Patents Issued in February 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9574648
    Abstract: An electric linear actuator has a cylindrical housing, an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism has a nut and a screw shaft coaxially integrated with the drive shaft. The housing has receiving bores to receive the screw shaft. A cylindrical sleeve is securely press-fit into the receiving bore of the housing. The sleeve has one pair of axially extending recessed grooves formed on its inner circumference at diametrically opposed positions. A guide pin, mounted on the end of the screw shaft, engages the recessed grooves. An annular groove is formed near an opening of the receiving bore of the housing. The sleeve is held in the receiving bore by a stopper ring snapped into the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ikeda, Kensuke Funada
  • Patent number: 9574649
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque coupling device features an impeller, a casing having a first engagement surface, a damper assembly, a turbine-piston including a drive component with a second engagement surface, and a clutch plate having clutch plate engagement surfaces interposed between and axially movable relative to at least one of the first and second clutch plate engagement surfaces. The turbine-piston is axially displaceable relative to the casing to move the second engagement surface axially towards and away from the first engagement surface for positioning the hydrokinetic torque coupling device into and out of a lockup mode in which the first and second engagement surfaces and the clutch plate engagement surfaces frictionally interlock with one another to non-rotatably lock the casing relative to the input part of the damper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventors: Sungchul Lee, Zane Yang
  • Patent number: 9574650
    Abstract: A compact bevel differential gear mechanism with pinion bevel gears arranged in a tightly packed array is disclosed. The compact bevel differential gear mechanism includes first and second side bevel gears that are co-axially aligned along an axis of rotation. The compact bevel differential gear mechanism also includes an array of pinion bevel gears mounted between the first and second side bevel gears. The pinion bevel gears intermesh with the first and second side bevel gears to form a torque transfer arrangement configured for transferring torque between the pinion bevel gears and the first and second side bevel gears and for allowing the first and second side bevel gears to rotate at different rotational speeds with respect to one another. Each of the pinion bevel gears has an actual gear face angle value that is within +/?10 percent of a target gear face angle value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Matthew G. Fox
  • Patent number: 9574651
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lightweight camshaft and method for producing the same. The method includes the steps of slidably arranging a plurality of support elements onto a support tube, winding the support tube and support elements with at least one fiber layer, impregnating the at least one fiber layer with a matrix material so as to form a fiber composite, curing the fiber composite, and slidably arranging each of a plurality of functional elements, including at least a plurality of cam elements, onto a corresponding support element, such that the support elements are fixedly seated at least partially inside a passage defined through the functional elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA TECCENTER AG
    Inventor: Alex Meier
  • Patent number: 9574652
    Abstract: A driving device used in a paper separation mechanism includes an internal gear, an external gear sheathed around the internal gear, a shell of which an inner front face protrudes backward to form a hollow cylinder which the internal gear is sheathed around, an elastic element restrained between a front end of the internal gear and the inner front face of the shell, and a driving member rotatably on the rear of the shell. The driving device utilizes the cooperation of a guide block of the internal gear and a guide groove of spiral shape of the hollow cylinder, the cooperation of a locking arm of the shell and an outer ratchet of the external gear, the cooperation of a slope of the external gear and pushing blocks of the driving member to make a clockwise rotation angle of the driving member be greater than a counterclockwise rotation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I Chuan Hong, Lung Chen, Wen Ching Liao, Shih Chao Kao, Jing Hua Fang, Ming Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 9574653
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the ring gear in a Powerglide transmission are disclosed. Systems may include a radial stabilization member mountable to the planet carrier and individual bearing members mountable to an inner surface of the ring gear in opposition to the radial stabilization member. Axial stabilization may also be provided by an axial stabilization member configured and dimensioned to be positioned between the ring gear mid-step and reverse clutch pack apply plate. Methods include mounting the radial stabilization member on the planet carrier using attachment means and securing the bearing members to the inner surface of the ring gear in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall R. Schroeder, Brian G. Rowell, Gregg A. Nader
  • Patent number: 9574654
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a CVT includes a pressure regulator subsystem, a ratio control subsystem, a torque converter control (TCC) subsystem, a clutch control subsystem, an electronic transmission range selection subsystem, and is enabled for automatic engine start/stop (ESS) functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 9574655
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a low-pressure hydraulic pump, a low-pressure regulator valve, a high-pressure hydraulic pump, a high-pressure regulator valve regulating the high hydraulic pressure supplied from the high-pressure hydraulic pump to be stable hydraulic pressure and supplying the regulated hydraulic pressure to the high pressure portion, a first switch valve disposed between the low-pressure hydraulic pump and the low-pressure regulator valve, and selectively communicating the low-pressure hydraulic pump to the low-pressure regulator valve, a second switch valve selectively opening or closing a first circulating line connecting a downstream of the low-pressure hydraulic pump to an upstream of the high-pressure regulator valve, and a third switch valve selectively opening or closing a second circulating line connecting a downstream of the high-pressure regulator valve to an upstream of the low-pressure regulator valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin Young Hwang
  • Patent number: 9574656
    Abstract: This invention provides a control apparatus for an automatic transmission, which includes a plurality of engaging mechanisms. The plurality of engaging mechanisms include a mechanical engaging mechanism configured to function as a brake. The mechanical engaging mechanism can be switched between a first state in which rotation of a rotational element is restricted only in one direction and a second state in which the rotation is restricted in both directions. When switching from the first state to the second state, the control apparatus executes engagement control to set a plurality of hydraulic friction engaging mechanisms in an engaging state. In the engagement control, oil pressure supply control changes depending on the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuya Tachibanada, Yutaka Ishikawa, Aaron D Hoover
  • Patent number: 9574657
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission includes a pressure control solenoid (PCS) valve device having a PCS and a regulating valve, a friction clutch, and a clutch piston in fluid communication with the regulating valve. The piston is operable to apply a clutch pressure to the friction clutch during a shift of the transmission. The controller is programmed to receive an acceleration value describing a lateral and/or longitudinal acceleration force of the vehicle, calculate the clutch pressure using the received acceleration value, and control an operation of the regulating valve via the PCS using the calculated clutch pressure. The acceleration value may be determined via one or more accelerometers or calculated. A method is also disclosed for compensating for acceleration in control of the regulating valve in a vehicle having a transmission that includes a friction clutch, PCS, and regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn M. Harris, Timothy R. Stockdale, Joel H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 9574658
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire control apparatus includes: a first detector that detects a first vehicle state; a second detector that detects a second vehicle state; an auto parking controller that executes an auto parking control irrespective of a state of a shift range, on conditions that detection results derived from the first and second detectors satisfy respective predetermined conditions; and a malfunction determining unit that determines that the first detector is malfunctioning, on a condition that the first detector fails to detect a change in the first vehicle state. The auto parking controller executes, based on the detection result derived from the second detector, the auto parking control irrespective of the detection result derived from the first detector, on a condition that the first detector is determined by the malfunction determining unit as malfunctioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichiro Terai, Taichi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 9574659
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a transmission that transmits power of an engine to wheels at a plurality of different transmission gear ratios, the work vehicle traveling while maintaining a targeted speed by controlling a degree of opening of an accelerator, brakes, and the transmission, wherein the work vehicle includes a controller which inhibits change in the transmission gear ratio of the transmission when the transmission shifts up before lapse of a first predetermined time after the transmission shifts down while the vehicle is running downhill and then before a second predetermined time elapses, the transmission shifts down while the vehicle is running downhill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kondou, Ryuuen Kou
  • Patent number: 9574660
    Abstract: A debris collection vehicle having an enclosed volume for collecting debris and a hydraulic fan drive system for creating vacuum condition in the enclosed volume is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic fan system includes a closed loop hydraulic circuit, a variable displacement hydraulic pump disposed within the closed loop circuit, and a hydraulic motor disposed within the closed loop circuit. The hydraulic fan drive system can also include an electronic or hydraulically actuated control valve constructed and arranged to adjust the output of the hydraulic motor via a displacement actuator based on pressure in the closed loop hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Schmidt, John D. Padgett
  • Patent number: 9574661
    Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method and apparatus for controlling the output ratio of the speed of operation and distribution of power/energy from a primary power source, applying continuously variable resistance using a multiple axis continually variable differential transmission to a primary power source input to adjust the rotational power level and speed output to match an operator adjustable performance speed setting at the same, slower decelerated or faster accelerated speed or power level in the same or reverse direction; and controlling the operation of the multiple axis continually variable differential transmission to match the operator desired performance speed using a programmable control system to process operator input, load stored operating parameters, and modify operating parameters based on operator input and adjusting continuously variable resistance operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Karin M. Somoza, Edmond A. Defrank, Robert B. Silverman, Allen Mark Jones
  • Patent number: 9574662
    Abstract: A disconnector for a hybrid vehicle, which can accurately control interruption or transmission of rotary power by accurately measuring and monitoring a transfer distance of a shift fork using a linear sensor while interrupting or transmitting the rotary power of an engine or a motor using the shift fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ki Dong Park
  • Patent number: 9574663
    Abstract: A single-piece oil control ring for a piston may include a body having at least one upper portion and at least one lower portion each facing towards a cylinder wall of an internal combustion engine. At least one of the upper portion and the lower portion may respectively define a first surface extending substantially perpendicular to the body and a receding second surface extending from the first surface substantially at an incline. The first surface may protrude towards the cylinder wall in relation to the second surface. The first surface may have a first area of contact with the cylinder wall, and at least 95% of the first area may contact the cylinder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Mahle Metal Leve S/A, Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: André Ferrarese, Rafael A. Bruno, Rudolf Huegel
  • Patent number: 9574664
    Abstract: In a piston-ported engine, a sealing ring may be placed in a groove in the cylinder. As the groove is of greater diameter than the cylinder, the sealing ring overlaps into a helix allowing it to be enter the cylinder. However, such a helix does not fit into a groove without when in the helix. Alternatively, a shorter sealing ring is placed into the groove. However, the gap is too large. According to one embodiment, a groove of double the width of the ring is provided and the helical ring is installed and caused to unwind in the groove so that the ring sits in a plane. A spacer ring is placed in the groove to fill the extra space in the groove. An elastomeric material or a tension spring in an outer groove in the sealing ring can be used to cause the ring to press against the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: EcoMotors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hofbauer, Diana Brehob
  • Patent number: 9574665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slide ring seal, and in particular a running gear seal, at least comprising an angled slide ring and/or counter ring, the radial leg of which forms a sliding region, and the axial leg of which forms a seating for a sealing element, which radially outside of the sliding region, is provided with a projection that at least partially overlaps the radial leg, forming a secondary seal, wherein at least in the region of the radial leg, the projection is provided with a profile, which is supported on the outer circumferential surface of the radial leg, forming anti-contamination lips in the installed state of the slide ring seal, and in particular running gear seal, that profile being supported on the outer circumferential surface of the radial leg when viewed in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FEDERAL-MOGUL BURSCHEID GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Dengler
  • Patent number: 9574666
    Abstract: An improved mechanical face seal is provided which includes a pair of relatively rotatable seal rings having opposing seal faces. At least one of the seal faces includes a reverse trapezoidal face pattern having a sine wave depth profile wherein individual face features are circumferentially spaced over the seal face. The reverse trapezoidal face pattern serves to generate a hydrodynamic lift which provides a stable separation of the seal faces that permits formation of a fluid film between the seal faces. The individual trapezoidal grooves have a sinusoidal or similarly shaped depth profile wherein the trapezoid shape is arranged with the narrower edge communicating with the high pressure side of the seal, and the wider edge forms a circumferential dam region towards the low pressure side of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Jason Ferris, Larry Jacobs, Christopher Gray
  • Patent number: 9574667
    Abstract: A mechanical seal device 1 comprises a seal case 30 attached to the device main body, a rotary seal ring 60 attached to the rotary shaft 100, a stationary seal ring 50 arranged in an axial direction opposing to the rotary seal ring 60, and a bellows 40 attached extendably in the axial direction between the stationary seal ring 50 and the seal case 30. A static pressure fluid supplying hole 56, supplying a static pressure fluid to a static pressure fluid chamber C arranged at an inner circumferential side of the bellows, is formed on the seal case 30. A communication hole, guiding the static pressure fluid of the static pressure fluid chamber C to sealing surfaces between the stationary seal ring 50 and the rotary seal ring 60 is formed on the stationary seal ring 50. The sealed fluid is arranged at an outer circumferential side of the bellows 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: EAGLE BURGMANN JAPAN CO., LTD., EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Takahashi, Ryoji Muraki
  • Patent number: 9574668
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing. A sleeve at least partially surrounded by the housing. The sleeve slidable relative to the housing and a travel stop that is engageable with the sleeve to limit travel of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Richardson, Raymond Wang
  • Patent number: 9574669
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body, a lower bushing, a valve seat, a lower stem, a disc, and an upper stem. The valve body defines a bi-directional flow path therethrough; wherein the valve body has an inner surface, two flange faces, and further defines an upper orifice and a hemispherical lower orifice along an axis perpendicular to the flow path. The lower bushing is housed in the lower orifice, and the lower bushing is configured to tilt within the lower orifice away from the axis. The lower bushing defines a bushing cavity. The valve seat has an outer surface configured to encapsulate the inner surface and the two flange faces of the valve body. The lower stem is housed in the bushing cavity, and the lower stem is configured for tilting away from and towards the axis perpendicular to the flow path. The disc has a seating surface on at outer circumference, defines a stem receptacle to house the lower stem, and the stem receptacle extends less than a diameter of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Bray International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Lurk, Thomas Linhorst
  • Patent number: 9574670
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine control valve including a body defining an inner duct and comprising a flap (10) mounted such that it can pivot by means of a shaft (12), said flap (10) comprising a first portion (11). The flap can pivot between an open position allowing the passage of fluid into the duct and a closed position in which the flap (10) comes into contact with a flat seal (100) of the flap. The outer contour of the seal (100) surrounds the outer contour of the flap (10), said seal (1) comprising an opening (6) and a solid portion (3). The above-mentioned first portion (11) seals the opening (6) in the seal (1) when the flap (10) is in a closed position. The seal (100) includes a reinforcement area (101) in the solid portion (3) thereof, such as to prevent the seal (100) from deforming owing to the high pressure and high temperature of the gases in the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventor: Gregory Hodebourg
  • Patent number: 9574671
    Abstract: A method and system of dynamically updating presence, capabilities and identity information based on environmental conditions using environment information of a user of a mobile device. One or more wireless networks or devices or both are detected using at least one wireless interface of the mobile device. Thereafter, presence information of the user of the mobile device is generated based on the mobile device's location. Next, either a mode of the mobile device is set in accordance with the presence information or communication handling preferences are configured for the user of the mobile device based on the presence information or preferences of applications on the mobile device are configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Amberg, Linadewi S. Amberg
  • Patent number: 9574672
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to access and align sealing discs are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a cage of a fluid regulator, where the cage has a central aperture, and a valve stem to be received by the central aperture. The example apparatus also includes a diaphragm coupled to the valve stem, where an integral protrusion of the cage is to constrain a peripheral edge of the diaphragm against a removable portion of a valve body when the cage is coupled to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Lin, G. Glynn Crutsinger, Jeffrey Sanders, Tung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9574673
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a diaphragm valve having a plurality of sealing members disposed on the diaphragm, the plurality of sealing member and the seat define two intermediate chambers, coupled to at least one and potentially more, alarm port, to alert of leakage of fluid from the inlet side and/or the outlet side. A second aspect of the invention provides at least one angled lip disposed to improve the seal quality of any diaphragm valve. The angled lip enjoys increased sealing responsive to increased pressure of the fluid it seals against. The angled lip may be disposed on the inlet side, he outlet side, or both. In certain embodiments the lip is utilized in a diaphragm having two sealing member forming a single intermediate chamber therebetween when the valve is in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 9574674
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body, a diaphragm dividing the inside of the valve body into first and second valve chambers and being displaced under a pressure of fluid, first and second openings in communication with the first valve chamber, and a third opening in communication with the second valve chamber. When a pump is not driven, the force applied to a side of the diaphragm facing the second valve chamber is greater than the force applied to a side of the diaphragm facing the first valve chamber, and the second opening is sealed by the diaphragm. When the pump is driven and the force applied to the side of the diaphragm facing the first valve chamber becomes greater than the force applied to the side of the diaphragm facing the second valve chamber, the diaphragm allows the first and second openings and to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takenobu Maeda, Gaku Kamitani, Hidekazu Sasai
  • Patent number: 9574675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vent valve with a vent opening for venting a liquid tank in a motor vehicle, with a float in a float chamber for closing the vent opening; and a plurality of guide ribs for guiding the float in the float chamber, which guide ribs are formed by a housing of the float chamber and protrude into the interior of the float chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Veritas AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schindler, Alexander Emmerling
  • Patent number: 9574676
    Abstract: Armature springs configured to be coupled to and bias an armature of a torque motor valve actuator to a null position are provided. The armature spring comprises a rigid central portion, opposed end portions, and a flexible portion intermediate the rigid central portion and each end portion. The rigid central portion, the opposed end portions, and the flexible portions define a variable cross section torsion bar with the flexible portions comprising reduced cross-sectional portions of the torsion bar relative to the rigid central portion and opposed end portions. Armature assemblies and torque motor valve actuators are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Donna Laboda, Matt Arend, David Druhan
  • Patent number: 9574677
    Abstract: A solenoid-powered gate valve that provides a reliable, high quality seal with a reduced operating force requirement. The valve includes a solenoid coil and armature connected to a valve mechanism, with the valve mechanism including a conduit having a connection opening, an oppositely-disposed pocket, and a sprung gate assembly linearly movable between the connection opening and the pocket. The sprung gate assembly includes a first gate member with an opening, a second gate member with an opening, and an endless elastic band retained between the first and second gate members, with the openings and endless elastic band collectively defining a passage through the sprung gate assembly, with the first and second gate members being mechanically coupled to the armature for reciprocating linear movement between the connection opening and the pocket. The endless elastic band allows an interference fit within the pocket with reduced frictional opposition to gate movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DAYCO IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Matthew C. Gilmer, James H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9574678
    Abstract: A valve (61) for enabling release of pressurized steam from a pressure vessel has a displaceable closure member (67) which is maintained in its closed disposition by exposure to the pressure of the steam within the pressure vessel. The closure member (67) is displaced between its closed disposition and an open disposition by a double-acting actuator (69), suitably an air-driven piston/cylinder device, the closure member (67) being preferably mounted at one axial end of a spindle (68) extending between the closure member (67) and the actuator (69). The closure member (67) is suitably mounted for substantially metal-to-metal contact with a valve seat portion (63), without interposition of any sealing element, preferably for substantially vertical displacement between its closed and dispositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ODENBERG ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Broderick
  • Patent number: 9574679
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an automatic fluid shut off device having a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin; a second rod end extending to a fluid supply base and terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end, the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin; the latch arm pivotably connected to a shut-off valve; and the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end. The latch arm can be restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS PLUMBING, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Schwarzbek, Robert Penfil, Sylvia Penfil, Howard Brown, Bruce Skolnik, Jeff Kaczperski
  • Patent number: 9574680
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a sensing device detects water flowing through the pathway and starts a timer. The valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly when the time elapses. The valve assembly indicates whether the valve plug is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Burlage, Roger A. Burlage, Alex Pesek
  • Patent number: 9574681
    Abstract: A variable valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, an intermediate lock mechanism including first and second lock members, first and second recess portions, and a guide groove, a sensor, and a control portion. The control portion performs a control so that the relative rotation phase is changed until a first stop state is established in a state where the relative rotation phase is in an unlocked state and one of the first and second lock members is positioned relative to one of the first and second recess portions at which the guide groove is formed at a side opposite from a side where the guide groove is formed. The control portion reverses a change direction of the relative rotation phase after the first stop state is established so that the relative rotation phase is changed until a second stop state is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9574682
    Abstract: A valve monitoring system includes a latching valve, a travel sensor, and a processor. The latching valve has a snap spring, a valve piston, and an inlet port. The travel sensor is for measuring travel of the valve piston between an activation pressure and a zero pressure. The processor is connected to the travel sensor for calculating a rate of travel of the valve piston and determining a latched state of the valve. In some example embodiments, the activation pressure is greater than a normal operating pressure. In some example embodiments, determining a latched state of the valve includes calculating a derivative of the rate of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Vural Ari
  • Patent number: 9574683
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a zero-moment fitting for securing a fluid conduit to a structure. According to various embodiments, a fitting may include a spherical bearing and a bearing housing. The spherical bearing may include a conduit aperture for receiving a fluid conduit through the spherical bearing. The bearing housing may be configured to encompass and retain the spherical bearing within the bearing housing, allowing for rotation of the spherical bearing within the bearing housing. The bearing housing may be fixedly attached to the structure to secure the fitting to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William R. Conchi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9574684
    Abstract: A method of producing a seamless, composite tubular product includes centrifugally casting a metal or alloy into a tubular workpiece having an inner diameter. The method then centrifugally casts a corrosion resistant alloy in the inner diameter of the tubular workpiece to form a composite tubular workpiece having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the composite tubular workpiece is formed of the corrosion resistant alloy, and the outer diameter is formed of the metal or alloy. The method then subjects the composite tubular workpiece to at least about a 25% wall reduction at a temperature below a recrystallization temperature of the workpiece using a metal forming process. The metal forming process includes radial forging, rolling, pilgering, and/or flowforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ATI Properties LLC
    Inventor: Matthew V. Fonte
  • Patent number: 9574685
    Abstract: A conduit for the transfer of a cooling medium is provided that may include a tube that has a length and a through aperture that extends through the entire length. The tube may have an inner surface that defines a helical channel that may be continuous along a length of the tube such that the helical channel is continuous along a plurality of turns of the helical channel along the inner surface. The conduit may be incorporated into a cooling system of a magnetic resonance imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Pittsburgh Universal, LLC
    Inventor: Sean D. Mykleby
  • Patent number: 9574686
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a laminated article with an invisible seam. The laminated article, in accordance with the present disclosure, is a laminate tube or lamitube. The present disclosure also relates to a process for manufacturing of laminated articles with substantially invisible seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Essel Propack Ltd.
    Inventor: Mrinal Kanti Banerjee
  • Patent number: 9574687
    Abstract: An intercooler pipe that improves noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance is provided. The intercooler pipe includes a plurality of bellowses, wherein an exterior of the bellows is made of a soft material and an inside thereof is made of a hard material to make a storage modulus of the inside of the bellows greater than that of the exterior thereof. In addition, the intercooler pipe improves the durability of an intercooler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gi Hwan Kim, Chi Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 9574688
    Abstract: First and second conduits are joined in a manner to control electrical resistance of a conduit circuit. A cylindrical section of an adapter is placed onto an end of the first conduit. A part of the cylindrical section is crimped onto the first conduit while a spacing block made of a polymer material having a previously chosen conductivity is positioned around the end of the first conduit and clipped onto the cylindrical section. The crimping locks the spacing block to the adapter and deforms an assembly comprising the clipping pieces of the spacing block and the adapter, so as to immobilize the clipping pieces relative to each other in a direction parallel to an axis of the cylindrical section of the adapter, and such that an exterior surface of the first conduit engages interior surfaces of the spacing block and the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DESIGNED METAL CONNECTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Benoit Artaud, Stephane Heraud, Daniel Lecroc
  • Patent number: 9574689
    Abstract: The present device provides a composite rotary union assembly which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art rotary union assemblies. The composite rotary union assembly of the present invention provides for supplying water or gas to a rotatable reel assembly, it also provides metal inserts for high wear areas of the rotary union assembly, including the threads, for longer useful life of the assembly while providing a resin structure for supporting and placing the metal portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Phillips, Michael R. Vogler
  • Patent number: 9574690
    Abstract: A sleeve member, end fitting assembly, and a method of assembly of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The sleeve member includes a body comprising a substantially cylindrical portion having an inner diameter substantially equal to an outside diameter of a first pipe body layer for overlying the first pipe body layer; and a flange portion extending radially outwards from the body for locating between a further pipe body layer and an end fitting, the further pipe body layer being an armor layer, the flange portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the further pipe body layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Judimar de Assis Clevelario, Fabio de Souza Pires, Felipe Areas Vargas, Valdeir Tinoco da Silva
  • Patent number: 9574691
    Abstract: A fitting body having an interior surface is provided with a tube stop extending radially inwardly thereof, and one or more nut connector assemblies provided as part of a packing arrangement comprising at least one sealing ring, a spacer gland and a fastening ring. The packing arrangement can further include a release pusher positioned on the radially inward side of the nut connector, wherein the release pusher is capable of axial insertion into the cavity of the head connector in order to lift teeth of the grip ring radially outwardly to permit insertion and removal of tubes to be connected via the center body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Quick FItting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9574692
    Abstract: A conduit hub includes a conduit hub body having a cylindrical inner surface configured to receive an end of a cylindrical conduit having a male thread, wherein the conduit hub body includes a female thread and a counterbore formed in an outer rim of the cylindrical inner surface. The conduit hub further includes a wiper seal configured to fit into the counterbore such that a lip of the wiper seal extends beyond the outer rim of conduit hub body and a surface of the wiper seal engages with an outer surface of the cylindrical conduit, when the male thread of the cylindrical conduit is threaded to engage with the female thread of the conduit hub body, to resist the ingress of moisture, dirt or contaminants into the conduit hub or the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9574693
    Abstract: A system for reducing an acoustic load of a fluid flow includes a first pipe to carry the fluid flow; a standpipe connected to the first pipe at an opening in the first pipe; and a standpipe flow tripper provided in the standpipe. The flow tripper includes an edge extending through the opening into the flow on a downstream side of the opening. A method of reducing an acoustic load of a standing wave in a standpipe connected to a first pipe configured to carry a flow includes disrupting the flow in the first pipe at a downstream side of an opening in the first pipe to which the standpipe is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventor: John J. Lynch
  • Patent number: 9574694
    Abstract: An evaporator cuff for use with a pipe freezer apparatus. The evaporator cuff includes a hose connector attached to an evaporator body. The evaporator body has an inner wall configured to engage the outer surface of a pipe, an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall. A chamber is defined between the inner and outer walls, first and second side walls, and first and second end walls. A plurality of baffles are located in the chamber and arranged to define a series of conduits for creating a flow path through the chamber for refrigerant to flow along. The walls are arranged so as to form a serpentine flow path from the evaporator inlet to the evaporator outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Spectronics Corporation
    Inventor: Limin Chen
  • Patent number: 9574695
    Abstract: The invention is an inner seal collar for inserting into pipes in order to seal leakage points in the pipes, comprising an expandable strip which is bent into the shape of a ring and which is preferably made of steel sheet, parts of the strip at least partly overlapping in the circumferential direction, and comprising a locking device which has at least two parallel rows of teeth, wherein a separate clamping pinion engages into at least two of the rows of teeth. The invention comprises a separate blocking pinion paired with each of the at least two clamping pinions, the blocking pinion pushing against the corresponding clamping pinion via a respective spring element and being engaged with the clamping pinion, and each of the blocking pinions is also engaged with the corresponding row of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GRAF PATENTVERWERTUNGS GBR
    Inventors: Jürgen Graf, Joachim Graf
  • Patent number: 9574696
    Abstract: A thrust apparatus for a rod string. The apparatus has a stationary frame, a thrust frame with a rod gripper, two hydraulic cylinders and two rams in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinders. During low-load operations, the hydraulic cylinders act alone, providing the load to the grippers to pull or push the rod string. When higher loads are required, a check valve is activated, allowing fluid from the hydraulic cylinders to activate the rams. The rams provide additional force to the grippers, and may be activated without mechanical or significant hydraulic changes to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Earth Tool Company LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin C. Aus
  • Patent number: 9574697
    Abstract: Pipe machining apparatuses and methods are disclosed. Embodiments include placing a clamp around a plastic pipe and attaching a cutting tool to the clamp, the cutting tool moving around the clamp and around the pipe as the cutting tool shapes the pipe end by removing portions of the pipe end. Further embodiments include forming a male portion of a snap coupling on one pipe and forming a female portion of a snap coupling on another pipe and pressing the two coupling portions together until the two pipes associated with the coupling portions snap together. Still further embodiments include rotating the pipe as the cutting tool travels around the pipe. Additional embodiments include an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the radial and/or axial location of the cutting head with respect to the clamp and with respect to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Chris Wisehart