Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
  • Patent number: 9482317
    Abstract: A multi-ratio transmission with nine forward and one reverse gear. Sun gears of first and third gearsets (P1, P3) are couplable, via brake (04), a housing. Carrier of third gearset (P3) and sun gear of second gearset (P2) are couplable, via clutch (13), to input shaft or coupled, via brake (03), housing. Input shaft detachably couples, via clutch (16), ring gear of third gearset (P3), and, via clutch (18), carrier of second gearset (P2) and detachably couples, via clutch (78), ring gear of fourth gearset (P4). Ring gear of second gearset (P2) and carrier of first gearset (P2, P1) are connected to one another. Output shaft couples carrier and ring gear of the fourth and first gearsets (P4, P1) to one another. The sun gear of fourth gearset (P4) is coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 9482318
    Abstract: Nine-speed multi-stage transmission with four planetary gear sets, rotatable shafts and six shift elements. Sun of first set is connected to fifth shaft which is couplable, via third brake, to housing and is connectable, via first clutch, to drive shaft which is connectable, via second clutch, to seventh shaft which is connected to ring of third set and carrier of second set. Drive shaft is connectable to eighth shaft, via third clutch, connected to carrier of first set and sun of second set. Sixth shaft is connected to ring of second set and carrier of fourth set. Fourth shaft is connected to ring of first set and sun of fourth set and is couplable, via second brake, to housing. Third shaft is connected to sun of third set and is couplable, via first brake, to housing. Output shaft is connected to carrier of third set and ring of fourth set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 9482319
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft and an output shaft, a first planetary gear device, a second planetary gear device, a third planetary gear device, and a fourth planetary gear device provided between the input shaft and the output shaft to transfer a torque and each including three rotating elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotating elements of the first to fourth planetary gear devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Won Min Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seong Wook Ji, Kang Soo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9482320
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first planetary carrier, and a first ring gear, a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, a second planetary carrier, and a second ring gear, a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear, a third planetary carrier, and a third ring gear, a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear, a fourth planetary carrier, and a fourth ring gear, a first rotational shaft, a second rotational shaft, a third rotational shaft, a fourth rotational shaft, a fifth rotational shaft, a sixth rotational shaft, a seventh rotational shaft, an eighth rotational shaft, and six friction elements selectively connecting the rotational shafts and the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wonmin Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seongwook Ji, Kangsoo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9482321
    Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle may include a first input shaft connected to a motor generator and coupled to a dog clutch apparatus, and a second input shaft connected to an engine and coupled to a planetary gear set, in which when the vehicle is overdriven, the dog clutch apparatus is engaged and restricts one component of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Yun Park, Ki Nam Kim, Shin Jong Kim, Won Il Lee, Tae Won Kim, Jin Sook Lee, Jang Mi Lee, Jae Young Choi, Sung Ik Bae, Eui Cheol Chung, Kyung Ha Kim, Min Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 9482322
    Abstract: In the field of a slide rail for tensioning and guiding an endless drive member, comprising at least one bore and a screw captively held in the bore, permitting the captive mounting of screws even in thin-walled slide rails is provided. A sleeve is mounted in the bore and the sleeve comprises engagement elements at its end facing the rail, said engagement elements being engaged with the wall of the bore, and a stop collar lying against a stop surface formed at the slide rail, and lock elements are embodied in the sleeve which engage the thread of the screw and lock the screw at least in an assembly position, wherein said slide rail is thin-walled. Furthermore, an assembly method is provided for manufacturing the slide rail with a captively held screw and to the loss prevention device per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventors: Michael Weikert, Ralph Schneider, Sandra Ketterl, Pia Gruler
  • Patent number: 9482323
    Abstract: Construction of a friction roller reducer is achieved wherein displacement of intermediate rollers due to the change in thickness in the axial direction of loading cam apparatuses can be performed smoothly, and excellent transmission efficiency can be obtained. Long guide holes that are long in the radial direction of a sun roller and ring-shaped roller are provided in guide blocks that are fastened to a support frame for supporting the end sections of rotation shafts of intermediate rollers. The outer rings of ball bearings, of which the inner rings are fitted around and fastened to the outside of the end sections of the rotation shafts, engage with the long guide holes so as to be able to displace in the radial direction of the sun roller and the ring-shaped roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NSK, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Tanaka, Yasuyuki Matsuda, Takashi Imanishi, Eiji Inoue, Hiroyasu Yoshioka, Tsutomu Hibi
  • Patent number: 9482324
    Abstract: A taper lock apparatus, including a screw defining a longitudinal axis and having a tapered end at one end thereof, the tapered end including a threaded bore extending partially along the longitudinal axis; a compression fitting having expansions, the fitting defining an internal space having an internal taper, the internal space configured to mate at least partially with the tapered end of the screw; and a retaining screw configured to mate with the threaded bore, wherein tightening of the retaining screw into the bore engages the taper end of the screw with the internal taper of the fitting forcing the expansions radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Thomson Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9482325
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) comprising an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing and a ball screw is disclosed. The ball screw and ADU housing may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (MRTB). Further, the ball screw may be situated at least partially about the ADU housing, an outer surface of the ADU housing may include a first ADU raceway, and an inner surface of the ball screw may include a second inner ball screw raceway. Either or both raceways may comprise hemispherical structures. Further, the first raceway and the second raceway may interface to form a multi-row thrust bearing (“MRTB”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 9482326
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) may comprise a ball screw having at least one tab extending from an inner surface thereof and/or an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing that interfaces with the at least one tab. The bail screw may include three tabs extending from the inner surface thereof. An outer surface of the ball screw may be threaded to mate with a threaded portion of an inner surface of the ADU housing, and/or the ADU housing may interface with the at least one tab, and the ball screw may be rotated to translate a ball nut situated concentrically over ball screw axially. The ADU housing may include a gear train assembly having a carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate includes at least one receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David Drennen, Harald Klode, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 9482327
    Abstract: An actuator (10) includes a guide apparatus (30) that guides a rod 11 in a Y-axis direction. The guide apparatus (30) includes a slider (31), a rail (60) formed of a steel material, and balls (rolling elements) formed of a steel material. The slider (31) is supported by the rail (60) through the balls. Accordingly, even if torque originating from a rotation of the output shaft of a motor unit (20) is applied to the slider (31) through a ball screw shaft (71), the slider (31) does not move around the output shaft with respect to the rail (60). Hence, torque originating from the rotation of the output shaft is not likely to be transmitted to the rod (11) through the guide apparatus (30), thereby suppressing an occurrence of the wobbling of the leading end of the rod (11). In addition, a reduction of the work precision of the actuator (10) is preventable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: IAI Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 9482328
    Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system is described, and includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission to transfer torque between a transmission input member and a transmission output member. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets arranged to transfer torque between the transmission input member and the transmission output member in one of a plurality of fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating a plurality of transmission clutches. The transmission input member rotatably couples to one of the nodes of the first planetary gear set and one of the nodes of the second planetary gear set. The torque transmission device transfers torque in one of a continuously variable mode, a fixed underdrive input/output speed ratio, or a fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 9482329
    Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) arranged in parallel with a fixed-gear-ratio transmission. The fixed-gear-ratio transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets and a plurality of transmission clutches, wherein the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged to transfer torque between an input member and an output member in one of first and second fixed-gear-ratio modes by selectively activating the transmission clutches. The torque transmission device operates in a first fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a first set of two of the transmission clutches is activated. The torque transmission device operates in a second fixed overdrive input/output speed ratio when the CVU input clutch is deactivated and a second set of two of the transmission clutches is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 9482330
    Abstract: A transmission for transferring mechanical power between an input member and an output member is described, and includes a first synchronous electric machine including a first stator, a first distal rotor and a first proximal rotor and a second synchronous electric machine including a second stator, a second distal rotor and a second proximal rotor. The input member rotatably couples to the first distal rotor and to the second proximal rotor and the output member rotatably couples to the second distal rotor and to the first proximal rotor. Mechanical power is transferrable between the input member and the output member without torque being applied by the first stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 9482331
    Abstract: A power split transmission, in particular for a traction drive, having at least one drive shaft and at least one output shaft between which a mechanical first branch and a hydraulic or electrical second branch are provided that can be connected to one another at least in part by a planetary gear arrangement, wherein the second branch comprises a plurality of energy converters. The at least one drive shaft can be connected to a first energy converter and to a first connection element of the planetary gear arrangement, while the at least one output shaft can be connected to a second connection element of the planetary gear arrangement and the second and third energy converters can be connected to at least one or more further connection elements of the planetary gear arrangement and/or of the at least one output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-COMPONENTS BIBERACH GMBH
    Inventors: Viktor Schindler, Clemens Christ
  • Patent number: 9482332
    Abstract: A cam follower is constituted by an outer ring which has an outer track surface in its inner circumference; a stud which has an inner track surface opposed to the outer track surface, a flange portion abutting on one side of the inner track surface, a side plate fitting portion and a mounting shaft portion abutting on another side of the inner track surface in this order, and a fiber flow formed continuously from the flange portion to the inner track surface along their outer circumferences; rolling elements which are arranged between the outer track surface and inner track surface; and an inner side plate which is pressed into the side plate fitting portion to work with the flange portion for limiting axial movement of the outer ring and the rolling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Shibutani, Seiji Kanbara, Shinji Oishi, Tomoaki Kawamura, Toshiaki Ensou
  • Patent number: 9482333
    Abstract: A chain and sprocket drive system that includes an inverted tooth chain assembly configured to mesh with a laminated sprocket assembly is provided. The inverted tooth chain assembly includes a plurality of rows of links. The laminated sprocket assembly includes a plurality of plates, each of the plates including a plurality of teeth that are aligned with adjacent teeth. Each tooth has an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. The engaging flank of the teeth on one of the plurality of plates has an enlarged profile in a radially outwardly extending direction in comparison to corresponding ones of the teeth of an adjacent one of the plates, such that a first contact position with a link of the chain assembly carried thereon is located radially outward from a second contact position of the link with the corresponding teeth of the adjacent one of the plurality of plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gregory Cowen, Jesse Myers, Anuj Sahai, Lucian Botez, Jeffrey Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9482334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearwheel arrangement (1) with a main gearwheel (2) and a gearwheel (4) rotatable relative to the latter in circumferential direction (3), wherein the main gearwheel (2) comprises a hub (5) on which the rotatable gearwheel (4) is arranged, and with a spring element (7), which is arranged between the main gearwheel (2) and the rotatable gearwheel (4), and by means of which the rotatable gearwheel (4) is pretensioned in circumferential direction (3) against the main gearwheel (2), wherein the main gearwheel (2) comprises at least one first support element (22) and the rotatable gearwheel (4) comprises at least one second support element (23), and wherein the spring element (7) is arranged between the first and the second support element (22, 23) and thereby spaced apart from the first surface (19) of the main gearwheel (2) and from the second surface (21) of the rotatable gearwheel (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Miba Sinter Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Buchleitner, Karl Dickinger, Christian Dumanski
  • Patent number: 9482335
    Abstract: A device and method for determining whether a no-back device is functioning properly includes a no-back device coupling an input shaft and an output shaft. A no-back output gear is coupled to the output shaft, and a reaction gear is operably coupled to the no-back output gear. A check device includes a rotatable drive feature having a first end accessible for rotation and a second end engaged with the reaction gear. The functionality of the no-back device is evaluated by applying a rotational torque to the drive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: James M. Regan
  • Patent number: 9482336
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a guide shoe that can prevent a shortage of lubricating oil and supply the lubricating oil onto a sliding surface of the shoe in a favorable manner. To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a guide shoe that has a shoe surface for slidably guiding a running chain CH. A plate guide groove extending along a chain running direction D and guiding link plates L of the chain CH is provide in the shoe surface. An oil guide part having a pair of guide walls is provided in the bottom surface of the plate guide groove. The pair of guide walls are each formed such as to face a rear side in the chain running direction D and converge to each other toward a front side in the chain running direction D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Akihiko Utaki
  • Patent number: 9482337
    Abstract: A controller for a continuously variable transmission includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit reduces a change in a target speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission when a sensitivity coefficient is large as compared to when the sensitivity coefficient is small. When the sensitivity coefficient is large, a change in speed ratio is suppressed, so the stability of the speed ratio is improved. When the sensitivity coefficient is small, the response of a shift is improved. The controller changes a degree of suppressing a shift of the continuously variable transmission in response to the sensitivity coefficient, so it is possible to suppress a shift where necessary. Thus, it is possible to achieve both improvement in the stability of the speed ratio and improvement in the response of a shift in automatic vehicle speed control. This suppresses a feeling of strangeness experienced by a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kunio Hattori, Wataru Matsubara
  • Patent number: 9482338
    Abstract: When a user performs an operation to switch from a forward range to a reverse range, an ECU switches an oil passage (referred to hereafter as a “B2 pressure supply source oil passage”), through which oil pressure is supplied to a brake, from a first oil passage to a second oil passage while engaging the same brake. At this time, in consideration of a response delay in the oil pressure in the second oil passage, the ECU switches the B2 pressure supply source oil passage from the first oil passage to the second oil passage after a predetermined time ? elapses from the point at which the user performs the forward-reverse switch operation (in other words, after waiting for the oil pressure in the second oil passage to reach a threshold pressure) rather than at the point at which the user performs the forward-reverse switch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideharu Nohara, Toshio Sugimura, Tooru Matsubara, Koichi Okuda, Kota Fujii, Kazuyuki Noda, Kousuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9482339
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes input and output members, a primary variator pulley, and a secondary variator pulley. The respective variator pulleys are responsive to primary and secondary pressures. Speed sensors measure a respective rotational speed of each variator pulley. A controller executes a method by receiving the measured rotational speeds, calculating a current speed ratio of the CVT above a threshold CVT speed ratio using the rotational speeds, comparing the calculated current speed ratio to calibrated threshold ratios during a sudden stop event of the vehicle, and selectively executing a CVT control action after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio during the sudden stop event. The control action depends on which of the threshold ratios is exceeded by the calculated current speed ratio after the calculated current speed ratio drops below the threshold CVT speed ratio, and on the measured rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 9482340
    Abstract: Shift arrangement for a motor vehicle transmission. At least one gear stage can be engaged and disengaged by means of an associated shift clutch. A spindle which is aligned along a spindle axis, has a spindle thread and is rotatably mounted on a housing. A nut has a nut thread, which is in engagement with the spindle thread. A shift finger is formed on the nut. At least one shift rod is mounted movably on the housing and can be coupled to the shift clutch. Provided on the housing are a radial groove, in which the shift finger engages in an axial base position of the nut and within which the shift finger can be turned, and an axial guide, which axially adjoins the radial groove and in which the shift finger can engage in order to hold the nut in the circumferential direction, thus ensuring that said nut is moved axially in a first axial direction when the spindle is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Carsten Bünder
  • Patent number: 9482341
    Abstract: A control apparatus for automatic-transmission provided with input-clutch through which drive force generated by engine is input to automatic-transmission, released-side frictional coupling device being placed in released state to perform shifting action of automatic-transmission, and engaged-side frictional coupling device being placed in engaged state to perform shifting action, control apparatus including: first shifting mode control means including slipping means for placing input-clutch in released state, engaging means for placing input-clutch in engaged state, and releasing/engaging switching control means for controlling shifting action of automatic-transmission being performed in first shifting mode wherein released-side frictional coupling device is brought into released state, and engaged-side frictional coupling device is brought into engaged state, while input-clutch is placed in released or slipping state under control of slipping means, and input-clutch is then brought into engaged state under
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masami Kondo, Akio Sugawara, Shuntaro Shinohara
  • Patent number: 9482342
    Abstract: A piston assembly, including: a piston for a clutch in a torque converter including: first and second radial surfaces; and a radially inner-most end connecting the first and second radial surfaces. The piston assembly includes a radially displaceable bushing assembly: arranged to engage an input shaft for a transmission and form a first seal against the input shaft; including a first radial wall disposed parallel to the first radial surface and forming a second seal against the first radial surface; and including a second wall facing the second radial surface. The bushing assembly is radially displaceable with respect to the piston while maintaining the first seal between the first radial wall and the first radial surface and the second seal between the bushing assembly and the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Steinberger
  • Patent number: 9482343
    Abstract: Disclosed is a piston ring for engine that includes chromium (Cr) coating layer coated on the surface of a base material of the piston ring of an engine; a chromium nitride (CrN) coating layer; and a silicon-incorporated diamond-like carbon (Si-DLC) coating layer, which is formed on the CrN coating layer, and contains Si component of about 3˜10 at %, and a method for manufacturing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: So Jung Shim, Jeong Uk An
  • Patent number: 9482344
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a radial shaft seal (2) that surrounds a shaft (1), wherein an elastomer body (4) forms a sealing lip (5) for bearing against the shaft (1), wherein the sealing lip (5) has a sinusoidally curved sealing edge (6) on its side which faces the shaft (1), which sealing edge runs around along the inner circumference of the sealing lip (5), and wherein the sealing edge (6) bears against the circumferential face (7) of the shaft (1). The radial shaft seal as a single component is able to produce high dynamic seal tightness in a plurality of different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Holger Sattler, Erich Prem
  • Patent number: 9482345
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing system, in particular for sealing pump shafts of vertically arranged pumps for conveying liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other cryogenic fluids below ?80° C. The sealing system has a mechanical seal arrangement. A barrier fluid flows through the mechanical seal arrangement at a barrier fluid pressure. The mechanical seal arrangement prevents a sealing fluid from exiting a sealing chamber. The barrier fluid pressure is higher than a sealing fluid pressure in the sealing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sulzer Management AG
    Inventor: Clint Zentic
  • Patent number: 9482346
    Abstract: An air compressor system includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a butterfly valve coupled to the inlet and movable between a closed position and an open position, and an actuator coupled to the butterfly valve and operable to apply an actuator force to the butterfly valve to move the actuator and the butterfly valve to a desired position between the closed position and the open position. A feedback actuator is coupled to the actuator and is operable to apply a variable secondary force to the butterfly valve in opposition to the actuator force, the secondary force varying in response to the position of the butterfly valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Kevin Hughes
  • Patent number: 9482347
    Abstract: Provided is a valve, including an in-line flow passage, a shut-off mechanism, and a multi-stage throttling section disposed in the in-line flow passage. Further provided is an in-line valve, including a flow control component and a sealing component, wherein the flow control component and the sealing component are separate from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Declan Elliott, Andrew Grace, Edmund McHugh, Martin O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9482348
    Abstract: A cycle valve can include a valve body and a dynamic sealing spool assembly contained within the interior of the valve body. The dynamic sealing spool assembly includes a sleeve and a gate cartridge assembly which slides within the sleeve between an open and a closed position. The sleeve can include a sleeve opening while the gate cartridge assembly can include two openings, each of which includes a dynamic seat assembly. The dynamic seat assembly in one opening can be formed by upper and lower dynamic seats configured as solid blocks which seal the pathway through the valve when the gate cartridge assembly is in the closed position. The dynamic seat assembly in the other opening can be formed by upper and lower dynamic seats configured as cylinders which form the pathway through the valve when the gate cartridge assembly is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DeltaValve, LLC
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 9482349
    Abstract: An air valve includes a frame and a sheet of thin material. The frame may have an outlet-side member configured mounted on a fan housing and an inlet-side member rotatably coupled to the outlet-side member. The material may have top and bottom edges, and a plurality of folds perpendicular to the top and bottom side edges that divide the sheet into a plurality of sections. The material may be attached to the outlet-side member and the inlet-side member, and configurable between folded and expanded positions. An attraction between a magnetic component on the inlet-side member and a magnetic component on a rotating fan blade may cause the inlet-side member to rotate, moving the material into the folded configuration. When the fan blade is not rotating, a spring attached at a pivot point may cause the inlet-side member to rotate in an opposite direction, moving the material into the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Anderl, Bret P. Elison, Phillip V. Mann, Arden L. Moore, Arvind K. Sinha
  • Patent number: 9482350
    Abstract: A gate valve that can suppress the deterioration of a seal member due to radicals is provided, and the seal member in the gate valve can be prevented from coming off a dovetail groove. A seal groove for attaching a seal member is formed by a first groove portion that has a rectangular cross-section and a second groove portion that is provided in the bottom wall of the first groove portion and that has a dovetail groove-like cross-section. The seal member is held in the second groove portion with part thereof protruded into the first groove portion. A valve seat that is inserted into and pulled out of the seal groove to be brought into and out of contact with the seal member is protruded from the inner surface of a partition wall in which a gate opening is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuneo Ishigaki, Hiromi Shimoda, Hiroshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 9482351
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the sterile transfer of fluids, be they liquids or gases. It uses a presterilized device comprised of a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger. The body has a first and a second end. The first end contains a face designed to be attached to the upstream component. The second end is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, sample bag and the like. The plunger has corresponding first and second ends. The first end of the plunger when it the closed position is in alignment with the face of the body which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the rest of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. The device is attached to an upstream component and the face and the first end of the plunger are steam sterilized in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Proulx, Joseph Almasian, Naren Renganath, Stephen Tingley, Martin Morrissey
  • Patent number: 9482352
    Abstract: A spool valve includes a body defining a bore and a positionable spool located within the bore. The spool includes a central body portion having a diameter and a number of sealing lands separated by the central body portion. Each sealing land has a diameter larger than the central body portion diameter. A plurality of flow-shaping rings are located between first and second sealing lands, and each comprise an intermediate diameter larger than the central body portion diameter and smaller than the sealing land diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary West, Javedkhan Nijam Tamboli, Aniruddha Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9482353
    Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 9482354
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve (100), having: an upper housing (104) defining a housing internal chamber (112) and comprising at least one window (108) between the upper housing chamber and the atmosphere; a lower housing (106) comprising a housing opening (134); a pallet (170) disposed within the housing internal chamber; and a pair of nested springs (116) disposed within the housing internal chamber and configured to bias the pallet toward the lower housing and thereby form a seal (180) between the housing opening and the housing internal chamber. When the pressure in the housing opening is at a full discharge pressure that is greater than and within fourteen percent of the start-to-discharge pressure, the pair of nested springs is configured to permit the pallet to travel a sufficient distance to expose a flow area of the at least one window that is at least greater than a flow area (138) of the housing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Girard Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Girard, Michael Fernandez, John LaFave, Glen Harm, Joseph Petrarca
  • Patent number: 9482355
    Abstract: A main stage in-line pressure control cartridge. The cartridge selectively controls flow in-line in the same direction as opposed to directing flow at a 90 degree angle like other cartridges. A tubular poppet can be mounted into a body and has a sliding control sleeve that can expose radial holes in the poppet to an open position and to seal the radial holes in a closed position. The cartridge can be configured in numerous ways in order to serve many functions, such as a pressure relief valve, a counterbalance valve, and a flow control valve. The cartridge can also be configured to allow or prevent reverse flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: David E Albrecht, David E Albrecht, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9482356
    Abstract: An electromagnetic solenoid having a coil wound around a bobbin between first and second flanges for generating a magnetic force is disclosed. An armature having an armature flange at a first end is within an interior portion of the tubular center section of the bobbin and is supported for axial displacement between a first position and a second position. A permanent ring magnet is placed at the first end flange with an inner radial face spaced apart from an outer radial face of the armature flange by a radial gap, with the ring magnet supported by a retainer adjacent to the first end flange and fixed against axial displacement with respect to the bobbin. The solenoid comprises an outer case having a closed bottom at a first end and an open top at a second end and a flux washer disposed in the open top adjacent to a second end of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Flextronics Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David Seid, Hamid Najmolhoda, Klynt Baker, John Kovitz
  • Patent number: 9482357
    Abstract: Applicant discloses a thermally actuated valve having a housing, a resilient seat, a thermally conductive piston, a spring fluid seal, and a working material. The housing defines an inlet and an outlet and has two chambers. The seat is adjacent the inlet and the piston is adapted to move towards the seat when a working fluid in the housing warms and expands and away from the seat when a working fluid in the housing cools. By moving away from the seat, fluid flow through the valve is generated. In one application, Applicant's valve acts as a freeze prevention device. In another application, Applicant's valve is used to cool a source of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Dulin
  • Patent number: 9482358
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve body with first and second ports. A bobbin is mounted to the valve body. A winding is wound on the bobbin. A stator is fitted to one end of a hole through the bobbin and defines a third port therein. A plunger is slidably fitted to the hole and movable between a normal position and an energized position. Two plugs are installed at respective ends of the plunger and arranged to selectively close the first and third ports. A flux return device is fixed to the stator and the bobbin. A spring returns the plunger from the energized position, where the plunger closes the third port and the first and second ports communicate with each other via the hole in the bobbin, to the normal position, where the plunger closes the first port and the second and third ports communicate with each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Carl Henric Andreas Svensson, Thomas Roschke
  • Patent number: 9482359
    Abstract: An electrically operated valve actuator effective for shifting a valve (10) between open and closed positions is disclosed, the valve actuator comprising a movable member in the form of a valve stem (21) connected to a valve body (14), the movable member being driven by an electric motor (22) in linear motion between valve closing and valve opening positions, wherein electrical power to the motor is supplied via a current (25) control including a supplied current detection device. The movable member is designed for an idling length of travel (L) in the opening and closing directions during which the valve (10) is either fully open or fully closed, and the movable member is associated with buffer means (30) that during the idling length of travel gradually increases the torque and power required to move the movable member further in the open and closed positions of the valve (10), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Christian Borchgrevink, Jon Flidh, Paula Guimaraes, Christopher Flidh
  • Patent number: 9482360
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly includes an armature having a longitudinal axis and an ovular cross-section, the armature being moveable along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position, and a bobbin including a solenoid coil configured to electromagnetically move the armature when energized. The bobbin defines a recess also having an ovular cross section for receiving the armature and restricting lateral movement of the armature, thereby providing a linear actuation path for the armature along the longitudinal axis. A flux coupler and a flux bracket form a magnetic circuit with the bobbin to electromagnetically move the armature. The flux bracket has a pole piece with a commensurate ovular cross-section that limits the movement of the armature along the longitudinal axis, thereby determining a stroke length of the armature. During manufacture, the flux bracket, and therefore the pole piece, are moved relative to the flux coupler to set the stroke length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L Bantz, Nick J Difazzio, Matthew R Kearsley, Leonard E Prais, Scott J Snyder, Thomas Theilmeier, Yong Wang, Donald S. McNeil
  • Patent number: 9482361
    Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetically actuated valve (60), in particular for a mixing apparatus, comprising mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) for opening and closing the valve (60), at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) mobile between a rest position and an operating position, and at least one activation magnet (61) mobile between a first position and a second position, said mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) being capable to interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) for opening and closing the valve (60), said at least one activation magnet (61) being capable to magnetically interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52), the valve (60) being characterized in that it comprises sliding mechanical means (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) comprising a slide (63) integrally coupled to said at least one activation magnet (61) and mobile between an initial position and a final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SEKO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Petrangeli, Stefano Livoti
  • Patent number: 9482362
    Abstract: A check vale for injecting fuel comprises: an integrally formed body provided with a neck-down portion having a diameter smaller than other areas on an outer surface of an upper portion of a fuel flow hole; an integrally formed spindle perpendicularly penetrating the body and provided with a neck-down portion having a diameter smaller than other areas on an outer surface of a lower portion of the fuel flow hole of the body; a spring surrounding an upper end portion of the spindle; a spring seat for fixing the spring surrounding the upper end portion of the spindle and for guiding the spindle to a perpendicular position; a coupling ring coupled to an upper end of the body for fixing the body to a prechamber; and a spacer coupled to a lower end of the body for fixing the lower end of the body that covers an outer edge of the spindle to the prechamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dae-jin Lee, Dae-yeoul Jung, Sung-hyeok Kim, Kwang-cheol Heo, Jong-suk Kim
  • Patent number: 9482363
    Abstract: A valve unit includes a valve body with a plate located in a tubular portion of the valve body. The tubular portion has multiple notches defined in the outside there. A knob has a space defined therein and is threadedly mounted to the tubular portion. The knob has a groove defined in the outside thereof. A first hole and a second hole are respectively defined through knob and communicate with the groove. A resilient member is engaged with the groove and two ends of the resilient member are respectively engaged with the first and second holes. A spring is biased between the plate and the knob. The contact portion is engaged with the notches to generate sounds when rotating the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hui Bao Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 9482364
    Abstract: A butterfly valve with a housing having a bypass passage located within the housing of the valve. The passage extends from the normal flow path through the valve, either side of the butterfly valve plate so as to provide an alternative flow path. A cavity is located between distal ends of the passage. A valve head, located in the cavity is configured and arranged to be movable within the cavity between a closed position in which, the distal ends of the passage are fluidly disconnected through the passage and an open position in which the distal ends of the passage are fluidly connected through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Antonin Opsitch
  • Patent number: 9482365
    Abstract: A rotary valve capable of high flow rates, minimal pressure drop, and rapid actuation is presented. According to one aspect, the rotary valve is characterized by a unique pressure balancing system operating on the rotary spool of the valve to reduce side force caused by pressure at the flow ports. According to another aspect, the rotary valve (700) is characterized by a internal shiftable blocking spool (790) in response to a failure condition or a modulating signal. According to another aspect, an interface is provided for sealing a port of a rotary valve to an outer surface of a rotary spool. According to another aspect, the rotary valve is characterized by an interface provided for sealing a port to an outer surface of the rotary spool. According to another aspect, a rotary valve is characterized by a three-way three-or-more-position configuration. According to another aspect, a rotary valve is characterized by a four-port three-position configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John Allen Miller, III, Dennis L. Reynolds, Brian Slattery
  • Patent number: 9482366
    Abstract: A cap for cooperating with a flow control element of a valve for a self-priming electric pump, the valve being designed to open and close a recirculation duct for the passage of the recirculating fluid from the impeller assembly to an intake duct, the cap having a tubular body and, coaxially inside the latter, a mushroom-shaped element, which divides, with its head, the cap into a first portion and a second portion to be applied at an opening of the recirculation duct outward, respectively in the overhead and underhead installation of the self-priming electric pump, the axial space occupation of the head and of the stem of the mushroom-shaped element that is extended from the head toward the second portion defining two alternative axial positions of interaction with the flow control element of the valve in the overhead and underhead installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DAB PUMPS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Tazioli, Francesco Sinico