Patents Issued in December 6, 2016
  • Patent number: 9512911
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, at least three planetary gearsets, a variable-ratio unit, and at least nine clutches. The input shaft is configured to receive torque from a drive unit. The output shaft is configured to transmit torque to a load. The at least three planetary gearsets, the variable ratio-unit, and the at least nine clutches are arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft. The at least nine clutches are selectively engageable in combination with one another to select one of at least one reverse mode and at least four forward modes. The at least nine clutches include a first clutch engageable to couple the variable-ratio unit to one of the at least three planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 9512912
    Abstract: As an example, a differential pulley actuator includes input drive gears for coupling to a motor and timing pulleys coupled together through the input drive gears. Rotation of the input drive gears causes rotation of a first timing pulley in a first direction and rotation of a second timing pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuator also includes multiple idler pulleys suspended between the timing pulleys and the output pulley, and the multiple idler pulleys are held in tension between the timing pulleys via a first tension-bearing element and the output pulley via a second tension-bearing element. The first tension-bearing element loops around the timing pulleys and the multiple idler pulleys. The output pulley couple to a load, and is configured to apply motion of the multiple idler pulleys to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Redwood Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Philip Mullins
  • Patent number: 9512913
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pocket-type chain wheel (1) for link chains (22), in particular round or profile steel chains. A circumferential surface (2) of said pocket-type chain wheel is provided with pockets (3, 4) having alternately different shapes in the circumferential direction (U) and extending radially into the pocket-type chain wheel. In order to diminish noise generation in operation, reduce vibrations generated during operation and simultaneously cut production costs, the present invention discloses that the pocket-type chain wheel (1) is produced in one piece from a fiber-reinforced plastic by means of an injection molding process. Preferably, a main fiber direction (30) extends in a central area between the pockets (3, 4) and a hub (8) in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Rud Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH U. Co. K.G.
    Inventors: Heribert Herzog, Achim Frick, Timo Dolde, Ralph Straberger
  • Patent number: 9512914
    Abstract: A drive assembly is disclosed, with a hydraulic center section for a rotating kit disposed in a housing. A spring is disposed between the center section and an internal surface of the housing. The center section may include a main body having first and second running surfaces and at least one side wall, and internal porting formed in the main body to connect the first running surface with the second running surface. A pair of passages in communication with the internal porting may be formed in a structure having an external surface forming an alignment profile shaped to fit in a first internal housing pocket. A protrusion shaped to fit in second internal housing pocket extends from a side wall of the main body generally opposite to the structure, and the spring may engage the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9512915
    Abstract: An inclined surface inclined such that a portion thereof farther away from an oil injection port becomes lower is formed in an inner wall of an oil reservoir which faces a tip end of an oil injection gun to be inserted into the injection port, such that oil to be discharged by the injection gun is guided by the inclined surface toward a bottom portion of the reservoir. Accordingly, the oil to be discharged by the injection gun is prevented from splashing back from the inner wall of the reservoir, which faces the tip end of the injection gun, and blowing back out from the injection port in a simple structure, and smooth oil injection work is thereby enabled. Additionally, it is possible to prevent a situation where a worker erroneously recognizes that the injection work of the oil is completed, and an amount of the injected oil is insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yukari Ito
  • Patent number: 9512916
    Abstract: An on-board system for customizing a vehicle operation mode includes a processing unit, memory coupled to the processing unit and an interface configured to permit interaction between an operator and the memory to input customized vehicle controls and settings for control equipment in the vehicle. A control system is stored in the memory and configured to control the vehicle in accordance with the customized vehicle controls and settings and operator input using the control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Shawn Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 9512917
    Abstract: A speed control system for a hydrostatic transmission includes an engine having a drive shaft connected to a hydraulic pump. At least one hydrostatic motor is connected to the pump in a closed circuit by a flow line. Connected to the motor via a system shaft is a vehicle system. A controller is connected to a plurality of sensors and a proportional high pressure relief valve that is connected to the flow line between the pump and the motor. Based on information received from the sensors, the controller sets the pressure relief valve to limit the pressure to a valve that will not over-speed the engine and allows the demands of the speed control system to be attained. This may be accomplished through the use of various algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Frank J. Rozycki, Simon L. Nielsen, Gary R. LaFayette
  • Patent number: 9512918
    Abstract: A speed control system for a hydrostatic transmission includes an engine having a drive shaft connected to a hydraulic pump. At least one hydrostatic motor is connected to the pump in a closed circuit by a flow line. Connected to the motor via a system shaft is a vehicle system. A controller is connected to a plurality of sensors and a high pressure relief valve that is connected to the flow line between the pump and the motor. Based on information received from the sensors, the controller sets the pump and motor displacements to limit the pressure to a value that will not overspeed the engine and allow the system to automatically provide braking beyond the engine's capability. This may be accomplished through the use of various algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Frank J. Rozycki, Simon L. Nielsen, Gary R. LaFayette
  • Patent number: 9512919
    Abstract: An automatic transmission uses 6 shift elements applied in combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The automatic transmission uses a hydraulic control system to control engagement of the six elements, control engagement of a torque converter bypass clutch, control engagement of a parking pawl, and to provide fluid for a hydrodynamic torque converter and for lubrication. The parking pawl is disengaged in response to engagement of two of the six shift elements and remains disengaged in response to engagement of other shift elements. A single valve controls several different functions associated with the two-pass torque converter. Pressurized fluid is provided by a variable displacement engine driven pump and also by an electric pump. A priority valve reduces lubrication flow when other fluid demands are high as indicated by the pump displacement control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Derek Kinch
  • Patent number: 9512920
    Abstract: A cable sealing device includes a cable seal arrangement positioned between first and second compression plates. The cable sealing device also includes an actuator for compressing the first and second compression plates together to deform the cable sealing arrangement such that the cable sealing arrangement is adapted to form a seal about a cable routed through the cable sealing device. The actuator includes a cam lever pivotally movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The actuator also includes a spring for transferring load between the cam lever and the first and second compression plates. The spring is pre-loaded when the cam lever is in the non-actuated position with a pre-load equal to at least 50 percent of a total load applied through the spring when the cam lever is in the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Kristof Vastmans, Roel Modest Willy Bryon, Pieter Arthur Anna De Vos, Wouter Vandamme
  • Patent number: 9512921
    Abstract: An annular gasket for an electrical connection of the kind comprising a socket-outlet casing (6) and a plug casing (7), said gasket extending in an axial direction (X) and comprising a cylindrical base (2) surmounted by a skirt (3) extending axially from the base (2), the skirt (3) presenting an inner wall (3b), an outer wall (3a), and a rounded free edge (4), each of the inner wall (3b) and of the outer wall (3a) presenting, a continuously curved shape in radial section view, the thickness of the skirt (3) decreasing in continuous and non-linear manner from the base (2) towards the free edge (4), the skirt (3) presenting a concavity oriented towards the inside of the gasket, whereby the skirt (3) folds over onto itself when axial stress is exerted on the free edge (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Societe D'Exploitation Des Procedes Marechal
    Inventors: Francis Zagroun, Johnny Dos Santos, Romain Choiselat, Sabri Arfaoui
  • Patent number: 9512922
    Abstract: Sealing apparatus and engine are provided. A sealing apparatus includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate spaced apart from the first cover plate, and a sealing element disposed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate and including at least two diaphragm members, wherein a first diaphragm member has a first stiffness and a second diaphragm member has a second stiffness that is different than the first stiffness. The sealing apparatus may be disposed in an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Don Takeuchi, Nathan Gibson, Tina Hynes
  • Patent number: 9512923
    Abstract: A sliding component is characterized in that, on one sealing face of a pair of sliding parts that slide relative to each other, multiple positive pressure-generating mechanisms that include extremely shallow parallel grooves running roughly in parallel with the sealing face and having submicron-level height differences are provided independently in the circumferential direction, and that extremely shallow thin grooves are formed on the sealing face on the low-pressure fluid side of the extremely shallow parallel grooves, wherein the extremely shallow parallel grooves communicate with the high-pressure fluid side, and the extremely shallow thin grooves communicate with the extremely shallow parallel grooves, but are isolated from the low-pressure fluid side by a seal area, thereby reducing a leakage rate of sealed fluid and significantly improving lubrication characteristics at startup or stop at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Inoue, Takeshi Hosoe, Yuta Negishi
  • Patent number: 9512924
    Abstract: An inner peripheral surface (10C) of an elastic seal (10) having a U-shaped cross section and made of rubber is supported by a guide ring (20) having a flat cross-sectional shape and made of synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI CABLE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuji Uesugi, Atsushi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 9512925
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manual balancing valve having an upstream end and a downstream end, and a first equalizing ring (500a) and a second equalizing ring (500b) configured at the upstream end and the downstream end, respectively. Each of the first and the second equalizing rings comprises an annular body (505) defined between an inner peripheral edge portion (510) and an outer peripheral edge portion (515), an annular chamber (520) configured adjacent to the inner peripheral edge portion, a plurality of holes (525) configured on the inner peripheral edge portion and in fluid communication with the annular chamber, and a pressure tap (T) in fluid communication with the annular chamber and extending radially outward of the annular body. The first and the second equalizing rings are adapted to provide static pressure value at each of the upstream and the downstream ends so as to measure differential pressure therebetween and control the fluid flow rate through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCE VALVES PVT. LTD.
    Inventors: Uma Shanker, Priyank Garg, George Mathews, Gaurav Singla
  • Patent number: 9512926
    Abstract: A butterfly valve capable of preventing leakage under demanding environmental and operating conditions. The valve includes two stem seal assemblies. The stem seal assemblies include a first pusher, a first energizer, a second pusher, a second energizer, and a force transmitting member. The force transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to the second pusher, which causes the first and second energizer to expand radially to create a secondary and tertiary seals between the stem seal assembly and valve stem. In addition, the force transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to the first pusher which creates a primary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Aegis Flow Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Crochet, Sr., Norman Eger, Sidney A. Rovira, III
  • Patent number: 9512927
    Abstract: A rapid-closure gate valve (10) comprising pressurized gas reservoirs (37, 39) that are integrated with the valve body (12). Pressurized gas stored in the reservoirs (37, 39) is utilized to shift a gate member (20) from a valve open position to a valve closed position upon actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve is achieved by an actuator assembly (14) coupled with the valve body. The actuator assembly is configured to initiate a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoirs into a chamber (48) which effects shifting of the gate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FIKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guy Jakus
  • Patent number: 9512928
    Abstract: Provided is a valve restrained from unintentional close. The valve includes a valve element formed with a flow-path hole, a holding member having inlet and outlet ports and holding the valve element while permitting its rotational movement in first and second directions, and a rotational restriction section. The valve element has an open position for making communication between the ports through the flow-path hole and a close position for blocking between the ports. The rotational restriction section restricts the rotational movement so as to stop the rotational movement thereof in the first direction at the open position where a specific part of the outer peripheral surface of the valve element overlaps the inlet port and receives pressure of the liquid to allow the pressure to impart a rotational bias in the first direction to the valve element in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Hayashi, Katsuya Irieda, Akihiko Eita
  • Patent number: 9512929
    Abstract: The present invention regards a valve arrangement comprising a housing and a mainly cylindrical valve element arranged rotatable within the housing, wherein the housing has at least one supply port, at least one exhaust port and at least one outlet/inlet opening. These ports and opening are arranged at a distance from each other along a rotation axis of the valve element. The valve element comprises at least one first bore extending along the rotation axis connecting the supply port with the at least one outlet/inlet opening in one position of the valve element, and at least one second bore extending along the rotation axis connecting the same outlet/inlet opening with the exhaust port in a second position of the valve element, the bores being configured such that they are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Stein Følkner
  • Patent number: 9512930
    Abstract: A pilot-controlled pressure control valve is disclosed. The pilot-controlled pressure control valve has a pilot control stage, a spool valve, and an overload spring. The pilot control stage includes a pilot control piston which has a pilot control spring. The pilot control spring acts in a closing direction of the pilot control stage. The pilot control spring is supported on the spool valve which can be positioned by a control pressure against the force of the overload spring. The control pressure is configured to set a preload of the pilot control spring. At the same time, in a loaded position, in which the pilot control valve has minimum preload, the spool valve rests against a stop. A preload of the overload spring and a position of the stop can be set independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Adrian Jerchen, Thorsten Geiger, Ludmilla Graf
  • Patent number: 9512931
    Abstract: A valve assembly (1) controls the flow through a fluid pathway. The valve assembly (1) comprises a valve body (2) having a bore, and a spindle (20) received within the bore which is actuatable to open and close the valve. The spindle (20) has an axially upstream end arranged towards the fluid pathway and an opposing downstream end. A first seal (50) is provided about the spindle between the spindle and the bore and a biasing element (64) is arranged to impart an axial compressive force to the sealing element (50). The biasing element (64) is located within the valve body (2) between the spindle (20) and the bore on the downstream side of the seal to enables a more direct compressive force to be applied to the seal to improve sealing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PARKER HANNIFIN MANUFACTURING LIMITED
    Inventors: Spencer Andrew Nicholson, Justin Charles Tomlinson, Jacek Sroka, Matthew Weinle
  • Patent number: 9512932
    Abstract: A actuating device includes a fixed portion forming a frame including an inlet intended to receive a fluid, a main outlet and a sampling outlet and a return device for exerting a mechanical force on a movable portion; a movable portion including a shutter moving between an open position and a closed position; a thermostatic device including a conical turning disc, the turning of the disc above a known critical temperature driving the shutter to the closed position of same; a control device allowing a holding force for holding the shutter to be generated, the control device being able to be controlled in such a way that below the critical temperature, the opening or the closing of the valve results from the balance between the holding force and the mechanical force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Huguette De Wergifosse, Eric De Wergifosse
  • Patent number: 9512933
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an electronics housing and a valve housing assembly engaged to the electronics housing. The valve housing assembly includes a valve body defining a plurality of fluid ports in fluid communication with the valve bore. A plurality of fluid dampeners is disposed in the fluid ports. A sensor plate is engaged to the valve body. The sensor plate defines a plurality of sensor ports that are generally aligned with the fluid ports of the valve body. At least four fluid sensors are disposed in the plurality of fluid ports of the valve body. A cover is engaged to the sensor plate. The cover defines a cavity. A circuit board is disposed in the cavity of the cover. The circuit board is in electrical communication with the fluid sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pankaj Nalgirkar, Rahul L. Navale, Kevin E. Alstrin
  • Patent number: 9512934
    Abstract: Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are described. An apparatus includes a cage, a plug having a seal gland and a seal assembly to be at least partially positioned in the seal gland. The seal assembly includes a back-up ring having a wedge-shaped protrusion and a seal defining a wedge-shaped groove to receive the protrusion. A pressure is to act on the back-up ring to urge the protrusion into the groove. An engagement between the protrusion and the groove is to urge the seal into sealing engagement with an inner surface of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: J. Adin Mann, III, Shawn William Anderson
  • Patent number: 9512935
    Abstract: A microchannel formed at the interface of two layers of material, at least one of the two materials being a substrate. A volume of the microchannel contains a film of polymer fixed by covalent bonding to the substrate layer. The film of polymer being formed from a hydrogel material susceptible to undergoing changes in volume under the action of an external stimulus. The hydrogel polymer is chosen from those which are sensitive to changes in temperature, light, electrical field or pH. A method for producing the microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: FONDS ESPCI GEORGES CHARPAK, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE
    Inventors: Clemence Vergne, Patrick Tabeling, Yvette Tran, Fabrice Monti, Lucie Devys
  • Patent number: 9512936
    Abstract: A microvalve includes a first plate having an inner surface, a recessed region provided within the inner surface, a normally open fluid port and a normally closed fluid port provided within the recessed region. A first sealing structure extends about the normally open fluid port, and a second sealing structure extends about the normally closed fluid port. A second plate defines a non-movable portion and a movable portion. A surface of the non-movable portion abuts the inner surface of the first plate, the non-movable portion having an opening formed therethrough. The movable portion is formed within the opening, has an axis, and defines a displaceable member connected to the non-movable portion by a convoluted spring formed in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DunAn Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Nelson Fuller, Parthiban Arunasalam, Chen Yang, Joe A. Ojeda, Sr., Gengxun K. Gurley
  • Patent number: 9512937
    Abstract: A system for digging sewer pipe trenches without the need of manholes, including a pair of oppositely disposed parallel elongated sidewalls defining a work volume therebetween, at least one support member extending between the sidewalls, and a location guidance assembly positionable within. The guidance assembly includes a pair of spaced parallel elongated positioning members, at least one elongated connection member extending between the positioning members, a GPS sensor operationally connected to each positioning member, a laser support member connected to one of the elongated positioning members, a mounting connection connected to the laser support member; and a laser connected to the laser support member. A movement actuator is coupled to the location guidance assembly, wherein energization of the actuator moves the laser between a first position and a second position in the working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Philip Paull
  • Patent number: 9512938
    Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline comprising a plurality of tubular components is disclosed. The method includes depositing a weld material onto a surface of a first tubular component of the plurality of tubular components and machining a profile into the weld material. The profile includes a support shoulder into the weld material. The method further includes suspending the first tubular component in a vertical or near vertical position and supporting the first tubular component by the support shoulder. A further tubular component of the plurality of tubular components is connected to a free end of the first tubular component. The support shoulder is formed at a point spaced from the free end of the first tubular component thereby facilitating connection of the first tubular component to the second tubular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Pipeline Technique Limited
    Inventor: Graham Hutt
  • Patent number: 9512939
    Abstract: A method of laying a pipeline (100) on a seabed (9), said method comprising the steps of; constructing a section of pipeline (6) by interconnecting pipe sections (31), positioning the section of pipeline on an underwater storage surface (74), and recovering the section of pipeline from the under water storage surface and spooling the section of pipeline on a reel (2) provided on a vessel (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HEEREMA MARINE CONTRACTORS NEDERLAND SE
    Inventors: Noortje Willemein Maria Sturm, Eduard Wiersema, Cornelis van Zandwijk
  • Patent number: 9512940
    Abstract: The present application relates to a mount (10) for mounting a cable harness to a support. The mount (10) comprises a harness receiving portion (42), and a fastener attachment portion (80) from which a fastener for securing the mount (10) to a support is extendable. The mount (10) orientates a fastener extending from the fastener attachment portion (80) to extend about the harness receiving portion (42) to secure a cable harness to the mount (40) when the mount is secured to a support by the fastener. The present application also relates to a mount assembly and a method of mounting a cable harness to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Lawrence Blakeley, Craig Spark, Jamie Skorczewski
  • Patent number: 9512941
    Abstract: A conduit guide apparatus, system and method for using the conduit guide to fixedly couple a conduit to a support member is described. The conduit guide apparatus includes a partial cylindrical surface, a first neck segment, a second neck segment, a first arcuate shoulder and a second arcuate shoulder. The partial cylindrical surface surrounds a conduit void and a conduit void axis. The first neck segment is adjacent to the first end and surrounds a first channel along a channel axis that is orthogonal to the conduit void axis. The second neck segment is adjacent to the second end and surrounds a second channel along the channel axis that is orthogonal to the conduit void axis. The first arcuate shoulder is adjacent to the first neck segment and includes a first grooved outer wall on both sides of a first recess. The second arcuate shoulder is adjacent to the second neck segment and includes a second grooved outer wall on both sides of a second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HAWKEN HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Jesse Rodrigue
  • Patent number: 9512942
    Abstract: A cold-insulated pipe support for a pipeline comprising a receiving space for a pipe portion, a heat insulating layer of solid insulating material, that surrounds the receiving space, an outer protective casing, a vapor barrier arranged between the heat insulating layer and the outer protective casing, two part-circular support shells The support shells are of a shorter configuration at both support ends in the axial direction than the other support portions, wherein there remains a free support portion. Provided in the region of the free support portions at the two ends are contact elements which bear directly against the ends of the support shells. The contact elements are fixed by means of radially screwed-in headed screws which are anchored through the protective casing and the vapor barrier in the solid heat insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Lisega SE
    Inventors: Luder Meyer, Florian Senkpiel
  • Patent number: 9512943
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement connects an end of a fluid conduit to an assembly. The connecting arrangement includes a stub (1) having a flow opening (11) for receiving the fluid conduit at one end of the flow opening (11) as well as a flange (2) having a first opening (9) for receiving the stub (1) and a second opening (10) for fastening to the assembly. The stub (1) is inserted into the first opening (9) and connected to the flange (2) in a material-to-material manner. The flange (2) has in the region of the connection a groove (4) that extends in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ContiTech Techno-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Paust, Michael Hahn, Juergen Foik
  • Patent number: 9512944
    Abstract: A flange clamp with an automatic fail safe preferably includes a first clamp half, a second clamp half, a lock lever, a hook member and a quick release pull pin. One end of the first clamp half is pivotally attached to one end of the second clamp half. A hook opening is formed on an opposing end of the first clamp half. The lock lever is pivotally retained on an opposing end of the second clamp half. The hook member includes a hook rod and a pivot block. The hook rod is threadably retained in the pivot block. The pivot block is pivotally retained by the lock lever. A mounting plate is attached to an outer surface of the second clamp half. The quick release pull pin is slidably retained in the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Mirko Buzdum, Jonathan Peter Wade
  • Patent number: 9512945
    Abstract: An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Andy Ali Jaffari
  • Patent number: 9512946
    Abstract: A joint that connects pipelines, a pipeline with a fluid control device, or a pair of fluid control devices is provided therein with a pipe functional component. Examples of the pipe functional component include various valves such as a diaphragm valve, a check valve, a branch valve, a relief valve, a ball valve and a bellows valve, or a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: IHARA SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Susumu Karasawa
  • Patent number: 9512947
    Abstract: A connector for use with a coupled first hose and second hose, the second hose including a hose fastener is provided including a connector body configured to mount to a first hose end. An arm extends generally perpendicularly from the connector body. A front side of the arm has a first end arranged at an angle to the arm. The first end of the arm is configured to engage a portion of the hose fastener. A back side of the arm has a biasing mechanism extending therefrom. The arm is pivotally mounted to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.
    Inventors: Natalino Giraldi, Mark O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9512948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coaxial high-pressure coupling for hoses or pipelines, comprising a plug part (10) and a receptacle part (30) that accommodates the plug part in the coupled state, the plug part (10) and the receptacle part (30) each having a valve body (11, 31) having an inner channel (13, 33) and an outer channel (16, 36) concentric to the inner channel and the inner channels (13, 33) and the outer channels (16, 36) of the plug part (10) and of the receptacle part (30) being connected to each other in the coupled state, and in the inner channel (13) of the valve body (11) of the plug part (10) a closing cone (18) and in the outer channel (16) of the plug part (10) a closing sleeve (23) each being movable against spring action (21, 25) and being displaceable into the opening position thereof by the receptacle part (30) during the coupling process, is characterized in that a valve bore (61), which is connected to the inner channel (13) at one end and has a connection to the atmosphere at the other e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Olaf Nowack, Stefan Witt
  • Patent number: 9512949
    Abstract: Connector part comprising a body part for connecting to a counterpart for creating a fluid tight seal when fitted together. The connector part also comprises a seal element made of resilient material and a space which is capable to receive the seal element made of resilient material when the fluid tight seal is made. The connector part can be used for forming a fluid tight connection structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CAREFUSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jani Kauppi, Heikki Haveri
  • Patent number: 9512950
    Abstract: The instant invention achieves uniformity of spills of granular material from fluid-entry faces of a panel bed by fixing the bed's position in space, and providing a constant push in a vertical direction on a deflector (preferably downward), the deflector moving in contact with the panel bed's fluid-exit wall when the bed is employed for filtration or countercurrent contacting. The constancy of the push causes the deflector's motion to occur at a constant combination of speed and displacement of the fluid-exit wall toward the fluid-entry faces of the panel bed, the combination causing a body movement of the granular material toward the fluid-entry faces, thereby causing spills of granular material to occur from the faces, renewing the faces. The constancy of the combination in the deflector's motion guarantees that the spills are uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Arthur M. Squires Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Arthur M. Squires
  • Patent number: 9512951
    Abstract: An apparatus for replacing an existing pipe. The apparatus comprises a slitter and expander which surround a wire rope. The wire rope is attached to the expander, and the expander abuts either the slitter or a separation tube disposed between the expander and slitter, such that the slitter and expander are pivotable relative to each other. The apparatus is placed in a pipe to be replaced and pulled. While being pulled, blades on the slitter slit the pipe, while a sloped surface of the expander moves the slit sections apart into surrounding soil. A replacement pipe may be pulled by a pipe putter attached to the expander. A beacon may also be disposed within the apparatus to emit a signal for locating the apparatus white underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Randa, Robert F. Crane, Walter George Thompson
  • Patent number: 9512952
    Abstract: A pivot drive, a pivot, a cutter drive, a cutting head, and a camera are mounted to a base, and a remote control system operates the pivot drive to pivot the cutter drive from a stored to a use position, operates the cutter drive to rotationally drive the cutting head, and operates the camera to provide images of the cutting head used to cut out blockages at lateral connections of relined pipes. The camera and the cutting head are positioned in a spaced apart relationship facing each other, with the base extending beyond the cutting head sufficiently to provide this spacing. Optionally, the camera is mounted to a trailing portion of the base and the cutter drive is mounted to a leading portion, with control lines for the pivot and cutter drives routed back past but retained separated from the cutting head to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Neil Rogers
  • Patent number: 9512953
    Abstract: Provided is a thermal insulation laminate having both of an excellent thermal insulation property and high visible light transmittance, and further having a provided antifouling property and an excellent scratch resistance. A thermal insulation laminate includes a photocatalytic layer (4); a transparent thermal insulation layer (10) having two transparent base plates (1, 1) and composite materials including a fiber assembly (2) and inorganic particles (3) therebetween; and an adhesive layer (5); the photocatalytic layer (4) is an outermost layer of one side thereof, and the adhesive layer (5) is an outermost layer of other side. A hard coat layer may be sandwiched in either at least one of between the photocatalytic layer (4) and the transparent thermal insulation layer (10), and between the transparent thermal insulation layer (10) and the adhesive layer (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mogi, Yoshihiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 9512954
    Abstract: Embodiments for a base and an assembly of a device and the base are provided. The assembly includes a device having at least one device alignment magnet along a surface of the device, and a base having, along an upper surface of the base, at least one base alignment magnet configured to act on the at least one device alignment magnet to align the device on top of the base, and at least one insert orthogonally plungable through the upper surface of the base. In a first position, the insert is below the upper surface of the base. In a second position, the insert protrudes the upper surface of the base and is contact with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Gerlovin
  • Patent number: 9512955
    Abstract: A tripod for supporting video/photographic equipment comprises: a spider (2) on which are articulated a plurality of legs (3); a column (5) engaged in the spider and slidable in a first direction (X) between a retracted position, in which a supporting surface of the photographic equipment is close to the spider, and an extended position, in which the supporting surface (7) is remote from the spider; and an auxiliary positioning element (10) associated with the spider and comprising a seat (12) provided to house the column (5) in engaged manner in such a way as to be able to slide in a second direction (Y), which differs from the first direction (X). The seat (12) is provided on a sleeve (11) engaged in the spider (2) in such a way as to be able to slide in the first direction (X), between a non-operational position in which the seat (12) is concealed inside the spider and an operating position in which the seat (12) projects out from the spider to permit the column to slide in the second direction (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LINO MANFROTTO + CO. S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Mendo
  • Patent number: 9512956
    Abstract: A blow molded runner having a bottom wall and a top wall forming a double wall blow molded configuration, at least one compressed double wall structure defined by compression of the bottom and top walls against each other such that an inner surface of the bottom wall is in contact with an inner surface of the top wall. At least two columns spaced apart at a distance wherein each of the at least two columns defines one of the at least one compressed double wall structure and has a top surface and the compressed double wall structure corresponding to each of the at least two columns extends from the top surface to a bottom surface of the runner at the at least two columns wherein the bottom surface is defined by an outer surface of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Machande, Ronald A. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 9512957
    Abstract: A combination of an analytical apparatus with a platform for mounting such an apparatus comprising at least two units, and a platform on which said apparatus is mounted is disclosed, said platform comprising at least one platform element, and multiple feet for placing the platform elements on a surface. The feet are individually adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Bernet, Harald Ferihumer, Marcel Kaeppeli, Raymond Ochsenbein
  • Patent number: 9512958
    Abstract: A visco-elastic damping assembly includes a mount housing having first and second ends and a hollow interior. A piston assembly disposed within the mount housing includes axially opposed first and second piston rod ends in which the first piston rod end is defined by a first diameter and the second piston rod end is defined by a second diameter substantially larger than the first diameter. A high pressure hydraulic reservoir is defined within the mount housing wherein an applied load component acting on the second piston rod end causes corresponding movement of the piston assembly against fluid retained in the hydraulic reservoir, enabling a first static spring rate as well as a second higher dynamic spring rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Shubin Ruan
  • Patent number: 9512959
    Abstract: A mount for an electric motor, the mount comprising a sleeve for receiving a motor, the sleeve including plurality of elements projecting from a surface of the sleeve and an annular seal extending around the sleeve. The sleeve may have a first end and a second end. The annular seal may be disposed at the first end of the sleeve. A second annular seal may be provided at the second end of the sleeve. The annular seal(s) may be a bellow seal. The plurality of elements may include at least one row of conical elements, axial ribs spaced around the sleeve, compression ribs spaced around the sleeve and/or a lip seal disposed radially around the sleeve. A hair care appliance comprises a casing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and an annular seat, and a motor mount according wherein the motor mount is supported by the annular seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Antoine Francois Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9512960
    Abstract: A rotational support mechanism includes: a fixing member that holds a support subject unit; an inner chassis that supports the fixing member so that the fixing member is rotatable in a vertical plane via a tilt shaft structure that is formed between the fixing member and the inner chassis; an outer chassis that is formed so as to cover the inner chassis from outside; a pedestal that supports the inner chassis and the outer chassis so that the inner chassis and the outer chassis are rotatable in a horizontal plane via a swivel shaft that is formed between a combination of the inner chassis and the outer chassis and the pedestal; and a first rotatable range restricting unit that is detachable and restricts a horizontal rotatable range of the support subject unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroomi Arai, Shuichi Tanaka, Miho Kamata