Patents Issued in August 16, 2016
  • Patent number: 9415607
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection with application of decoration to a container by printing thereon includes a container transport system comprising a processing position configured to receive a container, a coating installation disposed at the processing position, and a transfer element. The transfer element applies a base coat to the container by rolling on or off the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Katrin Preckel, Markus Reiniger, Martin Schach
  • Patent number: 9415608
    Abstract: A method of creating a label to be printed on a label printing apparatus comprising: determining at least one option to be made available to a user relating to a label-creating process; displaying said at least one option on a display; and enabling a user to select said at least one option; wherein said determination of the at least one option to be made available to the user is based upon at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SANFORD L.P.
    Inventors: Bram Boot, Stephen Charles Gohde, Stephen Spencer, Stefaan Van Den Broecke
  • Patent number: 9415609
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a recording head that performs recording on a medium, a carriage that reciprocates in a predetermined direction, and an operation panel that has a predetermined operation function. The carriage and the operation panel are adjacent to each other. The operation panel overlaps at least a portion of the carriage in a height direction of the recording apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Shirota, Atsuhiko Takeuchi, Narihiro Oki, Shinji Kanemaru
  • Patent number: 9415610
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a hydrophobic material in a substrate includes a first roller, second roller that engages the first roller to form a nip, a heater operatively connected to the first roller and configured to heat the first roller to a first temperature that is greater than a second temperature of the second roller, and a substrate transport configured to move a substrate through the nip at a predetermined velocity. The first roller engages a first side of the substrate and the second roller engages a second side of the substrate to enable the hydrophobic material to penetrate into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jason O'Neil, Jing Zhou, Mandakini Kanungo, Nancy Y. Jia, Paul J. McConville, Wei Hong
  • Patent number: 9415611
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, such as a printer, that includes a media modification component, such as a printhead, and an opposing member, such as a platen. The opposing member opposes the media modification component and is configured to manipulate media for modification by the media modification component. An RFID interrogator including an electromagnetic coupler, such as an antenna, can be associated with the opposing member, for example, by disposing the electromagnetic coupler within a bore defined by the opposing member. In some embodiments, the interrogator and the media modification component can be in communication with a control system that can be configured to correlate a media modification operation of the media modification component with either or both of a signal emitted by or received by the electromagnetic coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Boris Tsirline, Steven R. Kovanko, Tom Zwier, Karl Torchalski
  • Patent number: 9415612
    Abstract: A printing apparatus (301) comprising: a housing; a printing mechanism; a receiving bay for receiving a supply of image receiving medium; a cutter module (350) removably attached in said housing for cutting said image receiving medium, said cutter module comprising a movable blade and an actuator for actuating said movable blade; wherein said housing comprises an aperture (370), said cutter module being at least partially received in said aperture, and being removable via said aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: DYMO
    Inventors: Jerry Roctus, Kris Vandermeulen
  • Patent number: 9415613
    Abstract: Provided is a printing apparatus that, if information on sheets held by sheet holding unit for holding sheets is set, prints images based on the set information on sheets, and a method for controlling the printing apparatus. In a case that a job that uses the sheet holding unit has been interrupted when sheets are placed on the sheet holding unit, printing is performed based on information on sheets that was designated by the job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanobu Inui, Yoshiro Tachibana
  • Patent number: 9415614
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a supply reel configured and arranged to supply a recording medium, a recording section configured and arranged to record an image to the recording medium, a first conveyance route along which the recording medium is conveyed to the recording section, a post-treatment section configured and arranged to carry out a post-treatment on the recording medium after recording the image to the recording medium, a third conveyance route along which the recording medium is conveyed from the recording section to the post-treatment section, a take-up reel configured and arranged to take-up the recording medium, and a fourth conveyance route along which the recording medium is conveyed from the post-treatment section to the take-up reel, the third conveyance route including a third bend section at a location between an outlet of the recording section and an inlet of the post-treatment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichiro Irie
  • Patent number: 9415615
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a transport unit that has a fixing unit which holds a part of an elongated recording medium and that transports the recording medium to each fixing unit; a recording unit that discharges ink onto the recording medium and performs recording; and a cockle removing mechanism that removes a cockle on the recording medium when the recording medium is sent toward the fixing unit side. The cockle removing mechanism has a first holding unit that holds one end portion of the recording medium in a lateral direction and a second holding unit that holds the other end portion of the recording medium in the lateral direction. The first holding unit and the second holding unit are configured to apply stress to the recording medium in a separating direction from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Seigo Momose
  • Patent number: 9415616
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a medium support unit which supports a medium in an inclined state, a medium feeding unit which sends out the medium which is supported by the medium support unit, a substrate which configures a control unit of the apparatus, and a battery accommodation unit which accommodates a battery which is a power source of the medium feeding unit and the control unit, in which the battery accommodation unit and the substrate are arranged on the lower side of the medium support unit, and the battery accommodation unit is arranged at a location which is separated from a place facing the substrate. At least a part of an arranging region of the battery accommodation unit, and at least a part of an arranging region of the substrate are in the same range in the height direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Tsuyama
  • Patent number: 9415617
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a recording head to discharge ink to a recording medium to form an image thereon, an optical sensor to output a signal in response to intensity of reflection of light emitted to the direction of discharging the ink, a carriage that carries the recording head and the optical sensor, and a control unit to detect the position of the recording medium based on the signal output by the optical sensor and control the recording head to discharge the ink only onto the position of the recording medium, wherein the control unit acquires a value according to the signal output by the optical sensor in response to the movement of the carriage and detects the position of the recording medium when a predetermined relation between the value and a threshold continues at least for a predetermined interval in the movement of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sasa
  • Patent number: 9415618
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ribbon cassette for a label printing device, comprising a ribbon cassette case that contains a printing tape (18), a medium tape (17), and a carrier tape (20). The label printing device is provided with a determining region (5) for determining feature information of the ribbon cassette, the determining region is provided with a plurality of determining columns (XY) with planar distribution. The ribbon cassette further comprises a detecting portion (10) corresponding to the determining region, the detecting portion is detecting column(s) (11) corresponding to the determining columns. The number, position, or a combination of the number and the position of the detecting column characterizes the feature of the ribbon cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ZHUHAI NINESTAR MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jianxin Cao, Shengyu Wei
  • Patent number: 9415619
    Abstract: Systems and methods for decoratively coating a substrate are disclosed wherein the ink is diffused into the substrate, as opposed to onto the substrate. Substrates are able to comprise metals, plastics, bamboo, wood, glass, and metals wherein such materials can also be pre-coated. A system for transferring a decorative image to a substrate comprises a chamber configured to receive a substrate, a means for securing a transfer medium containing the decorative image to be transferred, an optional vacuum source coupled to the chamber, and a heat source removably coupled to the chamber. The transfer is positioned face down onto a surface of the substrate, secured into position. The vacuum source may be used to evacuate the chamber to more tightly pull the transfer medium to the substrate. Then the substrate and transfer are heated, and the transfer medium ink diffuses into the substrate, thereby diffusing the image into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventors: Suriaprakash Narotamo, Charles Raymon Hill, Jeff Qin, Zhong Wang
  • Patent number: 9415620
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to improved liquid sizing compositions comprising derivatives of diaminostilbene, binders, protective polymers and divalent metal salts for the optical brightening of substrates suitable for high quality ink jet printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ARCHROMA IP GMBH
    Inventors: Andrew Clive Jackson, Cedric Klein, David Puddiphatt
  • Patent number: 9415621
    Abstract: A system for the integration of print and electronic media includes an electronic media device having a display operable to render an image and a paged media collection wherein several pages of the collection have an open area void of material. This open area is aligned with the display of the electronic device so as to integrate content presented on the printed pages with synchronized content rendered on the display of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Little Magic Books, LLC
    Inventor: David Fahrer
  • Patent number: 9415622
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security element of at least one thin layer element in form of a multi-layer composition, capable of interference. The multi-layer composition, capable of interference, consists of at least one reflecting layer, at least one partially transmitting layer and at least one dielectric layer arranged between these layers. According to the invention the security element comprises in a first region a multitude of gaps in the reflecting layer and in a second region at least one gap or a multitude of gaps in the partially transmitting layer. Herein the second region is arranged at least partially within the first region and the total area of the second region, which is at least partially arranged within the first region, is smaller than the total area of the first region. Therefore the security element displays, when viewed from the partially transmitting layer, a different appearance in top view than in transmission view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GMBH
    Inventor: Manfred Heim
  • Patent number: 9415623
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a simpler paper fastener, comprising: an upper binding piece in shape of a long strip, binding strips, a lower binding piece in shape of a long strip, wherein there are two binding strips, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the upper binding piece, the two ends of the lower binding piece each have a binding hole. Most importantly, the distance between the middle parts of the two ends of the lower binding piece is equal to or less than the length of the upper binding piece. In the present disclosure, by modifying the length of the lower binding piece without mounting two sliding pieces thereon, an embodiment of the present invention reduces manufacturing processes of a traditional paper fastener and improves the fixing effect of binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Liang Li
  • Patent number: 9415624
    Abstract: An improved moving step article construction and method of making is disclosed. The moving step article comprises an exterior cover having a hinge fold positioned between a front cover and a rear cover. The front cover has an obverse side and a reverse side. The rear cover has an obverse side and a reverse side. An interior leaf has an obverse side, a reverse side, an inner edge and an outer edge. The interior leaf defines a leaf width. A binder couples the inner edge of the interior leaf with the reverse side of the front cover for defining a leaf offset dimension between the hinge fold and the inner edge of the interior leaf. The leaf offset causes the interior leaf to be displaced relative to the rear cover during pivoting the front cover between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sandy Alexander, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Bedinghaus
  • Patent number: 9415625
    Abstract: A telescoping writing implement that retracts the writing point when in the collapsed position. An external pen body is mechanically connected to a writing cartridge through at least one aperture in a guide tube. Movement of the external pen body downward draws the writing cartridge down inside the guide tube until the writing end of the writing cartridge is exposed and the connecting means such as a clip, screw or pin contacts the lower edge of the aperture. When the outer pen body is moved upward, it draws the writing cartridge with it inside the guide tube until the writing end is protected inside the guide tube. The limits of travel are governed by the dimensions of the aperture when the connecting means contacts the edge of the aperture. Additional elements may include an upper pen body, a pocket retainer clip and internal position detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Paul Cary Fisher
    Inventor: Paul Cary Fisher
  • Patent number: 9415626
    Abstract: A deco glass panel including a mother substrate formed of glass, a glass powder layer welded on the mother substrate and a rear surface pattern disposed on a rear surface of the mother substrate, wherein the rear surface pattern is located within an outline of the glass powder layer when viewed from the front surface of the mother substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinsoo Lee, Seungphil Lee, Changmin Cho
  • Patent number: 9415627
    Abstract: A drawing apparatus for accurately generating a hand-drawn reproduction of an image or object is provided. The drawing apparatus includes a mirror and reflective filter arrangement that allows a user to view, through a single eyepiece, both the object being reproduced and the drawing surface where the user generates a hand-drawn reproduction of the viewed drawing object. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable, angled stand for supporting the drawing object, and a drawing surface for generating hand-drawn reproductions. As viewed through the single eyepiece, an image of the drawing surface appears superimposed on the drawing object being reproduced. In further embodiments, the single eyepiece is used with a selectable filter arrangement for adjusting the amount of focus on the drawing surface and/or drawing object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Craig John Skinner, Brian Edward Nemeckay, Douglas F. Melville, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9415628
    Abstract: Application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures to metal vehicle wheels is effective in reducing the mass of the wheel while retaining suitable stiffness in the wheel structure. For maximum effect the reinforced polymer structure and the metal wheel must operate cooperatively. Because of the wide range of operating temperatures experienced by wheels and the large difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between metals and carbon fiber reinforced composites attachment of the polymer structure to the wheel by adhesive alone is problematical. However a wheel with an effective and durable reinforcement may be fabricated by confining, through mechanical interference, the reinforced polymer in a cavity in or on the spoke and by preheating the wheel before curing the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid G. Kia, Michael J. Irwin
  • Patent number: 9415629
    Abstract: A method of adorning a wheel or hubcap including the steps of: placing a circular center piece onto a wheel or hubcap; surrounding the circular center piece with alternating curved sections; inserting an insignia onto the circular center piece; and placing lettering on the alternating curved sections, where the lettering comprises identifying information concerning the insignia. In one particular embodiment, the step of surrounding the circular center piece includes alternating the size of the alternating curved sections and further including the step of surrounding the curved sections with a solid rim. The step of placing lettering may include placing an outer circle of lettering and an inner circle of lettering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Albert Hansen, Lisa Hansen
  • Patent number: 9415630
    Abstract: An omni-wheel of a highly compact and light-weight is provided. The omni-wheel includes a disk-shaped hub member (110), a plurality of support arms (114) extending axially from the peripheral part of the hub member and arranged along a circle concentric to a rotational center line of the hub member at a regular interval, and a free roller (140) rotatably supported by a free end of each support arm around a rotational center line extending tangentially to a circle concentric to the rotational center line of the hub member and passing through a center of the free roller. The present invention also provides a wheel device incorporated with such a wheel and an inverted pendulum type vehicle using such a wheel device as a tail wheel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshino, Wataru Yada
  • Patent number: 9415631
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable-diameter wheel including a wheel having a folding pattern in which a unit cell is repeated and configured to be expanded or contracted so that a wheel diameter is varied; a spoke fixedly coupled to both longitudinal ends of the wheel and configured to be expanded or contracted according to a change in a distance between both sides, such that the wheel diameter is varied; and a variable induction shaft rotatably coupled with one of the both spokes to move the spoke in at least one lengthwise direction and configured to vary a distance between one spoke and the other spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Dae Young Lee, Ji Suk Kim, Sa Reum Kim, Jae Jun Park, Kyu Jin Cho
  • Patent number: 9415632
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a spindle; a wheel hub rotatable relative to the spindle; a seal mounted between the spindle and the wheel hub, the spindle, the wheel hub, and the seal defining a sealed cavity, the seal coupled to an inner end of the wheel hub and a mounting flange of the spindle; and a bearing mounted between the spindle and the wheel hub within the sealed cavity, the wheel hub configured to rotate on the bearing relative to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Crown Parts and Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Lane R. Gobbs, Derek L. Hansen, Kenneth P. Pitman
  • Patent number: 9415633
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first component joined to a second component by an intermediate joint. The first component has a first joining surface arranged coaxially and spaced in a juxtaposition around a second joining surface of the second component such that a groove is defined between the first and second joining surfaces. One of the first and second joining surfaces includes a concave portion and the other of the first and second joining surfaces has a convex portion radially opposite the concave portion, and the groove is formed by the convex and concave portions. The intermediate joint is formed by an insert ring pressed into the groove and deformed such that material of the insert ring fills the concave portion and surrounds the convex portion, and this locks the first and second components relative to each other in both axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: John van de Sanden, Cornelius Petrus Antonius Vissers, Victor Haans, Maarten Noordman
  • Patent number: 9415634
    Abstract: A bicycle hub with protective structure includes a hub cassette and at least one protective member. The hub cassette has a driving portion and a shell portion connected to the driving portion. The shell portion has a plurality of ribs integrally formed on an outer periphery of the shell portion and extending axially. The protective member is made of harder material than that of the ribs. The protective member has a U-shaped cross section and defines a top wall and two side walls. The top wall and the two side walls define an engaging groove. Specifically, an inner angle of the engaging groove between the top wall and each of the side walls is an acute angle originally. Each of the two side walls of the protective member is flexible relative to the top wall of the protective member so as to clamp two lateral walls of the associated rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Fu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9415635
    Abstract: There is provided a mounting assembly for connecting a wheel fork to a walker apparatus. The assembly comprises a frame portion of the walker apparatus having an upper bore, lower bore, and passageway extending between and positioned radially inwards relative to the bores. The frame portion has a first annular seat located between the upper bore and the passageway. A second annular seat is located between the lower bore and the passageway. The mounting assembly comprises a shaft assembly having a threaded upper end and an annular shoulder positioned below and extending radially outwards relative to the upper end. The annular shoulder is shaped to abut the second annular seat. The shaft assembly includes a lower portion spaced-apart from the upper end and rotatably connecting to the wheel fork. The mounting assembly comprises a connecting member threadably engageable with the upper end and abuttable with the first annular seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 9415636
    Abstract: Provided is a tire having at least a circular tire frame formed of a thermoplastic resin material, the tire including a reinforcing cord member that forms a reinforcing cord layer on the outer circumference of the tire frame, and the thermoplastic resin material including at least a polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fudemoto, Takashi Harada, Yoshihide Kouno, Seiji Kon, Keiichi Hasegawa, Munenori Iizuka, Takayuki Yako, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 9415637
    Abstract: The pneumatic tire includes a plurality of circumferential main grooves and extending in the tire circumferential direction, and a plurality of land portions partitioned by the circumferential main grooves. One row of the land portion includes a plurality of lug grooves that pass through the land portion in the tire width direction and is disposed at predetermined intervals in the tire circumferential direction, and a plurality of blocks partitioned by the lug grooves. Also, the lug groove includes a first lug groove portion and at least one second lug groove portion opening into one of the circumferential main grooves. Also, the groove width b of the first lug groove portion and the groove width B of the second lug groove portion have the relationships of 2.0 mm?b?5.0 mm, 5.0 mm?B?10.0 mm, and b<B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Hironori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9415638
    Abstract: Provided is a decorative tire in which an ink composition including a colorant is directly applied onto the tire surface in order to improve the degree of flexibility in design. This decorative tire has a decorative printed layer formed on the tire surface, the decorative printed layer being a cured film of an active-energy-ray-curable ink composition including a colorant. The ink composition includes a monofunctional monomer having a glass transition point of ?30° C. or lower, and a polyfunctional monomer having a glass transition point of 0° C. or lower. Preferably, the ink composition further includes a monofunctional monomer having an alicyclic structure with a glass transition point between 0-110° C. inclusive. Preferably, a surface protection layer that protects the surface of the decorative printed layer is formed on the surface of the decorative printed layer. Also, preferably, a primer layer is formed between the tire surface and the decorative printed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuma Saito, Toshio Furutaka, Yukio Sugita, Yuki Nakamura, Kojiro Torisu, Akihiko Hajikano
  • Patent number: 9415639
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes an internal sealing layer, which partially delimits an internal volume of the pneumatic tire, and a self-sealing layer formed of a self-sealing product. The self-sealing layer is positioned radially on an inside region with respect to the internal sealing layer, and has a creep resistance indicator that decreases radially outwards, i.e., towards outside of the pneumatic tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Bozena Voge, José Merino Lopez, Michel Ahouanto
  • Patent number: 9415640
    Abstract: A rim mounted control assembly receives therethrough the tire valve stem from an air maintenance tire. A control assembly regulator controls a flow of air to and from a tire-mounted air pumping tube. The control assembly includes a bi-directional air distribution block having multiple parallel air pathways, each air pathway coupled to a respective conduit connected to an air pumping tube mounted within a tire sidewall. The pathways alternatively operate to deliver ambient non-pressurized air to the air pumping tube in response to directional tire rotation against a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsiung Lin
  • Patent number: 9415641
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for monitoring the pressure of a tire. The system measures frequencies of multiple tires mounted on the vehicle, sets a first average frequency for a normal pressure state and a second average frequency for determination of a low pressure state, wherein the first average frequency is calculated by accumulating the measured frequencies for each speed interval in a stop mode and the second average frequency is calculated by accumulating the measured frequencies for each speed interval in a driving mode, calculates low-pressure probabilities for each speed interval of the tire by using the second frequency, a predetermined low-pressure reference frequency, and a predetermined frequency determination interval for determining low-pressure, and determines whether each tire is at low pressure state by aggregating the low-pressure probabilities for each speed interval of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI AUTRON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-Hwan Shin, Tae-Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 9415642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of replacing a defective sensor (100) of a surveillance system for monitoring in particular the pressure of the wheels of a vehicle (V) of the type of that comprising: wireless sensors (100) disposed in each wheel and a receiver; a unique identifier number being assigned to each sensor (100) thus making it possible for the receiver to identify the signal. This method is noteworthy in that it consists in: removing the defective sensor (100); identifying and logging the unique identifier number of the defective sensor (100); identifying and logging the communication protocol used on the vehicle; assigning said unique identifier number to a new virgin sensor (200, 200?) with neither assigned communication protocol nor assigned identifier number and simultaneously; programming the new sensor (200, 200?) so that it utilizes said communication protocol. The invention also relates to the device D and the sensor 200 making it possible to implement same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LDL Technology
    Inventors: Philippe Lefaure, Thierry Moreau
  • Patent number: 9415643
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicly Systems LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Lammers, Sharon A. Seitz, Joseph M. Macnamara, Daniel P. Zula
  • Patent number: 9415644
    Abstract: A tire changer, comprising: a mounting device for receiving at least a wheel rim of a wheel/tire assembly, the mounting device having an axis (S), a load belt apparatus being able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly and to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly, a control device for controlling the predetermined force applied by the load belt apparatus during a rotation of the wheel/tire assembly about the axis (S) of the mounting device and a sensor device for measuring force variations acting between the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly and the load belt apparatus, wherein supports of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device are designed for a relative movement of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device towards each other to apply the predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Paolo Sotgiu
  • Patent number: 9415645
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a central tire inflation system is provided. The valve assembly includes a first housing having a first port connected to a second port via a cavity. The second port is in fluid communication with a wheel assembly. A biasing member is disposed in the cavity adjacent a first perforation formed in the first housing. A valve member is contacted by the biasing member. The valve member includes a first portion having an outer surface which is unbroken adjacent an end to allow a pressurized fluid to flow around it. The first portion reduces in diameter toward the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Pheng Lee, Lucas A. Balistreri
  • Patent number: 9415646
    Abstract: An automobile-RV trailer hitch, the first half of which is securely mounted to the rear underside of the automobile, and the second half of which is securely mounted to the underside of the trailer. When the trailer is attached to the automobile, the two hitch halves interlock. A locking rod is inserted horizontally to cause the hitch to act as a single unit. Horizontal rotation is prevented, but the trailer is able to pivot vertically around the locking rod to compensate for the trailer going over bumps in the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Jacob Sidney Rand
  • Patent number: 9415647
    Abstract: An adjustable height hitch apparatus for a trailer includes a base having opposite first and second end portions. An elongated shaft extends outwardly from the base first end portion, and an elongated height adjustment member is attached to the base second end portion. A coupling apparatus, such as a lunette ring, is supportable by the height adjustment member via one or more fasteners at any of a plurality of elevations. The height adjustment member is configured to provide height adjustment for the coupling apparatus of at least about eight inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventor: William David Woolf
  • Patent number: 9415648
    Abstract: An after-market hitch assembly is provided for securing to a cross member of a truck which is specifically adapted for securing a hitch assembly thereto prior to installation of the truck bed. The after-market hitch assembly adapted for securing to the hitch frame after installation of the truck bed without having to remove the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS, INC.
    Inventors: Travis M. McCall, Nelson Borror, Brent Luedke
  • Patent number: 9415649
    Abstract: An amphibian operable in land and marine modes includes a hull, having a discontinuity, and a retractable wheel or track drive assembly at least partially located in the discontinuity. A wheel or track drive of the at least one retractable wheel or track drive assembly is retracted above a lowest point of the hull when operating in marine mode, and the wheel or track drive is protracted below the lowest point when operating in land mode. The hull is a planing V hull having a forward bow section defining a frontal bow surface/area across a beam of the hull. The discontinuity is provided in the forward bow section, and the wheel or track drive of the retractable wheel or track drive assembly is located ahead of and in front of at least a portion of the frontal bow area when protracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Eric John Carlson
  • Patent number: 9415650
    Abstract: A chassis control arm includes an air-guiding device, wherein the chassis control arm has at least one terminal bearing section and a middle section, wherein the at least one terminal bearing section has supports for supporting the chassis control arm on a further vehicle component (such as for example a wheel carrier, a subframe, or directly on a vehicle body), wherein the air-guiding device has a flat air-guiding element and a connecting section, wherein the connecting section has at least one elastically bendable connecting element which is detachably fastened on a contact section of the supports, and wherein the contact section protrudes from a side web of the chassis control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Gero Bromme, Mario Eichler
  • Patent number: 9415651
    Abstract: A rear castor wheel for a tractor includes a beam carried on a fork which connects to a castor mounting assembly attached to a rear pivotal beam of the tractor. A suspension system connects the fork to the mounting assembly to provide suspension movement and includes a first transverse plate assembly attached to the mounting assembly intersected by a second plate assembly attached across the two sides of the fork. The plates are connected by a single elastomeric block located on a first side of the axis remote from the beam and two elastomeric blocks located between the first and second plate assemblies on a side of the axis closer to the beam so that upward movement of the beam causes compression of the first and second elastomeric blocks which are shaped such that the internal strain of the block as the beam moves upwardly is substantially uniform through the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Knight, Blaine J. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 9415652
    Abstract: An axle lift system for a trailer may include: a moving block coupled to an axle of the trailer; a fixed block coupled to a frame of the trailer; a winch; and a cable, the cable communicating with the moving block, the fixed block, and the winch, the axle lift system configured to move the axle upon operation of the winch. In the event of a flat (or excessively low-pressure) tire, the operator can quickly and easily activate the axle lift system to raise an axle associated with the flat tire off the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Robert J McGuire
  • Patent number: 9415653
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas spring having a travel control includes positive and negative chambers and a valve mechanism that controls the fluid communication between the chambers. The valve mechanism includes a valve bore that while only moving a small amount, allows for large changes in gas spring travel length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Franklin, Robert C. Fox
  • Patent number: 9415654
    Abstract: Energy storing suspension components for use in suspension systems for wheeled vehicles and trailers, and suspension systems incorporating such energy storing suspension components are disclosed. The energy storing suspension components include an axle seat portion, a first end, and a first limb extending between the axle seat portion and the first end. The axle seat portion includes first and second surfaces with at least one of the first and second surfaces having at least two spaced apart recesses that are spaced from a center of the axle seat portion, the recesses being configured to receive respective protrusions extending from at least one suspension component that is connected to the energy storing suspension component when coupled within an axle coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Wilson, William Darcy Robertson, Ashley Thomas Dudding, Quang C. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9415655
    Abstract: A rotary damper includes an electromagnetic damper motor, a damper housing surrounding the damper motor and configured as tubular torsion spring secured by a fastening element to a first mass. A lever is swingably mounted relative to the fastening element and connected to a second mass. The torsion spring is connected with one end to the fastening element and with another end to the lever. A gear mechanism formed as strain wave gearing transmits and/or modifies a relative rotational movement between the first and second masses to the damper motor for vibration damping. The strain wave gearing includes a rigid unit having internal teeth, a flexible unit having external teeth, and an oval wave generator rotatably mounted in the flexible unit and causing a deformation of the flexible unit, when rotating, with the rigid and flexible units coupled to one another by a formfit via the internal and external teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Marco Willems
  • Patent number: 9415656
    Abstract: A synthetic resin-made sliding bearing 1 includes a synthetic resin-made upper casing 2 which is fixed to a vehicle body side through a mounting member; a reinforced synthetic resin-made lower casing 3 which is superposed on the upper casing 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis O in a circumferential direction R relative to the upper casing 2; and a synthetic resin-made sliding bearing piece 5 disposed in a space 4 between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Sakairi, Katsunori Saito, Robert Hamrodi, Kai Metzler, Yoshiteru Igarashi