Patents Issued in September 13, 2016
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Patent number: 9440316Abstract: A drain strainer assembly includes a housing having a circular cross-section, with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a plurality of first engagement tabs. The drain strainer assembly also includes a strainer member assembly having a circular cross-section. The strainer member assembly includes a strainer member with a solid front surface having a handle and a plurality of second engagement tabs interlocked with the first engagement tabs on the housing. The strainer member also includes cylindrical strainer sidewalls defining a circular opening at the back of the strainer member, and has an upper conduit aligned with the inlet port of the housing. The strainer member assembly also includes a circular strainer disk coupled to the strainer member with a fastener and covering the circular opening at the back of the strainer member.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Darren Carl McIntosh
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Patent number: 9440317Abstract: A system for mounting a scaffold on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a scaffold and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the scaffold and catheter prior to crimping and performing post-crimping inspection for the crimped scaffold and prior to placing a restraining sheath over the crimped scaffold.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.Inventor: Jason Van Sciver
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Patent number: 9440318Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid removal of components of a cylinder type lock includes a retention member for accepting a portion of a fastener which has been inserted into the keyway of a cylinder, a sliding yoke connected to the retention member and a pivoting handle for moving the yoke. The yoke and retention member are constrained to linear travel in either a forward or rearward direction enabling the extraction of the plug inline with the lock cylinder in a single movement of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Chad Jeremy Tibbets
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Patent number: 9440319Abstract: A seal assembling method of a master cylinder for assembling a cup seal for sealing a piston slidably moving in a bottomed-tubular cylinder main body to a seal groove formed in the cylinder main body in an annular shape includes inserting the cup seal into the cylinder main body while inclining the cup seal with respect to an axial direction of the cylinder main body, and assembling the cup seal to the seal groove by moving the cup seal to the seal groove in a state that a position of a center cored bar tool for defining an insertion limit of the cup seal with respect to the cylinder main body is aligned with the seal groove.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Masatake Yamanaka, Hideki Hosaka
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Patent number: 9440320Abstract: A machine tool (2) comprising a mobile table (11) and a support and gripping device (200) fitted to one said machine tool (2) and which comprises:—pincer means (210) for blocking the part;—a support (250) which contains and supports the pincer means (210) and is blocked to the mobile table (11). The pincer means (210) comprise a part blocking pincer (212) and an intermediate pincer (211), respectively one inside the other, both elastic. The part blocking pincer (212) has a structure for gripping the part following interaction between the intermediate pincer (211) and the support. (250); in addition the pincer means (210) are suitable for being placed in rotation around the pincer axis (P-P).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: GNUTTI TRANSFER S.p.A.Inventors: Giordano Gaboardi, Stefano Coraglia
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Patent number: 9440321Abstract: A system for positioning a workpiece on the worktable of a machine including at least one stop device mounted on such machine, including a first component provided with a fluid passageway having an inlet connected to a fluid pressure line including a pressure sensor, and an outlet disposed in an abutment surface thereof, and a second component displaceable relative to such abutment surface, into and out of obstructive relation with such outlet, affecting the pressure in such supply line and correspondingly effecting a hold down of a workpiece positioned on such worktable.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Thermwood CorporationInventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
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Patent number: 9440322Abstract: In an object positioning and fixing device that positions and fixes a work pallet on a base member: a reference seating surface is formed on the base member; a contacting surface is formed on the work pallet; fitting cylindrical portions of a plurality of reference members are fixed in a plurality of fitting holes in the base member; a plurality of annular engagement members are installed in the work pallet; each of the reference members has an engagement projection; a base end contacting surface of the base end of the engagement projection is brought into contact with the reference seating surface so as to set the height position of the engagement projection; and the annular engagement member engaged over the outside of the engagement projection is elastically deformed in the radially outward direction so that it tightly contacts against the tapered engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Pascal Engineering CooperationInventor: Hiroaki Takai
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Patent number: 9440323Abstract: A machine tool includes a saddle supported by a guide member installed on a bed and configured to move relative to the bed in a first direction and a table supported by a guide member installed on the saddle and configured to move relative to the saddle in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The machine tool further includes a protective cover installed on a side face of the table or the saddle which is parallel to a travel direction of the table or the saddle and adapted to protect the guide member from chips and a scraper installed on the protective cover and adapted to scrape out chips built up in a neighborhood of the guide member.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventor: Akihiko Nagao
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Patent number: 9440324Abstract: In an angle valve, an externally threaded sleeve within the yoke surrounds the stem at an upper end of the stem. A yoke bushing fixed to the valve has internal threads matching with the external threading of the sleeve. A split collar assembly is located on the stem above the sleeve. The stem has a greater diameter itself, and/or via a nut, at a lower portion of the stem (below the sleeve) relative to the upper portion of stem. The plug stem is designed to pass through the yoke bushing making it possible to perform the normal open-close operation and grinding operation independently.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Bray International, Inc.Inventors: Varadharajen Lakshmanan, Mathew Varghese, Karthikeyan Rajan, Laural Marshall
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Patent number: 9440325Abstract: An electric sharpener having a pair of abrasive wheel assemblies including energy absorbing hubs mounted a powered drive shaft and further integral flexible radially extending arms affixed to respective outer abrasive rings. A pair of disk abrasives assemblies are also affixed to the powered rotatable shaft and include a pair of flexible metal disks operatively connected to a hub attached to the rotatable shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Smith's Consumer Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard S Smith, Louis P. Chalfant
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Patent number: 9440326Abstract: A polishing pad, for polishing of a work piece having portions that are non-planar, the polishing pad comprising a first side and a second side of the polishing pad. The first side is substantially flat, and the second side is configured to polish the non-planar work piece. The polishing pad further comprises a concentric annular channel in the polishing pad, wherein the concentric annular channel comprises a channel surface, wherein the second side of the polishing pad comprises an inner surface, the channel surface, and an outer surface, and wherein the channel surface is recessed relative to the inner surface and outer surface. The polishing pad further comprises a plurality of islands located within the concentric annular channel, wherein the islands comprise an island surface that is raised relative to the channel surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: JH Rhodes Company, Inc.Inventors: Brent Muncy, James Anderson, Scott B. Daskiewich, George James Wasilczyk
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Patent number: 9440327Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for polishing a substrate having a film formed thereon. The method includes: rotating a polishing table supporting a polishing pad by a table motor; pressing the substrate against the polishing pad by a top ring; obtaining a signal containing a thickness information of the film; producing from the signal a polishing index value that varies in accordance with a thickness of the film; monitoring a torque current value of the table motor and the polishing index value; and determining a polishing end point based on a point of time when the torque current value has reached a predetermined threshold value or a point of time when a predetermined distinctive point of the polishing index value has appeared, whichever comes first.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Yasumasa Hiroo, Yoichi Kobayashi, Katsutoshi Ono
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Patent number: 9440328Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ascertaining topography deviations of a dressing tool. The method includes executing a predefined relative movement of a dressing tool in relation to a dressable grinding tool, wherein during the execution of the relative movement, at least one contour region of the dressing tool is transferred into a transfer region of the grinding tool. A plunging body made of material which can be ground in the machine is provided. The transfer region of the grinding tool is moved into the vicinity of the plunging body by a relative infeed movement. A rotational movement of the grinding tool around an axis of rotation is executed. Plunging the transfer region of the grinding tool into the material of the plunging body, to thus perform a transfer of the topography of the transfer region into an imaging region of the plunging body.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Klingelnberg AGInventor: Karl-Martin Ribbeck
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Patent number: 9440329Abstract: A shot peening process involves the steps of providing a steel member having a surface with a Vickers hardness of 920 HV or more and projecting a shot against the steel member, the shot having a Vickers hardness of 1000 HV or more and a density of 5.5 Mg/m3 or more. The shot satisfies the relationship HVshot?0.4×HVsteel+620, where HVshot is the Vickers hardness (HV) of the shot, and HVsteel is the Vickers hardness (HV) of the surface of the steel member. The resulting steel member has an unprecedentedly high compressive residual stress of 2,200 MPa or more.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Sanyo Special Steel Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiyuki Sawada
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Patent number: 9440330Abstract: An improved shot blasting blade is disclosed with an attachment portion designed to slide into a radial slot in a shot blasting wheel. The blade has rails that contactingly ride on a top surface of the wheel just outside the slot, and two sets of opposed runners that extend into the slot and contact the top inner surface of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Astech Alloy Steel Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Alan R. Bukach
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Patent number: 9440331Abstract: A polishing sheet comprising a plurality of convex portions which protrudes from a sheet surface and includes an upper surface which is in parallel to the sheet surface is disclosed. A plurality of abrasive grains made by a granular porous body in which a number of primary particles are partially bonded to each other and include a void in between is arranged at least on the upper surface of the convex portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Kiyotaka Sawada, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 9440332Abstract: An abrasive article comprising a first group including a plurality of shaped abrasive particles overlying a backing, wherein the plurality of shaped abrasive particles of the first group define a first non-shadowing distribution relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES, INC., SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIFSInventors: Anthony C. Gaeta, Anuj Seth, Christopher Arcona, Doruk O. Yener, Jennifer H. Czerepinski, Sujatha Iyengar, Frank J. Csillag, William C. Rice, Satyalakshmi K. Ramesh, Gregory Lafond, Sidath S. Wijesooriya, Adam D. Lior, Alan J. Brandes, Anil Parmar, Paul Braun, Darrel K. Everts
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Patent number: 9440333Abstract: Methods of forming a polycrystalline table may involve disposing a plurality of particles comprising a superabrasive material, a substrate comprising a hard material, and a catalyst material in a mold. The plurality of particles may be partially sintered in the presence of the catalyst material to form a brown polycrystalline table having a first permeability attached to an end of the substrate. The substrate may be removed from the brown polycrystalline table and catalyst material may be removed from the brown polycrystalline table. The brown polycrystalline table may then be fully sintered to form a polycrystalline table having a reduced, second permeability. Intermediate structures formed during a process of attaching a polycrystalline table to a substrate may include a substantially fully leached brown polycrystalline table. The substantially fully leached brown polycrystalline table may include a plurality of interbonded grains of a superabrasive material.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anthony A. DiGiovanni, Nicholas J. Lyons, Derek L. Nelms, Danny E. Scott
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Patent number: 9440335Abstract: A valve bridge adjustment tool has top and bottom sections disposed in fixed relation to each other and preferably made of steel or another durable metal alloy. The bottom section has a U-shaped recess with an open end that is releasably engageable with a knuckle of a valve bridge to stabilize the bridge whenever a jam nut is either loosened or tightened. The top section comprises a hexagonal outer wall and a substantially cylindrical bore adapted to receive the jam nut upwardly through the U-shaped recess into the bottom portion of the bore, with sufficient remaining clearance around the jam nut to permit insertion of a pass-through socket into the top of the bore and into engagement with the jam nut. The subject invention is especially useful with many internal combustion engines having four valves per cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Eric Michael Correia
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Patent number: 9440336Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body, a ratchet wheel, a pawl, a switch member and a resilient member. The body has three recesses to respectively accommodate the ratchet wheel, the pawl and the switch member. The pawl has a driving portion to be engaged with the toothed portion of the ratchet wheel. The pawl has a second engaging portion which is engaged with a first engaging portion of the ratchet wheel to position the ratchet wheel and the pawl in the two respective recesses respectively. The pawl has a protrusion which has a curved recess and a first stop. The switch member has a second stop, a reception recess and a hole. The protrusion is accommodated in the reception recess. The resilient member extends through the hole and the two ends of the resilient member contact the reception recess and the curved recess respectively.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Yi-Yong Liu
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Patent number: 9440337Abstract: A pipe wrench includes a body and a first jaw has one end fixed to the body, and a second jaw is slidably located in a first recess defined in the top of the body and is located beneath the first jaw. A resilient member is connected between the body and the second jaw. A first link has one end pivotably connected to an end of the second jaw. A second link has the first end thereof pivotably connected to the mediate portion of the first link. An adjustment member threadedly extends through a closed end of the body and contacts against the second end of the second link. The second jaw is quickly slid by the resilient member and controlled by the adjustment member, so that the object can be released and clamped quickly.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Yu-Shiang Huang
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Patent number: 9440338Abstract: A wrench extension device laterally offsets connection between a socket and a driving tool to facilitate rotation of the socket in tight spaces. The device includes an elongated housing and a first gear rotatably coupled to the housing proximate a first end of the housing. A socket drive is coupled to the first gear for coupling to a socket rotated by the first gear. A second gear is rotatably coupled to the housing proximate a second end of the housing. A receiver extends into the second gear for being engaged by a driving tool wherein the second gear is rotatable by the driving tool. A chain is positioned in the housing engaging the first gear and the second gear wherein rotation of the second gear rotates the first gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Chappel W. Crawford
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Patent number: 9440339Abstract: An electric screwdriver includes a motor having a motor shaft, a handle housing for accommodating the motor, an output shaft at least partly protruding from the handle housing, a transmission device for enabling the motor shaft to drive the output shaft to rotate around a first axis, an exploring antenna for detecting whether an object is charged, and an operating switch coupled to the handle housing for controlling the motor. The exploring antenna has a front end portion extending beyond the handle housing. The output shaft has an inserting groove, and a ratio of the maximum size of the handle housing to the maximum size of the inserting groove in a radial direction of the output shaft is greater than or equal to 3.9 and less than or equal to 8.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Chervon (HK) LimitedInventors: Gan Wei, Wu Chen, Shichun Tao
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Patent number: 9440340Abstract: An electric rivet nut tool has a motor, a torque adjuster and a control device. The control device drives the motor to rotate a driving shaft so as to set a rivet nut. The torque adjuster serves to adjust a preset torque value. When a torque generated by the driving shaft exceeds the preset torque value of the torque adjuster and it represents that the rivet nut setting job is completed, the torque adjuster then displace for the control device to detect the displacement and drive the motor to reversely rotate. Given the torque adjuster and the control device, the problems of being time-consuming, inefficient, increasing in cost and damage prone to rivet nut or motor upon setting rivet nut because of the manual switch of forward or reverse rotation of an electric rivet nut tool can be effectively resolved.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Techway Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Hua Hsu, Hong-Yao Chen, Liang-Huan Chen, Tain-Meei Lee
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Patent number: 9440341Abstract: An apparatus for guiding an anti-rotation key installation tool includes at least one magnet mounting member. A tool positioning member is coupled to the magnet mounting member and has a first end and a second end. An installation tool positioning channel extends from the first end to the second end of the tool positioning member and has an opening at the first end of the tool positioning member for accepting a portion of the anti-rotation key installation tool. At least one mechanically switchable frame securing magnet assembly is mounted to the at least one magnet mounting member for releasably securing the apparatus to an outer surface of a tubular connection.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: VETCO GRAY INC.Inventors: Gregory Bell, William Rey Patterson, Jr.
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Patent number: 9440342Abstract: A fastener extraction ratchet bit system for facilitating extraction of stripped fasteners by permitting attachment of extraction bits to an air drive ratchet. The system includes a driving tool and a fitting coupled to and extending from the driving tool. A drill socket is coupled to a drill bit wherein the drill bit is selectively couplable to the fitting such that the driving tool provides a driving force to the drill bit. An extraction socket is coupled to an extraction bit wherein the extraction bit is also selectively couplable to the fitting such that the driving tool provides the driving force to the extraction bit.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Kevin D. Nye
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Patent number: 9440343Abstract: The pole comprises a securing end, with device securing means and the device actuating means, a gripping end to be gripped by an operator and telecontrolling means for telecontrolling the actuating means. The actuating means are arranged in the device securing means and are directly controlled by the securing end of the pole and thus telecontrolled by the pole and its gripping end under the action of a thrust of the pole towards the support material. The device actuating means comprise safety means arranged to avoid by gravity the control of the actuating means by the securing end of the pole when the spatial position of the pole is inappropriate. The invention also relates to an anchoring device provided with the same safety means.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: SOCIETE DE PROSPECTION ET D'INVENTIONS TECHNIQUES SPITInventors: Patrick Herelier, Emmanuel Vallon, Ludovic Rousson
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Patent number: 9440344Abstract: A dust collection device, that collects dust particles generated by an impact tool, has a feature that enables the attachment of the device to the impact tool, which is not provided with an attachment section for the device. The dust collection device has a tool body and an auxiliary handle, attached removably to the tool body, and is attached to an electric hammer that, in the lengthwise direction, linearly operates a tool bit mounted to the tip region of the tool body, and collects dust generated by the electric hammer. The dust collection device has: a dust collection unit that has a dust intake port at the tip; a dust collection hose, connected to the dust collection unit, for transferring dust to the downstream side; and a hose-holding unit that holds the dust collection hose. The hose-holding unit can be attached to and removed from the auxiliary handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroki Ikuta, Ken Yamauchi, Takamasa Hanai, Masao Miwa, Tomohiro Ukai, Shusaku Wakatsuki, Akihiro Ito
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Patent number: 9440345Abstract: A hand power tool device includes a hammer tube and a B-impact damping system. The B-impact damping system includes at least one damping mechanism configured to damp recoil energy. The damping mechanism is disposed at least partially radially outside of the hammer tube in at least one operating state.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Willy Braun
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Patent number: 9440346Abstract: A tool, such as a multipurpose tool, is provided that is designed to receive a separate tool member configured to be installed after assembly of the tool. In this regard, the tool may have a retention mechanism configured to accept a separate tool member. A method of installing a tool member onto a tool is also provided. Also provided is a tool that includes a release mechanism to allow tool members to fold into the tool whereby the release mechanism is actuatable by tabs positioned on the sides of the handles outside of the path of travel of the tool member.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.Inventors: Bernard John Grysen, Jr., Peter Parker
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Patent number: 9440347Abstract: A tool implement with integrated stake puller providing a working tool and a stake puller member for pulling a concrete foundation stake from the ground. A tool implement, such as a hammer, a crowbar, or a mallet, forms a primary body including a handle and a tool head being a respective hammerhead, head of a crowbar, and mallet head. A C-shaped stake puller member is disposed in one of a first position and a second position on the handle and, alternately in a third position on the tool head depending on the type of tool head. Each stake puller member has a puller mouth including a smooth-surfaced inner side, concave top and bottom sections disposed on opposite sides of the inner side, and disposed on each of the top section and the bottom section in a position parallel to each other and perpendicular to the respective handle and alternately tool head.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: James Lopez
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Patent number: 9440348Abstract: A hand tool gearing unit includes a fixed housing, a pivot housing mounted pivotably relative to the fixed housing about a pivot axis, a driving gearwheel, and a driven gearwheel mounted in the pivot housing. The hand tool gearing unit further includes a connecting unit which transmits a rotational movement from the driving gearwheel to the driven gearwheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Julia Rommel
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Patent number: 9440349Abstract: An automatic tire loader/unloader for stacking/unstacking tires in a trailer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, tires advance through a powered transportation path to an industrial robot which places the tires within the trailer in a vertical stacking pattern or a rick-stacking pattern, for example. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including tires, within a detection space, dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly, and dimensions of the tires provided to the control subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Wynright CorporationInventor: Tim Criswell
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Patent number: 9440350Abstract: An automatic moving device and a control method therefor. The automatic moving device comprises a battery pack providing power. The automatic moving device can work within a working area and automatically return to a charging station for charging. The control method comprises the following steps: monitoring the power level of the battery pack; if the power level of the battery pack is less than or equal to a preset power level, initiating an action of returning the automatic moving device to the charging station; and after a preset time period, stopping the travel. By setting a preset time period simultaneously with initiating a return action, and executing a return action within the preset time period, the control method prevents damage to the battery pack from over-discharging caused by the automatic moving device continually returning, thus achieving the effects of protecting the battery pack and extending the life thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., LTDInventors: Guoliang Mou, Jiaofeng Tian, Xiaochu Sheng, Hongbing Wu, Dongjing Song
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Patent number: 9440351Abstract: A method and/or computer program product controls operations of a robotic device. A robotic device receives a first signal from a positioning hardware device that is worn by a user. The first signal describes a relative location between the user and the robotic device. A second signal describes an angle between the user and the robotic device and between the user and the user-selected object. Based on the first signal, the second signal, and a record of object positions of objects within a predefined area of the user, the identification and location of the user-selected object is determined. A determination is made regarding whether or not the robotic device is authorized to perform a specific task on the user-selected object based on the location of the user-selected object. If authorized, the robotic device performs the specific task on the user-selected object.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Craig M. Trim
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Patent number: 9440352Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implementing learning by robotic devices. Attention of the robot may be manipulated by use of a spot-light device illuminating a portion of the aircraft undergoing inspection in order to indicate to inspection robot target areas requiring more detailed inspection. The robot guidance may be aided by way of an additional signal transmitted by the agent to the robot indicating that the object has been illuminated and attention switch may be required. The robot may initiate a search for the signal reflected by the illuminated area requiring its attention. Responsive to detecting the illuminated object and receipt of the additional signal, the robot may develop an association between the two events and the inspection task thereby storing a robotic context. The context of one robot may be shared with other devices in lieu of training so as to enable other devices to perform the task.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Philip Meier, Paul Bender
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Patent number: 9440353Abstract: A computing system may provide a model of a robot. The model may be configured to determine simulated motions of the robot based on sets of control parameters. The computing system may also operate the model with multiple sets of control parameters to simulate respective motions of the robot. The computing system may further determine respective scores for each respective simulated motion of the robot, wherein the respective scores are based on constraints associated with each limb of the robot and a predetermined goal. The constraints include actuator constraints and joint constraints for limbs of the robot. Additionally, the computing system may select, based on the respective scores, a set of control parameters associated with a particular score. Further, the computing system may modify a behavior of the robot based on the selected set of control parameters to perform a coordinated exertion of forces by actuators of the robot.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Marco da Silva, Benjamin Stephens, Alfred Anthony Rizzi, Yeuhi Abe
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Patent number: 9440354Abstract: A robot having a signal sensor configured to measure a signal, a motion sensor configured to measure a relative change in pose, a local correlation component configured to correlate the signal with the position and/or orientation of the robot in a local region including the robot's current position, and a localization component configured to apply a filter to estimate the position and optionally the orientation of the robot based at least on a location reported by the motion sensor, a signal detected by the signal sensor, and the signal predicted by the local correlation component. The local correlation component and/or the localization component may take into account rotational variability of the signal sensor and other parameters related to time and pose dependent variability in how the signal and motion sensor perform. Each estimated pose may be used to formulate new or updated navigational or operational instructions for the robot.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Steffen Gutmann, Ethan Eade, Philip Fong, Mario Munich
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Patent number: 9440355Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot including a main body and a pattern irradiation unit emitting a cross-shaped optical pattern including a horizontal line optical pattern and a vertical line optical pattern intersecting the horizontal line optical pattern. The pattern irradiation unit includes a light source and a lens converting light emitted from the light source into the cross-shaped optical pattern, the lens includes convex cells on an incidence surface upon which the emitted light is incident, the incidence surface is divided into a first area converting the light emitted from the light source into the horizontal line optical pattern and a second area converting the light emitted from the light source into the vertical line optical pattern, vertical convex cells extended in parallel in the vertical direction are formed in the first area, and horizontal convex cells extended in parallel in the horizontal direction are formed in the second area.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Dongki Noh, Seungmin Baek, Younguk Ku
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Patent number: 9440356Abstract: A telepresence robot uses three separately controlled omni-wheels and a computer processing arrangement to reposition the robot based on received positional signals. The telepresence robot captures and transmits visual information of a limited field of view and visual information of a broad field of view. The visual information is received and displayed on a remote input device and portions of the displayed information are selected to send an appropriate signal to reposition the robot based on the selected portion. A method of remotely controlling a telepresence robot is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: CrossWing Inc.Inventors: Stephen B. Sutherland, Dale Wick
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Patent number: 9440357Abstract: A system comprises a platform being configured for locomotion in a plurality of directions over a surface. A robotic unit is configured for dexterous manipulation comprising at least lifting of objects. The robotic unit is joined to the platform. At least one extender unit is joined to the platform and is configured for controlled extension beyond the platform to contact the surface to stabilize the system at least during the manipulation by the robotic unit. At least one controlling unit is configured to be operable for at least determining a center of gravity and a zero moment point for the system and for at least controlling an extension of the extender unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: John Hu, Yi-Je Lim
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Patent number: 9440358Abstract: A robotic tool system includes a gripping mechanism having a pair of movable jaws that extend along a longitudinal axis. Each jaw has a convex inner surface relative to the axis that cooperate to define a first adaptor. A tool assembly includes a tool and a second adaptor connected to the tool and having a biconvex projection. The jaws are movable towards one another from a first condition spaced from the second adaptor to a second condition in which the first adaptor engages the second adaptor to securely fasten the tool assembly to the gripping mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventor: Mark Setrakian
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Patent number: 9440359Abstract: A gripping device is described and includes a holder including a base and a conformable jamming element that has a conformable releasable surface-adhesive element secured onto its surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John Patrick Spicer, Jianying Shi
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Patent number: 9440360Abstract: A change-over coupling (1) for robot-guided vehicles (3) has a plurality of media couplings (11, 12) and has coupling parts (4, 5) having basic supports (6, 7), media coupling supports (13, 14) and a coupling mechanism (8), and also peripherally arranged interfaces (16) having a fitting element for the media couplings (11, 12). The interfaces (16) have a plurality of fitting elements (19, 19?, 20, 20?), which act in a plurality of different directions or axes and which are arranged preferably at a periphery, in particular on a circumference of a disc-like or annular basic support (6, 7).Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: KUKA SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: Harald Heinrich, Matthias Binswanger
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Patent number: 9440361Abstract: An apparatus has a first member and a second member that is movable relative to the first member. The apparatus also has an activation element connected to the first member. The activation element also is wrapped about at least a portion of the second member.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Daniel Theobald
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Patent number: 9440362Abstract: A robotic arm includes first and second bent links and a tool link pivotally connected in order, first to third wheels, and first to fourth imaginary axes intersecting at a center of spherical rotation. The first bent link and wheel are driven to rotate about the first and third imaginary axes respectively. A first flexible rope is wound around the first and second wheels and fixed to the second bent link for driving the second wheel and bent link to rotate about the second imaginary axis when the first wheel rotates. A second flexible rope is wound around the second and third wheels and fixed to the first bent link for driving the third wheel and the tool link to rotate about the fourth imaginary axis when the second wheel rotates. The robotic arm is relatively smaller, obstructs the operator less and produces a wider sphere of action.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HIWIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventor: Ren-Jeng Wang
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Patent number: 9440363Abstract: A robot according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a robot arm, an attaching portion, an end effector, an end-effector-side cable, and a robot-side cable. The attaching portion is provided on a leading end of the robot arm. The end effector is attached to the attaching portion. The end-effector-side cable extends from the end effector. The robot-side cable is arranged along the robot arm and is connected to the end-effector-side cable by terminal connection at a position closer to the end effector than the attaching portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKIInventors: Manabu Okahisa, Takahiko Kanamori, Tatsuo Hiro
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Patent number: 9440364Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations. The articulating mechanisms may also be combined in such a way to remotely mimic finger movements for manipulation of an object or body tissue.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: David J. Danitz, Adam Gold
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Patent number: 9440365Abstract: The present invention pertains to a razor, which includes: a gripping section combined with a housing; a head section coupled at one side of the housing; a razor blade cartridge mounted at a front surface of an upper end of the head section; and an eccentric cam module, which moves the razor blade cartridge to reciprocate in a cutting direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: DORCO CO. LTDInventors: Young Ho Park, Jae Jun Lee
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Patent number: 9440366Abstract: A system for regulating current flow in a wet shave razor includes one or more conductive materials, such as metals, in electric circuit connection, wherein each conductive material has unique resistance properties and is used to regulate the amount of current (i.e. heat) flowing to at least one electrically powered component on the blade cartridge, and particularly one or more electrically powered devices/elements on the blade cartridge such as, but not limited to, one or more blades, one or more heating elements, a vibration device, illuminating device (e.g. LED or bulb), gauges, or indicators. The length and thickness of the conductive materials used in the electric circuit further affects the total circuit resistance and, accordingly, the amount of current flowing to the blade cartridge for heating the blades. In other embodiments, the dissimilar material conductors may be used to regulate current flow to alternative electrically conductive components.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HEATED BLADES HOLDING COMPANY, LLCInventors: Louis D. Tomassetti, William Bohmer