Patents Issued in September 27, 2016
  • Patent number: 9453492
    Abstract: A fluid-driven power generating apparatus is a power generator in form pipes with either water wheels or balls with circumferential indents rotating therewithin. The water wheels or the balls are rotated by the fluid flow within the pipes. Each of the water wheels or each the balls has a wheel axle or a ball wheel axle which is encircled by a metal coil. Each metal coil is rotated by the fluid flow within a magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic layer attached to each of the pipes. Through the rotations of the metal coil within the magnetic field, electricity is thus created and stored in an energy storage device. Another variation of the present invention is a closed-system fluid-driven power generating apparatus with mercury as the driving fluid. The present invention can be incorporated into plumbing, dip, sprinkler systems as well as watercrafts such as ships, submarines, jet skis, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Kyli Irene Letang
  • Patent number: 9453493
    Abstract: A transport system for a wind turbine nacelle is provided. The transport system comprises a first trailer and a second trailer, as well as a first leg arrangement attached to a front end or a rear end of the nacelle and a second leg arrangement attached to a bottom portion of the nacelle. A bridge assembly interconnects the first trailer and the second trailer and is fixed to the first leg arrangement and to the second leg arrangement to define a stable frame suspended between the first trailer and the second trailer for the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Henning Poulsen
  • Patent number: 9453494
    Abstract: An omnidirectional building integrated wind energy power enhancer system is configured to produce electrical power from a wind turbine(s) concealed within and/or on top of a building by means of a flow of pressurized air from the prevailing wind that enters and flows through a portion of a building. A building may provide large exterior surface areas for receiving and directing airflow to the turbine(s). At least a portion of the wind energy power enhancer system is configured within a building, such as between floors, on a single floor, and/or a roof structure. The wind turbine(s) may be configured to receive airflow directly from an inflow chamber that is configured with a building, or from a flow tube coupled with the inflow chamber. Air deflectors may be fixed or dynamic to direct air flow into a flow tube regardless of the direction of the incoming airflow relative to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Brett C Krippene
  • Patent number: 9453495
    Abstract: A wind turbine for harvesting energy from both horizontal and vertical wind currents having an open frame structure and a central passage through the structure with at least three wind energy harvesting generally vertically disposed and rotatably mounted blades positioned about the central passage and at least three wind energy harvesting generally horizontal blades projecting radially from the central vertical axis of the device. The open frame structure includes a unique rod and cable central structure offset from the periphery of the frame. In one embodiment, the frame structure is suspended from a rotatable hub at the top of a stationary mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel P. Coffey
  • Patent number: 9453496
    Abstract: Aspects of the manufacturing of Flow Deflection Devices (FDDs) for wind turbines are presented as a system that requires adjustments in order to improve power output and adjust for changes in different conditions yet provides stability of shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: LEVIATHAN WIND FARM AERODYNAMICS LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Farb, Gadi Hareli, Joe Van Zwaren, Ken Kolman, Avner Farkash
  • Patent number: 9453497
    Abstract: The method includes: dividing the wind farm into a first group of wind turbines to be operated in a non-curtailed mode and a second group of wind turbines to be operated in a curtailed mode for providing a power reserve for the wind farm; determining an actual power production of the first group of wind turbines; estimating a possible maximum power production of the second group at a given environmental condition; estimating a possible maximum power output of the wind farm using the actual power production of the first group and the possible maximum power production of the second group; estimating the power reserve using the possible maximum power output; and updating a power setpoint for at least one wind turbine of the second group so that an expected power production of the second group of wind turbines substantially matches a difference between the possible maximum power production and the power reserve Furthermore, a wind farm is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Enno Ubben, David Forrest Loy
  • Patent number: 9453498
    Abstract: A pitch drive system for a wind turbine includes a pitch drive motor, a first position detector, a driver, a second position detector, and a controller. When the blades rotate to a mechanical zero position, a position value detected by the first position detector is a first zero point position value. The driver is operable to store the first zero point position value. When the blades rotate to the mechanical zero position, a position value detected by the second position detector is a second zero point position value. The controller is operable to store the second zero point position value. When a corresponding back up command is received, the first zero point position value stored in the driver is backed up into the controller, and the second zero point position value stored in the controller is backed up into the driver respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Ding He, Jian Wang, Hong-Yan Liu, Zhi-Guang Gao
  • Patent number: 9453499
    Abstract: An adaptive wind turbine generator (WTG) control system comprising a measurement system MS with sensors A1, A2, MC arranged to perform measurements of mechanical vibrations of one or more mechanical components of the WTG, at a plurality of operating conditions for the WTG. A storage unit SU stores, in a measurement database MD, measured data and corresponding operating condition OC data for the WTG. An operating condition manager OCM determines how to operate the WTG, including rotor speed PSC, according to a control algorithm in response to the data stored in the measurement database MD. Hereby, individual vibration measurements on critical components such as electric power generator and blades of the WTG can be taken into account in determining which rotor speed windows to avoid. This allow a more power efficient WTG, since a large safety margin around calculated or predetermined tabulated rotor speed windows can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Jens Demtröder
  • Patent number: 9453500
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ground or unmanned aerial vehicle based wind turbine blade inspection consisting of a thermal imaging camera configured to detect the presence of defects by acquiring thermal imaging data from a rotating wind turbine blade when it is not exposed to solar radiation heating and analyzing the thermal imaging data with a processor to identify thermal effects associated with latent defects or damage caused by internal friction due to cyclic gravitational stresses and wind loads during normal turbine operation or aerodynamic cooling of the area around a breach in the blade shell by escaping air, or blockage of residual heat flow or thermoelectric emissions from the rotating blade by the presence of delamination or crushing damage to the blade shell. The system permits latent defects to be identified using a ground-based in situ inspection before they become easily visually apparent, which allowing repairs to be made economically while the blade is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Digital Wind Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Newman
  • Patent number: 9453501
    Abstract: Shape memory polymers featuring reversible actuation capability under ambient stimulus for integration with apparel. One approach is to use a multiblock polymer consisting of two (or potentially more) blocks in which the one block is the crystalline switching block with relatively low melting transitions, the other block has a higher thermal transition, and the two blocks are linked together by a linker molecule. Another approach is to use a graft copolymer having high and low melting transitions where the graft copolymer has a first polymer serving as the backbone and a second polymer being grafted to or from the backbone at certain graft locations. A further approach is to use latent crosslinking of a semicrystalline polymer with reactive groups placed on the backbone. Finally, these polymers may be formed as actuators that undergo curling, twisting and even volumetric expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick T. Mather
  • Patent number: 9453502
    Abstract: A Hall thruster apparatus having walls constructed from a conductive material, such as graphite, and having magnetic shielding of the walls from the ionized plasma has been demonstrated to operate with nearly the same efficiency as a conventional non-magnetically shielded design using insulators as wall components. The new design is believed to provide the potential of higher power and uniform operation over the operating life of a thruster device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Dan Michael Goebel, Richard Robert Hofer, Ioannis G. Mikellides
  • Patent number: 9453503
    Abstract: A method for operating a work attachment of a work machine with a single input is disclosed. In one step of the method, an indication is received that operation of a work circuit in a hydraulic system is to be activated. Upon this indication, the hydraulic system may be placed in a work circuit primary mode in which a pump is placed in fluid communication with the work circuit. The method also includes receiving a lifting lever position and correlating the lifting lever position to a required lifting speed. The method further includes automatically controlling at least two of an engine speed, a pump displacement, and a lifting control valve to satisfy the required lifting speed. Additionally, the operation of the engine speed, pump displacement and lifting control valve may be sequentially staged in pre-defined zones of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy I. Meehan
  • Patent number: 9453504
    Abstract: This invention provides a diaphragm pump that decreases the number of components or improves workability in assembling. A crank (4) to which the output shaft (2a) of a motor (2) is pivotally attached has, in its upper surface, a ring-shaped insertion groove (5) with respect to the output shaft (2a) as the center. A projecting driving shaft (9b) is formed integrally with a driver (7). When the lower end (9c) of the driving shaft (9b) is inserted into the insertion groove (5), the axis (9d) tilts. When the crank (4) rotates, an engaging portion provided in the insertion groove (5) engages with the lower end (9c). The driving shaft (9b) rotates while changing the tilt direction of the axis (9d) following the rotation of the crank (4). Hence, when a diaphragm portion (12a) attached to the drive element (7a) of the driver (7) moves upward/downward, a pump chamber (18) expands/contracts so that a pump action is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: OKENSEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Fukami
  • Patent number: 9453505
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a fire pump controller are provided. An example method includes causing a power supply coupled to a an electric motor-driven water pump through a fire pump controller in a fire protection system to provide power to the water pump, and monitoring the performance of the power supply during the motor starting period by measuring the voltage and/or current of its output under motor load conditions. The method may also include providing visual indications, such as traces or starting signatures of motor power supply voltages and/or currents during the motor starting period for the purposes of observation and troubleshooting motor power supply and power train performance problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ASCO POWER TECHNOLOGIES, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Stephens, Harlan A. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 9453506
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a gear pump with a drive gear, a gear shaft passing through the drive gear, and a pressure loaded journal bearing. Also included is a fluid film, between a surface of the pressure loaded journal bearing and a surface of the gear shaft, and a hybrid pad on the pressure loaded journal bearing. The hybrid pad has a minimum leading edge angular location on the pressure loaded journal bearing of 29.5° and a maximum trailing edge angular location on the pressure loaded journal bearing of 42.5°. The gear pump also includes a porting path for supplying high pressure fluid from a discharge of the gear pump to the fluid film at the hybrid pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Brandon T. Kovach, Steven A. Heitz
  • Patent number: 9453507
    Abstract: A metering system for metering a liquid has an electric motor (32) for setting a desired feed rate, by modifying the rotation speed of the electric motor. It furthermore has an eccentric drive (52, 56), drivable by said electric motor (32), for a pump (53) that has two delivery directions. It also has a pump ring (62) made of an elastomeric material and a stationary ring (70) which is arranged relative to the pump ring (62) and to the eccentric drive (52, 56) in such a way that a pump chamber (120), extending in a circumferential direction, is formed between the stationary ring (70) and pump ring (62). The chamber changes shape upon rotation of the electric motor (32) in order to deliver a liquid to be metered through the pump chamber (120). A stationary seal (142) is provided in the pump chamber (120), between two fluid ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: EBM-PAPST ST. GEORGEN GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hassan Ghodsi-Kameneh, Alexander Hahn
  • Patent number: 9453508
    Abstract: An electric oil pump is coupled to a pump receptacle including an oil inflow passage and an oil outflow passage. The electric oil pump includes a motor, a pump rotor, a housing, and a check valve. The housing accommodates the motor and the pump rotor. The housing closes an opening of the pump receptacle and includes at least a fitted portion fitted into the pump receptacle. An oil compartment is formed between the pump receptacle and the housing. Oil flows into the oil compartment from the oil inflow passage when the pump rotor is rotated. The fitted portion is partially immersed in the oil collected in the oil compartment. The housing includes a suction port and a discharge port. A check valve, located in the housing, limits reversed flow of the oil from the oil compartment to the oil inflow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Asmo Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Mototsugu Suzuki, Masaru Irie
  • Patent number: 9453509
    Abstract: A scroll compressor which can be mounted in an automobile has a slide bearing resulting from baking onto a back metal a sliding layer of 5-60 wt % graphite having an average diameter of 5-50 ?m and a graphitization degree of at least 0.6, the remainder containing a polyimide resin and/or a polyamide-imide resin. The form of the graphite has: (a) an average shape factor (YAVE) as defined of 1-4 for the particles excluding the minute particles that are no greater than 0.5 times the average diameter, and there being at least 70% by number of particles having a shape factor (Y) in the range of 1-1.5; or (b) graphite particles having a particle ratio of at least 0.5 being at least 50% of the total by number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: TAIHO KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Horibe, Masaharu Hatta, Satoshi Nomura, Akira Sawamoto, Takao Masamura, Masanori Akizuki, Youichirou Tsuboi, Maki Aoki, Akio Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 9453510
    Abstract: In a rotor blade cylindrical portion or a stator portion in which thread grooves are formed, convex surfaces (thread groove peak surfaces) configuring the peak sections of the thread grooves are cut by a desired amount over the entire circumference (a circumferential direction of the thread grooves) of a certain range in an axial direction. As a result, the gap on the lower side of the thread groove portion can partially be expanded by cutting the thread groove peak surfaces by a desired amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventors: Shinji Kawanishi, Takashi Sudo
  • Patent number: 9453511
    Abstract: A regenerative pump (100) comprises at least one pump unit (105), the at least one pump unit comprising a casing or housing (110) comprising a fluid passage channel (115); and at least one impeller (120) provided inside the casing or housing for pumping the fluid through the fluid passage channel, wherein the casing or housing comprises at least one inlet channel (130) and at least one outlet channel (140) in communication with the fluid passage channel, the at least one inlet channel and/or the at least one outlet channel each comprising a first or axial portion (134) at least partially and preferably substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one impeller. The pump can be arranged in a single stage or multistage configuration, and has improved weight/size ratio and performance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Quail Research and Design Limited
    Inventor: Francis Quail
  • Patent number: 9453512
    Abstract: A cross flow fan achieves low power input and low noise level by preventing flow separation on an air inlet side and reducing a maximum air velocity in the gap between the blades. At least one of units constituting a cross flow fan is an appearance unit configured such that when the unit is sequentially cut in a direction from one of rings to the other ring along a plane whose normal coincides with a rotation axis, a region S and a region C appear, the radius of a second circle, serving as an inner circumferencial circle (having a radius), in the region S being a first radius of predetermined length, the radius of the second circle, serving as the inner circumferencial circle, in the region C being a second radius shorter than the first radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takahide Tadokoro, Takashi Ikeda, Seiji Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 9453513
    Abstract: An air blower is provided with an upper resonant chamber including an upper cover having an opening, an upper casing having an inlet engaging the opening, the upper casing secured to the upper cover to form a first chamber, first apertures through portions of the upper casing other than the inlet and communicating with the first chamber, and a first noise absorption material in the first chamber; a lower resonant chamber including a lower cover, a lower casing secured to the lower cover to form a second chamber, second apertures through the lower casing and communicating with the second chamber, and a second noise absorption material in the second chamber. The upper casing is on the lower casing to form a flow path. An impeller is in the flow path. In response to resonance, noise can be absorbed by the first and second absorption materials and converted into heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Yu-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 9453514
    Abstract: A vacuum pump has a rotor mounted on a rotor shaft and provided with pump active components cooperating with opposite stationary pump active components, fastening element for securing the rotor on the rotor shaft, and a safety element provided in addition to the fastening element for preventing rotation of the rotor and the rotor shaft relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Watz, Bernhard Tatzber, Herbert Stammler
  • Patent number: 9453515
    Abstract: A method for depositing a lost circulation material into a drilling fluid holding tank storing a quantity of lost circulation material in a storage receptacle at a well drilling site. A selected quantity of the lost circulation material is conveyed directly from the storage receptacle into the drilling fluid holding tank. A second end of a fluid port assembly is positioned in fluid communication with a fluid contained in the drilling fluid holding tank. The fluid is drawn from the drilling fluid holding tank through the fluid port assembly and discharged into the flexible exhaust hose and onto the lost circulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Edward D. McCann
  • Patent number: 9453516
    Abstract: An inside vessel arrangement (5) is fixedly secured in a stator hollow structure (8) and has at least one enlarged static circumference housing (20), and an aerodynamic outer toroid spoiler (18) has an outer external surface (35) complementary to the static circumference housing (20). The aerodynamic outer toroid spoiler (18) radially secured to each of outer tips (23) of rotor blades (10) of a driven rotor system (7). A torus air gap (G) is provided, so that an outer laminar flux (56) is admitted simultaneously with an inlet inner stream (54) and guided through the torus air gap (G), with the inlet main stream and outer laminar flux being converged to merge together in single outlet control airflow (C). The invention typically applies e.g. to vehicles (A) such as aircrafts like rotary wing aircrafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kreitmair-Steck
  • Patent number: 9453517
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, brackets, systems and methods for mounting a remote control receiver off-axis and to the side of motor mount bracket inside a ceiling mounted hugger and low profile fan housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HKC-US, LLC
    Inventors: James Burns, Brendan Byrne
  • Patent number: 9453518
    Abstract: A proportional pressure-regulating valve (1) includes a valve housing (3) having pump, utility and tank connections (P, A, T). A regulating piston (5) is longitudinally displaceable within the valve housing (3) to selectively connect the pump connection (P) to the utility connection (A) and the utility connection (A) to the tank connection (T) and is controllable by a magnetic coil device (7). The regulating piston (5) has a surface ratio (9) such that pressure on the utility connection (A) generates a counter force (FG) against the magnetic force (FM) of the magnetic coil device (7), moving the regulating piston (5) back and causing reduction of pressure medium from the pump connection (P) to the utility connection (A) until the pressure acting on the utility connection (A) corresponds to the magnetic force (FM) of the current signal applied to the magnetic coil device (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HYDAC FLUIDTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Schulz, Peter Bruck
  • Patent number: 9453519
    Abstract: A transaxle includes a hydrostatic transmission and an axle driven by the hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to each other. The hydraulic pump has a pump shaft. The hydraulic motor has a motor shaft drivingly connected to the axle. The motor shaft has an axis extended slantwise from an axis of the pump shaft. The transaxle further includes a gear train for transmitting power from the motor shaft to the axle, and a gear locking system having a locking pawl. A gear of the gear train is adapted to engage with the locking pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Oscar H. Saldierna, Toshifumi Yasuda, Koji Iwaki, Katsumoto Mizukawa, Daisuke Murashima, Masaru Iida
  • Patent number: 9453520
    Abstract: A heated flow conditioning system includes a flow conditioner comprising a plurality of apertures and a flange, the flange surrounding said plurality of holes and comprising a first open-ended groove; and a spacer ring comprising a second open-ended groove. The first and the second open-ended grooves are configured to be connectable to each other, thereby forming a fluid channel for at least one heating medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Canada Pipeline Accessories, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Sawchuk, Reginald Selirio
  • Patent number: 9453521
    Abstract: A clamp and method of use may be configured to detect whether a clamp is properly secured to an object, and whether that proper securement is maintained. One embodiment of a clamp may include a first portion and a second portion. The relative positions of the first and second portions may be selectively adjusted using a positioner. A sensor assembly may be secured between said first and second portions to determine if the first portion engages the work piece with the proper force. Multiple clamps may be used on a single work piece, and those clamps may be in communication with a common controller to alert the user when any clamp experiences a force other than the force the user desires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Hann, Tyler Schurr
  • Patent number: 9453522
    Abstract: A support rack includes a base, and two supporting units. Each of the supporting units includes a support seat. The support seat of each of the supporting units is pivotally connected with the base and extends downward. The support seat of each of the supporting units includes a pivot end pivotally connected with the base, and a mounting portion located opposite to the pivot end. The pivot end of the support seat of each of the supporting units is pivotable relative to the base to adjust the distance between the mounting portions of the supporting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Tsung-Yao Yu
  • Patent number: 9453523
    Abstract: A cramping fastener device for assembling a part (7) to a support portion (18) is provided. The cramping fastener device includes a fastener clip which includes a deformable catch element that defines a cramping face (12). The catch element is designed to be pushed through the part and through the support portion and is designed to have a cramping face that is resiliently retractable into the clip. The cramping fastener device further includes a proper-assembly indicator (4) for checking that the clip is properly assembled in the cramping position. The proper-assembly indicator is in the form of a sort of stud that is constrained to retract under the effect of the cramping face retracting so as to be able to start being pushed into the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Kevin Maschat, Sven Binkert
  • Patent number: 9453524
    Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a body, a cup and a faceplate. The fastener assembly is a long thin shape for insertion into an opening in a substrate prior to actuation. Once inserted in the substrate, the fastener assembly may be actuated by the insertion of a bolt into a central aperture in the assembly and the tightening of the bolt against the cup. The actuation of the assembly causes the body of the assembly to fold at four points and to thereby secure the assembly to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: WINGIT INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore Sisto
  • Patent number: 9453525
    Abstract: An assembly includes a pin, a fastener, a first element, and a paddle. The pin includes a first channel. The fastener extends within the pin and has a head extending from a first end of the pin. The first element is mounted to the fastener and is capable of translation relative to the pin with rotation of the fastener. The paddle is movably connected to the first element and disposed within the first channel. At least a portion of the paddle extends from the first channel to protrude from the pin with translation of the first element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph P. Foster
  • Patent number: 9453526
    Abstract: Anchor assemblies useful for connecting structures to each other are described. An anchor assembly includes a head member and an anchor. In the fully assembled anchor assembly, the anchor is partially disposed within the head member. During assembly, the proximal end of the anchor can be inserted into an opening defined by a distal end of the head member. A retaining member maintains a portion of the anchor within a portion of the head member after assembly. In an embodiment, a compression member enables movement of the retaining member within the head member to allow insertion of a portion of the anchor and subsequent maintenance of the portion of the anchor within a portion of the head member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: DeGen Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Black, Rakesh P. Chokshi, Willie S. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9453527
    Abstract: A hook is attached to a carabineer via a mechanism which allows the hook to be deployed to function as a hook or stowed in a compact configuration. The combined carabineer-hook can be used to clip together more than one item or the hook can be deployed, the carabineer portion can be clipped to one item, the hook can be engaged with a surface, and the item can then be hung off of the hook. In addition, the hook can be deployed to hold one or more items while the carabineer is used to clip to another item (such as a ring, cable, rope, rail, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Inventor: Mina Yoo
  • Patent number: 9453528
    Abstract: A bearing assembly including a connecting rod (30) with a first end (32) and a second end (36), the second end (36) defining a first outer raceway (44a) and a second outer raceway (44b) with a thrust ring (60) therebetween, a crankshaft (10) defining a cylindrical inner raceway (14), a first plurality of radial roller elements (52a) disposed between the first outer raceway (44a) and the inner raceway (14), and a second plurality of radial roller elements (52b) disposed between the second outer raceway (44b) and the inner raceway (14). An axial length of at least one of the first radial roller elements (52a) is greater than an axial length of the first outer raceway (44a) and the axial length of at least one of the second radial roller elements (52b) is greater than an axial length of the second outer raceway (44b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Koyo Bearings North America LLC
    Inventors: Gary Schick, Scott Brown
  • Patent number: 9453529
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat distribution from and/or heat dissipation for bearing element, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard material including a superhard surface. Additionally, a support ring structure that includes a support ring that supports the plurality of superhard bearing elements and a thermally-conductive structure in thermal communication with the superhard table of each of the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The thermally-conductive structure has a higher thermal conductivity than the support ring of the support ring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jair Jahaziel Gonzalez, S. Barrett Peterson
  • Patent number: 9453530
    Abstract: A bearing for providing rotation of at least one intermediate part relative to a first part and a second part includes a first bearing race formed in the first part, the first bearing race having a raceway corresponding to a first diameter, and a second bearing race and a third bearing race formed in the at least one intermediate part, the second bearing race and third bearing race having a raceway corresponding to a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter. Further, a fourth bearing race is formed in the second part, the fourth bearing race having a raceway corresponding to the first diameter. A first plurality of roller elements are arranged between the first raceway and the second raceway, and a second plurality of roller elements are arranged between the third raceway and the fourth raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Anh Tran, Jason Woolman, Dan Roman
  • Patent number: 9453531
    Abstract: A guide mechanism, configured for use with a guided attack rocket, includes an inner housing partially disposed in an outer housing. The inner and outer housings each define a forward end and an aft end. A first angular contact bearing is positioned between the outer housing forward end and the inner housing forward end. A second angular contact bearing is positioned between the outer housing aft end and the inner housing aft end. A retaining nut is received over the inner housing forward end. The retaining nut preloads the first and second angular contact bearings. Each of the angular contact bearings includes an inner member disposed within an outer member. The outer member defines an outer raceway and the inner member defines an inner raceway. A plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the outer raceway and the inner raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Roller Bearing Company of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Habibvand
  • Patent number: 9453532
    Abstract: A sliding bearing having a composite layer comprising carbon nanostructures (6) incorporated within a metallic matrix (5), and a method of manufacture of such a sliding bearing by electroplating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Roohollah Kachoosangi
  • Patent number: 9453533
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a roller bearing assembly may include superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis, with gaps located between adjacent ones of the superhard bearing elements. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface and a pair of side surfaces intersecting the bearing surface. Each of the side surfaces may form a respective oblique angle relative to the axis. The roller bearing assembly may include a support ring having the superhard bearing elements affixed thereto. The bearing surfaces of the superhard bearing elements may be positioned and configured to form at least a portion of a superhard raceway for rolling elements to roll over. The oblique angle may be selected to at least partially inhibit the gaps from impeding the rolling elements during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: S. Barrett Peterson
  • Patent number: 9453534
    Abstract: A cage 20 of a tapered roller bearing 1 holds tapered rollers 30 by plural pockets formed between a large-diameter side annular part 22 and a small-diameter side annular part 23 arranged in an axial direction, and plural bar parts 24 which axially join the large-diameter side annular part 22 and the small-diameter side annular part 23 and are circumferentially formed at substantially an equal distance. A value of a ratio of a cross section modulus of the small-diameter side annular part 23 of the cage 20 to a cross section modulus of the large-diameter side annular part 22 of the cage 20 is values from 0.5 to 1.5 (both inclusive).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ushimaru, Takashi Murai
  • Patent number: 9453535
    Abstract: A bearing seal assembly of a rotary machine includes and inner shaft and an outer shaft. The outer shaft is disposed concentrically around and radially outward from the inner shaft. The space between the inner and outer shafts forms an annulus void. The inner shaft includes an oil inlet port through which lubricating oil enters the annulus void. A grooved structure is located on an inner surface of the outer shaft, and the grooved structure is configured to retain oil upon shutdown of the rotary machine. A bearing is located outside of the outer shaft. An oil outlet port is disposed in the outer shaft and is connected to the grooved structure for supplying lubricating oil to the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Krause, David S. Behling, Jan Henry Abels
  • Patent number: 9453536
    Abstract: A wheel hub motor for driving a motor vehicle is provided. Aging of the rolling element bearings used to support the rotor is prevented, while at the same time minimizing the emission of electromagnetic waves, in that the wheel hub motor includes a—rotor,—a hub (1), —a wheel bearing having a first bearing ring (2) which is non-rotatably and electrically conductively connected to the hub (1), and a second bearing ring (3) which is non-rotatably and electrically conductively connected to the rotor, and—a contact element (4) for creating an electrically conductive connection between said bearing rings (2, 3), the contact element (4) being supported against the hub (1) via a spring (6) and has a pressure contact with a potential equalization element (5) that is non-rotatably and electrically conductively connected to the second bearing ring (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Vogler, Dorothee Stirnweiss, Darius Dlugal
  • Patent number: 9453537
    Abstract: A coupler pin couples an output sleeve of rotary unit to an input member of a rotary sensor with interference fits. The coupler pin has a first part and a second part. A key groove is formed in an inner surface of a coupling bore in the output sleeve. The first part is received by the coupling bore, and the first part has a key member which is received by the key groove. The second part has a key slot formed therein. The input member has a key. The key has a slip fit with a first part of the key slot and has an interference fit with a second part of the key slot. The key projects inwardly from a wall of a coupling bore in the input member. The second part is divided into a plurality of sections by axially extending cross-cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Zachary T. Flatley, Nathan J. Horstman, Brian J. Althoff, James Luong, Stephan E. Bohner
  • Patent number: 9453538
    Abstract: In an non-limiting embodiment, an isolator is provided for isolating a device driven by an engine via an endless drive member. The isolator includes a shaft adapter that is connectable with a shaft of the device, a rotary drive member that is engageable with the endless drive member, a torsion spring that is positioned to transfer torque between the shaft adapter and the rotary drive member, and a torque limiting surface. The torsion spring has a first helical end, a second helical end and a plurality of coils between the first and second helical ends. The torque limiting surface has a selected non-zero spacing from the coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Hao Q. Tran, Andrew M. Boyes, Boris Replete, Vladimir I. Starodoubov, John Antchak, Pierre A. Mevissen
  • Patent number: 9453539
    Abstract: A clutch cover assembly is provided whereby accurate wear compensation can be executed. The present clutch cover assembly includes a clutch cover, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an wear-amount detecting mechanism and an wear tracking mechanism. The wear-amount detecting mechanism includes a detection member for detecting the wear-amount of a friction member and a moving member configured to be movable in accordance with the wear-amount of the friction member. The detection member is engaged with the fulcrum rings and detects the wear-amount through the fulcrum rings, while being engaged with the moving member and being configured to be disengaged from the moving member at a predetermined wear-amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Wakabayashi, Norihiko Tanigawa, Nobuhiko Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9453540
    Abstract: A double clutch system for a drive train that includes a drive unit and a double clutch transmission. The double clutch system includes two wet-running, multi-plate clutches that include inner plate carrier components, each of which is non-rotatably connected to a respective transmission input shaft, and between which cooling oil is supplied to the multi-plate clutches. A pressure chamber is provided for the cooling oil radially inwardly of at least one of the multi-plate clutches and in an axial direction between the inner plate carrier components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivo Agner, Oliver Nöhl
  • Patent number: 9453541
    Abstract: A viscous clutch includes a shaft, a rotor attached to the shaft, a housing located adjacent to the rotor, a working chamber defined between the rotor and the housing, and a reservoir used to store a shear fluid. Selective introduction of the shear fluid to the working chamber facilitates selective torque transmission between the rotor and the housing. The reservoir is attached to the shaft separately from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Horton, Inc.
    Inventors: Raimund Krammer, Derek Savela, Bastian Brand