Patents Issued in February 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180029823
    Abstract: Accumulation-type thread feeder including: a body, which bears a rotary drum on which turns of thread from a spool are wound; a tension sensor for detecting value of tension of exiting thread and a detector for detecting thread quantity accumulated on the drum; a light-reflecting element on the drum or functionally associated therewith, such light generated by light a generator borne by a support arranged alongside the drum, the support associated with a detector to detect light reflected by the reflecting element, the reflected light varying as a function of the quantity of thread wound on the rotary drum, the detection allowing detection of such thread quantity. The detector is a light-sensitive member directly receiving the light reflected by the reflecting element along the entire surface of the drum, the member allowing determination of thread density on the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: BTSR INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Tiziano BAREA
  • Publication number: 20180029824
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an instrument for tensioning a surgical cable is provided that includes a rotary tensioner that is rotatable in a tensioning rotary direction to apply tension to the surgical cable. The instrument further includes a body supporting the rotary tensioner, a pawl portion of the body configured to be received at least partially in a recess of a ratchet gear of the rotary tensioner, and a living hinge portion of the body supporting the pawl portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew P. Gephart, Peter Didyk
  • Publication number: 20180029825
    Abstract: A flange for use on a reel, a flange adapter, and a flange stand are provided. The flange may include an outer circumference, a hub assembly, and an arbor hole adapter that is adapted to engage an arbor hole to secure the flange to the reel. The arbor hole adapter may include an expandable portion that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. First and second expansion plates may be coupled to the arbor hole adapter and connected by shoulder bolts that guide movement of the plates between an abutting configuration and a spaced-apart configuration, allowing movement of the expandable portion relative to the reel for modified engagement. The flange stand may include a base, a support portion, and a coupler for engaging a central extension of the flange to allow the flange to be supported in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: RICHARD MIKE TEMBLADOR, MYRON DALE DEESE, HARRY WILLIAM KENT, JR., JUAN ALBERTO GALINDO GONZALEZ, JAMES PHILLIP TUGGLE, FRANKLIN CLARENCE CALHOUN
  • Publication number: 20180029826
    Abstract: Bags and bag assemblies are provided for facilitating tangle-free storage of cords, ropes, cables, and other long and flexible members within the bags and bag assemblies. The body of the bag includes two compartments which are at least partially separated from each other by an internal divider. Each of the two compartments include outer surfaces which define respective openings that each include a closing mechanism for selectively switching between an open and closed configuration. The internal divider is positioned directly between the two openings, and the bag is configured to provide access to the cord in the bag from either of the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Kirkham
  • Publication number: 20180029827
    Abstract: A method for operating an elevator system with a car that moves in an elevator shaft may involve detecting an operating parameter related to a change in loading of the car, ascertaining whether a position of the car relative to a stopping floor needs to be adjusted based on the operating parameter, determining times at which the car is to be stopped and at which the adjustment is to be performed, stopping the car and blocking a flow of energy of a drive of the car and/or activating a service brake as the car is being stopped and/or while the car is stopped, and adjusting the position of the car if necessary. Further, whether the adjustment is necessary may be ascertained before the car is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR AG, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventor: Bernd ALTENBURGER
  • Publication number: 20180029828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of an elevator, and provides a governor of an elevator. The governor of the present invention is provided with a reset push part which is disposed on a ratchet wheel and is used for resetting the governor from a second state to a first state, wherein the reset push part and a pawl of the governor are set in such a manner that when a rope sheave rotates in a direction, the reset push part pushes the pawl to reset the pawl to a position corresponding to the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Zhengbao Shi, Zhihuan Man, Yong Zhao, Min Wang, Ye Li
  • Publication number: 20180029829
    Abstract: A guide assembly (60) for guiding movement of an elevator car (30) is provided including a first (66) and second (68) guide support coupled to the elevator car (30). The first guide support (66) and the second guide support (68) are separated from one another by a gap (G) wider than an adjacent primary portion (42) of a propulsion system (40) of the elevator car (30). A pair of first guides (70) is mounted to the first (66) and second (68) guide support, respectively. The first guides (70) are substantially parallel and are configured to guide movement of the elevator car (30) in a first direction to maintain a clearance between the primary (42) and secondary (44) portions of the propulsion system (40) of the elevator car (30). A second guide (72) is mounted to one of the first (66) and second (68) guide support. The second guide (72) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first guides (70). The second guide (72) is configured to guide movement of the elevator car (30) in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Zbigniew Piech, Adam Marian Myszkowski, Cezary Jedryczka, Wojciech Szelag, Arthur Blanc, Beata I. Wawrzyniak, Richard N. Fargo
  • Publication number: 20180029830
    Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator car movable along a hoistway, a traveling cable operably connected to the elevator car and movable along the hoistway with the elevator car, and a traveling cable support positioned in the hoistway and operably connected to the traveling cable to prevent sway of the traveling cable. A traveling cable and traveling cable support arrangement for an elevator system includes a traveling cable positioned in a hoistway and movable in the hoistway during elevator system operation, and a traveling cable support positioned in the hoistway and operably connected to the traveling cable to prevent sway of the traveling cable, the traveling cable support operably connected to the traveling cable via a plurality of guide frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sebastien Martins, Frederic Bourassin, Jean-Baptiste Dubreuil, Mathieu Raholijaona
  • Publication number: 20180029831
    Abstract: A pulley wheel rack includes a first rack part and a second rack part; a pulley wheel space between the first rack part and the second rack part; a first frame arranged to the first rack part, and a second frame arranged to the second rack part; an axle configured to extend from the first frame to the second frame, and configured to be rotatable into different securable positions by a ball joint arranged into the first frame and the second frame; and a pulley wheel bearing-mounted on the axle by hub bearings, and including at least one traction surface for engaging an elevator rope. A method for aligning a pulley wheel in a pulley wheel rack is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: KONE Corporation
    Inventors: Jani RENVALL, Antti KOSKINEN
  • Publication number: 20180029832
    Abstract: A method of installing an elevator system in a hoistway includes loading an elevator car with elevator system components for installation. The elevator car includes a first deck including one or more linear drive elements operably connected to a linear drive system at the hoistway and a second deck abutting the first deck, and separated from the first deck by a floor. The second deck is at least partially open at one side to allow access to the hoistway for installation of elevator system components in the hoistway. The elevator car is urged along the hoistway to an installation zone and the elevator system components are installed to the hoistway from the at least partially open second deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Richard N. Fargo, Tadeusz Witczak, Martin J. Hardesty, Zbigniew Piech
  • Publication number: 20180029833
    Abstract: A moving handrail monitoring system includes a sensor configured to sense at least part of a moving handrail of the passenger conveying device to acquire a data frame; a processing device configured to analyze and process the data frame to monitor whether a tension degree of the moving handrail is in a normal state, wherein the processing device is configured to include: a target object recognition module configured to recognize, based on a sensed movement and/or position and/or color and/or shape, a moving handrail portion that serves as a target object from the data frame; an object feature extraction module configured to extract a tension degree feature of the moving handrail portion; and a judgment module configured to compare the extracted tension degree feature with a system preset interval, and judge whether a current tension degree of the moving handrail is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Publication number: 20180029834
    Abstract: The present invention relates to step roller monitoring and maintenance personnel monitoring of a passenger conveyor, and belongs to the field of passenger conveyor technologies. In the monitoring system and monitoring method of the present invention, an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor is used to sense the step roller/maintenance personnel of the passenger conveyor to acquire data frames, and the data frames are analyzed and processed to monitor whether the movement or position of the step roller/activity or position of the maintenance personnel is in a normal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: ZhaoXia Hu, JianGuo Li, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, Wei Ge, Yanying Chen, LongWen Wang, DuEon Kim
  • Publication number: 20180029835
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes: an imaging sensor configured to sense a lighting device of the passenger conveyor to acquire image data; and a processing apparatus configured to process the image data, the processing apparatus being configured to include: a background acquisition module configured to acquire a background model based on sensed image data; a foreground detection module configured to compare image data sensed in real time with the background model to obtain a foreground object; and a working condition judgment module configured to perform data processing at least based on the foreground object to judge whether the lighting device is in a normal state. Then, a failure or an abnormal lighting state of the lighting device can be timely diagnosed so that maintenance is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Qiang Li, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, LongWen Wang, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Anna Su
  • Publication number: 20180029836
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for a passenger transport apparatus includes a temperature detection apparatus; and a control apparatus. When the temperature of at least one of a plurality of components is lower than a working temperature range, the control apparatus sends out a notification message and/or enables a heating apparatus to heat the component; when the temperature of at least one of the plurality of components reaches an early warning temperature range, the control apparatus sends out a notification message and/or enables a heat dissipation apparatus to dissipate heat for the component; and when the temperature of at least one of the plurality of components continues to rise and exceeds the working temperature range, the control apparatus sends out a notification message and/or enables the passenger transport apparatus to brake. The present invention is able to monitor a component running condition and predict a component service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yanying Chen, ZhaoXia Hu, Wilfrid Fuchs, Alois Senger, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su
  • Publication number: 20180029837
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for a passenger conveying device, a safety system and the passenger conveying device, wherein the sensor assembly comprises an optical fiber disposed along a length of a skirt board of the passenger conveying device; a light source disposed at a first end of the optical fiber, light being incident into the optical fiber; and an optical receiver disposed at the first end of the optical fiber, the optical receiver receiving backwards scattered light from the optical fiber and being capable of sensing a signal indication of the backwards scattered light, wherein the optical fiber is associated with a sensing element such that the sensing element causes deformation of the optical fiber when the sensing element is subjected to a-pressure, and the optical receiver is capable of sensing a change in the signal indication of the backward scattered light caused by the deformation of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: LingHao Tian, Qiang Li, XuLei Guo, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Publication number: 20180029838
    Abstract: A monitoring system and a monitoring method for a passenger conveying device, and the passenger conveying device. The monitoring system comprises an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor for sensing a monitoring area of the passenger conveying device to acquire data frames; and a processing device for performing data processing on the data frames to monitor whether the monitoring area is abnormal, and configured to comprise: a background acquisition module for acquiring a background model based on data frames sensed when the monitoring area is in a normal state; a foreground detection module for comparing data frames sensed in real time with the background model to obtain a foreground object; a foreground feature extraction module for extracting a corresponding foreground object markup feature from the foreground object; and a state judgment module for judging whether the foreground object belongs to an abnormal population.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Yanzhi Chen, Alan Matthew Finn, Arthur Hsu, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Longwen Wang, XuLei Guo, Alois Senger
  • Publication number: 20180029839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of passenger conveyor technologies, and provides a speed detection system of a passenger conveyor and a speed detection method thereof. In the speed detection system and the speed detection method of the present invention, an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor are/is used to sense at least one part of the passenger conveyor to acquire sequence frames, and the sequence frames are analyzed by a processing apparatus to obtain at least speed information about steps of the passenger conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yanying Chen, ZhaoXia Hu, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn
  • Publication number: 20180029840
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handrail entry monitoring system of a passenger conveyor and a monitoring method thereof, and belongs to the field of passenger conveyor technologies. In the handrail entry monitoring system and the monitoring method of the present invention, at least part of a handrail entry region of the passenger conveyor is sensed by using an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor, to acquire a data frame, and the data frame is analyzed to monitor whether a handrail entry of the operating passenger conveyor is in a normal state or an abnormal state. The monitoring system of the present invention and the monitoring method thereof can timely and effectively detect a danger that a foreign matter is about to be entrapped into the handrail entry, helping prevent foreign matters from being entrapped into the handrail entry, thereby improving safety of the passenger conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: LongWen Wang, ZhaoXia Hu, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, Gero Gschwendtner
  • Publication number: 20180029841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of passenger conveyor technologies, and provides an engaging state detection system of a passenger conveyor and a detection method thereof. In the engaging state detection system and detection method of the present invention, a depth sensing sensor is used to sense at least an engaging portion between a step and a comb plate of the passenger conveyor to obtain depth maps, and the depth maps are analyzed by a processing apparatus to detect whether an engaging state between the step and the comb plate is a normal state. The detection of the engaging state includes detection on whether comb teeth of the comb plate are broken, whether engaging teeth of the step are broken, and/or whether a foreign matter exists on an engaging line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: JianGuo Li, Nigel Morris, Alois Senger, Jianwei Zhao, ZhaoXia Hu, Qiang Li, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, LongWen Wang, Qian Li, Gero Gschwendtner
  • Publication number: 20180029842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of passenger conveyor technologies, and provides a monitoring system of a passenger conveyor and a monitoring method thereof. In the monitoring system and detection method of the present invention, a monitored object of the passenger conveyor is sensed by using an imaging sensor and/or a depth sensing sensor to acquire a data frame, and the data frame is analyzed by a processing apparatus to monitor whether the monitored object is in a normal state. The monitored object may include a landing plate, a step, a barrier used in a maintenance and repair working condition and/or a step speed, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: JianGuo Li, ZhaoXia Hu, LongWen Wang, Hui Fang, Zhen Jia, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li, Anna Su, Alan Matthew Finn, Wei Ge, Wilfrid Fuchs, Arthur Hsu, Yanzhi Chen
  • Publication number: 20180029843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning pad, cleaning device, and a method for cleaning. The cleaning pad has a plurality of ridges and grooves configured to mesh with the channels and ribs of an escalator or moving walkway step. The cleaning device includes a head portion configured to attach to a handle, and a cleaning pad removably attached to the head portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: RENAELC, INC.
    Inventors: ORI ROSENBAUM, ANDREW FURIA
  • Publication number: 20180029844
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening arrangement for a hook for the transport of an object. The arrangement comprises at least one hook mouth and at least one rotatably mounted load support. The load support is a radial segment which rests on the hook in the hook mouth and together therewith forms a load-supporting bearing, at least one inner face of the hook in the hook mouth forming a bearing shell and corresponding to the radial segment. The hook bears against a flange of an object, and at least one stop element is provided, which is arranged in a region of the flange of the object opposite the hook. Also disclosed is a hook for use in the arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Soeren FRANKE
  • Publication number: 20180029845
    Abstract: A gripping device and method for receiving piece objects from above. The gripping device comprises movable gripping elements for gripping the piece object by way of an inwards movement of the gripping elements, wherein the gripping elements are arranged around a receiving opening which is delimited by the gripping elements, and the gripping device below the receiving opening comprises a guide means which surrounds the receiving opening for the lateral guidance of the gripping device with the approach of the gripping device onto the piece object. An inner diameter of the guide means at a lower end of the guide means is larger than a largest possible diameter of the receiving opening, wherein the inner diameter of the guide means tapers upwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Philipp Wrycza, Martin Fiedler, Mathias Rotgeri, Martin Döltgen
  • Publication number: 20180029846
    Abstract: A rotating eye bolt assembly with lock mechanism. The assembly includes a threaded bolt having a multi-sided head. A lifting bail includes a pair of opposed legs, a track and a central opening through the track. A bushing having an upstanding cylindrical lip is received in the lifting bail central opening. A lock plate is slidable on the track with the lock plate having an upstanding shoulder engageable with the bolt head. The lock plate is movable between a locked position for installation and removal of the assembly and an unlocked position for use of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: The Crosby Group LLC
    Inventors: Peter Verbrugge, Chris Van Den Heuvel, Roger Beall, Floyd Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20180029847
    Abstract: A swivel comprises a first body component and a second body component with an interconnection assembly for interconnecting the first and second body components and to allow mutual rotation of the first and second components about a swivel axis. The swivel further includes a rotation limiting arrangement which, in a release condition, allows free mutual rotation of the first and second body components and in a first or a second locking condition restricts mutual rotation of the first and second body components. A user control is operable to selectively cause the rotation limiting arrangement to adopt one of a locking condition and the release condition. In the first locking condition, the rotation limiting arrangement prevents mutual rotation of the first and the second body components and in the second locking condition, the rotation limiting arrangement, allows limited mutual rotation of the first and second body components by less than 360°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Sidney COWELL, Elliot James TANNER
  • Publication number: 20180029848
    Abstract: A crane, such as a bridge crane or gantry crane, having at least one horizontally extending crane girder, which is designed as a lattice girder having a plurality of braces and on which a crane trolley having a lifting device can be moved. At least some of the braces are planiform, and each of the planiform braces has a flat main surface, which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the crane girder. On each longitudinal side of the braces, a first cut-out and a second cut-out are provided in the main surfaces. The longitudinal sides of at least some of the planiform braces are free of edge bends at least between the first and second cutouts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Christoph Passmann, Richard Kreisner, Thomas Schlierbach-Knobloch, Stefan Noll
  • Publication number: 20180029849
    Abstract: A transport unit (1) for transporting at least one container (31) or another load, wherein the transport unit (1) has at least one trolley (2) and at least one load suspension device (3) and at least eight lifting cables (20-27), and the load suspension device (3) has connecting means (14) for fastening the container (31) or the other load and is suspended on the trolley (2) such that it can be lifted and lowered by the lifting cables (20-27), wherein the lifting cables (20-27) can be wound up on cable drums (4) which are rotatably mounted on the trolley (2), wherein each lifting cable (20-27) can be wound up and/or is wound up at least in part on a separate cable drum (4), and the rotational speed and/or the direction of rotation for all the cable drums (4) can each be set individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Hans Kunz GmbH
    Inventor: Roman BEER
  • Publication number: 20180029850
    Abstract: A working vehicle is provided with a traveling vehicle, a working section which is supported on a rotatable base, an operator's cab, and a connection section. The connection section includes: a connection section body which connects the rotatable base and the operator's cab and which is provided so as to be capable of pivoting about a base-side connection section connected to the rotatable base and about the operator's cab-side connection section connected to the operator's cab; and a pivot control section which extends so as to always intersect the connection section body in the range of pivoting of the connection section body, connects the rotatable base and the operator's cab, and is provided so as to be capable of pivoting about a base-side connection section connected to the rotatable base and about an operator's cab-side connection section connected to the operator's cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TADANO LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180029851
    Abstract: A linkage assembly for a machine is disclosed. The linkage assembly includes a boom and a stick pivotally coupled to a front end of the boom. The boom includes a base plate having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is inclined at angle with respect to the first portion. The boom further includes a pair of side plates attached to the base plate, and a top plate attached to the pair of side plates. The base plate, the pair of side plates, and the top plate together define a box structure. A baffle plate is disposed within the box structure at a predefined distance from the front end of the boom. The boom further includes a mounting member attached to the base plate of the boom. The mounting member is configured to couple with a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Satish K. Polumati, Michael J. Braun, Adnan Shamim
  • Publication number: 20180029852
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile machine, in particular a crawler crane, comprising: an undercarriage with a tracklaying gear, and an uppercarriage which is rotatably mounted with respect to the undercarriage, wherein the tracklaying gear includes two crawler supports aligned parallel to each other, along whose longitudinal direction a crawler chain each is movably arranged, wherein one cantilever arm each is provided on the inner sides of the crawler supports facing each other, and at the distal end of the respective cantilever arm a support cylinder is arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Walter Mietschnig
  • Publication number: 20180029853
    Abstract: There is provided a crane that is capable of adjusting the warp of a raising member mounted on a supporting body to be raised and lowered, where the adjustment is made according to a posture of the raising member and load of a cargo. The crane includes a crane body, a boom, a raising device, a main rope, a main winch, a mid-support rope, a mid-support winch, and a manipulation unit. The mid-support rope connects a middle portion of the boom to the guylink and includes a securing end P secured to the guylink. The mid-support winch winds up and winds out the mid-support rope to change the distance between the guylink and the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu HAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180029854
    Abstract: A lift assembly comprises a base, a drive mechanism, a flexible drive element extending from the drive mechanism along a fleet axis, and a sheave directing the drive element from the fleet axis to an output axis. The sheave is coupled to the base at a first sheave mount aligned with the fleet axis. The assembly can further include a second sheave mount aligned with the fleet axis and configured to be coupled to the sheave to allow the sheave to be de-coupled from the first sheave mount and coupled to the second sheave mount, resulting in substantially no change in a fleet angle of the fleet axis. Preferably, the sheave is positioned on a first side of the fleet axis when coupled to the first sheave mount, and the sheave is positioned on a second side of the fleet axis (e.g., opposite the first side) when coupled to the second sheave mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Publication number: 20180029855
    Abstract: The present disclosure presents a webbing take-up device, which comprises: a spool; a lock section that is restricted from rotating at a time of a vehicle emergency so as to limit rotation of the spool in the pull-out direction; a force limiter mechanism that permits rotation of the spool in the pull-out direction at a force limiter load or greater when rotation of the spool in the pull-out direction with respect to the lock section is being limited; a switching member that switches a load value of the force limiter load by switching between a rotation-restricted state and a rotation-enabled state; and a mounting member that includes a switching member mounting section at which the switching member is disposed, and a restriction section that is engaged with the switching member so as to restrict displacement of the switching member disposed at the switching member mounting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshihiko USHIYAMA, Masaru UKITA, Kaoru YUASA, Kosuke MIIDA
  • Publication number: 20180029856
    Abstract: A platform having a first ramp section and a second ramp section, each of the first and second ramp sections including a bottom surface having cleats and a top surface having a substantially level surface disposed between first and second ramp sections. The top surface includes a level top surface having a pair of recessed portions disposed in spaced apart relation between the first and second ramp sections. A pair of interlocking elements disposed at a junction plane between the pair of recessed portions is provided. The interlocking elements are adapted to lock and unlock to dispose the first and second ramp sections between an operable condition and a storage condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: CHAIN 'EM UP LLC
    Inventor: Norman Frank Muth
  • Publication number: 20180029857
    Abstract: A boom-extending wire locking structure has a wire locking tool, provided at a base end side of a first boom member and/or a base end side of a third boom member, that locks an extending wire by winding a lock part of each wire member. The wire locking tool includes: a pair of fixing pieces provided on both sides in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to a boom-extending direction and fixed to the first boom member and/or the third boom member; and wire locking parts, provided between the pair of fixing pieces, including arch-shaped grooves for winding the respective lock parts of the wire members. The wire locking parts are arranged in a central axis direction of the arc shape between the pair of fixing pieces. Central axes of the wire locking parts are arranged at different positions in the orthogonal direction from respective adjacent wire locking parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshikado ITASAKA, Yudai MASUDA
  • Publication number: 20180029858
    Abstract: A dispenser platform for receiving a product container, having a casing, wholly or partially encasing a control panel coupled a control module and a product container receptacle having a product container coupling assembly. The product container coupling assembly includes a first product supply conduit configured to receive a barrel of a product container. A second product supply conduit couples to a reservoir or to a supply of a second product, such as water. The product container holds a first product, such as concentrated coffee, concentrated tea, concentrated flavored drink, flavored syrup (cola) or concentrated juice. Components of the dispenser platform include a pump assembly, a heating and/or cooling assembly responsively coupled to a control panel via a control module and a filter assembly. The product container can be a BOV container or an airless dispensing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Hertensen
  • Publication number: 20180029859
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for dispensing and tracking beverages. An identifier associated with a user can be read by an identification device. Beverage availability information for the user can be determined. The beverage availability information can specify categories of beverages that the user is authorized to dispense. Valves can be selected that correspond to the authorized beverage categories. The valves can be enabled to allow the user to dispense beverages from the authorized beverage categories. The quantity of beverages dispensed can be tracked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jose Hevia, Tobi Pequignot, Kevin Nye, Hitesh Patel
  • Publication number: 20180029860
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for providing mixed beverages. The beverage dispenser has a housing containing a plurality of first liquids, a plurality of second liquids, and a water supply, wherein the first liquids comprise liquors, and wherein the second liquids comprise mixer syrup. The beverage dispenser also has an interface, a dispensing spout and a server. The interface is provided on the housing to input variable data and receive variable instructions. The server electrically operates valves to control the flow of first liquids, second liquids and water to the beverage dispenser spout based on instructions entered at the interface and a pouring schema stored in memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: William Metropulos, Tim Knecht, John Sugrue, Wayne Alpert, Kevin Hinterlong
  • Publication number: 20180029861
    Abstract: A wine dispenser is disclosed that preserves wine by reducing oxidation when partially filled with wine. The dispenser includes: a bottle body having a uniform cross section; a piston disposed within the bottle body for pushing the wine therethrough; a drive member capable of pushing the piston along the bottle body; and a dispensing assembly attached to the dispensing end. The dispensing assembly includes: a shoulder having a wine flow channel, the wine being able to flow out only via the wine flow channel; a neck in sealable and rotatable relationship with the shoulder, the neck having a pouring end and a flow regulation end, the flow regulation end having at least one opening that can be rotated so as to permit or prevent wine flow in from the wine flow channel, through the at least one opening, and out through the pouring end, when pressure is applied to the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Harald George Tomesch, Markus Stefan Schneider, Ralph Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20180029862
    Abstract: A five-gallon water supply system for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes. The system may have at least one water reservoir interface, at least one expandable plumbing assembly, and at least one platform. The at least one water reservoir interface may have a first water reservoir interface, second, third, fourth, and last water reservoir interface. The expandable plumbing assembly may be hydraulically coupled to the first water reservoir interface and the last water reservoir interface. The expandable plumbing assembly may be configured to plumb potable water from to a single water outlet. The platform may include a first water bottle stand, which may be removably coupled together with a last water bottle stand. The platform further may include a second, third, and fourth water bottle stand that are removably coupled with the first water bottle stand and the last water bottle stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: John Wayen Midnight
  • Publication number: 20180029863
    Abstract: A product package includes a container and a lid coupled to the container for rotation about an axis relative to the container. The product package further includes a child-resistant lock configured normally to block access to the contents of the container at the selection of an adult user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jordan FRENCH, Scott L. FISHER, Steven GIFT, John A. VASSALLO
  • Publication number: 20180029864
    Abstract: The combination of a container of a first volume and a fluid containment and dispensing apparatus includes a flexible bag having an inner wall, an outer wall and a collar. The collar comprises a plurality of components, including a collar body, a flange that is attached to the bag, and a top plate having a first aperture therein configured to for connection to a first fluid carrying conduit, the fluid carrying conduit providing for egress of fluid from the bag. The container comprises walls the walls having inner and outer surfaces, and the collar body extends from a wall of the container. The container provides at least one second aperture providing for ingress and egress of fluid to and from a space situated between the outer surface of the bag and the inner surface of the container and the apparatus further comprises fastening means to fasten the collar components together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Raymond Wilson Blackburn
  • Publication number: 20180029865
    Abstract: A liner-based pressure dispensing container includes a connector-mounted probe arranged to seat a dip tube against an inner surface of a liner fitment for sealing utility. A dip tube and probe may include increased and/or matched flow area. A reverse flow prevention element can be arranged proximate to a liquid extraction opening to inhibit reverse flow of liquid from a dip tube into a container. A liner-less container may include a reduce diameter lower portion arranged to receive a dip tube, with at least one associated sensor to sense a condition indicative of depletion of liquid from the lower portion. A shipping cap can be included for removing headspace gas from the liner. In one embodiment, the shipping cap is suitable for direct connection to a dispensing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Donald D. Ware, Glenn M. Tom, Amy Koland, Dale Gene Mowrey, Bruce Musolf
  • Publication number: 20180029866
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and assembly for refilling a reservoir with liquid dispensed from a dispenser, in particular, but not exclusively, to a system and assembly for the substantially leak-free refilling of the reservoir of a smoking-substitute device with a liquid comprising nicotine from a refill dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Scott, Christopher Lord, David Jones, Stephen J. McDonald, Thomas S. Sudlow
  • Publication number: 20180029867
    Abstract: A filling system for an electronic cigarette (10) is disclosed in which a nozzle (38) of a liquid dispenser (80) contains a plunger (62) which is biased by a spring (60) into a closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing through the nozzle (38). In use the nozzle (38) is inserted into an open end (42) of a liquid reservoir (34) for an electronic cigarette containing an air tube (32). The plunger (62) engages with the end of the air tube (32) blocking the air tube (32) and opening the liquid flow path through the nozzle (38). The arrangement of the plunger (62) and nozzle (38) is such that operation of the plunger (62) only occurs when the nozzle (38) engaged within a liquid reservoir (32). A membrane (96) can be provided to prevent leakage from the liquid reservoir (34) when the nozzle (38) is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Stefan Biel, Sebastian Senftleben, Thorben Rehders, Neha Daryani, Vaclav Borkovec, Kenneth Scott, Christopher Lord, David Jones, Stephen J. MCDONALD, Thomas S. SUDLOW
  • Publication number: 20180029868
    Abstract: An LP gas evacuation system for evacuating LP gas from a vehicle fuel tank includes an inlet port for connection to an excess flow valve associated with the vehicle fuel tank to receive LP gas from the vehicle fuel tank, an outlet port for connection to a storage tank, and a pump coupled between the inlet port and the outlet port. The pump is operable to pump the LP gas from the vehicle fuel tank via the inlet port to the storage tank via the outlet port. The pump is a pneumatically driven displacement pump that can effectively pump both liquid phase LP gas and gas phase LP gas. The pump has seals formed from a material substantially resistant to degradation by contact with the LP gas. The LP gas evacuation system further includes a pneumatic pressure regulator configured to receive a supply of compressed air and to provide compressed air at a desired pressure to the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: David Alexander KENNEDY, Jessie W. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20180029869
    Abstract: A retail fueling environment comprises a plurality of fuel dispensers located so that each defines at least one refueling position. Site automation electronics are in communication with the plurality of fuel dispensers. A fueling position availability indicator system is also provided, including a plurality of position indicators indicating availability status of at least one associated refueling position. Detection electronics are operative to ascertain data regarding transaction status of refueling transactions at the refueling positions. In addition, processing electronics are operative to determine a state of each of the position indicators based at least in part on the transaction status. A position indicator control device is operative to produce control signals to the position indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Giovanni Carapelli, Michael Charles Liebal, Andrew Pearce, Wayne McNinch
  • Publication number: 20180029870
    Abstract: A containment pad with a basin and a porous cover is provided for supporting a vehicle. Service conduits are provided within the containment pad allowing fluid and/or electrical and instrumentation connections to be connected through the containment pad, allowing for example a fuel tank to connect to a dispenser through the containment pad allowing a gas station to use dispensing islands with no underground piping. A modular interlocking design allows multiple lanes and dispensing islands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Scott M VAN VLIET, Sean HANNIGAN, Charles BROUSSEAU
  • Publication number: 20180029871
    Abstract: A method and device to insure that a particular dispensing package (18) can only be engaged into an appropriate dispensing location (14). Specifically, the package and the dispenser have mating concentric rings (24, 30) (or portions thereof) to prevent engagement and dispensing of an inappropriate product. In one embodiment, the package (18) is provided with one or more concentric ring projections (24) (or portions thereof) and the dispenser (10) is provided with one or more matching concentric ring recesses (30). The projections and the recesses have similar diameters to define a mating set. In some embodiments, the concentric ring projections are placed on a closure (20), such as a cap, of the package. In alternative embodiments, the projections are placed on the dispenser and the recesses are placed on the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kirk Reimann, William E. Simpson, Nancy D. Trafelet, Andy Swain, David Holden, Garry W. Crossdale, Brian D. Haworth, Bert Van Der Heijden, Christopher J. Webb
  • Publication number: 20180029872
    Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing fluid including a nozzle body having a spout and fluid path through which fluid to be dispensed is flowable. The nozzle includes an actuator configured to detect when the spout is sufficiently inserted into a fluid receptacle, and a shut-off device configured to selectively terminate or prevent fluid dispensing operations through the fluid path. The nozzle further includes an interlock operatively coupling the actuator to the shut-off device. The interlock includes a slider that is operatively coupled to the actuator and a pivotable arm that is operatively coupled to the shut-off device, and the slider is slidable along the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Garrison, John M. Gray, Brenton T. Hershner