Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9546711
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft and an output shaft, a first planetary gear device, a second planetary gear device, a third planetary gear device, and a fourth planetary gear device provided between the input shaft and the output shaft so as to transfer a torque and each including three rotating elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotating elements of the first to fourth planetary gear devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Won Min Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seong Wook Ji, Kang Soo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9546712
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving rotary power of an engine, an output shaft outputting the rotary power with rotary speed changed, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotating shaft operating continuously as an input element by being directly connected with the input shaft, a second rotating shaft selectively connected with a transmission housing, a third rotating shaft, a fourth rotating shaft selectively connected with the transmission housing, a fifth rotating shaft selectively connected with the second rotating shaft, a sixth rotating shaft operating continuously as an output element by being directly connected with the output shaft, a seventh rotating shaft, an eighth rotating shaft selectively connected with the first, the fourth, and the seventh rotating shafts, and six friction elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seongwook Ji, Jae Chang Kook, Wonmin Cho, Myeong Hoon Noh, Kangsoo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9546713
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving rotary power of an engine, an output gear outputting the rotary power with rotary speed changed, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a third rotating shaft, a fourth rotating shaft selectively connected with the third rotating shaft and a transmission housing simultaneously, a fifth rotating shaft selectively connected with the first rotating shaft and the input shaft simultaneously, a sixth rotating shaft, a seventh rotating shaft selectively connected with the sixth rotating shaft and the transmission housing simultaneously, an eighth rotating shaft selectively connected with the sixth rotating shaft and the output gear simultaneously, and six friction elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wonmin Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seongwook Ji, Kangsoo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9546714
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, first to fourth planetary gear devices disposed between the input shaft and the output shaft to transmit rotary force, each of them having three rotary elements, and at least six shifting elements connected to the rotary elements of the planetary gear devices, wherein a first rotary element of the first planetary gear device is continuously connected to the input shaft and variably connected to a second rotary element of the first planetary gear device, the second rotary element is installed to be fixable by one shifting element of the at least six shifting elements, and a third rotary element of the first planetary gear device is continuously connected to a second rotary element of the second planetary gear device and variably connected to a third rotary element of the third planetary gear device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Chang Kook, Kang Soo Seo, Won Min Cho, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seong Wook Ji, Wook Jin Jang, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9546715
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (32) for manually actuating a piece of closing or sun protection equipment (10), in particular of the blinds or rolling shutters type, including a stationary case (42) having two aligned bearings (44) defining an axis of rotation (200), a worm (34) guided in rotation in the bearings (44) and a driving rod (54) to rotate the worm (34). The worm (34) being passed through by an axial hole (52), the driving rod (54) being able to be inserted in the axial hole (52) by securing the driving rod (54) in rotation with the worm (34). A snapping connection between an elastically deformable staple (56) and a bearing shoulder (64) allows the insertion of the driving rod (54) into the axial hole (52), and blocking the removal of the driving rod (54) inserted into the axial hole (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Sergyl Clerget, Thierry Garby
  • Patent number: 9546716
    Abstract: An adjusting drive, in particular for a steering column adjuster or a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle, and a method for producing an adjusting drive, are provided in which an axial play of the output shaft is reliably and permanently compensated. The compensating element for ensuring the axial-play-free arrangement of the output shaft is connected, in its operating position, to the housing by ultrasound welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Arndt, Manfred Strzodka, Tony Philip, Tamas Poczik
  • Patent number: 9546717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ball screw (10) with a threaded spindle (12), a nut (14), rolling bodies (16) and at least one deflecting device (18, 20), wherein the threaded spindle (12) is displaceable by rotation, and wherein the deflecting device comprises an inner first body part (18) and an outer second body part (20), which body parts together form a deflecting channel (22), wherein the deflecting channel (22) has two tubular ends (24, 26) which are connected to each other via a transfer region (28), wherein the tubular ends (24, 26) of the deflecting channel are in each case formed by mutually complementary partial tubular sections (30, 32, 34, 36) of the body parts (18, 20), and wherein a sleeve (40) surrounding the nut (14) is provided, the deflecting device (18, 20) sits in an opening (42) in the nut (14), the deflecting device (18, 20) projects radially beyond the outer lateral surface of the nut (14) in a relaxed state when the sleeve (40) is absent and, in the presence of the sleeve (40), said sleev
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SFS intec Holding AG
    Inventors: Hanspeter Kuster, Kurt Husistein, Markus Schonenberger, Patrick Renhard, Ivo Rupper, Markus Lichtensteiger, Pascal Hutter
  • Patent number: 9546718
    Abstract: The system comprises a roller screw mechanism 12 which is provided with a screw 16 which comprises at least a first outer threaded portion 18, a nut 20 and a plurality of rollers 24 which cooperate with the first outer portion 18 and an inner thread of the nut. The system further comprises a roller thrust bearing 14 which is mounted on a second outer portion 52 of the screw and which is provided with a bushing 50 and a plurality of rollers 56 which comprise flanks which cooperate with flanks of the second outer portion 52 of the screw and the bushing 50. The flanks of the screw, the bushing and the rollers are configured so that, during a rotation of the screw, the rollers 56 are fixed axially relative to the screw 16 and relative to the bushing 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Gerard Buvril, Christian Boch
  • Patent number: 9546719
    Abstract: A torque transmission device for a powertrain system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVU) arranged in parallel with a transfer gear set. The CVU variator includes a first pulley rotatably coupled to a first rotating member and a second pulley rotatably coupled to a second rotating member. The transfer gear set includes a first gear selectively rotatably coupled to a second gear via activation of a clutch. The clutch includes a first rotating element and a second rotating element that rotate in concert when the clutch is activated. The first rotating element rotatably couples to the first rotating member and the second rotating element rotatably couples to the first gear. The first gear rotates in a fixed ratio with rotation of the second gear when the clutch is activated. The second gear rotatably couples to the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9546720
    Abstract: A transmission includes a first drive secured to an input, producing a fixed drive ratio; a second drive secured to an input, producing a variable drive ratio; a planetary gearset including a member connected to the second drive, and a second member; a brake releasably holding the second member rotatably fixed; a first clutch releasably connecting the first member and an output; and a second clutch releasably connecting the second member and the first drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 9546721
    Abstract: A method of operating dual-clutch transmission for a vehicle which has two partial transmissions, each partial transmission having an input shaft arranged on an input shaft axis. An output shaft is arranged on the input shaft axis or a parallel countershaft axis. An intermediate gear system on the countershaft axis. At least one input shaft can be connected to the drive output shaft, as a direct drive, and only one countershaft is arranged on the countershaft axis and supports only fixed gears. One of the gears is a direct gear so that, when the direct gear is engaged, all the shifting elements, for coupling the intermediate gear system via the gear planes into the force flow, can be disengaged. Each gear plane can be coupled by a shifting element arranged on the input shaft axis to a shaft, and the gear next-lower than the direct gear is a coupling gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christian Mittelberger, Stefan Blattner, Bernard Hunold, Eckhardt Lubke, Johannes Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 9546722
    Abstract: A clutch system selectably connects a vehicle rear axle to a motor. The clutch system includes an intermediate shaft to fixably attach to a side gear of a differential for rotation therewith. A case of the differential is connected to the motor via a gear train. Another side gear of the differential is affixed to an output shaft, and the output shaft extends through a center of rotation of an armature of the motor to connect to a road wheel of a vehicle. A clutch is to selectably connect the intermediate shaft to another output shaft connected to another road wheel of the vehicle. An actuator is to actuate the clutch to an engaged state and thereby selectably connect the intermediate shaft to the other output shaft. The output shaft, the other output shaft, and the motor rotate independently when the clutch is not in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Patent number: 9546723
    Abstract: A housing for a bevel gear includes a pinion bearing seat configured to support a pinion bearing for a driveshaft having a drive pinion. The housing also includes an attachment structure configured to attach a support bearing seat to the housing such that the position of the support bearing seat with respect to the pinion bearing seat is variable in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Padelis Katsaros, Volker Wendt
  • Patent number: 9546724
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a roller pin for a fuel pump. The roller pin includes a cylindrical body made of a first material extending between a first end and a second end. The roller pin includes an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end of the cylindrical body. The intermediate portion is formed by depositing a second material on the cylindrical body. The roller pin further includes a longitudinal groove extending along the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Unes, David C. Mack, Adam C. Hill
  • Patent number: 9546725
    Abstract: This invention addresses the problem of providing a press-fit structure and a press-fit method capable of improving the durability of a gear which press-fits into a ring part. As such, the embodiment of this invention is that, while one end side in the central axis direction of the ring gear abuts against a protrusion formed protruding on the outer side of the radial direction of the ring part from the outer circumferential surface of the ring of the ring part, and wherein the press-fit structure press-fits the inner circumferential surface of the gear into the outer circumferential surface of the ring part, when the inner circumferential surface of the gear is press-fitted into the outer circumferential surface of the ring part, there is a tensile strength reduction mechanism reducing the tensile strength generated in the lower portion of the gear teeth in at least the position of the aforementioned end side of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Taniguchi, Hiroyuki Shioiri
  • Patent number: 9546726
    Abstract: A rear end gear box cover for a racing car is formed with a fixed base plate and a removable top plate. The base plate is fixed to the rear end housing by multiple fasteners while the top plate is removable from the base plate. The top plate includes a pair of opposing cam members carrying connector pins for engagement with receiver mounts formed on the base plate. A cam driver on the top plate has a central connector member that when rotated drives a pair of opposing cam pins carried in a slotted opening on the cam members outwardly to force the connector pins into openings in the receiver mounts and secure the top plate to the base plate. A detent mechanism in each of the slotted openings retains the cam members in a locked position. A quarter turn of the connector member retracts the connector pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Diversified Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Haines, John P. Flory
  • Patent number: 9546727
    Abstract: An oil feed channel lubricating system including a first upstanding wall, a floor and a portion of an interior wall of a carrier. The channel has a first portion angled at a first angle and a second portion angled at a second angle. The first portion preferably has a shallower angle than the second portion. A gap is located between a top of the first upstanding wall and the interior wall of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Caleb S. Kruger, Scott L. Steward, Jr., Daniel D. Carmean, Edwin O. Swinehart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9546728
    Abstract: A flexible binary pump system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a shaft, a first vane pump mounted on the shaft and having a first rotor with a first diameter and a first width and a second vane pump mounted on the shaft and having a second rotor with a second diameter and a second width. The first vane pump provides hydraulic fluid to the transmission at a first pressure, and the second vane pump provides hydraulic fluid to the transmission at a second pressure. The first diameter, first width, second diameter, and second width are selected to optimize power consumption of the binary pump system and hydraulic fluid budget for the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Daryl A. Wilton, Philip C. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9546729
    Abstract: A transmission utilizes an electro-magnetically actuated selectable one-way-clutch. The one-way-clutch prevents rotation of a transmission member in both directions when a current exceeds a threshold and permits rotation in only one direction otherwise. To prevent un-intended engagement, a switch interrupts the current unless a second current exceeds a threshold. In order to engage the one-way-clutch, both currents are set above their respective thresholds by a controller. In the event of a single fault such as a short circuit, the system continues to function normally. The controller may periodically test for a fault by intentionally setting one current above its threshold and the other below its threshold and determining the state of the one-way-clutch by measuring speeds of transmission elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norman Jerry Bird, Bradley Dean Riedle, Ricardo Humberto Espinosa
  • Patent number: 9546730
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device is provided with a solenoid valve, a pressure regulating valve, a switching valve, and a control unit. The control unit, when shifting from a first shift speed to a second shift speed, causes a first signal pressure to be input to an oil chamber of the switching valve with the pressure regulating valve, and presses a valving element to a first input port side to be locked at a blocking position at which communication between the first input port and an output port is blocked at least until a third engagement element is brought into an engaged state from a disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kutsubo, Kazuki Kojima, Koji Makino, Yoshimitsu Hyodo, Kenichi Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 9546731
    Abstract: A bicycle gear changing control apparatus includes a controller that is programmed to control a gear changing state of a bicycle transmission according to an operation of a gear changing operating device upon determining a bicycle traveling speed is greater than a first speed. The controller controls the transmission automatically to be in a first prescribed gear changing state upon determining the bicycle traveling speed becomes less than or equal to the first speed and upon determining a gear ratio of a current gear changing state of the transmission is larger than a preset gear ratio of the first prescribed gear changing state. The controller controls the transmission automatically, after controlling the transmission to be in the first prescribed gear changing state, to a larger gear ratio than the gear ratio of the first prescribed gear changing state, upon determining the bicycle traveling speed becomes greater than a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Patent number: 9546732
    Abstract: A gear-shifting device for a vehicle is provided and includes a guide body that has a first end portion connected to a control shaft, installed so that a second end portion is rotated at the first end portion as an axis in a rotational displacement that corresponds to a selecting path to perform a selecting operation, and installed to be moved in a substantially straight displacement that corresponds to a shifting path along an axis direction of the first end portion to perform a shifting operation. A guide unit is disposed to distinguish each shifting path on the selecting path in which the second end portion of the guide body is rotated and is configured to guide the second end portion of the guide body to be movable along the shifting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyung Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9546733
    Abstract: This invention provides a piston in which the moving piston unit can be prevented from rotating with respect the base piston unit, while suppressing the increase of the sliding resistance the piston has with respect to the cylinder. The circumferential wall of the moving piston unit has a pair of skirt parts opposing each other across a piston boss and a pair of side-wall parts coupling the skirt parts and each having an outer circumferential surface concaved toward the central axis X1 of the piston. The side-wall parts have a penetration part each, which penetrates the side-wall part and extends in the directions the moving piston unit reciprocates with respect to the base piston unit. The base piston unit has rotation preventing projections that project perpendicular to the central axis of the piston and are inserted into the penetration parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazushi Miyamoto, Hirofumi Higashi, Jun Hoshikawa, Akihiro Fujimoto, Noritsugu Ohsawa, Kiminari Kato, Seiji Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9546734
    Abstract: A split mechanical seal for mounting to a housing containing a rotating shaft comprising a gland assembly configured for mounting to the housing and forming a chamber, where the gland assembly includes a top surface having a gland groove formed thereon. The gland groove is formed at least in part by at least one raised wall portion that extends axially outwardly from the top surface. The seal also includes a stationary seal ring having a groove or recess formed in an inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: A. W. CHESTERTON COMPANY
    Inventors: Edwin Cid, Henri V. Azibert, Ann T. Attenasio, Timothy Conklin, Howard Phillips
  • Patent number: 9546735
    Abstract: A double-seat valve has a seat-cleaning function and ensures that the seat-cleaning flow is conducted into and out of the leakage hollow space with as little turbulence as possible. The valve reliably prevents a pressure-increasing direct action upon the seat regions, even in the event that the cross-sectional area of the drain bore is smaller than that of the largest pipeline that can be connected to the valve. This is achieved in that a region of extension of the deflection surface that faces away from the radially outer end of the deflection surface delimits the remaining region of the opening in its entirety and opens out from the second closing element at an end-face and radially inner end of the second closing element, facing the first closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GEA Tuchenhagen GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Burmester, Arne Schulz, Matthias Südel, Bastian Tolle
  • Patent number: 9546736
    Abstract: A trunnion ball valve includes a ball provided inside a body main unit in a freely rotatable manner; and a seal mechanism provided on positions on both sides of the ball so as to be in seal contact with the ball, the seal mechanism including: a seat retainer having a sealing surface that is to be in seal contact with a ball surface of the ball; a spring member provided for applying elastic force on a sealing surface side; and a sealing member provided on an outer surface of the seat retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Osamu Watanabe, Tetsuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9546737
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing including a channel, a single-acting through hole, a double-acting through hole, a spring biased spool in the channel, a lateral outlet communicating with the double-acting through hole, and a hole element passing through an edge of the channel to communicate with both the double-acting through hole and the channel; a switch on the housing and including an axial tunnel, a shaft in the tunnel, a lateral single-acting hole communicating with the tunnel, a double-acting hole communicating with the tunnel, and a linking hole perpendicular to the tunnel but not communicating therewith; a pilot valve on the switch; a base at a bottom of the housing, and a spring biased check valve at a lower opening of the housing and the base, the check valve communicating with the single-acting through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: James Wang, Shui-Ho Wang
  • Patent number: 9546738
    Abstract: An air valve includes a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet and an outlet; a seat mounted within the valve body and having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the outlet of the valve body, the upper surface and the lower surface defining a bore and a fastener hole, the bore and the fastener hole extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the upper surface further defining a first sealing ridge and a second sealing ridge, a second sealing ridge, the first sealing ridge and the second sealing ridge extending between the bore and the fastener hole; a fastener extending through the fastener hole into the valve body; and a float moveable within the valve body and engageable with the bore of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Sean A. Cardia, Timothy Q. Fallon
  • Patent number: 9546739
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular solenoid valve kits and associated methods, generally involving a valve body that includes a plurality of actuator section components and a plurality of head section components. The plurality of actuator section components includes a drive solenoid, a solenoid return spring, a stroke calibration collar and an actuator-to-head calibration collar. The plurality of head section components includes a needle, a stem return spring, a seal and a seat. The plurality of actuator section components and head section components are adapted to be interchanged to create a pull-through normally open valve, a pull-through normally closed valve, a push-in normally open valve and a push-in normally closed valve. That is, the kits and methods allow for modification of one valve type (e.g., a pull-through normally open valve, a pull-through normally closed valve, a push-in normally open valve and a push-in normally closed valve) into a different type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven D. Trudeau, Paul Keenan
  • Patent number: 9546740
    Abstract: A valve assembly (100) is provided. The valve assembly (100) comprises a housing (101) with a plurality of fluid ports (102-105d). The housing (101) includes an actuator chamber (107) configured to receive a fluid. The housing (101) also includes a valve chamber (108) configured to receive the fluid after flowing through the actuator chamber (107). The valve assembly (100) further includes one or more shape memory alloy elements (109a-109d) located within the actuator chamber (108). One or more valve seals (220a-220d) located within the valve chamber (108) are provided. The shape memory alloy elements (109) are coupled to each of the valve seals (220a-220d) to selectively move the valve seals (220a-220d) between a first position and a second position upon heating the corresponding shape memory alloy element (109a-109d) above a transformation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: FLUID AUTOMATION SYSTEMS S.A.
    Inventor: Nicolas Deperraz
  • Patent number: 9546741
    Abstract: An adjustable operating rod assembly is provided. In one embodiment a telescoping rod and tube are provided such that the length of the operating rod can be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate fluid inlet pipes of various lengths and regardless of manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Ball, Eric Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 9546742
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an embodiment of a valve position indicator having an indicator cover having at least one window and a rotor configured to be at least partially within the indicator cover. The rotor has an indicator surface with one or more position indicators wherein at least one of the position indicators is configured to align with the window on the indicator cover, thus indicating the position of a valve. A light may be positioned proximate the rotor and configured to illuminate the position indicator. The valve position indicator may also include an array of LED lights bordering the rim of the indicator cover. The valve position indicator may alternatively include the array of LED lights without the indicator cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Bray International, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Brown, Dan Walker, James F. Schmidt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9546743
    Abstract: A substantially leak-free, sealable microvalve that can be repeatedly opened and sealed is presented. The resealable microvalve includes a block with a through via and a sealing plate. The gap between the block and the sealing plate is sealed by a sealing material. The sealing material can be melted when heat is applied and can be solidified when heat is absent. To close the resealable microvalve, heat is applied by flowing a current through a resistive heater and an actuator brings the block and the sealing plate into a contacting position. By removing the heat, the sealing material is solidified and creates a sealed state. To open the resealable microvalve, heat is applied to the sealing material. When the sealing material melts, the actuator moves the block and the sealing plate into a spaced apart position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Carol Livermore-Clifford, Chenye Yang
  • Patent number: 9546744
    Abstract: A conduit clamp includes a first coupling component configured for attachment to a first attachment structure of a strut channel and a second coupling component different from the first coupling component and configured for attachment to a second attachment structure of a strut channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Sagar Ashok Patil, Zhihui Zhang
  • Patent number: 9546745
    Abstract: A roller assembly comprises a base; a pedestal movably positioned on the base; and a roller fixably positioned relative to the pedestal and movable axially relative to the base. A method of assembling a roller assembly comprises mounting a pedestal on a base of the roller assembly such that the pedestal is movable relative to the base; and fixably positioning a roller relative to the pedestal such that the roller is movable axially relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Carlos Costa
  • Patent number: 9546746
    Abstract: A support structure may include a metallic tube having two opposing ends. The first end may have a first length, a first wall thickness, and a first outer diameter. The second end may have a second length, a second wall thickness, and a second outer diameter. A transition area may be disposed between the first length and the second length. The first wall thickness may be greater than the second wall thickness thereby providing variable thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: L & W ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Scott Jones, Joshua Forquer
  • Patent number: 9546747
    Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus has a prefabricated branched network of flexible tubing, for conducting process fluid between process elements of the apparatus, and control valves. A tubing support has opposable front and rear plates which define a pattern of support channels between them in which the flexible tubing network lies, so that the support channels limit or prevent expansion of the flexible tubes. Standard non-reinforced tubing can then be used for high-pressure work. The support body plates can be separated to open the channels for insertion or removal of the flexible tubing. The front plate may be transparent. The control valves operate by simply pressing on the tubing in the support channels to block flow, without invasion of the flow path. The tubing sets can be easily replaced, cleaned or sterilized. The invention is useful in a range of controlled-flow processes e.g. chromatography and filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: BIOTECHFLOW LTD.
    Inventor: Martin John Hofmann
  • Patent number: 9546748
    Abstract: A pipe connector assembly which is locked and assembled on a holder after required parts are assembled in sequence on a nut of a pipe connecting device during the process of connecting a joint of a pipe, and a method for connecting a pipe using same are disclosed. A holder can be unlocked from a nut only when a pipe is inserted up to a precise point in an insert hole in a part assembled to a nut for pipe fitting, and the assembly and method can not only ensure the assembled sequence of parts, but can accurately maintain the assembled position of a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: WOOJUNG MECHATRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Anguen Choi, Seungjin Jung
  • Patent number: 9546749
    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: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Andy Ali Jaffari
  • Patent number: 9546750
    Abstract: The pinching operation is facilitated. A hose clamp (H1) is formed by bending a strip-like plate material (1) into a ring-like configuration, and includes a first end portion (5) having a first pinching operation surface (9), and a second end portion (6) having a second pinching operation surface (15). A through-hole (7) is open near the center in the longitudinal direction of the first pinching operation surface (9). At the time of bending into ring-like configuration, expansion regions (19) arranged at both side portions in the width direction of the second pinching operation surface (15) are folded at folding edges (20) with respect to a proximal region (18), whereby the second pinching operation surface (15) is narrowed in the width direction and can enter the through-hole (7). After bending into ring-like configuration, the expansion regions (19) are unfolded at the folding edges (20) and regain a widened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOGO SEISAKUSYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takehiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9546751
    Abstract: An end fitting (300), flexible pipe (100), riser (203), and method of producing the same are disclosed. A method of venting gas from annuli (312, 319) of a flexible pipe is also disclosed. The end fitting includes a first vent flow fluid communication path (311) and a further vent flow fluid communication path (318). The end fitting is capable of enabling gas to be vented from a flexible pipe body with two annulus regions (312, 319).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Peter Roberts, Judimar Clevelario
  • Patent number: 9546752
    Abstract: A device for detecting fuel leaks in a vehicle is provided. The device includes a body configured to be mounted in sealing engagement around a portion of a fuel line in the vehicle; and a collection chamber configured to collect fuel that leaks from the fuel line within the body. The body is configured to direct the fuel leaked from the fuel line to the collection chamber. At least a portion of the body or collection chamber is transparent to enable presence of the fuel leaked from the fuel line to be visually verified. The collection chamber is operatively connected to a drain connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael E. Iden, Thomas A. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9546753
    Abstract: Pusher apparatus and a method of using the apparatus inserts a flexible liner into an in-situ pipe. At least a pair of contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies, having a nip therebetween, drive the liner into the pipe. A guide tube can extend between the drive assemblies and the pipe. A pull head can be affixed to a leading end of the liner and adapted for sealing within a bore of the pipe and pressured fluid can be applied to pull a leading end of the liner into the pipe while the pusher pushes. The contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies can be one or more pair of opposing wheels or opposing tracks. Track assemblies can be mounted to a frame which is movable on rails and restrained with a load cell for measuring reactive forces while pushing. The rails can be angled for aligning the nip with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Chris Goss
  • Patent number: 9546754
    Abstract: A method and system for repairing an air hose having a first exterior diameter having a deformed or crimped portion is presented. The system includes a helical polymer member, which when in a non-deformed state, has a second inner diameter smaller than a first diameter. The helical member is disposed about the air hose on first and second sides of the deformed member. The helical member has an interior diameter equal to the first diameter when the helical member is disposed about the air hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Kuhlmann
  • Patent number: 9546755
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system comprises a vertically aligned bracket configured to mate with a top corner block and a bottom corner block disposed below the top corner block of a pre-configured shipping container. A shaft may mount to the vertically aligned bracket and may have a first section slidable into a second section. In some examples, an accessory may be coupled to the shaft. The accessory may be elevated above a top plane of the pre-configured shipping container when the first section is slid at least partially out of the second section and the accessory mounting system is in an extended position. The accessory may be disposed next to the pre-configured shipping container when the first section is slid at least partially into the second section and the accessory mounting system is in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew N. Barrett, Brent Condie
  • Patent number: 9546756
    Abstract: A display supporting apparatus includes a supporting unit having an adjustable body which includes two pairs of first adjusting grooves, and a support body which includes two pairs of second adjusting grooves. A first adjustment unit includes two first adjustable members extending respectively and movably through top and bottom ends of the support body and respectively abutting against top and bottom ends of the adjustable body. A second adjusting unit includes two sliding rods each movably extending through one pair of the first adjusting grooves and a corresponding pair of the second adjusting grooves, and two second adjustable members each extending through and rotatable relative to the adjustable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: MODERNSOLID INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Jui Hung
  • Patent number: 9546757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure for an article. In particular, the invention relates to a support structure for mounting modular articles such as display units and the like upon a wall. The support structure comprises a support bracket (1), the support bracket having at least one opening (15), the opening being sized to accommodate a fixing (4) by which the support bracket may be secured to a wall (3), the opening being larger than the fixing whereby the position of the support bracket (1) may be adjusted relative to the fixing (4). The support structure also comprises a support element (2), the support element having a dimension (d) which is larger than the opening (15), the support element having a fixing hole (14) therethrough, the distance between the fixing hole (14) and the periphery of the support element (2) being non-uniform. The support bracket (1) has a support surface (12) adapted for engagement by the periphery of the support element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Barco NV
    Inventor: Tom Adriaan Gerard Dewaele
  • Patent number: 9546758
    Abstract: A blanket installation method includes: a transporting step of transporting a blanket unit (1), in which a blanket (2) and a transport jig (3) are integrally coupled, between an inner tank (60) and an outer tank (50) of a double shell structure tank in a suspended condition; and a mounting step of mounting the blanket unit (1) on a shell plate of the inner tank (60). The transport jig (3) is formed by attaching a blanket fixing pin (34) to a jig main body (3A) through pin coupling. The blanket (2) is held at the blanket fixing pin (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shiomi, Masaki Takahashi, Hidenori Suzuki, Satoru Nagumo, Akira Iwano
  • Patent number: 9546759
    Abstract: Natural gas is produced when LNG that is contained in an insulated LNG cargo tank(s) of a non-self-propelled LNG carrier (i.e., a barge) evaporates as a result of heat leakage through the walls of the insulated cargo tank(s). The natural gas is transferred from the barge to a tugboat or a towboat that is equipped with natural gas burning engines through a flexible gas transfer assembly so that the tugboat is powered by the natural gas fuel. The pressure in the cargo tank(s) on the barge is, therefore, effectively managed to prevent or substantially reduce the buildup of pressure within the LNG cargo tank(s). The LNG can then be contained within the LNG cargo tank(s) for an appropriate period of time and can be delivered at an appropriate and acceptable equilibrium pressure and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Argent Marine Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Van Tassel
  • Patent number: 9546760
    Abstract: A modular power generation system including a gasification reactor is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a sealing system for a continuous feed system of a gasifier enabling an inlet opening of a feedstock system to remain open yet seal the reactor without a mechanical system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ADAPTIVEARC, INC.
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan