Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9863075
    Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer that includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer and through multiple modules or sectors. Liquid can be counter flowed in the washer interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. A dual use zone includes multiple of the modules or sectors. In a dual use zone, a module or modules can be used to both wash and thereafter rinse the fabric articles. While counterflow rinsing, the flow rate can be maintained at a selected flow rate or flow pressure head. One or more booster pumps can optionally be employed to maintain constant counterflow rinsing flow rate or constant counterflow rinsing pressure head. During rinsing, extracted water or reuse water is first used to rinse followed by a clean water rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PELLERIN MILNOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Russell H. Poy
  • Patent number: 9863076
    Abstract: Washing machine appliance and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes determining a load mass in a basket of the washing machine appliance, and flowing water into a tub until a predetermined tub water indicator level is met, wherein the basket is disposed in the tub. The method further includes estimating a first volume of water in the tub after the predetermined tub water indicator level is met, and determining a load type based on the load mass and the first volume of water. The method further includes flowing water into the tub until a secondary indicator level for the determined load mass is met if the determined load type is a low pressure indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Ellis Leonard, Stephen Edward Hettinger
  • Patent number: 9863077
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a pump that is configured to drain or circulate water and that comprises a motor that is configured to operate the pump. The washing machine further includes a motor driver that is configured to supply operation power to the motor. The washing machine further includes a motor controller that is configured to set a rotation speed of the motor and that is configured to supply, to the motor driver, a signal that controls the motor. The washing machine further includes a current sensor that is configured to measure a current supplied from the motor driver to the motor. The washing machine further includes a speed sensor. The washing machine further includes a water level sensor. The washing machine further includes a main controller that is configured to start or stop operation of the motor by supplying a control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hwanjin Jung, Naeun Kim, Sanghyun Lee, Bonkwon Koo
  • Patent number: 9863078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling system intended more specifically to the fitting and attaching of additional and removable internal baskets defining isolated washing rooms in clothes washing machines. Such a system is intended more particularly to clothes washing machines (1) comprising a cabinet (2) within which it is located a fixed tank (3) with which cooperate a washing basket (4), a balancing device (5), a removable washing compartment (6) and an stirrer element (7), characterized by the fact that the balancing device (5) comprises at least one surface comprising a plurality of coupling members (51) and the removable washing compartment (6) cooperates with the balancing device (5), wherein said removable washing compartment (6) comprises at least one surface comprising a plurality of coupling elements (61) cooperating with the elements coupling (51) of the balancing device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Bruno T. Ramasco, Guilherme Henrique Manzi
  • Patent number: 9863079
    Abstract: A washing machine including a washing tub to allow enhancement in washing efficiency. A washing tub of the washing machine includes a pattern having a protrusion portion to generate friction force between laundry and the washing tub and to thereby increase washing efficiency. The pattern has a concave-convex structure and performs action similar to a lifter, washing efficiency may be enhanced using tumbling generated by the pattern. A plurality of drain holes are arranged in a certain pattern in the washing tub to prevent a dehydration bottleneck phenomenon in which dehydration is concentrated at a particular drain hole and to increase a dehydration rate. The pattern is provided such that protrusion portions and recessed portions continue on the surface of the washing tub to enhance stiffness of the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Cheol Jang, Ji Sung Kim, Eun Suk Bang, Nam Ki Sul, In Ju Lee, Seong Su Jeong, Bong Wha Kwak, Doo Pil Kim, Ki Sun Park, Jong Sung Park, Ji Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 9863080
    Abstract: A method of estimating a water extraction profile in a laundry treating appliance includes accelerating rotation of the drum during a water extraction cycle, determining, during the accelerating rotation, a torque of the motor, an acceleration of the drum, a speed of the drum, and/or an angular position of the drum, and estimating with a parameter estimator, at multiple times during the accelerating rotation, inertia of a laundry load, based on the torque, acceleration, speed, and/or angular position of the drum to establish multiple inertia values. A water extraction profile is then estimated based on the inertia values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas C. Fugal, Brian P. Janke, Bradley D. Morrow, Erol D. Sumer
  • Patent number: 9863081
    Abstract: A system for steaming clothes is disclosed. A steamer is connected through a hose to a steamer bag or a steaming component having a plurality of connecting tubes, where the steaming component having the plurality of connecting tubes, where the plurality of connecting tubes connects to a plurality of detachable ventilating tubes, where the plurality of the detachable ventilating tubes have a plurality of holes to expel steam. The steaming component with the plurality of connecting tubes are configured to hold an article of clothing that fits around the steaming component and the plurality of connecting tubes, where the steaming component is configured to receive the steam from the steamer to expel the steam through the plurality of holes to the steamer bag to entirely steam an entire portion of the article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Abdul Sean Carter
  • Patent number: 9863082
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet defining a housing with internal components of a conventional automated clothes washer, a door mounted to the cabinet to selectively open/close the opening to the cabinet, and a dispenser in the form of a fill cup assembly in which single or bulk doses of treating chemistry can be received. The fill cup assembly includes a base cup with at least first and second fluid conduits supplying corresponding destinations, and a selector cup defining a pour zone. The selector cup includes an outlet and rotatable relative to the base cup to selectively fluid couple the outlet to the at least first and second fluid conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Ayers, Seth Bixby, Sayer J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9863083
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The washing machine appliance includes one or more features for dispensing fluid additives using fewer valves. The method includes one or more steps for dispensing fluid additives using fewer valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Boris Leibman, Taranjeet Singh
  • Patent number: 9863085
    Abstract: A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine is provided with a discharge part arranged in a drum not only to cause movement of the laundry in the drum but also to directly supply, to the laundry, the air supplied to the drum through an air supply unit when the drum rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongho Shin, Sangik Lee
  • Patent number: 9863086
    Abstract: A heat pump mounting box for a heat pump drier or washer-drier, and a heat pump drier or washer-drier having the same are provided. The heat pump mounting box includes a base provided with an air suction port, a two-device mounting chamber, a fan mounting chamber, and a fan air inlet for communicating the two-device mounting chamber and the fan mounting chamber; an air passage guide plate mounted to the base and defining, together with the base, an air guide passage that has a drying air inlet in communication with the air suction port and a drying air outlet in communication with the two-device mounting chamber; an air guide wall disposed in the two-device mounting chamber and opposite the drying air outlet; and a cover plate mounted over the base and at least covering the two-device mounting chamber. The heat pump mounting box according to the present invention has a high utilization rate of the drying air and a good drying performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Wuxi Little Swan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chunyu Zhu, Yulai Miao, Wei Qian
  • Patent number: 9863087
    Abstract: A washing machine including an inner tub for receiving clothes, an outer tub accommodating the inner tub, a motor for supplying rotational force to rotate the inner tub, and a hanger unit detachably coupled to an upper end of the outer tub and from which clothes are hung, whereby wrinkles of the clothes hung from the hanger unit are reduced by virtue of vibration generated during rotation of the motor. A method of controlling a washing machine including hanging clothes on a hanger unit coupled to the inner tub, rotating the inner tub at a first lower rotational speed, and rotating the inner tub at a second rotational speed higher than the first lower rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Sangwoo Lee, Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 9863088
    Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based airbag base fabric aqueous coating material is described. A blocked polyisocyanate component (B-NCO) and liquid polyol are added to polyvinyl alcohol as a cross-linkage improver and a plasticizer, respectively. The B-NCO is composed of or based on a medium-molecular-weight form as a polyether-modified prepolymer, and used concurrently with a low-molecular-weight form in a small amount. The base fabric coating material is applied on one or both of the sides of a cloth of the base fabric and heated. The acquired coating film is a water-insoluble coat and the coating has excellent heat and moisture resistance (hot water resistance) and flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koki Tanaka, Hajime Miwa, Motoaki Naruse, Yuh Kimura
  • Patent number: 9863089
    Abstract: A golf ball of a first color is dyed to a second color with an anionic or nonionic disperse dye. Either or both of a pigmented coating layer or an optional clear coating layer on the pigmented coating layer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyureas, polyamides, and combinations thereof, which can be dyed by the anionic or nonionic disperse dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Tutmark, Anna Schoborg, Yihua Chang
  • Patent number: 9863090
    Abstract: There is described a method of fractionating a biomass material comprising: (i) blending the biomass material with an acid catalyst to form a slurry; (ii) mixing the slurry with an organosolv reagent optionally under an inert atmosphere to form a pre-treatment mix; (iii) subjecting the pre-treatment mix to sonication; (iv) optionally heating the product of step (iii) in an autoclave under pressure; (v) separating the solid and liquid components of the fractionation mix; (vi) optionally washing the solid; (vii) optionally drying the solid component; (viii) separating the liquid component into organic and aqueous components; and (ix) isolating lignin from the organic component and/or isolating hemi-cellulose from the aqueous component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BIO-SEP LIMITED
    Inventors: Malcolm Gilbert Gates, Anthony Robin McGarel-Groves, Nigel Donald Anderson, Kenneth John Coryton Day, Patrick Leahy, Geoffrey Nicholas Drage
  • Patent number: 9863091
    Abstract: A roll for use in a machine for producing and/or further processing a fibrous web, such as a paper, paperboard, or tissue web, includes a roll cover having at least some sections or regions formed of a metal material and a coating formed on the roll cover. The coating is formed of a metal, ceramic and/or cermet material, or at least some sections or regions of the coating include one of those materials. An alloy region is situated between the roll cover and the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Etschmaier, Franz Grohmann
  • Patent number: 9863092
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus which vertically conveys a sheet and performs sheet processing, the sheet having a folded part at a middle portion thereof and being in a vertical state with the folded part up and an edge part down, and the apparatus including: a supporting section which supports the folded part of the sheet from below; a sandwiching section which sandwiches both sides of the sheet supported by the supporting section; and a control section which controls the sandwiching section to execute a first sandwiching operation of sandwiching the sheet, to release the first sandwiching operation, and thereafter to execute a second sandwiching operation of sandwiching the sheet again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Keisuke Oshima
  • Patent number: 9863093
    Abstract: A ply for a paper and paperboard made from a ply substrate material, wherein the ply comprises a hybrid material, in an amount of 1-25 wt-% of the ply, wherein the hybrid material is introduced into a target suspension of the short circulation of a fibrous web forming process of a fibrous web machine, in an in-line process, wherein said target suspension forms the ply substrate material, and the hybrid material comprises an alkaline earth carbonate precipitated onto or into fibers or fibrils of a nanofibrillated polysaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: Stora Enso OYJ, Wetend Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Olavi Imppola, Jouni Matula, Jussi Matula, Karri Tahkola, Matti Vakevainen, Isto Heiskanen, Jari Rasanen
  • Patent number: 9863094
    Abstract: A coated paperboard is disclosed which includes a barrier coating containing substantially no fluorochemical or wax, exhibiting good resistance to oil and grease, no tendency toward blocking, the coated paperboard being fully repulpable as well as compostable. The coated paperboard may further have a printable coating on a surface opposite from the barrier coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: Jiebin Pang, Natasha G. Melton, Steven Parker
  • Patent number: 9863095
    Abstract: An absorbent sheet of cellulosic fibers that has an upper side and a lower side. A plurality of hollow domed regions projects from the upper side of the absorbent sheet. Each of the hollow domed regions is shaped such that a distance from at least one first point on an edge of a hollow domed region to a second point on an edge at an opposite side of the hollow domed region is at least about 0.5 mm. Connecting regions form a network interconnecting the hollow domed regions of the absorbent sheet. A singly-ply of the absorbent sheet has a caliper of at least about 140 mils/8 sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Sze, Hung Liang Chou, Xiaolin Fan
  • Patent number: 9863096
    Abstract: A railroad switching apparatus utilizing a tie which is positioned under rails and points used in switching railroad cars. A support is interposed the tie and the rails and points and includes a passageway to guide the first and second indicator bars which are attached to the points. A slider is also employed at the attachment point of the indicator bars to the points to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the rails and points. The indicator bars are formed into a coaxial unit in order to allow simple observation of the relative movement between the first and second indicator bars to determine proper movement of the points relative to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: James Arnold
  • Patent number: 9863097
    Abstract: For correction of a track position in connection with ballast cleaning, after cleaned ballast has been returned to a track, the actual position of the latter is measured while determining actual position data. Parallel to that, fixed point correction values are determined by a sighting trolley following behind. The actual position data and the fixed point correction values are transmitted to the tamping machine, following behind, and are used for determining correction values for a desired track position to be created by tamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventor: Gerard Lintz
  • Patent number: 9863098
    Abstract: An industrial mat having a supporting structure; an upper layer provided above the supporting structure for forming an upper surface of the mat, a lower layer provided below the supporting structure for providing a lower surface of the mat; and lifting elements attached to the upper layer, the lower layer or the supporting structure. The lifting elements include D-shaped members, O-shaped members, U-shaped members, eyelets, hooks, circular or polygonal rings, chains, or cables that are configured and dimensioned for attachment to attached to the supporting structure or the upper or lower layer with sufficient strength to provide certified overhead lifting of the mat for installation and reclamation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Quality Mat Company
    Inventors: Joe Penland, Jr., Scott Calvert, Chris L. Richardson, Mike Carbaugh
  • Patent number: 9863099
    Abstract: A structure for the reinforcement of pavements. The structure includes at least a first group of assemblies of grouped metal filaments. These assemblies of grouped metal filaments of said first group are oriented in a first direction in a mutual parallel or mutual substantially parallel position. The assemblies of grouped metal filaments of this first group are coupled to or integrated in a substrate having a non-metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NV BEKAERT SA
    Inventors: Henk Cornelus, Ann Lambrechts, Frederik Vervaecke
  • Patent number: 9863100
    Abstract: A method for covering a site with synthetic turf includes laying down a first elongate strip of synthetic turf, laying down a second elongate strip of synthetic turf, with the second elongate strip of synthetic turf is laid down substantially adjacent to the first elongate strip of synthetic turf in a manner such that a portion of the second elongate strip partially overlays a portion of the first elongate strip forming a lap joint. The method also includes the step of applying heat and/or pressure to weld the first elongate strip of synthetic turf to the second elongate strip of synthetic turf along the lap joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WATERSHED GEOSYNTHETICS LLC
    Inventors: Delaney Lewis, Jose Urrutia, Michael Ayers
  • Patent number: 9863101
    Abstract: A highly portable asphalt plant of substantial size and product manufacturing capacity carries the system components on the confines of two transportable vehicles. The two vehicles are arranged in a fashion whereby vehicle one is connected to vehicle two in an inline continuous fashion. Vehicle two contains an integrated inertial dust separator baghouse design and provides for the receiving of the rotary dryer drum mixer directly and without the use, of interconnecting ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph T Mollick, Willam D. Gulley, Thomas F Gebhard
  • Patent number: 9863102
    Abstract: An automotive building machine comprising a material bunker for accommodating therein pavement material to be laid is provided, the building machine being a road finisher or a charger. The material bunker comprises at least one lifting device, which is adapted to enter into releasable engagement with a movable tailgate of a truck supplying the material bunker with the pavement material and which is configured for displacing the movable tailgate of the truck between a first position and a second position. A method used for this purpose is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventors: Steffen Fickeisen, Tobias Elser
  • Patent number: 9863103
    Abstract: A modular bridge deck system supported on a plurality of cooperating girders and the deck system that comprises a plurality of deck panels secured together to form a modular bridge deck. Each deck panel is preferably formed by longitudinally shop friction-stir welding a plurality of elongated, multi-void, extruded aluminum structural elements. A top surface of each respective deck panel and the longitudinal shop-welding form a substantially continuous top surface of the modular bridge deck. In addition, the modular bridge deck has a depth and weight that is substantially equal to a weight of a steel open-grid deck of a moveable bridge or fixed span bridge to be replaced by the modular bridge deck system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ALUMABRIDGE, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Osberg, George Patton
  • Patent number: 9863104
    Abstract: A system includes a glare-blocking member including a left recess, a right recess, and a rail including, a left lateral portion including a left protrusion configured to mate with the left recess of the glare-blocking member, a right lateral portion including a right protrusion configured to mate with the right recess of the glare-blocking member, and a projecting contour disposed between the left and right lateral portions, wherein an apex of the projecting contour is disposed farther from a line passing through lower edge portions of the rail than is either the left or the right protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: American Louver Company
    Inventors: William A. Stukel, David S. Clark
  • Patent number: 9863105
    Abstract: A vehicle barrier apparatus includes a vertical barrier component connected to a stabilizer beam and capable of selective deployment by a rapid deployment assembly. One end of the stabilizer beam is rotatably connected to the vertical barrier component. Movement of a locking block in the stabilizer beam using a locking handle connected to a locking shaft allows a tensioning cable and tensioning spring assembly to raise the vertical barrier component. Straps extending around both the vertical barrier component and the stabilizer beam prevent over-extension and provide additional resistance to vehicle impact. The locking handles and shafts of multiple vehicle barrier apparatuses may be connected in series, allowing a user to actuate a single locking handle to simultaneously deploy multiple vertical barrier components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christopher G. Price, Justin Roberts, William McCleave
  • Patent number: 9863106
    Abstract: A roadway guardrail system including a rail and plurality of support posts assembled such that upon impact from a vehicle the rail moves upwardly with respect to the post. Fasteners may be used in the operative coupling of the rail to the support posts, such that upon impact the fasteners move upwardly with respect to the support posts and the rail moves upwardly along with the fasteners. The guardrail system may further include a reinforcing member that is slidable along the post and operatively coupled to the rail with the fasteners, such that the rail and fasteners slide along with the reinforcing member with respect to the support posts. The reinforcing member may be a spacer of various shapes, a washer, an additional rail section, or other type of member that allows the rail to slide upwardly with respect to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NUCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Conway, Frederick Mauer, IV, Dallas James
  • Patent number: 9863107
    Abstract: A self-propelled snowthrower wherein, in one embodiment, drive members on each side of the snowthrower provide variable speed propulsion. A transmission that delivers power to the drive members may be adapted to de-clutch one of the two drive wheels when the ground speed of that wheel exceeds the driving speed of the transmission. In other embodiments, the snowthrower includes a rotor having a snow ejection surface forming a negative rake angle. Yet other embodiments include a chute rotation control mechanism that permits manual discharge chute rotation via one-handed input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan J. Friberg, Philip G. Stalpes, Derek S. Duchscherer, Nicholas J. Wersal
  • Patent number: 9863108
    Abstract: A tire assembly for use in reclaiming land from a marine environment. An anchor having at least one cable connected thereto acts as a base to which tires are connected by threading them down the cable to form a cylindrical tower of tires which can be filled with concrete or filler if desired. A plurality of the tire assemblies can be positioned adjacent to one another and further interconnected for stability purposes and can form the basis for further structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas Goei
  • Patent number: 9863109
    Abstract: A marine gate has a buoyant variable length barrier and a cable management system employing two cables or lines. An opening line extends through the barrier to move the barrier from an expanded position (gate is closed) to a retracted position (gate is open) via a winch. A closing line moves the barrier from the retracted position to the expanded position using a winch. A weight is attached to the closing line for moving a submerged portion of the line to the seafloor when the barrier gate is retracted and the closing line is payed out by operation of its winch. The weighted line allows a portion or the entire cable system to be under tension at all times. The resulting cable geometry allows vessel operators confidence in knowing the cable location in the water depths at the gate, whether the gate is fully or partially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: HALO MARITIME DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Judson DeCew, Eric H. Rines, Michael Osienski, Justin Bishop, Eric G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9863110
    Abstract: A subsea system for installing, suspending and removing underwater equipment below the surface of the sea is provided. The subsea system includes a landing base module for landing and positioning underwater equipment thereupon, the landing base module comprising a base member and a first buoyancy system; and a second buoyancy system for affixing to the underwater equipment, the second buoyancy system having sufficient buoyancy to float the underwater equipment toward the surface of the sea when detached from the landing base module, wherein the underwater equipment includes a ballast system structured and arranged to permit the underwater equipment to be lowered onto the landing base module. A method for installing, suspending and removing underwater equipment below the surface of the sea and a kit of parts are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Zhen Li
  • Patent number: 9863111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration tamper, comprising a superstructure having a driving engine mounted on a machine frame and further having a guide bar, and further comprising a substructure having a compactor base driven by the driving engine and having a compactor plate and having a drive line, by means of which a drive connection between the driving engine and the compactor base is established such that the compactor base can move relatively to the superstructure along a compactor axis while executing at least one compacting amplitude. The driving engine of the vibration tamper is a liquid gas powered driving engine, wherein the superstructure and, more particularly, the guide bar on the superstructure, comprises a storage container for liquid gas, and wherein a gas supply line is provided to supply evaporated liquid gas to the driving engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Jost Becker, Albertus Krings
  • Patent number: 9863112
    Abstract: A method for operating an attachable compactor, an attachable compactor as well as an excavator with an attachable compactor. For a corresponding efficient operation in accordance with the present invention, a display indicates the end of a time interval (required compaction time) that depends on a measured contact force or a parameter corresponding to the contact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventor: Niels Laugwitz
  • Patent number: 9863113
    Abstract: A steel pipe pile and a steel pipe column is connected using a steel pipe socket. The connection method may include preparing the steel pipe socket including a socket supporting portion that covers an upper end surface of the steel pipe pile, and inserting a plurality of socket insertion portions extended downward from the socket supporting portion and having a plurality of socket grooves at a lower end portion thereof and a plurality of fastening members installed on the socket supporting portion. The method may also include inserting the socket grooves of the steel pipe socket into an upper end portion of the steel pipe pile and mounting the steel pipe column on the socket supporting portion. The method may further include fastening the steel pipe column and the steel pipe pile using the plurality of fastening members of the socket supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: POSCO, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventor: Dae Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 9863114
    Abstract: A self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler assembly includes an outer coupler coupled to a first shaft of and an inner coupler coupled to a second shaft. The outer coupler comprises an inner surface having primary and secondary alignment and torque transmitting features, and the inner coupler comprises an outer surface having primary and secondary alignment features. The primary and secondary alignment features are configured to interlock and facilitate alignment of the first and second shafts along a common axis in an exemplary application of a foundation support system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PIER TECH SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Kaufman, Michael D. Wilkis
  • Patent number: 9863115
    Abstract: A manhole cover assembly includes a manhole cover and a latch assembly. The manhole cover is movable between a seated position in which the manhole cover is supported on a seat of a manhole frame, and an unseated position in which the manhole cover is displaced relative to the seat of the manhole frame. A shock absorber includes a housing fixedly coupled to the manhole cover. The housing defines a cylinder. A piston is slidably coupled to the cylinder. A rod is fixedly coupled to the piston. A spring is positioned within the cylinder adjacent the piston. A latch is fixedly coupled to the rod. In response to a pressure applied to the manhole cover, the latch assembly is configured to permit limited displacement of the manhole cover relative to the seat of the manhole frame, and to controllably dissipate energy relating to the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NEENAH FOUNDRY COMPANY
    Inventor: David M. Stadler
  • Patent number: 9863116
    Abstract: A system for mitigating the flow of vapors from contaminated soil into a building has a blower pulling an exhaust from underneath the sub slab of the building and blowing the vapors away from the building. The blower is controlled by pressure sensors that measure the pressure drop across the sub slab. The sensors are monitored to make sure they all have a minimum pressure drop. If any of the sensors has an inadequate pressure drop, the blower speed is increased by a small amount. If all of the sensors have adequate pressure drop, then the blower speed is decreased by a small amount. The system then rechecks the pressure drops on a periodic basis and makes appropriate blower speed adjustments after each measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BTECH, Inc
    Inventor: David Allen Everett
  • Patent number: 9863117
    Abstract: A coupler is configured to couple an implement to an earth moving or materials handling machine. The coupler includes a locking member for locking a pin of an implement into a coupler in the recess. The locking member is driven by a hydraulic arrangement, with the hydraulic cylinder body being formed integrally with either the coupler body or the locking member. The coupler may be adapted to accommodate a range of implement pin spacings and/or diameters, so that the coupler can be used with different implements and in particular with different makes of implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew James Calvert, David Aperahama Calvert
  • Patent number: 9863118
    Abstract: A mining machine such as a mining shovel includes a digging assembly having an upward extending boom and a dipper assembly generally horizontally supported by the boom and configured to crowd toward and retract from a vertical bank at a mine site. To determine if the dipper assembly strikes the bank, an electronic controller can calculate a calculated crowd force based in part on a crowd motor torque associated with a crowd motor, a crowd speed of the dipper assembly, and an inertia parameter. If the calculated crowd force exceeds a predetermined first crowd threshold, the electronic controller can register an impact event. In further aspects, the electronic controller can execute a force modification function to modify the crowding forces and a speed reduction function to reduce the crowd speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
    Inventors: Michael Brandt, James Giesfeldt, Robert Hamann
  • Patent number: 9863119
    Abstract: A wear member for attachment to a surface of a machine is provided, the wear member a body having an outer layer and a base layer. The outer layer including a plurality of channels formed in an outer surface. The base layer is attached to an inner surface of the outer layer. The base layer is divided into a plurality of base layer pieces, each of the plurality of base layer pieces including at least one interfacing edge. The plurality of base layer pieces are assembled together such that each interfacing edge of each of the plurality of base layer pieces is opposite an interfacing edge of another of the plurality of base layer pieces so as to define at least one gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Congdon, Susan Graham, Bart A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9863120
    Abstract: A control system for a work implement of a machine having a frame is provided. The control system includes a pair of lift cylinders operatively coupled to the work implement and configured to raise or lower the work implement with respect to the frame. Each of the lift cylinders has a rod end and a cap end. The control system includes a first cross-over line configured to fluidly communicate the rod ends to each other and a second cross-over line configured to fluidly communicate the cap ends to each other. The control system includes a cross-over valve disposed in one of the first and second cross-over lines and configured to regulate a flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The control system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the cross-over valve and configured to at least partially close the cross-over valve during a dump cycle of the work implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William N. O'Neill, Lance M. Cowper, Michael T. Jackson
  • Patent number: 9863121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile apparatus, including a frame, and operating arm connected to the frame, a cab with one or more cab seats, drive means configured to drive the mobile apparatus and/or the operating arm, and at least one tank, wherein the at least one tank is positioned under the one or more cab seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hudson Bay Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Leendert Wilhelmus Cornelis Huissoon
  • Patent number: 9863122
    Abstract: A cooling device includes: an introduction pipe configured to introduce a charge air supercharged by a supercharger; a first aftercooler connected to the introduction pipe and configured to cool the charge air; a branch pipe branched from the introduction pipe; a second aftercooler connected to the branch pipe and configured to cool the charge air; and a cooling fan configured to supply a cooling wind to the first aftercooler and the second aftercooler, in which the first aftercooler and the second aftercooler are disposed to be shifted from each other in a rotation axis direction of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Soejima, Yushi Tanaka, Yuuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9863123
    Abstract: A construction machine is characterized by including: a track structure 10; a swing structure 20 provided on the track structure 10 in a swingable manner; swing motors 25, 27 that drive and swing the swing structure; a boom 31 connected to the swing structure 20; a boom cylinder 32 that moves the boom 31 vertically; a swing operation system 72 that instructs a swing operation of the swing structure 20; a boom operation system 78 that instructs a vertical movement of the boom 31; a detector 74d that detects a bottom pressure of the boom cylinder 32; and a controller 80 that reduces swing speed of the swing structure 20 according to a signal from the detector 74d with respect to a reference swing speed according to a signal of the swing operation, while signals of the swing operation and a boom raising operation are being inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kaneta, Kouji Ishikawa, Hidetoshi Satake, Shinya Imura
  • Patent number: 9863124
    Abstract: To provide construction machinery capable of more efficiently utilizing the energy of return hydraulic oil from a hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishihara, Masatoshi Hoshino, Kazuo Fujishima
  • Patent number: 9863125
    Abstract: An excavation tooth assembly comprising: a first tooth member including a nose portion; and a second tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second ends and a socket extending into the body from the first end to finish at an end wall, the first and second tooth members arranged in an assembled condition where the nose portion of the first tooth member is received within the socket of the second tooth member, wherein the tooth members being configured in the assembled condition with opposed surface portions of the socket located towards the second end of the second tooth member bearing on the nose portion of the first tooth member and clearance gaps are provided between opposed surface portions of the socket located towards the first end of the second tooth member and the nose portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Bradken Resources Pty Limited
    Inventors: Reece Attwood, David Hoad