Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9695903
    Abstract: To provide a novel damper for a compressor that includes a vibration isolation system that suits the low rotation speed of a compressor of a cooling apparatus. A plurality of support projections that support annular mounting portions of a compressor at multiple points are provided at an upper end portion of a cylindrical support. The plurality of support projections elastically support the compressor so that the compressor has a high center of gravity and allow the compressor to be laterally displaced by vibration. Moreover, a bellows portion that is elastically deformed while being in contact with the annular mounting portion that becomes laterally displaced is provided. The elastic deformation of the bellows portion buffers the lateral displacement of the compressor and stirs a viscous fluid that fills inside thereof to buffer the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: Panasonic Corporation, Polymatech Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoki Hirai, Akira Naito
  • Patent number: 9695904
    Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum device includes a pendulum mass carrier, which is rotatable about a rotation axis, and at least one pendulum mass, which is supported on the pendulum mass carrier for movement along a track between end stops which are spaced from one another in circumferential direction in relation to the rotation axis. A spring device urges the pendulum mass in one of the end stops, when the rotation speed of the pendulum mass carrier drops below a limit rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Herbert Meyer, Sebastian Schulze
  • Patent number: 9695905
    Abstract: In an engine (internal combustion engine), a crankcase is provided with a fastening area that surrounds the opening and contacts the oil pan, a balance shaft housing is disposed in the crankcase to surround the opening, and four housing side fastening sections are provided to the crankcase to fasten the crankcase and the balance shaft housing. The fastening section of the four housing side fastening sections in a first axial direction side of a balance shaft is disposed on the inside of the fastening area, and the fastening section of the four housing side fastening sections in a second axial direction side of the balance shaft is disposed on the outside of the fastening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kunihiko Sakata
  • Patent number: 9695906
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a belt with upstream treatment of a tension member. The belt comprises a belt body made of a polymeric material having elastic properties, having a top ply as belt backing and a substructure having a force transmission zone, and a tension member embedded into the belt body. The tension member has been treated with crosslinked polymer; in an upstream stage of the belt fabrication method, voids in the tension member are filled at least partly with crosslinked polymer and the tension member is sealed with an envelope layer of crosslinked polymer, this being done, in a single treatment stage or in at least two treatment stages, by wetting of the tension member with an overall treatment mixture comprising at least one prepolymer, at least one crosslinker and at least one solvent or dispersion medium, and then drying of the treated tension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ContiTech Antriebssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Brocke, Hubert Goeser, Andre Kucharczyk
  • Patent number: 9695907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frictional power transmission belt containing an extensible layer forming a belt back surface, a compressive rubber layer formed on one surface of the extensible layer and frictionally engaging at the lateral surface thereof with pulleys, and a tension member embedded between the extensible layer and the compressive rubber layer along the belt length direction, in which a surface of at least a part of the compressive rubber layer to be in contact with pulleys is coated with a fiber/resin mixture layer that contains a resin component and heat-resistant fibers having a softening point or a melting point higher than a vulcanization temperature in a mixed state, and the heat-resistant fibers contain a fiber embedded so as to extend from the fiber/resin mixture layer to the compressive rubber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Mitsutomi, Yoshihito Noborikawa, Tsuyoshi Takehara
  • Patent number: 9695908
    Abstract: A clamping assembly (10) comprises a body (12) defining a passage (34) through which an elongate article (100) can extend. A clamping member (16) is arranged in the passage for clamping the elongate article, the clamping member being movable between clamping and release conditions for respectively clamping and releasing the article (100). Urging means (14) comprises a spring (20) to urge the clamping member (16) to the clamping condition. The spring can be deformed to a release configuration to urge the clamping member (16) to the release condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Gripple Limited
    Inventor: Alan Somerfield
  • Patent number: 9695909
    Abstract: A leaf chain includes a plurality of chain units each having two pins, around which first and second alternate inner plates between outer plates are mounted. The plates form respective apertures where the pins penetrate. Each chain unit has bushings located in the apertures of the first and second inner plates, and first washers disposed between any two adjacent bushings and between the bushings and the outer plates. There are connecting plates located at an outer side of the outer plates and tightly engaged with the pins to prevent the outer plates from being deformed because of a concentration of large force in the outer plates during the transmission. The outer plates have a loose engagement with the pins to prevent the pins and inner plates from being worn away. The first washers help the sealing effect to maintain the preferable stability and transmissibility and prolong the operating life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ming-Chang Traffic Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: 9695910
    Abstract: Links constituting a device for guiding a long object are each provided with a pair of link portions, a first coupling portion for coupling the pair of link portions to each other, and a second coupling portion for coupling the pair of link portions at a position opposite to the first coupling portion. A long object is accommodated in an accommodation space defined by the link portions, the first coupling portions, and the second coupling portions. The first coupling portion constitutes a mounting member detachably attached to mounting portions of the pair of link portions. The first coupling portion has a hinge shaft at a first end and a hook portion at a second end. The mounting portion of each link portion has a bearing portion that supports the hinge shaft to be freely rotational while restricting movement thereof, and an engaging hole that is engaged with the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Shoichiro Komiya
  • Patent number: 9695911
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oil seal cap that can be attached to a part to be closed without any laborious and time-consuming step and can achieve an efficient oil passage operation such as an oil changing operation. An oil seal cap 30 includes: a body part 31 having a first hole 31a passing therethrough; a port part 32 provided on the body part 31 inside an outer circumferential part of the body part 31 when viewed in the passing-through direction of the first hole 31a, the port part 32 having a second hole 32a passing therethrough and extending in the same direction as the passing-through direction of the first hole 31a; and a plug member 33 configured to block the second hole 32a, the plug member 33 being removably mounted on the port part 32. The second hole 32a is opened, through the first hole 31a, toward a side opposed to a side where the port part 32 is provided on the body part 31; and a surface of the body part 32 is provided with a locking part 38a projecting with respect to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Uchihara, Kohei Nagahara
  • Patent number: 9695912
    Abstract: Examples are provided that describe a cycloid transmission with an adjustable ring. An example cycloid transmission includes a disc and a motor shaft attached to the disc. The motor shaft is capable of rotating the disc around an outer ring of rollers. The outer ring of rollers surrounds the disc. As the disc is rotated, contact is made between the disc and the outer ring of rollers. A cycloid transmission also comprises an adjustable ring that is interposed between the motor shaft and the disc. A circumference of the adjustable ring can be adjusted in order to cause expansion of a radius of the disc. This expansion will result in increased contact of the disc with the outer ring of rollers and thereby lower backlash during rotation of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Andy Metzger
  • Patent number: 9695913
    Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces nine forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission gearing arrangement includes a front shiftable gearing arrangement configured to establish a variety of speed ratios between an intermediate shaft and an input shaft. These speed ratios include a reverse speed ratio, a zero speed ratio, two underdrive ratios, and a direct ratio. Each transmission also includes a rear shiftable gearing arrangement configured to selectively establish particular speed relationships among the input shaft, the intermediate shaft, and an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Daniel Goleski
  • Patent number: 9695914
    Abstract: Construction is achieved whereby durability is maintained while size and weight are reduced. Installation plate sections are provided on the top and bottom end sections of a pair of support columns. Bolts are inserted through through-holes that penetrate through the installation plate sections in the axial direction; the bolts are then screwed into screw holes provided in the axial direction of anchor sections of an actuator body and a connecting plate, and the bolts are further tightened, whereby the support columns are securely joined and fastened to the actuator body and the connecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Nagao Dohi, Hiroki Nishii, Norihisa Kobayashi, Tomohiro Inoue, Masahiro Kita
  • Patent number: 9695915
    Abstract: A power transfer apparatus and a method of configuring and assembling a power transfer apparatus. The power transfer apparatus includes a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of planets and a plurality of planet spindle assemblies, each one of the plurality of spindle assembly configured to rotatingly support one of the plurality of planets. Each of the spindle assemblies includes a spindle disposed in a channel of one of the plurality of planets. The spindle includes a first end in contact with an input disc and a second end in contact with an output disc. A first and second bearing are respectively located at recesses formed in the spindle. Each of the first bearing and second bearing are in contact with the interior surface of the channel of the planet to provide rotational support thereof. The power transfer apparatus provides improved assembly, performance and reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc
    Inventor: Dane L Rodgers, II
  • Patent number: 9695916
    Abstract: Provided is a differential member that is used in a surgical instrument, which may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations, to receive an input of two or more rotation motions or translation motions and output a single rotation motion or translation motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LIVSMED INC.
    Inventor: Jung Joo Lee
  • Patent number: 9695917
    Abstract: A cable actuator includes a housing and a cam disposed in the housing. The cam includes a first cable retaining portion and a second cable retaining portion. The cam is movable between a first position in which the first cable retaining portion is in an actuated position and the second cable retaining portion is in a return position, and a second position in which the first cable retaining portion is in a return position and the second cable retaining portion is in an actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Texas Capital Bank National Association
    Inventor: Michael Warren Lokken
  • Patent number: 9695918
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a gap expanding method of a ball screw for preventing an increase in torque relative to an electric motor due to a protruding bulge caused by generation of a scar on the traveling side of the screw shaft of the ball screw, and to provide a control rod drive mechanism incorporating the gap expanded ball screw. In a ball screw disposed in a control rod drive mechanism, the ball screw has a screw shaft and a ball nut engaged with the screw shaft via travelling balls, and the balls are each configured to have a diameter smaller than that of the existing ball, thereby expanding a gap between a ball traveling side of the screw shaft and the ball and a gap between the ball and a ball traveling side of the ball nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Matsushita, Toshihiro Kodama, Kiyoshi Harada, Hirokazu Akatsuka, Takahiro Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 9695919
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus may include a first input shaft including at least one input gear, a second input shaft, at least one input gear. a first output shaft, more than two speed gears engaged respectively with the at least one input gear, at least one synchronizer operably connecting the more than two speed gears to the first output shaft selectively. a second output shaft, at least one speed gear engaged respectively with the at least one input gear, a reverse speed gear rotatably disposed on the second output shaft, at least one synchronizer operably connecting the at least one speed gear or the reverse speed gear to the second output shaft selectively, an idle shaft, and first and second idle gears fixedly disposed on the idle shaft and engaged respectively to one input gear on the first input shaft and the reverse speed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Suengho Lee, Jongsool Park, Hyungwook Cho
  • Patent number: 9695920
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for an agricultural vehicle, the transmission comprising a transmission casing and transmission components, the components including: an input shaft drivable by a prime mover, first and second output drive shafts for connection to driven wheels of the vehicle, a mechanical transmission branch which transfers torque mechanically from the input shaft to the first and second output shafts, and a further transmission branch having at least one continuously variable motor, wherein the first and second output drive shafts are additionally driven by the at least one motor so as to provide the first and second output drive shafts with continuously variable drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Heindl
  • Patent number: 9695921
    Abstract: A torque converter including an axis of rotation; a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller including an impeller shell non-rotatably connected to the cover; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller, the turbine having a turbine shell; a core ring; and, at least one blade connected to the impeller shell or the turbine shell, each blade including: a respective first edge; a respective tab: extending from the respective first edge and through the core ring; and, fixing each blade to the core ring; and, a respective first extension: extending from the respective first edge in a first circumferential direction; and, in contact with the core ring. A method of fabricating an impeller or a turbine for a torque converter using a fixture and the at least one blade described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Scott Schrader
  • Patent number: 9695922
    Abstract: A clutch device is comprised of: an end wall rotatable about an axis; an extended wall elongated as a unitary body from a first face of the end wall along the axis to define a circular slot; a clutch including a clutch member movable along the axis and capable of resting on a second face of the end wall; and a solenoid configured to drive the clutch member along the axis, the solenoid including a core conducting a magnetic flux, the core including a fitting portion slidably fitting in the circular slot, an abutment portion projecting radially outward from the fitting portion to abut along the axis on the extended wall, and a back portion projecting outward along the axis from the circular slot and retracting radially inward from the contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo Yamanaka, Atsushi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9695923
    Abstract: A power transmitting component with a housing, a pinion rotatably disposed in the housing, a flange and a retainer. The pinion has a stem that defines male threads and a plurality of first teeth that intersect the male threads. The flange has an internal aperture that defines female threads, a plurality of second teeth. The female threads are threadably engaged with the male threads. The retainer is insert molded between the stem and the flange and includes a body, a plurality of third teeth, a plurality of fourth teeth and a retainer member. The third teeth extend from the body and engage the first teeth. The fourth teeth extend from the body and engage the second teeth. The retainer member is engaged to one of the flange and the stem. A method for coupling a flange to a stem is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Enrico Heller
  • Patent number: 9695924
    Abstract: A mechanical system, comprising a tappet including a body, a support element defining two bores centered on a first axis, a pin comprising two opposite ends each adapted to be fitted in one of the two bores, and a roller element positioned between the two bores along the first axis and movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The support element is distinct from the body and fixed thereto, and the support element also comprises at least one antirotation device integrally formed thereto. The mechanical system can be integrated into an injection pump and/or a valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Benoît Hauvespre, Nicolas Berruet, Charles Chambonneau, François Champalou, Samuel Viault
  • Patent number: 9695925
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bar member including a pipe and metal members includes: forming a core member including a metal ring having an outer peripheral face subjected to face roughening and a mandrel; winding glass fibers around the outer peripheral face; winding a carbon fiber prepreg around the core member; forming the pipe externally fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral face by baking and curing the carbon fiber prepreg; pulling the mandrel out of the pipe; and screwing together the metal members and the metal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, IBARAKI INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuji Toyodome, Takeshi Kunishima
  • Patent number: 9695926
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to piece-part, sub-assembly, assembly, and component levels of a differential composed of a sun gear configuration and utilized in an integrated drive generator. An integrated drive generator is a hydro-mechanical transmission that drives a synchronous salient pole generator. The integrated drive generator is a constant speed output, variable speed input transmission that includes the differential and a hydraulic unit. In general, the integrated drive generator utilizes the variable speed input from an accessory gear box of an engine to drive or control a hydraulic unit, which in turn drives or controls a churn leg member of the differential. As the differential is driven, speeds of each speed member of the differential are then summed to generate the constant speed output to drive the synchronous salient pole generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Aaron M. Finke, Doren C. Smith, Andrew P. Grosskopf, David S. Behling
  • Patent number: 9695927
    Abstract: A motor-gearbox assembly includes a housing, a motor, and a gearbox. The housing includes a first alignment mechanism and a second alignment mechanism. The first alignment mechanism is at a first end of the housing and the second alignment mechanism is at a second end of the housing. The motor is mechanically positioned within the housing in accordance with the first alignment mechanism. The gearbox is mechanically positioned within the housing in accordance with the second alignment mechanisms to mechanically couple to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BISON GEAR & ENGINEERING CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Hanson, Lee Wang, George Thomas, Sanel Tatar, Edmund Henke, Tyler Brauhn, Jim Parejko
  • Patent number: 9695928
    Abstract: The system comprises an oil pump driven in conjunction with an output shaft of a transmission, a first oil path for supplying oil discharged from the oil pump to a lubrication system of the transmission, a second oil path arranged in parallel with the first oil path to guide the oil from the oil pump to a heat exchanger, and a valve inserted on an upstream side of the heat exchanger in the second oil path. The valve opens at a first set pressure to conduct the oil from the oil pump to the second oil path. The oil is supplied to the first oil path in a low vehicle speed area below the first set pressure, so that oil supply necessary for the lubrication system can be ensured. The oil is supplied to the second oil path in a high vehicle speed area over the first set pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Ashimori, Yuuichi Hidaka, Akio Muto
  • Patent number: 9695929
    Abstract: A speed change device includes a power transfer shaft, a tubular shaft member, and a planetary gear mechanism that has a carrier. An in-shaft oil passage is formed in the power transfer shaft. A radially inner portion of the carrier and the tubular shaft member are splined to each other. An inside opening portion of a guide oil passage is formed in a non-spline portion of the radially inner portion. A target race member of a thrust bearing is disposed so as to abut against the carrier. The radially innermost position of the non-spline portion is on the radially outer side of the radially outermost position of a spline engagement portion. An oil receiving portion is formed by the tubular shaft member, the non-spline portion, and the target race member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsunori Miyoshi, Kenji Sasaki, Keisuke Omuro, Koichi Okuda, Masafumi Yamamoto, Keita Imai
  • Patent number: 9695930
    Abstract: Two brakes of a transmission utilize the transmission front support as a clutch housing. One brake, which selectively holds a sun gear against rotation, is located on the inside of a cylindrical wall of the front support. A second brake, which selectively holds a ring gear against rotation, is located on the outside of the cylindrical wall. The clutch pack of the inner brake is splined to the inner surface of the cylindrical wall. The reaction plate of the first clutch pack includes radial fingers that extend between axial fingers of the cylindrical wall. The portion of the reaction plate that extends to the outer side of the cylindrical wall provides a reaction for a return spring of the outer brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Laurence Andrew Deutsch, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer
  • Patent number: 9695931
    Abstract: A pressure regulating passage includes a pressure regulating valve and a check valve. The pressure regulating valve regulates a hydraulic pressure supplied to a friction engagement element to be a predetermined pressure lower than an engagement pressure. The check valve prevents reverse flow of hydraulic oil supplied to the friction engagement element. An operative position of a manual valve is switched so as to switched between a passage that supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic pressure supply passage while bypassing the pressure regulating passage and a passage that supplies hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic pressure supply passage through the pressure regulating passage. Accordingly, when an automatic transmission is in a D range and a vehicle is stopped, regardless of a line pressure, an N control process is performed to disengage the friction engagement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fuminori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9695932
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus may include a first input shaft adapted to selectively receive torque of an engine, a second input shaft disposed without rotational interference with the first input shaft, a third input shaft disposed in a row with the second input shaft and without rotational interference with the first input shaft, a planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element directly connected to the third input shaft, and a third rotation element directly connected to the first input shaft, a motor/generator directly connected to the first rotation element and configured to achieve a reverse speed by inverse rotation thereof, and a first speed output unit and a second speed output unit each adapted to convert torque input from the second input shaft or the third input shaft and output the converted torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kyeonghun Lee, Jongsool Park, Suengho Lee
  • Patent number: 9695933
    Abstract: An automatic transmission control device with which it is occurrence of meshing failure at the time of engaging an engagement clutch may be prevented while suppressing prolonged time for completing the engagement. Disclosed is an automatic transmission control device comprising: an automatic transmission that is provided in the drive system of a vehicle and that includes, as an coupling element, an engagement clutch which undergoes meshing/engagement at the time of coupling; and a transmission controller that performs transmission control of the automatic transmission. The engagement clutch includes: a clutch gear connected to a transmission input shaft; and a clutch hub connected to a transmission output shaft and capable of meshing with the clutch gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Koga, Atsushi Tsukizaki, Kenichi Mori, Ryohey Toyota, Takashi Kurita, Kazuhiro Takaki
  • Patent number: 9695934
    Abstract: In a nozzle and a nozzle assembly, for use in a pressure vessel, stress analysis is used to determine areas of stress concentration. The nozzle is configured to reduce these stress concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Wesley P. Bauver, II, Donald W. Bairley, Ian J. Perrin, Glenn T. Selby, Rahul J. Terdalkar
  • Patent number: 9695935
    Abstract: A sealing device that suppresses degradation of sealing properties resulting from conduction of heat generated by sliding of a resin-made sealing member and a rotating shaft to a rubber-made sealing member. The sealing device includes a rubber sealing member (110), a resin sealing member (120), a support ring (130), and a case (180), the support ring (130) has: a large diameter portion (131); an inward flange (135) that extends inwardly in a radial direction from an end portion of the large diameter portion (131) on an air side, and has a notch (135a) with which a nail portion (183) of the case is engaged; a small diameter portion (133) that is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of a lip portion (112) of the rubber sealing member (110); and a lip retaining portion (134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Oiyama, Yusaku Nakazono, Yasuhisa Arita
  • Patent number: 9695936
    Abstract: A multilayer metal gasket (28) for establishing a seal between two mating members, such as between a cylinder head (22) and an engine block (24). The gasket assembly (28) includes a primary functional layer (30) having an embossed primary sealing bead (38). A primary stopper layer (52) bridges the convex embossed portion of the primary sealing bead and is fixed relative to the primary functional layer (30) by welding (54) or clinching. A secondary functional layer (44) is paired with the primary functional layer (30) and inverted relative thereto so that its secondary sealing bead (48) aligns with the primary sealing bead (38) and their respective concave depressions open toward one another, with the primary stopper layer (52) sandwiched therebetween. A compression limiter (50) may be carried on the functional layer (44) or alternatively a distance layer (364, 464).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Henne, Steven Honkala
  • Patent number: 9695937
    Abstract: A seal includes an annular mounting portion having a bellows portion extending axially and radially inward from the mounting portion. An axial leg extends axially from the bellows portion. A lay down sealing lip extends radially inward and axially from an end of the axial leg. A dust lip extends from the end of the axial leg in a direction opposite the lay down sealing lip. When the oil side is under negative pressure and when the lay down sealing lip begins to lift radially off the shaft there is a counterbalance force applied to the axial leg through the bellows geometry which maintains the lay down sealing lip in contact with the shaft. In addition, the seal is designed to be flexible enough that the oil side vacuum “rocks” the seal bringing the dust lip into contact with the shaft and blocking airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: Alexander Berdichevsky, Muhammad Mujahid Azni
  • Patent number: 9695938
    Abstract: To provide a scheme that, when making a prediction in multilayer coding, takes into account the quality of the image in each layer and can adaptively determine in want manner to refer to the image of which layer. Provided is an image processing device provided with a prediction control unit that, on the basis of an indicator dependent on the image quality of a first layer image and a second layer image, sets the weighting when including a first layer pixel and a second layer pixel for predicting a pixel in the second layer that is encoded or decoded referring to the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9695939
    Abstract: A seal structure includes: first and second members defining a hollow internal area of a fluid device; and a seal member fixed to the first member for sealing a gap between the first and second members. The seal member includes a sliding contact member being in sliding contact with a surface of the second member and formed of a resin. The second member includes a resin layer and a resin layer holding structure. The resin layer is formed by sliding the second member on the sliding contact member to transfer the resin forming the sliding contact member onto a sliding contact portion of the surface of the second member at which the second member comes into contact with the sliding contact member. The resin layer holding structure is a porous film formed by electric discharge surface treatment and holds the resin layer in the sliding contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Hifumi Tabata, Nobuhiko Yunoki, Mitsutoshi Watanabe, Hiroyuki Ochiai, Eiji Hosoi
  • Patent number: 9695940
    Abstract: A circumferential shaft seal segment includes a radial outer face, a radially inner face, a first axial face extending from the radial outer face to the radial inner face and a second axial face axially spaced from the first axial face and extending from the radially outer face to the radially inner face. The seal has a bleed slot in the radially inner face extending from the first axial face toward the second axial face, and there are first and second recesses in the radially inner face in communication with the bleed slot that extend from circumferentially opposite sides of the bleed slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: KAYDON RING & SEAL, INC.
    Inventors: George Perry Haynes, Jared Daniel Manry
  • Patent number: 9695941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical seal arrangement, comprising a rotating slide ring and a stationary slide ring, which define a sealing gap between them, and a delivery device for delivering a fluid, wherein the delivery device comprises a sleeve-like basic body with first through-openings and second through-openings, wherein the delivery device rotates jointly with the rotating slide ring, wherein the first through-openings each have a first entry region on an outer periphery of the sleeve-like basic body and a first exit region on an inner periphery of the sleeve-like basic body, and wherein the second through-openings each have a second entry region on the inner periphery of the sleeve-like basic body and a second exit region on the outer periphery of the sleeve-like basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joseph Fichtner, Stefan Ledig, Joachim Skrzidlo, Rudolf Kollinger, Thomas Bohm, Daniel Frohlich
  • Patent number: 9695942
    Abstract: A rotary joint for maintaining a cryogenic supplying refrigerant comprises a vacuum use cylindrical shaft supported in rotatable condition, a rotary seal ring fitted to an outer circumferential face with a space, a stationary seal ring provided at both sides of the respective rotary seal rings, a resilient bellows to press the stationary ring resiliently to the rotary seal ring side, a spaced fluid passage formed between the respective resilient bellows, a second fluid passage communicating with the spaced fluid passage, a connecting fluid passage communicating with the second fluid passage, a first pipe communicating through the spaced fluid passage, a connecting cover having a suction bore for vacuumizing and a magnetic fluid seal device having a projection constituted as multiple gaps corresponding to a pressure of the vacuumizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hidekazu Takahashi, Mami Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9695943
    Abstract: A slinger has a substantially L-shaped cross-section and includes a rotating cylindrical portion and a rotating circular ring portion. An inner circumferential surface of the rotating cylindrical portion is a stepped cylindrical surface in which a large-diameter portion formed at a portion close to the rotating circular ring portion and a small-diameter portion formed in the remainder are continuously connected by a stepped portion. The encoder supported by the rotating circular ring portion is formed by solidifying and securing a molten permanent magnet material in a state that a molding die collides with the stepped portion. An outer diameter of a hub is defined as ?D, an inner diameter of the small-diameter portion in a free state is defined as ?d1, and an inner diameter of the encoder in a free state is defined as ?d2, a relationship of ?d1??d2<?D is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Meiji Kato
  • Patent number: 9695944
    Abstract: An improved mechanical face seal is provided which includes a pair of relatively rotatable seal rings having opposing seal faces. At least one of the seal faces and preferably the silicon carbide seal ring includes a tantalum coating over the seal face. The coating is formed such that the exposed seal face surface is formed of tantalum with a preferred thickness, and the substrate is the silicon carbide seal ring material. Between the silicon carbide substrate and exposed tantalum coating layer, an intermediate transformation layer of tantalum carbide is formed to enhance bonding of the substrate and coating layer. Preferably, the tantalum carbide layer is formed during the coating process wherein the tantalum is applied by chemical vapor deposition and the tantalum reacts with the silicon carbide to form the tantalum carbide at the interface between the tantalum coating layer and the seal ring substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventor: John Davis
  • Patent number: 9695945
    Abstract: A fine control gas valve is disclosed. The valve has a tee having first and second tee runs co-axially aligned on a longitudinal axis, and a tee branch oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. A rotatable hand operator member cooperates with a threaded member and a sleeve to enable a valve to be adjustably positioned within the tee. Indicia on the valve may be used to help a user understand how a fluid flow through the valve will be affected by adjustments made by the rotatable hand operator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. Colby, Louie Xu Liu
  • Patent number: 9695946
    Abstract: A valve (100) including a housing (101) has a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (205). The valve (100) includes a vibrating element (206) adapted to vibrate when energized. The valve (100) also includes an amplifying plate (207) that is coupled to the vibrating element (106). The amplifying plate (207) includes a fluid passage (208). The fluid passage (208) provides fluid communication between the fluid inlet (102) and the fluid outlet (205). The valve (100) also includes a sealing ball (209) located between the fluid inlet (102) and the amplifying plate (207). The sealing ball (209) is adapted to seal the fluid passage (208).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Fluid Automation Systems S.A.
    Inventors: Nicolas Deperraz, Lionel Gandin, Michael Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 9695947
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to valves, generally including a body assembly and handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body and a stem passing through the body. The handle assembly generally includes a handle body and an insert. The insert provides an interface between the stem and the handle body. The insert includes protrusions extending therefrom configured to distribute stress resulting from a moment load applied to the handle assembly through the handle body to reduce failure of the handle body. Methods of positioning a valve are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Gutmann, Joshua Lee Hoots, Gary A. Moren, Jon Terence Stone
  • Patent number: 9695948
    Abstract: A vacuum valve with a housing having a valve seat, a closure member which, in a closed position, is pressed against the valve seat, and a manual actuator, by which the closure member is displaceable in a linear manner and which includes a screw transmission, which is actuatable by a rotational element and has a first driving part connected to the rotational element and a second driving part connected to the closure member. The driving parts have mating external and internal threads. A closing spring acts between the valve housing and the closure member. The first driving part is displaceable relative to the valve housing parallel to the closing direction, and with the closure member in the open position, the closure member is held against displacement in the closing direction by a supporting stop against which a stop face of the rotational element or of the first driving part abuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Martin Kienreich, Bernhard Duelli
  • Patent number: 9695949
    Abstract: Valves. At least some of the example valves include: a valve body; a valve housing; and a piston that defines a proximal end and a distal end, the piston disposed in a piston bore of the valve housing. The valve defines a closed orientation by a first rotational orientation of the valve housing relative to the valve body, and the valve defines an open orientation by a second rotational orientation of the valve housing distinct from the first rotational orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Karl Petter Elvestad, Michael Malling
  • Patent number: 9695950
    Abstract: A pinch valve includes a clamping jaw (12) which displaces perpendicularly to an axial direction and forms a mouth (16) that receives a flexible tube (18) that extends in the axial direction, and an abutment (12; 21) which is opposite the clamping jaw in the jaw displacement direction. The clamping jaw and the abutment are disposed relative to one another such that the tube is pinched by the advancing clamping jaw against the abutment. The clamping jaw has a displaceable support element (14) and two claws (16a; 16b) located opposite one another and engaging around the tube at least in some regions. The claws are articulated on the support element by the respective rear ends thereof such as to pivot about pivot pins oriented parallel to the axial direction, whereby the mouth opens as the clamping jaw advances and closes as the clamping jaw retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Swen Weitemeier, Lars Boettcher
  • Patent number: 9695951
    Abstract: A slide valve comprises a bushing in which fluid openings are provided which extend through the wall of the bushing, a slide which is arranged adjustably in the bushing and is provided with at least one fluid duct, and an electroactive polymer actuator which can adjust the slide in the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Cricia de Carvalho Rodegheri, Peter Krippner, Stefan Seelecke
  • Patent number: 9695952
    Abstract: A water distribution valve for directing a flow of fluid through a swimming pool cleaning system includes a housing having an inlet and outlets. A plurality of gates are mounted in the housing, each corresponding to a respective one of the outlets. Each gate is mounted to open and close the respective one of the outlets to which the gate corresponds in response to the flow of fluid into the housing from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez