Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9546661
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rotor machine and an impeller, of which the rotor machine is intended to function as a liquid pump or as an agitator in a fluid such as a liquid or a colloid, whereby the rotor machine has a pump casing (1) with an impeller (2) mounted in bearings in a manner that allows rotation around an axis (X), and in which the rotor machine has three principal flow pathways, comprising: —an axial inlet opening (4) with a defined area of opening (Ain) —a radially oriented outlet opening (5) with a defined area of opening (Aut), and —a series of radially extending blades (3) that, distributed around the circumference of the impeller, form between them a number of flow channels (22:1-22:n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB
    Inventors: Ola Eriksson, Daniel Marjavaara
  • Patent number: 9546662
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hub, a rotating member, an impeller, and an impeller enclosure. The hub has a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a lumen therebetween. The distal portion of the hub includes a sleeve portion configured to rotatably support the rotating member. The rotating member extends through the hub and has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the rotating member is configured to couple to an external driving mechanism. The impeller is coupled to the distal end of the rotating member and is configured to accelerate fluid flowing into or out of the lumen. The impeller enclosure is coupled to the distal portion of the hub and defines an impeller volume around the impeller. One or more openings are defined around the sleeve portion of the hub such that the lumen is in fluid communication with the impeller volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Cemal Shener-Irmakoglu, Brian J. Loreth, Rafal Z. Jezierski, Paul Robert Duhamel
  • Patent number: 9546663
    Abstract: A heat circulation pump includes a pump housing (1) with a pump impeller arranged therein which is driven by an electric motor arranged in a motor housing (8) which axially connects to the pump housing (1). The heat circulation pump also includes a terminal box (12) which is axially connected to the motor housing (8) in order to receive electric and/or electronic components of the engine control. A plug or socket (34) of an electric plug connection is arranged on the outside of the terminal box (12) for the electric connection. The plug or socket (34) is/are axially offset with respect to the terminal box (12) and is/are arranged adjacent to the motor housing (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT A/S
    Inventors: Finn Mathiesen Høj, Thomas Blad
  • Patent number: 9546664
    Abstract: A fan system suitable for an electronic device is provided. The fan system includes a fan module and a fan protecting module. The fan module includes a base and a fan blade assembly. The base is disposed at the electronic device and has a chamber. The fan blade assembly includes a fan blade and a shaft portion. The fan blade is fixed on the shaft portion. The shaft portion is rotatably contained in the chamber. The fan protecting module includes an electromagnetic component and an accelerometer. The electromagnetic component is disposed at a position adjacent to the shaft portion. The accelerometer is disposed in the electronic device and coupled to the electromagnetic component. When an acceleration of the electronic device detected by the accelerometer is greater than a threshold value, the electromagnetic component applies magnetic force to the shaft portion to prevent the shaft portion from overly shifting or deflecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Lung Hsu, Po-Cheng Chen, Ming-Chi Kao, Ming-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 9546665
    Abstract: A ceiling fan including a motor with a stator and a rotor, a downrod assembly having a longitudinal slot therein and a base portion, and a plurality of fan blades attached to the rotor. The motor is capable of sliding along the downrod assembly in order to change the position along the downrod assembly that the plurality of fan blades rotate. Additionally, the speed at which the plurality of fan blades rotate corresponds to the height above the base portion that the plurality of fan blades elevate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Michael D. Stull, Anthony D. Mustillo
  • Patent number: 9546666
    Abstract: Provided is an impeller for a fuel pump of a vehicle capable of decreasing a magnitude of high frequency fluid noise due to high speed rotation of the impeller by upper and lower blades of impeller blades positioned between upper and lower casings of the fuel pump and coupled to a shaft of a driving motor to deliver a fuel by rotational force so as to have asymmetrical angles based on the center of a thickness of an impeller body in sucking the fuel from a fuel tank and supplying the fuel to an engine of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: COAVIS
    Inventors: Bong Ju Lee, Hyun Tae Lee, Seong Hwan Moon, Mun Sik Jeon, In Seok Sohn
  • Patent number: 9546667
    Abstract: An exemplary fan includes a hub and an impeller. The hub is made of metal, and includes a flange. The impeller is made of plastic. The impeller is formed around the hub and has the flange embedded therein. A method for manufacturing the fan is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9546668
    Abstract: A blower assembly including a blower housing having a side wall with a first portion extending from the initial cutoff through an angle of at least 45° or more, the first portion having a radius which is substantially constant or which increases at a relatively small rate. The side wall additionally includes a second portion, extending from the end of the first portion to the outlet, which forms a continuous curve with the first portion and has an increasing radius which is increasing at a larger rate and has a rate of increase that is also increasing with housing angle. The shape of the side wall allows a reduction in the overall size of the blower housing for a given size of impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie A. Lyons
  • Patent number: 9546669
    Abstract: A compressor housing for an air cycle machine is provided. The compressor housing includes a body having a compressor volute configured to provide centrifugal compression in the air cycle machine. A mating surface is integrally formed with the body. The mating surface includes a plurality of substantially equally angularly spaced bosses. The bosses include a first boss type at a first radial distance and configured to receive a threaded fastener coupled to a turbine nozzle of the air cycle machine. The bosses also include a second boss type at a second radial distance configured to secure a seal plate of the air cycle machine. The second radial distance is less than the first radial distance. A ratio of a number of the bosses of the first boss type to the second boss type is 17 to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt, Christopher McAuliffe
  • Patent number: 9546670
    Abstract: In a jet pump (22) for delivering fuel for a vehicle, a pre-filter for a nozzle (30) is formed in that a duct (47, 50) is formed between the nozzle (30) and a receptacle (36) for the nozzle in a pump body, the diameter of which duct is smaller than a diameter of a nozzle opening of the nozzle (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Radek Malec
  • Patent number: 9546671
    Abstract: A pressure exchange device is equipped with a rotator, for which first flow paths through which a first fluid flows in and out and second flow paths through which a second fluid flows in and out are arranged around a shaft center so as to penetrate through in the direction of the rotation axis. The device includes a first lateral member with a first fluid inflow path, a second fluid outflow path, a second fluid inflow path, and a first fluid outflow path. The device also includes a second lateral member with communication sections that connect the first flow paths and the second flow paths and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Hirosawa, Norihiro Teramoto, Akira Shouzaki, Kazuto Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9546672
    Abstract: In some applications, a piston of a hydraulic actuator may move at high speeds, and large undesired forces may be generated if the piston reaches an end-stop of the hydraulic actuator at a high speed. The undesired forces may, for example, cause mechanical damage in the hydraulic actuator. A controller may receive information indicative of the piston reaching a first position at a first threshold distance from the end-stop, and, in response, may modify a signal to a valve assembly controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic actuator. Further, the controller may receive information indicative of the piston reaching a second position at a second threshold distance closer to the end-stop of the hydraulic actuator, and, in response, the controller may further modify the signal to the valve assembly so as to apply a force on the piston in a away from the end-stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Perkins, Kevin Blankespoor, Alfred Rizzi
  • Patent number: 9546673
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive system includes a pump, a steering actuator, a loading/unloading apparatus actuator, a drive device, a relief valve, and an input unit. The drive device: flows hydraulic oil from the pump to the loading/unloading apparatus actuator when an operating tool is operated; flows the hydraulic oil from the pump to the steering actuator when a steering has become an operated state from a non-operated state regardless of an operation of the operating tool; and causes the hydraulic oil from the pump to be discharged to a tank via the relief valve to increase the torque of an engine when an increase instruction is inputted to the input unit and the steering is in a non-operated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KCM
    Inventors: Shinichiro Tanaka, Hiroyasu Kodera, Makoto Ito
  • Patent number: 9546674
    Abstract: The interlocking device for a tray in a supporting structure while enabling the tray to be removed from the supporting structure. The tray can include a device that engages with at least one engaging device in the supporting structure. The tray is inserted into the supporting structure using the guide or other engaging device. When the tray is fully inserted into the supporting structure, the tray can be secured to the supporting structure by the interlocking device. The interlocking device secures the tray to the supporting structure by a locking mechanism that selectively engages a first recess and a handle that selectively engages a second recess in the supporting structure. When the tray is to be removed from the supporting structure, the interlocking device disengages from the first and second recesses and enables the tray to be removed without interference of the tray and the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng, Chi-Fu Chen, Hou-Hsien Chang
  • Patent number: 9546675
    Abstract: A connector, for display systems having a display frame formed of a plurality of beams (1), has a male fitting (3) which has a stem (8) projecting from a plate (4), and a head (9) formed of four noses which project laterally from the stem. The head (9) is inserted in a correspondingly-shaped aperture of a female node fitting and rotated into positive engagement with the inner face of the node fitting. The trailing faces of the four noses have oppositely-inclined ramps which act to provide progressive tightening and alignment of the connector as the male part is rotated within the aperture. The connector provides a stable joint and enables a firm connection to be obtained with a smaller angle of rotation and reduced engagement force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Jonathan Henry Strevens Evitt
  • Patent number: 9546676
    Abstract: A thread connection, in particular for connecting components of an injection device for internal combustion engines which conduct a high pressure medium, includes a first component and a second component. The first component has an inside thread, and the second component has an outside thread configured to be screwed into the inside thread. The second component is configured such that a face of the second component is tensioned against a contact surface of the first component upon tightening the thread connection. The first component has an axial region between the contact surface and a first convolution of the inside thread wherefrom material has been removed up to a diameter that exceeds an outside diameter of the inside thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Pasedach
  • Patent number: 9546677
    Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for powering a generator via a flexible driveshaft coupled to a vehicle power take off unit. In one example, a flexible driveshaft with a non-rotatable outer sheath and inner, rotatable mandrel may be coupled to a generator complementary connector to power the generator with torque from a power take off unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Donald Wicks
  • Patent number: 9546678
    Abstract: A structural joint is formed of a mandrel having a plurality of bumps and dimples formed thereon which is fitted into a sleeve. The bumps and dimples form a non-circular geometry at all points along the length of the mandrel. The bumps are defined by surfaces which have 1st and 2nd derivatives which are continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    Inventors: K. Chauncey Wu, Robert A. Martin, Brian K. Stewart
  • Patent number: 9546679
    Abstract: A bearing seat for a ball joint which simplifies the process of joining a housing and a bearing seat and makes it easy to guarantee the stiffness necessary for a ball joint as a whole by making it easy to fill the interior of an undercut groove with a softened or molten material and a ball joint having this bearing seat for a ball joint are provided. The ball joint 100 has a bearing seat in the form of a ball seat 130 which receives a ball portion 113 of a ball stud 110 inside a cast housing 120 so that the ball portion 113 can slidably rotate. The ball seat 130 has an undercut groove 140 in its outer peripheral surface which contacts the inner peripheral surface of the housing 120. The undercut groove 140 is formed so that the inner width W2 of its bottom portion 142 is greater than the opening width W1 of the opening 141 and so that its depth D is shallower than the opening width W1 of the opening 141.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Somic Ishikawa
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sato, Masayuki Mizutani, Takashi Umei
  • Patent number: 9546680
    Abstract: A bearing component formed from a steel composition and providing carbon, silicon, manganese, chromium, cobalt, vanadium, and at least one of the following elements sulphur, phosphorous, molybdenum, aluminum, arsenic, tin, antimony, and the balance iron, together with impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: John Beswick, Mohamed Sherif
  • Patent number: 9546681
    Abstract: Provided is a crown-shaped retainer (20), including: an annular base (22); a plurality of pockets (24) each penetrating the crown-shaped retainer in a radial direction thereof and having an opening (a) on one side of the crown-shaped retainer in an axial direction thereof; and a pair of prongs (26) positioned on both sides of the opening (a) of each of the plurality of pockets (24) in a circumferential direction of the crown-shaped retainer, the each of the plurality of pockets (24) having an inner circumferential surface including: a spherical portion (28) positioned on a radially inner side of the crown-shaped retainer; and a cylindrical portion (30) positioned on a radially outer side of the crown-shaped retainer, the cylindrical portion (30) having an inner diameter (? D2) larger than a ball diameter (dw).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuaki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9546682
    Abstract: A cage of a rolling bearing, the cage comprising: an annular heel centered on a central axis and having a constant radial thickness measured radially to the central axis; an axial portion extending from the heel substantially parallel to the central axis; and pockets delimited by the heel and the axial portion for receiving rolling elements. The axial portion has an axial length being greater than half the inner diameter of the pockets and an outside diameter being lesser than the outside diameter of the heel and which comprises between a first value equal to the pitch circle diameter of the cage minus half the radial thickness of the heel and a second value equal to the pitch circle diameter of the cage plus half the radial thickness of the heel. The pockets are spaced around the central axis having angular spacings being at least partly different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Lawrence E Cislo, Riccardo Restivo, Thierry Poulle
  • Patent number: 9546683
    Abstract: A flanged bearing ring is formed of two different materials joined together as a single piece, specifically a radially inner annular insert and a flanged, radially outer lightweight body formed about the insert. The insert has one or more inner raceways and is formed of a hard material, such as bearing steel. The outer body is made of a lightweight material, such as aluminium alloy, with a higher thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the hard material from which the inner insert is formed. A radial projection formed on the insert extends into a radial groove of the outer body. The projection and the recess interlock the insert and the outer body so as to prevent relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Cornelius Petrus Antonius Vissers, Paolo Re
  • Patent number: 9546684
    Abstract: A seal unit for a rolling-element bearing having an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring. The seal unit includes an at least part-ring shaped element having a seal lip, the at least part-ring shaped element is configured for attachment to the inner bearing ring, and the outer bearing ring is tiltable through a limited angle with respect to the inner bearing ring. Also a rolling-element bearing having such a seal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Femke Back, Jens Bettenhausen, Steffen Hain, Matthias Hofmann, Henning Kern, Jochen Lorenscheit, Christina Pfeuffer, Edgar Pickel, Werner Schleyer, Mathias Seuberling
  • Patent number: 9546685
    Abstract: Provided is a bearing with a magnetic fluid seal reliably maintaining sealing of a rolling element section in the bearing and having a structure ensuring high productivity. In a bearing with a magnetic fluid seal according to the present invention, a plurality of rolling elements 7 are disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring, and a ring-shaped magnet is arranged at an opening side of the inner and outer rings so as to retain magnetic fluid, so that the plurality of rolling elements are sealed. The magnet is magnetized so that magnetic poles are oriented in an axial direction. A ring-shaped pole plate is arranged to be in contact with an outer side surface of the magnet in the axial direction. Outer-ring-side magnetic fluid is retained between the outer ring and the magnet, and inner-ring-side magnetic fluid is retained between the inner ring and the pole plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Takeshige Ohara
  • Patent number: 9546686
    Abstract: A rolling bearing comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, at least one row of rolling elements that are disposed radially between the rings, at least one seal forming a first sealing component that is fixed to one of the rings and engages with the other ring, and at least one flange forming a second sealing component that is fixed to the other ring and is offset axially with respect to the seal on the outer side of the bearing. At least one of the first and second sealing components comprises at least two annular ribs, the other sealing component being mounted axially in contact therewith. At least one closed annular space is delimited by the ribs and by the other sealing component. At least one lubricant is disposed inside the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Elie Aupetitgendre, Stellario Barbera, Michel Organisciak, Laurent Varnoux
  • Patent number: 9546687
    Abstract: A bearing seal (2) of a rolling bearing configured as a wheel bearing (1) that is connected between a first rotationally rigid bearing part (5) and a second bearing part (7) that is integral with a wheel bearing flange (8), between which rolling bodies (6) are guided. The bearing seal (2) includes a splash plate (3) configured as a preseal, which is supported on an axially and radially oriented contour (12) of the second bearing part (7), and together with the wheel bearing flange (8), axially defines a catch channel (24). A seal fitting (4) is fixed to the first bearing part (5) by a reinforcement (22), wherein the reinforcement (22) is enclosed by an elastic sealing material (21), at least in some areas, from which sealing lips (20, 28, 29) are formed, which are grindingly or non-grindingly associated with the splash plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Kaiser, Roland Langer, Frank Eichelmann, Tobias Bauer, Markus Reuter, Ralf Heiss, Jonas Lang
  • Patent number: 9546688
    Abstract: An axial control assembly comprises a bearing assembly and a bearing mount assembly, wherein the bearing mount assembly is structured to secure the bearing assembly in an operative configuration relative to a rotatable element of a mechanical device. The bearing assembly includes an inner bearing casing and an outer bearing casing structured to rotatably engage one another. The bearing mount assembly includes at least one axial control member disposed in an abutting relation to an axial load surface of one of the inner or outer bearing casings, and the axial control member is further positioned to counteract an axial load generated by a rotational movement of the rotational element of the mechanical device. A lubrication system provides a precisely controlled amount of lubricant to the bearing assembly during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Gilberto Mesa
  • Patent number: 9546689
    Abstract: A machine arrangement, including at least one bearing ring, wherein a glass fiber is connected with the machine arrangement. To allow a proper measurement of stresses even at curved surfaces of the machine arrangement as it is typical in the case of bearing rings, the connection between the glass fiber and the machine arrangement is established by a metallic material which metal material is connected by material bonding with the machine arrangement as well as with the glass fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Hongyu Yang, John F. van de Sanden, Hendrik Anne Mol
  • Patent number: 9546690
    Abstract: A bearing which includes a bearing ring and rolling elements. The bearing ring includes an outer surface, having a groove around a circumference of the outer surface, wherein the groove is adapted to accommodate a fiber sensor. The bearing further comprises a clamping element, wherein the clamping element retains the fiber sensor with a clamping force acting in a radial direction of the bearing ring such that the fiber sensor intimately engages the bearing ring. Due to the clamping force, relative movement of the fiber sensor can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Romain Herdier, Defeng Lang, Hongyu Yang
  • Patent number: 9546691
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an axial preload in a bearing assembly that has two rolling-element bearings that are axially pressable against each other, each of the two rolling-element bearings including at least one bearing outer ring and at least one bearing inner ring and at least one row of rolling elements disposed between the at least one bearing outer ring and at least one bearing inner ring. The method includes a) driving the bearing assembly by rotating one of the bearing outer ring and the bearing inner ring while holding other bearing ring fixed and measuring the rotational speed of the circulation of the rolling elements about the bearing assembly axis or of a bearing cage about the stationary bearing ring, and b) changing the axial preload in the bearing assembly until a desired rotational speed has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Padelis Katsaros
  • Patent number: 9546692
    Abstract: Torque is transmitted by way of a shaft having an axial groove formed as a keyway therein and a key held in the groove by means of a coin-shaped magnet located in a pocket formed in the floor of the groove. A second element, such as a coupling, is configured to receive the shaft and key therein and has a matching keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Javad Mokhbery
  • Patent number: 9546693
    Abstract: A drive apparatus, including: a first rotary member; a second rotary member, which is provided with an axle hole, and which receives drive power from the first rotary member or transmits drive power to the first rotary member; an axle member, which is inserted into the axle hole and engages with the first rotary member so as to transmit drive power between the first rotary member and the second rotary member; and a coupling member for coupling the first rotary member and the second rotary member; wherein the coupling member is provided with a sliding portion which is disposed between the first rotary member and the second rotary member in the radial direction and which slides over either one of the first rotary member and the second rotary member when the first rotary member and the second rotary member rotate integrally with each other via the axle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihiro Matsumoto, Takeo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 9546694
    Abstract: A flexible coupling assembly includes a power transmitting body to carry a torsional load between opposed rotating members and a quill shaft for carrying an axial load extending through the cavity of the torsional body. The power transmitting body defines an axis, a longitudinally extending cavity, and a first and second flanged portions for coupling opposed rotating members. The quill shaft extends through the cavity of the power transmitting body, spanning the power transmitting body, and fixed to the first and second flanged portions for carrying the axial load across the power transmitting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron T. Julian
  • Patent number: 9546695
    Abstract: A hub-based drive coupling mechanism for a fusing assembly, including a gear operatively coupled to a motor; a hub member; and a backup roll having a shaft rotatably coupled to the gear via the hub member, the gear including an outer cylindrical portion having a plurality of tabs disposed along an inner surface thereof, the hub member including an annular portion having a plurality of protrusions radially extending therefrom, and the backup roll shaft having a pin member. When the drive gear is rotated, the plurality of tabs of the drive gear directly contact the plurality of protrusions of the hub member to cause the hub member to rotate and the plurality of protrusions of the hub member directly contact the plurality of segments of the pin member to cause the shaft to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery James Buchanan, Alexander J Geyling
  • Patent number: 9546696
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a driveline component, such as a power transfer unit, may include an input shaft, a disconnect shaft selectively rotated by the input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the disconnect shaft. A first gear is coupled to the disconnect shaft and a second gear is coupled to the output shaft and to the first gear so that the output shaft rotates when the disconnect shaft rotates. A connection feature is movable between an engaged position in which the input shaft and disconnect shaft are coupled and a disengaged position in which the input shaft rotates relative to the disconnect shaft. The connection feature includes a first part carried by the gear for rotation therewith and a second part movable relative to the first part and carried by the input shaft for rotation with the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GKN DRIVELINE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
  • Patent number: 9546697
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission system includes a clutch having a friction plate, a clutch plate, and a pressure plate for elastically pressing the friction plate or the clutch plate by a pressure elastic body, a clutch actuator that applies a clutch OFF pressing force to the pressure plate, and a control device. When causing the clutch to shift to a clutch ON state, the control device controls operation of the clutch actuator to make the clutch OFF pressing force less than an elastic force of the pressure elastic body and apply an anti-assist force to the pressure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F. C. C.
    Inventors: Ryohei Chiba, Shouji Makita, Kaoru Iida, Makoto Sato, Kazuyoshi Miyachi
  • Patent number: 9546698
    Abstract: A dual clutch for coupling an engine drive shaft with a transmission shaft and/or an auxiliary power take-off. A first friction clutch presses a first clutch plate that is couplable with the transmission shaft between a first contact plate, displaceable in an axial direction to engage the first friction clutch and a first counter plate. A second friction clutch presses a second clutch plate that is couplable with the auxiliary power take-off between a second contact plate, displaceable in the axial direction to engage the second friction clutch and a second counter plate. First and second actuating elements move the first and second contact plates; respectively. The second contact plate is connected to a thrust ring connected to the second actuating element to transfer displacing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Simon Sebastian Fünfgeld, Patrick Weydmann, Gerhard Gander, Alexander Obitz
  • Patent number: 9546699
    Abstract: First and second clutches allow first and second tubular output shafts to pivot when a motor generates rotation at a second rotation speed or higher. A third clutch allows a pivot shaft to pivot when the motor rotates at a speed lower than a first rotation speed. A control plate is arranged at a first pivot position, second pivot position, or third pivot position. At the first pivot position, the first and second tubular output shafts are moved to positions in an axial direction allowing first and second rotated members to rotate. At the second pivot position, the first and second tubular output shafts are moved to positions in the axial direction allowing only the first rotated member to rotate. At the third pivot position, the first and second tubular output shafts are moved to positions in the axial direction allowing only the second rotated member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Maruo, Yoshiki Matsushita, Kousuke Yamaura
  • Patent number: 9546700
    Abstract: A brake actuator is provided, in which a diaphragm, used in conjunction with a piston which compresses a parking brake-actuating spring, is arranged such that its outer peripheral region is captured between opposing housing flange portions such that a seal between the interior and exterior of the brake actuator housing is provided in a radially-oriented region of the diaphragm and the housing flange portions away from housing portion jointing components such as a clamp ring or individual fasteners. The diaphragm may also be provided with a wedge-shaped portion at its outer periphery which is axially oriented and configured to reside in a corresponding annular gap between the opposing housing flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald S. Plantan, Eugene E. Clair
  • Patent number: 9546701
    Abstract: A power tool brake mechanism, in particular a portable power tool brake mechanism, includes at least one mechanical brake unit that has at least one brake element mounted rotatably about a rotation axis and at least one actuating unit that has at least one movably mounted actuating element. The actuating unit is configured to activate and/or deactivate the brake unit. The power tool brake mechanism further includes at least one movement converting unit that has at least one movement converting element configured to convert a movement of the actuating element into a movement of a counter-brake element of the brake unit. The movement of the counter-brake element is at least in a direction that is different from a direction extending along the rotation axis of the brake element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Wiker, Joachim Schadow, Joerg Maute, Florian Esenwein, Manfred Lutz
  • Patent number: 9546702
    Abstract: A disc brake for a commercial vehicle, includes a brake caliper having a receiving space for functional elements, a mounting and functional opening of the receiving space being closed by a closure plate through which at least one adjusting spindle extends. The closure plate is fastened to the brake caliper so that it can be non-destructively detached. The closure plate, in a first sub-region, is screwed to the brake caliper and, in a second sub-region, is interlockingly held on the brake caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Asen
  • Patent number: 9546703
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, which is characterized by the absence of a friction clutch that is operable to limit torque transfer between the drive wheels and a shaft of the transmission, to prevent torque communication between the drive wheel and the shaft. The transmission includes a selectable one way clutch, which interconnects a housing of the transmission and the shaft. The selectable one way clutch is selectively operable to prevent rotation of the shaft in at least one rotational direction. The selectable one way clutch includes a torque limiting system, such as a ball-detent torque limiting mechanism, which is operable to prevent torque transfer greater than a pre-defined value, between the housing and the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Corsetti, Jean Marie Miller, Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 9546704
    Abstract: An attachment structure for an urging member includes an attachment member and a ring-like bushing. The attachment member has an insertion hole. The bushing is press-fitted in the insertion hole. The urging member includes an attached portion inserted in an inner side of the bushing. The bushing has a first portion arranged in the insertion hole and a second portion located outside the insertion hole. An inner diameter of the first portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yohsuke Yasui, Hideki Tokimatsu
  • Patent number: 9546705
    Abstract: A bush (20) includes a base material (45) that is disposed at a vehicle body (12), an inter ring (48) that is integrally disposed at the base material (45), and a surface layer (51) that is disposed inside the inter ring (48). The inter ring (48) is arranged along an opening (47) in such a manner as to surround the opening (47). The surface layer (51) includes an insertion hole (52) and is integrally formed from a self-adhesive elastic material into a thin wall shape. A stabilized rod (14) is inserted into the insertion hole (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Yamashita Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Ishimatsu, Tetsu Ogawa, Masashi Furuya, Takahiro Kato, Jun Saito, Shigeo Kojima, Keiichi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 9546706
    Abstract: A pendulum absorber assembly including a rotor coupled to a rotating shaft, a pendulum absorber moveably coupled to the rotor and including a preloaded sliding joint coupled to a first counterbalancing section and a second counterbalancing section, the preloaded sliding joint configured to urge the first counterbalancing section away from the second counterbalancing section, and two pins, each of the pins coupled to a different counterbalancing section and the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Abhisek Jain
  • Patent number: 9546707
    Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic damper with a position dependent valve assembly (3) to prevent abrupt stop of a piston at the end of the compression stroke. The position dependent valve assembly (3) comprises a supporting member (31) partitioning damper (2) internal tube (22) and provided with an axial opening (312), an axial member (32) disposed slidably within said axial opening (312) of said supporting member (31), a rigid body (33) fixed on said axial member (32), a compression stroke disc assembly (35) and a rebound stroke disc assembly (34) fixed on said axial member (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: BeijingWest Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pawel Edward Kus, Radoslaw Pawel Grzesik, Piotr Andrzej Flacht, Lukasz Karol Firek
  • Patent number: 9546708
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper is provided that is capable of increasing torsional rigidity without increasing a size of an elastic member in a radial direction. A torsional vibration damper includes a boss member and a disk plate provided coaxially with each other; an elastic member being elastically deformable in a rotation direction of the boss member; a cam member rotating integrally with the boss member; a torque transmission member transmitting rotation torque between the boss member and the disk plate; and a socket member provided between the torque transmission member and the elastic member and having a contact surface coming in contact with the torque transmission member. The torque transmission member is capable of entirely reciprocating in a radial direction of the boss member in accordance with rotation of the cam member, and elastically compresses the elastic member when it moves outward in the radial direction of the boss member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinichiro Watarai
  • Patent number: 9546709
    Abstract: An isolating pulley comprising a hub comprising an inertia carrier, the inertia carrier having an inner surface, a spring carrier journalled to the hub, the spring carrier having a releasable driving engagement with the inertia carrier, a pulley journalled to the hub, a spring drivingly engaged between the spring carrier and the pulley, a clutch spring having a frictional engagement with the inner surface, and which frictional engagement is partially releasable upon a temporary, pressing contact of the pulley upon the clutch spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Schneider, Alexander Serkh, Keming Liu
  • Patent number: 9546710
    Abstract: A method of engaging a form-interlocking shifting element to obtain a gear in an automatic transmission in which at least one further, frictional shifting element is involved in obtaining the gear to be engaged and a shifting element, not involved in obtaining the gear to be engaged but which serves as a synchronizing shifting element, is actuated in order to synchronize the interlocking shifting element to be engaged. The further, frictional shifting element, involved in engaging the gear, is engaged and then disengaged, to a defined extent, to bring the frictional shifting element to a slipping condition, in order to ensure the engagement of the interlocking shifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Mihatsch, Andreas Schmidt