Patents Issued in August 16, 2016
  • Apparatus and methods for controlling gas flows in a HVPE reactor
    Patent number: 9416464
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling gas flows in a HVPE reactor. Gas flows may be controlled by a gas focusing element. Gas injection and gas collection tubes are positioned within an outer tube and are separated from each other to define a space there between. A gas, such as HCl gas, flows over the outer surfaces of the injection and collection tubes to contain gases within the space as they flow from the injection tube to the collection tube and over a seed upon which group III nitride materials are grown. Gas flows may also be controlled by a multi-tube structure that separates gases until they reach a grown zone. A multi-tube structure may include four tubes, which separate flows of a halide reactive gas, a reaction product that flows with a carrier gas, and ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ostendo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Dmitriev, Oleg V. Kovalenkov, Vladimir Ivantsov, Lisa Shapovalov, Alexander L. Syrkin, Anna Volkova, Vladimir Sizov, Alexander Usikov, Vitali A. Soukhoveev
  • Process for making a high heat polymer fiber
    Patent number: 9416465
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a process for making fibers comprising a high heat polymer are provided. In one embodiment, a process for producing polymer fiber includes extruding molten polymer having a melt temperature ranging from about 180-500° C., passing the molten polymer through a plurality of openings of a spinneret to produce a fiber bundle, and contacting the fiber bundle with a cooling medium having a substantially uniform flow distribution across the width of the fiber bundle where the cooling medium has a temperature that ranges from about 0° C. to about 80° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Ann Marie Lak, Randall Todd Myers, Craig Wojcicki
  • Core cabling
    Patent number: 9416466
    Abstract: A core cabling device and method provides a first supply of yarn supported by a structure having a bore, such as a yarn cone, and a second supply of yarn that is then directed through the bore. As the first and second yarns are fed simultaneously, the first yarn winds, at least loosely, about the second yarn. It will become apparent that more than two yarns may be cabled together in such a manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Robert S. Weiner
  • Three-dimensional weaving system
    Patent number: 9416467
    Abstract: Different weaving materials, apparatuses, and methods are provided for producing woven textiles having different functional and aesthetic characteristics as compared to woven textiles produced using conventional methods. The different weaving materials comprise reactive materials or combined materials produced by an intermittent splicer. The different apparatuses include finishing devices for introducing organically-shaped lateral edges and interior apertures, and three-dimensional effectors for introducing three-dimensional aspects into a product as it is being woven. Weaving methods include simultaneously weaving fine denier panels and coarse denier panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bhupesh Dua
  • Method for manufacturing a woven informative support
    Patent number: 9416468
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a woven informative support. The informative support (1) comprises a piece (2) of fabric, constituted by an interlacing of threads of at least two different colors. The interlacing of the threads of the piece (2) define the image (4) corresponding to an optically read code, on at least one face (3) thereof, through the contrast between at least two different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TECNO LABEL S.R.L. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventor: Giglio Bassi
  • Flexible, abrasion resistant woven textile sleeve and method of construction thereof
    Patent number: 9416469
    Abstract: A woven sleeve and method of construction are provided. The sleeve has a flexible, abrasion resistant, self-curling elongate wall constructed from woven monofilament and/or multifilament yarns. The wall has opposite edges extending generally parallel to a central axis of the sleeve, wherein the opposite edges overlap one another. The wall is woven with warp yarns that extend generally parallel to the central axis of the sleeve and fill yarns that extend circumferentially about the sleeve, generally transversely to the central axis. The warp yarns are bundled into individual, discrete groups, with each group including a plurality of yarns in side-by-side relation with one another, wherein each of the yarns within the same discrete group is interlaced over the same side of a common fill yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexa A. Woodruff, Cassie M. Malloy
  • Method for limiting elasticity of selected regions in knitted fabrics
    Patent number: 9416470
    Abstract: A method for substantially reducing the elasticity of at least one selected textile region of a garment. The method includes producing the garment including a conductive textile electrode and rigidifying the at least one selected textile region. The rigidifying process includes applying rigidifying matter onto or into the at least one selected textile region. The at least one selected textile region is selected from the group consisting of a conductive textile electrode and a region of the garment situated between two adjacent textile electrodes. The invention further provides a garment having a tubular form, knitted by a seamless knitting machine with base-yarns. The garment includes at least one conductive textile electrode, composed of multiple knitted line segments, each knitted with a conductive yarn and a spandex yarn, wherein the spandex yarn and at least one base-yarn are knitted continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HEALTHWATCH LTD.
    Inventors: Boaz Shoshani, Uri Amir
  • Lightweight quadriaxial surgical mesh
    Patent number: 9416471
    Abstract: A method for making a lightweight surgical mesh, having the steps of applying a first set of filaments in a first wale direction and forming a first series of loops at each of a plurality of courses. Applying a second set of filaments in the first wale direction and forming a second series of loops at a first adjacent wale to the first wale direction and a third series of loops at a second adjacent wale opposite the first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Further, applying a third set of filaments in the first wale direction so that the second series of loops are formed at the second adjacent wale and the third series of loops are formed at first adjacent wale along the plurality of courses. Additionally, applying a fourth set of filaments that interlace repeatedly with the first set of filaments along the first wale direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HERNIAMESH S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ermanno E. Trabucco, Pier Aldo Crepaldi
  • Method for the production of a body implant
    Patent number: 9416472
    Abstract: A method for production of a body implant (1), having the steps: generating a braiding (10) from a first fiber material (12); executing a first heat treatment on the braiding (10); removing part of the fibers of the first fiber material (12), and replacing by a second fiber material (14) or reinsertion of the first fiber material (12) after the execution of a further processing step on the removal part of the fibers of the first fiber material (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ADMEDES SCHUESSLER GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Scherrible, Florent Budillon
  • Upper feed device and sewing machine
    Patent number: 9416473
    Abstract: An upper feed device includes a mounting portion, a feed mechanism, a drive portion, and a connecting portion. The mounting portion is configured to mount the upper feed device to a presser bar of a sewing machine. The feed mechanism is configured to feed a work cloth. The drive portion is configured to drive the feed mechanism. The connecting portion is configured to electrically connect the drive portion to a control portion of the sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Midori Magara, Harumi Kato
  • Washer for tubular knitted fabric material
    Patent number: 9416474
    Abstract: A washer that washes a continuous piece of tubular knitted fabric material. The washer includes a frame, a set of rollers, an air nozzle rack, and a controller. The frame rests on a support surface. The set of rollers are rotatably attached within the frame and guide the material through a washing liquid to wash the material. The air nozzle rack is replaceably attached to within the frame and blows air onto the material to cause ballooning of the material to maximize exposure of a total surface area of the material to the washing liquid. The controller is operatively connected to the set of rollers and minimizes and keeps constant the tension of the material as the material passes through the washing liquid under an influence of the air nozzle rack to thereby provide a more effective wash of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Frank Catallo
  • Air flow in a washing machine appliance
    Patent number: 9416475
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance is provided having one or more features to improve the airflow in the washing machine appliance during a spin cycle and/or an overnight drying cycle. The appliance uses one or more one way valves in an inlet duct and/or an exhaust duct to direct the airflow through the washing machine appliance during spin cycles. Additionally, or alternatively, the appliance provides ambient air through an inlet port positioned proximate to an opening in a wash drum and exhausts the air to the ambient through an exhaust port positioned at a rear end of a wash tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashutosh Kulkarni
  • Laundry treating appliance and method of controlling the heater thereof
    Patent number: 9416476
    Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance to adjust the thermal output of the heater to control the total power consumption of the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Nyik Siong Wong
  • Control method for washing machine, washing machine
    Patent number: 9416477
    Abstract: A control method for a washing machine including a wireless communication unit for communicating with an electronic device includes: causing the washing machine to operate a washing tub of the washing machine as a preliminary operation; acquiring motion information regarding a motion of the electronic device during the preliminary operation; determining whether or not the electronic device is inside the washing tub based on the acquired motion information and information indicating the preliminary operation; and giving the washing machine a notification indicating that the electronic device is inside the washing tub if the determining step determines that the electronic device is inside the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tanaka, Nozomu Tooyama, Masaru Yamaoka, Kazuhiro Kuroyama
  • Washing machine and washing method
    Patent number: 9416478
    Abstract: A washing machine and an associated washing method are provided. The method may include supplying washing fluid into a drum containing laundry, repeatedly dropping the laundry while rotating the drum in a predetermined direction, and drawing the laundry towards or separating the laundry from the inner circumferential surface of the drum by repeatedly accelerating and decelerating the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Woo Young Kim, Soo Young Oh, Kyeong Hwan Kim, Jae Won Chang, Kyung Chul Woo, Byung Keol Choi, Myong Hun Im
  • Methods of determining a load size in a laundry treating appliance
    Patent number: 9416479
    Abstract: Methods of determining a laundry load size in a laundry treating appliance comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in accordance with a treating cycle of operation, at least one imaging device, and a controller having a processor, the method includes generating multiple images and determining, by the controller, a load size based on the multiple images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Leitert, Karl David McAllister
  • Washing machine using steam and method for controlling the same
    Patent number: 9416480
    Abstract: A washing machine using steam and a method for controlling the same is disclosed. The washing machine with a steam generator (100) selectively supplying steam not a drum (30) according to the present invention includes a course select part (420) for a user to select a wash course, a steam select part (430) for a user to select whether steam washing is operated and a controller (440) for controlling the steam generator (100) based on a wash course selected from the course select part (420) (an inputted wash course) and a signal selected from the steam select part (430). The present invention has an advantageous effect that convenience is improved for a user to use the washing machine using steam as well as washing performance is improved, because disadvantages due to malfunctions of a steam generator are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seog Kyu Park, In Geun Ahn
  • Washing machine with a water supply to detergent supply device connection
    Patent number: 9416481
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a washing tub disposed in the cabinet, a detergent supply device to supply detergent to the washing tub, a valve housing, having valve devices to control water supply, connected to the detergent supply device, a coupling pipe coupled to a water supply hose outside the cabinet to guide water into the cabinet, and a connection pipe to connect the valve housing to the coupling pipe, wherein the valve housing is directly coupled to the detergent supply device, and the connection pipe is fixed to the valve housing and the coupling pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Young Kim, Doo Young Ryu
  • Household appliances and methods of control
    Patent number: 9416482
    Abstract: A household appliance having a treating chamber in which is received an article for treatment, a treating chemistry dispenser configured to receive a unit dose container for the treating chemistry, and a controller for executing at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating the household appliance to physically alter a unit dose container in conjunction with a at least one cycle of operation and sensing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brian A. Black, Thomas A. Latack, Matthew D. Rhodes
  • Laundry machine leveling devices
    Patent number: 9416483
    Abstract: Laundry machine leveling devices for a laundry machine are disclosed which employ a screw arrangement having left and right hand threads engaged with a foot arranged such that the machine, the floor, and the foot in contact with the floor does not turn. Using the friction between an elastomeric foot element and the floor permits adjustment of devices disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Freakes
  • Household appliance
    Patent number: 9416484
    Abstract: Household appliance comprising an outer casing (2) provided with a worktop (3), wherein said worktop (3) comprises a plurality of apertures (7), each one of which is fluidly connected with conveying means adapted to deliver a flow of air through said apertures (7) for drying garments laid upon the same worktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: Flavio Campagnolo, Nicola Reid, Elisabetta Bari
  • Process of making dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs
    Patent number: 9416485
    Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. In some embodiments, the fibers comprise a viscosity modifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric M. Moore, John D. Stelter, Michael R. Berrigan, Francis E. Porbeni, Matthew T. Scholz, Kevin D. Landgrebe, Korey W. Karls, Sian F. Fennessey, Jay M. Jennen
  • Method for manufacturing fluorine-containing polymer
    Patent number: 9416486
    Abstract: Provided is a water and oil repellent composition that provides water and oil repellency that is excellent for base materials such as textile products, and is excellent for preventing adhesion of polymers on rolls during processing. The present invention involves a method for manufacturing a fluorine-containing polymer comprising a first polymer formed from a first monomer, and a second polymer formed from a second monomer. The manufacturing method includes: (I) a step for obtaining the first polymer by polymerizing the first monomer; and (II) a step for obtaining the second polymer by preparing and polymerizing the second monomer in the presence of the first polymer. The first monomer and/or the second monomer includes a fluorine-containing monomer (a), and both the first monomer and the second monomer include a halogenated olefin (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD., NISSIN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ryousuke Hara, Rumi Kawabe, Ikuo Yamamoto, Yuji Gama, Nobuyuki Takahata, Yasuhiro Mitta
  • Super-piezoelectric composite fiber mats for power generation and soft actuators
    Patent number: 9416487
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a fiber mat comprising polymer fibers with ferroelectric particles embedded in the polymer fibers. The ferroelectric particles are oriented to generate a net polarization in the fiber mat. The ferroelectric particles may comprise barium titanate particles. The polymer fibers may comprise polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. The piezoelectric device may further include substrates sandwiching the fiber mat, and the fiber mat may be formed by electrospinning polymer fibers containing ferroelectric particles onto one of the substrates. The piezoelectric device may be a piezoelectric actuator configured to receive an input voltage applied across the fiber mat and to output a mechanical displacement in response to the voltage, or the piezoelectric device may be configured to output a voltage in response to a mechanical force applied to the fiber mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Kent State University
    Inventors: Antal I. Jakli, Ebru Aylin Buyuktanir, John L. West, Jason Morvan, John Ernest Harden, Jr.
  • Twisting apparatus
    Patent number: 9416488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twisting apparatus (1) for twisting of electrical or optical lines (2) such as wires, cables, line bundles, optical fibers etc. in particular a cable twisting apparatus, comprising a base (5) and a twisting head (3) which can be rotated relative to the base (5), which is configured to grip the lines (2) to be twisted at their first ends, characterized in that the twisting apparatus (1) comprises a second twisting head (4) which can be rotated relative to the base (5), which is disposed opposite the first twisting head (3) and which is configured to grip the lines (2) to be twisted at their second ends opposite the first ends and that the second twisting head (3) can be rotated in the opposite direction to the second twisting head (4). The invention also relates to a method for twisting lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLEUNIGER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Martin Stier, Peter Schuetz
  • Braided rope, suitable to be used as a towing warp, comprising changing properties in the length direction thereof
    Patent number: 9416489
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tow warp construction and a process for forming such tow warp construction where such tow warp construction has a longer life span, that is retains its useful dimensions and characteristics longer than known tow warp constructions and consequently has a longer useful life span than known tow warp constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hampidjan hf
    Inventor: Hjortur Erlendsson
  • Cross-linked glycerol based polymers as digestion aids for improving wood pulping processes
    Patent number: 9416490
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving the digestion of wood chips into pulp. The method involves: adding a cross-linked glycerol-based polymer additive to a solution used in the digestion process. This additive is unexpectedly effective at facilitating digestion. The branched and ether structure of the additive allows it to withstand the harsh nature of a high stress environment. In addition, it is more soluble in the harsh condition than other surfactants. The structure, resistance, and particular balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, causes the additive to increases the interaction between the wood chips and the digestion chemicals. This in turn reduces the costs, the amount of additive needed, and the amount of reject wood chunks that result from the digestion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: NALCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Prasad Y. Duggirala, Xiaojin Harry Li
  • Method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid, an industrial facility and a method of simplifying the layout of such
    Patent number: 9416491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fibre suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Sulzer Management AG
    Inventors: Reijo Vesala, Vesa Vikman
  • System and method for adjusting measurement position of scanning head
    Patent number: 9416492
    Abstract: A method includes receiving distance measurements from at least one scanning head that moves back and forth across at least one surface of a web of material on a frame. The distance measurements identify measured distances to the web. The method also includes controlling one or more actuators in order to move at least a portion of the frame to alter a position of the at least one scanning head relative to the web. The one or more actuators could be controlled so that the at least one scanning head maintains a substantially fixed offset from the web as the at least one scanning head moves back and forth. The one or more actuators could also be controlled so that the web maintains a substantially fixed position between multiple scanning heads as the scanning heads move back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Austin, Bradley Humble, Michael J. Wardas, Ronald E. Beselt
  • Method, system and apparatus for processing fibril cellulose and fibril cellulose material
    Patent number: 9416493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing chemically modified fibril cellulose. The method includes introducing chemically modified fibril cellulose material to a thermal drying device including a belt in such a way that the fibril cellulose material forms at least one bar onto the belt, and dewatering the chemically modified fibril cellulose material on the belt using heated air flow having a temperature of at least 40 ° C. in order to concentrate and/or dry the chemically modified fibril cellulose material in such a way that the dry solids content of the fibril cellulose material after the thermal drying device is at least 10%. In addition, this invention relates to a thermal drying device, a system for processing chemically modified fibril cellulose, a method and a system for redispersing the fibril cellulose, and a fibril cellulose material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kari Hillebrand, Markus Nuopponen, Martina Lille, Juha Tamper
  • Modified cellulosic fibers having reduced hydrogen bonding
    Patent number: 9416494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modified cellulosic fiber having reduced hydrogen bonding capabilities. The modified fiber formed in accordance with the present invention may be useful in the production of tissue products having improved bulk and softness. More importantly, the modified fiber is adaptable to current tissue making processes and may be incorporated into a tissue product to improve bulk and softness without an unsatisfactory reduction in tensile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Lindsay, Michael Andrew Zawadzki, Jian Qin
  • Printable sheet that is ultra-smooth and recyclable, and its method of fabrication
    Patent number: 9416495
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a smooth or ultra-smooth printable sheet, the method comprising the steps consisting in: preparing a multilayer structure (12) having at least one bottom plastics film (14), one anti-adhesive intermediate layer (16), and one printable top layer (18), pasting one face (30) of a substrate (24) or the top face (28) of the printable layer, and applying the substrate onto the printable layer in order to laminate them together, then withdrawing the plastics film from the printable layer, the printable layer (18) defining a smooth or ultra-smooth face (22) on the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ARJO WIGGINS FINE PAPERS LIMITED
    Inventors: Gael Depres, Jean-Marie Vau
  • Method for reducing the bulk and increasing the density of a tissue product
    Patent number: 9416496
    Abstract: A method of increasing the density and reducing the bulk of multi-ply paper products allowing one to reduce the roll size or increase the roll content, while minimizing the destruction of favorable product attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventor: Steven R. Olson
  • Device for fastening a rail to a carrier
    Patent number: 9416497
    Abstract: A device for fastening a rail to a carrier, wherein the device has a first fastening element, which can be anchored to the carrier, and a second fastening element, which can be anchored to the carrier and has a rest face for a rail foot. The first and second fastening elements each have a contact face, which is formed in a concave manner in the first fastening element and in a mirror-inverted, convex manner in the second fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: RAIL.ONE GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Säckler, Hans-Christian Rossmann
  • Method for profiling a laid rail and processing vehicle
    Patent number: 9416498
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of profiling a running surface of a laid rail by means of a processing vehicle, in particular in the region of a switch, comprising placing a first copying probe element displaceable transversely to the rail in contact with the running edge or the inner side edge and machining the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Linsinger Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Johann Knoll
  • System and method for sensing and managing pothole location and pothole characteristics
    Patent number: 9416499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for sensing and managing pothole locations and pothole characteristics. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that may acquire, fuse, and analyze pothole sensing data from several sources to identify potholes in need of maintenance or repair. Further, the system may be configured to create and distribute recurring reports of pothole repair data for use by roadway officials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Heatwurx, Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Cronin, Benjamin Shields Taylor, William Petrow, Edward Joseph Limoge, Stephen Douglas Garland
  • Self-propelled cold milling machine, as well as method for milling off and transporting away a milled-off stream of material
    Patent number: 9416500
    Abstract: In a self-propelled cold milling machine, in particular cold milling machine, for working ground surfaces, with a milling drum supported at a machine frame, no less than one conveying device arranged at the machine frame which accepts the milled-off material from the milling drum and discharges said milled-off material, in conveying direction, at a discharge end along a parabolic trajectory onto a point of discharge, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: that the conveying device comprises a shielding device at the discharge end, where said shielding device shields the material milled off and leaving the conveying device without influencing the parabolic trajectory on a part of the path to the point of discharge at least by means of lateral sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Ley, Philip Verhaelen, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Self-propelled building machine and method for operating a building machine
    Patent number: 9416501
    Abstract: A self-propelled building machine, especially a road cutting machine or a surface miner, has a machine frame and a chassis, comprising running gears resting on the ground. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for operating such a building machine. In an operating mode for adjusting the working depth of the working device the imposed weight applied by the building machine on the running gear is measured, whereby depending on the imposed weight either a controlled or an uncontrolled lowering of the building machine is indicated. A measuring device comprises a sensor for measuring the weight imposed by the building machine on at least one of the running gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Dirk Franzmann, Armin Montermann, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Self-propelled road milling machine for milling road surfaces, in particular large-scale milling machine, and method for milling road surfaces
    Patent number: 9416502
    Abstract: In a self-propelled road milling machine for milling road surfaces comprising a milling roller housing arranged at the machine frame between the front and rear chassis axles, it is provided that the rear end, as seen in the direction of travel, of the milling roller housing is flush with a height adjustable stripper shield which laterally rests in the milling track of the milling roller and resiliently against a milling edge of the milling track extending orthogonally to the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Hardy Emme, Cyrus Barimani, Andreas Salz, Guenter Haehn
  • Road surface seam sealing and drying apparatus
    Patent number: 9416503
    Abstract: Drying apparatus for drying a road surface prior to laying down asphalt includes an air jet for pushing liquid away from a road surface, and a heater for drying the road surface. The air jet removes standing water from the road surface and the dryer evaporates any residual moisture on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Isaac Sargent
  • Bridge pier structure
    Patent number: 9416504
    Abstract: A bridge pier structure includes a damper having damping characteristics, a substructure joined with a lower end portion of the damper, and a pillar member provided upright on the substructure, a side surface of the pillar member being joined with an upper end portion of the damper. The damper is substantially parallel to the side surface of the pillar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: JFE Civil Engineering & Construction Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Shiota, Kazuaki Miyagawa, Hiroyuki Imashio, Hitoshi Naito, Yuya Sakurai, Yasuke Imano
  • Bridge span replacement system
    Patent number: 9416505
    Abstract: A vertically-adjustable gantry assembly installation adapted for removal or placement of a train bridge-span of the type which spans and is supported by two piers, comprises a gantry assembly positioned on load-bearing first ground-support locations, the gantry assembly comprising a gantry and a ground-engaging vertical support and lift system, the vertical support and lift system adapted for supporting a combined weight of the gantry and a bridge span in at least one operational vertical position above respective bridge span support-surfaces of the piers including a position corresponding to a disembarking plane in which the leg portions are extended from a stowed position to an extent at least sufficient for the gantry assembly to self-liftoff the pre-installation conveyance system onto the first ground-support locations to effect the gantry assembly installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Western Mechanical Electrical Millwright Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Carney, Rob Doucet, Larry Elisses
  • Apparatus and method for rapidly immobilizing a land vehicle
    Patent number: 9416506
    Abstract: An apparatus to be positioned at the side of a roadway for ensnaring tires of an oncoming land vehicle. The apparatus comprises a plurality of segments flexibly attached end-to-end. At least a subset of the segments further comprise a spike ramp. The segments are connected at the ends via hinges. The segments are adapted to house a net package in a stowed-away configuration. The net package includes a set of spikes tethered to netting. A deployment hose is connected to a subset of the segments to cause the segments to become unstacked for deployment when the deployment hose is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventor: Mynor J. Castro
  • Impact absorbing pole
    Patent number: 9416507
    Abstract: An impact absorbing pole 5 is disclosed. The pole is formed as a one-piece unit that includes an outer wall 7 and a hollow interior 9 and has a base section 11 for locating the pole below the ground and a pole section 13 for extending upwardly above the ground. The pole is formed so that, in use, the pole can deform above and below ground level when the pole is installed in the ground and is contacted by a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Saferoads Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Darren J. Hotchkin
  • Terminal arrangement for a road rail
    Patent number: 9416508
    Abstract: In a terminal arrangement for a road rail with a rail profile (2) a terminal guiding device (10) is movable along the road rail under the influence of kinetic energy from a vehicle hitting the terminal guiding device. A terminal profile (8), constituting a prolongation of the rail profile (2), extends within the terminal guiding device (10) obliquely down to a ground anchor (4), where it is attached. The terminal arrangement includes a mechanism for deforming the terminal profile (8) and eventually the rail profile (2) and thus for absorbing kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AB Varmforzinkning
    Inventor: Anders Welandson
  • Machine group and method for cleaning ballast of a track
    Patent number: 9416509
    Abstract: A machine group for cleaning ballast of a track includes a first machine, having an endless clearing chain for ballast cleaning, and a second machine preceding the former with regard to a working direction and having a pick-up device for picking up cleaned ballast pre-deposited on the track. A third machine is arranged to precede the second machine. The third machine has two shoulder excavating devices for picking up the ballast located in a shoulder region of a ballast bed, and a second screening plant for cleaning the picked-up ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Plasser & Theurer, Export von Bahnbaumachinen, Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Josef Theurer, Herbert Woergoetter
  • Method of containing a spill in an aqueous environment and/or a spill containment apparatus
    Patent number: 9416510
    Abstract: A method of containing a spill in an aqueous environment, comprises the steps of: placing a polymeric pipe under the surface level of the aqueous environment in the vicinity of a site of potential spillage; and raising the pipe from under the surface level to a containment level; wherein the pipe forms, when raised, at least a partial boundary around the spill for containing the spill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Michael John Stratton
  • Working platform for an offshore wind energy plant and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 9416511
    Abstract: Working platform (6) and offshore wind energy plant (2) comprising a working platform (6), wherein the working platform (6) is configured to be mounted to an outside wall (16) of the tower (4) of the offshore wind energy plant (2) by help of welded joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AREVA Wind GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kramer, Michael Gennrich
  • Apparatus and methods for the placement of pipe piling
    Patent number: 9416512
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the installation of pipe pilings into the ground for use as structural building foundations, geothermal piles, or both, are disclosed. In addition to specialized fittings for pipe pile assemblies, the inventions include specialized drive mechanisms used in conjunction with rotary or vibratory motors. Methods of installing pipe pilings are further improved with the disclosure of methods of adding grout or similar materials during or after installation of the piles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Suver
  • Helical screw pile and soil displacement device with curved blades
    Patent number: 9416513
    Abstract: A helical screw pile having a soil displacement device (lead displacement plate) on its shaft above at least one helical plate, which pulls the pile into the ground when the shaft is rotated. The lead displacement plate has a disk that carries at least two curved, axially extending bottom blades, which preferably extend beyond the disk periphery. The axial height of the blades preferably is greater than the axial pitch of the helical plate(s) divided by the number of blades. The top of the disk has an axially extending adapter ring that defines an annular seat for centering a tubular casing. Extension displacement plates can be used between extension shafts for centering additional tubular casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Kemp, Shawn David Downey, Kelly Suzanne Hawkins