Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9551451
    Abstract: A skid structure for a powertrain includes a pair of longitudinally extending members disposed about a central axis and in a mutually spaced apart relationship with one another. Each of the members includes a top wall; a bottom wall disposed in a spaced apart relation with the top wall; and a side wall connected at corresponding edges of the top and bottom walls to define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is configured to extend longitudinally along a length of the member and laterally along a width of the top and bottom walls. The skid structure further includes multiple gussets that are disposed within the pocket and interspaced from one another along the length of the member. Each gusset is configured to connect with at least two of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the side wall. The gussets are configured to support a weight of the powertrain thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jess Daniel Wilson, James Leonard Blase, Grace Louise Madden, Michael Colarossi
  • Patent number: 9551452
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided to protect devices from damage due to floodwaters. For example, a system includes a floating platform assembly, an apparatus securely disposed on the floating platform assembly, first and second platform retaining members connected to the floating platform assembly, and first and second vertical support members disposed on opposite sides of the floating platform assembly. Upper ends of the first and second vertical support members are connected to an outer sidewall of a dwelling, and bottom ends of the first and second vertical support members are fixedly secured at ground level. The first and second platform retaining members insertably receive the first and second vertical support members, respectively. The first and second platform retaining members are configured to slide along the respective first and second vertical support members when the floating platform assembly vertically rises and lowers in response to a changing level of floodwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: James V. Thorne
  • Patent number: 9551453
    Abstract: A system for mounting a flat panel television or display to a surface such as a wall. A base plate is configured to operatively connect to a surface, while an adapter plate is configured to operatively connect to a display device. A plurality of connecting arms are used to operatively connect the base plate to the adapter plate. Each of the plurality of connecting arms includes a base plate engagement portion slidably engageable with slots in the base plate and an adapter plate engagement portion operatively connected to the adapter plate. Movement of the base plate engagement portions within the base plate's slots results in a translational movement of the adapter plate relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PEERLESS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: James D. Walters
  • Patent number: 9551454
    Abstract: An electronic device holder is provided. In one aspect, a strap or a back plate, such as a molded plastic strap, is provided to facilitate holding an electronic device. In another aspect, a device cradle is provided that can hold an electronic device and facilitate retention and management of associated device cables. In another aspect, the strap or back plate can comprise a set of connector stations that conform to a standardized form-factor, wherein the connector stations are adapted to accept a standardized insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Dean Lipke, Charles Bragg
  • Patent number: 9551455
    Abstract: A system for releasably engaging equipment to the rear of a snow plow blade comprises a receiving location on a rear side of a snow plow blade, the receiving location comprising first and second ramp structures that define inclined ramps, and a retaining structure disposed between and above the ramp structures. The retaining structure is shaped and dimensioned such that, when the piece of equipment is in the receiving location, the retaining structure releasably engages a cross member structure of the equipment to suspend the piece of equipment above the ground via the cross member structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: David Anthony Collings
  • Patent number: 9551456
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a nut plate with a plurality of retention tabs integrally attached to the nut plate. A spring assembly is contained with the plurality of retention tabs. The apparatus also includes a nut retained by the retention tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Peters, Brandon T. Slaney, Gonazlo F. Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9551457
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus (10) for connection to a flange (52) of a post (50). The flange (52) comprises two or more elongated apertures (54) therethrough which are spaced out along the length of the flange. The apparatus comprises a body (12) from which there extends two sets of projections (14A&B) and (16A&B). Each projection in each set respectively extends from the body to a distal end (18). Each of the sets (14), (16) comprises two projections A&B which extend from the body so as to define a recess R therebetween which is configured to receive the flange (52) therein. The distal ends (18) of the two projections (14) or (16) in a given set are able to locate in adjacency of a respective one of the elongated apertures (54) in the flange. At least one of the distal ends of at least one the projections comprises a passage (20) formed thereat. The passage (20) has a profile configured in a similar manner to that of the flange elongated aperture (54) adjacent to which it can be located in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: ONESTEEL WIRE PTY LIMITED, Gallagher Group Limited
    Inventors: Graham Johns, Robert Wade, Robert Fabien, Lawrence O'Toole
  • Patent number: 9551458
    Abstract: A pivot bearing unit (18), having a pneumatic braking device (21) with a first and second bearing part (22, 23), which are embodied as rotatable relative to one another, wherein the braking device (21) is activatable by means of compressed air (36) via a compressed air supply line (10). The braking device (21) is provided with a brake hose (1), embedded in a bearing plate (14), in the first bearing part (22), and the brake hose (1) expands as a result of subjection to compressed air (36) with a motion (8) in the direction of a free end (16) and, via an axially movable switching ring (2), exerts a force (17) on at least one brake block (6) of the second bearing part (23), for transmitting a braking moment (15) between the first and second bearing parts (22, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ondal Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Knappe, Erhard Lux
  • Patent number: 9551459
    Abstract: Ultraportable support (A, B, B?, C, D, E), comprising at least two feet (2) attached by means of hinges (3) allowing rotation of said feet (2), a locking system (5) of the hinges (3) allowing to maintain the feet (2) into different angular positions, the support further comprises at least two straps (4) whose width is substantially constant over the entire length, each of the straps (4) being attached to the two opposed feet (2) at a location of the foot distant from the hinges (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NEWCONCEPTS S.À.R.L. & CO, S.E.C.S.
    Inventor: André Heyen
  • Patent number: 9551460
    Abstract: A bearing system includes a bearing housing configured to house a bearing, the bearing housing enclosing a free volume for receiving lubricant, a quantity of the lubricant in the free volume, a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter affecting a degradation rate at which the lubricant will degrade and to produce at least one output signal indicative of the measured at least one parameter, a pump for pumping lubricant into the bearing housing, and a controller configured to receive the at least one output signal from the sensor and to control the pump based a function of the received at least one output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul George Conley, Bryan Uncapher, Joe T Inciong
  • Patent number: 9551461
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a natural gas filling station comprising a dispenser; a structure covering the dispenser and having a canopy top; at least one tank disposed on the canopy top, the tank having at least one gas therein comprising CNG or LNG; and at least one line between the tank and the dispenser for communicating the gas between the tank and the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BOYER, INC.
    Inventor: Mark L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 9551462
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing hydrocarbons from production fluids that have water as an external phase. A method for transporting a hydrocarbon through a pipeline includes injecting water into a production stream at a production center. The production stream includes a hydrocarbon, and the water injection forms a transportation stream that includes a water external phase. The transportation stream is flowed through a transportation line to a surface facility, wherein the transportation line comprises a plurality of static mixers spaced at intervals along the transportation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Jason W. Lachance, Douglas J. Turner, Richard F. Stoisits, Larry D. Talley
  • Patent number: 9551463
    Abstract: A retrofit LED lighting system with a combination of a directional downlight component and an indirect uplight component is provided. The system comprises light emitting diodes arranged so as to replicate the function of a legacy light source in a transparent or translucent fixture housing. The LED lamp includes upwards facing LEDs emitting light upwards, and a translucent stem covering the uplight LEDs to allow the light from the LEDs to pass through it. Advantageously, the LED lamp with uplight component and a transparent/translucent stem allows the light to be directed upwards and hence, avoids having a sharp cut-off of light appearing in the middle of the reflector fixture and also avoids a lack of uplight shone on the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LUNERA LIGHTING INC.
    Inventors: Don Barnetson, Daryl Cheim, John X. Zhang, Ardeshir Esmaeili
  • Patent number: 9551464
    Abstract: A low profile LED lamp with high efficient heat dissipation is disclosed. Each of the lead frame unit has a left top metal section, left middle metal section, right top metal section, and a top-down tapered metal section. The top-down tapered metal section is bent inwards to form a lead frame bottom cup which is suitable for fitting in the low profile LED lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: UNILED LIGHTING TAIWAN INC.
    Inventors: Po-Cheng Yang, Ming-Te Lin, Ming-Yao Lin
  • Patent number: 9551465
    Abstract: An LED lamp or LED lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposed major surfaces configured to propagate light by total internal reflection and a light input edge extending between the major surfaces. A light source is adjacent to the light input edge and is configured to edge light the light guide. In some embodiments, the light source is moveable relative to the light input edge, and the spectrum of the light output from the light guide may be adjusted by movement of the light source relative to the light input edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. McCollum, Laszlo A. Takacs, Gregg M. Podojil, Matthew R. Wancata, Fumitomo Hide, Christopher R. Ruhland, Jeffery R. Parker
  • Patent number: 9551466
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for producing mixed light in a direct-view luminaire. The luminaire includes a plurality of light sources (132) that, in combination, are configured to generate a plurality of different colors of light, a first light mixing chamber (110) and at least one second light mixing chamber (120) in light communication with the first mixing chamber through at least one opening (134). At least one directly viewable light exit surface (112) is coupled to the first light mixing chamber. The light sources are contained in the second light mixing chamber(s), which is configured to prevent light emitted from the light sources from directly impinging on the light exit surface(s). The first light mixing chamber and the light exit surface(s) are configured to mix the light emitted from the light sources such that all light exiting the light exit surface(s) is substantially uniform in brightness and color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Isaac Goldstein, Eric Anthony Roth, Brian Roberge
  • Patent number: 9551467
    Abstract: The present invention provides a white light source comprising: a blue light emitting diode (blue LED) having a light emission peak wavelength in a range of 421 to 490 nm; and a phosphor layer including phosphor and resin, wherein the white light source satisfies a relational equation of ?0.2?[(P(?)×V(?))/(P(?max1)×V(?max1))?(B?)×V(?))/(B(?max2)×V(?max2))]?+0.2, assuming that: a light emission spectrum of the white light source is P(?); a light emission spectrum of black-body radiation having a same color temperature as that of the white light source is B(?); a spectrum of a spectral luminous efficiency is V(?); a wavelength at which P(?)×V(?) becomes largest is ?max1; and a wavelength at which B(?)×V(?) becomes largest is ?max2, and wherein an amount of chromaticity change on CIE chromaticity diagram from a time of initial lighting up of the white light source to a time after the white light source is continuously lighted up for 6000 hours is less than 0.010.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Yamakawa, Yasuhiro Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 9551468
    Abstract: A visible light spectrum and light source apparatus are described that provide over 90% of their total radiant power within the 385 nm-530 nm and the 570 nm-820 nm spectral ranges, collectively. The objective of the light spectrum and apparatus is to improve the visibility and shape of a wider range of objects than is practical using conventional LED white light sources at similar radiant power conditions. The new light source can provide good Scotopic or Mesopic at low power levels compared to most other light sources for illumination. One illustrative embodiment of this new spectrum and light source provides a full visible light spectrum with at least 6% of the highest peak radiant power of all wavelengths between 405 nm-730 nm, and another illustrative embodiment provides a similar full spectrum between 440 nm and 730 nm. In both embodiments, the average radiant power in the 475-510 nm cyan spectral region is at least 2-times the average radiant power in the 530-570 nm spectral region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gary W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9551469
    Abstract: Linear lighting fixtures intended to be incorporated into thin architectural surfaces, interconnected and configurable as a continuous run with potential to follow the direction of adjacent planar surface in three dimensional spaces while maintaining the structural integrity of the supporting framework within the scope of the majority of building code specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Valerica Grigore
  • Patent number: 9551470
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to an electric flameless candle, comprising a body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The electric flameless candle further comprising a light source operably connected to the body and positioned to be generally protruding from an exterior surface of the body, the light source comprising a plurality of illuminators electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates the movement of a real candle's flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Li
  • Patent number: 9551471
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system (1) comprising at least 16 lighting units (100) arranged in a grid (2) with in at least one direction center-to-center distances (d) between nearest neighbor lighting units (100) in the range of 4-16 mm, wherein each lighting unit (100) comprises a light source (110) and an optical element (20) configured to control a beam shape of light (101) generated by the light source (110), wherein each lighting unit (100) is conjured to generate said light (101) having a luminous flux of at least 100 lm and wherein the lighting system comprises as one luminous surface a plurality of grids (2), wherein between two nearest neighbor grids (2) an intermediate region (300) without a lighting unit (100) is configured, and with in at least one direction a shortest distance (d3) between nearest neighbor grids (2) of at least 35 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Maurice Alexander Hugo Donners
  • Patent number: 9551472
    Abstract: A rotary electronic candle, including a candle body having a hollow cavity with a candle wick, the candle wick including a battery box base, a plurality of fixing columns, a motor fixing ring, a cover plate, a motor, a rotating shaft, a light source plate and a hemispherical cover. The fixing columns are fixed at the upper end of the battery box base, the motor fixing ring is located between the plurality of fixing columns, and the cover plate is covered on the upper end face of the motor fixing ring. A through hole is formed in the center of the cover plate, the motor is installed in the motor fixing ring, the rotating shaft is connected with the motor shaft of the motor and penetrates through the through hole, and the light source plate is fixed on the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NANTONG YA TAI CANDLE ARTS & CRAFTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yingqi Ding
  • Patent number: 9551473
    Abstract: A lighting device for a motor vehicle includes a light source for sending out a light beam. The lighting device also includes a lightguide of elongated shape made of a plastic, primarily transparent material for guiding the light beam, while a portion of a mantle of the lightguide forms an exit surface for emergence of rays of light of the light beam, wherein another portion of the mantle of the lightguide opposite the exit surface is at least partly provided with a diffuse means formed by a nontransparent coating or foil pressed against the mantle of the lightguide, or joined to a diffuse means of the plastic primarily nontransparent material in the process of injection molding of the plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: VARROC LIGHTING SYSTEMS, S.R.O.
    Inventors: Tomas Gloss, Petr Ferbas
  • Patent number: 9551474
    Abstract: A wavelength conversion member includes: a heat conducting layer; a sapphire substrate having a third surface directly contact with a second surface of the heat conducting layer and the fourth surface opposite to the third surface; and a phosphor layer having a fifth surface directly contact with the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface, the phosphor layer including phosphor. At least one of an area of a first surface and an area of the second surface of the heat conducting layer is at least 2800 times as large as an area of the sixth surface of the phosphor layer. At least one of an area of the third surface and an area of the fourth surface of the sapphire substrate is at least two times as large as the area of the sixth surface of the phosphor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Nagao, Seigo Shiraishi, Yoshihisa Nagasaki, Nobuyasu Suzuki, Kazuhiko Yamanaka, Kiyoshi Morimoto, Takahiro Hamada
  • Patent number: 9551475
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Soemantri Widagdo
  • Patent number: 9551476
    Abstract: A luminous flux control member (100) has: a light input region (110), to which light having been outputted from a light emitting element (210) is inputted; and a light output region (150), from which the light having been inputted from the light input region (110) is outputted. The input region (110) has: a refracting section (120); a reflection fresnel lens section (130), which is positioned outside of the refracting section (120); and a reflecting surface (140), which is positioned outside of the reflection fresnel lens section (130). The reflecting surface (140) reflects, toward the light output region (150), the light which has been inputted to the reflection fresnel lens section (130), and which has not been reflected (the light leaked from the reflection fresnel lens section (130)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Saito
  • Patent number: 9551477
    Abstract: An LED bulb has more than one movable level that can change position to avoid blocking or interference with heat dissipation, light emission or projection, or control signal transmission. The LED bulb offers nearby and far away illumination or any combination of other light effects, image projection, or digital data image display, and may function in response to a power failure remote control or control by an infrared controller, Bluetooth controller, WiFi, Internet, or app software control, or a motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 9551478
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device includes a first frame, on which a light source unit is mounted, a second frame disposed at a front of the first frame and holding a lens, and a third frame disposed between the first frame and the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are fixed to each other to configure an integral main frame, and the third frame and the main frame are connected to each other via an elastic deformation part to be displaceable relatively in a front-rear direction at a connecting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohno, Masahisa Nishio
  • Patent number: 9551479
    Abstract: A method for producing an illuminant is specified, in which a positioning device (3) holds an optoelectronic semiconductor component (1) inside a tolerance range (4) on the upper side of a connection carrier (2) during the mechanical fixation and electrical connecting of the optoelectronic semiconductor component (1) to the connection carrier (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Groetsch, Frank Singer
  • Patent number: 9551480
    Abstract: There is herein described an LED lamp suitable for replacing conventional fluorescent lamps. The LED lamp has a tubular body and a flexible circuit board as compared to the rigid circuit boards used in other similar lamps. The flexible circuit board has a plurality of LEDs, electric circuitry for powering the LEDs, and a curvature that is maintained by a retention means. The curvature of the flexible circuit board substantially corresponds to the curvature of the tubular body which places the LEDs further away from the front surface of the lamp thereby allowing for improved diffusion and light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Richard Speer, Kenneth Grossman
  • Patent number: 9551481
    Abstract: A sensing lamp comprises a light body and a sensing module. The light body has a light source. The sensing module connected to the light body comprises a sensing unit and a cover. The sensing unit has at least one sensor, a control circuit and at least one parameter adjusting element. The sensor and the parameter adjusting element are electrically coupled to the control circuit, and respectively provided to the front-side and the back-side of the sensing unit. The control circuit is disposed in the sensing unit. The sensing unit and the light body are rotatably connected. The sensor of the sensing unit is not covered by the cover when the sensing unit is rotated to a first angle. The parameter adjusting element is not covered by the cover when the sensing unit is rotated to a second angle, thus the user can manipulate the parameter adjusting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 9551482
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly includes a housing having an interior surface, a ballast mounted on the interior surface of the housing, a first reflector releasably coupled to the interior surface of the housing, the ballast being substantially enclosed between the housing and the first reflector when the first reflector is in a first, closed position and being exposed when the first reflector is in a second, open position spaced from at least a portion of the interior surface, a lens releasably coupled to the housing, the first reflector being substantially enclosed between the lens and the housing when the lens is in a first, closed position and substantially exposed when the lens is in a second, open position. This construction provides relatively easy and quick access to the ballast for replacement and from below the fixture if it is mounted in or on the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan D. Seward, Martin C. Werr, David J. Rector, Randy K. Lewis, Raymond A. Brown
  • Patent number: 9551483
    Abstract: A multiple cable disconnect includes a housing having a separable mating end and a wire terminating end configured to receive wires of power cables. The housing has a plurality of terminal chambers with terminals therein. The terminals each have a base, a mating contact extending from the base and a wire contact extending from the base. The mating contact has a mating pad defining a separable mating interface for the terminal for mating with a corresponding mating terminal of the mating connector. The wire contact has plural wire interfaces for mating with plural wires such that plural wires are configured to be terminated to and commoned with each terminal. Wire retention springs are received in the housing each having at least one spring arm defining a wire trap with the corresponding wire contact. The spring arms are releasable to release the wires from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Mostoller, Christopher George Daily
  • Patent number: 9551484
    Abstract: An electric lamp comprises a lighting module, a pin comprising an electric contact for powering the lighting module, and an insulating sleeve surrounding the pin and movable along the pin between a covering position and an uncovering position. Further, the sleeve covers the electric contact of the pin when in the covering position, and is retractable against the action of a biasing means to the uncovering position, in which the sleeve uncovers at least a portion of said electric contact of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Petrus Marinus Dingemans, Allart Van Den Berg, Pieter Joseph Clara Van Der Wel
  • Patent number: 9551485
    Abstract: A method for controlling an NOx concentration in an exhaust gas in a combustion facility by: measuring a reaction velocity ki of each of a plurality of chars, each corresponding to a plurality of types of pulverized coals; determining a relationship between the NOx concentration in the exhaust gas and the reaction velocity ki for each of the chars; (iii) blending the plurality of the types of the pulverized coal, wherein a blending ratio of the plurality of the types of the pulverized coal is determined by using, as an index, a reaction velocity kblend of the char of the blended pulverized coal, which corresponds to a target NOx concentration or below, on the basis of the relationship; and supplying the blended pulverized coal to the combustion facility as the fuel of the combustion facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Takayama, Hirokazu Shima
  • Patent number: 9551486
    Abstract: An automated torch for generating and sustaining a flame is provided that includes a head, the head including a burning chamber, the burning chamber being open to the atmosphere and weather elements to expose the flame to the atmosphere and weather elements, a pole, a valve, a programmable computer module, the module configured to convert a low voltage to a high voltage, the module further configured to actuate a valve, the module still further configured to control the rotation of the valve to vary the amount of fuel introduced into the burning chamber to modify the aesthetics of the flame, a sleeve nut, the sleeve nut configured to be adjustable to control the amount of air introduced in the burning chamber to modify the aesthetics of the flame, at least one fuel supply tube, a diffuser assembly and an igniter. The igniter positioned within the burning chamber and the igniter including an anode and a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Kaz Jackow
  • Patent number: 9551487
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses may involve a burner configured to burn gas to produce burned gas and output radiant heat. A gas valve controlled by the system can regulate the flow of gas to the burner. A heat exchanger associated with a thermal cycle can be used to heat a working fluid of the thermal cycle. The heat exchanger positioned out of a convective heat flow from the burner. A heat valve between the burner and the heat exchanger can be selectively adjustable to adjust heat transfer to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Access Energy LLC
    Inventors: Parsa Mirmobin, Dennis Strouse
  • Patent number: 9551488
    Abstract: A flat burner has at an upper end thereof a rectangular flame port portion which has a straightening member with a plurality of straightening plates laterally disposed in parallel with one another. The straightening member has contact portions in which the straightening plates are brought into contact with one another at a plurality of longitudinal positions to thereby longitudinally segregate the flame port passages that are defined by each of the straightening plates. Out of the contact portions of the laterally inside straightening plates defining the laterally center-side flame port passages of the flame port portion, at least lower half of the contact portions that are positioned at least in predetermined longitudinal portions is formed into an inverse triangle as seen in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: RINNAI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Akagi
  • Patent number: 9551489
    Abstract: An annular combustion chamber for a turbine engine, the chamber including an inner wall and an outer wall forming surfaces of revolution, the walls being connected together by a chamber end wall fitted with a fuel injection mechanism, each of the inner and outer walls including primary holes and dilution holes situated downstream from the primary holes in a gas flow direction, the primary and dilution holes being regularly distributed around the circumference of the inner and outer walls. The outer wall has a greater number of dilution holes than the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Matthieu Francois Rullaud, Michel Pierre Cazalens
  • Patent number: 9551490
    Abstract: A system for cooling a fuel injector extending into a combustion gas flow field includes a liner that defines a combustion gas flow path within a combustor and a fuel injector that extends through the liner. The fuel injector includes a main body having an annular first portion that extends outward from the liner and a second portion that extends from the first portion inward into the combustion gas flow path. The main body defines a cooling channel that is fully circumscribed within the main body and that extends between the first portion and the second portion. A cooling air inlet is defined within the annular first portion and is in fluid communication with the cooling channel. A cooling air outlet is in fluid communication with the cooling channel and is defined within the second portion downstream from the cooling air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Martin DiCintio, Patrick Benedict Melton
  • Patent number: 9551491
    Abstract: The invention relates a method for mixing a dilution air with a hot main flow in a sequential combustion system of a gas turbine, wherein the gas turbine essentially comprises at least one compressor, a first combustor which is connected downstream to the compressor, and a second combustor. The hot gases of the first combustor are admitted to at least one intermediate turbine or directly or indirectly to at least one second combustor, wherein the hot gases of the second combustor are admitted to a further turbine or directly or indirectly to an energy recovery device. The method comprises a coaxial injection of first combustor liner cooling air with second combustor liner cooling air, the first combustor liner cooling air having a sufficient excess pressure margin with respect to the second combustor liner cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Adnan Eroglu, Ewald Freitag
  • Patent number: 9551492
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The combustor is coupled to the compressor and disposed downstream of the compressor. The combustor includes a secondary combustor section coupled to a primary combustor section and disposed downstream of the primary combustor section. The combustor also includes a transition nozzle coupled to the secondary combustor section and disposed downstream of the secondary combustor section. The combustor further includes an injector coupled to the secondary combustor section, for injecting an air-fuel mixture to the secondary combustor section. The turbine is coupled to the combustor and disposed downstream of the transition nozzle; wherein the transition nozzle is oriented substantially tangential to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joel Meier Haynes, Narendra Digamber Joshi, Huijuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9551493
    Abstract: An over having an improved exhaust structure capable of discharging a fluid of the inside of a cooking chamber at a constant rate, the oven including a cooking chamber cooking food, a machine chamber disposed at an upper side of the cooking chamber and accommodating an electronic component, a cooling fan unit disposed at an inside of the machine chamber to cool the machine chamber, and a flow passage guide communicating with an inside the cooking chamber and an inside of the cooling fan unit such that a fluid of the inside of the cooking chamber is introduced to the inside of the cooling fan unit, wherein the cooling fan unit includes a cooling fan configured to suck a fluid of the inside the machine chamber and blow the fluid to the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Ho Lee, Eun Oh Kim, Cheol Jin Kim, Guen Yong Park, Nam Soo Park, Ho Yeun Lee
  • Patent number: 9551494
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oven appliance with a bracket for attaching a component such as a fan motor to the oven appliance. One or more features are provided for minimizing the transfer of heat from the oven appliance, through the bracket, to the component. In certain embodiments, a bracket having a plurality of bracket attachment elements, a plurality of motor attachment elements, and a plurality of slots is configured to define a nonlinear path for the transfer of heat from the oven appliance to the fan motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin Glenn Zehr
  • Patent number: 9551495
    Abstract: A first tracking module increments a first period of time when a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building is ON during a predetermined period of time. A second tracking module increments a second period of time when, during the predetermined period of time: (i) the HVAC system is ON and (ii) a split temperature of the HVAC system is outside of a temperature range of the HVAC system. A grade determination module determines a grade of the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time based on both the first period of time and the second period of time. A reporting module generates a displayable report for the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time. The report includes the grade of the HVAC system for the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: Priotomo Abiprojo
  • Patent number: 9551496
    Abstract: An induction-displacement neutral wall air terminal unit includes a housing defining a supply airflow path, a connected return airflow path, and a heating airflow path separated from the supply and return airflow paths by at least one interior wall. The unit also includes a plurality of induction-type nozzles located within the supply airflow path, that are deliver a ventilation air flow stream into the supply air flow path. The nozzles induce a return air flow stream through the return air flow path that mixes with the ventilation air flow stream to form a supply air flow stream delivered to a supply air outlet. A heating element is disposed within the heating airflow path to heat air within the heating air flow path. A plurality of fans may be placed within the heating airflow path to increase the overall heating capacity of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel P. McCarty
  • Patent number: 9551497
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generation device that includes an elongate housing having a back portion and a pair of side portions extending from the back portion and forming a cavity therein. A conductive portion is disposed within the cavity and connected to a power supply for providing power to the conductive portion. A plurality of tines are engaged to the conductive portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Global Plasma Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Houston Waddell
  • Patent number: 9551498
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner having improved structures of suction, discharge and/or flow passages which may increase operation efficiency, reduce noises and realize a compact size. The indoor unit includes a housing comprising a front panel and a rear panel coupled to a rear portion of the front panel, at least one discharge outlet exposed to a front of the front panel, at least one suction inlet formed in the rear panel at a position corresponding to the discharge outlet, at least one heat exchanger disposed at a front portion of the suction inlet to absorb heat from air introduced through the suction inlet or transfer heat to the air introduced through the suction inlet, and at least one diagonal flow fan disposed between the heat exchanger and the discharge outlet to suction air passing through the heat exchanger and discharge the air through the discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Ho Kim, Jin Baek Kim, Yeon Seob Yun, Tae Duk Kim, Woo Seog Song, Moon Sun Shin, Hae Gyun Shin, Ki Pyo Ahn, Joon Ho Yoon, Min Gi Cho, Jae Youn Cho, Sun Muk Choi, Hyoung Seo Choi, Dong Gi Han, Jin Woo Hong, Jun Hwang
  • Patent number: 9551499
    Abstract: A buttressed hinge assembly or a flexible hinge assembly adjusts to fit a vent on a wall or a roof in order to hold a fan thereon, which fan is especially suitable for a restaurant roof or wall. The hinge assembly attaches to a roof or wall vent to hold the fan in a proper position, yet permits the fan to be easily moved for cleaning of vent and the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Omni Containment Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Robert Chwala
  • Patent number: 9551500
    Abstract: A device for generating an air wall comprises a primary blower slit for generating a flat primary air stream in a passage opening mutually separating two spaces with different temperatures. Two adjacent air streams with the same direction and speed are added to the primary air stream. The primary air stream has a temperature between those of the secondary air streams. The absolute humidity of the air of the primary air stream is at least equal to that of the cold secondary air stream and lower than that of the warm secondary air stream. The air speed of the primary air stream amounts to at least 15 m/s. The width of the primary blower slit lies in the range of 15-40 mm. The length of the primary blower slit in the direction of the air stream lies roughly in the range of 5-40 cm, preferably 10-30 cm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HANDELSMAATSCHAPPIJ WILLY DEWEERDT BVBA
    Inventors: Ernest J. Berben, Peter J. Deweerdt