Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9862070
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for polishing a substrate are provided. The invention includes an upper platen; a torque/strain measurement instrument coupled to the upper platen; and a lower platen coupled to the torque/strain measurement instrument and adapted to drive the upper platen to rotate through the torque/strain measurement instrument. In other embodiments, the invention includes an upper carriage; a side force measurement instrument coupled to the upper carriage; and a lower carriage coupled to the side force measurement instrument and adapted to support a polishing head. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shou-Sung Chang, Hung Chen, Lakshmanan Karuppiah, Paul D. Butterfield, Erik S. Rondum
  • Patent number: 9862071
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a polishing pad. The method of the invention includes the steps of forming a polishing layer from a polyurethane solution has a solid content more than about 90 wt % and drying the polyurethane solution at a temperature from about 130° C. to about 170° C. The invention also provides a polishing pad manufactured by the method mentioned above. The defect of scraping the surface of the substrate to be polished due to polishing particles remaining is avoided when applying the polishing pad according to the invention, and the flatness of the substrate to be polished is raised and the defective rate is eliminated also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SAN FANG CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Chih Feng, I-Peng Yao, Yung-Chang Hung, Lyang-Gung Wang
  • Patent number: 9862072
    Abstract: The invention provides a double-side polishing method including first polishing at a high polishing rate, second polishing at a low polishing rate, dividing a straight line extending between the outermost circumferences of the wafer through the center into prescribed sections, and optically measuring a cross-sectional shape of the sections; applying a weight predetermined for each section to the cross-sectional shape to quantify flatness of each section; and determining polishing conditions of the first and second polishing in subsequent polishing on a basis of the quantified flatness, wherein a beam diameter of a measurement apparatus used to measure the cross-sectional shape of outermost sections is smaller than that used to measure the cross-sectional shape of the other section. The method can measure the shape of the wafer up to its outermost circumference with high precision without reducing productivity, and improve the flatness of the entire wafer including its outermost circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU HANDOTAI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Asai
  • Patent number: 9862073
    Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided for adjusting the position and orientation of an end effector of a multi-axis machine (e.g., a manipulable cutting head of a fluid jet cutting machine) relative to a base reference frame. Systems include an adjustable tool mount having a base structure that includes portions or regions that are selectively deformable to adjust a position and an orientation of a tool supported by the adjustable tool mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FLOW INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Niblock
  • Patent number: 9862074
    Abstract: A wrench with translational wrench jaw comprises a first wrench jaw, a first handle and a connection portion; a second handle and a second wrench jaw; a first connecting rod, connected with the first handle, a first end of the first connecting rod being arranged with an elastic component; a second connecting rod, connected with the second handle, a first end of the second connecting rod being arranged with an elastic component, the second end of the first connecting rod being connected with the second end of the second connecting rod. The wrench with translational wrench jaw provided by the present invention is suitable for gripping various workpieces; adopting two-stage transmission can provide greater gripping force, being more efficient and avoiding structural damage, thus prolonging the service life; By adopting locking mechanism can release operator's hands and be more convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: HANGZHOU GREAT STAR TOOLS CO., LTD., HANGZHOU GREAT STAR INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Wang
  • Patent number: 9862075
    Abstract: A multi-fastener wrench for simultaneously or concurrently holding a plurality of fasteners, wherein the wrench comprises a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, and two sets of jaws at or new the distal end. The jaws may be movably coupled to the handle, allowing the user to vary the distance between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DEB, LLC
    Inventor: Deidra Bowman
  • Patent number: 9862076
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a handle and a head through which a hole is defined. A recess is defined in the inner periphery of the hole. A driving member is rotatably received in the hole. A pawl and a positioning member are respectively located in two respective ends of the recess. A spring is connected between the pawl and the positioning member. The pawl has a slot defined in a lateral side thereof so as to be connected to one end of the spring. The positioning member is a resilient member and has an engaging portion and a curved portion. An opening is defined between the engaging portion and the curved portion. The other end of the spring is engaged with the opening. The spring linearly biased between the pawl and the positioning member to engage the pawl with the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Jim Lai
  • Patent number: 9862077
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a laser projection apparatus and a fastener installation apparatus. The laser projection apparatus is configured to project an identifier of an instruction set including one or more instructions for installing a fastener or fastener collar on a structure, with the laser projection apparatus being configured to project the identifier onto the structure about a location at which the respective fastener or fastener collar is to be installed. The fastener installation apparatus is configured to capture an image of the projected identifier from the structure, determine the identifier from the captured image, and retrieve the instruction set based on the determined identifier. The fastener installation apparatus includes a tool for installing the respective fastener or fastener collar, and the fastener installation apparatus is configured to program the tool according to the retrieved instruction set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Raymond J. Slesinski
  • Patent number: 9862079
    Abstract: An electronic torque wrench with early-warning function includes a main body, a setting unit, a detecting unit, an operation unit, a warning unit and an early-warning program. A working head is disposed at one end of the main body for wrenching a work piece. The early-warning program is set with multiple early-warning times with different warning ranges. The value of the early-warning time is in direct proportion to the set torque value of the wrench. When the operation torque of the wrench reaches the early-warning time, the operation unit urges the warning unit to give a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9862080
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a double-ended wrench set with identical torque holes, which comprises at least two double-ended wrenches having torque holes of a same configuration and a torque rod comprising a torque body and a torque head perpendicularly connected to the torque body, wherein each said torque hole is located in a wrench body of the double-ended wrench, the torque body has a greater length than the torque head, and the torque head has a cross section identical in configuration to the torque hole and is able to be fitted into said torque hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KANTAS PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yang-Fu Cheng
  • Patent number: 9862081
    Abstract: A rebuild tool for a motorcycle fuel tank quick connect fuel tank fitting has a mandrel tool with at least one post extending from a body portion. The post has an internal bore and an axial groove. A generally cylindrical bushing has an internal bore enabling the bushing to be disposed on the at least one post. The bushing forms an axial slit. At least one O-ring capture hook may be installed onto the mandrel tool within the axial groove and locked into place by rotating the bushing on the post. The assembled mandrel tool including the bushing and the O-ring hook is dimensioned to be inserted into the fuel tank fitting for removing at least one of the O-rings. A sleeve element has a bore enabling the sleeve element to be disposed on the post, and a stem element has an enlarged head and a reduced diameter stem section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MCAVEY VENTURES LLC
    Inventor: Michael McAvey
  • Patent number: 9862082
    Abstract: A tool for installing or removing valve keepers is disclosed. One end of the tool is configured to easily remove valve keepers, while the other end of the tool is configured to easily install valve keepers. This valve tool can be further connected to an engine-mounted lever assembly for increasing leverage on the tool during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Randall Moore
  • Patent number: 9862083
    Abstract: A combustion driven fastener hand tool is disclosed having a piston driven by combustion within a chamber, the piston affixed to a driver for forcing a fastener. The piston forms a retention chamber having a lower internal pressure (“vacuum”) than that of the surrounding combustion chamber when the piston is disposed in the starting position for operation of the device. The lower internal pressure of the retention chamber (generated from a previous combustion cycle) momentarily holds the piston in place such that combustion behind the piston must first increase sufficiently to overcome holding force of the retention chamber before the piston moves. Requiring build up of combustion chamber pressure before piston motion greatly improves efficiency and power of the device. Use of the vacuum retention chamber is readily tunable with proper sizing of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Power Tech Staple and Nail, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Wong, Shih-Yi Chen, Chin-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9862084
    Abstract: A device includes an actuation system with a dose chamber including an inlet for high pressure fluid. A working chamber extends away from the dose chamber. An annular wall separates a portion of the working chamber from the dose chamber such that the dose chamber encompasses the portion of the working chamber. In use an item to be driven along the working chamber is at least partially within the surrounded portion of the working chamber with the item at one end of its travel in the working chamber. A valve mechanism selectively allows high pressure fluid from the dose chamber to flow into the piston chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GlobalForce IP Limited
    Inventor: Hamish William Hamilton
  • Patent number: 9862085
    Abstract: An attachment arrangement (3, 53, 73, 83, 93) for connection to a first construction (1) and in such a connected state be able to hold a second construction (2) where the arrangement has an axial longitudinal extension and shows a first partial portion (3a, 53a, 73a, 83a, 93a), interactable with the first construction (1), and a second partial portion (3b, 53b, 73b, 83b, 93b), interactable with the second partial portion, said partial portions (3a, 53a, 73a, 83a, 93a, 3b, 53b, 73b, 83b, 93b) being connected to each other only by an action means (4, 54, 74, 84, 94), e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Håkan Wernersson
  • Patent number: 9862086
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-colored hand tool grip includes a step of forming a grip, a step of forming a lid and a step of completing a finished product. In the step of forming a lid, replaceable submodules are employed to form the lid, able to lower cost of mold making. In the step of completing a finished product, after the grip and the lid are combined together and received in the mold cavity of a third mold set, raw material of a holding portion is poured into the mold cavity to form a different-colored holding portion. By so designing, the lid and the holding portion of different colors can be formed on the grip to let patterns presented more clearly, thus forming a multi-colored hand tool grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 9862087
    Abstract: A device for blocking eyeglass lenses onto blocks using a bonding mass, by which the eyeglass lens is connected to the block in a form-fit and/or force-closed manner, having several stations, between which the eyeglass lens and/or the block is transported, at least one blocking station, in which the block is connected to the eyeglass lens using the bonding mass, a transport arm having a retaining head arranged thereon for positioning the eyeglass lens in the blocking station, wherein the transport arm is designed as a pivot arm and has at least one pivot axis (S1), by means of which the transport arm and the retaining head can be moved between at least two stations, and at least one conveying arm having a retainer for the block or an eyeglass lens, wherein the conveying arm has a pivot axis (S2), which is arranged parallel or coaxial to the pivot axis (S1) and by which the retainer can be moved between at least two stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Schneider, Helwig Buchenauer, Ulf Börner, Klaus Krämer
  • Patent number: 9862088
    Abstract: Systems, method and apparatus for a fixturing platform having a frame assembly configured to couple to a support assembly with a plurality of surface plates configured to couple to the frame assembly in a number of configurations are described in this disclosure. The configurations include a continuous configuration with abutting surface plates forming a continuous working surface and a spaced configuration with spaced surface plates forming a spaced working surface, the spaced configuration have one or more working gaps between surface plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Workshops for Warriors
    Inventor: Hernán Luis y Prado
  • Patent number: 9862089
    Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating tasks to robotic devices are provided. An example method includes receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices and in a computing system configured to access a processor and memory, determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. A health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability to perform a function, which may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. Information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more or the robotic devices may also be determined. The computing system may optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks such that a high precision task may be allocated to a robotic device having a greater current health level than another robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: James J. Kuffner, Jr., Ryan Hickman
  • Patent number: 9862090
    Abstract: Robotics platforms in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement highly dexterous robots capable of whole body motion. Robotics platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: a memory containing a whole body motion application; a spine, where the spine has seven degrees of freedom and comprises a spine actuator and three spine elbow joints that each include two spine joint actuators; at least one limb, where the at least one limb comprises a limb actuator and three limb elbow joints that each include two limb joint actuators; a tracked base; a connecting structure that connects the at least one limb to the spine; a second connecting structure that connects the spine to the tracked base; wherein the processor is configured by the whole body motion application to move the at least one limb and the spine to perform whole body motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brett A. Kennedy, Paul Hebert, Jeremy C. Ma, James W. Borders, Charles F. Bergh, Nicolas H. Hudson
  • Patent number: 9862091
    Abstract: An orientation designated in advance as an orientation that a grip unit is to take to grip an object having a shape of rotational symmetry with respect to at least one axis is acquired as a reference orientation. The relative position and orientation of the object and grip unit when the grip unit grips the object is acquired as a taught position and orientation. The position and orientation of the object is recognized from an image, and an initial position and initial orientation in which the grip unit grips the object are derived based on the recognized and taught positions and orientations. A grip orientation to grip the object is decided based on the reference and the initial orientation, and a grip position and orientation in which the grip unit grips the object is decided based on the grip orientation and the initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9862092
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Brain Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene Izhikevich, Dimitry Fisher, Jean-Baptiste Passot, Heathcliff Hatcher, Vadim Polonichko
  • Patent number: 9862093
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining 3D scene geometry by projecting patterns of light onto a scene are provided. In an example method, a first projector may project a first random texture pattern having a first wavelength and a second projector may project a second random texture pattern having a second wavelength. A computing device may receive sensor data that is indicative of an environment as perceived from a first viewpoint of a first optical sensor and a second viewpoint of a second optical sensor. Based on the received sensor data, the computing device may determine corresponding features between sensor data associated with the first viewpoint and sensor data associated with the second viewpoint. And based on the determined corresponding features, the computing device may determine an output including a virtual representation of the environment that includes depth measurements indicative of distances to at least one object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Gary Bradski, Kurt Konolige, Ethan Rublee
  • Patent number: 9862094
    Abstract: A numerical controller and a robot controller share interpolation level move data obtained by recording position information for each interpolation period of a robot in association with an index. Based on the interpolation level move data, a preceding position of the robot after the passage of a time (lead time) for calculating a next preceding position since a reference time for interference check is calculated. And, based on the robot preceding position and a preceding position (machine preceding-position) of an axis of the machine after the passage of the lead time, interference between a machine and the robot is checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatoshi Nakajima, Masakazu Ichinose
  • Patent number: 9862095
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control device for a mobile robot. While a mobile robot 1 is in a predetermined motion state, if a load evaluation amount, which is either the magnitude of a load detected on a particular joint or an estimated temperature value of a joint actuator for driving the joint, exceeds a predetermined threshold value, then a desired displacement amount of each joint of the mobile robot 1 is determined with a requirement that the load evaluation amount remains to be the threshold value or less, and the joint actuator is controlled on the basis of the determined desired displacement amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Takagi, Chiaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9862096
    Abstract: Automated dynamic manufacturing systems may provide for alignment of multiple components with respect to one another, such as an apparatus, a robot, and a supply of parts. The alignment may initially be performed roughly, using a global metrology device configured to track the apparatus, robot, and supply of parts, each of which may be movable with respect to the others, such as by being positioned on a respective automated guided vehicle. Alignment may then be performed to closer tolerances using a local metrology device coupled to the robot and configured to accurately position an end effector, such that the end effector may perform a manufacturing task on the apparatus, such as a pick-and-place process involving transporting an individual part from the supply of parts, transferring it to the apparatus, and coupling it thereto. Such systems and methods may be used to perform manufacturing processes on large apparatus, such as aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lorrie Sivich, Thomas K. Williams, Jim E. Gardiner, Farshad Forouhar
  • Patent number: 9862097
    Abstract: An industrial robot system includes an end effector connectable to a robot arm, a drive assembly, and a controller. The end effector includes a distal housing, a spindle assembly rotatable about a rotational axis, a drill bit rotatable about the rotational axis, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a first light source, a second light source, and a photosensitive array. The first light source produces a first fan of light which is projected as a first line of light on the object surface. The second light source produces a second fan of light, which is projected as a second line of light on the object surface. The photosensitive array detects a first reflection line corresponding to the first line of light and a second reflection line corresponding to the second line of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: Recognition Robotics, Inc., Zagar Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Melikian, Jeremy Hughes, Brian Zagar
  • Patent number: 9862098
    Abstract: A garbage-cleaning method for use in a monitoring apparatus is provided. The method includes: acquiring monitored data about a monitored area; detecting whether garbage is present in the monitored area according to the monitored data; if garbage is present in the monitored area, acquiring location information of the garbage in the monitored area; and sending the location information of the garbage to a garbage-cleaning robot configured to clean the garbage according to the location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Xiaomi Inc.
    Inventors: Pengfei Zhang, Yongfeng Xia, Yidong Wang, Tiejun Liu
  • Patent number: 9862099
    Abstract: Example implementations may relate to a haptic hand-holdable controller. In particular, an example device may take the form of a haptic controller, which senses tactile information and provides force feedback for a more intuitive user experience. The force feedback may indicate a state of the device that is being controlled. An example haptic handheld controller may be utilized to manipulate data input to a robot, a tablet computer, and/or any other type of computing device. In an example embodiment, the haptic handheld controller may be such that the controller indicates to the user what manipulation of different types of data feels like, for example, by using operating modes for the haptic handheld controller where a motor varies feedback to the handheld controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Linnell, Anthony Sean Jules
  • Patent number: 9862100
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a robot gripper, comprising a bottom plate (101), a side plate A (102), an intermediate plate (103), a side plate B (104), guide rods (105), sliding blocks (106), cylinders (107), spherical joints (108), pneumatic quick plug connectors, a connecting plate (114), racks (115), a gear (116), a gear shaft (117), a horn type switch support (120), detection switches (121) and a detection head (122). By adopting the robot gripper, the bottom plate (101) can be connected with six-shaft flanges of a robot together by connectors; a gripper arm can be designed to connect the connecting plate (114) to grip a hub according to different demands; and the opening and closing state of the gripper can be detected by the detection switches (121). The robot gripper has the advantages of low price, compact overall structure, large clamping force, strong stability and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: QINHUANGDAO XINYUE INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guoxin Xiao, Chong Li, Yan Sun
  • Patent number: 9862101
    Abstract: A self-damping end effector including a base, a finger extending from the base and adapted to support a substrate, and a damper associated with the finger, the damper having a natural frequency within a predetermined tolerance of a natural frequency of the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associats, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack LoPiccolo, Paul E. Pergande
  • Patent number: 9862102
    Abstract: An example robotic gripping apparatus includes a robotic wrist and a motor contained within the robotic wrist. The motor includes a drive shaft that rotates about a primary axis during motor operation. The robotic gripping apparatus also includes a cylindrical worm gear, connected to the drive shaft, that encircles the motor and rotates about the primary axis during motor operation. Additionally, the robotic gripping apparatus includes two or more robotic fingers, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The robotic gripping apparatus further includes two or more spur gears corresponding to the two or more robotic fingers. Each spur gear is attached to the proximal end of the corresponding robotic finger. Each spur gear engages the cylindrical worm gear and rotates the corresponding robotic finger when the cylindrical worm gear rotates about the primary axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: David Youmans
  • Patent number: 9862103
    Abstract: An end effector of the industrial robot has an end effector base portion connected to a robot arm, a first object holding mechanism provided to the end effector base portion so as to hold a first type of object to be handled, a second object holding unit for holding a second type of object to be handled, and a unit holding mechanism provided to the end effector base portion so as to releasably hold the second object holding unit. The second object holding unit which is held by the unit holding mechanism is driven by the first object holding mechanism. The end effector is capable of considerably enlarging a range of kind and size of an object which can be handled while suppressing increase of manufacturing cost and decline in credibility and increase in changing hand installation space accompanying complication of the configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Takebayashi, Shuhei Kuraoka, Hiroyuki Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 9862104
    Abstract: A folding knife has mechanisms for facilitating dual operational modes for opening the blade. In a first modality, the knife is opened and closed manually. In a second modality, the knife is fully automatic. When the blade is in the closed position the user may use either mode, manual or automatic, without any switching mechanism. A lock securely locks the blade in the open position when either opening modality is being used. To open the blade manually, the user rotates the blade from the closed to the open position—the lock automatically locks the blade open when the blade is fully open. To open the blade automatically, the lock mechanism functions as the trigger mechanism; the user slides the lock mechanism to actuate the automatic open mechanism. When the blade is in the fully open position the lock secures the blade open. A torsion spring around the pivot shaft that connects the blade to the handle and which is retained in a bushing drives the blade open in the automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Benchmade Knife Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jason France
  • Patent number: 9862105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folding knife with safety device, which includes a main knife, a revolving shaft, a first liner plate, a first rivet, a switch lock sheet, a first handle part, a second handle part, a second liner plate and a spacer sleeve. The first liner plate is provided with a resilient lock sheet, an elongated slot, a stopper portion, a first rivet, a second rivet and a third rivet; the switch lock sheet is provided with a first rivet slot, a skidproof rack, a second rivet slot, a labor-saving slot, a locking contact, and a buckle; and the first handle part is provided with an axle hole, a holding slot, a holding hole and a screw hole. The present invention has advantages of simple structure, easy of use and stable performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGXI RUIKE OUTDOOR TOOLS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gang Liang
  • Patent number: 9862106
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of easily disassembled folding knives. In some embodiments, a folding knife includes a blade and a handle including first and second side portions. The first and second side portions can include respective locking elements which can be used to retain the side portions from lateral separation from one another. In some cases, the locking elements of one side portion include relatively narrow neck portions with relatively wide, non-circular head portions connected to the neck portions, and the locking elements of the other side portion include a recess and a corresponding non-circular opening. In some cases, folding knives can be provided with washers, liner lock mechanisms, and various other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GB II Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Onion
  • Patent number: 9862107
    Abstract: A shaving apparatus (1000) in which a rotary cutter (300) and a fixed blade (350) are used to shear a user's hairs there between during a shaving process. Rotation of the rotary cutter is driven by an electric motor (400). In certain embodiments, the rotary cutter comprises a cutting tube (301) that comprises a plurality of apertures (305) that are defined by cutting edges (307) which form a closed-geometry. In other embodiments, a lubricating element (800) is coupled to the rotary cutter, in further embodiments, the apertures are arranged in a pattern to control the number and selection of apertures that are capable of being active to shear hairs at any one time. In even further embodiments, the fixed blade is integrally formed with the housing of the head; the housing is formed by a plurality of stacked flat plate segments: the rotary cutter is formed by a plurality of stacked flat plate segments; and/or the fixed blade can reciprocate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HYBRID RAZOR LTD
    Inventors: Gil Perlberg, Beni Nachon, Shoham Zak, Gitay Kryger, Tsafrir Ben-Ari
  • Patent number: 9862108
    Abstract: An integrally formed rigid razor blade having a body with a cutting edge portion extending about a cutting edge portion plane, and having a cutting edge at one end, a base portion extending along a base portion plane, a bent portion intermediate the cutting edge portion and the base portion. The body is made of martensitic stainless steel that includes mainly iron and between 0.62% and 0.75% of carbon in weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BIC VIOLEX S.A.
    Inventors: Vasileios Davos, Vassilis Papachristos, Dimitrios Efthimiadis, Panagiotis Zafiropoulos, Nikolaos Skounakis, Ioannis Komianos, Michalis Karoussis, Anastasios Papageorgiou
  • Patent number: 9862109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a polymeric tubular member is provided. The method includes moving the polymeric tubular member along a central longitudinal axis into a position to be cut and providing a cutting blade operably connected to an actuator. The method further includes actuating the actuator to move the cutting blade conjointly along a straight linear axis. Then, bringing a cutting region of the cutting blade into cutting engagement with the polymeric tubular member, with the cutting region engaging the polymeric tubular member extending over a length of the cutting blade that is greater than a diameter of the polymeric tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Powertrain LLC
    Inventors: Luis Aquino, Jesus Arenivar, Samuel Barron, Jose De La Cruz, Arthur Fong, Steve Warneke
  • Patent number: 9862110
    Abstract: A stripper for stripping coating off of coated sucker rod is provided. The stripper can have a frame having spaced-apart and opposing end plates with a passageway for receiving the coated rod. Rollers located in the frame guide the coated rod as it passes through the passageway. A cutting bar contacts the coated rod to cut a strip off of the coated rod, leaving a remainder of coating that can be deflected off of the coated rod by a deflector as the coated rod passes through the stripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LIFTING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Shane Fleck, Chad Giesbrecht, Shawn Hansen
  • Patent number: 9862111
    Abstract: A hand anti-cutting structure for a curtain cutting machine contains a base, a cutting mechanism, and a security mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a through orifice, an insertion segment, an extension segment, an inserting direction, and a cutter. The security mechanism includes a rail assembly, a sliding seat, a touch switch, and a stop member. The rail assembly has at least slidable rail parallel to the inserting direction, and the sliding seat has a movable actuation member and an operation member. The touch switch is secured on a moving path of the actuation member, and when the actuation member moves to abut against the touch switch, the touch switch is turned on by the actuation member. The stop member is connected with and driven by the actuation member, wherein the stop member is located on the insertion segment and is perpendicular to the inserting direction of the cutting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Sheen World Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Hao-Yu Hsu
  • Patent number: 9862112
    Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing stationary and/or moveable cutting components provide limited interference with web processing operations, such as pad spin and pitch alteration. Heat, laser, fluid, or mechanical cutting operations may be used, including respectively, a heated element (e.g., wire, ribbon, bar, or embossing or perforating element) that may be triggered inductively, water or steam jets, or improved knife/anvil cooperation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. McCabe, Jeff Middlesworth, Darren Horness, Peter Jenquin, Gottfried J. Hohm, Daniel A. Peterson, Sudeep Ingole
  • Patent number: 9862113
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for slicing products. Such an apparatus has an annular-shaped cutting head equipped with knife assemblies located at a circumference of the cutting head, and interior surfaces each located in a circumferential direction of the cutting head relative to one of the knife assemblies such that each interior surface leads one of the knife assemblies and trails a different one of the knife assemblies. Each knife assembly has a flat knife that extends radially inward to define a gate opening. Each interior surface has continuous flow paths defined therein that extend across at least a majority of the interior surface from adjacent a leading edge thereof through a trailing edge thereof and are fluidically connected to one of the gate openings between the interior surface and the knife that trails the interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Urschel Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Scot Jacko
  • Patent number: 9862114
    Abstract: A slicing apparatus for a continuous slicing of products comprises a slicing unit having a movable cutting blade, a supply apparatus for a multi-track supply of the products to the slicing unit to cut off slices from the products and a removal apparatus for removing portions of cut-off slices along a transport direction. The removal apparatus has a first removal conveyor and a second removal conveyor arranged downstream of the first removal conveyor with respect to the transport direction. The slicing apparatus comprises a slicing apparatus provided between the first removal conveyor and the second removal conveyor for cut-off product parts to be discarded and a track combiner which is configured to take over portions not to be discarded in each case from a number of different conveyor tracks of the first removal conveyor consecutively in time and to combine them in a smaller number of tracks on the second removal conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Jörg Schmeiser
  • Patent number: 9862115
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to provision and/or utilization of a hidden feature for accessing and/or repairing mobile devices are described. An embodiment includes a wire physically adjacent to an adhesive. The adhesive bonds a first portion of a computing device and a second portion of the computing device. The wire is capable of being heated in response to application of electrical voltage or current. In turn, the heated wire causes cutting of the adhesive to allow for physical separation of the first portion of the computing device and the second portion of the computing device. Another embodiment utilizes a hidden end of an opening in a computing device to hide a fastener. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Denica N. Larsen, Wing K. Ho
  • Patent number: 9862116
    Abstract: Dual speed gearboxes, transmissions, and apparatuses incorporating the same are provided herein. Example embodiments include a first gear and a second gear that are coupled to an output spindle, a first bracket and a second bracket for moving the gears along the output spindle, an armature shaft with two different sized pinions, and an actuator that moves the brackets to bring the gears into contact with the pinions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Corey Barnett, Ashok Samuel Baskar
  • Patent number: 9862117
    Abstract: A bamboo splitter has an outer support ring with an interior mounted inner ring blade. A plurality of base blades are radially arranged around the inner ring blade and both the inner ring blade and the base blades have v-shaped cutting surfaces. Attached to each base blade is a pair of slat blades that attach to the base blades at a vertex and have a left and right slat blade. The angle between the vertex and the left and right blades is chosen so that adjacent left slat blades are parallel to adjacent right slat blade forming a parallel cutting space which produces bamboo slats that have orthogonal edges which makes them much more amenable to traditional building methods. A different number of slat blades may be used depending on the size of the bamboo being used and the size and number of the slats being produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bamboo Technologies LLC
    Inventor: David E Sands
  • Patent number: 9862118
    Abstract: The invention comprises a flying table concrete form. The flying table concrete form comprises a concrete forming deck comprising a first concrete forming panel having a first primary surface adapted for forming and contacting plastic concrete and a second primary surface opposite the first primary surface, a layer of insulating material contacting and substantially covering the second primary surface of the first concrete forming panel, and a second panel contacting and substantially covering the layer of insulating material. The flying table concrete form also comprises a plurality of deck support members extending transversely with respect to the second panel, wherein the first concrete forming panel defines a plane and wherein no portion of the deck support members are in the plane defined by the first concrete forming panel. A method of using the flying table concrete form is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Romeo Ilarian Ciuperca
  • Patent number: 9862119
    Abstract: Molding equipment comprising a mold having at least one cavity is disclosed. Each cavity allows the formation of a brick. A brick molding element is installed on top of each cavity to allow the formation of a mortise interlock element. The brick molding element is typically secured in place by mean of a securing mechanism. The molding equipment may be used for molding a variety of inter-engaging stackable brick element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NOVABRIK INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Simon Gauthier, Gonzalo Endara, Richard Marchand
  • Patent number: 9862120
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a hand-operated flush cutting machine includes a front section with a first and a second disc shaped cutter blade which are rotary about an axis of rotation and mounted in the front end of an elongated tool carrier having the substantial shape of a flat bar. The tool carrier is mounted to a rear section of the machine. The rear section is provided with a number of components, including a motor for driving the cutter blades via a power transmission as well as handles and a control for operating the machine. The first, right hand side cutter blade has a first side, which does not face the second cutter blade. The first side defines a first plane which does not intersect any component in the front or rear sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Tommy Hellberg