Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
  • Patent number: 9718272
    Abstract: Provided is an attachment member that prevents the misalignment of a plurality of recording heads caused by rotation in attaching the recording heads to a head module which constitutes a head unit of an inkjet recording device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Masanori Shimazoe
  • Patent number: 9718273
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a contact unit that includes a container in which an opening is formed, the container accommodating cleaning liquid that cleans a forming surface of an ejection unit, the forming surface on which an ejection opening is formed, the ejection opening from which a liquid droplet is ejected; and an ultrasonic vibrator that is provided at the container and vibrates the cleaning liquid accommodated in the container, wherein the contact unit brings the cleaning liquid into contact with the forming surface in a state where the opening of the container faces the forming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Matsuduki, Yasunori Toda, Osamu Shimizu, Takashi Saeki, Yuichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 9718274
    Abstract: In a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection apparatus capable of reducing the occurrence of ejection malfunction, in a connecting section where a first flow channel and a second flow channel connect, a projecting member is provided on the flow channel wall forming the second flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Genji Inada, Hiromasa Amma, Takuya Iwano, Chiaki Muraoka, Tokuji Kudo, Shimpei Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 9718275
    Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head, a head holder, a carriage, a supply tube, a reference member, a first guide, and a second guide. The supply tube is led out from the carriage and extended to a first side of the head holder opposite a second side of the head holder at which the head holder is hooked on the reference member. The supply tube is disposed in a state in which, in plan view, the supply tube projects from an entry portion of the second guide beyond an end of the head holder in a main scanning direction. At least a portion of the first guide to guide the supply tube is disposed closer to the head holder, in plan view, than a position at which the supply tube projects farthest beyond the end of the head holder in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9718276
    Abstract: There is provided a set of tank and bottle. A tank includes a liquid chamber, an inclined wall and an inlet. A bottle includes a bottle body having a first opening, and a nozzle. The nozzle has: a trunk section fitted onto the end portion of the bottle body; a shoulder section brought into contact with the end portion of the bottle body; and a nozzle section having a second opening formed in a protruded end portion thereof. In a pouring posture of the bottle in which the nozzle section inserted into the inlet is positioned at a periphery of the inlet, an angle defined between a normal line of the inclined wall and an inner surface of the nozzle section is smaller than an angle defined between the normal line and a horizontal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Suguru Tomoguchi
  • Patent number: 9718277
    Abstract: To solve the problem of a liquid supply unit of the related art in that liquid supply may become difficult. The invention provides a tank capable of supplying a liquid to a liquid ejection head, the tank including: a liquid containing portion capable of containing the liquid; and an atmospheric air introducing portion constituting an atmospheric air flow channel capable of introducing atmospheric air into the liquid containing portion, wherein the atmospheric air introducing portion includes a buffer chamber capable of containing the atmospheric air, a liquid retaining member is housed in the buffer chamber, and in a state in which the liquid retaining member is housed in the buffer chamber, a gap that allows the atmospheric air to move between a first communication port and a second communication port of the atmospheric air flow channel is provided within the buffer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shoma Kudo, Naomi Kimura
  • Patent number: 9718278
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: a color ink applying unit configured to apply color ink to a print medium; a clear ink applying unit configured to apply a plurality of clear inks to the print medium to cover the applied color ink, each clear ink of the plurality of clear inks having a degree of glossiness that is different from each other; and a determining unit configured to determine an amount ratio of each clear ink to each other clear ink of the plurality of clear inks in accordance with the degree of glossiness indicated by the glossiness data and to determine an amount of each clear ink of the plurality of clear inks such that the determined ratio is satisfied and such that the clear inks cover the applied color ink and print medium at approximately 100% area coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Morita, Keiichirou Takeuchi, Eisuke Nishitani, Takumi Otani, Fumihiro Goto, Koichiro Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 9718279
    Abstract: A label medium and an apparatus for manufacturing the label medium are provided. The label medium includes a release sheet and an adhesive sheet temporarily adhered to the release sheet. The adhesive sheet has a base layer and an adhesive layer provided on the base layer. The adhesive sheet includes a plurality of label parts printed on the base layer and a frame part provided outside the label parts. The adhesive sheet is cut along an outline of each of the label parts. The frame part includes a peeling direction indicating portion to indicate a peeling direction in which the frame part is peeled off from the release sheet, the peeling direction being substantially perpendicular to one side of the outline of the label part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takayuki Ehara
  • Patent number: 9718280
    Abstract: A library system includes a plurality of drive modules for reading and writing storage media, typically magnetic tapes. The library system includes: (i) a picker for loading and unloading cartridges into, and out of, the drive modules; and/or (ii) a label printing drive integrated into the library system. The label printing drive receives a cartridge in the same way any of the drive modules receives a cartridge. The picker loads the cartridge in an identical way as the other drive modules and the label printing drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Beicht, Marcus Breuer, Frank Krick, Thorsten Muehge, Erik Rueger
  • Patent number: 9718281
    Abstract: A method and system for printing to apparel includes a receptacle configured to receive articles of apparel, such as socks. The receptacle includes perforations and an inner ink absorbing layer. The receptacle is rotated beneath a print head assembly. The ink can be cured using heating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Bevier, Travis K. Ernst, Todd W. Miller
  • Patent number: 9718282
    Abstract: A printer maintenance guide device includes a guide command button for commanding a maintenance guide for a maintenance work, and a moving image memory storing moving images for successively and continuously displaying a whole process of the maintenance guide from start to end at once on a display unit by the operation of the guide command button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mats Hedberg, Takuya Chiba
  • Patent number: 9718283
    Abstract: The invention has an object to provide a high-quality print. To achieve the object, an inkjet printing device (100) includes: a transferring roller, a print-heater (6) for heating a medium (20); and an after-heater (7) for heating an ink, wherein the device has a plurality of inkjet heads, and the plurality of inkjet heads discharges inks in different colors and are aligned along a direction of transfer of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaru Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 9718284
    Abstract: A sheet ejecting device having a first ejection tray, a first ejection roller to eject the sheet to the first ejection tray, a second ejection tray in a position above the first ejection tray, a second ejection roller to eject the sheet to the second ejection tray, and a first guide and a second guide disposed in widthwise end portions on a lower surface of the second ejection tray, is provided. The first guide and the second guide are configured to contact widthwise end portions of the sheet ejected by the first ejection roller and guide the widthwise end portions of the sheet downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsuo Hirose
  • Patent number: 9718285
    Abstract: In a printer for printing on a label of a continuous paper in a middle of feeding the continuous paper unwound from a paper sheet supply unit, while a depressed portion is disposed below a damper portion, a width adjustment guiding portion, which contacts an outer edge in a width direction of the continuous paper to guide a feed of the continuous paper, is disposed on a lower portion of the damper portion such that the lower end portion of the width adjustment guiding portion is positioned within the depressed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kokuta
  • Patent number: 9718286
    Abstract: A sheet-transport drum includes at least two sheet-supporting surfaces with suction openings. Each respective sheet-supporting surface is formed of first and second comb segments with segment teeth. Suction grooves are provided in the segment teeth and a trailing-edge suction groove is provided in the sheet-supporting surface of each respective second comb segment. A rotary valve is provided for a timed supply of suction air. A plurality of vacuum sources is provided and a trailing-edge suction groove is assigned to each respective vacuum source by the rotary valve. This ensures that the vacuum provided by a respective trailing-edge suction groove at the trailing edge of a respective sheet is reliably maintained even if a previous or following sheet is missing. A sheet-fed printing machine with the sheet-transport drum is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dolz, Raimund Schroeder, Arno Juenger, Daniel Conzelmann
  • Patent number: 9718287
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a recording section which is provided over a transport passage for transporting a sheet in a transport direction and which has nozzles for discharging an ink onto the sheet; a platen which is provided under the recording section with the transport passage intervening therebetween and which has a plurality of ribs provided to support the sheet while being separated from each other in a widthwise direction of the transport passage perpendicular to the transport direction, the respective ribs protruding upwardly and extending in the transport direction; and a plurality of holding members which are provided to be positioned between the plurality of ribs in the widthwise direction of the transport passage over the platen on an upstream side in the transport direction from the nozzles and which abut against an upper surface of the sheet and press the sheet toward the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 9718288
    Abstract: A printer is disclosed. The printer uses a target located on one side of media to position an image on the other side of the media. The printer backlights the media and uses a sensor that locates the target through the backlit media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Jordi Hernandez Creus, Yngvar Rossow Sethne, Josep M. Aymerich i Bolta
  • Patent number: 9718289
    Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a paper floating detecting unit which detects floating of a paper sheet at a first position; an ink jet recording unit which records an image on the paper sheet at a second position on a downstream side of the first position; and an image reader which reads the image on the paper sheet at a third position on the downstream side of the second position. When the floating is detected by the paper floating detecting unit, the image in a fixed front and rear range of the paper sheet is read by the image reader with a position where the floating is detected as a reference. The read image is displayed on a display device. An operator confirms the image displayed on the display device, and discriminates the type of the generated floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 9718290
    Abstract: A printer includes a controller configured to, when determining that print data of a next page is stored in a storage while a through-up printing process or a constant-speed printing process is in execution, perform a nonstop printing process, when a first distance between a cut position and a cut target portion closest to the cut position becomes coincident with a second distance over which a print medium is conveyed while a conveyance speed is decelerated at a particular deceleration from a current speed to zero, during the execution of the nonstop printing process, perform a through-down printing process until conveyance of the print medium is stopped, and when conveyance of the print medium is stopped, control a cutter to cut the cut target portion in the cut position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junya Kawai
  • Patent number: 9718291
    Abstract: A printing assembly comprises a medium support surface, a guide assembly and a carriage support structure for moveably supporting a print head carriage on the guide assembly. The guide assembly is arranged to move the print head carriage in a carriage plane, which carriage plane is parallel to the medium support surface. The guide assembly comprises a guide beam; and a guide rail arranged on the guide beam. The guide rail and the guide beam each extend in a scanning direction. The printer carriage support structure comprises a guide frame arranged on the guide rail and the guide frame is moveable in the scanning direction and extends in the scanning direction between a first support position and a second support position. The guide frame is supported on the guide rail at said first support position and at said second support position. A carriage frame is moveably supported on the guide rail through the guide frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: OCE-TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventor: Maarten J. H. Elferink
  • Patent number: 9718292
    Abstract: An examining apparatus, examining method and an image recording apparatus which analyze the state of a print image irrespective of variation in contrast performance of an optical unit of a reading device are provided. An examining apparatus includes: a reading device configured to read an image recorded by a recording head to output a reading result and including at least one optical unit including an image capturing element and a lens; an analyzing device configured to analyze a state of the recording head or a state of the image by comparing the reading result to a threshold; an index acquiring device configured to acquire an index indicating contrast performance for each divided reading region obtained by dividing a reading region of the reading device into a plurality of regions; and a correcting device configured to correct the threshold for the divided reading region based on the acquired index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Yosuke Kimura
  • Patent number: 9718293
    Abstract: An embossing seal has a base, a die assembly, a driven shaft assembly, a restoring member, and a pressing handle. The die assembly is mounted in the base. The driven shaft assembly is movably mounted in the base, abuts the die assembly, and has a lower shaft unit, an upper shaft unit, and a cushion member, so as to perform two embossing steps. The restoring member is mounted in the base and abuts the base and the upper shaft unit. The pressing handle is pivotally coupled to the base and abuts the upper shaft unit. With the upper shaft unit driving the lower shaft unit via the cushion member, discomfort to the wrist and elbow of a user can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Sun Same Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Jer Shih
  • Patent number: 9718294
    Abstract: Apparatus to produce a spatially and temporally uniform heat source is described and this is used to visualize latent fingerprints deposited onto thermal paper by raising the temperature of the paper. Results show an improvement over previous techniques, particularly when fingerprint deposits are aged or the developed fingerprints faint; visualization being enhanced by the use of an LED light source. An investigation of the components in fingerprint sweat likely to affect the solubility and hence colour change of the dye present in the thermal paper has shown that polar protic solvents able to donate a proton are favoured and a polar amino acid found commonly in eccrine fingerprint sweat (lysine) has been shown able to produce the desired colour change. Aged fingerprint deposits on thermal paper from a variety of sources up to four years old have been visualized with this technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Consolite Forensics Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Rice, John Bond, Kevin Byrne, James Price, Christopher King, Richard Lewis
  • Patent number: 9718295
    Abstract: Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-crosslinking polymer, and at least one dye retention aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MJ Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Scott Williams
  • Patent number: 9718296
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to physical object authentication. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus relate to physical object authentication through comparison of randomly or pseudo-randomly occurring features with expected features. In some cases digital watermark or other indicia is used to convey the expected features. Of course, other combinations, embodiments and features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Tony F. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9718297
    Abstract: A security element for manufacturing value documents, such as banknotes, checks or the like, has an upper side making available several micro images, in particular for a lens magnification arrangement. Each micro image is formed by a micro cavity structure having a multitude of micro cavities disposed side by side, the micro cavities have an extension of 0.5 to 3 ?m respectively in a spatial direction disposed parallel to the upper side. The micro cavity structure is optically reflective or highly refractive on its surface, so that on the surface at least partial reflection takes place, and for each micro image micro cavities of at least a first and a second type are present, which differ by an aspect ratio of the micro cavities, whereby each micro image is structured by the at least two different types of micro cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventor: Hans Lochbihler
  • Patent number: 9718298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanosystems as non deactivable security markers comprising metal atomic quantum clusters (AQCs) of at least two different size distributions encapsulated in a cavity with an inner diameter less than or equal to approximately 10 nm. These nanosystems are luminescence, particularly fluorescence after external excitation. The invention also relates to security documents, articles or elements incorporating these markers as well as to a method and a system for detecting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: FABRICA NACIONAL DE MONEDA Y TIMBRE—REAL CASA DE LA MONEDA, NANOGAP SUB-NM POWDER, SOCIEDAD ANONIMA
    Inventors: Manuel Arturo Lopez Quintela, Vicente Garcia Juez
  • Patent number: 9718299
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and/or a system of a flippable board. In one aspect, the flippable board includes a track capable of attaching to a surface, a first hinge component and a second hinge component attached to the track, and a frame attached to the first and second hinge components along a first vertical end of the frame. The first and second hinge components allow the frame to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The flippable board further includes an adjustable left magnet and adjustable right magnet attached to the first and/or second hinge component, and at least one metal sleeve attached to a second vertical end of the frame capable of connecting to the left magnet and/or right magnet of a secondary flippable board and/or an adjustable surface magnet in order to secure the flippable board in the open and/or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: CLARUS GLASSBOARDS, LLC
    Inventors: Dony Dawson, Robert Dilling
  • Patent number: 9718300
    Abstract: A method of making a laser water transfer printing film contains steps of: providing a substrate material; coating a release layer on one side surface of the PET film by ways of a first coating apparatus; semi-solidifying a gold reservoir by using a heat solidifying apparatus; printing an ink layer on the gold reservoir by ways of a printing device; implanting a message layer on the ink layer by ways of an implanting device; embossing geometric patterns on the message layer by using a rolling device; plating the metal layer on the embossed patterns; coating a PVA solution on the metal layer by ways of a second coating device and drying the PVA solution by means of a drying device; separating the PET film from the PVA film by using a releasing device; and then rolling the PET film which has separated from the PVA film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Yihao Nanometer Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tien-Shui Chen, Chi-Liang Chen, Hua-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 9718301
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dripless paint can and paint can lid. The device includes a cylindrical paint can having an inner rim disposed along the top end thereof. The inner rim includes a plurality of apertures separated at regular intervals. The apertures are adapted to drain excess paint that sits on the inner rim into the interior of the paint can. The paint can may further include a pivotally attached handle thereon to facilitate the transportation of paint. The present invention further includes a paint can lid having a plurality of protruding members thereon. The protruding members are also separated at regular intervals and can be directly aligned to the apertures on the inner rim of the paint can so that each of the protruding members can be inserted into an aperture. The protruding members lock within the apertures, thereby improving the seal between the paint can and paint can lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Phil Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 9718302
    Abstract: There is provided a decorative laminate having a first laminate layer, a second laminate layer, and a decorative layer disposed selectively between the first laminate layer and the second laminate layer. The decorative layer includes one or more visible materials, and one or more non-visible light activated materials that change from a non-visible state to a visible state when exposed to a light source. The light source includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source or an infrared (IR) light source. The decorative laminate further has a resin layer disposed on the second laminate layer. The first laminate layer, the decorative layer, the second laminate layer, and the resin layer are laminated together to form the decorative laminate configured for application to a structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Young, Carl A. Davison
  • Patent number: 9718303
    Abstract: This document describes systems and processes for forming improved synthetic molded slabs suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Cambria Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon Louis Grzeskowiak, II, Martin E. Davis
  • Patent number: 9718304
    Abstract: A center cap is provided for a motor vehicle wheel. The center cap comprises a body having a front side and a rear side. A recess lever is carried on the rear side. An access aperture is provided in the body. The access aperture extends through the body and opens to the release lever whereby the release lever may be engaged and displaced from a lock position to a release position to allow removal of the center cap from the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gerardo Alejandro Perez Rojo
  • Patent number: 9718305
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is basically provided with a first annular side wall, a second annular side wall and an annular bridge. The first annular side wall includes a first braking contact portion. The second annular side wall includes a second braking contact portion. The annular bridge extends between the first and second annular side walls. At least one of the first and second braking contact portions has a plurality of soft additives at least partially embedded in a non-metallic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kashimoto, Toru Iwai
  • Patent number: 9718306
    Abstract: A wheel assembly including a rigid wheel having a radially outer rim wall presenting a polygonal shape with a plurality of outermost vertices connecting a plurality of planar faces, and a flexible tire mounted on the outer rim wall. The tire is supported by the vertices of the rim wall and is separated from the rim faces by a space, portions of the tire located between the vertices being configured to flex inwardly when subject to ground engaging pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Korus, Jochen Pfrenger
  • Patent number: 9718307
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tire handler for the movement and manipulation of tires and wheels for large vehicles. The tire handler is lifted by a crane or similar hoisting equipment. The tire handler comprises improvements including an automatic leveling system, power adjustable tire control and support arms, and wireless remote operation of powered functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Fritel & Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Fritel, Alan Cluke, Graham Musgrove
  • Patent number: 9718308
    Abstract: A castor includes a wheel support and at least one roller mounted on the wheel support. The at least one roller has a peripheral portion provided with a hollow air chamber which is provided with a plurality of hollow air columns. One of the hollow air columns is provided with an air inlet. The at least one roller is made of soft material that is made by a blow molding operation. The soft material is initially made into a tubular blank by a blow molding machine. A gas is then filled into the soft material to blow and shape the soft material in a die at a high temperature to form the at least one roller. The at least one roller is then stripped from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 9718309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tire provided with a tread, said tread comprising a rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a zinc diacrylate derivative in the form of a zinc salt in which R1, R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-C7 hydrocarbon group selected from linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups, aralkyl groups, alkylaryl groups and aryl groups, which are optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, R2 and R3 being able to form together a non-aromatic ring, and a peroxide. The contents of zinc diacrylate derivative and peroxide are such that the ratio of the peroxide content to the zinc diacrylate derivative content is less than or equal to 0.09, said composition comprising no reinforcing filler or comprising less than 50 phr thereof, the ratio of the filler content to the zinc diacrylate derivative content being less than or equal to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Didier Vasseur, Aurore Crochet
  • Patent number: 9718310
    Abstract: A wheel for vehicles includes: a rim and a tire mounted on the rim and inflated to an operating pressure; axial end portions of a tread band of the tire radially spaced apart the same distance from a rotation axis of the wheel and a median circumferential line of the tread band axially shifted by a predetermined distance relative to a mid-line plane of the wheel; the wheel mounted on a car with a camber angle substantially zero and with the median circumferential line shifted toward the outside of the car relative to the mid-line plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: PIRELLI TYRE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Piero Losi
  • Patent number: 9718311
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes: an inner liner having a thermoplastic resin film, a carcass, and an adhesive layer disposed between the inner liner and the carcass, in which the dynamic storage modulus E's at ?20° C. of the thermoplastic resin film, the adhesive layer, and the carcass are defined as E1?, E2?, and E3?, respectively, and the relationship among E1?, E2?, and E3? satisfies E1?>E2?>E3?. This pneumatic tire has excellent anti-crack property in a low-temperature environment of the inner liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Ogasawara, Hideyuki Chiashi, Hideki Kitano
  • Patent number: 9718312
    Abstract: A tire with a radial carcass reinforcement, having a crown reinforcement, itself capped radially by a tread connected to two beads by two sidewalls, the tread having at least two layers of blended elastomeric compounds that are radially superposed and have a voids ratio that is lower in the central part than at the axially outer parts. A first layer of blended elastomeric compounds of the tread is made up of a first blended elastomeric compound forming a part extending at least into the region of the equatorial plane and of at least two axially outer parts formed of a second blended elastomeric compound, the first blended elastomeric compound having a macro dispersion Z-value higher than 65 and a maximum tan(?) value, denoted tan(?)max, lower than 0.120, and the complex dynamic shear modulus G* 1% at 100° C. of the second blended elastomeric compound having a value at least 10% higher than that of the complex dynamic shear modulus G* 1% at 100° C. of the first blended elastomeric compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Lucien Bondu, Jr., Francois Harle, Olivier Goncalves, Cecile Belin
  • Patent number: 9718313
    Abstract: A tire with a radial carcass reinforcement, having a crown reinforcement, itself capped radially by a tread connected to two beads by two sidewalls, the tread containing at least two layers of blended elastomeric compounds that are radially superposed and have a voids ratio that is lower in the central part than at the axially outer parts. A first layer of blended elastomeric compounds of the tread is made up of a first blended elastomeric compound forming a part extending at least into the region of the equatorial plane and of at least two axially outer parts formed of a second blended elastomeric compound, the first blended elastomeric compound having a macro dispersion Z-value higher than 65 and a maximum tan(?) value, denoted tan(?)max, lower than 0.150, and the elongation at break in a tearability test of the second blended elastomeric compound at 100° C. having a value at least 10% higher than that of the elongation at break of the first blended elastomeric compound in a tearability test at 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Lucien Bondu, Jr., Francois Harle, Olivier Goncalves, Cecile Belin
  • Patent number: 9718314
    Abstract: A center rib is formed by two circumferential main grooves. A main inclined groove and an auxiliary inclined groove are formed in the center rib. The main inclined groove is inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction to become distanced from the tire equatorial plane from a leading side toward a trailing side in a tire rotational direction, a plurality of the main inclined grooves being juxtaposed in the tire circumferential direction and disposed alternately in the tire circumferential direction on both sides of the tire equatorial plane. The auxiliary inclined groove inclines with respect to the tire circumferential direction to become distanced from the tire equatorial plane from the leading side toward the trailing side in the tire rotational direction, a leading end and a trailing end terminating within the center rib while intersecting at least two of the main inclined grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuro Shinzawa
  • Patent number: 9718315
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a device, an element, a passive element, methods and computer programs for obtaining tire characteristics. A device includes a transmitter inside a tire to transmit a signal at least partially indicating a first characteristic of the tire. The device further includes a passive element to at least partially influence the signal based on a second characteristic of the tire. The device further includes an element to detect the influence of the signal by the passive element and to obtain information related to the second characteristic of the tire based on the influence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andre Peine, Thomas Lange
  • Patent number: 9718316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a universal monitoring device for monitoring one or several state variables of a vehicle tire, comprising at least one sensor for detecting a state variable of the vehicle tire; at least one transmitter for transmitting a wireless coded signal depending on the detected state variable; at least one control apparatus which is in connection with the sensor and the transmitter in order to control the detection of the state variable and the transmission of the signal, wherein a memory is assigned to the control apparatus or is integrated therein, in which a computer program which is executable by the control apparatus is stored, which controls the detection of the state variable and the transmission of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ALLIGATOR VENTILFABRIK GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Markert
  • Patent number: 9718317
    Abstract: A wheel assembly in accordance with various embodiments for use with an aircraft can include an inner surface, a first lug extending into an area defined by the inner surface and a heat shield configured to be coupled to the first lug. The wheel assembly can also include a gasket configured to be positioned between the inner surface and the heat shield and to remain in place relative to the first lug in response to rotation of the wheel assembly relative to the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Warren Kendricks
  • Patent number: 9718318
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying chains to a tire comprises an elongate member having c-shaped opening at a first end thereof and a handle at a second end thereof. The apparatus further includes a slot therethrough adapted to support a key rotatable between a first position contained within the slot and a second position extending perpendicularly from the slot. A method of applying tire chains comprises comprising engaging a link of a tire chain within the c-shaped opening and drawing the link of the tire chain into engagement with a binder located at a distal end of the tire chain. The method further comprises locating the binder within the c-shaped opening, rotating the binder into a closed position with the elongate member, rotating a key out of the slot, engaging the key within a lock in the tire chain and locking the tire chain with the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: James Ayton Davidson, Kevin Eigeard
  • Patent number: 9718319
    Abstract: A pressure and temperature compensated valve assembly includes a flow valve allowing inflation flow from a control port to a tire port and controlling deflation flow from the tire port to the control port. A throttle valve restricts deflation flow between the tire port and the control port when deflating the tire at high flow rates or when tire pressure is high, thus enabling the flow valve to be closed. The throttle valve includes a throttle diaphragm that throttles in response to flow from the tire port and which does not restrict inflation flow from the control port. The valve assembly further includes a temperature responsive member engaging the flow valve, and which deforms in response to a change in temperature in the valve assembly, thus negating temperature effects on the flow valve, allowing the flow valve to close at a consistent force across a range of operating temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Knepple, James Beverly, Leonard Jabcon
  • Patent number: 9718320
    Abstract: An axle link for a motor vehicle includes a body-side connecting element and a wheel-side connecting element. The connecting elements are connected to one another by a rod element, comprised of a metal rod and a reinforcement casing. The metal rod is made of a ductile material and is anchored in the reinforcement casing at the connecting elements. The reinforcement casing is made of a brittle material and has a predetermined breaking point at a longitudinal position between the connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Schindler, Guido Fessel
  • Patent number: 9718321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension unit, in particular for commercial vehicles, including an arm and a support element. The support element includes a support region and a support-side engagement region and comprises as a single piece, and the arm has an arm-side engagement region. A first engaging structure is provided on the arm-side engagement region, the engaging structure being attachable to a second engaging structure located on the support-side engagement region, and the support region includes a securing portion that fixes an air spring bellows and a rolling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Schewerda