Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9618127
    Abstract: A memory stop includes: a cover plate; a memory bracket secured to the cover plate, the memory bracket defining a plurality of stopper positions; and a stopper attached to the memory bracket at a one of the plurality of stopper positions. A method of using a memory stop includes: moving a stopper of the memory stop to a memory position, the memory stop including a cover plate, a memory bracket secured to the cover plate and defining a plurality of stopper positions, and the stopper attached to the memory bracket; and securing the stopper to the memory bracket at the memory position, wherein the memory position is at one of the plurality of stopper positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Umit Jon Colpan, Robert P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9618128
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore A. Dourdeville, Russell L. Keene, Theodore D. Ciolkosz, James E. Usowicz
  • Patent number: 9618129
    Abstract: A normally closed valve includes a plurality of fluid channels in fluid communication with each other, defined in a flexible base such that when a fluid channel is compressed, a fluid flow through the fluid channel is occluded, otherwise, the fluid flow through the fluid channel is unoccluded; and means for selectively compressing or uncompressing a desired fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson, John P. Wikswo
  • Patent number: 9618130
    Abstract: A multifunctional valve features a pumping function and a vacuuming function. The valve can be implemented in any closed container having a removable lid or a bag having a resealable zipper or any other similar sealable feature. The valve also features a tethered plug to additionally provide sealing. The valve incorporates a spacer or washer when used in thin walls to provide support. When the valve is used with a bag, the spacer or washer incorporates footing so that the valve does not collapse on its own when the valve is used in conjunction with a vacuum pump or a gas pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Trong D Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9618131
    Abstract: A one way valve is revealed. The one way valve includes a valve seat and a valve member supported by the valve seat. A hole is mounted at a center of the valve base while an outer circular base is disposed around the hole and an inner circular base is arranged at a center of the hole. The inner circular base has a circular sidewall around an opening. At least one gap is radially formed on the circular sidewall and the gap is vertically penetrating the circular sidewall. The valve member consists of a membrane portion and a rod portion extended from one side of the membrane portion. Thereby the rod portion is passed through the gap of the inner circular base to be set into the opening of the inner circular base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: William Lee
  • Patent number: 9618132
    Abstract: A variable flow orifice for a hydraulic control system in a transmission includes a shape memory alloy that selectively increases and decreases the size of an orifice. The deformation of the shape memory alloy, and therefore the size of the orifice, is a function of the temperature of the transmission. During cold conditions the orifice size is increased and during normal operating conditions the size of the orifice is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhe Xie, Vijay A. Neelakantan, Robert L. Moses, John E. Marano
  • Patent number: 9618133
    Abstract: A handheld device according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things, includes an emergency stop valve including an inlet, at least one outlet, an exhaust, a main passage, and a stem passage. Air flows from the inlet to the outlet and from the outlet to the exhaust during normal operation of the handheld device, and the inlet is blocked and the air is exhausted through the exhaust during emergency operation of the handheld device. The handheld device includes a valve stem assembly received in the main passage, and the valve stem assembly includes a button and a cavity having a pocket. The handheld device also includes a locking stem including an end portion, and the locking stem is received in the stem passage and the end portion of the locking stem is received in the cavity of the valve stem assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Dennis L. Mortenson
  • Patent number: 9618134
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lockout device and system that can be attached directly to open piping undergoing maintenance or repair and that can be directly under the supervision of the individual that is performing the maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Production And Process Technologies Of Florida Inc
    Inventor: Joseph O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9618135
    Abstract: A valve lockout device includes an elongated main body defining an interior cavity for receiving a valve to be secured. A cap with a notch for receiving a cable is affixed to one end of the main body, with a wing pivotably attached to the cap so that the wing movable between an open position and a closed position. The wing in the closed position is operable to secure a cable with the notch in the cap. With the lockout device in place over a valve and a cable secured around the valve and to the lockout device, the valve is secured against operation and users and operators are notified of the lockout condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: JB KARELOCK LLC
    Inventor: Joseph D. Kjar
  • Patent number: 9618136
    Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator housing defining an explosion-proof enclosure boundary. An actuator output shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion is partially disposed within the explosion-proof enclosure boundary, and the second shaft portion is disposed outside of the explosion-proof enclosure boundary. A visual position indicator is disposed on the second shaft portion of the actuator output shaft and indicates the rotational position of the actuator output shaft relative to the actuator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Wayne Bell
  • Patent number: 9618137
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: a solenoid configured to cooperate with a plunger; an input stimulus source coupled with the solenoid and configured to apply an input stimulus while a plunger drive signal is not being applied and that is sufficiently small to not cause the plunger to move; sampling circuitry configured to measure one or more voltage measurements corresponding to one or more voltages across the solenoid, wherein the one or more voltage measurements are dependent upon the current position of the plunger relative to the solenoid; and control circuitry cooperated with the sampling circuitry to receive the one or more voltage measurements from the sampling circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the plunger is in one of the open and closed positions based on the one or more voltage measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Manuel J. Ferrer Herrera, Steven M. Lurcott, Todd K. Roper
  • Patent number: 9618138
    Abstract: An adjustable damping valve arrangement comprises an adjustable damping valve in which flow is bidirectional, wherein a pressure-dependent supplementary valve is associated with the adjustable damping valve in series therewith for each through-flow direction, wherein each supplementary valve has at least one separate through-channel, the outlet side thereof being at least partially covered by at least one valve disk, wherein the flow path proceeding from the adjustable damping valve in flow direction is carried out through the first supplementary valve from a smaller inlet diameter to a larger outlet diameter, and the at least one valve disk carries out a peripheral lift movement, wherein the flow path through the second supplementary valve in flow direction to the adjustable damping valve is implemented from a larger inlet diameter to a smaller outlet diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Manger, Stefan Schmitt, Bernd Zeissner
  • Patent number: 9618139
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Handylab, Inc.
    Inventor: Kalyan Handique
  • Patent number: 9618140
    Abstract: A microvalve includes a first plate having a surface defining an actuator cavity. A second plate has a surface that abuts the surface of the first plate and includes a displaceable member that is disposed within the actuator cavity for movement between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member prevents fluid communication through the microvalve, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not prevent fluid communication through the microvalve. An actuator is connected to the displaceable member and has only one or two pairs of actuator ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DunAn Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventors: Parthiban Arunasalam, E. Nelson Fuller, Joe A. Ojeda, Sr., Gengxun K. Gurley, Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 9618141
    Abstract: Provided is an assembly of a cable and a cable support apparatus capable of suppressing vibrations and noise while saving a cable wiring space. The assembly of a cable and a cable support apparatus includes: at least one cable wired in an approximately U-shape and having one end repeatedly move with respect to the other end; and a cable support apparatus extending along the cable and curved in the approximately U-shape to support the cable, in which the cable support apparatus includes a cable support member including a plurality of piece members articulated along a length direction of the cable and a plurality of bar-shaped cable holding member mounted on at least some of the plurality of piece members to regulate the cable and the cable is disposed on an outer circumferential side at a curved portion having the approximately U-shape with respect to the cable holding member to protrude more outwardly than the cable support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Junkosha, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9618142
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting one or more tubular members are provided. The system can include a frame and one or more flexible support members, each having a first end and a second end. The first ends and the second ends can be connected to the frame to provide one or more supports for one or more tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ASSET INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Blake R. Masters, Rodney H. Masters, Mikael W. Smith, Billy L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 9618143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cord control system in several embodiments used to support, separate, and organize power cords including: industrial grade power cords, cables, air hoses, open conduit including; vacuum hoses, oxygen hoses, welding leads, welding hoses, water hoses, data cables, cables, webbing, ropes, etc. Several examples of the cord control system has an optional cord retaining strap which secures and supports multiple cords of optionally varying types on a single cord control rack by utilizing multiple cord receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nifty Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Noble
  • Patent number: 9618144
    Abstract: A duct includes a number of wall sections which are at least partly produced from fiber material and a binder agent. Together, the wall sections define a closed, elongate flow space. The wall sections which meet one another are united by the intermediary of at least one longitudinal fold or joint line. In the fiber material and the binder agent of the duct, there are disposed longitudinal rigidifying elements. On the outside of the duct, there are longitudinal bead-liked projections which include the fiber material and the binder agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CLIMATE RECOVERY IND AB
    Inventors: Peter Wallin, Göran Bernhardsson
  • Patent number: 9618145
    Abstract: A duct includes a polymeric duct wall that circumscribes a fluid-conveyance passage. The polymeric duct wall includes, relative to the fluid-conveyance passage, an inner surface and an outer surface. An electrically conductive coating is disposed on at least one of the outer surface and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo O. Brown, Gary R. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 9618146
    Abstract: Fitting for at least one pipe, having a main body for internally accommodating said at least one pipe, fastening means able to be tightened to the main body, at least one deformable annular sealing gasket and at least one blocking ring nut which can be positioned within the fitting between the main body and the fastening means, respectively, to ensure the sealing of, and block in firm position, the pipe, at least when the fastening means are tightened to the main body, the blocking ring nut being elastically deformable at least in radial direction. The fitting also has means for retaining in a widened position at least the mouth section of the at least one annular sealing gasket, with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the at least one pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: EFFEBI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Ermanno Tanghetti
  • Patent number: 9618147
    Abstract: Connection assembly includes two pipe end sections arranged to face each other, a profiled clamp including a clamping band with a base and two tilted side walls with ends, and at least one perimeter pleat projecting outwards on each of the pipe end sections. The side walls are engagable with the pleats on sides of the pleats facing away from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Manfred Krueger
  • Patent number: 9618148
    Abstract: The invention comprises dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W. S. Bryant
  • Patent number: 9618149
    Abstract: In various embodiments, fluid conduits such as high pressure hoses deployed in-between two sea-fairing vessels may be released during an emergency by using a rapid release emergency disconnect system as described herein, where the rapid release emergency disconnect system may engage with a hanger such as an industry standard frac hanger and be used in-line with fluid conduits such as high-pressure lines. Various skid embodiments are described which can be configured to interface with one or more of the described rapid release emergency disconnect systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Spexarth, Richard Allan Myers, Kyle William Gebhardt, Jorge Ramon Mesa, Alexander Robert Voss, James Devern McAllister
  • Patent number: 9618150
    Abstract: A method for generating fluid pulses is provided. The device comprises a first channel with a first fluid inlet and a second channel with a second fluid inlet, in which the first fluid inlet and second fluid inlet are substantially situated opposite each other. The first channel comprises a first control outlet at the height of the first fluid inlet, and the second channel comprises a second control outlet at the height of the second fluid inlet, in which the respective control outlet is located in front of the respective fluid inlet in relation to the inflowing direction of the fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Bauer, Jakob Lohse, Wolfgang Nitsche
  • Patent number: 9618151
    Abstract: An acoustic silencer for dampening unwanted resonant and pressure pulses in a pipe or duct work and includes an expansion chamber having an enclosed volume through which a pipe or duct work extends, thereby defining an annular volume within the enclosed volume between the process pipe and the expansion chamber. An insert disposed within the annular volume extends along the length of the process pipe and forms an acoustic volume within the annular volume and defines a resonant passage length that is of a length so as to dampen one or more frequencies of the process pipe. An opening is formed through the process pipe along the length of the process pipe that extends through the expansion chamber and is in fluidic communication with the acoustic volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Adriaan DeVilliers
  • Patent number: 9618152
    Abstract: Adjustment device for a support arm system, support arm system includes a support arm for holding an object, a hinge part having a receiving portion for securing the support arm, and the hinge part being rotatably mounted on a hinge retainer. Support arm is securable with an end face to the hinge part, and a deployment angle of the support arm being adjustable using adjustment device which is formed from a wedge-shaped adjustment head that interacts with a slide incline of the hinge part and the end face of the support arm. Adjustment head includes a wedge surface and a pressure surface that lies opposite wedge surface, and adjustment head is adjustable such that the wedge surface slides along on the slide incline and pressure surface therefore pressing against end face of the support arm such that the deployment angle of the support arm can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROLEC Gehäuse-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Rose
  • Patent number: 9618153
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting clip for an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or smart phone. The mounting clip may be adapted to be supported by a flexible support apparatus, such as a tripod. The mounting clip may support a variety of electronic device types with an automatically adjusting variable device receiver. The mounting clip may be adapted to retract into a compact stowed position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Daymen US, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Hale, Noah Balmer, David Yao
  • Patent number: 9618154
    Abstract: A gear unit includes shafts for connecting to an external mechanical system, at least one gear stage between the shafts, a lubrication pump for circulating lubricating oil through the at least one gear stage and bearings of the gear unit, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the lubricating oil and supplying a temperature signal, an electrical motor for driving the lubrication pump, and an electrical device for controlling the electrical motor so that torque directed to the lubrication pump is below a torque limit. The torque limit is determined dynamically on the basis of the measured temperature of the lubricating oil. This arrangement makes it possible to protect the lubrication pump against mechanical faults during a cold start process so that an unnecessarily strict torque limitation, which would slow down the cold start process, can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MOVENTAS GEARS OY
    Inventors: Kari Uusitalo, Jukka Elfström
  • Patent number: 9618155
    Abstract: A lubrication unit for delivering lubricant in a system and a method for controlling the unit. The lubrication unit includes a reservoir, a motor, and a pump. The lubrication unit has a flow rate sensor mounted downstream from the pump for measuring a flow rate of lubricant. The lubrication unit includes a control unit operatively connected to the flow rate sensor and the motor for controlling operation of the motor. The control unit includes an input selector for selecting at least one characteristic selected from a group consisting of a volume and a flow rate of lubricant pumped by the pump. The control unit adjusts motor speed to obtain the selected characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, Viktor Alekseyev
  • Patent number: 9618156
    Abstract: A motor control system for a lubricant pump motor comprises a pump system power input, a motor drive, a current sensor, a lubrication controller, and a drive controller. The pump system power input is configured to supply system power. The motor drive is configured to drive the lubricant pump motor using the system power. The current sensor is disposed between the pump system power input and the motor drive to sense an input current of the system power. The lubrication controller configured to provide motor activation signals. The drive controller is disposed to receive the motor activation signals via an isolated digital input, and to control the motor drive as a function of the sensed input current and a user-defined current set-point, in response to the activation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Eric J. Mjolhus, Suresha S. Nijaguna, Jesse L. Lanie
  • Patent number: 9618157
    Abstract: Gas containment vessels are provided that are comprised of an inner corrosion resistant shell made of lower strength steel alloy or aluminum alloy or thermoplastic polymer, and an outer concentric shell constructed of high strength, albeit lower corrosion resistant, metal or fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber can comprise filaments derived from basaltic rocks, the filaments having been immersed in a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer matrix, and commingled with carbon, glass or aramid fibers such that there is load sharing between the basaltic fibers and carbon, glass or aramid fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Quantum Fuel Systems LLC
    Inventor: Neel Sirosh
  • Patent number: 9618158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying fuel to a gaseous fuel consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NEW GAS INDUSTRIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Walter H. Killeen, Bryan Killeen, Carl Guichard
  • Patent number: 9618159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and equipment for dispensing a high pressure compressed gas using a special hydraulic fluid, comprising a hydraulic pressurization unit also known as “HPU”, which can be connected to a semi-trailer comprising compressed gas cylinders, upper and lower open ends, comprising a single valve arranged at the upper end of the cylinders, which supplies the compressed gas to a customer, one valve disposed at the lower end of the cylinders for both supplying of the hydraulic oil from an oil reservoir to the cylinders, and the return of the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic fluid reservoir from the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NEOGAS DO BRASIL GAS NATURAL COMPRIMIDO S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Pereira Gouvêa, Vagner Flores De Almeida
  • Patent number: 9618160
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a pressure vessel having a first end with a first boss and a cylindrical portion. The vessel includes a liner, a composite shell disposed over the liner, and a first longitudinal vent disposed between the liner and the composite shell. The first longitudinal vent includes an elongated vent defining element and extends at least from the cylindrical portion of the vessel to the first boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventors: John A. Eihusen, Norman Lynn Newhouse, Nicholas Noel Kleinschmit
  • Patent number: 9618161
    Abstract: A lamp includes a substrate having a center region and a peripheral region, a first subset of light-emitting devices disposed on the center region, and a second subset of light-emitting devices disposed on the peripheral region. A temperature difference between the center region and the peripheral region is greater than 10 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: EPISTAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sheng-Shin Guo, Chih-Hsuan Sun, Tien-Min Lin, Wei-Yu Yeh
  • Patent number: 9618162
    Abstract: A LED lamp for use in an existing light fixture having an electrical receptacle comprises an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure and a base having an external size that may be the same size or smaller than an external size of the electrical receptacle. A LED assembly is operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The base comprises a universal mounting mechanism for mounting the lamp to the light fixture. A surge protector and an electrical connector are positioned at least partially in the base and are in the electrical path. A heat sink comprises a first portion in the enclosure for supporting the LED assembly and a second portion external of the enclosure for dissipating heat. The base is connected to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Bendtsen, Kurt Wilcox, Curt Progl, Brian Kinnune
  • Patent number: 9618163
    Abstract: A LED lamp comprises an enclosure containing a reflective surface and an optically transmissive exit surface and a base. A LED assembly is mounted on a submount, is located in the enclosure and is operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The submount comprises a connector portion having a first electrical contact that is in the electrical path. A first spring contact is electrically coupled to lamp electronics where the lamp electronics and the first spring contact are in the electrical path. A heat sink comprises a heat dissipating portion that is at least partially exposed to the ambient environment and a heat conducting portion that is thermally coupled to the LED assembly. The connector portion is inserted into the heat sink such that the first electrical contact creates an electrical contact coupling with the first spring contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: David Power, Daniel J. VanEpps, Jr., Bart P. Reier, Mark Edmond
  • Patent number: 9618164
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for retrofitting a lighting fixture with a light emitting diode (LED) lamp. The adapter includes a pin plate and a retaining ring. The pin plate includes at least one pin extending outward from a distal side of the pin plate. The retaining ring includes a base, at least one arm, and at least one projecting member, each having inward and outward surfaces. The at least one pin restricts movement of the adapter when the adapter is rotated to a restraining position. The at least one projecting member causes the inward surface of the at least one projecting member to face the inward surface of the base. The at least one projecting member restricts movement of the adapter in a direction corresponding to an axis of rotation of the adapter using the at least one projecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis L. Berry, Keith Davis, Theodore E. Kluska, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 9618165
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus comprises: an LED-based light source; a spherical, spheroidal, or toroidal diffuser generating a Lambertian light intensity distribution output at any point on the diffuser surface responsive to illumination inside the diffuser; and a base including a base connector. The LED based light source, the diffuser, and the base are secured together as a unitary LED lamp installable in a lighting socket by connecting the base connector with the lighting socket. The diffuser is shaped and arranged respective to the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to conform with an isolux surface of the LED based light source. The base is operatively connected with the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to electrically power the LED based light source using electrical power received at the base connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Allen, David C. Dudik, Boris Kolodin, Joshua I. Rintamaki, Bruce R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9618166
    Abstract: An end cap for LED tube lamp along with the LED tube lamp adopting thereof is disclosed. LED tube lamp includes a lamp tube. One end of the lamp tube is attached to the end cap; a LED light bar is disposed inside the lamp tube. The end cap includes an insulating tubular part, sleeved with the end of the lamp tube and a magnetic object disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the insulating tubular part and the end of the lamp tube. The magnetic object being of a magnetic metal member and the lamp tube are adhesively bonded by a hot melt adhesive. An inner circumferential surface of the magnetic metal member can be fully covered by the hot melt adhesive. Magnetic metal member can be in the structure of a circular or oval ring, with at least one opening, and has indentation structure on a surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Jiaxing Super Lighting Electric Applianc Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Jiang, Wen-Jang Jiang, Shau-Liang Chen, Xiao-Su Yang
  • Patent number: 9618167
    Abstract: A lighting fixture can comprise a flexible substrate and an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to the flexible substrate. In various embodiments, the array of LEDs can be disposed at one region of the flexible substrate, with another area of the flexible substrate free from LEDs. Light emitted from the LED array can be incident upon the area that is free from LEDs, and that area can manage the incident light to achieve a desired effect. Accordingly, the flexible substrate can filter, diffuse, refract, transmit, diffract, imprint information upon, or otherwise purposely manipulate light generated by associated LEDs The flexible substrate may be manipulated into different forms for different lighting fixtures styles and models and for different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Bohler
  • Patent number: 9618168
    Abstract: An LED tube lamp includes a glass tube, two end caps, a power supply, and an LED light strip. The glass tube includes a main body region, two rear end regions, and two transition regions connecting the main body region and the rear end regions. The end cap is disposed at one end of the glass tube and the power supply is provided inside the end cap. The LED light strip is disposed inside the glass tube and has LED light sources disposed thereon. The LED light strip includes a bendable circuit sheet mounted on inner surface of the glass tube. The bendable circuit sheet of the LED light strip is formed with a freely extending end portion at one end, and the freely extending end portion is electrically connected to the power supply. The glass tube and the end cap are secured by a hot melt adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: JIAXING SUPER LIGHTING ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD
    Inventors: Tao Jiang, Hong Xu, Liqin Li, Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 9618169
    Abstract: A lighting element for an illuminated hardscape. The lighting element includes a body structure defining a dispersion surface. A light fixture is positioned within the body structure and is configured to provide a light which is dispersed through the body structure to the dispersion surface. The body structure is formed from a clear or translucent material. An illuminated hardscaping is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HARTMAN DESIGN, INC.
    Inventor: Michael S. Hartman
  • Patent number: 9618170
    Abstract: A lamp and a hardscape structure illuminated by the lamp are disclosed. The lamp is formed from a plate to which a light fixture is attached. The plate may have a flange, a decorative face plate and side panels attached to direct light from the fixture along the hardscape on which the lamp is mounted. Mounting is effected by positioning the plate between discrete hardscape elements that are stacked one atop another. A portion of the plate projects out from the structure allowing the fixture to cast light on the structure surface. A light transmitting cover is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HARTMAN DESIGN, INC.
    Inventor: Michael S. Hartman
  • Patent number: 9618171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-emitting building element (1) comprising a plurality of solid-state light sources (19); and a sound-absorbing element (10) having an optically reflective side (15). The sound-absorbing element (10) is arranged such that the optically reflective side (15) faces the plurality of solid-state light sources (19), and comprises a plurality of holes (17) through the sound-absorbing element from the optically reflective side to an opposite side (16) of the sound-absorbing element. Each of the holes (17) is configured such that a projection of the hole in a plane parallel to the sound-absorbing element (10) is smaller than a smallest area of a cross-section of the hole (17), the cross-section being perpendicular to a normal of the sound-absorbing element (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Ruslan Akhmedovich Sepkhanov, Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen
  • Patent number: 9618172
    Abstract: The track lighting assembly includes a rail that may be positioned proximate the ceiling light fixture. A socket is coupled to the rail. The socket is selectively operationally coupled to the ceiling light fixture. The rail is retained on the ceiling light fixture. A rail contact is coupled to the rail. The rail contact is operationally coupled to the socket. A light support is operationally coupled to the rail. The light support is selectively movable along the rail. The light support is operationally coupled to the contact. The light support is in communication with the socket. A fixture is operationally coupled to the light support. The fixture is in communication with the contact. A light emitter is operationally coupled to the fixture. The light emitter selectively emits light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Hudis Means, III
  • Patent number: 9618173
    Abstract: A light device is provided, including: at least one source arranged to emit a light beam; an optical system arranged to send each light beam from a central zone in several possible directions contained in a light cone, the vertex of which is located in the central zone, such that each light beam propagates in its light cone; and a reflector system arranged to receive each light beam propagating in its light cone and to reflect each received light beam in a space and outside its light cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ARTEFFECT
    Inventors: Aurélien Linz, Simon Blatrix
  • Patent number: 9618174
    Abstract: The invention relates to an LED light-source module (M, M1-M4) for an LED motor vehicle headlight (SW), in particular for an LED motor vehicle headlight (SW) for producing a dynamic light distribution, wherein the LED light-source module (M) comprises two or more LED light sources (LEQ), wherein one LED light source (LEQ) in each case comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED1, LED2), and wherein the light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2) of each LED light source (LEQ) couple light into an associated primary optical element (P1-P4), wherein the incoupled light exits, at least partially, through a light exit surface (L1-L4) of the primary optical element (P1-P4), and wherein the light exit surfaces (L1-L4) of the primary optical elements (P1-P4) of an LED light-source module (M) are connected to one another by means of a light-permeable material such that light coupled into the primary optical elements (P1-P4) can enter the light-permeable material and can then exit this material through a light exit surfac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ZKW GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Jungwirth, Andreas Moser, Günther Krenn
  • Patent number: 9618175
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a phosphor which receives laser light (excitation light) emitted from a semiconductor light-emitting element to emit visible light, a reflector which reflects the visible light (illumination light) emitted from the phosphor forward, and an absorbing member which absorbs excitation light regularly reflected by a surface of the phosphor. A metal plate on which the phosphor is disposed to be inclined to cause the excitation light regularly reflected by the surface of the phosphor to be incident on the absorbing member. An upper end portion of the reflector is disposed at a position lower than a vertical position of the phosphor to prevent the regularly reflected excitation light from being incident on the upper end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Adachi, Masayuki Fukui, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Chohei Ono
  • Patent number: 9618176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for vehicle lighting systems having a housing opening with a protruding opening wall and a ventilation body, which is fixed to the housing opening by engagement with an inner part. The ventilation body and the housing opening have walls for forming a ventilation duct with a plurality of direction changes between an edge of the ventilation body and an aperture of the housing opening, wherein an inner part and an outer part which surround the opening wall of the housing opening have walls, which respectively sectionally lie circumferentially sealingly against the opening wall of the housing opening, and wherein the ventilation body and the housing opening are formed such that the ventilation body can be brought from an unlocked position into a locked position or vice versa by rotation according to a predetermined angle of rotation relative to the housing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., AZ Ausruestung & Zubehoer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Hansmann, Jens Oliver Meyer, Michael Wysok