Patents Issued in September 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9447862
    Abstract: A driving device includes: a plurality of vibrating members that vibrate when the vibrating members are driven; and a holding part that holds the vibrating members. The holding part includes a first member with which one or more of the vibrating members are brought into contact, and a second member with which one or more of the vibrating members are brought into contact. The first member and the second member are partially coupled to each other. A grounding member for electrically grounding a member held by the holding part is brought into contact with one of the first member and the second member that is more difficult to vibrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Narumi Sugita, Masahiro Ishida
  • Patent number: 9447863
    Abstract: A planetary gear has a sun gear having external teeth on an outer peripheral side, a plurality of pinion gears engaged with the sun gear, a carrier supporting the plurality of pinion gears, a circular oil catch plate on an end of the carrier, and a rotation member having a ring gear, on an outer peripheral side of the carrier and the oil catch plate. An engaging element engaged with the rotation member is disposed on an outer periphery of the planetary gear. The oil catch plate includes an open close valve which opens a passage at at least a predetermined rotation number. Lubrication oil supplied to the planetary gear is guided to the engaging element through the passage when the open/close valve is opened. This enables adjusting of the lubrication amount in accordance with a variation occurring in a ratio of a lubrication amount to each part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naomichi Tonokura, Kohei Iizuka
  • Patent number: 9447864
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device having a rotating electrical machine, a speed change mechanism, and a case that accommodates the rotating electrical machine speed change mechanism. A first oil storage portion is provided so as to communicate with the speed change mechanism accommodating space. A hydraulic pump that supplies the oil in the first oil storage portion to the speed change mechanism and the rotating electrical machine. A second oil storage portion provided so as to communicate with the rotating electrical machine accommodating space. A discharge oil passage discharges the oil in the second oil storage portion to the first oil storage portion. The discharge oil passage includes a first opening that opens toward the first oil storage portion, and the first opening is provided so that its lower end is located above an oil level in the first oil storage portion during rotation of the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mikio Iwase, Daiki Suyama, Naoya Jinnai, Tatsuya Okishima, Masahiro Izuhara, Kensuke Wada, Yukihiko Ideshio, Yuji Inoue
  • Patent number: 9447865
    Abstract: A transmission operating mechanism includes an operating housing, wherein an inner shifting shaft is provided in the operating housing, and the operating housing is provided with, from left to right, a first position-limiting structure installation hole, a shifting block installation cavity, a second position-limiting structure installation hole and a balancing spring installation cavity; and a shifting block is installed in the shifting block installation cavity and is connected to the inner shifting shaft via a shifting block positioning pin. The spatial position of the operating housing is fully utilized to effectively arrange each functional component, and the requirement for modification is fully considered within the limited dimensional range. Therefore, various operation modes may be achieved by simply providing several modified parts without changing the operating housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SHAANXI FAST GEAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fayong Zhang, Lingli Li, Chongyi Yin, Guojie Xu
  • Patent number: 9447866
    Abstract: A shift control device for an automatic transmission comprises a shift control member configured for manipulation by an operator to control a shift mechanism of a vehicle transmission, and an artificial feel mechanism coupled to the shift control member for providing tactile feedback. The artificial feel mechanism comprises a sensor, a controller, and a piezoelectric element. The sensor is configured for detecting a position of the shift mechanism and sending a signal that is indicative of the position. The controller is configured for receiving the signal, determining a control voltage, and providing the control voltage to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is configured and arranged so as to receive the control voltage and to apply a mechanical force that depends upon the control voltage and that is configured and applied so as to mechanically resist movement of the shift control member relative to the shift control bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Arthur W. Nellett, Ravi Ravindra
  • Patent number: 9447867
    Abstract: A park shift assist mechanism of a shift lever assembly for a vehicle is provided. The park shift assist mechanism includes a pressing portion configured to apply a pressing force and a follower configured to cause rotation of a gear shift lever from a reverse position to a park position when the gear shift lever is positioned between the reverse position and the park position in response to the pressing force being applied to the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: STERRING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Vermeersch, Arthur W. Nellett
  • Patent number: 9447868
    Abstract: A control for a multi-speed automatic vehicle transmission is provided. Electrical and hydraulic components are provided, including pressure control or “trim” valve systems in fluid communication with shift valves and electrohydraulic actuators to selectively engage and disengage the transmission clutches or other shift mechanisms. Pressure switches are provided for the trim valves and shift valves. The fluid connections between the trim valve systems and the shift valve systems are configured to reduce the total number of valves and fluid passages required and to reduce the size of at least one of the valves. Clutch blocking features are provided. Power off limp home and reduced engine load at stop features are provided in all forward ranges, and control of double transition shifts is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Hagelskamp
  • Patent number: 9447869
    Abstract: An electric bicycle component is basically provided that is capable of realizing finer control of the transmission device according to the riding environment. The electric bicycle component includes a control unit that is mounted to a bicycle. The control unit includes a controller and an acceleration detection unit. The acceleration detection unit includes programmed to detect an acceleration of the bicycle. The controller programmed to select one of a first to a third shifting conditions based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit, and controls an actuator of the transmission device based on the selected shifting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Shintaro Mori
  • Patent number: 9447870
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power gear-shifting transmission and an engineering machinery. The power gear-shifting transmission comprises a clutch shaft assembly (1). The clutch shaft assembly (1) comprises a clutch shaft (11), a housing gear (12) arranged on the clutch shaft (11), a clutch disc (13) arranged within the housing gear (12), and a gear-shifting piston (14) arranged at one end of the clutch disc (13). The gear-shifting piston (14) is pushed by a clear hydraulic medium introduced via a fluid supply passage (3); the clean hydraulic medium is supplied by a hydraulic system (2). The engineering machinery comprises the power gear-shifting transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: Hunan Sany Intelligent Control Equipment Co., Ltd., Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaogang Yi, Songqing Li, Qiang Chen
  • Patent number: 9447871
    Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided for a multiple pressure ratio valve assembly that can be used in a plurality of systems requiring different operating pressures. In one embodiment, a multi-pressure ratio valve is provided, the valve having a fluid bypass portion and being configurable into a plurality of pressure ratio configurations by selectively blocking a portion of the fluid bypass such that the pressure ratio of the valve assembly may be varied. Embodiments of the invention may also include a valve sleeve configured for use in a plurality of transmissions, the multi-pressure ratio valve being configured to be slidably disposed within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Maura J. Stafford, Donald G. Parrott
  • Patent number: 9447872
    Abstract: A controller is provided with a lock-up capacity control means for controlling a lock-up capacity to a predetermined target capacity when a transition to a coast running state occurs, a timing means for measuring a time during which a slippage, which is a difference between a revolution speed (engine speed) of an input element and a revolution speed (turbine speed) of an output element, is within a predetermined range when the lock-up capacity is controlled to the predetermined target capacity, and a capacity learning means for making a learning-correction to the predetermined target capacity such that the time measured by the timing means is brought to a predetermined target time. By virtue of the learning-correction, it is possible to accurately control the lock-up capacity when the transition to the coast running state has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventor: Osamu Sato
  • Patent number: 9447873
    Abstract: A transfer case (30) and a method of assembly can include a range shifting assembly (60) and a clutch assembly (80) located axially adjacent to one another along a common primary axis. An actuating device (32) can include a concentric gear located coaxially interposed between the range shifting assembly (60) and the clutch assembly (80) for rotation about the common primary axis. The concentric gear (48) can actuate the range shifting assembly (60) during a portion of angular rotation about the common primary axis and can actuate the clutch assembly (80) during a mutually exclusive portion of angular rotation about the common primary axis. The actuating device (32) can include a barrel cam (59), a plurality of springs engageable between the barrel cam (59) and the concentric gear (48), and a shift fork (68) operably engageable with a cam surface groove (57) for guided axial movement to actuate the range shifting assembly (60) between a low-range and high-range drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 9447874
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic drive which comprises a hydraulic motor having a first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic connector, wherein the pressure applied at the first hydraulic connector of the hydraulic motor and the pressure applied at the second hydraulic connector of the hydraulic motor are each separately adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-HYDRAULIKBAGGER GMBH
    Inventors: Simon Meier, Thomas Reisch
  • Patent number: 9447875
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle is provided which prevents generation of a speed change shock at the time of starting the vehicle from a neutral condition. In the transmission, hydraulic clutches are each put into a connected state according to an action of an oil pressure, and a plurality of selectively engageable speed-stage gear trains are provided so that a neutral condition can be obtained. At the time of shifting from the neutral condition, where the oil pressures in hydraulic clutches are in a lowered state, to a starting condition in which a starting gear train is engaged, pressure in the hydraulic clutch corresponding to the starting gear train is controlled by a control valve, so that the oil pressure in the hydraulic clutch is maintained in the lowered state during and immediately after a shifting operation, and is subsequently increased in response to complete engagement of the starting gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinya Mizuno, Yasushi Fujimoto, Seiji Hamaoka, Eiji Kittaka
  • Patent number: 9447876
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicular transmission actuator. A release shaft is operatively coupled to a gear, and is actuable between a first position in which the gear is engaged, and a second position in which the gear is disengaged. The release shaft extends through an opening of a transmission case so as to define an exterior portion that projects beyond the exterior surface of the transmission case. A protuberance is disposed at the exterior surface of the transmission case adjacent the opening. A bracket is operatively connectable to the exterior portion of the release shaft to enable manual actuation of the release shaft from the first position to the second position. The bracket is configured to cooperate with the protuberance to automatically hold the release shaft in the second position subsequent to manual actuation of the release shaft from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: William J. Gross, Greg B. Resh
  • Patent number: 9447877
    Abstract: The arrangement is applied to a compressor which comprises: a crankcase, carrying a cylinder provided with a lateral slot and in which is housed a piston provided with two radial holes and with an eccentric axial hole; a connecting rod connected to a crankshaft driven by an electric motor and having a smaller eye mounted in the piston; and a wrist pin having a first end turned to the bearing hub of the crankcase, a second end turned to the lateral slot of the cylinder and a diametrical hole, adjacent to the second end in which is provided an engaging means, for the axial and rotational coupling of a tool for mounting and indexing the wrist pin, in the interior of the piston, in a position in which the diametrical hole is axially aligned with the eccentric axial hole, so as to allow an elastic pin to be introduced in said diametrical hole and in said eccentric axial hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Adilson Luiz Manke, Gelson Longo, Fabiano Domingos Silva
  • Patent number: 9447878
    Abstract: A piston seal assembly including a piston, plate, and seal is provided. The piston is slidably supported on a shaft or in a housing, and includes a recess on an inner or outer radial portion. The plate is fastened to the piston and extends at least partially adjacent to the recess. The seal is located at least partially within the recess of the piston. The seal includes a radial sealing surface that engages the shaft or the housing, and the seal is axially movable between the piston and the plate via hydraulic fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joshua David Harris, Brian Zaugg
  • Patent number: 9447879
    Abstract: To provide a piston ring having a hard laminate coating for excellent scuffing resistance, wear resistance and peeling resistance, which can be used in an environment of high mechanical and thermal load in engines, the piston ring is provided with a hard laminate coating as thick as 10-60 ?m on its outer peripheral surface, the laminate coating being formed by alternately laminating two types or more of layers made of different compounds, each of the compound layers being made of nitride of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, Zr, V, Hf and Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA RIKEN
    Inventors: Masayuki Sato, Yuuichi Murayama, Youhei Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 9447880
    Abstract: A method for securing a first housing member to a second housing member of a device, includes affixing a set of tape adhesive portions to a first section of a perimeter of the second housing member and distributing a liquid adhesive to a second section of the perimeter of the second housing member. The method further includes compressing the liquid adhesive into at least one compressed liquid adhesive portion to create a sealant for securing the first housing member to the perimeter of the second housing member, wherein the sealant comprises the set of tape adhesive portions and the at least one compressed liquid adhesive portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Ryan P. Holcomb, Joseph L. Allore, Richard R. Chomko
  • Patent number: 9447881
    Abstract: Provided is a seal that can ensure a satisfactory sealing property and can be easily separated from a sealing surface even in the case in which the seal is used for a long period of time under the conditions of a high temperature and a high pressure. The seal includes a seal body mounted in a seal groove that is formed in a first member and a second member is made to be in pressure contact with the first member to form a sealing part. The sealing part that comes into contact with the second member at the entire surface of the sealing part is formed along the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the seal. A step portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the seal in such a manner that an area of a contact surface is smaller for the sealing part as the contact area is closer to the bottom side of the seal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Nippon Valqua Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 9447882
    Abstract: Sealing gasket construction for providing a fluid seal intermediate a pair of opposed, mating parts or structures. The gasket includes a body formed of a resilient material, and one or more integral compression limiters each received in a corresponding aperture formed through the body. Each of the limiters is formed of a rigid material and extends through the body from a first flanged portion to a second flanged portion with the body being clamping therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Mason D. Morehead
  • Patent number: 9447883
    Abstract: A seal for sealing around a shaft includes a radially outer clamp-in element to be clamped into a housing, an intermediate membrane part extending radially inwardly (toward the shaft) at an angle from the clamp-in element, and an angled base part at a radially inner end of the intermediate membrane part. A spring is received in a receiving groove that forms a spring pocket in the base part, and the spring exerts a contact pressure of a seal lip of the base part against the shaft. In a pressureless state without a pressure differential across the seal, the spring pocket has a width larger than the sectional diameter of the spring and thus forms a free play space for the spring in the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Blohm + Voss Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Peter Von Bergen, Lars Ziemen, Carlos Fangauf, Dieter Von Borstel, Guido Wuestenhagen, Ivan Ristic
  • Patent number: 9447884
    Abstract: A sliding part assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially separated sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks formed on a sealing face of either the stationary ring or the rotating ring so as to communicate with a sealed-fluid-accommodating space. Pumping areas for generating a pumping action due to the stationary and rotating ring sliding in relative rotation are formed on the bottom of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks. The pumping areas formed on the bottom of the plurality of sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are provided with intake pumping areas operating in a direction so as to draw in the sealed fluid and outflow pumping areas operating in a direction so as to expel the sealed fluid. A seal dam area on the sealing face on which said sealed-fluid-accommodating blocks are formed is formed from a high-lubricity sliding material, the seal dam area being on the opposite side of the sealing face relative to the sealed-fluid side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hosoe, Hideyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 9447885
    Abstract: A double mechanical seal device, comprising a rotating ring, a first static ring, a second static ring, and a seal cover. A first bellows seal device is provided between the first static ring and the seal cover, and the first bellows seal device comprises a first bellows part capable of expanding and contracting in an axial direction, a first cover-side adapter, and a first static ring-side adapter. The first bellows seal device and the first static ring are disposed so that in a state where there is no pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first bellows part, a balance line of the first bellows part passes through a cross section of an O ring and a first static seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Suefuji
  • Patent number: 9447886
    Abstract: A sealing device is provided with a floating ring between an outer periphery of a rotating shaft and an inner periphery of a casing and is characterized in that a turn-stopping means is provided to a single point in a circumferential direction of the floating ring, and a groove for generating dynamic pressure is provided in unequal distribution in the circumferential direction to an inner peripheral surface of the floating ring, wherein a dynamic pressure is generated by a dynamic pressure groove provided to the inner peripheral surface of the floating ring and is employed to thereby match together the center of the rotating shaft and the floating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 9447887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid valve comprising a movable flap (1) provided with a first wing (3) and a second wing (4), said valve also including a gasket (2) having an opening (5) for the passage of the fluid. At least one (3) of the aforementioned wings, known as the sealing wing, can seal the opening (5) in the gasket (2) at least partially when the flap (1) is in the closed position. According to the invention, the sealing wing (3) and the other wing (4) are positioned on each side of the gasket (2) when the flap is in the closed position and the flap comprises an intermediate area (6) connecting the first (3) and second (4) wings and extending through the opening in the gasket (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Sébastien Adenot, Grégory Hodebourg
  • Patent number: 9447888
    Abstract: An encapsulated valve system includes a first housing portion having a first facing surface, the first facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the first facing surface. The valve system further includes a second housing portion having a second facing surface, the second facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the second facing surface. A disposable conduit is configured to be interposed between the first and second housing portions and disposed within the recess of the first facing surface and the recess of the second facing surface. The disposable conduit is thus sandwiched between the first and second facing surfaces. A plurality of pinch valve actuators are mounted on one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the plurality of pinch valve actuators configured to pinch the disposable conduit at selective branch pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 9447889
    Abstract: A valve isolation tool for insertion through a vent duct and vent duct valve of a gas flow duct. The isolation tool includes an outer tube having proximal and distal ends, the outer tube having a diameter sized to extend through the vent duct and blocking valve. An inner tube having proximal and distal ends is arranged coaxially with and movable within the outer tube. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal end of the inner tube, wherein the isolation tool outer tube is insertable through the vent duct to an opening in the gas flow duct. The inner tube is slidably insertable through the outer tube until the balloon is situated within a bore formed through the gas flow duct and is inflatable therein to block any gas leak through the gas flow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohammad Ahmed Al Shammary
  • Patent number: 9447890
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a back pressure regulator includes: a body defining a process surface, and including: at least one process void communicating with the process surface; a recess disposed in the process surface; a floating support hub disposed in the recess, carrying an O-ring; a vent void communicating with the recess; an inlet port disposed in fluid communication with the at least one process void and adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a fluid at a process pressure; and an outlet port disposed in fluid communication with the vent void; and a diaphragm having opposed reference and process sides, the diaphragm disposed against the body such that the process side is substantially coplanar with the process surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Equilibar, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Jennings, Tony Boyd Tang, Keith Alan Roberts
  • Patent number: 9447891
    Abstract: A valve includes an interior portion and a nozzle passage. The valve further includes a poppet having a first stage portion and a second stage portion. The poppet has a closed position in which the first stage portion and the second stage portion seal the interior portion of the valve from the nozzle passage. The poppet also has a partially open position, in which the first stage portion of the poppet is spaced from the second stage portion of the poppet, and defines a first fluid passage between the interior portion of the valve and the nozzle passage. Additionally, the poppet has a fully open position, in which the second stage portion of the poppet is spaced from the nozzle passage of the valve, and defines a second fluid passage between the interior portion of the valve and the nozzle passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keith A. Murray
  • Patent number: 9447892
    Abstract: A valve having a first housing including a first lumen extending therethrough and a first disk-facing surface, a second housing including a second lumen extending therethrough and a second disk-facing surface, where the second housing is coupled to the first housing so that the second disk-facing surface faces the first disk-facing surface. A flexible disk has at least a portion of an outer edge of the disk extending away from a plane of a central portion of the disk, the outer edge contacting the first disk-facing surface, the disk including a slit extending therethrough which, when acted upon by a fluid pressure of at least a threshold level opens to permit fluid flow between the first and second lumens and which, when acted upon by a fluid pressure less than the threshold level, prevents fluid flow between the first and second lumens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Lareau, Mark Girard, Benjamin Bell
  • Patent number: 9447893
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a valve having a spring with a spring force, an actuator with an actuator force opposing the spring force, and a pin that is actuated by the actuator, a seal element that can be coupled with the pin, and a seal seat, the valve being closed when the seal element sits against the seal seat. The method includes determining an expected natural opening time when the seal element is lifted off the seal seat based on a pressure difference in front and behind the valve, impressing a specified current on the actuator at a point in time within a specified interval prior to the natural opening time, the seal element sitting against the seal seat at the point in time such that the pin contacts the seal element and the actuator force matches the spring force, which is reduced by a specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Wirkowski, Christian Mey
  • Patent number: 9447894
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising two flappers movable independently from one another between an open position and a closed position; and a fairing disposed between the two flappers. The fairing has a portion extending downstream of the two flappers. The portion is a downstream portion of a substantially streamlined body. The two flappers are movable relative to the fairing, and when in the open position, the two flappers abut the fairing and form an upstream portion of the substantially streamlined body. A method of flowing air through a valve assembly for a gas turbine engine is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Andre Leblanc
  • Patent number: 9447895
    Abstract: An electrostatic actuator is provide that can include a fluidic line, a first electrode, and a second electrode such that a gate chamber portion of the fluidic line is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrostatic actuator can also include a pressure-balancing channel in fluid communication with the gate chamber portion where the first electrode is sandwiched between the pressure-balancing channel and the gate chamber portion. A pneumatic valve system is provided which includes an electrostatic gate and a fluidic channel fluidly separate from a fluidic control line. A pneumatic valve portion of the fluidic control line can be positioned relative to a portion of the fluidic channel such that expansion of the pneumatic valve portion restricts fluid flow through the fluidic channel. Methods of using an electrostatic actuator and a pneumatic valve system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University Of Illinois, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Tice, Thomas A. Bassett, Amit V. Desai, Christopher A. Apblett, Paul J. A. Kenis
  • Patent number: 9447896
    Abstract: A control valve includes a spool formed with a fluid passage allowing a circulation of an operation fluid for switching a supply of the operation fluid to plural operation fluid supply portions, a cylindrical sleeve including plural supply and exhaust ports supplying and exhausting the operation fluid to and from the plural operation fluid supply portions and plural drain ports allowing the operation fluid returning from the plural operation fluid supply portions to drain, the sleeve slidably accommodating the spool therein, a solenoid mechanism for changing a position of the spool relative to the sleeve, and a communication portion formed on an outer periphery surface of the sleeve, the communication portion connected to plural drain ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Mukaide, Naoto Toma
  • Patent number: 9447897
    Abstract: A handwheel (30) for hydraulic valve provided with numerical indicator of the valve opening level, comprising a base-body (32) or fixed element apt to be stably restrained with respect to the valve-body and supporting a mobile element (34) rotatably coaxial with respect to said base-body (32), connected with a member of maneuver of the valve and provided with a knob (46) apt to be gripped by a user in order to impart a rotation to said maneuver member corresponding to the value or degree of opening required for the valve indicated by figures (50) displayed through an opening or window (48) of said knob, said base-body (32) and mobile element (34) rotatably co-operating one with the other by means of a kinematic continuous coupling with double parallel internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: VIR VALVOINDUSTRIA ING. RIZZIO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Efrem Giubertoni
  • Patent number: 9447898
    Abstract: An ultra-high temperature (UHT) rigidity seal ball valve that includes an upper cover, a valve cover, a valve body, a valve rod and a ball body. The valve seat is arranged in the valve body; the valve rod penetrates the upper cover and the valve cover sequentially and connects to the ball body; a sealing element is arranged between the upper cover and the valve rod and between the valve cover and the valve rod; the ball body includes a medium channel; a hermetically-sealed cooling cavity encircles the outside of the medium channel of the ball body; a through hole allowing cooling liquid to pass through to the cooling cavity is formed in the valve rod. An accommodating cavity is arranged in the ball body; the through communicates with the accommodating cavity, so that cooling liquid can be introduced to a product when the valve operates at an ultra-high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG PETROCHEMICAL VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rongshui Yang, Jingpan Su, Meilin Huang, Yongxi Li, Aiyi Huang, Hu Jin, Guangwu Xiang, Zhongyuan Wang, Fei Nan, Huaimin Wu, Wei Xiang
  • Patent number: 9447899
    Abstract: A tube support structure for an aircraft includes: a parallel movement mechanism configured to support the tube movably in parallel; and an angle adjustment mechanism configured to support the tube angle-adjustably. The parallel movement mechanism includes: an eccentric sleeve, through which the tube passes, configured to adjust a position of the tube in a Z direction perpendicular to the X direction, and a Y direction adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the eccentric sleeve in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. The angle adjustment mechanism includes: a first member configured to have a first curved surface and support the tube, and a second member configured to have a second curved surface with a shape corresponding to the first curved surface, have contact slidably with the first curved surface at the second curved surface, and support the first member by the second curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Keisuke Minami
  • Patent number: 9447900
    Abstract: A pipe roller assembly includes a roller base; a roller shaft mounted to the roller base, the roller shaft defining an outer shaft surface; a roller defining an outer roller surface and an inner bearing surface, the roller mounted on the roller shaft; and an non-conductive barrier mounted between the roller and the roller base, the non-conductive barrier electrically isolating the roller from the roller base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Frank J. Birch, Carlos V. Costa, Gary P. Szechy
  • Patent number: 9447901
    Abstract: A flow connector creates a fluid connection between a port in a wall of a reactor vessel and an axial flow path of the reactor vessel. The flow connector has a wall defining a flow path of the flow connector. The flow path terminates in a first end opening and a second end opening. The first end opening is configured to connect to the axial flow path of the reactor vessel, and the second end opening is configured to connect to the port in a wall of the reactor. The flow connector includes a passageway extending through the wall of the flow connector to provide access to the flow path of the flow connector. A cover is dimensioned for sealing the passageway. The passageway may be dimensioned such that a person may traverse the passageway to access the flow path of the flow connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Ka L. Lok, David A. Wegerer, Jeffrey Grott, William Yanez
  • Patent number: 9447902
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is wastewater pipe having a shape that is operable to flow both small and large volumes of wastewater. The wastewater pipe includes a bottom portion with a different diameter than to top portion. The top and bottom portions of the wastewater pipe are connected by side walls that extend tangentially from the bottom portion and intersect tangentially with the top portion. The pipes may also variously include alignment tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: George Tendick
  • Patent number: 9447903
    Abstract: An improved hose clamp having an annular band having an inner face, tensioning means, and an annular spring liner; the spring liner having a circumferential shoulder near an edge of the liner; and a central, cylindrical, flat, contact portion of smaller circumference than the shoulder, and of smaller width than the inner face of the band. The shoulder is adapted to abut the inner face and the contact portion is adapted to contact a hose or other article to be clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ideal Clamp Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Bowater
  • Patent number: 9447904
    Abstract: A hose coupling is provided, which is of sleeve-shaped form and which, at at least one coupling end, has a connector with a retention profiling provided on the outer circumference at least in one connector subregion, onto which coupling end a hose end of a flexible hose can be pushed. The retention profiling is formed by at least one retention groove, which is provided on the outer circumference of the connector and which has groove long sides oriented in the connector circumferential direction and groove narrow sides oriented in the connector longitudinal direction. The at least one retention groove has a groove base which is of flat form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Kury, Michael Scherer
  • Patent number: 9447905
    Abstract: A pipe connector includes a connector body, a retainer having a pair of locking legs and a release operation portion, and a checker. The connector body has an insertion hole into which a pipe is insertable. The locking legs are deformable to be spread and closed and are moved into the insertion hole. The release operation portion being operable to displace the locking legs in a direction such that the pipe is releasable from a retained state. The checker is formed separately from the retainer and lockable to the connector body and releasable from a locked state to be movable to a detection position when the pipe is inserted into the insertion hole. The checker is formed with pressing pieces located rearward relative to the locking legs when the checker assumes the detection position, to thereby prevent the locking legs from being flexed rearward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: TOGO SEISAKUSYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takanori Nagaya
  • Patent number: 9447906
    Abstract: A universal self-locking push-to-connect plumbing insert assembly provides flexibility to an installer to use the assembly in the field with a variety of different plumbing fittings for coupling conduits to such fittings. The assembly comprises first and second interlocking cartridges holding a dual function gripping ring. The gripping ring has inwardly projecting tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit and outwardly projecting tines for holding the assembly within a plumbing fitting. A sealing ring is captively held by the first cartridge and is positioned to seal the insert assembly to a plumbing fitting when inserted therein and also seal a conduit extended into the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly further includes a release ring held within the second cartridge for selectively engaging the inwardly projecting tines of the gripping ring to allow a fluid conduit to be removed from the insert assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: David Bobo, James LaFortune, Derek Oldsen, Paul Frische-Mouri, Robert B. Kelsey, Ken Rinkenberg
  • Patent number: 9447907
    Abstract: An electrical conduit fitting installation system and method of use for replacement of conduit fittings in existing installations and for new building construction is disclosed. The present system includes a plurality of electrical conduit fittings and couplings which are manufactured in mating half-sections that can be assembled by use of fasteners, gaskets and associated hardware. The use of such replacement conduit bodies of the present system allows replacement of a damaged conduit body of conventional unitary construction using standard tools without the need for disconnection and withdrawal of wiring from the conduit required to replace a conventional conduit body. The present system includes conduit bodies, couplings and accessory conduit components which are available in various configurations and standard sizes used in the industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce Woodcock
  • Patent number: 9447908
    Abstract: An anti-siphon assembly includes a siphon tube having a first end region adapted for securement to the inner surface of a fuel filler neck and a second end region adapted to be positioned in a fuel tank for allowing fuel to flow there through into said tank. The assembly includes a locking ring which secures, in an off axis manner, the first end region of the siphon tube within the fuel filler neck with the use of specialized installation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth Watson, Bob Klein, John Loffink
  • Patent number: 9447909
    Abstract: Connector assembly and methods usable to block fluid flow therethrough. The connector comprises a female hub having an axial bore, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The hub is adapted to connect to a fluid container, valve, or conduit and to receive a male connector adapted to block fluid flow through the connector assembly. The male connector comprises external threads and a face comprising a front seal adapted to engage the shoulder. The face comprises a ring-shaped surface adapted to contact the shoulder and form a fluid seal. The face comprises an outer seal that is positioned outwards from the ring-shaped surface and adapted to engage a circumferential surface of the hub. Embodiments of the current invention relate to fluid connectors and methods usable to form a sealed fluid connection between a female connector and a male connector, wherein the male connector comprises an axial bore extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Blake Everett Smith, Harold Wayne Hall
  • Patent number: 9447910
    Abstract: A temporary night pipe cap is disclosed. The pipe cap has a gasket, a plate, a pressure relief valve and a plurality of high pressure clamps. The system is removably installed over a water pipe opening at street level or in the ground so that water pressure can be restored for the time period when work on the water pipe ends for the day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Michael J. Schaaff
  • Patent number: 9447911
    Abstract: An adjustable frame assembly for filter modules includes a lower base arrangement, an upper base arrangement, and an adjustable frame structure connected between the lower and upper base arrangements. Both the lower and upper base arrangements include mounts for positioning and supporting the filter modules. At least one of the base arrangements includes a piping system for supplying fluid to and/or receiving fluid from the filter modules. The adjustable frame structure is moveable between a first position, in which the lower and upper base arrangements are spaced a smaller first distance apart, and a second position, in which the lower and upper base arrangements are spaced a larger second distance apart. Filter modules may be mounted to the adjustable frame assembly when the adjustable frame structure is in the second position to form a filter apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Seiya Ohta, Scott W. Osiecki, Todd B. Abernethy