Patents Issued in November 15, 2016
  • Patent number: 9494165
    Abstract: A flow machine (1) has an outer housing (2) with an inner housing (6), particularly a guide blade carrier, arranged therein and a rotor shaft (10) which is situated in the latter, a cover (4; 8) which is fastened to the outer housing (2) and separates an inlet pressure (p1) in the interior of the outer housing (2) from an ambient pressure (pu) outside the outer housing, and a compensating piston seal (22) for sealing an outlet pressure (p2) in a work space, particularly compression space (16), defined between the rotor shaft (10) and the inner housing (6) against the inlet pressure (p1) in a noncontacting manner. The compensating piston seal (22) is fastened to the cover (4; 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MAN Diesel & Turbo SE
    Inventors: Alfred Markwalder, George Kleynhans, Urs Baumann
  • Patent number: 9494166
    Abstract: A system and method for lifting well fluids to a surface location from a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a wellbore utilizes a tubing string positioned within the wellbore for withdrawing well fluids from the wellbore. A jet-gas pump having a flow tube is in communication with the tubing string. A jet tube located within the interior of the flow tube receives a compressed gas to be discharged from an outlet of the jet tube to create a pressure drop within the flow tube. This facilitates the lifting of well fluids from the tubing string where it is discharged through the flow tube outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Syphon Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Halfmann
  • Patent number: 9494167
    Abstract: The hydraulic apparatus includes: at least a pumping device for pumping a fluid at a first pressure; at least a user device of the fluid at the first pressure; at least an emergency supply device connectable to the user device activating a connection; at least an activation device of the connection that can be operated at a second pressure of the fluid different from the first pressure and interposed between the user device and the emergency supply device, the activation device having an emergency configuration wherein both the pumping device and the emergency supply device are connected to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Safim S.p.A
    Inventors: Enrico Mamei, Eronne Mamei, Omer Mamei
  • Patent number: 9494168
    Abstract: Hydraulic actuation systems having concentric chambers, variable displacements and energy recovery capabilities include cylinders with pistons disposed inside of barrels. When operating in energy consuming modes, high speed valves pressurize extension chambers or retraction chambers to provide enough force to meet or counteract an opposite load force. When operating in energy recovery modes, high speed valves return a working fluid from extension chambers or retraction chambers, which are pressurized by a load, to an accumulator for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Randall F. Lind, Lonnie J. Love
  • Patent number: 9494169
    Abstract: The present invention includes an information generator to set a lever manipulation amount total sum decrease flag during a period when a lever manipulation amount total sum is decreasing, a first processor to process an engine actual output, an engine actual output latching function block to output the maximum value of the engine actual output until the present during a period in which a lever manipulation amount total sum decrease flag is not set, and output the present engine actual output during a period in which the flag is set, a second processor to output an engine target output based on the engine output, and a controller to control the engine speed under limitation of the engine target output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Murakami, Tadashi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 9494170
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle includes a variable displacement pump configured to pressurize a fluid based on a pump stroke, a clutch, and a controller that is coupled to the variable displacement pump and the clutch. The clutch is positioned to selectively couple the variable displacement pump with an engine when engaged and selectively decouple the variable displacement pump from the engine when disengaged. The controller is configured to generate a first command signal to decrease the pump stroke and thereafter generate a second command signal to disengage the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Yanming Hou
  • Patent number: 9494171
    Abstract: A valve housing of a multiple valve device is formed by being split into two parts, that is, a first housing block and a second housing block abutting against and separated away from each other at positions of facing joining surfaces. Three or more spool sliding bores are provided on the first housing block forming a three-dimensional structure. The other spool sliding bores are provided on the second housing block forming a three-dimensional structure. A relief valve for suppressing maximum pressures in a plurality of oil passages to a predetermined set pressure or less is provided on one of the first and second housing blocks. This relief valve is arranged at a position closer to the joining surfaces than each of the spool sliding bores provided in the one of housing blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Kobayashi, Mitsuhisa Tougasaki, Satoru Kubota, Hiroshi Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 9494172
    Abstract: A vehicle brake device is provided with a master cylinder, a master piston slidably arranged in the master cylinder, an input piston slidably arranged in the master cylinder to be separated from the master piston and defining a separation chamber, an input piston moving amount detecting section for detecting the moving amount of the input piston, a master piston moving amount calculating section for calculating the moving amount of the master piston based on the moving amount of the input piston, and a contact inferring section for inferring the contact of the input piston with the master piston based on the moving amount of the input piston and the moving amount of the master piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Maruyama, Yoshio Masuda, Akitaka Nishio, Kiyoyuki Uchida, Masaaki Komazawa, Akira Sakai, Yasuji Mizutani, Yusuke Kamiya
  • Patent number: 9494173
    Abstract: A device controls the movement of a ring gate of a hydraulic machine between an open position and a blockage position. The device includes at least four cylinders, the rods of which are suitable for being connected to the ring gate at locations located on a perimeter of the ring gate. The device also includes at least two hydraulic members for synchronizing pistons, the hydraulic synchronization members being connected to the cylinders such as to form at least two groups. Each group encompasses at least two cylinders connected by at least one hydraulic synchronization member, two cylinders belonging to two separate groups not being connected by a hydraulic synchronization member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM Renewable Technologies
    Inventors: Robert Pavillet, Armin Steinhilber
  • Patent number: 9494174
    Abstract: A system includes an inlet pipe configured to convey a fluid and a buffer volume configured to buffer the fluid. The buffer volume includes a smallest diameter tube having a smallest diameter, a first inlet end, and a first outlet end. The first inlet end is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet pipe. The buffer volume also includes an intermediate tube surrounding the smallest diameter tube having a first capped end and a second outlet end. The first capped end is positioned next to the outlet end of the smallest diameter tube. The buffer volume also includes a largest diameter tube surrounding the intermediate tube second capped end and a third outlet end. The second capped end is positioned next to the second outlet end of the intermediate tube. The system also includes an outlet pipe configured to convey the fluid from the buffer volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Edward Pastecki, Balakrishnan Ponnuraj, James Arthur Simmons, Ravinder Yerram
  • Patent number: 9494175
    Abstract: A clipping device includes a first arm having a body portion that includes a connecting portion and a fastener at two ends thereof, respectively; a second arm having a body portion that includes a connecting portion and a fastener-receiving portion at two ends thereof, respectively, wherein the connecting portion is connected to the connecting portion of the first arm; and a lock assembly having a fastener removably engaged with the fastener of the first arm and a switch being shiftable between a first position and a second position. When the switch is at the first position, the fastener of the lock assembly is displaceable, and when the switch is at the second position, the fastener of the lock assembly is not displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Race Wu
  • Patent number: 9494176
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to an improved clamp assembly for attaching two or more objects, such as furniture, tables, desks, dividers or other panel elements together of variable thicknesses. The elements of the clamp assembly invention generally include a clamp body with a clamp stop and clamp spine, a cross-dowel, an actuating screw and a clamp lever. The clamp assembly imparts a compressive clamping force by utilizing a fulcrum-lever arrangement whereby the clamp lever is moved in an arcuate trajectory by rotating the actuating screw in the desired direction as the clamp lever pivots about a fulcrum point. This allows the user to easily place and connect various objects, such as tables, desks, courtesy and privacy panels and another desired object that the user desires to secure in a desired arrangement by imparting a compressive force to the panel element that is to be connected to another panel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Klingler
  • Patent number: 9494177
    Abstract: A magnetic jewelry clasp includes a first body member having a magnet defining a first magnetically attractive surface and a second body member that has a magnet defining a second magnetically attractive surface that magnetically connects to the first magnetically attractive surface to define a first locking arrangement of the clasp. The magnetic jewelry clasp also has (1) a second locking arrangement wherein a height of a bump on a first side of the second body member is long enough to get locked within a perimeter of the first safety clasp located on a first side of the first body member and (2) a third locking arrangement wherein a height of a bump on a second side of the second body member is long enough to get locked within a perimeter of a second safety clasp on a second side of the first body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: E.F. Designs, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Fuhrman, Esther Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 9494178
    Abstract: Structures in an electronic device such as substrates associated with a display may be bonded together using liquid adhesive. Fiber-based equipment may be used to apply ultraviolet light to peripheral edges of an adhesive layer during bonding. There-dimensional adhesive shapes may be produced using nozzles with adjustable openings, computer-controlled positioners, and other adhesive dispensing equipment. Ultraviolet light may be applied to liquid adhesive through a mask with an opacity gradient. Adjustable shutter structures may control adhesive exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light exposure may be used to create an adhesive dam that helps create a well defined adhesive border. Multiple layers of adhesive may be applied between a pair of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus Y. Liu, Kuo-Hua Sung, Po-Jui Chen, Silvio Grespan
  • Patent number: 9494179
    Abstract: A screw element (1), having a threaded shank (2) and a screw tip (4), on one shank end, and a screw head (5) on the opposite end with force-application means (7), and a screw thread (12) on the threaded shank (2) and the screw tip (4). The screw tip (4), has a front first tip portion (4a), which tapers towards the end of the screw element, and a second adjacent tip portion (4b), having, a polygonal cross section, with an enveloping circle diameter (dh) larger than a core diameter (dk) of the first tip portion (4a). On the transition between the first and the second tip portions 4a,4b) at least one end edge face is radially oriented in the diameter enlargement and terminates in a vertex (15) of the polygonal cross section, which lies on the enveloping circle of the second tip portion (4b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SPAX INTERNATIONAL GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Frank Langewiesche
  • Patent number: 9494180
    Abstract: A bolt-locking apparatus includes a plurality of fitting members 2 and 3 which are relatively non-rotatably fitted to heads of a plurality of bolts 5, and an engaging member 4 fitted to the plurality of fitting members 2 and 3 such that the engaging member 4 straddles the fitting members 2 and 3. Outer peripheral surfaces 2b and 3b of the fitting members 2 and 3 are non-circular in shape. The engaging member 4 includes a plurality of engaging holes (non-circular engaging portions) 8a and 8b which correspond to the non-circular outer peripheral surfaces 2b and 3b of the plurality of fitting members 2 and 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED, FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Norihiko Amikura, Satoshi Kagatsume, Masahiko Satoh, Yukio Naito, Satoshi Muto, Tomohiro Nakata, Tsutomu Shinohara, Michio Yamaji
  • Patent number: 9494181
    Abstract: A fastening assembly includes a fastener having a head with an underside and an elongated shaft extending therefrom. The fastener constructed of at least one of a refractory metal and a superalloy. A washer includes a body with an upper surface and an opposing lower surface which defines opening portion for receiving the elongated shaft of the fastener therethrough. The upper surface of the washer forms diffusion bonds with the underside of the head of the fastener when the washer and the fastener are held in contact at temperatures in excess of 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Schaefer, Gregory Alan Steinlage, Donald Robert Allen, Evan Michael Lampe
  • Patent number: 9494182
    Abstract: To provide a fastener having a high anti-loosening effect. A fastener has a thread structure including an upper portion of the crest and a bottom portion at the groove. The upper portion has a load flank surface inclined from the standard load flank surface toward the fastener seat while the bottom has an undercut on at least one of the groove side lower than the extension of the corresponding flank surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Art Screw Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kou Matsubayashi
  • Patent number: 9494183
    Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Christopher Botti
  • Patent number: 9494184
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail-type vacuum fixer, and more specifically relates to the rail-type vacuum fixer with a two-piece structure composed of a suction plate, on which a screw bar is installed at the center of the top surface and a hard rotary rail is installed in the circumferential direction in the areas of the top surface, and a rotary cap, which has a screw pipe inserted by the said screw bar at the center of the inside and is equipped in the border area with a sliding rim corresponding to the said rotary rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GOODSENSE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kye-Yoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9494185
    Abstract: A support strut for use as a primary load-bearing structural component for the hinged coupling of at least one additional primary load-bearing structural component. The support strut includes: a rod-shaped base body extending in a longitudinal direction, a fiber composite with an annular cross section, central hole originating from the first end of the base body, and with annular holes spaced apart relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the annular cross section and originating from the first end of the base body as well as running along the longitudinal direction in the base body; roving bundles imbedded in a matrix material that fills up the respective annular hole; and a hinged connecting body with a bearing receptacle for holding a swivel joint; as well as a guiding system with such a support strut and a method for manufacturing such a support strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: M. Ichwan Zuardy, Claus Fastert, Holger Purol, Pierre Zahlen, York Caesar Roth
  • Patent number: 9494186
    Abstract: A rotational degree of freedom joint constraint system is disclosed. The system can include joint constraint hardware, such as a first component and a second component. The first component can have a rotational interface, and a constraint feature associated with the rotational interface. The second component can have a socket operable with the rotational interface to facilitate relative movement of the first component and the second component in at least one rotational degree of freedom. The second component can form an opening configured to facilitate movement of the constraint feature therein upon the relative movement of the first component and the second component. The rotational degree of freedom joint constraint system can also include a locking mechanism operable with the constraint feature. Movement of the constraint feature within the opening can be preventable by the locking mechanism to constrain the relative movement of the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Shane E. Wilson, Hans P. Naepflin
  • Patent number: 9494187
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid bearing including: a sleeve having a bearing hole; a shaft being inserted into the bearing hole to be rotatable with respect to the sleeve; a thrust portion that is fixed to the sleeve and covers one end portion of the bearing hole; and a liquid filled in a gap between the sleeve and the shaft. The bearing hole is configured to have a first portion having a first diameter; a second portion that is located at an end portion that is closer to the thrust portion than the first portion, the second portion having a second diameter that is substantially the dame with the first diameter; and a groove that is located at a position between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Sakuragi, Michiharu Yamamoto, Shuji Akiyama
  • Patent number: 9494188
    Abstract: A compliant fluid-film riding taper bearing is configured to include a rotor and a stator for supporting a rotating shaft. The rotor is configured as a rotating monotonously tapering body of revolution having an axis of symmetry and an external tapering surface. The stator has a longitudinal axis and an internal surface disposed in coaxial and conformal alignment with the external tapering surface. The stator is preloaded against the external tapering surface, and is pliantly supported to respond to a distribution of biasing forces and to permit matching elastic and resilient adaptation thereof conformal to deformation of the tapering rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ETTEM ENGINEERING S.A. LTD.
    Inventor: Rammy A. Shellef
  • Patent number: 9494189
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a bearing housing and a bearing bore defined by the bearing housing. The bearing bore has an annular bearing groove configured to receive a fluid. A journal bearing is disposed within the bore such that the annular bearing groove encircles the journal bearing and feeds the fluid thereto. The turbocharger also includes a rotating assembly having a shaft with a turbine wheel and a compressor wheel. The shaft has a longitudinal axis and is supported by the journal bearing for rotation within the bore about the axis. The annular bearing groove is characterized by a trapezoidal shape in a cross-sectional view of the bearing bore taken along and through the longitudinal axis. The trapezoidal shape is configured to generate Taylor vortices in the fluid for capturing debris carried by the fluid and keeping the debris from being fed to the journal bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Louis P. Begin, Dingfeng Deng, Ran Wu, Fanghui Shi
  • Patent number: 9494190
    Abstract: A bearing assembly is described that includes a shaft and an inner race affixed to the shaft. An outer race is disposed radially around the inner race defining a bearing run space with rolling elements between the inner and outer races. An axial bore in the support or the rotor has a radial gap between the bore wall and the outer race, and the assembly is configured to provide a radial displacement between a portion of the outer race and the axial bore wall in response to a radial overload force applied to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS, INC
    Inventor: Martin Edwy Buttolph
  • Patent number: 9494191
    Abstract: When an attachment circular-cylinder section coupled to one axial line direction end portion of a mainbody circular-cylinder section of a grommet is inserted into an opening portion in an upper frame, engagement claws formed at an outer periphery of the attachment circular-cylinder section engage with a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion by elastically deforming, enabling the grommet to be attached to the upper frame. When a seatback spring is passed through the grommet, a retaining section formed at an inner peripheral portion of a boundary between the mainbody circular-cylinder section and the attachment circular-cylinder section retains the seatback spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: NIFCO INC., TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Daisuke Okamoto, Hirofumi Hori, Masato Arashi, Naoya Okada
  • Patent number: 9494192
    Abstract: A hoop including a cylinder which, so that the hoop can be mounted around a shaft, is formed by multiple parts that are assembled together using steps that can produce an assembly without deformation of an external surface of the cylinder. A ring, of which an external surface forms the internal surface of a bearing and which, so that it can be secured to the external wall of the cylinder, is formed by multiple elements that are secured to the cylinder by securing devices that can maintain a machining tolerance of the external surface of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ALSTOM Renewable Technologies
    Inventor: Lucas Chabert
  • Patent number: 9494193
    Abstract: A sliding member includes a base layer including soft particles made of a soft material softer than a matrix and deposited in the matrix, and a soft layer made of the soft material formed on a surface of the base layer. A boundary portion is formed between crystal grains that have a unique crystal grain structure of the soft particles and crystal grains that have a unique crystal grain structure of the soft layer. An anodic oxidation film of the soft material is formed on the boundary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Wada
  • Patent number: 9494194
    Abstract: The provided process creates a fully flanged interlocked bushing by feeding a metal strip into a stamping assembly having a plurality of tool stations. The stations blank a workpiece from the metal strip, and trim the workpiece's two opposing ends forming a triangular shaped tab and a puzzle locking feature on either end. The workpiece is then formed into an annular shape, wherein the triangular shaped tabs are overlapped as the opposing ends are abutted and interlocked. A flange is then imparted into the side wall of the workpiece relieving the tab's overlapping condition, causing the tabs to abut one another and become co-planar with the flange. This creating a fully flanged part with a tightly fitted parting line. This invention also includes products formed by the aforementioned process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Middleville Tool & Die Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Middleton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9494195
    Abstract: A rolling bearing assembly including a wire cage is provided. The assembly includes a radially inner ring including a first filling slot and a radially outer ring including a second filling slot. The first and second filling slots and a radial distance defined between radially inner ring and the radially outer ring are dimensioned to receive the spherical rolling elements. The wire cage includes first and second wires that extend around opposite axial sides of each of the spherical rolling elements in an alternating manner. The first and second wires overlap each other in areas between adjacent ones of the spherical rolling elements, and crimping elements affix the first and second wires together in each of the areas between the adjacent rolling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: William Moratz
  • Patent number: 9494196
    Abstract: A bearing device, comprising a bearing including an inner ring and an outer ring centered on a central axis, an impulse ring including a target holder which is fixed to the inner ring and extends beyond the outer ring radially to the central axis, and a target which is fixed to the target holder beyond the outer ring and is adapted to cooperate with detection means for tracking the rotation of the impulse ring around the central axis, and shifting means for axially shifting the impulse ring relative to the outer ring; the shifting means are distinct from the target holder. A sensor-bearing unit and an apparatus comprising at least one such bearing device are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Vincent Sausset, Sylvain Chaussat
  • Patent number: 9494197
    Abstract: This method is for replacing sealing elements on a rolling bearing assembly comprising a rotatable element, a fixed element, and at least one bearing mounted between the rotatable element and the fixed element, at least one used sealing element being rotatably fastened to at least one of the rotatable element and the fixed element and having at least one sealing lip adapted to lay on a first surface of the element with respect to which the used sealing element rotates. The method comprises a step of mounting at least one replacement sealing element so that at least one sealing lip of the replacement sealing element lays on a second surface of the element with respect to which the used sealing element and the replacement sealing element rotate, this second surface being located at a predetermined distance of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Bruno Capoldi, Siegfried Derrer, Matthias Krebs
  • Patent number: 9494198
    Abstract: A constant velocity (CV) joint includes a conical shield to protect a J-boot from damage due to projectiles such as stones. In order to facilitate vehicle assembly, the conical shield is divided into a number of leaves which each flex radially to permit installation of bolts. When the CV joint is shipped to the vehicle assembly plant, a band is installed to hold the leaves in a stowed position. Once the bolts have been installed to attach the CV joint to a driveline component, the band is removed and the leaves flex to a deployed position in which they protect the J-boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Nicholas, Scott Wilson, Jonathan Gretsky
  • Patent number: 9494199
    Abstract: A rolling boot comprises a first fastening region for fastening the boot to a joint casing, a second fastening region for fastening the boot to a shaft, and a fold region between the first and the second fastening region with a first fold near to the first fastening region and a second fold near to the second fastening region. The boot further comprises, between the first fastening region and the first fold, a first transition region comprising a first flange neighboring the first fastening region with a bottom. A ratio between a first minimal diameter D1, defined by the bottom of the first flange of the first transition region, and a second maximal diameter D2, defined by the first fold, where both are viewed in a longitudinal section direction along the main axis, is between approximately 1:1.01 to approximately 1:1.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schumacher, Winfried Busch, Markus Deisinger, Joachim Wette, Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Thomas Schafferus, Achim Schmeink
  • Patent number: 9494200
    Abstract: A clutch for a power tool includes an adjustment ring configured to move axially relative to the housing while being rotated relative to the housing. A spring retainer is disposed axially rearward of the adjustment ring. The spring retainer is coupled for rotation together with the adjustment ring and configured to remain substantially axially stationary relative to the housing when rotated. A spring is disposed between the adjustment ring and the spring retainer. A clutch face is coupled to a portion of the transmission. A locking member is disposed between the spring retainer and the clutch face. The locking member is configured to transfer a holding force exerted by the spring to the clutch face. Rotation and axial movement of the adjustment ring alters the holding force exerted by the spring. When an amount of output torque exceeds the holding force, torque transmission to the output spindle is effectively interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Kelleher, Daniel L. Krout, David C. Tomayko
  • Patent number: 9494201
    Abstract: A double clutch, including: a backing plate; a first clutch including at least one first clutch plate, a first pressure plate, a first plurality of levers engaged with the first pressure plate, a first shim engaged with the first plurality of levers, and a first actuator engaged with the first shim and arranged to axially displace the first shim to close the first clutch; and a second clutch including: at least one second clutch plate, a second pressure plate, a second plurality of levers engaged with the second pressure plate aligned with the first plurality of levers such that a first line in the circumferential direction passes through the first and second pluralities of levers, a second shim engaged with the second plurality of levers, and a second actuator engaged with the second shim and arranged to axially displace the second shim to close the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Smith, Alfredo Jimenez Perez Mitre, Kenneth Hunt
  • Patent number: 9494202
    Abstract: An annular groove is provided in a driving-side rotor of a clutch. Guide grooves are provided on a driven-side rotor of the clutch. By moving the driving-side rotor relative to the driven-side rotor, balls are moved that are accommodated in the spaces provided by the sections where the guide grooves and the annular groove face each other. Moving the balls toward the sections where the gap between the driving-side rotor and the driven-side rotor is narrow causes the balls to engage with the driving-side rotor and the driven-side rotor to achieve an engaged state. A disengaged state, in which engagement is cancelled, is achieved by moving the balls to the sections where the gap is wide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotaka Sunada, Shintaro Nakano, Daisuke Kobayashi, Akifumi Oosugi
  • Patent number: 9494203
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for detecting a touch point of a clutch and the method includes: maintaining a touch point of the clutch; correcting a setting value for determining a lowest value by calculating drag torque using a speed and an acceleration of a input shaft to change a detection range of the touch point; setting the lowest value of the speed of the input shaft within the changed detection range of the touch point to a reference value of the input shaft after actuating the clutch; releasing the clutch when the speed of the input shaft is more than a value acquired by adding the reference value of the input shaft and the corrected setting value for determining the lowest value; and updating the touch point as a clutch position matched to the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI AUTRON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min-Hyo Kim
  • Patent number: 9494204
    Abstract: A controller for a vehicle transmission in which a continuously variable transmission mechanism able to continuously change its speed ratio and a transmission mechanism having a constant speed ratio are provided in parallel between an input shaft and an output shaft. The transmission includes a friction engagement mechanism and an intermeshing engagement mechanism, the intermeshing engagement mechanism being arranged in series with the friction engagement mechanism, the intermeshing engagement mechanism setting the transmission mechanism to a state where torque is transmittable between the input and output shaft, in changing to a state where the intermeshing engagement mechanism is engaged and the transmission mechanism is able to transmit torque to the output shaft, a torque capacity of the friction engagement mechanism is configured to be increased to a torque capacity to such extent that the transmission mechanism rotates without a delay of start of engagement of the intermeshing engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Matsuo, Hirofumi Nakada, Michio Yoshida, Daisuke Inoue, Atsushi Ayabe, Motonori Kimura, Shuhei Ishikawa, Akira Hino, Hiroki Kondo
  • Patent number: 9494205
    Abstract: A backstopping clutch is provided having improved torque transmission. The clutch includes a housing, an inner race disposed within the housing and configured for coupling to a driven member for rotation about a rotational axis and an outer race disposed with the housing radially outwardly of the inner race. A plurality of torque transmission members are disposed between the inner and outer races such that the inner race is freely rotatable relative to the outer race in a first rotational direction, but the torque transmission members engage the inner and outer races and inhibit rotation of the inner race relative to the outer race in a second rotational direction. Friction discs are coupled to a radially inner surface of the housing and a radially outer surface of the outer race and configured to engage one another to transmit a braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Stieber GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Kretschmer, Frank Villwock
  • Patent number: 9494206
    Abstract: A vibration damping insert configured to seat within a cell of a cellular structure and to span the cell cavity. The insert comprises a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material having lower stiffness than the first material. The first portion is arranged to constrain deformation of the second portion to be in a predetermined direction. The invention also comprises a vibration damping body comprising a cellular structure formed of a plurality of tessellating cells and a vibration damping insert as described. The vibration damping insert is mounted in at least one of the cells in the cellular structure. The invention also comprises a method of manufacturing a vibration damping body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Ramesh Rajasekaran, Marc-Antoine Boucher, Chrisopher W. Smith, Fabrizio Scarpa, Kenneth E. Evans
  • Patent number: 9494207
    Abstract: A friction damper includes: a base body; a support secured to an elongated member of the base body and having a through hole; a rod which extends in such a manner as to pass through the through hole of the support and is movable in an axial direction with respect to the support; a friction member which has a hollow cylindrical portion interposed between the support and a main body portion of the rod in the through hole of the support, and which is fixed immovably with respect to the relative movement of the rod in the axial direction with respect to the base body; and a tightening means provided for the support so as to tighten the hollow cylindrical portion of the friction member onto the main body portion of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Okimura, Kazuhiro Nagashima, Go Tanaka, Yoshikazu Arai
  • Patent number: 9494208
    Abstract: The damping device includes: a fixed cylinder that is configured to be fixed to a first structural body and formed into a cylindrical shape so as to comprise a hollow portion; a shaft member that is configured to be fixed to a second structural body, the shaft member being housed in the hollow portion of the fixed cylinder and having an outer peripheral surface provided with a helical thread groove; a nut member that is threadedly engaged with the shaft member, and converts an axial motion of the shaft member into a rotational motion; a rotor member that is formed into a cylindrical shape so as to cover the fixed cylinder and to form a cylindrical accommodation chamber between the rotor member and an outer peripheral surface of the fixed cylinder, and is rotated by the nut member; and viscous fluid that is sealed in the cylindrical accommodation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Watanabe, Ryoji Tomono, Hidenori Kida, Shigeki Nakaminami, Hisaya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9494209
    Abstract: A damper of shock and vibration. In one embodiment there is a hydraulic damper with a regressive damping characteristic in both compression and extension, such that damping forces decrease with increased stroking velocity within a predetermined range of stroking velocity. Outside of this range, damping forces are progressive, such that the damping force increases with increased stroking velocity. In another embodiment, there is a hydraulic damper with a second, slidable piston within one of the internal chambers defined by the main piston. This secondary piston is spring loaded and hydraulically latchable at either a first position or a second position based on the pressure differential across the main piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Bill J. Gartner
  • Patent number: 9494210
    Abstract: An vehicle/engine mount can include a first connection device for connecting to an engine power system, a second connection device that is configured to connect to either the vehicle frame or the vehicle body, a stopper system, and a damper system. The damper system can be configured to prevent transmission of vibration or movement between the first connection device and the second connection device. The stopper system can include a liquid-filled bladder device located adjacent one of the first connection device and second connection device and configured such that it provides an ultimate limit for one of axial and radial movement/vibration of the first connection device relative to the second connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: John Louis Kern
  • Patent number: 9494211
    Abstract: A fuel tank shock-absorbing member is provided that can be easily assembled and hardly comes off from a fuel tank. A fuel tank shock-absorbing member that is attached in a recess of a fuel tank includes a main body, a stem that extends vertically downward from the main body, and an engaging part that is formed at a distal end of the stem to have a larger diameter than that of the stem and engages in the recess. A plurality of ribs extending radially are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the engaging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Seko, Yoshichika Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 9494212
    Abstract: Transverse segment (32) for a drive belt (3) for a continuous variable transmission provided with two cut-outs (33) that are each bounded in one direction by a radially outwardly facing saddle surface (42) of the transverse segment (32), which saddle surface (42) is convexly curved according to a local radius of curvature that, at least on average, is smaller on a first axial side of the saddle surface (42) relative to a geometric midpoint (MP) thereof, as compared to an average local radius of curvature of the respectively opposite axial side of the saddle surface (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Guillaume Gerard Hubertus Rompen, Pascal Henricus Johannus Rinket
  • Patent number: 9494213
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chain reducing friction caused by sliding between the pin and the inner plate, whereby durability is improved, a frictional loss is reduced, and the reduction in size and cost can be implemented. In a silent chain, a guide row and a non-guide row, which are adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction, are connected together in a bendable manner using a single pin movably inserted into a second pinhole of an inner plate. A hole peripheral wall surface forming the second pin hole has a plate rolling surface, and an outer peripheral surface of the pin has a pin rolling surface. During chain bending, the plate rolling surface rolls on the pin rolling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Motoshima
  • Patent number: 9494214
    Abstract: To provide a metal chain having reduced weight and size but uncompromized strength, and manufacturable/assemblable with reduced work burden and cost. A metal chain is formed by coupling together a plurality of inner links and outer links alternately and pivotably in a longitudinal direction of the chain. Each of the outer link includes a pair of front and back pins and a pair of left and right outer plates. Each of the inner links includes a pair of front and back bushings and a pair of left and right inner plates. The pair of front and back bushings and the pair of left and right inner plates of the inner link are integrally formed as one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Takayuki Morimoto