Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9618027
    Abstract: A fastener for insertion into aligned openings in articles and method of use, the fastener having a head having a width greater than a width of the opening, a neck having a width less than the width of the opening, a resilient shank having a width greater than the width of the opening. The shank having a tapered end and a U-shaped channel, to define a line of weakness to permit the shank to articulate between a normal position where the shank has a width greater than the width of the opening and an insertion position where the shank is bent to have a width less than the width of the opening. The shank resiliently returns to its normal position once pushed in and through the opening with the neck received within the opening, locking the fastener within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Gold
  • Patent number: 9618028
    Abstract: For indicating rotational displacement between an Allen bolt having a bolt head (34) provided with a central recess (36) for engagement by a fastening/unfastening tool, namely an Allen key, and a substrate to which the bolt is fastened, thereby to indicate whether the bolt has loosened, a safety indicating device is provided comprising a body (10) having a bore formed with splines (12) for engagement over the bolt head (34). The body (10) also has an end closure (14) formed with a plug (16) projecting inwardly of the bore for snug engagement into the central recess (36) of the bolt head. An indicator is also provided on the body (10). This is typically a pointer (18) mounted or formed on the body and projecting laterally, but it could be an indicator which is merely marked or formed on the body without projecting outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BUSINESS LINES LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Marczynski
  • Patent number: 9618029
    Abstract: A cap for use in covering a portion of a fastener protruding from a surface is provided. The portion includes threads. The cap includes an interior, a base that at least partially delimits the interior, a threaded receptacle on the interior configured to threadably engage the portion of the fastener, and a seal coupled to the base to engage the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Cameron, Blaine Knight Rawdon
  • Patent number: 9618030
    Abstract: The present invention is a lock nut which fastens to enable a downstream bent portion of a spiral coil spring to be a stopper point so that the diameter of the spiral coil spring is extended overall, and which unfastens to release the downstream bent portion from the stopper point and enable an upstream bent portion of the spiral coil spring to be a stopper point so that the diameter of the spiral coil spring is extended overall, thus enabling the lock nut to be easily fasten without sacrificing elastic fastening forces of the conventional lock nut, preventing the lock nut from easily unfastening by unintentional external force, and enabling the lock nut to unfasten only by intentional external force. The above described operation can be performed without increasing manufacturing cost, and the lock nut can be manufactured to be disposable in order to achieve preventing accidents in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KUMSAN E&C CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Han-baek Cho
  • Patent number: 9618031
    Abstract: A barrel washer comprising a convex portion, a concave portion, the concave portion configured to mate with the convex portion, such that the convex portion is only capable of rocking along a single axis within the concave portion. The barrel washer may be configured to prevent a bolt from rotating within the barrel washer. The barrel washer may be configured to relieve bending stress on the bolt as well as extraction of the bolt from the barrel washer. A surface of the concave portion may be coated with a lubricant. A surface of the convex portion may be coated in a lubricant. The barrel washer may be configured to couple a bolt to a flange that is couple to another flange. The convex portion may comprise a rocker. The barrel washer may be configured relieve bending stress on the bolt as a first flange moves relative to a second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas B. Hyatt, Carl Brian Klinetob
  • Patent number: 9618032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum absorber, wherein: the assembly of the respective components of the vacuum absorber can be improved and a smooth operation can be carried out; and the vacuum absorber can be firmly and easily attached to an attachment surface by a vacuum absorbing method and an adhesive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MSINTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheol-Seok Woo
  • Patent number: 9618033
    Abstract: A remote control device is provided, which includes a control cable. The control cable includes a reinforcing wire 11 of which the both ends are fixed by anchors 14, 14, an outer casing 12 made of synthetic resin so as to be slidable to the reinforcing cable, and so as not to constrain the thermal deformation in the axial direction based on the variation of ambient temperature, and an inner cable 13 made of metal having flexibility housed in the outer casing 12 slidably. In the both ends of the inner cable, cable ends 17, 17 coupled to an operating member and an operated member are firmly fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HI-LEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori Sudo, Takuro Sakai
  • Patent number: 9618034
    Abstract: A thrust washer for a sliding bearing may include a thrust washer substrate having an axial face. The thrust washer may also have a polymer layer of profiled thickness on the axial face of the substrate. The profiled polymer layer may be provided with at least one oil distribution groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Mahle International GmbH, Mahle Engine Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Jeff Carter, Bredo Leipprand, Jonathan Forder
  • Patent number: 9618035
    Abstract: A sliding bearing includes: an upper casing; a synthetic resin-made lower casing which is superposed on the upper casing so as to be rotatable about an axis in a circumferential direction relative to the upper casing; a synthetic resin-made sliding bearing piece disposed in an annular space between the upper casing and the lower casing; and a synthetic resin-made seal member for sealing respective other annular end portions, communicating with the outside, of a gap on an inner peripheral side and a gap on an outer peripheral side in a radial direction between the upper casing and the lower casing, the gap and the gap respectively communicating with the annular space at their one annular end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouici Morishige, Takashi Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 9618036
    Abstract: A tilting-pad bearing for rotatably supporting a rotor includes: a casing; and a plurality of bearing pads each mounted to the casing pivotably about a pivot. Each of the plurality of bearing pads has a bearing pad surface facing the rotor, the bearing pad surface including a first region disposed on an upstream side in a rotational direction of the rotor and having a first curvature radius, and a second region disposed on a downstream side of the first region in the rotational direction and having a second curvature radius smaller than the first curvature radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tadasuke Nishioka
  • Patent number: 9618037
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an input signal containing information associated with a rolling element bearing and/or a piece of equipment containing the rolling element bearing. The method also includes decomposing the input signal into a frequency-domain signal and determining at least one family of frequencies corresponding to at least one failure mode of the rolling element bearing. The method further includes generating a reconstructed input signal using the at least one family of frequencies and the frequency-domain signal. In addition, the method includes determining, using the reconstructed input signal, an indicator identifying an overall health of the rolling element bearing. The indicator could be determined using a baseline signal associated with either (i) normal operation of the rolling element bearing and/or the piece of equipment or (ii) defective operation of the rolling element bearing and/or the piece of equipment (where a severity of the defective operation will increase over time).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Chinmaya Kar, Rajat Sadana, Venkataramana B. Kini, Meenakshi Sunderam, Joydeb Mukherjee, Vedika Agrawal
  • Patent number: 9618038
    Abstract: A method adjusts axial play of a journal mounted in a bearing. A bearing axis defines a z-direction. A positive z-direction points from first to second bearing ends. The journal inserted into the bearing in the positive z-direction is moved to a first form-locking engagement in the positive z-direction between journal and bearing. A spacer at the second end defines axial play. A bushing is placed onto a journal segment protruding from the bearing at the second end in the positive z-direction. A form-locking and/or force-locking connection is established between bushing and journal by deforming the bushing and locating the spacer along the z-direction between bushing and second end. The spacer contacts the bushing and second end. The spacer is removed. A device having a bearing and a journal mounted and relatively movable therein within axial play is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Uemit Dilalan, Bruno Ferling, Alexander Jaegle
  • Patent number: 9618039
    Abstract: A sleeve bearing comprising a tubular body having an inner surface annularly about a longitudinal axis and an outer surface radially outward from the inner surface. The sleeve bearing includes a first side surface between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a second side surface between the inner surface and the outer surface. The sleeve bearing includes a first inner edge between the first side surface and the inner surface, and a second inner edge between the second side surface and the inner surface. The sleeve bearing includes lubricant reservoirs in the inner surface elongated along an elongation axis. An angle between the elongation axis and the inner edge is between 0 and 90 degrees. The lubricant reservoirs are in an interrupted pattern annularly around the inner surface so a portion of the inner surface between the first inner edge and the second inner edge is uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Chad M. Arnold
  • Patent number: 9618040
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a double-structure bush usable in a joint portion which operates in low-speed and high-load, and a bearing assembly comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Won Choi, Dong Pil Lim
  • Patent number: 9618041
    Abstract: A needle roller and cage assembly include a cage having a width larger than a diameter thereof. Pillar sections of the cage each include roller retaining portions on radially inner and outer sides with respect to a roller pitch circle diameter and an oblique portion through which the roller retaining portions are continuous with each other. The oblique portion includes a first relief portion formed therein, for avoiding interference with a needle roller. The adjacent pillar sections form a pocket having a rectangular shape therebetween. The pocket includes a second relief portion in each of four corners thereof. The second relief portion extends in the axial direction of the cage from a position at which a short side of the pocket is elongated in a circumferential direction of the cage to an outer end of the roller retaining portion on the radially outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Kawai, Rino Fukami
  • Patent number: 9618042
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a shaft member having an outer ring, having a first bearing raceway, and an inner ring, having a second bearing raceway. The raceways are opposingly spaced relative to each other. The inner ring includes a plurality of tang members extending in a cantilevered configuration from at least one end of the inner ring having slots formed therebetween. Bearing members are positioned in a space between and in engagement with the first and second bearing raceways. An undercut groove extends circumferentially along an inner surface of the inner ring generally adjacent the plurality of tang members. The undercut groove is operable to increase an effective cantilever distance of the plurality of tang members. The assembly further includes a locking member engaging the plurality of tang members and exerting a compressing force upon the plurality of tang members to couple the inner ring to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Kamath, Apaar Sharma
  • Patent number: 9618043
    Abstract: A bearing ring for a roller bearing includes a raceway configured to support at least one rolling-element roller and a flange at an end of the raceway extending away from the raceway and having an abutment surface for guiding the at least one rolling-element roller on the raceway. The abutment surface has a curvature that decreases monotonically from a starting point on the abutment surface to an end of the abutment surface, and the abutment surface includes at least one strongly monotonically decreasing segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Baozhu Liang, Michael Reugels
  • Patent number: 9618044
    Abstract: An outer ring for a roller bearing includes a raceway produced from a bearing steel. The outer ring is made of a metal strip wound to form a raceway tube and a cladding tube which is connected thereto and which surrounds the raceway tube on the outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Schafers, Stefan Ruppert, Ekrem Akyol
  • Patent number: 9618045
    Abstract: A strut bearing including an improved seal configuration is disclosed. The strut bearing includes an upper carrier including a first outer axially extending rim and a first inner axially extending rim, and a lower carrier including a second outer axially extending rim and a second inner axially extending rim. The first outer axially extending rim at least partially surrounds the second outer axially extending rim. A rolling bearing is supported between the upper and lower carriers. A seal includes at least one sealing lip and a reinforcement rim, and the at least one sealing lip is molded on to the reinforcement rim. The seal extends between the first outer axially extending rim of the upper carrier and the second outer axially extending rim of the lower carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bogyu Kang
  • Patent number: 9618046
    Abstract: An oil discharging system for a main shaft bearing of a wind turbine generator, includes: a main shaft bearing, a bearing seal, a bearing end cover, a waste oil through hole, at least one thumb wheel; the bearing seal is sleeved to an end of the main shaft bearing, the bearing end cover is engaged with the bearing seal to encircle the outside of the bearing seal; the waste oil through hole is provided on the bearing end cover; the at least one thumb wheel is provided on the bearing seal, enables the waste oil been discharged from the waste oil through hole after the thumb wheel acts upon. Since the thumb wheel rotates with the main shaft bearing, so that the waste oil discharge from the waste oil through hole effectively, thus pollutions to the wind turbine generator and surroundings thereof are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CNR WIND TURBINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guangwei Li, Shuliang Wu, Chunli Ge, Liangfeng Yu, Lei Zhao, Xingcun Yan
  • Patent number: 9618047
    Abstract: A bearing support point with at least one axial bearing, in which at least one bearing washer of the axial bearing is held at a structural element, with the bearing washer being formed separately from the structural element and comprising at least one axially aligned track for the axial bearing as well as being fastened at the structural element such that the bearing washer is inserted in an opening of the structural element and is encompassed by the structural element at least at an exterior area and with the bearing washer being supported via the area inside the opening, aligned in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reinhart Malik, Martin Gegner
  • Patent number: 9618048
    Abstract: A bypass cooling system and method for tilting pad journal and titling pad thrust bearings wherein the cooling may be achieved by spraying the cool inlet oil downhill with gravity instead of always in the direction of the shaft rotation. A bypass cooling system always sprays the cool inlet oil downhill, with gravity instead of always in the direction of shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lufkin Industries, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Nicholas, Thomas P. Shoup, Adam Fiegl, Don H. Rockefeller, Josh Ronan
  • Patent number: 9618049
    Abstract: An apparatus for preloading a bearing includes an attaching member, a frame, a plurality of extensions, and an adjustment mechanism. The attaching member is releasably attachable to a threaded shaft of an axle or spindle of a wheel hub assembly. The frame is axially separated from, and coupled to, the attaching member to allow the frame to move relative to the attaching member in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of extensions is configured to contact at least one of a wheel hub or a bearing of the wheel hub assembly when the attaching member is attached to the threaded shaft. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the frame and the plurality of extensions axially towards the wheel hub assembly to apply a preload to a bearing within the wheel hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Temper Axle Products Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Rode
  • Patent number: 9618050
    Abstract: A drive pinion fastening assembly including a drive pinion, a pinion sleeve, an external spline, and a pinion fastener. The pinion sleeve is disposed on and engaged with the drive pinion. The external spline is formed on one of the drive pinion and the pinion sleeve for engaging the power transmission component. The pinion fastener is disposed on and engaged with the drive pinion. The pinion fastener militates against axial movement of the pinion sleeve with respect to the drive pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jens Schnebele
  • Patent number: 9618051
    Abstract: A mounting device for coaxially anchoring a machine element upon a rotary shaft is provided. The device fits between the interior bore of the machine element and the cylindrical surface of the shaft and is effective to position the element at any desired position longitudinally of the shaft and at any angular position circumferentially of the shaft. The device has inner and outer sleeves, the mating surfaces of which are similarly tapered so that relative axial displacement of the sleeves affects expansion and contraction of the interior bore and external surface of the combined elements. Rotation of a threaded nut at one end of the device effects the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer sleeves to afford expansion and contraction of the sleeves without excessively straining the material of the sleeves or the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Heston, Jeremy Bigler, Eric S. Mosser, Francis B. Fatato
  • Patent number: 9618052
    Abstract: In an intermediate shaft for a steering system, the surface of external splines of an inner shaft is coated with a resin coating layer containing a base resin and two or more kinds of higher fatty acid metal salts having different melting point peaks from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazunori Miyake
  • Patent number: 9618053
    Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a hollow upper shaft having an inner surface, a lower shaft extending at least partially within the upper shaft, and a cage receiving at least a portion of the lower shaft, the cage positioned within the hollow upper shaft. The assembly further includes at least one upper tilt pin extending through the upper shaft and the cage, at least one groove formed in the inner surface of the upper shaft, and a lower tilt pin extending through the cage and the lower shaft. The lower tilt pin extends into the at least one groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joen C. Bodtker, Gregory D. Brzezinski
  • Patent number: 9618054
    Abstract: A torsional vibration damper comprises an input side and an output side which are arranged rotatably around an axis of rotation, an intermediate plate, and two elastic elements which are arranged on different circumferences around the axis of rotation, where the first elastic element is set up to transmit a power from the input side to the intermediate plate and the second elastic element is set up to transmit a power from the intermediate plate to the output side. Furthermore, the torsional vibration damper includes a single-piece retainer to support the first elastic element on a radially outer surface, while the retainer includes a contact element for engaging with one end of the first elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Hoffmann, Christian Dinger
  • Patent number: 9618055
    Abstract: A constant-velocity joint includes an inner member. The inner member has holders that hold respective roller assemblies. Each of the holders has contact regions, which are held in abutment against an inner circumferential wall surface of an inner roller of a corresponding one of the roller assemblies, and non-contact regions, which are spaced from the inner circumferential wall surface of the inner roller. The contact regions are formed by first through fourth lobes, and the non-contact regions are formed by first through fourth recesses, for example. Hypothetical tangential lines L1 and L3, which are tangential to the first lobe and the third lobe, extend parallel to the longitudinal directions of respective guide grooves. Hypothetical tangential lines L2 and L4, which are tangential to the second lobe and the fourth lobe, extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal directions of the guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Tsujimoto, Itsuro Wakao
  • Patent number: 9618056
    Abstract: The power transmission member includes a connecting member, an intermediate member, and an engagement member. The connecting member has an annular portion. The outer peripheral surface of the annular portion is provided with arc-like portions, and the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion is provided with concave-convex portions. The engagement member includes protrusions and a shaft insertion hole. The arc-like portions of the connecting member are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the roller body, and the connecting member and the roller body are also secured together by securing means. The intermediate member engages with the concave-convex portions and the protrusions, the shaft insertion hole of the engagement member is maintained at the center of the roller body, and a power unit engages with the shaft insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Itoh, Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Kazuo Miki
  • Patent number: 9618057
    Abstract: A driven disc assembly is provided wherein a clutch disc has enlarged holes for connection of opposing backing plates. The backing plates have semi-pierced sections that are insertable within mounting holes of the clutch disc. The thickness of the backing plates are enlarged from their normal thickness causing a top surface of the backing plates to axially clear heads of conventional rivets. The thickness of the friction buttons on the backing plates can then be reduced to their minimal effective use thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Bernard Allmandinger, Brian William Franke, Mark Charles Barnholt
  • Patent number: 9618058
    Abstract: An actuator system for hydraulic actuation of a clutch comprises a master cylinder with a master piston, a readjustment container for containing hydraulic fluid, a connection opening between the readjustment container and the master cylinder, where a degree of openness of the connection opening is dependent on the position of the master piston, and a hydraulic actuator to control a position of the master piston. In an actuator system, a control device for controlling the hydrostatic actuator is also provided, such that a speed of motion of the master piston is high while the connection opening is wide open, and low while the connection opening is open a little. In a method according to the disclosure, a position of the master piston is detected, and the actuator is controlled at different speeds depending on the position or the degree of openness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Treder, Reinhard Stehr
  • Patent number: 9618059
    Abstract: A viscous clutch (20) includes a housing assembly (28), a rotor assembly (26), a reservoir (38) to hold a supply of a shear fluid, a working chamber (40) operatively positioned between the housing assembly and the rotor assembly, and a fluid return bore (26-1B) that optionally extends radially through at least an outer diameter portion of the rotor assembly to the working chamber. Selective introduction of the shear fluid to the working chamber facilitates selective torque transmission between the housing assembly and the rotor assembly. The fluid return bore can form at least a portion of a fluid return path (50) from the working chamber to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Horton, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Bastian Brand, Scott Miller
  • Patent number: 9618060
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device is configured such that when an electromagnet of an electromagnetic clutch is energized, a control retainer of a two-way clutch is moved in the axial direction, so that the control retainer and a rotary retainer rotate relative to each other in the direction in which the circumferential widths of pockets decrease, thereby disengaging pairs of rollers from an outer ring and an inner ring. A spring holder is provided which is fixed to an input shaft and kept in abutment with an axial end surface of the inner ring to prevent relative rotation between the control retainer and the rotary retainer in the direction in which the circumferential widths of the pockets decrease, from the neutral position of the rollers. The spring holder is prevented from axial movement to prevent untimely engagement of the two-way clutch. The inner ring is integral with the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naotsugu Kitayama, Koji Akiyoshi, Takahide Saito
  • Patent number: 9618061
    Abstract: There is provided a clutch mechanism that allows easy downsizing and produces favorable productivity. Output rotator has on the outer circumferential surface thereof cam surfaces and configured to gradually reduce the space from a housing chamber inner circumferential surface toward one side and recesses adjacent to the one side of the cam surfaces. Input rotator has pressure transmission portions that are fitted with circumferential play to the recesses and are protruded from the insides of the recesses in a centrifugal direction. Engagement pieces are disposed in contact with the cam surfaces and the housing chamber inner circumferential surface. When the input rotator rotates toward the other side relative to the one side, the pressure transmission portions abut against the engagement pieces and then abut against circumferential end surfaces in the recesses to press and move the output rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NAMIKI SEIMITSU HOUSEKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Kinya Odagiri
  • Patent number: 9618062
    Abstract: A clutch unit includes a lever-side clutch portion for controlling transmission and interruption of rotational torque to an output side through lever operation, and a brake-side clutch portion for transmitting torque input from the lever-side clutch portion to the output side and for interrupting torque reversely input from the output side. The lever-side clutch portion has an outer centering spring provided between a lever-side outer ring to be rotated through the lever operation and a cover restricted in rotation, for accumulating an elastic force obtained by torque input from the lever-side outer ring and for restoring the lever-side outer ring to a neutral state with the accumulated elastic force through releasing of the torque input from the lever-side outer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Takahide Saito, Masahiro Kawai, Kouji Isoda, Naochika Kubota, Yumiko Mineno, Hiromitsu Hamazaki
  • Patent number: 9618063
    Abstract: A method for controlling creep driving of a vehicle may include determining, by a controller for controlling a dry clutch, whether transfer torque of the dry clutch is 0 or less and a control error resulting from subtraction of a current car speed from a target creep speed is 0 or less, which is referred to as a step of determining condition, and stopping, by the controller, accumulation of an integral control component for creep controlling if the condition in the step of determining condition is met, which is referred to as a step of stopping accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Sung Kim, Ju Hyun Nam
  • Patent number: 9618064
    Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for preventing centrifugal clutch lock-ups within a work vehicle transmission may generally include transmitting a signal associated with disengaging a clutch of the transmission, wherein the clutch includes a hydraulic actuator having a pressure relief valve. The method may also include monitoring a pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator relative to a predetermined pressure threshold and monitoring a rotational speed of a clutch can associated with the clutch relative to a predetermined speed threshold, wherein the speed threshold is defined relative to a lock-up speed associated with the clutch can. In addition, the method may include transmitting a lock-up signal associated with limiting the rotational speed of the clutch can and/or providing an indication that a clutch lock-up is likely to occur when the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold and the rotational speed exceeds the speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Pawel Kuros, Peter J. Dix
  • Patent number: 9618065
    Abstract: A back-plate composition of the present invention is a composition for forming a back plate of a brake pad, the brake pad having a friction material and the back plate bonded to the friction material. The back-plate composition includes a resin, a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers having an average length shorter than an average length of the first fibers. In the case where the average length of the first fibers is “L1” [?m] and the average length of the second fibers is “L2” [?m], “L2”/“L1” is in the range of 0.001 to 0.5. This makes it possible to provide a back-plate composition having excellent moldability, as well as a back plate formed of the back-plate composition, a brake pad including the back-plate and a caliper device provided with the brake pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO BAKELITE COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideaki Inokuchi, Hidemi Yazawa
  • Patent number: 9618066
    Abstract: A method is used to treat a surface of a brake disc to increase the adhesive power of a coating to the surface. The method includes roughening the surface by introducing at least one depression in the surface. The width of the depression is widened with increasing depth of the depression. A positive connection is formed between the brake disc and the coating via an undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schoepf, Bernd Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9618067
    Abstract: A brake assembly that may include a housing assembly, a piston assembly, an operating shaft, and a sensor assembly. The operating shaft may be configured to rotate about an axis to actuate the piston assembly and translate a brake pad assembly from a retracted position to an extended position. The sensor assembly may be configured to detect rotation of the operating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Philpott
  • Patent number: 9618068
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides wet rotating disc engagement systems, e.g., a wet brake systems and/or wet clutch systems, for mobile platforms and/or stationary platforms, wherein the system comprises a plurality of first heat pipes having evaporator ends disposed within a plurality of first discs of the wet rotating disc engagement system and/or a plurality of second heat pipes having evaporator ends disposed within a plurality of second discs of the wet rotating disc engagement system. Additionally, condenser ends of the first and/or second heat pipes are disposed within oil retained within an oil reservoir of the wet rotating disc engagement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HPEV, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hodowanec, Timothy Hassett
  • Patent number: 9618069
    Abstract: A biasing device that returns to a rest position when the biasing device is subjected to one of a first compression by a first object and a first tension by a second object in which the first tension causes a second compression of a third object, in which the first compression causes a second tension of the third object, in which elongation of the rod assembly simultaneously occurs with the first tension and the second compression, and in which elongation of the rod assembly simultaneously occurs with the second tension and the first compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason Gerald DeStories, Mark Andrew Schmier, II
  • Patent number: 9618070
    Abstract: Disclosed is high strength spring steel that can limit the depth of pitting occurring when corroded and therefore possesses high strength as well as excellent pitting corrosion resistance and corrosion fatigue property, with a composition containing: C: greater than 0.35 mass % and less than 0.50 mass %; Si: greater than 1.75 mass % and less than or equal to 3.00 mass %; Mn: 0.2 mass % to 1.0 mass %; Cr: 0.01 mass % to 0.04 mass %; P: 0.025 mass % or less; S: 0.025 mass % or less; Mo: 0.1 mass % to 1.0 mass %; and O: 0.0015 mass % or less, under a condition that a PC value calculated by PC=4.2×([C]+[Mn])+0.1×(1/[Si]+1/[Mo])+20.3×[Cr]+0.001×(1/[N]) is greater than 3.3 and equal to or less than 8.0. Also disclosed is a preferred method for manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Honjo, Kazukuni Hase, Hideto Kimura
  • Patent number: 9618071
    Abstract: An engine mount structure for an apparatus equipped with an engine mounts an engine on a resin casing with an elastic body therebetween. The structure includes: a base plate arranged so that one side thereof faces the engine and the other side thereof faces the casing; a cylindrical elastic body that protrudes toward the engine from the base plate and is provided at an end portion thereof on an engine side with a securing member on which the engine is fixed; and a bolt that protrudes toward the casing from the base plate and couples the casing and the base plate to each other. An area where the bolt is disposed on the base plate protrudes in a stepped shape toward the engine from an area where the elastic body is disposed on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kentaro Hirota
  • Patent number: 9618072
    Abstract: A shock damping element includes a first shock damping structure that includes a multitude of first elements, a multitude of second elements and a first central member. The first elements and the second elements are located at opposite sides of the first central member. The first and second elements extend towards the first central member at a first acute angle (?) relative the first central member and are connected to the first central member. The first and second elements extend in a first direction circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: RUAG SPACE AB
    Inventors: Michael Thuswaldner, Anders Helmersson, Orjan Arulf
  • Patent number: 9618073
    Abstract: A shock absorber comprising a tubular first portion in the form of a shock absorber casing telescopically receiving a tubular second portion in the form of a piston is disclosed. The first portion has an alignment member which encapsulates a friction element wrapped around said second portion. The alignment member is longitudinally movable in between a first stop bearing and a second stop bearing. The novel friction element has a plurality of tips or protrusions which extend, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the piston, towards the two stop bearings and which hit either of said bearings during the oscillatory back and forth movement of the alignment member during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Aksistem Elektromekanik San. ve Tic. Ltd. Sti.
    Inventor: Adil Kanioz
  • Patent number: 9618074
    Abstract: A tubular-shaped shock absorbing member arranged at a side end portion of a vehicle, includes outer and inner wall portions each extending in a vehicle height direction and a vehicle front-and-rear direction, the inner wall portion being arranged on a center portion side of the vehicle, an upper wall portion connected to upper end portions of the inner and outer wall portions, a lower wall portion connected to lower end portions of the inner and outer wall portions, and a horizontal rib connected to the inner and outer wall portions. A distance between the upper and lower wall portions is decreased as approaching from the inner wall portion side to the outer wall portion side. A thickness of a part of the horizontal rib connected to the outer wall portion, is larger than a thickness of a part of the horizontal rib connected to the inner wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Naoya Sakaguchi, Kiyoichi Kita, Tamaki Obayashi, Kyosuke Matsui
  • Patent number: 9618075
    Abstract: A shock strut includes a first cylinder defining a first volume. The shock strut includes a first piston head moveably positioned within the first volume and defining a first fluid chamber and a third fluid chamber within the first volume. The shock strut includes a second cylinder defining a second volume. The shock strut includes a second piston head moveably positioned within the second volume and defining a second fluid chamber and a fourth fluid chamber within the second volume. The fourth fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the third fluid chamber. The shock strut also includes a bleed port. The shock strut also includes a tube extending from the fourth fluid chamber through the second piston head and the second fluid chamber to the bleed port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dennis W. Martin, Charles J. Spink
  • Patent number: 9618076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stationary vibration isolation system and to a method for controlling such a system which comprises a damper effective in a horizontal direction which includes a fluid of variable viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Integrated Dynamics Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Peter A. Kropp, Peter Kluth