Patents Issued in October 3, 2017
  • Patent number: 9776817
    Abstract: An image reading device includes a plurality of driven roller holders arranged in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction. Some of the driven roller holders have a distal end portion extended downstream beyond outer peripheral surface of a driven roller, and some of the driven roller holders do not have the distal end portion extending downstream beyond the outer peripheral surface of the driven roller in the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9776818
    Abstract: An image-forming apparatus contains an image-forming portion, a first conveying portion that is arranged at an upstream side of the image-forming portion along a sheet conveying direction, a second conveying portion that is arranged at an upstream side of the first conveying portion along the sheet conveying direction and a control portion. The control portion controls the first conveying portion to move a pair of registration rollers along a direction that is orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction while the pair of registration rollers nips the sheet when conveying the sheet to the image-forming portion. The control portion controls the second conveying portion to move one of the pair of conveying rollers along the direction that is orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction while the pair of conveying rollers does not nip the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Satoshi Hamaya
  • Patent number: 9776819
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device, which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a first detector to detect an angle deviation of a recording medium to a sheet conveying direction, a second detector to detect a lateral shift of the recording medium to a width direction, a third detector to detect at least one of the angle deviation and the lateral shift after correction of the angle deviation detected by the first detector and the lateral shift detected by the second detector, and a rotary body to perform a primary movement by (1) rotating in the sheet conveying direction and returning to a reference position and by (2) moving in the width direction and returning to the reference position, and a secondary movement by performing at least one of (1) and (2) after the primary movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Yamane, Hiromichi Matsuda, Katsuaki Miyawaki, Koichi Kudo, Tetsuo Watanabe, Toshihiro Okamoto, Hideyuki Takayama, Atsuyuki Oyamada
  • Patent number: 9776820
    Abstract: A paper money processing device is provided with: a storage unit for forming a storage space in which paper money is layered and stored; a conveyance mechanism for conveying paper money to the storage unit; and a movable piece capable of emerging and sinking the storage space, the movable piece being provided in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper money conveyed by the conveyance mechanism. Conveyance is stopped in a position where the trailing end part of the paper money to be conveyed to the storage unit by the conveyance mechanism is facing the moveable piece, the trailing end part of the paper money in a position facing the moveable piece is thereafter moved to the storage space side and the paper money is layered and stored in the storage space by the emerging/sinking operation of the movable piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takao Nireki
  • Patent number: 9776821
    Abstract: An apparatus for overlapping and stacking sheets, the apparatus has a housing defining a stacking area and a travel plane for the sheets, a conveyor for transporting the sheets through the housing in a travel direction along a travel plane, and an overlapping device in the housing upstream of the stacking area for producing an overlapping stream of the conveyed sheets. A brake in the overlapping device slows the conveyed sheets of the overlapping stream. Stacking elements include stops projecting upward in the stacking area and serving to position a stack formed by the conveyed sheets of the overlapping stream. A separate frame carrying the stacking elements in the stacking area above the travel plane or extending to above the supply travel plane is mounted in the housing of the apparatus so as to be movable horizontally downstream in the direction away from the overlapping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: bielomatik LEUZE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventor: Hansjoerg Klein
  • Patent number: 9776822
    Abstract: In a sheet storage apparatus, a shift trajectory between an aligning position on a load surface and a waiting position above the tray is short, and the shift operation does not cause misregistration of aligned sheets, wherein a regulation member strikes and regulates a sheet carried onto the load surface, and a trajectory is set to displace to the regulation member side. The apparatus includes a transport path having a sheet discharge outlet, a tray member disposed on the downstream side of the sheet discharge outlet and having a load surface of sheets, a regulation member disposed in the tray member to regulate an end edge in a transport direction, an aligning member including a side edge engagement surface engaging a side edge in a sheet width direction on the load surface, and a shift section shifting the side edge engagement surface between the waiting position and the aligning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.
    Inventor: Hisashi Osada
  • Patent number: 9776823
    Abstract: The label issuing device, which reels out linerless paper having an adhesive face on one side and cuts the reeled-out linerless paper to issue individual labels, has a cutter part for cutting the reeled-out linerless paper and a detachable container that is detachable from an enclosure of the label issuing device. The detachable container has a reservoir part for reserving a lubricant, and an application part that extends from the reservoir part, receives the lubricant reserved in the reservoir part, and applies the lubricant to a blade body of the cutter part. The reservoir part is filled with an impregnation material that is impregnated with the lubricant to hold (reserve) the lubricant, wherein the impregnation material is coupled to an impregnation material of the application part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TERAOKA SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yamada
  • Patent number: 9776824
    Abstract: A method and unit for folding light incontinence pads having a substantially rectangular shape elongate according to a longitudinal axis and comprising a central absorbent pad and an outer edge, according to which a first end portion of the incontinence pad is folded on a central portion of the incontinence pad about a first fold line transversal to the longitudinal axis, a second end portion of the incontinence pad is folded on the first end portion about a second fold line transversal to the longitudinal axis, and elasticated segments of the edge located between the first and second fold lines are folded on the central portion; the step of folding the elasticated segments of the edge being between a first sub-step of partly folding the first end portion and a second sub-step of completely folding the first end portion on the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GDM S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Rosani, Gabriele Pastrello, Luca Bugini, Matteo Piantoni, Alberto Perego
  • Patent number: 9776825
    Abstract: A folding roller module with combined bearing unit is disclosed. The folding roller module of the present invention comprises a folding roller and a plurality of combined bearing unit. In the present invention, a plurality of combined bearing unit are used to support the folding roller at suitable locations for enhancing the strength of the folding roller module, reducing the deformation of the folding roller, and reducing the vibration during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tung-I Tsai
  • Patent number: 9776826
    Abstract: A locking ring is described that permits removal of filamentary material housed in a walled container through a payout tube defining a payout tube axis and through which a first end of the filamentary material extends. The ring includes an annular flange around a ring axis and a body having a tubular wall extending from an inner edge of the annular flange to a distal edge of the ring. The tubular wall is coaxial with the ring axis, and has a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced around the tubular wall and extend from the tubular wall radially outwardly and toward the annular flange. Each tooth resiliently deflects radially inwardly in response to interference between the tooth and an inner wall of the payout tube. The curved edges form a thread permitting the ring to advance axially into and secure with the payout tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: REELEX Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Moore, Thomas Copp
  • Patent number: 9776827
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elevator system and also to a method for monitoring the movement an elevator car. In the method a first emergency braking procedure is activated for braking the elevator car at a first deceleration if the speed of the elevator car exceeds the first limit value for permitted speed, and also a second emergency braking procedure is further activated for braking the elevator car at a second deceleration that is greater than the first, if the speed of the elevator car exceeds the second limit value for permitted speed that is greater than the first limit value for permitted speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari Harkonen, Petteri Valjus
  • Patent number: 9776828
    Abstract: A device for detecting the position of an elevator car (40) by a sensor and evaluation unit (20, 22, 24), accommodated in a sensor housing (10), which can be arranged on the elevator car, is designed for interaction with a strip (14) having a length and/or position coding and which is connected to a switching unit (12) that has a safety switch (30) and/or an interrupter contact for an emergency function, especially an emergency stop of the elevator car, the sensor and evaluation unit being designed for generating a position and/or speed signal from the length or position coding and for generating or receiving an elevator car status signal (62) that corresponds to an opening status of an elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Elgo Electronic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Müller, Heiko Essinger
  • Patent number: 9776829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety arrangement of an elevator, which includes sensors configured to indicate functions that are critical to the safety of the elevator, and also a safety circuit, with which the data formed by the sensors indicating the safety of the elevator is read. The safety arrangement includes a drive device including a control circuit of a motor bridge, an input circuit for a safety signal that can be disconnected/connected from outside the drive device, and also drive prevention logic, to prevent the passage of control pulses to the control poles of high-side and/or low-side switches of the motor bridge when the safety signal is disconnected. The safety circuit brings the elevator into a state preventing a run by disconnecting the safety signal and removes the state preventing a run by connecting the safety signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Pasi Raassina, Tapio Saarikoski, Lauri Stolt, Arto Nakari, Antti Kallioniemi
  • Patent number: 9776830
    Abstract: A seat for a stair lift, which seat is provided with a fall protection device comprising at least one elongate safety bar which is movable between an open position and a closed position, in which open position a person can freely move into and out of the seat, wherein the safety bar is movably connected to an elongate support that is stationarily connected to the seat, which support extends on a side of the seat, wherein the fall protection device is designed so that in the open position the safety bar takes up a rearward position, in which it extends substantially parallel to and beside the support, and that in the closed position the safety bar takes up a forwardly moved (along the support), inwardly pivoted or rotated position, in which it extends from the front end of the support, in which position it can be locked, such that a person cannot fall out of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Otto Ooms B.V.
    Inventor: Alex Ooms
  • Patent number: 9776831
    Abstract: A platform assembly includes a first platform module having an elongated front face, a second platform module having an elongated front face, and a locking member for locking the front faces of the first and second platform modules to each other. The locking member is movably mounted on the first platform module in a longitudinal direction of the front face thereof, and at least one of the locking member and the second platform includes a locking protrusion, and the other of the locking member and the second platform includes a locking slot, wherein the locking protrusion is received by the locking slot and protrudes from the front face of the first platform module. An edge of the locking protrusion is behind an edge of the locking slot when the locking member is moved in said longitudinal direction of the front face, thereby locking the platform modules to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timo Manner, Nithil Karimpanackal Natarajan, Jouni Lappalainen, Petri Koli, Sami Saarela, Aki Haikonen, Vesa Tiainen, Pekka Halonen, Anssi Venho, Seppo Kolehmainen
  • Patent number: 9776832
    Abstract: An elevator system includes a car, configured to travel through a hoistway; a first stationary drive unit, configured to be mounted in a hoistway, a first movable drive unit, configured to be functionally coupled to the car and to the first stationary drive unit, and a second movable drive unit, configured to be functionally coupled to the car and to the first stationary drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Tadeusz Pawel Witczak, Richard N. Fargo, Martin J. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 9776833
    Abstract: A conveyor system for displacing passenger/goods formed by a moving endless belt comprising a plurality of pallet assemblies and drive means to transmit a drive movement to the pallet belt. The pallets have a functional surface opposite to the support surface and having first meshing means. The drive means comprise second meshing means designed to interact with the first meshing means, so that the drive pallets, are driven by the drive means by means of a meshing between the first meshing means and the second meshing means and to drive said pallet belt in the movement direction D. The drive means have a linear motor aligned with the movement direction D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION CENTER, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, Enrique Gonzalez Fernandez, José Mendiolagoitia Juliana, Alberto Pello Garcia, Francisco Palomero Cocho, Aurelio Castaño Lantero, Eduardo Moran Garcia, Pedro Ros Zuazua, Javier Martinez Gutierrez, Ignacio Muslera Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9776834
    Abstract: A balustrade device for a passenger conveyor, wherein a plurality of balustrade posts are erected at intervals apart in a direction of travel of steps. A plurality of outer decks abut against each other at positions of the balustrade posts. Recesses, through which the balustrade posts are passed respectively, are provided in the mutually adjacent end portions of the outer decks. Gaps are provided respectively between edges of the recesses and the balustrade posts. A plurality of cover members which close the gaps are provided on top of the outer decks. Each of the cover members is fixed to the balustrade post via a retainer which is fixed to an end surface of the balustrade post on a side of the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Noshita
  • Patent number: 9776835
    Abstract: A lifting hook, its safety latch and a locking and releasing device of the safety latch are disclosed. The lifting hook includes a hook body having a hook stem and tip. The safety latch is pivotably fastened close to the stem so as to move the safety latch between an open position and a closed position, the safety latch being in its open position substantially against the inside of the hook body in a position that leaves a hook jaw free, while in the closed position a latch end extends across the hook jaw to the hook tip, closing the jaw on the inside thereof. The locking and releasing device of the safety latch includes a locking element that engages the inner surface area of the hook jaw at a distance below the fastening end of the safety latch, and a releasing lever that when turned, releases the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amar Choudhari, Nilesh Dharmadhikari, Amit Rakshe, Gaurav Rana, Olli Kuismanen, Jack Hoover
  • Patent number: 9776836
    Abstract: An arrangement of two rail segments, consisting of at least one mounting element disposed at each rail segment, and of at least one connector in contact with the mounting elements, by means of which the rail segments can be connected to each other at the end faces thereof, wherein each mounting element is attached to the corresponding rail segment by means of a welding seam. At least one end of the welding seam ends in a region on the rail segment outside of the mounting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Terex MHPS GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Spies, Christoph Passmann
  • Patent number: 9776838
    Abstract: Methods of detection and prevention for snags or off center lifts, and auto-centering a crane over a load. Snag detection includes monitoring angular deflection of the load with respect to an at-rest position, and halting movement of the crane in a direction of increasing angular deflection. Controlling off center lifting includes detecting a side load condition for a load, and preventing a hoist operation when the side load condition is detected. Auto-centering a load includes determining a position of a block coupled to the load with respect to a trolley of the crane, and centering the trolley over the block prior to a moving operation. Centering includes comparing a position of a block marker using a trolley camera to a known centered position of the marker with respect to the camera, and moving the trolley to match the determined position of the marker to its known centered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: PAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Khalid Lief Sorensen, William Singhose
  • Patent number: 9776839
    Abstract: A control switch for operating a machine, the control switch including a housing that includes a gripping region for an operator, and a detecting device for detecting an operator. The control switch further includes a safety circuit for activating the control switch when an operator is detected, and deactivating the control switch when the operator is not detected. The safety circuit includes a detecting device that includes at least one sensor operable to detect in a near field an operator's hand holding the control switch in the gripping region. The detecting device includes at least one additional sensor which detects a use of the control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Terex MHPS GmbH
    Inventors: Giuliano Persico, Wolfgang Krebs, Stefan Elspass
  • Patent number: 9776840
    Abstract: An ATV jack may include an engagement member and a leg which pivots which respect to the engagement member a limited amount to enable the jack to lift and hold an ATV. The leg may telescope to allow the jack to be used at a wide variety of heights. The jack may also be used as part of a system with at least one mounting bracket to allow a tire of an ATV to be lifted and retained or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Tuff Trail Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd L. Jones
  • Patent number: 9776841
    Abstract: A lifting column includes a component having an internal thread, as well as a hollow shaft having an external thread, which is in engagement with the internal thread of the component. A threaded spindle is disposed inside the hollow shaft and has an external thread, which is in engagement with an internal thread of the hollow shaft. Furthermore, the lifting column includes a drive device configured to rotate the hollow shaft relative to the threaded spindle and the component. When the hollow shaft rotates, the component and the hollow shaft move in the same axial direction so that the height of the lifting column is changeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Marcel Soltermann
  • Patent number: 9776842
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of inflation balls configured to be launched and a connection mechanism. The plurality of inflation balls are configured to modularly inflate with respect to one another to create a combined modular volume. The connection mechanism is configured to allow the modular inflation of the plurality of inflation balls with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Gerald P. Uyeno
  • Patent number: 9776843
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel based measuring system and a method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting system includes one stationary lift; a number of moveable lifts; positioning means for defining a position of a wheel axle of the vehicle; distance measuring means for determining the distance of the vehicle to a reference point; and control means for determining the distance between two vehicle axles and steering the one or more moveable lifts to the correct position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Johan Luinge
  • Patent number: 9776844
    Abstract: The attachment including a Balancing Stability Frame and a Pivot Power Pack When the Balancing Stability Frame is attached to the Pivot Power Pack, the weight of a load that is being lifted is supported by the Pivot Power Pack wheels. When the Pivot Power Pack and Balancing Stability Frame are connected to a mobility scooter, a weight of the operator and a counterbalance attached to the Balancing Stability Frame is equally distributed across all wheels. This design minimizes the amount of weight supported by the scooter, which helps to preserve the durability of the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Emanuel J. Micallef
  • Patent number: 9776845
    Abstract: An anchoring assembly is provided for the aerial lift platform of an aerial lift vehicle. The anchor assembly extends through the walls of a bucket liner and a bucket platform, and provides a strong anchor disposed inside of the bucket liner for use in attaching an operator harness to prevent the operator from being ejected from the bucket platform. The anchor assembly also provides dielectric protection mandated by OSHA and ANSI standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Composites Syndicate PR, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald C. Minke
  • Patent number: 9776846
    Abstract: A lift device includes a chassis, a lift boom, a sensor, and a controller. The chassis includes a frame, an axle pivotally coupled to the frame, and an actuator positioned to move the axle. The lift boom is rotatably coupled to the chassis and operable within a work envelope, and the sensor is positioned to monitor an orientation of the lift boom. The controller is configured to engage the actuator based on the orientation of the lift boom. Engagement of the actuator moves the axle to adjust the work envelope of the lift boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: McKenzie M. Ditty
  • Patent number: 9776847
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring safety of work vehicles and worksites. Work vehicles and worksites may be provided with target object sensor units for detecting a condition regarding safety determinative aspects of the work vehicle or worksite. The target object sensor units communicate data regarding the safety determinative aspects to a data acquisition and communication unit that produces safety status data. The safety status data is analyzed to determine whether to issue a notification to a notification unit to alert workers of an unsafe condition. The data acquisition and communication unit transmits the safety status data to a server/processing unit for further analysis. The server/processing unit may track the safety status data regarding each worksite or work vehicle and generate statistical data regarding the safety status data. The server/processing unit may communicate with user interface to display notifications and statistical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: RECON DYNAMICS, LLC
    Inventors: Indrasis Mondal, K. Deric Eldredge, Eric Ryan Clausen-Brown, Martin Jay Feuerstein, Nicholas Lee Smith, Adrian Men-Gee Yip, William Dale Webster, Jr., Douglas Neal Morrison
  • Patent number: 9776848
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages. The beverage dispenser has a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a server. The interface is provided on the housing to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The server electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Bar USA LLC
    Inventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht, John Sugrue, Wayne Alpert, Kevin Hinterlong
  • Patent number: 9776849
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly includes a dispenser that may be attached to an air conditioning unit. A container is provided to contain a liquid clog remover. The container is removably attached to the dispenser thereby facilitating the container to be fluidly coupled to the dispenser. A hose is fluidly coupled between the dispenser and a condensation drain on the air conditioning unit such that the liquid clog remover inhibits the condensation drain from becoming clogged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis Diaz, Magdiel Martinez
  • Patent number: 9776850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system, and apparatus for verifying a groundwire connection prior to transferring a fluid between a tank and a reservoir. The system may comprise a vehicle comprising a tank and a groundwire, the groundwire comprising a first communicating member, a grounding unit configured to electrically ground the vehicle when the groundwire is connected thereto, the grounding unit comprising a second communicating member, and at least one processor in communication with at least one of the first communicating member and the second communicating member. The at least one processor may be configured to determine whether the groundwire is connected to the grounding unit, and facilitate fluid transfer between the tank and the reservoir based at least partially on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ShaleApps, LLC
    Inventors: James Chance Richie, Adam M. Klenk, Anthony Gutta
  • Patent number: 9776851
    Abstract: A horse buckle includes a buckle ring seat; a prong movably coupled to the buckle ring seat; an elastic unit arranged between the buckle ring seat and the prong and including an elastic element having two end respectively fixed to the buckle ring seat and the prong, a barrel fit outside the elastic element, and a pin mounted to one side of the buckle ring seat and movably coupled to the prong; and a support unit movably mounted to an end the buckle ring seat. As such, the buckle ring seat is coupled to a girth for use and receives a fastening strap to extend through the buckle ring seat and a restoration spring force of an elastic element makes a prong quickly seated in a positioning hole of the fastening strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TOM-JEFF MANUFACTURERS, INC.
    Inventor: Jien-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 9776852
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a CMOS-MEMS structure. The method includes etching a cavity on a first surface of a cap substrate; bonding the first surface of the cap substrate with a sensing substrate; thinning a second surface of the sensing substrate, the second surface being opposite to a third surface of the sensing substrate bonded to the cap substrate; etching the second surface of the sensing substrate; patterning a portion of the second surface of the sensing substrate to form a plurality of bonding regions; depositing an eutectic metal layer on the plurality of bonding regions; etching a portion of the sensing substrate under the cavity to form a movable element; and bonding the sensing substrate to a CMOS substrate through the eutectic metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chih Hsieh, Lee-Chuan Tseng, Hung-Hua Lin
  • Patent number: 9776853
    Abstract: A mechanism for reducing stiction in a MEMS device by decreasing surface area between two surfaces that can come into close contact is provided. Reduction in contact surface area is achieved by increasing surface roughness of one or both of the surfaces. The increased roughness is provided by forming a micro-masking layer on a sacrificial layer used in formation of the MEMS device, and then etching the surface of the sacrificial layer. The micro-masking layer can be formed using nanoclusters. When a next portion of the MEMS device is formed on the sacrificial layer, this portion will take on the roughness characteristics imparted on the sacrificial layer by the etch process. The rougher surface decreases the surface area available for contact in the MEMS device and, in turn, decreases the area through which stiction can be imparted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Steimle, Ruben B. Montez
  • Patent number: 9776854
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a device is provided. A amorphous metal layer is formed. A metal layer containing metal and having a crystal plane oriented to a predetermined plane is formed on the amorphous metal layer. A first layer containing semiconductor including silicon, and metal identical to the metal contained in the metal layer is formed on the metal layer. The first layer is changed to a second layer containing a compound of the semiconductor and the metal, the compound having a crystal plane oriented to the predetermined plane. A third layer containing polycrystalline silicon-germanium and having a crystal plane oriented to the predetermined plane is formed on the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Akira Fujimoto, Naofumi Nakamura, Tamio Ikehashi
  • Patent number: 9776855
    Abstract: A semiconductor device has a base substrate having a plurality of metal traces and a plurality of base vias. An opening is formed through the base substrate. At least one die is attached to the first surface of the substrate and positioned over the opening. A cover substrate has a plurality of metal traces. A cavity in the cover substrate forms side wall sections around the cavity. The cover substrate is attached to the base substrate so the at least one die is positioned in the interior of the cavity. Ground planes in the base substrate are coupled to ground planes in the cover substrate to form an RF shield around the at least one die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: David Bolognia, Bob Shih-Wei Kuo, Bud Troche
  • Patent number: 9776856
    Abstract: A vacuum sealed MEMS and CMOS package and a process for making the same may include a capping wafer having a surface with a plurality of first cavities, a first device having a first surface with a second plurality of second cavities, a hermetic seal between the first surface of the first device and the surface of the capping wafer, and a second device having a first surface bonded to a second surface of the first device. The second device is a CMOS device with conductive through vias connecting the first device to a second surface of the second device, and conductive bumps on the second surface of the second device. Conductive bumps connect to the conductive through vias and wherein a plurality of conductive bumps connect to the second device. The hermetic seal forms a plurality of micro chambers between the capping wafer and the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Wen Cheng, Yi-Chuan Teng, Hung-Chia Tsai, Chia-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 9776857
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) structure includes providing a first substrate structure including a bonding pad structure. The bonding pad structure has at least one recess therein. A second substrate structure is provided and bonded with the bonding pad structure of the first substrate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Ying Chien, Ching-Hou Su, Chyi-Tsong Ni, Yi Hsun Chiu
  • Patent number: 9776858
    Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement and method of formation are provided. The semiconductor arrangement includes a MEMS device in a MEMS area, where a first metal layer is connected to a first metal connect adjacent the MEMS area and a cap is over the MEMS area to vacuum seal the MEMS area. A first wafer portion is over and bonded to the first metal layer which connects the first metal connect to a first I/O port using metal routing. The first metal layer and the first wafer portion bond requires 10% less bonding area than a bond not including the first metal layer. The semiconductor arrangement including the first metal layer has increased conductivity and requires less processing than an arrangement that requires a dopant implant to connect a first metal connect to a first I/O port and has a better vacuum seal due to a reduction in outgassing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Hsin-Ting Huang, Hsiang-Fu Chen, Wen-Chuan Tai, Chia-Ming Hung, Shao-Chi Yu, Hung-Hua Lin, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9776859
    Abstract: A microscale device comprises a patterned forest of vertically grown and aligned carbon nanotubes defining a carbon nanotube forest with the nanotubes having a height defining a thickness of the forest, the patterned forest defining a patterned frame that defines one or more components of a microscale device. A conformal coating of substantially uniform thickness at least partially coats the nanotubes, defining coated nanotubes and connecting adjacent nanotubes together, without substantially filling interstices between individual coated nanotubes. A metallic interstitial material infiltrates the carbon nanotube forest and at least partially fills interstices between individual coated nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Richard R. Vanfleet
  • Patent number: 9776860
    Abstract: A process to decompose methane into carbon (graphitic powder) and hydrogen (H2 gas) without secondary production of carbon dioxide, employing a cycle in which a secondary chemical is recycled and reused, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jonah Erlebacher, Bernard Gaskey
  • Patent number: 9776861
    Abstract: A convectively heated steam/methane reformer having a shell and tube reforming reactor for hydrogen production. A reactor core containing the reactants is convectively heated by hot air flowing through the shell or annulus of the reactor. Heated air is supplied to the reactor through several fluid inlets on the shell side of the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Syed Ahmed Mohammed Said, Shakeel Ahmed, Mohammed Waseeuddin
  • Patent number: 9776862
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen production apparatus enabling reduction of energy needed for separation and collection of CO2 in the hydrogen production. The hydrogen production apparatus includes a reformer, a heating device heating the reformer, a transformer, a hydrogen separation device separating and taking out hydrogen from transformed gas, a CO2 separation device separating and taking out CO2 from off-gas from which hydrogen was separated by the hydrogen separation device, a heat collecting device collecting heat of the reformed gas, heat of the transformed gas, and waste heat from the heating device, and a heat medium supply device supplying the heat medium having absorbed heat collected by the heat collecting device to the CO2 separation device. The absorption liquid having absorbed CO2 in off-gas is heated by the heat medium heated with collected heat, thereby releasing CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitoshi Fujisawa, Akira Matsuoka, Hiroo Hangai, Koji Noishiki
  • Patent number: 9776863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for hydrogen production and to a method of hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide production from syngas. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, (ii) separating at least part of hydrogen from the stream yielding a hydrogen-depleted stream, (iii) subjecting the hydrogen-depleted stream to a water-gas shift reaction, and (iv) separating hydrogen from the stream resulting from step (iii). The method according to the invention improves the conversion of carbon monoxide in the water gas shift reaction and allows to increase the hydrogen production by 10-15% and to increase the overall energy efficiency of the system by 5-7%. The invention further relates to a plant for hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide production suitable for the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: STAMICARBON B.V.
    Inventors: Gaetano Iaquaniello, Barbara Cucchiella, Elena Antonetti
  • Patent number: 9776864
    Abstract: The invention relates to elemental selenium nanoparticles, especially a product containing selenium nanoparticules, that can be produced from at least one organic compound and at least one selenium source, with a step of drying by atomisation. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a product and to a method for enriching, with elemental selenium nanoparticles, a product which already comprises elemental selenium nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Pancosma S.A.
    Inventors: David Bravo, Lenz Markus
  • Patent number: 9776865
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BNNT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9776866
    Abstract: The method for producing a perovskite metal oxynitride of the present invention, comprises: a hydrogenation step (A) of forming a perovskite oxyhydride in which an oxide ion (O2?) and a hydride ion (H?) coexist, by reducing a perovskite oxide through a reductive oxygen elimination reaction using a metal hydride; and a nitriding step (B) of forming a perovskite oxynitride containing a nitride ion (N3?) by heat-treating the perovskite oxyhydride in the presence of a nitrogen source substance at a temperature of 300° C. or higher and 600° C. or lower and exchanging the hydride ion (H?) for a nitride ion (N3?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kageyama, Yoji Kobayashi, Kohei Aizu, Wataru Yoshimune, Hideo Hosono
  • Patent number: 9776867
    Abstract: An apparatus and a process are described for preparation of nitric acid from ammonia and oxygenous gas by the single pressure or dual pressure process, in which the oxidation of the ammonia used is accomplished by means of compressed process air which has been compressed in at least one compressor over a catalyst, and the nitrous gas formed by the oxidation is at least partly absorbed by water, forming nitric acid, and the unabsorbed residual gas is expanded for the purpose of recovering compressor work in at least one multistage residual gas turbine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS AG
    Inventor: Daniel Birke