Patents Issued in February 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9573244
    Abstract: An elastic membrane capable of precisely controlling a polishing profile in a narrow area of a wafer edge portion is disclosed. The elastic membrane includes a contact portion to be brought into contact with a substrate; a first edge circumferential wall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the contact portion; and a second edge circumferential wall having a horizontal portion connected to an inner circumferential surface of the first edge circumferential wall. The inner circumferential surface of the first edge circumferential wall includes an upper inner circumferential surface and a lower inner circumferential surface, both of which are perpendicular to the contact portion. The upper inner circumferential surface extends upwardly from the horizontal portion of the second edge circumferential wall, and the lower inner circumferential surface extends downwardly from the horizontal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Fukushima, Hozumi Yasuda, Keisuke Namiki, Osamu Nabeya, Shingo Togashi, Satoru Yamaki, Shintaro Isono
  • Patent number: 9573245
    Abstract: A polishing method includes: rotating a polishing table that supports a polishing pad; polishing a conductive film by pressing a substrate having the conductive film against the polishing pad; obtaining a film thickness signal with use of an eddy current film-thickness sensor disposed in the polishing table; determining a thickness of the polishing pad based on the film thickness signal; determining a polishing rate of the conductive film corresponding to the determined thickness of the polishing pad; calculating an expected amount of polishing of the conductive film to be polished at the determined polishing rate for a predetermined polishing time; calculating a temporary end-point film thickness by adding the expected amount of polishing to a target thickness; and terminating polishing of the conductive film when the predetermined polishing time has elapsed from a point of time when the thickness of the conductive film has reached the temporary end-point film thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Taro Takahashi, Yasumitsu Kawabata
  • Patent number: 9573246
    Abstract: A condition setting process of determining peening conditions for water jet peening on a peening target object, an analysis process of analyzing a jet when a liquid is jetted from a nozzle model to a peening target object model and obtaining a void rate that is a volume rate of air bubbles contained in a unit volume of the liquid and a collapse rate that is a volume of the air bubbles collapsing in a unit time in the unit volume of the liquid in each position on a surface of the peening target object model, a shock pressure correlation value calculation process of obtaining a shock pressure correlation value that is a product of the void rate and the collapse rate in each position, and a range calculation process of obtaining an effective processing range in which the shock pressure correlation value on the surface of the peening target object model is greater than a predetermined value, based on the shock pressure correlation value in each position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takaharu Maeguchi, Takahiro Ota, Tomoshige Takata, Hideki Madokoro, Hiroshi Kanasaki, Nobuyuki Hori
  • Patent number: 9573247
    Abstract: A method of shot peening according to the present invention includes: placing a jig having an appropriate dimension at one face side of a stamped workpiece; and performing shot peening on another face side of the workpiece in a state where the jig is placed at the one face side of the workpiece, and conforming the workpiece to the jig. At this time, the shot peening may be performed in such a way that residual stresses in the inner side and the outer side of the curved part of the workpiece will become compressive stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuji Egawa, Takashi Umehara, Hiromi Tomoto
  • Patent number: 9573248
    Abstract: An abrasive recycling system is provided. The abrasive recycling system includes a vacuum, wherein the vacuum is variably positioned in relation to a mixture of dry abrasive and foreign material and is configured to extract foreign material from the mixture during abrasive recycling performed by an abrasive recycler. Methodology corresponding to the removal of foreign objects by an abrasive recycling system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zulluboy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan James Bernard, Adam Paul Carder
  • Patent number: 9573249
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a composite product includes: a matrix material including hexagonal boron nitride and one or more borate binders; and a plurality of cubic boron nitride particles dispersed in the matrix material. According to another embodiment, a composite product includes: a matrix material including hexagonal boron nitride and amorphous boron nitride; and a plurality of cubic boron nitride particles dispersed in the matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Kuntz, German F. Ellsworth, Fritz J. Swenson, Patrick G. Allen
  • Patent number: 9573250
    Abstract: Ceramic shaped abrasive particles have four major sides joined by six common edges. Each one of the four major sides contacts three other of the four major sides. The six common edges have substantially the same length. Methods of making the ceramic shaped particle are disclosed. The ceramic shaped abrasive particles are useful for abrading a surface of a workpiece. An abrasive article includes the ceramic shaped abrasive particles retained in a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark G. Schwabel, Maiken Givot, Negus B. Adefris
  • Patent number: 9573251
    Abstract: A gear grasping device includes a main body, a first jaw, a second jaw, and an adjustment means. The main body is provided with a curved portion accompanied with an opening. The first jaw and the second jaw are disposed on the main body. The opening is arranged between the first jaw and the second jaw. By the adjustment means, position of the first jaw is changeable for adjusting a jaw span between the first jaw and the second jaw. Therefore, the gear grasping device is fit for sizes of gears, and is operation-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jun-Fan Chen
  • Patent number: 9573252
    Abstract: A nut driver for driving a nut within a range of nut sizes includes a housing. An open driver end thereof assumes a largest size of the nut sizes, and a selector end thereof terminates in a rotational knob that is positionable at any of a number of selectable radial positions. A cam is rotationally fixed with the knob and within the housing and terminates at a forward end with a selector ramp. A plurality of plungers are each slidably fixed within the housing and at a rear end thereof engage the selector ramp. Each plunger terminates at a forward end at a notched socket selector. A plurality of nested sockets each assume one of the different nut sizes and are slidably movable by at least one of the elongated plungers between a forward position within the open driver end of the housing and a rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Uttaran Hazarika
  • Patent number: 9573253
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench structure includes a main body provided therein with a ratchet wheel, an actuating member and a restraining block positioned between the ratchet wheel and the actuating member. The restraining member has one side provided with two recessed portions, and the actuating member is provided with a position-limiting groove corresponding with the recessed portion, and an elastic member. When the actuating member is rotated, the elastic member will be actuated to push the recessed portion to have its front edge longitudinally and evenly pressing the recessed portion to enable the elastic member to support the restraining block in its entirety. Further, when the restraining block is stressed by rotation of the ratchet wheel, the restraining block can carry out reciprocating movement because of extension and contraction of the elastic member. Thus, the ratchet wrench structure can be simplified in number of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 9573254
    Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, an impact tool may comprise an impact mechanism including a hammer and an anvil. The hammer may be configured to rotate about an axis and to translate along the axis to impact the anvil to cause rotation of the anvil about the axis. The impact tool may further comprise a motor, a drive train, an inertial sensor, and an electronic controller. The drive train may be configured to transfer rotation from the motor to the hammer of the impact mechanism. The inertial sensor may be configured to sense an acceleration of the drive train along the axis. Further, the electronic controller may be operably coupled to the motor and to the inertial sensor and configured to decrease a rotational speed of the motor in response to determining that the acceleration of the drive train has exceeded a threshold acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Jason Christopher Bartoszek
  • Patent number: 9573255
    Abstract: The present application is directed towards bit holders. The bit holders include a main shaft, a sleeve, a collet and a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy Pamatmat
  • Patent number: 9573256
    Abstract: A torque screwdriver includes: a main body having a transverse handle section and a vertical tubular section, the handle section being formed with an internal passage having two cavities respectively formed on two sides of the tubular section; the tubular section being formed with an internal axial space; an operation stem, several ratchets and several recesses being disposed at a top end of the operation stem, each ratchet having a long tooth face and a short tooth face, the long tooth face having a slope smaller than a slope of the short tooth face; the operation stem being mounted in the main body; two elastic abutment assemblies respectively mounted in the two cavities to elastically press two abutment members to elastically contact the operation stem; and at least two support rings disposed between the operation stem and the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9573257
    Abstract: A handheld power tool, in particular an electric handheld power tool, includes an actuable drive device configured to drive a tool and an illumination device. The illumination device is connected to an acceleration sensor and varies its generated light depending on movements of the handheld power tool that are detected by the acceleration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kynast, Guenter Lohr
  • Patent number: 9573258
    Abstract: A pulling head work station for attaching the lugs of pulling heads to cables, so that the cables may be pulled simultaneously through a conduit. The pulling head work station includes staggered cable receiving jigs, each jig having two clamps to hold a corresponding cable in place during attachment of a pulling lug. A chop saw to cut the cables and a crimper to secure a pulling lug to each stripped end portion of a cable may be slidably mounted to a work surface of the work station. A wire stripper may be removably attached to the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CERRO WIRE LLC
    Inventors: Douglas P. Henderson, Joshua K. Young, Jeffery D. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9573259
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling tool includes a first member and a second member. The second member is slidably affixed to the first member. The quick-connect coupling tool further includes a first pair of prongs and a second pair of prongs, the first pair of prongs is affixed to the first member, oriented in a first direction, and orthogonal to the first member. The second pair of prongs is affixed to the first member, oriented in the first direction, and orthogonal to the second member. The quick-connect coupling tool includes a first urging means for urging the first pair of prongs and the second pair of prongs apart and a second urging means for urging the first pair of prongs and the second pair of prongs together. The first urging means and the second urging means are affixed to the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan N. Elsasser, Mateusz P. Koziol, Charles E. Mellinger, Annam K. Nguyen, Enrico A. Romano, Paul Samaniego, Robert Weiss
  • Patent number: 9573260
    Abstract: An automatic fastening device includes a driving mechanism for driving a double-headed fastener and a magazine for receiving and delivering the double-headed fastener to the driving mechanism. The magazine includes a first channel that receives a first head of the fastener and a second channel that receives a second head of the same fastener. The first and second channels guide the fastener along the magazine and toward an actuation component of the driving mechanism for driving the fastener into an object. A plurality of double-headed fasteners are inserted into the magazine, guided by the magazine to the driving mechanism, and driven one at a time into an object such that the first head of the fasteners extends from the object for easy removal of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Arthur R. Walters, Jr., Eric E. Brown
  • Patent number: 9573262
    Abstract: A hammer drill serving as an impact tool is provided with a crank housing that accommodates a crankshaft, and a cylinder accommodated in the crank housing. Receiving portions that receive the cylinder which is pressed rearward are provided at multiple locations of the crank housing in the front-rear direction. At least one of the receiving portions is disposed to receive the rear-end portion of the cylinder. A portion of the cylinder, which is received by another one of the receiving portions is a circlip (circumferential member) made of a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Takeuchi, Masanori Furusawa, Yoshiro Tada
  • Patent number: 9573263
    Abstract: A hand-held hydraulic assembly includes a work tool having a hydraulic cylinder or main body, a ram piston disposed in the hydraulic main body and a spring or other biasing member mounted on the ram piston. An interchangeable work head is selectively engaged to the ram piston of the work tool. The ram piston is axially displaceable in the main body for actuating the work head. A quick release coupling mounted to the work tool releasably connects the interchangeable work head to the work tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Bowles, Robert M. Baracskai, Beat Schweizer, Rudolf Kreuzer, Marc Lütolf
  • Patent number: 9573264
    Abstract: The invention is based on a handheld power tool, in particular a cordless handheld power tool, having a gear unit and having a switch device for switching the gear unit. The switch device is provided with at least one user-control switch element, and at least one retaining element that is provided for acting on the user-control switch element in at least one position of the user-control switch element, with a force in the direction of at least one switch position, or for keeping the user-control switch element in at least one switch position. According to the invention, the retaining element is secured to a gear element of the gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Thorsten Schaal, Ralf Windsheimer, Jens Blum, Heiko Roehm, Tobias Herr
  • Patent number: 9573265
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arm holder for a pole-handled tool such as a broom, a mop, a squeegee, etc. that allows effective use of the pole-handled tool with only one hand. The arm holder comprises an arm grip having an arm-holding structure; and an attachment portion capable of attaching the arm grip to the pole-handled tool; wherein the arm-holding structure is capable of receiving an arm positioned within the arm-holding structure while a corresponding hand of the same arm grasps the pole handle, the pole handle acting as a lever where the corresponding hand forms a fulcrum of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Zhihong Li
  • Patent number: 9573266
    Abstract: An extension-type holder comprising a cover, a movable base, a tube and an extensible rod assembly, the cover has an eccentric rod, the movable base has an eccentric pipe, a rotating joint is disposed between the extensible rod assembly and the tube, wherein the eccentric pipe can contain the eccentric rod, the tube can contain the movable base, a holding space can be formed between a cover and a movable base when the eccentric rod and the movable base is in an extending state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CYBER POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chung-Ta Huang
  • Patent number: 9573267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a handle for a hand implement. The handle defines thumb indentations for receiving a thumb. Advantageously, the thumb can be positioned in particular thumb indentations to suit user preference or functional operation of the implement. Preferably, the handle defines a bight opposite the thumb indentations. The handle may define finger indentations in the bight. The finger indentations may be located closer a free end of the handle than the thumb indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Dominic Fegan
  • Patent number: 9573268
    Abstract: A swivel handle assembly is disclosed. The swivel handle assembly comprises a ball attachment, a fitting, a handle, and a friction pin. The handle is a hollow elongate cylinder with openings at each end of the handle. The ball attachment fits within the first end of the handle and extends through the first opening. The handle is rotatable around the ball attachment. The friction pin is inserted through the second end of the handle. The friction pin extends through the body of the handle and engages the fitting, pushing the fitting against the ball attachment. When the friction pin is fully engaged against the fitting the handle is locked into position. The user can position the handle on the ball attachment in a desired position and lock the handle in place during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick Steven Azhocar
  • Patent number: 9573269
    Abstract: A tool-holder including: a first rail and a second rail that are parallel and each of which includes first fixing elements configured for fixing said rail to the surface, a driving slide including first guiding elements configured to slide over the first rail, a drive system configured to move the driving slide along the first rail and a first fixing system, a driven slide including second guiding elements configured to provide a sliding connection with the second rail and a second fixing system, an assembly bar carrying a first complementary fixing system cooperating with the first fixing system to form a removable fixing between them, a second complementary fixing system intended to cooperate with the second fixing system to form a removable fixing between them, and a carriage having a first assembly system, and a movement system on which the carriage is fixed and that is configured to move said carriage along the assembly bar, and a support module including second fixing elements for fixing the tool and a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Fabien Albert
  • Patent number: 9573270
    Abstract: A tool holder includes a main body, a back cover and a supporting portion. The main body has a first end formed with a hanging portion and t a second end. The back cover is pivoted to the second end and is closable or expendable relative to the main body to make an inner surface thereof selectively cover or uncover one said side face of the main body. The supporting portion is movably disposed between the main body and the back cover. When the back cover is closed, the supporting portion is received between the main body and the back cover; and when the back cover is expended, two ends of the supporting portion are positionably disposed on the main body and the back cover respectively and the main body and the back cover are positioned relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yu-Hua Ou
  • Patent number: 9573271
    Abstract: A wearable apparatus for assisting muscle strength includes: a base supported on an upper body of a wearer; a support member coupled to the base and spaced forward at a predetermined distance from the base; and a wire having a first end connected to an arm of the wearer across the support member and supporting the arm of the wearer by lifting the arm in a state of being supported by the support member when a second end of the wire is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Joo Young Chun
  • Patent number: 9573272
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a positioning system 1, in particular for the structural assembly of aircraft, wherein the positioning system 1 comprises a plurality of positioners 2a, 2b, 2c, each of which has at least one manipulator M. The manipulators M grasp a component B and manipulate it in a synchronized manner, while it is jointly grasped by the manipulators M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BA Assembly & Turnkey Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Meiβner, Jens Häcker, Dirk Poppe, Nihat Biyiklioglu, Taoufik Mbarek
  • Patent number: 9573273
    Abstract: A robot simulation device for automatically generating a practical interference avoiding motion path, regardless of the level of skill of an operator. The device includes: a motion path obtaining part which obtains a first motion path by simulating a robot motion program; a teaching point specifying part which detects whether a robot interferes with a peripheral object on the first path, and specifies first and second teaching points immediately before and after the interference occurs, respectively; a motion path generating part which automatically inserts a third teaching point between the first and second points and generates second motion paths for avoiding the interference, based on a search direction and distance determined by a random number; an evaluating part which evaluates each second path based on a predetermined parameter; and a motion path selecting part which selects an optimum motion path from the second paths based on an evaluation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiya Takeda
  • Patent number: 9573274
    Abstract: An insertion method for a flexible elongate member is used to insert the flexible elongate member into a tube while causing first and second holding units to perform an opening-and-closing operation for holding and releasing the flexible elongate member. The method includes acquiring information of a distance by which the second holding unit moves with respect to the first holding unit and information of an operation type used to distinguish between insertion of the flexible elongate member into the tube, stoppage of the flexible elongate member, and extraction of the flexible elongate member from the tube; generating operation information regarding an opened/closed state of the first holding portion and an opened/closed state of the second holding portion on the basis of the distance and the operation type; and controlling the insertion, stoppage, or extraction of the flexible elongate member on the basis of the operation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuko Tsusaka, Yudai Fudaba
  • Patent number: 9573275
    Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200), comprising a robotic work tool (100), said robotic work tool (100) comprising a controller (110) being configured to cause said robotic work tool (100) to operate in a first operating mode, which first operating mode is based on a current position, said current position being determined based on signals received from a position determining device (190), such as Global Navigation Satellite System device (190); determine that said received signals are not reliable, and in response thereto cause said robotic work tool (100) to operate according to second operating mode, which second operating mode is not based on a current position being determined based on said received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Peter Reigo, Patrik Jägenstedt, Magnus Öhrlund
  • Patent number: 9573276
    Abstract: A system and method of space exploration with a human-controlled proxy robot surrogates is disclosed. The method includes: training the human controlled proxy robot surrogates using human handlers; controlling the human-controlled proxy robot surrogates using the human handlers; and deploying a plurality of human-controlled proxy robot surrogates for extraterrestrial missions, missions on Earth, the Moon, and near-Earth locations. Each of the human-controlled proxy robot surrogates are in communication with each of the human handlers and wherein each one of the plurality of proxy robot surrogates is paired with each one of the plurality of human handlers. The human-controlled proxy robot surrogates further comprise an artificial intelligence (AI). The artificial intelligence of the disclosed method includes learned behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Dean Stephens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9573277
    Abstract: The disclosed visual RRC-humanoid robot is a computer-based system that has been programmed to reach human-like levels of visualization Artificial Intelligence (AI). Behavioral-programming techniques are used to reach human-like levels of identification AI, recognition AI, visualization AI, and comprehension AI. The system is programmed to identify, recognize, visualize and comprehend the full array of sizes, distances, shapes, and colors of objects recorded in the FOV of the system. The following innovative features have been incorporated into the system: (i) incorporation of the RRC, (ii) incorporation of the Relational Correlation Sequencer (RCS): A proprietary RRC-module, (iii) a paradigm shift in the analytical-programming methodology employed in computer vision systems, (iv) incorporation of a central hub of intelligence, (v) design of a “self knowledge” capability and Internalization of all data, and (vi) design of an interface circuit compatible with human-like levels of visualization-AI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Alan Rosen, David B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 9573278
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrating tissue processors and embedding systems. An apparatus, of one aspect, includes a robot. The robot has a work envelope that encompasses a location having a tissue holder and an input of an embedding system. The tissue holder has at least one processed tissue. The robot is configured to transfer the tissue holder from the location to the input of the embedding system. A method, of one aspect, may include moving a robot to a location having a tissue holder. The tissue holder may have at least one processed tissue. The robot may engage with the tissue holder at the location. The robot may move the tissue holder from the location to an input to an embedding system. The robot may disengage from the tissue holder at the input to the embedding system. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles Lefebvre, Robert E. Evans
  • Patent number: 9573279
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus for an industrial robot includes a base unit, a first clamp unit, and a second clamp unit. The first clamp unit includes first and second claws, first and second driving sources, and first and second linear guides. The first and second driving sources move the first and second claws to the first clamp positions. The first and second linear guides movably support the first and second claws to the base unit. The second clamp unit includes third and fourth claws, third and fourth driving sources, and third and fourth linear guides. The third and fourth driving sources move the third and fourth claws to the second clamp positions. The third and fourth linear guides movably support the third and fourth claws to the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Kobori
  • Patent number: 9573280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surface area vacuum gripper for sucking and handling workpieces, comprising a housing, in which a negative pressure chamber is provided that can be subjected to negative pressure and wherein the housing comprises on the suction side, facing the workpiece, suction openings having a suction cross-section, wherein a flexible lining is associated to this suction side, which is applied to the workpiece. A film is interposed between the suction side of the housing and the flexible lining. The film includes flow openings which are locally corresponding to the suction openings, wherein the flow resistance of the suction openings is adjustable via the flow cross-section of the flow openings of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventor: Leonhard Harter
  • Patent number: 9573281
    Abstract: An industrial robot is provided with a horizontal multistage telescopic device. In the device, a slider is mounted to s base so as to be movable in a first direction and in a second direction which are opposite to each other along the horizontal direction. An output arm has an end in the second direction, the end being provided with an output arm support, and is expanded in the first direction from the output arm support. The output arm support is mounted to a slider so as to be horizontally movable in the first and second directions. The output arm has an end in the first direction, to which an end effector is mounted. A motor is mounted to an end of the slider in the second direction. A rotation transmitting member transmits torque of the motor to a second rotor of a movement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yoshinori Takahashi, Takayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 9573282
    Abstract: A folding knife with a push button assisted-open mechanism is disclosed. The folding knife comprising a handle with at least two handle sides spaced apart and defining a blade cavity; a blade pivotally connected to the handle, wherein the blade comprises a drive pin connected to and extending out from a side of the blade; a toggle component pivotally connected to at least one of the at least two handle sides at a pivot pin, wherein the toggle component comprises a retaining notch; and a spring comprising an arcuate segment along a longitudinal axis of the spring. The spring is coupled to at least one of the at least two handle sides at one end and the toggle component at another end, wherein the drive pin is positioned within the retaining notch when at least part of the blade is folded into the blade cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Neptune Trading Inc.
    Inventor: Graeme Sheahan
  • Patent number: 9573283
    Abstract: A two-part rotary knife blade (2300, 3300) for a power operated rotary knife. The knife blade (2300) includes a carrier portion (2302, 3302) and a blade portion (2350, 3350), the blade portion configured to be received in a nested relationship by the carrier portion and being releasably secured to the carrier portion by an attachment structure (2370, 3370). The attachment structure (2370, 3370) including a plurality of projections (2372, 3372) extending from one of an outer wall (2354, 3354) of the blade portion (2350, 3350) and the inner wall (2304, 3304) of the carrier portion and a plurality of sockets (2374, 3374) disposed in the other of the outer wall of the blade portion and the inner wall of the carrier portion, each of the plurality of projections being received in a respective different one of the plurality of sockets to releasably secure the blade portion to the carrier portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Thompson, Nicholas A. Mascari, Jeffrey A. Whited
  • Patent number: 9573284
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a starter notch along the length of a work-piece for subsequent fatigue testing. The starter notch is formed with a cutting wire such that it will promote fatigue-cracking in the work-piece in one defined direction and avoids cracking in directions other than the length direction of the starter notch. Improved fatigue-testing analysis may therefore be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Clinton J. Thwing, Don E. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 9573285
    Abstract: A log saw machine includes a first arm, a second arm parallel to the first arm, a shaft having a first end and an opposite second end, and a circular knife fixed on the shaft. The first end of the shaft is rotatably installed on the first arm. The second end of the shaft is rotatably installed on the second arm. The circular knife is positioned between the first and second arms, and the plane of the circular knife is parallel to the extending direction of the first and second arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Tissue Technology SRL
    Inventor: Bertoli Barsotti Giovanni
  • Patent number: 9573286
    Abstract: A dust collection system for a circular saw having a saw housing and a motor configured to rotationally drive a saw blade includes a dust collecting member and a guide mechanism. The dust collecting member includes a body having a first end in which a dust collection opening is defined and a second end operably connectable to an airflow generation device. The guide mechanism is configured to support the dust collecting member on the saw housing such that the dust collection opening remains adjacent to an outer edge of the saw blade in response to one of the dust collecting member and the guide mechanism contacting the workpiece to move the dust collecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Gantke, Hans-Joerg Hopfengart, Uwe Striggow, Ralph Dammertz, Juergen Wiker
  • Patent number: 9573287
    Abstract: A balance correction sheet corrects a whole pressure balance of a punching machine, in which a punching die and a cutting plate for receiving blade tips of the punching die are attached to be opposed to each other. A method of forming the balance correction sheets includes attaching a balance correction die having a plurality of punching blades disposed at a predetermined interval to the punching machine, intermediately inserting the blade tips of the punching blades into a middle of laminated sheets formed by laminating peelable sheets so that incisions are formed in a depth direction of the laminated sheets, and partially removing the laminated sheets depending on depths of the incisions so as to prepare the balance correction sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MAKE A BOX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuaki Asai
  • Patent number: 9573288
    Abstract: A cutting data generator includes a control device configured to obtain provisional hole arrangement data usable to arrange a plurality of provisional holes and to obtain an intercentral distance between two of the provisional holes. The provisional holes are adjacent to each other. The control device is also configured to connect the provisional holes with an auxiliary hole and to determine that the provisional holes and the auxiliary hole are contained in a group, thereby extracting an outermost outline of the group of the provisional holes arranged, when the intercentral distance between the provisional holes is not less than a sum of radii of the provisional holes and not more than a predetermined value. The control device is further configured to generate cutting data usable to cut the sheet along the outline extracted. The auxiliary hole having a smaller diameter than the provisional holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriharu Tashiro
  • Patent number: 9573289
    Abstract: Fluid jet systems, components and related methods are provided which are well adapted for processing workpieces under particularly work-friendly conditions. Embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods that reduce, minimize or eliminate a gap between a workpiece being processed and jet receiving devices that receive and dissipate the energy of a fluid jet passing through the workpiece. Other embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving fluid jet processing of workpieces in a submerged condition. Still further embodiments include fluid jet systems and related methods involving position and orientation adjustment of a fluid jet receptacle to coordinate the path of an incoming fluid jet with a central axis or other feature of the fluid jet receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hashish, Alex M. Chillman, Charles M. Brown, Steven J. Craigen
  • Patent number: 9573290
    Abstract: The transporting roller (1) has teeth (6) arranged in a distributed manner over the circumference. To allow a high advancing force to be achieved with the transporting roller (1) at the same time as an only low pressing force over a long operating time and service life, at least some of the teeth (6) comprise a main tooth (7) and at least one secondary tooth (9), which is arranged at a distance from the main tooth and has a smaller tooth tip radius (r2) than the main tooth (7). With the secondary teeth (9), there is an additional transfer of force exerted on the workpiece (2). The secondary teeth (9) limit the depth of penetration of the main teeth (7). When there is a high pressing pressure, the secondary teeth (9) penetrate partially into the work-piece (2). The main and secondary teeth (7, 9) penetrate only slightly into the workpiece (2), and so only a small amount of material has to be removed to eliminate any markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Michael Weinig AG
    Inventor: Georg Reis
  • Patent number: 9573291
    Abstract: A novel sawmill carriage knee and dog positioning system using a chain knee drive that allows vertical access to chain tension adjustment screws, provides a chain mounting attachment plate connected to an adequately sized air cylinder attached to a dogs in/out carrier slide increasing structural rigidity and reducing component count, weight and unit cost, and providing a novel method to taper the knees relative to the sawline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ennis J. Hurdle
  • Patent number: 9573292
    Abstract: A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. O'Banion, Warren A. Ceroll, James R. Parks, Robert Alan Berry, Robert P. Welsh, Daniel Puzio, Michael L. Agronin, Philip T. Miller, Robert J. Opsitos, Jr., Andrew E. Seman, Jr., John K. Horky, James P. Bascom, Todd J. Huston, Matthew C. Webster, Adan Ayala
  • Patent number: 9573293
    Abstract: A masonry block that is produced from a workpiece that is split in a block splitting assembly which uses any of a variety of projections to supplement or replace the action of the splitting blade in splitting and dressing the workpiece. The resulting masonry block has features that provide the masonry block with a weathered appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Scherer, David Matthew LaCroix, Michael J. Hogan, Glenn C. Bolles
  • Patent number: 9573294
    Abstract: A chain for a work implement has lateral connecting members connected to central driving members via studs. The stud has two lateral portions spaced apart from one another by a collar. A driving member is mounted pivotably on the collar. At the collar the stud has a surface layer harder than the base material. For a high chain service life, the stud has a diffusion layer above a surface layer above the base material. To produce the stud, the stud is provided with a diffusion layer at least at the collar, and a surface region of the collar is hardened, such that a surface layer is formed between the diffusion layer and the base material of the stud. For a method for producing a driving member, the driving member is provided with a diffusion layer at least at a circumferential surface of a hole and the driving member is hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Buchholtz, Matthias Schulz, Oliver Gerstenberger, Thomas Lux, Norbert Apfel, Nina Regnet