Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
-
Patent number: 9597895Abstract: A negotiable instrument such as a check includes a unique microprint identifier that allows for authentication while preventing unauthorized reproduction and alternation. A printing system generates the identifier after receiving a customer order for printing a plurality of negotiable instruments, to allow inclusion of information that is specific to the customer order and/or the printing process. In various embodiments, the identifier is unique to each or each subset of the plurality of negotiable instruments and facilitates authentication of each of the negotiable instruments when needed.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Deluxe CorporationInventors: David S. Davies, Robert A. Owen
-
Patent number: 9597896Abstract: A handheld recording device includes a recording head, at least two navigation sensors arranged at a predetermined mounting distance, a timing generating circuit to generate a timing signal while the recording device is scanning a recording medium, a controller to determine position information of the recording device, and a drive circuit to drive the recording head to eject ink to perform recording on the recording medium using the position information. The controller reads output values of the two navigation sensors every time the timing signal is generated, determines whether the output values include noise, removes noise from the output values when it is determined that at least one of the output values includes noise, and calculates an amount of movement of the recording head to determine the position information based on the output values from which noise has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Naoto Ikeda
-
Patent number: 9597897Abstract: A printing apparatus includes: a paper cassette that includes a plurality of trays, each of which holds a printing medium, and a switching unit that sets one of the plurality of trays as an operable tray; a printing unit that performs printing on the printing medium held in the operable tray; and a display control unit that causes a user interface, on which setting of which one of the plurality of trays is set as the operable tray by the switching unit is performed by a user, to be displayed on a screen when the paper cassette is set in the printing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Ikumi Watanabe, Hiromichi Yamagishi
-
Patent number: 9597898Abstract: A printing device (200) and method for controlling the curing of ink are described. An example printing apparatus has a printing module (230) with at least one printhead for printing a swath of a printed image and a print controller (220) arranged to generate image and print control data for a plurality of swaths. A curing module (270) is arranged to receive, for each of the plurality of one or more swaths, image and print control data and to control, before a printed region of the print medium (250) corresponding to a particular one or more swaths arrives, one or more operating parameters of the curing module (270) based on data values within said image data and printing parameters within said print control data.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Antonio Gracia Verdugo, Oriol Borrell Avila, Ana Maria Cardells Tormo
-
Patent number: 9597899Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus. The apparatus includes a generating unit generating printing data for printing on a printing medium by a printing apparatus, an analyzing unit analyzing a margin amount on a leading edge side of the printing medium based on the printing data, and a transmitting unit transmitting margin information based on an analysis result of the analyzing unit to the printing apparatus prior to transmission of the printing data to the printing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuya Imafuku
-
Patent number: 9597900Abstract: The present invention provides a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a feeding unit, a pair of rollers configured to nip a printing medium and to convey the printing medium fed by the feeding unit, a printing unit and a control unit. The control unit can execute successive overlapped conveyance in which the pair of rollers nip an overlapping portion between a trailing edge of a preceding printing medium and a leading edge of a succeeding printing medium and convey them. The control unit executes the successive overlapped conveyance at least on condition that printing of the preceding printing medium by the printing unit has ended.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasufumi Tanaami, Tetsuya Saito, Noriyuki Sugiyama, Syunichi Kunihiro
-
Patent number: 9597901Abstract: The medium feed device has a meandering detection sensor which detects position displacement of a recording medium in a width direction, and a control section which controls driving of a width movement unit based on detection results by the meandering detection sensor. The control section stops driving of the width movement unit when stopping feeding of the intermittent feeding.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Itaru Kozuma
-
Patent number: 9597902Abstract: In a printer including a reflection type optical sensor and a transmission type optical sensor arranged to oppose each other across a paper conveyance path, a sensor spring and a plate spring are elastically deformed consequent to the wave shape of a guide unit and a guide unit, according to the positions of the reflection type optical sensor and the transmission type optical sensor along the width direction of the printer, enabling the reflection type optical sensor and the transmission type optical sensor to be moved based on the pitch of the wave shape along the width direction of the printer while transmitting a click feeling to an operator each time the sensor spring and the plate spring climb over a protruding portion of the wave shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Citizen Watch Co., LTD., Citizen Systems Japan Co., LTDInventor: Yasuyuki Mori
-
Patent number: 9597903Abstract: A printer is for accommodating paper roll and includes main body, cover, first printing set and detecting module. The main body has an accommodating space and a shaft located in the accommodating space. The cover is pivoted to the main body. The first printing set is disposed in the main body. The detecting module includes a switch and a flexible member being disposed close to the switch and having a fixed section and a movable section which are opposite to each other. The movable section is movably located between the paper inlet and the paper roll. When the movable section is pressed by the paper sheet and moved toward the switch, the movable section presses against the switch. When the movable section of the flexible member is not being pressed by the paper sheet, the movable section is located in a first detecting area.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: WISTRON CORP.Inventor: Sheng-Chia Hsu
-
Patent number: 9597904Abstract: A droplets ejecting apparatus includes: an ejection head that ejects droplets to a predetermined ejection direction toward a recording medium being fed in a predetermined feeding direction; a support unit that supports the ejection head; moving members that are provided for a first-side portion and a second-side portion between which an ejection region of the ejection head is interposed in the feeding direction in a view as viewed in the ejection direction, and that move the first-side portion and the second-side portion in a crossing direction that is perpendicular to the ejection direction and the feeding direction; and a control unit as defined herein.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihira Rai
-
Patent number: 9597905Abstract: An inkjet printer includes: a head for ejecting ink to a recording medium; a platen for supporting the recording medium; a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction; a carriage on which the head is mounted, the carriage moving in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; a plate disposed on a side of the carriage and spaced from the platen, the plate deforming due to contact with the recording medium; a sensor fixed to the plate and configured to output a signal in response to deformation of the plate; a position sensor for detecting a position of the carriage; and a controller that, upon detecting contact of the recording medium with the plate based on the signal while the carriage is moving, controls operation of the carriage and head based on a moving direction of the carriage and the position detected by the position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Oki Data Infotech CorporationInventor: Naoki Kurosawa
-
Patent number: 9597906Abstract: A print device includes a housing, a lid body, an input device, and a mounting portion. An opening is formed in an upper portion of the housing. The lid body opens and closes the opening of the housing by a second end portion side of the lid body pivoting around a predetermined rotation axis provided at a first end portion of the lid body. The mounting portion is provided on an upper portion of the lid body when the opening is closed. The input device can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion along a predetermined attachment/detachment direction with respect to the lid body. The attachment/detachment direction is orthogonal to an extending direction of a tangent line. The tangent line is tangential to a circumferential direction of the rotation axis at a position of the second end portion of the lid body.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masashi Tanizaki, Nobuo Kato
-
Patent number: 9597907Abstract: In a printer having a housing forming a substantially box shape; a pair of frames disposed in the housing and arranged such that the frames oppose each other across a conveyance path of a recording medium; a cutout portion disposed at an upper end of each of the frames; and a shaft that while inserted inside a winding core on which long paper is wound into a roll shape, both ends of the shaft are supported by the cutout portions and the shaft holds the paper while allowing the paper to be pulled out from the housing; an exterior cover is disposed in the housing. The exterior cover is formed using an insulating material, has openings that open the cutout portions exteriorly, and covers the pair of the frames with the cutout portions opened exteriorly through the openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Citizen Watch Co., LTD., Citizen Systems Japan Co., LTD.Inventor: Takuro Kohyama
-
Patent number: 9597908Abstract: A printer includes a printing portion, a display, and a processor. The printing portion includes a plurality of heating elements arrayed in a specified direction. The printing portion is configured to perform printing on a print medium. The display is configured to display an image. The processor is configured to cause the display to display a first image, the first image being an image that shows the plurality of heating elements, receive specification of a check range, the check range being a range that includes a heating element to be checked among the plurality of heating elements, check, in a case where the specification of the check range is received, a state of the heating element included in the check range, and cause the display to display a check result of the state of the heating element.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mitsuhiro Kanda
-
Patent number: 9597909Abstract: A craftwork accessory may provide a portable and/or easy-to-use tool to help users' accurately and repeatedly apply stamp impressions and the like to items such as cardstock. The accessory may include a base portion, one or more elevated side portions and cover portion. The side portions may define a workspace for arranging the item. The cover portion may be movably attached to the base portion or a side portion, for example, by one or more hinges. In operation, the item and stamp may be aligned in the workspace and the cover portion may be pressed onto the stamp to stick the stamp to the cover portion. The cover may then be opened, the stamp may be inked, and the cover portion may be closed and pressed onto the item to stamp the item. The accessory may include alignment indicia on the base portion, side portions and/or cover portion to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: My Sweet Petunia, Inc.Inventor: Iliana Myska
-
Patent number: 9597910Abstract: A toner for a thermal transfer printing sheet is advantageous in terms of a fixing property to a release sheet, durability against deformation upon cooling, and a property of holding an image-forming toner, in addition to grindability and chargeability of the toner. The toner for a thermal transfer printing sheet is characterized by comprising a negative-charged crystalline polyester resin, wherein the toner has an average particle size D50 (volume) of 20 to 50 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoshi Mitsui, Masaru Sato, Hideyoshi Niinuma, Tomohumi Sano, Toshiaki Kanamura
-
Patent number: 9597911Abstract: In an intermediate transfer medium, a substrate, protective layers having a layered structure of two or more layers, and a receiving layer are layered in this order. One layer in the protective layers having the layered structure contains, as a main component, one material or a mixture of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyesters having a high polymerization degree, a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of not less than 12,000 and a Tg of not less than 60° C., polycarbonates and polyester urethanes. Another layer in the protective layers having the layered structure contains one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl butyrals, polyvinyl acetals and polyvinyl pyrrolidones or includes a cationic resin, and the receiving layer contains a side chain-type aralkyl-modified silicone in an amount of 0.5-5% by weight on a base of the total weight of the receiving layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinya Yoda, Tadahiro Ishida, Mitsuhiro Oota
-
Patent number: 9597912Abstract: A composition for a protection layer of a thermal recording material includes emulsion (A) and non-crosslinkable urea compound (B), and emulsion (A) has a pH of 6 or more, and contains copolymer resin (a) produced by copolymerizing reactive monomer component (a?) containing at least a vinyl monomer component having a carboxyl group and a vinyl monomer component that is copolymerizable with the vinyl monomer component having a carboxyl group.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Yoshifumi Iimuro, Toshihiro Yoshimura, Akinori Etoh
-
Patent number: 9597913Abstract: The invention relates to an image receiving material for offset printing comprising a support and an image receiving layer, the image receiving layer comprising a porous pigment and an aqueous dispersion of a polymer particle characterized in that the image receiving layer further comprises a copolymer comprising alkylene and vinyl alcohol units.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert NVInventors: Dirk Quintens, Dirk Kokkelenberg
-
Patent number: 9597914Abstract: An ink jet recording method includes forming an under layer by applying an active energy ray curable first ink composition which contains a metallic pigment to a printing medium, forming an intermediate layer by applying an active energy ray curable second ink composition to the under layer, and forming a first image by applying the first ink composition to the intermediate layer. In addition, it is possible to include irradiating of active energy rays onto the under layer before the forming of the intermediate layer, irradiating of active energy rays onto the intermediate layer before the forming of the first image, and irradiating of active energy rays onto the first image after the forming of the first image.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Tomohiro Ogawa
-
Patent number: 9597915Abstract: Bookbinding apparatus adhesive applicator accurately, briefly controls adhesive temperature to a set value by selecting, in accordance with adhesive initial temperature, one of a plurality of temperature-controller heating modes defining different supply powers and supply durations for supplying power to an adhesive-container heater to control its heating temperature. A sensor detects the temperature of the adhesive in the container at applicator start-up, or on restarting a post-standby applicator. In accordance with the detected temperature, one of the heating modes is selected to heat the adhesive. The applicator warm-up time is thus set in response to the state of the adhesive: If solidified, the adhesive is heated and melted in a maximum supply-power, supply-duration mode; if low-temperature liquefied, it is heated and melted in a second-magnitude supply-power, supply-duration mode; and if the adhesive temperature is high, it is heated and melted in a minimal supply-power, supply-duration mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: NISCA CORPORATIONInventors: Shinya Sasamoto, Atsushi Tsuchiya
-
Patent number: 9597916Abstract: The present disclosure and related inventions are directed to various types of motorized gift card holders. Each gift card holder embodiment creates added entertainment value to the act of presenting a recipient with a gift card. In some embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a greeting card having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. In other embodiments, the gift card holder is in the form of a box having a motor therein to which a gift card or gift card sleeve is attached. Audio playback accompanies the motor movement of the gift card or gift card sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: American Greetings CorporationInventors: Anthony Begin, David Mayer, Terry Hughes, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao, John Talbot, Donald Zhang
-
Patent number: 9597917Abstract: A greeting card is held in a closed position by an envelope folded around the greeting card. The envelope is held around the greeting card by a band. The band is positioned in a vertical orientation, whereby it is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the greeting card and is transverse a longitudinal axis of the envelope. The envelope has a width dimension greater than a height dimension of the greeting card, whereby the greeting card is receivable in the envelope in a landscape orientation. The envelope has a height dimension less than the height dimension of the greeting card, whereby a portion of the greeting card is visible and extends beyond the envelope folded there around.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Hallmark Cards, IncoporatedInventor: Melanie Bridges
-
Patent number: 9597918Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving an expiry time in a smart clip and one of timing and counting down to the expiry time comprises coupling an electronic receiver to the smart clip and connecting a timer to the electronic receiver are disclosed. Receiving the expiry time by the electronic receiver, and one of timing and counting down to the expiry time by the timer are also disclosed. Other features and embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Michael Joseph Jersa, III, Suhasini Balachandran
-
Patent number: 9597919Abstract: A clipboard that holds trading cards in a protected, secure position and that allows them to be signed while in the clipboard. The clipboard has recessed regions into which trading cards may be placed. Cards are held in place by retaining tabs along the bottom edge, and by a clip that contacts the top edge of the cards; thus the majority of the cards' areas are exposed for autographs. The edges of the recessed regions are offset from the corners with corner relief regions to prevent damage to the corners of the cards. Finger holes through the back of the recessed regions allow a user to push the cards gently out of the recessed area for removal. The clipboard may have a top hole for attachment of a lanyard that may be used to carry the clipboard or to lower it to a person for an autograph or signature.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Allen Lee Ruggles, Michael Kent Roberts
-
Patent number: 9597920Abstract: Provided is a writing instrument or an applicator using resin parts formed, by way of two-color molding, to have an optimal guiding clearance between slide members. A plurality of resin molded parts is included. At least one of the plurality of resin molded parts is formed as a primary molding, and at least another one of the resin molded parts is formed as a secondary molding, by way of two-color molding, using a portion of a surface of the primary molding. The primary molding and the secondary molding are separated to be used as independent members. In this case, the primary molding and the secondary molding are preferably configured to slide against each other by each separating portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: MITSUBISHI PENCIL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Kei Oomoto, Yumi Maejima, Daisaku Morimoto, Kyo Nakayama
-
Patent number: 9597921Abstract: A writing device can be configured to provide ink or a colored dye upon a piece of paper or other medium. Such a writing device can include a plurality of selectable writing elements, wherein one of the writing elements comprises marker device comprising an ink reservoir connected to a writing tip.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Benjamin Branch
-
Patent number: 9597922Abstract: Disclosed are an activation method and a liquid pressure transfer technique, where a transfer film is supplied to the surface of a transfer liquid and then is activated, capable of continuously performing a precise transfer. In forming an appropriate transfer pattern on the surface of an object by pressing the object from the upper side of a transfer tank, in the transfer tank, a pre-activation guide mechanism that holds both sides of the film, which is supplied with the center position matching the center of the transfer tank, at horizontally equivalent positions of the transfer tank and guides the film to an activation area is disposed. Accordingly, the film is urged to swell up in the thickness direction, and, in the activation area, the film is coated with an activating agent in a state in which the guide action of the film using the pre-activation guide mechanism is cancelled.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: TAICA CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji Suzuki, Youichiro Yoshii, Katsumi Iyanagi, Sakae Ushiwata
-
Patent number: 9597923Abstract: A wallpaper handling device comprising a wallpaper support member having a first face for supporting a sheet of wallpaper and first and second sides extending therefrom; first and second clamps connected to the first and second sides respectively, each clamp comprising at least one clamping plate, the clamping plates of the two clamps extending inwardly towards each other over the first face, each clamp being adapted to be displaced between an open position in which the clamping plate is remote from the first face and a closed position in which the clamping plate abuts the first face so clamping a sheet of wallpaper between the first face and clamping plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Andrew Wood
-
Patent number: 9597924Abstract: A bucket holder is provided with a handle portion for ergonomically carrying and holding a bucket during transportation and use. The body portion is comprised of a surface pressed up against the can, while a hook opposite from the surface holds the bail in tension, using gravity and distance between the surface and the hook to maintain tension. The holder has at least one surface that can be pressed up against the can, allowing more than one position for the handle to be located.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Antonio Bajuyo
-
Patent number: 9597925Abstract: A wheel with flexible spokes, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Martin Connolly
-
Patent number: 9597926Abstract: Bicycle rims that allow tires to be more easily mounted in a tubeless configuration are disclosed. More specifically, a bicycle rim may control the two beads of the tire with separate bead channels for each bead and a center bridge extending between the two bead channels.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Hed Cycling Products, Inc.Inventors: Steven Arthur Hed, Christopher Andrew Edin
-
Patent number: 9597927Abstract: The present invention relates to a dipping method applied on hybrid cords comprised of aramide and aramide-Nylon 6.6 fibers essentially comprising the steps of preparing the primary dipping solution (11), applying the primary dipping solution onto the cords (12), applying the primary heat treatment (13), preparing the secondary dipping solution (14), applying the secondary dipping solution onto the cords (15), applying the primary heat treatment (16), and used as a reinforcing material inside the rubber.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: KORDSA GLOBAL ENDUSTRIYEL IPLIK VE KORD BEZI SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETIInventors: Dogan Sevim, Burak Ilgun, Yücel Ayyildiz
-
Patent number: 9597928Abstract: A tire is provided having a tire noise pitch sequence based on preferred characteristics of the tire noise generated by tire tread lug stiffness variations. The tire has preferred modulation characteristics and good level characteristics. Tire noise pitch sequences are provided for tires with different numbers of tread lugs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a tire having a body having a tread that has a pitch sequence; and the pitch sequence having five different size pitches with pitch ratios of 1.00, 1.10, 1.25, 1.4, and 1.50.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLCInventor: Jon Irvin Stuckey
-
Patent number: 9597929Abstract: Stepped sections (110) whereby the height of a block (100) gradually decreases towards the outside of the tire peripheral direction from the center of the block (100) are formed in a peripheral direction end section (160) of the block (100). The stepped sections (110) have a first stepped surface (111a) and a second stepped surface (121a). A stepped surface (110a) extends from an outside end section (140) towards an inside end section (150).Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventor: Junichi Takahashi
-
Patent number: 9597930Abstract: A tread for a pneumatic tire in which air column resonance sound is reduced and wear of the groove fences and tread portion are caused to be approximately the same, while drainage performance is maintained, wherein a plurality of groove fences are formed and are installed within at least one circumferential groove, extending from the bottom of the circumferential groove, and block at least 70% of the cross-sectional area of the circumferential groove, and the bending parameter of the groove fences, defined as E·I/(h3l) (where E is the modulus at 10% elongation of the material used for the groove fences, I is the second moment of area of the groove fence, h is the height of the groove fence, and l is the width of the groove fence) is at least equal to 250 Pa and at most equal to 350 Pa.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.Inventors: Nicolas Dautrey, Yasuhiko Futamura, Ludovic Greverie, Yuji Kanno, Gael Roty, Nanae Shimanaka
-
Patent number: 9597931Abstract: A tire inflation system and a method of control. A tire pressure sampling interval may be triggered based on a type of tire pressure drop, wheel speed, or temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Simon Dean, Kenneth Flory, Robert W. Trostle, Jonathan Honig, Anatoli Koulinitch
-
Patent number: 9597932Abstract: A tire-pressure adjusting device for a vehicle tire inflation system distributes a compressed-air supply to a plurality of pneumatic apparatuses each comprising a rotary transmitter and measures the tire pressures of vehicle tires connected to the rotary transmitters. The tire-pressure adjusting device includes a control apparatus for receiving a pressure measurement signal and for outputting control signals and a modulation valve apparatus for receiving the control signals and for pneumatically activating one of a plurality of connected rotary transmitters in order to fill and to measure the pressure of at least one vehicle tire connected to the rotary transmitter. The modulation valve apparatus includes a rotary valve, which has a control element that can be rotated into a plurality of rotational positions. The control element activates one of the plurality of pneumatic apparatuses in each of the rotational positions of the control element.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: WABCO GMBHInventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Frank Zielke
-
Patent number: 9597933Abstract: The present invention provides a MEMS and a sensor having the MEMS which can be formed without a process of etching a sacrifice layer. The MEMS and the sensor having the MEMS are formed by forming an interspace using a spacer layer. In the MEMS in which an interspace is formed using a spacer layer, a process for forming a sacrifice layer and an etching process of the sacrifice layer are not required. As a result, there is no restriction on the etching time, and thus the yield can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mayumi Yamaguchi, Konami Izumi, Fuminori Tateishi
-
Patent number: 9597934Abstract: An integral fifth wheel cross member assembly for a pick-up truck bed. The fifth wheel cross member assembly is secured to the left and right frame rails between two intermediate cross members. The box is attached to the frame with the fifth wheel cross member already in place.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Henry W. Hausler, Corey John Jarocki, Joseph L. Buchwitz, Andrew Kammerzell
-
Patent number: 9597935Abstract: A towing apparatus for use with a vehicle having a passage, such as a walkway through a roof bolter. The apparatus includes a towing implement adapted for spanning the passage in an operative condition and for exposing the passage in a stowed condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: J.H. Fletcher & Co.Inventor: Timothy D. Burgess
-
Patent number: 9597936Abstract: A carrier is provided for attachment to the trailer hitch of a vehicle which is light-weight, easy to manufacture and includes a tray that may be fabricated in one-piece from a single sheet of material.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Craig Harrison
-
Patent number: 9597937Abstract: A suspension module for the suspension systems of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. The suspension module comprises a suspension module, a bearing housed in the suspension module wherein the bearing is comprised of a spherical bearing in a housing, the spherical bearing being fixed in the suspension module housing by a crimp in the housing. There is a set of two adapter tubes and a retainer ring mounted on the distal end of the suspension module housing to retain the suspension module in a suspension knuckle of a vehicle suspension system. There is also disclosed a crimping tool for placing a crimp in the housing to retain the spherical bearing therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Larry John Verbowski
-
Patent number: 9597938Abstract: A composite leaf spring comprising a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded and aligned in the matrix of the composite leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: PolyOne CorporationInventors: Jonathan Spiegel, Benjamin D. Pilpel, Edward D. Pilpel, Michael Gordon
-
Patent number: 9597939Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric enemy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Zachary J. Jackowski, Ryan Bavetta
-
Patent number: 9597940Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
-
Patent number: 9597941Abstract: In response to extension and compression of a piston rod, a piston slidingly moves in a cylinder, causing a flow of hydraulic oil. The hydraulic oil flow is controlled by a disk valve to generate a damping force. An elastic seal member fixed to the rear side of the disk valve is fitted to a recess in a pilot body to form a pilot chamber. The valve-opening operation of the disk valve is controlled by the pressure in the pilot chamber. The elastic seal member has an extension extended and fixed to the front side of the disk valve. Thus, forces acting on the rear and front sides of the disk valve due to shrinkage of the elastic seal member during fixing process balance and cancel each other out. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent warping of the disk valve and to obtain stable damping force characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Mikio Yamashita
-
Patent number: 9597942Abstract: A rotational damper for a motor vehicle, includes a gyro element which includes a first shaft mounted such that it can be rotated with respect to a first component and is connected to a second component which performs a relative movement with respect to the first component, wherein the first shaft has a frame, in which a second shaft lies orthogonally and is mounted rotatably, wherein the second shaft has a frame, in which a third shaft is mounted orthogonally with respect to the second shaft and such that it can be rotated in the second frame, wherein the second shaft and the third shaft are each connected to a shaft drive, and the third shaft has an inertia weight, wherein a rotation of the second shaft by the second shaft drive brings about a change in the angular velocity or the moment of the first shaft which is connected to the second component.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: AUDI AG, KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FÜR TECHNOLOGIEInventors: Tilo Koch, Frank Gauterin, Bastian Scheurich
-
Patent number: 9597943Abstract: A duct for a heating/ventilation/air conditioning system of a vehicle includes a first end and a second end spaced a distance from the first end. An orifice extends between the first end and the second end. A semi-circular surface is disposed at the second end. The semi-circular surface extends about a radius having the same length as the distance between the first and second ends.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Lawrence C. Karas, Mukesh Kumar, Eric R. Yerke, Robert Steven Sawyer
-
Patent number: 9597944Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system comprising: an air cooling circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator; an air heating circuit, including a flow rate regulation solenoid valve arranged to regulate the flow rate of a heat transfer fluid through the heater; and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to receive a measured evaporator air temperature and a set cabin air temperature and to switch the operating condition of the compressor when the measured evaporator air temperature is higher or lower than at least one on/off threshold temperature computed based on the set cabin air temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: C.R.F. Societa' Consortile per AzioniInventors: Rossella Marco, Walter Ferraris, Carloandrea Malvicino, Carlo D'Ambrosio