Patents Issued in January 4, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180002101
    Abstract: A container assembly and system for dispensing a stack of electronic device components includes an elongated tube having a cavity configured to contain a stack of said components. The tube has a dispensing end opposite an access end and a dispenser opening sized to dispense the electronic device components. The access end has an access opening sized to allow entry of a press to push the stack upwardly. A retainer is positioned proximate the access end to engage a last component in the stack and prevent it from exiting the tube through the access opening. The retainer may include a plurality of retainers. The retainer(s) can be a pair of retainers, four retainers, a chamfer formed in the tube, a perimeter insert, and/or a slidable panel. A method of making and a method of dispensing are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Mingjie Xu, Pan GU, Bassam M. Ziadeh, Michael Garcia, Zhizhong Tang
  • Publication number: 20180002102
    Abstract: In a cable packaging system and method a retainer within a container retains coiled cables in a preferred orientation, such as a vertical orientation, with the coil axis of the coiled cable directed longitudinally toward sidewalls of the container and a diameter line of a plane defined by the coil directed toward the top and bottom of the container. The retainer may include a resilient material, such as a foam material, to allow insertion of a coiled cable and return at least partially to a neutral, pre-insertion, position to thereby engage and retain the coiled cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Sean P. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20180002103
    Abstract: A flexible and inflatable tank for the supply of potable water that is made of a strong, rigid and flexible material and is designed to incorporate a thin, flexible inner bag that is made of materials that comply with standards for the storage of potable water. The tank is made of a rectangular sheet, a pair of walls, and one or more openings and is shaped in general like a closed, round, oblate cylinder with two side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: EZ PACK WATER LTD
    Inventors: Alex Harel, Shalom Green, Ohad Zecharia
  • Publication number: 20180002104
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for containing powder preparation therein for making beverages using espresso machines of commercially available capsules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: HIERSCHT FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: António MOURA DE CASTRO GANDRA
  • Publication number: 20180002105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a block coupler for connecting block to block for septic tank and water treatment facility. The block coupler according to the present invention comprises a body having a flow path therein; an inflow part having an inflow hole formed on one side of the longitudinal ends of the body so as to communicate with the flow path; an outflow part having an outflow hole formed on the other side of the longitudinal ends of the body having the inflow part so as to communicate with the flow path; and a connecting part provided at the outer end of the body having the inflow part so as to prevent the body coupled to the block from being separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Seung-Man Lee, Seung-Tae Lee
  • Publication number: 20180002106
    Abstract: A construction material transport container includes four side doors that form substantially all of two side walls of the container. The container includes transversely disposed forklift pockets that can be used to load the container onto a flatbed truck. With the container on a truck and the side doors open, new construction materials can be loaded onto the container from both sides. Both the container and the new materials can be delivered to a job side by a single delivery using a truck-attached forklift. The empty container can then be used as a receptacle for recyclable materials. The container further includes roll-off or hook lift vehicle tracks configured so that the container can be picked up and hauled to a recycling or refuse center. A rear door of the container can be opened so that the container can be tilted by the vehicle to offload the used material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathon Daniel Horton
  • Publication number: 20180002107
    Abstract: A lightweight flame-resistant composite panel is provided including a body portion and a side portion folded over the body portion. The side portion includes a channel segment adjacent to the body portion, and an overlapping segment adjacent to the channel segment. One or more panel apertures are located in the body portion and the channel segment for receiving bolts through the side of the panel. An edge reinforcement insert can be inserted underneath the channel segment in a channel defined by the folded side portion along an edge of the body portion. The edge reinforcement insert includes one or more insert apertures for receiving the one or more bolts through the panel, thereby increasing the bolt bearing strength of the panel along its edge. The edge reinforcement insert may comprise an elongated strip, a plurality of separated tabs, or an end cap, or may alternatively be contained within the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Richard L. Fingerhut
  • Publication number: 20180002108
    Abstract: A sample measurement system includes: a measurement unit that measures a sample stored in a sample container; a transport unit that transports a rack capable of holding sample containers via the measurement unit; a first transport-in/transport-out unit and a second transport-in/transport-out unit in each of which racks can be set alongside in a first direction, and that send the set racks to be transported to the measurement unit and receive the racks transported from the measurement unit; and a controller that controls the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit so that the racks are sequentially sent from the first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit. The first transport-in/transport-out unit and the second transport-in/transport-out unit are disposed alongside in a second direction crossing the first direction, and each send the racks from one side in the first direction, and receive the racks from the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroo TATSUTANI, Yuichiro OHMAE, Atsushi KUMAGAI
  • Publication number: 20180002109
    Abstract: A shelf space allocation management device manages products allocated on shelves in a store by use of an imaging device. The shelf space allocation management device acquires an image including a position assumed to be changed in allocation status of each product on each shelf; it determines whether each product reflected in the image matches one of pre-recorded images, thus executing a product allocation inspection. Herein, the shelf space allocation management device specifies a position at which a person causes any change in the allocation status of each product on each shelf, and therefore it may control the imaging device to capture an image including the position. It is possible to carry out a product allocation inspection for each period determined in advance depending on the type of each product, or it is possible to carry out a product allocation inspection being triggered by a customer purchasing each product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Nobuyuki YAMASHITA
  • Publication number: 20180002110
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a conveyor belt slat that is coupled to a side carrier by a locking connection between the slat and the carrier at least along the side edges of the conveyor belt slat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Adomaitis, Frank Anthony Agnello, Richard Bauer, Eloy Cerda, Mark Edward Fastabend, Sean Patrick Forrest, Charles B. Hartfelder, Karl R. Heinze, Scott R. Hammac, Kyle Thomas Kestner, Christine Suen Laub, Eugene Stanley Maslana, Calvin States Nelson, Laurence A. Schoell, Zoran Ulicevic, Aleksandr Yazvin, Loren J. Veltrop, Brian J. Truesdale, Dennis Malkowski
  • Publication number: 20180002111
    Abstract: A conveyor belt transport system involves a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a pair of rollers, and a conveyor belt. The rollers each include a shaft hole running from one end to the other end and each end of the shaft hole is fitted with radial spherical plain bearings. The respective radial spherical bearings ride on the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The conveyor belt wraps around the rollers that, respectively, surround the driving shaft and the driven shaft. The two ends of both the driving shaft and the driven shaft each include belt wheels and the outer end of the belt wheels each include a guard board. The conveyor belt comprises a timing belt on an inner surface of each outside edge of the conveyor belt, and the inner surface of the timing belt includes concave teeth that matingly engage the belt wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Zhoumin Ni, Guangwei Wang
  • Publication number: 20180002112
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft, a first barrel, and a second barrel. The shaft has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis of rotation. The first barrel surrounds a first portion of the shaft and is fixed to the shaft to rotate therewith. The second barrel surrounds a second portion of the shaft and is configured to rotate about the axis independent of a rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20180002113
    Abstract: An assembly includes first and second shafts and first and second sprockets. The first shaft has a first and second ends and a first longitudinal axis of rotation. The first sprocket is attached to the first shaft proximate the first end of the first shaft. The first sprocket rotates with the first shaft. The second shaft is spaced from the first shaft by a distance, the second shaft having a first end spaced from the first end of the first shaft by the distance, a second end spaced from the second end of the first shaft by the distance, and a second longitudinal axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis of rotation. The second sprocket is attached to the second shaft proximate the second end of the second shaft. The second sprocket rotates with the second shaft. The distance is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Jon Drenth, Jeffrey Michael Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20180002114
    Abstract: An egg orientation device is adapted to put eggs (10, 10?) point down or point up in egg retainers (6). The egg orientation device comprises a stationary lane having a support plate (2) comprising a central zone (3) and two lateral zones (4). The device furthermore comprises a pusher (20) movable in a conveying direction along the lane and adapted to push an egg such that it rolls over the support plate around its longitudinal axis. An egg retainer is movable in the conveying direction beneath the support plate of the lane in a synchronised manner with the pusher. At least one drop opening (5, 7A, 7B) is provided in the support plate, which allows eggs to fall through and drop point down or point up in the egg retainer that is positioned underneath the drop opening. The drop opening is located in the central zone or in at least one of the lateral zones for dropping the eggs in the egg retainer point up and point down respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Dirk Willem WIKKERINK, Edwin Lambertus Maria PAPEN
  • Publication number: 20180002115
    Abstract: A method for emptying the pockets of a transport device in the form of a suspension conveyor, the transport device including one or more trolleys which are movably mounted on a trolley track and on each of which a pocket hanging downwards for receiving goods is arranged, the pocket formed by at least one flexible material web that is planar when open and that is fastened at both ends to the trolley, forming a loop hanging downwards. The material web is releasably fastened by at least one end to the trolley. The method includes: advancing a closed pocket, opening the pocket by releasing the fastening of the at least one end of the material web to the trolley, emptying the goods from the opened pocket, closing the pocket by fastening the at least one end of the material web to the trolley, and transporting away the emptied and closed pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventors: Roberto FENILE, Marc-Andreas BENZ
  • Publication number: 20180002116
    Abstract: An activated roller transfer apparatus for transferring articles between one conveyor and another. The roller transfer apparatus comprises a linear-induction-motor stator as a primary and electrically conductive article-supporting rollers as a secondary. The linear-motor stator generates a traveling magnetic flux wave that induces eddy currents in the rollers. The eddy currents produce magnetic fields that interact with the flux wave to produce forces that rotate the rollers to propel articles across a gap between the ends of the two conveyors. The stator is generally trapezoidal in shape to comport with the shape of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: B.L.J. Gysen, J.W. Jansen
  • Publication number: 20180002117
    Abstract: Provided is a stacking device that stacks shaped steel with small-scale equipment using a transporting means with a simple structure. This shaped steel stacking device comprises: a stacking platform on which stacked shaped steel is loaded, a transporting platform that has a plurality of loading faces on which the shaped steel to be transported to the stacking platform is loaded: and a pushing means that pushes the shaped steel loaded on the transporting platform out toward the slacking platform. The transporting platform comprises a first loading face having a flat portion and a second loading face having a flat portion and an inclined portion. The inclined portion is formed on a side facing the stacking platform, and the first and second loading faces can he selected according to the order the shaped steel is pushed out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Yasuhiro SAKURADA, Hiroshi ASADA, Tooru IENARI, Katsuyasu MATSUZAWA
  • Publication number: 20180002118
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device (1) for handling individual intermediate layers (5). The method involves removing from each of at least two separate stacks of intermediate layers (7) an individual intermediate layer (5) arranged topmost on the particular stack of intermediate layers (7). The removed individual intermediate layers (5) are moved into a detection range of a sensor system (13) of its own and the particular own sensor system (13) identifying, preferably by means of optical detection, an outer edge (6) of the particular intermediate layer (5). Subsequently, the removed individual intermediate layers (5) move toward a particular target location (Z1, Z2), the particular, preferably optical detection thereby being taken into account, such that the intermediate layers (5) reach their particular target location (Z1, Z2) in a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Albin SEMMELROCK, Bernhard DIENER, Erhard BEER, Gerald HECKEL, Manuel KOLLMUSS, Martin OSTERHAMMER
  • Publication number: 20180002119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a container transfer installation (2, 102) for placing containers into and removing containers from or transferring containers (1) in high-rack or block storage arcs (3, 15) of a seaport or inland port within a container transfer installation (2, 102) having an integrated, fully automatic container transport system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten HEIDE, Volker BRUECK, Michel BANNERT
  • Publication number: 20180002120
    Abstract: A bulk material shipping container unloader having an expandable supporter, a pallet receiver supported by the extendable supporter, a material director supported by the pallet receiver, and a bulk material container gate mover supported by the pallet receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: C. John Allegretti, Kevin Sylvester Corrigan, Margarito Guerrero, Felix Guerrero
  • Publication number: 20180002121
    Abstract: A tilting apparatus for emptying materials, including bulk material, out of railcars that are open at a top may include a tilting frame that is rotatable about an axis of rotation D and is connected to a platform that can receive at least one railcar, a clamping arm attached to the tilting frame in a rotatable manner, a locking device for preventing relative movement of the tilting frame and the clamping arm, and a bracket that is attached to the clamping arm such that in a tilted position of the tilting apparatus in which the tilting frame has been rotated about the axis of rotation that bracket lies at least partially against an upper edge of at least one of the side walls of the at least one railcar. Further, the hydraulic cylinder may be attached to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicants: ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Frank Severin, Frank Roth
  • Publication number: 20180002122
    Abstract: Application of biodegradable oils to additive particles to control dusting. A method of reducing an amount of dust produced during transfer of additive particles comprising: treating at least some of the additive particles with one or more biodegradable oils; storing the additive particles; and transferring the additive particles prior to and after storage, wherein biodegradable oil reduces the amount of dust produced during at least one of the transfers of the additive particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Corneliu Stanciu, Loan K. Vo
  • Publication number: 20180002123
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a sheet supporting member, a feeding member, and a lift unit. The lift unit lifts and lowers the sheet supporting member to abut a sheet stacked on the sheet supporting member against the feeding member. The lift unit includes an urging member that biases the sheet supporting member towards the feeding member, a moving member that moves in a first direction different from a sheet supporting member lifting direction, and a contact member in contact with the moving member. The contact member includes a curved cam surface in a region that comes in contact with the moving member. A contact state between the moving member and the contact member is changed by moving the moving member in the first direction and the curved cam surface. Regarding changing the contact state, the sheet supporting member can be moved to a feed position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Koji Fujinaka, Fuyuto Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20180002124
    Abstract: A feeder includes a pressing section that presses a medium after a feeding force is applied on the medium in a direction in which a leading edge of the medium set in a setting section in a feeding direction abuts on an abutment section during feeding of the media by a feed roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Keisuke MIYAUCHI, Hiromichi KITSUKI, Kosuke NOMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180002125
    Abstract: A deskew module of a valuable media depository is selectively controlled ejection processing. Upon detection of a jammed item of media within the deskew module, angled drives are activated to lift a jammed corner of the item off a track base of the deskew module and free the item's jammed corner. Next, straight drives are activated to eject the item from the deskew module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Widsten, Sandeep Singh Gill, Jason Michael Gillier
  • Publication number: 20180002126
    Abstract: An apparatus for the non-compression transportation of a convolutely wound web material parent roll is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a motivator and an end effector operably, cooperatively, and pivotably engaged to the motivator. The end effector provides a pair of opposed core plugs capable of cooperative and penetrating engagement with a core of the parent roll when the first core plug is disposed proximate to a first portion of the core of the parent roll and the second core plug is disposed proximate to a second portion of the core of the parent roll disposed distal therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Nicholas Gonzales, Eugene Harold Lessen, JR., Edward L. McGinley
  • Publication number: 20180002127
    Abstract: A process for improving the convertability of parent rolls of convolutely wound web materials is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Nicholas Gonzales, Eugene Harold Lessen, JR., Edward L. McGinley
  • Publication number: 20180002128
    Abstract: A printed unit block aligning device includes a supporting element and an alignment transfer rail. The supporting element is opened and closed between a supporting position and a releasing position. The alignment transfer rail receives the group of the printed unit blocks dropped in response to move of the supporting element to the releasing position, aligns the printed unit blocks in each line unit block in a vertical direction, and feeds the printed unit blocks vertically at a constant speed using alignment transferring element. An electrical controlling element is provided that electrically controls timing of dropping the printed unit blocks from the supporting element onto the alignment transfer rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Tadao UNO, Yosuke UNO
  • Publication number: 20180002129
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tape dispenser which includes a body having a downward facing concave space at a bottom thereof, a cutting blade mounted to the body and positioned in the concave space with an cutting edge recessed in the concave space, a groove member being able to move vertically between a first and second location, at the first location, the groove member being partially submerged in the concave space and pocketing at least a portion the cutting blade for cutting a piece of tape, at the second location, the groove member being downwardly away from the bottom of the body for threading a piece of tape through a gap formed between the groove member and the bottom of the body, a side plate attached to an end of the groove member, the side plate being slidably accommodated in a hollowed space formed inside the body, the side plate having a slot for retaining a spring to urge the side plate to slide downwardly resulting in the groove member to move from the first location to the second location
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Peigen Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180002130
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating a part that has an asymmetrical edge. The apparatus includes a film dispenser, a film retriever, a mandrel; and a part holder. Preferably one or both of the mandrel and the part holder move in an angular relationship to one another, and the film dispenser and the film retriever move co-operatively in at least two dimensions with respect to the part holder. There is further provided a film having a first edge and a second edge, and the film can be a decorative coating, a protective coating or combinations of these. The film dispenser holds the first edge of the film, the film is positioned between the mandrel and the part holder and the film retriever holds the film second edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Norm H. Tiilikka, Susana E. Borrero, Ingo Dieter Erhardt, Stefan Rudi Wicklein, Werner Mischer
  • Publication number: 20180002131
    Abstract: A media separator module of a valuable media depository is selectively controlled to detect folded media and selectively eject the media or preform double feed recovery processing based on a fold type detected for the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Widsten, Frank B. Dunn, Jason Michael Gillier
  • Publication number: 20180002132
    Abstract: A method for winding can include positioning a multi-sided object on a winding component in a first position. The method can include dereeling a wire from a dereeler and winding onto the multi-sided object in the first position. The method can include rotating the winding component to position the multi-sided object in a second position without removing the multi-sided object from the winding component. The method can include dereeling the wire from the dereeler and winding onto the multi-sided object in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce D. Fishbeck
  • Publication number: 20180002133
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for feeding thread at a knitting machine. One embodiment is a thread feeding device which includes a spool that supplies thread to a knitting device through a thread path and a motor that drives the spool. The device and further includes a mobile guide in the thread path that changes position due to changes in thread tension as the knitting device draws thread through the mobile guide. The thread feeding device also includes a sensor that measures a change in position of the mobile guide, and a controller that determines an amount of tension applied to the thread by the knitting device based on the change in position, and adjusts a speed of a motor that drives the spool based on the amount of tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicants: The Boeing Company, The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Stewart, Guillermo Herrera, Jacob John Mikulsky, Christopher P. Henry
  • Publication number: 20180002134
    Abstract: An automatic mechanical spool changer for 3-D printers includes a filament guide and a pre-loading device. The input to the filament guide receives at least a primary filament from a primary spool and a secondary filament from a secondary spool. The output from the filament guide connects to an extruder, and the output from the filament guide sequentially and automatically provides the primary filament and then the secondary filament to the extruder. The pre-loading device exerts a pre-loaded force on the secondary filament during the extrusion of the primary filament. After the primary filament passes a predetermined location within the filament guide, the force exerted on the secondary filament threads the secondary filament through the output of the filament guide and into the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jeremy Rubens, Daniel John Blythe, Chris R. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20180002135
    Abstract: The present invention efficiently avoids distortion at an edge and achieves a separator core which has strength. The present invention achieves: a separator core in which an outer cylindrical part has a linearly inclined face at an edge of an outer peripheral surface thereof; and a separator roll including the separator core and a separator for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery wound around the separator core. The present invention provides a method of producing the separator roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Yosuke TSUKUDA, Daizaburo YASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20180002136
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a separator core in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is a method for cleaning a separator core having an outer peripheral surface around which a separator is to be wound, the method including: an end face cleaning step of removing a foreign object adhered to an end face of the separator core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Taro NOMURA, Daizaburo YASHIKI, Satoshi YONEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180002137
    Abstract: The present invention achieves a separator core that is easy to clean and that will have no or few remaining foreign substances and a separator roll obtained by winding a separator around the separator core. Provided is a separator core around which a separator is wound or is to be wound, in which at least one of (i) a connection between a surface of a support part and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical part and (ii) a connection between the surface of the support part and the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical part is made smoothly by a curved face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Yosuke TSUKUDA, Daizaburo YASHIKI
  • Publication number: 20180002138
    Abstract: The invention concerns a brake control apparatus and a method of controlling an elevator brake. The brake control apparatus comprises a first switch and a second switch connected in series with each other for selectively supplying current from a power source to an electrically operated actuator of an elevator brake. The control pole of the first switch and the control pole of the second switch are associated with an elevator safety circuit. The brake control apparatus further comprises a first monitoring circuit configured to indicate operation of the first switch and a second monitoring circuit configured to indicate operation of the second switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventor: Ari KATTAINEN
  • Publication number: 20180002139
    Abstract: An adjustable handrail system for a top region of an elevator car includes a first stationary post fixed to a top surface of the elevator car and extending upwardly therefrom along a first longitudinal axis. Also included is a second stationary post fixed to the top surface of the elevator car and extending upwardly therefrom along a second longitudinal axis, the first and second stationary posts spaced from each other and oriented parallel to each other. Further included is an adjustable handrail panel translatable between a first position and a second position, the adjustable handrail panel operatively coupled to the first stationary post and the second stationary post and translatable perpendicularly relative to the first and second longitudinal axes and parallel to the top surface of the elevator car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jerry L. Stepp, Jesus Valenzuela Buentello
  • Publication number: 20180002140
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a limit switch system for an elevator. The limit switch system includes a limit device configured to determine a position of the elevator car at a location of the hoistway upon selection of an inspection state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: James O'Neal Creel, JR., John F. Kleine, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180002141
    Abstract: An elevator includes a hoistway; an elevator car vertically movable in the hoistway, the passage to and/or from the elevator car being provided in depth direction of the hoistway; a counterweight vertically movable in the hoistway beside the elevator car in width direction of the hoistway; one or more ropes interconnecting the elevator car and the counterweight and hanging from these; a rope wheel arrangement in the bottom end of the hoistway for guiding the one or more ropes; and a vertically oriented guide rail for guiding the elevator car extending between the elevator car and counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Veli-Matti VIRTA, Markus SALMI, Kim PÖNKÄ
  • Publication number: 20180002142
    Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car to travel in a hoistway; a linear propulsion system to impart force to the elevator car, the linear propulsion system including: a secondary portion mounted to the elevator car, the secondary portion including a plurality of magnetic poles; and a primary portion mounted in the hoistway, the primary portion including a plurality of coils; and a drive coupled to the primary portion, the drive providing drive signals to at least a section of the primary portion; wherein the drive generates 6 phases of drive signals, each coil associated with one of the 6 phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Zbigniew Piech, Cezary Jedryczka, Wojciech Szelag
  • Publication number: 20180002143
    Abstract: A transport-monitoring module for monitoring a transport of a transport unit of a passenger-transportation device is arranged on the transport unit. The transport-monitoring module has a sensor and localization devices. During the transport, through an interface unit, a connection with a data memory of the device is created. The interface unit is configured so that transport-monitoring data that are to be stored, which are based on sensor data of the sensor and localization data of the localization devices, are permanently stored in the data memory. In this way, the transport-monitoring module is simplified, so that it is no longer an item that is worth stealing. In addition, a reliable access to the stored transport-monitoring data after the end of the transport is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Matheisl, Esteban Marks, Thomas Novacek
  • Publication number: 20180002144
    Abstract: A method for hoisting and transporting assemblies in an underground nuclear power plant, the method including: 1) pouring concrete onto a reactor cavern to form a rock anchor beam; hoisting a circular bridge crane to the reactor cavern through a hoist shaft on a top of the reactor cavern; mounting the circular bridge crane on the rock anchor beam by using a truck crane; 2) installing a containment cylinder and a track beam of a polar crane in the reactor cavern using the circular bridge crane; hoisting a gantry crane on one end of a polar crane girder and sending the polar crane girder to the reactor cavern; hoisting the other end of the polar crane girder using the circular bridge crane; allowing the polar crane girder to be horizontal; and mounting the polar crane girder on the track beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Xinqiang NIU, Qigui YANG, Feng LI, Lijun SU, Xuehong YANG, Xin ZHAO, Xia HUA, Shudong WANG, Fuzhen DING, Fei YU, Yi SU, Guoqiang ZHANG, Shiyu XIE, Tao ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20180002145
    Abstract: A support installation includes support members for supporting an electric cable, a tower crane, a mast and a jib linked to an upper portion of the mast. The jib and the mast respectively extend according to a jib direction and a substantially vertical mast direction. The support members are secured to the jib and disposed at a plurality of locations distant according to the jib direction. The support members extend transversally to the jib direction to protrude laterally from the jib. The jib is cantilevered when the support installation is in the service configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Joachim FERNANDEZ, Brice DAL CORSO, Jean-Christophe GOIFFON
  • Publication number: 20180002146
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved component (10) for replacing pipes, in particular underground pipes. The invention also relates to a trenchless method of removing pipes using the improved component, and a kit of parts for use in removing pipes. The improved component (10) is securable to a cable (14) and has a body (30) with a recess (26) to accommodate the end (18) of the pipe (12) in use, the recess being surrounded by a collar (24). The improved component is a two-part component, the first part (20) being securable to the cable (14) and the second part (22) including the body, the two parts being made of different materials. There is also provided a kit of parts including cooperating alignment elements of standard dimensions, and a method of removing an underground pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: JACOBUS HENDRIK CILLIERS
  • Publication number: 20180002147
    Abstract: A solar array lifting assembly and method. The device and method use a support pole, a pole bracket for supporting a solar array made up of a frame and solar panels, a pole bracket securing mechanism for securing the pole bracket at a predetermined height, and a lifting assembly for lifting the pole bracket and solar array along the support pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: TRAVIS JORDAN
  • Publication number: 20180002148
    Abstract: A method and a safety brake for a lifting device, wherein a solenoid or another electromechanical actuator is used to actuate a pawl, where the position of the pawl is monitored via at least two switches or sensors, where the lowering motion of the load or the lifting device is monitored and the safety brake is triggered in the event of a fault via a safety-oriented controller and at least one sensor, where the solenoid or the pawl is arranged such that, via spring force and/or gravity, the pawl is brought into engagement when the actuator, for example, the solenoid, is deenergized such that it is possible to exactly define and monitor the limit speed and, by using the two sensors, it is also possible to monitor the function and the motion of the pawl and to detect undesired operating states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Reudiger HEIL, Eugen STAUB, Walfried HOERMANN
  • Publication number: 20180002149
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for positioning a load including an apparatus having a plurality of columns. Each column has a first support and a motor adapted to move the first support along an axis of the column. A second support is connected to at least two of the first supports and a track member for receiving a portion of a vehicle is connected to the second support. Load and position sensors are coupled to the apparatus for transmitting load and position signals. A controller is in communication with the columns and receives the load and position signals to compare the load and position signals to generate at least one control signal that is sent to at least one of said motors for controlling the position of at least one of said first supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan W. Knapp, Peter McGonagle, Mark O'Donnell
  • Publication number: 20180002150
    Abstract: Some illustrative embodiments of a fire tube implement for extraction and insertion of a fire tube may include an elongate shaft that is configured to extend outward and to be received within an opening in the fire tube. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft may carry at least one extender that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position normal to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. The at least one extender may be configured to engage an internal surface of the fire tube within the opening when the at least one extender is in the extended position. In some embodiments, a stabilizer may be laterally disposed from an exterior surface of the elongate shaft and securable to the fire tube. The elongate shaft may be operable by a powered machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Phil Madron