ejector (24) flows into the second suction-side evaporator (27).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Youhei Nagano, Mika Gocho, Yoshiaki Takano, Etsuhisa Yamada, Kazunori Mizutori
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Patent number: 9372015Abstract: A heat pump system includes a liquid receiver valve that adjusts the amount of a refrigerant stored in a liquid receiver so that a circulation amount of the refrigerant that circulates the heat pump system can be adjusted according to a driving speed of a compressor and performance of the compressor and the heat pump system can be further improved. Also, since a plurality of liquid receiver refrigerant outlets can be selectively opened using a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the compressor, active control can be performed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Gil Bong Lee, Young Soo Lee, Min Sung Kim, Ki Chang Chang, Jun Hyun Cho, Ho Sang Ra
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Patent number: 9372016Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Tokitae LLCInventors: Jonathan Bloedow, Ryan Calderon, David Gasperino, William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nathan John Pegram, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Ozgur Emek Yildirim
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Patent number: 9372017Abstract: A cooling and heating system with a first heat exchange loop and a second heat exchange loop. The first heat exchange loop uses a first heat transfer fluid that is passed through a compression/evaporation refrigeration cycle to cool a refrigerated space and to collect waste heat, and then pumps that heat transfer fluid to a remote heat pump in the winter where the waste heat is used to provide warm air. The first heat exchange system may also pump some or all of the first heat transfer fluid to a remote water heater where the waste heat is used to heat water. The second heat exchange loop uses a second heat transfer fluid to cool the heat pump in the summer, and may pump that second heat transfer fluid to a remote water heater where waste heat is used to heat water.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Heartswork, LLCInventor: Dennis Maq Crook
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Patent number: 9372018Abstract: An evaporator heat exchanger is disclosed. The evaporator heat exchanger includes a bottom plate, a top plate, and at least one main plate between the bottom plate and the top plate. The at least one main plate includes a first face having one or more channels for flow of a first fluid along the first face and a second face opposite the first face having one or more channels for flow of a second fluid along the second face, wherein heat is exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid through the main plate. Main plates adjacent to each other define an enclosed channel for fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Michael R. Barone, Richard Rusich
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Patent number: 9372019Abstract: A dual circuit condenser for a cooling system is configured to cool refrigerant passing through the condenser. Operation of a first circuit of the system establishes a first temperature at a first area of the condenser, and operation of a second circuit of the system establishes a second temperature at a second area of the condenser. The condenser includes a manifold. The manifold is configured to receive a plurality of tubes. The manifold is further configured to define a first volume that is part of the first circuit and a second volume that is part of the second circuit. The manifold includes three or more separators interposed between the first volume and the second volume to segregate refrigerant in the first circuit from refrigerant in the second circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Lisa A. Allan, Nicholas J. Alonge, Jr., Mark R. Hammer, Timothy J. Filonczuk, William D. Wright, Judd W. Glenn, Shrikant M Joshi, Joel T. Hambruch, Rogelio Salais
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Patent number: 9372020Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
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Patent number: 9372021Abstract: While a compressor is stopped, a change rate of a refrigerant temperature per predetermined time is calculated on the basis of a value detected by a refrigerant temperature sensor, and a heating amount from a compressor heating unit to the compressor is made proportional to the change rate of the refrigerant temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yohei Kato, Naoki Wakuta
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Patent number: 9372022Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a system that includes a gas compressor including an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, and a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system driven by waste heat from the compressor, wherein the VAC system is configured to cool at least one medium. In other embodiments is provided a method that includes generating waste heat while compressing a gas, driving a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system with the waste heat, and cooling at least one medium via the VAC system.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: Edward S. Czechowski
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Patent number: 9372023Abstract: An ice crushing system includes multiple sets of interleaved blades with some of the blades being provided with a series of raised protrusions on one or more faces. With this arrangement, the spacing between the interleaved blades is reduced and a finer crushed ice consistency is established. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the raised protrusions are staggered along each side of a set of fixed blades, with the raised protrusions on one side of a fixed blade overlapping the raised protrusions on the opposing side.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Jerold M. Visin
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Patent number: 9372024Abstract: An ice machine includes an insulated compartment to store ice, a dispenser having access to the insulated compartment to dispense ice from the insulated compartment, a card reader, and a controller in communication with the card reader and the dispenser. The controller stores permission settings including a public setting and a private setting. The controller is to receive a card number from the card reader. The controller is to determine whether to initiate ice dispensing using the dispenser based on the card number, the public setting and the private setting.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: David W. Tenberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 9372025Abstract: Covers for use with refrigeration units may include rails that extend across a top opening of the refrigeration unit. One or more lids may be supported by support surfaces on the rails. The lids may be movable (e.g., slidable) between closed and open positions. The lids may include lid plates and feet configured to raise lid plates off of the support surfaces, thereby forming gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. The lids may include filling elements to fill at least a portion of the gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. In some embodiments, the feet may have a generally Z-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the cover may include multiple frame elements having transparent spacers at the ends of the frame elements, and the cover may include end pieces at the ends of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Anthony, Inc.Inventors: James Johann Buehning, John Roche
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Patent number: 9372026Abstract: A refrigerator having an improved structure of screw fastening portions to which screws disposed in a storage compartment are fastened so that an insulating material with which a space between an inner case and an outer case is filled can be prevented from leaking into the storage compartment includes an inner case; an outer case; an insulating material with which a space between the inner case and the outer case is filled; screws that fix components disposed in the storage compartment to the inner case; screw fixing members that are coupled to an outer surface of the inner case; and screw fastening portions disposed in the inner case, the screw fastening portions having a blocking layer that blocks the storage compartment from the outside of the inner case and is penetrated by the screws when the screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Ho Sang Park, Kwon Chul Yun
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Patent number: 9372027Abstract: A refrigerator and a shelf assembly for a refrigerator are provided. The refrigerator may include a cabinet provided with a storage compartment, and a shelf assembly mounted in the storage compartment to adjust a height of a shelf. The shelf assembly may include a shelf mounted to vertically move in the storage compartment, a frame mounted to be vertically movable and support the shelf, at least one rotation gear provided at each of opposite sides of the frame, a pair of guide brackets provided at the opposite sides of the frame, a pair of sliders moved within the pair of guide brackets by the rotation gears, an exterior of each of the pair of sliders being provided with at least one protrusion, a power transmission to transmit rotatory power of the rotation gears to the pair of sliders, at least one guide groove formed on each of opposite inner surfaces of the storage compartment to guide movement of the protrusions, and a rotation device to rotate the rotation gears.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Daehyun Yoo, Jaeyoul Lee
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Patent number: 9372028Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body, a door, a shelf, a light source unit, and a light-guiding member. The main body includes a storage compartment. The door opens and closes the storage compartment. The shelf is detachably coupled to the storage compartment to partition the storage compartment into a plurality of spaces. The light source unit illuminates the storage compartment. The light-guiding member is disposed on at least one end of the shelf. Here, the light source unit is disposed such that a portion of light generated in the light source unit enters the light-guiding member.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Dong Hun Shin, Scott Kim, Chang Bong Choi, Seong Taik Kim
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Patent number: 9372029Abstract: A low temperature storage apparatus may include a main body, a door opening and closing a storage chamber formed in the main body, a tray including storage slots receiving items to be stored, a light emitting device, a light sensing device including light receiving sensors sensing light incident on the storage slots from the light emitting device, and a controller controlling the light emitting device, receiving sensing signals, and providing status information related to the items received in the storage slots. The controller may switch the light emitting device on when the door is opened, and may sense whether or not a sensing signal is changed when the door is closed. The controller may count time from a point of change of the sensing signal if the sensing signal is changed from a signal indicating absence of a storage item to presence of a storage item, and may switch the light emitting device off when a predetermined time from closing of the door has elapsed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Woonkyu Seo, Hyein Yang, Sungdu Kwon, Samnyol Hong
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Patent number: 9372030Abstract: A method and system for cooling an internal space are provided. A laminate of a hydrophobic membrane and a hydrophilic membrane includes a superabsorbent polymer disposed on or encompassing the hydrophilic membrane. The superabsorbent polymer increases the wicking capacity of the hydrophilic membrane so that water from a source is distributed more rapidly across the hydrophilic membrane. The distributed water is evaporated from the hydrophilic membrane, causing evaporative cooling of the laminate and surrounding air stream(s). The cooled air stream(s) are used to cool the internal space.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Qinbai Fan, Ronald Stanis, Bogdan Gurau
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Patent number: 9372031Abstract: An appliance for drying laundry includes a drying-air moisture-condensing system including a heat pump system with a variable-output compressor, and at least one drying air variable-speed fan for promoting the recirculation of the drying air. The appliance is adapted to perform at least one laundry drying cycle in: at least a first drying mode wherein the compressor is driven to a first compressor mode having a compressor power consumption course and/or a compressor rotational speed course and/or a frequency course of the supply current/voltage of the compressor motor and the fan is driven to a first fan mode having a speed course, and at least a second drying mode wherein the compressor is driven to a second compressor mode comprising a compressor power consumption course and/or a compressor rotational speed course and/or a frequency course of the supply current/voltage of the compressor motor and the fan is driven to a second fan mode having a speed course.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Andrea Contarini, Massimo Viero
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Patent number: 9372032Abstract: The apparatus or “chiller” uses an upward stream of ambient air drawn through the upright housing to cool crumb rubber particles that are deposited into and fall through the housing. The chiller includes an upright chiller housing and an array of internal baffles disposed within the lower section of the housing. Crumb rubber deposited into the chiller housing falls through the upward air flow within the chiller housing and cascades around and through the baffle array before exiting the chiller. The baffle array inside the lower section of the chiller housing slows the fall of the crumb rubber, thereby increasing the dwell time through the chiller to provide enhanced cooling. The baffle array also creates a more turbulent air flow through which the crumb rubber falls. The rising turbulent air mass enhances the transfer of thermal energy from the falling crumb rubber.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: David M. Futa
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Patent number: 9372033Abstract: A heat exchange element of flexible plastic film, a heat exchanger including such elements, and apparatus for manufacturing the elements. The element includes a pair of opposite film sheets bonded by welds to form an expandable bag with inside and outside heat exchange surfaces, an inlet opening for supplying a pressurized heat exchange fluid to the bag, an outlet opening for discharging the fluid from the bag after heat exchange, and an array of welds defining routes for fluid flow inside the bag. There are spot welds in a first zone of the element, parallel extended welds in a second zone of the element, defining fluid flow channels through the second zone, and oblique welds in a third zone of the element, defining channels for fluid flow towards the outlet opening. The heat exchanger includes adjacent elements for heat exchange between a pressurized first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: ARVIND ACCEL LIMITEDInventors: Leif Ramm-Schmidt, Arun Ganesaraman
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Patent number: 9372034Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an effective cooling-energy storing performance and a stable cooling-energy radiating performance and to realize a high productivity. An evaporator has a plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged at almost equal intervals to form therebetween accommodating spaces. A plurality of cooling-storage containers are arranged in some of the accommodating spaces and fins are arranged in the remaining accommodating spaces. A cooling-storage unit is formed by one cooling-storage container and two refrigerant tubes arranged at both sides of the cooling-storage container. Each of the cooling-storage container has projections extending from one wall portion to the other wall portion to form heat exchange portions. The cooling-storage container is connected to the refrigerant tubes by soldering material.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Naoki Yokoyama, Yoshio Miyata, Etsuo Hasegawa, Masahiro Shimoya, Jun Abei, Ryoichi Sanada, Takashi Andoh, Seiji Inoue, Katsutoshi Enomoto
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Patent number: 9372035Abstract: The present invention is to provide a heat recovery storage device, which includes a major container, a heat transfer machine mounted in the major container, and a thermostatic valve mounted on the heat transfer machine. And the heat transfer machine is used for conducting heat transfer directly to the water in the major container, thus the efficiency of recovery increases, and loss of heat decreases. Also, the water is not easily boiled during the heat recovery, and the maximum of water temperature can increases. In extended use of more than one device of the present invention, each of the major containers can be installed with or without a heat transfer machine as required. The bypass outgassing control is not needed during the heat recovery, and is performed when the water temperature in the containers reaches to the highest.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Dung-Di Yu, Yung-Neng Cheng, Chia-Chih Yang
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Patent number: 9372036Abstract: Automated condensate drain line cleaning apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a controller, a fluid supply line, and at least one fluid flow regulation device. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may be electrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one control signal from the controller. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may cause a fluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply line responsive to the at least one control signal. Other apparatus as well as methods and kits are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Steven L. Pearson
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Patent number: 9372037Abstract: A system and method for cleaning elongated tubes is presented. An apparatus for cleaning elongated tubes includes a cart, a lance, a pressure sensing device and a propulsion device. The lance sprays material into elongated tubes to clean the elongated tubes. The cart supports the lance while the cart is moves in a rail in a forward direction and in a reverse direction. The pressure sensing device is located in the cart detects a pressure exerted on the cart as the cart moves in a forward direction in the rail. The propulsion device, upon the pressure sensing device detecting a pressure crossing a threshold value, propels the cart in the reverse direction for predetermined distance or time before again propelling the first cart in the forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Terydon, Inc.Inventor: Terry D. Gromes, Sr.
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Patent number: 9372038Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modified rifle bolt carrier allowing a selectively openable vent/valve at the location where exhaust gas is pressurizing the bolt carrier 80 to control carrier speed under suppressed fire in a first valve position or unsuppressed fire in a second valve position. A valve core is disclosed which may be rotated 180° to an “open” setting for non-suppressed fire from its position in a “closed” position for suppressed fire. The modified bolt carrier will allow an operator of the firearm to adjust for a suppressor without changing the gas block or having to modify or adapt the front end of the firearm.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Primary WeaponsInventor: Dean Sylvester
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Patent number: 9372039Abstract: A firearm impingement apparatus that includes a gas flow control member that is operable to provide controlled incremental adjustment of gas flow within the gas block of the firearm impingement apparatus. The firearm impingement apparatus includes a gas block having a port line with an intersecting channel. Rotatably secured within the intersecting channel is a gas flow control member. The gas flow control member includes a first end, a second end and a shaft intermediate thereto. The shaft includes at least three planar sides. A keeper is secured within a mounting member and is positioned such that a portion thereof is biased against the shaft. The keeper is planar in manner and is operable to provide controlled rotation of the gas flow control member within the channel. Further the keeper functions to maintain the position of the gas flow control member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Carmelo Russo
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Patent number: 9372040Abstract: Various embodiments of a magazine for a firearm are described. In one aspect, a magazine for a firearm may include a magazine shell having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of sidewalls between the first end and the second end. The first end may have an opening and may be configured to attach to the firearm. The second end may include a bottom plate. At least a first primary sidewall of the sidewalls may include a deformable concave area that caves inward with respect to the magazine shell such that the concave area bulges outward with respect to the magazine shell to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridges with of a first caliber and that the concave area does not bulge outward to accommodate one or more ammunition cartridges of a second caliber smaller than the first caliber.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Jing Zheng
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Patent number: 9372041Abstract: An armorer tool for distributing the torque associated with assembling and disassembling components of a firearm.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: WHG Properties, LLCInventor: William H. Geissele
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Patent number: 9372042Abstract: A magazine carrier for repeating firearms is provided which securely engages a magazine at multiple locations, and which may be easily actuated to remove the magazine, for example, with either the user's trigger hand near the trigger or with the user's other hand while gripping the magazine for removal. In various example embodiments the magazine carrier may comprise a pivoting magazine release member comprising a perimeter frame defining an opening there through, and having an offset pivoting axis and engagement lugs at opposite corners on either side of the axis. Example firearms comprising the magazine carrier are disclosed along with example methods of use.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: FOSTECH MFG LLCInventor: David Foster
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Patent number: 9372043Abstract: An AR-style firearm includes a specially designed lower receiver, a specially designed upper receiver mounted to the lower receiver, a pistol hand grip mounted to the lower receiver, a handguard mounted around a barrel, a specially designed magazine well formed in the lower receiver that is configured to receive an AK-47 magazine or similar magazine, and a specially designed, ambidextrous magazine release that holds and selectively releases the magazine from the magazine well.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Rock River Arms, Inc.Inventors: Lester C. Larson, Jr., Mark Larson
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Patent number: 9372044Abstract: A handleless slingshot with a folding storage compartment is disclosed. The slingshot does not require that the user grip a handle to shoot it and the folding storage compartment may be removed or omitted if desired. The slingshot includes a storage compartment that can store projectiles (such as steel shot) and/or other supplies. The storage compartment is foldable such that it can be folded into the base of the slingshot to create a compact, portable unit. The slingshot includes a quick-release interchangeable band system that uses clips that matingly engage grooves formed at the ends of the slingshot arms to secure the band. The slingshot includes guard area which protects the web area of the hand when shooting the slingshot. The slingshot moves the thumb and index finger contact points forward of the band to increase stability and eliminate the need to grip a handle when shooting the slingshot.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Saunders Archery CompanyInventor: Charles A. Saunders
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Patent number: 9372045Abstract: An adjustable multi-level archery quiver preferably includes a quiver hood, a quiver frame, a first arrow gripper and a second arrow gripper. The quiver hood includes a plurality of broad head cavities and at least three frame mounting cavities. A centerline of the plurality of broad head cavities are aligned in a straight line. However, depths of adjacent broad head cavities are staggered from each other. An alternative embodiment of a quiver hood includes adjacent broad head cavities that are offset from each other in a Y-axis. The quiver frame includes a first hood mounting leg and a second hood mounting leg extending from one end. The first and second hood mounting legs are retained in the frame mounting openings. The first and second arrow grippers may be attached to the quiver frame to create right or left hand quivers.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: James J. Kempf
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Patent number: 9372046Abstract: An accessory for an archery bow and bow string that are centered on a bow plane. The accessory has a support that is attached to forearm brace and is adapted to be supported by the bow. The forearm brace extends around a forearm axis at least 90° and is sized to at least partially encompass a forearm. The brace has an opening for inserting a forearm. This opening is oriented in a direction that points outwardly without tilting toward the bow plane. The support is adapted to position at least a portion of the brace forward of the bow string when in its neutral position. An archer can grasp the bow and insert into the brace a forearm that is encompassed by the brace for at least 90°. The archer can draw and release the bow string, allowing the brace to stabilize the angle of elevation of the bow.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Nicola Albanese
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Patent number: 9372047Abstract: Pressurized air from an air pressure bottle creates the firing motive force for game firearms. After accumulating sufficient pressure, the pressurized air is channeled to the gun chamber to achieve a firing objective. Using an application system for single firing, a purely mechanical firing control device is formed as an integral body to achieve single firing and continuous firing, and which is simply fitted with an auxiliary component to assist in achieving continuous firing. The auxiliary component is located in the swinging path of a cocking trigger. The select continuous firing clasp is pushed upward by the trigger and supports a jumping bar, which causes the jumping bar to lose its clasping retaining capacity on a firing tube to achieve a continuous firing operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Chao-Hsiung Cho
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Patent number: 9372048Abstract: A system and method for ballistically cutting a multi-link metal chain comprises a chain alignment module that comprises three pins and attaches to the barrel of a firearm. A first pin and a second pin of the module fit on opposite sides of a target link of the chain. A third pin of the alignment module goes through a link adjacent to the target link of the chain. The three pins align the target link so that a bullet exiting the barrel of a firearm impacts a semicircular region of the target link to cause the target link to open.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventors: Darron Phillips, Mark Ferris, Bert Vermeulen
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Patent number: 9372049Abstract: A handle sight for a firearm includes a mounting base and a carrying handle. The mounting base has an elongated shape and defining a first end portion and an opposed second end portion, wherein the mounting base is adapted for detachably mounting on the firearm in a reversible orientation to locate the first end portion of the mounting base one of a forward direction and a rearward direction of the firearm. The carrying handle is upwardly extended from the first end portion of the mounting base at a top side thereof, wherein the carrying handle has a hollow structure to define a sight channel for parallelly align with a barrel axis of the firearm so as to enable an operator to aim at a front iron sight of the firearm through the sight channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: NCSTAR, INC.Inventors: Carson Cheng, Richard Thomas
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Patent number: 9372050Abstract: A magnetic gun barrel attachment is provided. The magnetic gun barrel attachment includes a body. The body includes an outer surface, a front end, and a rear end. A plurality of concave channels may be formed on the outer surface from the front end to the rear end. The concave channels each include a different radius of curvature. Therefore, each concave channel may be a different size, and may thereby fit on different sized barrels of a various amount of guns. A flashlight s attached to the body. The flashlight includes a flashlight head disposed at the front end of the body. At least one magnet is disposed within the body in between the plurality of channels to attract and attach to the barrel of the gun. The magnetic gun barrel attachment may further include a tactical rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Colton Gill Franklin
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Patent number: 9372051Abstract: A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: TrackingPoint, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Flint Kepler, Douglas Richard Hammond
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Patent number: 9372052Abstract: System and method for determining which decoys should not be deployed based on the locations of the nearby high value units and other considerations. The system and method can visualize and manage the employment of decoys in a multi-platform environment by plotting the predicted path of decoys relative to high value unit (HVU) motion, and highlighting any situations that exist where the decoys (both air-drifting and self-propelled) launched from a platform can direct an incoming threat towards a high value unit. The system and method can develop, display, and automatically transmit a recommendation to launch or not launch a specific decoy.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Timothy P. McGeehan
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Patent number: 9372053Abstract: A method for autonomous weapon effects planning includes receiving the desired lethality and collateral effects information on a target and autonomously selecting at least one weapon and fuze setting from an inventory of weapons based on the received lethality and collateral effects information. The method further includes autonomously; determining which weapon with fuze setting and terminal elevation and heading angles satisfies the desired lethality and collateral effects; shaping weapon trajectory to satisfy weapon maneuverability, terrain clobber avoidance and guidance requirements and planning weapon launch conditions for the one or more autonomously selected weapons. The weapon launch conditions include at least a launch point or a launch corridor.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Erwin M. De Sa, David K. Barnett, Jeffrey B. Saunders, David E. Bossert
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Patent number: 9372054Abstract: A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing includes a cartridge body, molded from a polymer, having a first end and an opposing second end, and enclosing a volume. A bullet is removably engaged with the first end and an insert is engaged to the second end. A shoulder portion is located proximate the first end and a propellant chamber formed in the volume. The propellant chamber has a first diameter proximate to the shoulder, a second diameter proximate to the insert and greater than the first diameter, and a linear slope disposed between the first diameter and the second diameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: PCP TACTICAL, LLCInventor: Tony Padgett
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Patent number: 9372055Abstract: A temporary control fin stop system employs a housing coupled to a vehicle. At least one tang is coupled to the housing and positioned to engage a trailing edge of a fin. The tang is ablatively erodible at a predetermined temperature induced by a flight profile of the vehicle to allow unconstrained motion of the fin.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Ben YoungSon Won, Marvin Luke, Daniel Madrid Ortega, Creed E. Blevins
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Patent number: 9372056Abstract: Improvements in a broadhead arrow is disclosed where the arrowhead opens in two stages. This provides a broadhead arrow that can be launched with a traditional or compound bow to allow a hunter to bring down large game in an efficient manner. When an arrow is launched the arrow receives a thrust of energy from the string that launches the arrow. The initial thrust partially opens the arrowhead in a first stage of opening to provide a low fight profile that reduces flight air resistance. Regardless of how hard the initial thrust imparted onto the back of the arrow the blades will not open. Because the initial forward launch has no effect on the final opening of the arrow, only minimal impact forces are needed to completely open the broadhead arrow. The broadhead arrow optionally includes at least one side blade that operate with the main blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventors: Brian Sullivan, George S. Eurick
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Patent number: 9372057Abstract: A shotgun shell tracer includes a base wall, an obturator, and an edge wall extending from the base wall opposite to the obturator. A chamber support may be engaged to the base wall extending from the base wall within the internal space of the tracer. The shotgun shell tracer may additionally include a tracer insert which may encircle the chamber support. Discharge of a shotgun shell in some embodiments will exert pressure on projectiles which fuse the tracer insert to the base wall and the chamber support, and embed the projectiles into the tracer insert, establishing ballast for the shotgun shell tracer. The chamber support in one embodiment may be a modified spike. The ballast in one embodiment may be a washer replacing embedded projectiles. A conveyor may be used to transport tracer carriers during manufacture of a tracer.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Wendell Diller