Patents Issued in April 10, 2018
  • Patent number: 9938654
    Abstract: An appliance for washing clothes includes a detergent storage tank and a drum. Between the detergent storage tank and the drum is a diverter valve which has a detergent inlet connected to the detergent storage tank, an air vent connected to ambient air, and a detergent outlet. The diverter valve has an energized state wherein the detergent inlet is open and the air vent is closed, and a de-energized state wherein the detergent inlet is closed and the air vent is open. The appliance also has a flow meter connected to the diverter valve and the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Christoph J. Miller
  • Patent number: 9938655
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a drawer retractably provided in the cabinet and defining an introduction port, a tub body provided in the drawer, the tub body defining a space for receiving washing water and having an open upper surface, a drum rotatably provided in the tub body, the drum defining a space for receiving laundry and having an open upper surface, a tub cover defining a tub introduction port that provides a passage from the introduction port to the drum, the tub cover being coupled to the upper surface of the tub body, a door rotatably hinged to the tub cover and configured to open and close the tub introduction port, and a sealing unit that is configured to provide a seal between the door and the tub introduction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jinwoo Seo, Jihong Lee
  • Patent number: 9938656
    Abstract: Dryer appliances and methods for operating dryer appliances are provided. A method includes flowing internal air from a drum chamber through an outlet assembly of the dryer appliance, and selectively actuating a valve to flow external air to the outlet assembly of the dryer appliance from external to a cabinet of the dryer appliance. The method further includes alternately sensing open flow pressure values of the external air being flowed to the outlet assembly from external to the cabinet when the valve is open and closed flow pressure values of the external air being flowed to the outlet assembly from external to the cabinet when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Lee Anderson
  • Patent number: 9938657
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet defining a treatment chamber configured to accommodate hanging clothes and a cycle chamber configured to house machinery, the cycle chamber being positioned vertically below the treatment chamber. The clothes treatment apparatus also includes a partition plate that partitions the treatment chamber from the cycle chamber, a door configured to open and close the cabinet, a door liner disposed at an inside of the door and configured to guide condensed water generated in the treatment chamber to an upper side of the partition plate, a condensed water guide member disposed at the partition plate and configured to guide the condensed water from the door liner into the treatment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoon, Hyungkyu Lim, Jeongryeol Choi
  • Patent number: 9938658
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber suitable for packaging. The fiber of the present disclosure comprises a photocatalyst bonded to it by means of a first functional group generated by a surface modifying agent and optionally, a second functional group generated by a silicon containing linker. The chemical bonding between the fiber and the photocatalyst imparts durability and wash ability to the fiber. A packaging material prepared using the fiber of the present disclosure can be used for the storage of plant produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Kalpeshkumar Sidhpuria, Prakash Kumar, Gurudatt Krishnamurthy, Shashank Dehade, Sudip Kumar Sarkar, Raksh Vir Jasra
  • Patent number: 9938659
    Abstract: A nonwoven ceiling tile or wall panel with noise absorption properties utilizes unique acoustical absorbing fibers. During manufacturing, binder fibers melt between interstitial spaces to fill spaces and create impedance to air flow and sound flow through the fibers. Various shapes and/or sizes of fibers may also be utilized to further impedance of air and sound through the ceiling tile or panel. The ceiling tiles and panels are made from 100% organic fibers that are either virgin or recycled material. The material is structurally self-supporting eliminating need for structural additives or structural design features. Fire and smoke retardants are incorporated into the fibers. Antimicrobial and anti-stain additives may also be used in the fibers. The material is 100% polyester fibers (PET and PETG). The material is printable using sublistatic printing or transfer printing process. The ceiling tiles and panels are light weight and moldable in a wide range of designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Patent number: 9938660
    Abstract: A paper manufacturing apparatus that can manufacture paper with good mechanical strength and/or water resistance in a dry process. A paper manufacturing apparatus according to the invention has a defibrating unit that defibrates feedstock in air; a mixing unit that mixes an additive containing resin with defibrated material that was defibrated; and a heat unit that heats a mixture into which the defibrated material and the additive were mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhito Gomi, Masahide Nakamura, Yoshiaki Murayama
  • Patent number: 9938661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing composite materials containing fibers, in particular packaging materials containing fibers and in particular used beverage packagings. Said device comprises a double container, which comprises: an inner drum-like container having a hollow cylindrical drum body, which is closed by means of an end bottom at one of two end faces of the drum body and is open at an opposite end face of the drum body, wherein the drum body has screen holes at least on a section of the circumferential surface of the drum body, and wherein at least one baffle is provided at least on a section of the circumferential surface of the drum body and/or on the end bottom, and an outer container, which at least partially surrounds the drum body of the inner, drum-like container, such that an intermediate space is formed between the outer surface of the inner, drum-like container and the inner surface of the outer container, wherein the double container can be pivoted in the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Meri Environmental Solutions GMBH
    Inventors: Lucas Menke, Gisbert Wünsche, Falk Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9938662
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for treating biomass. The biomass is treated with a biomass swelling agent within the vessel to swell or rupture at least a portion of the biomass. A portion of the swelling agent is removed from a first end of the vessel following the treatment. Then steam is introduced into a second end of the vessel different from the first end to further remove swelling agent from the vessel in such a manner that the swelling agent exits the vessel at a relatively low water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: THE MICHIGAN BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Timothy J. Campbell, Farzaneh Teymouri
  • Patent number: 9938663
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to materials and methods for producing a wide range of raw materials from plant biomass. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for efficient decortication of plant biomass using a thermally regulated process to generate reactive oxygen species in the presence of a catalyst. Embodiments of the present disclosure address the need for improved methods with which to obtain a wide range of raw materials from plant biomass without the need for industrial decortication machines and without producing harmful industrial waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: 9Fiber, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Powars
  • Patent number: 9938664
    Abstract: Green liquor clarification comprising filtering of a flowing suspension containing solids, wherein the suspension is brought into contact with a first filter unit (4), said 5 filter unit (4) comprising one or several filter elements (12) comprising one or several filter bodies (3) having filter channels (33) within the filter bodies (3) with a filtering layer (32), a part of the suspension is forced to pass through the filtering layer (32) from a first/inner surface (32A) to a second/outer surface (32B) of the filtering layer (32) forming a filtrate while the solids substantially remains in a residual part of the suspension forming a slurry and where the filtering layer (32) is made of a membrane material with pores, said pores having a pore size of 0.1-10 micrometer, more preferred 0.1-5 micrometer and most preferred 0.2-1.0 micrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CLEANFLOW AB
    Inventors: Mikael Lindstrom, Christofer Lindgren, Lennart Borjeson, Lennart Kallen
  • Patent number: 9938665
    Abstract: A clothing for use in machines for producing a fiber web such as a paper, cardboard, tissue or nonwoven web, in particular a press felt, has a load-absorbing main structure and at least one liquid-absorbing and/or liquid-storing structure arranged on and/or in the load-absorbing main structure. The liquid-absorbing and/or liquid-storing structure is a sponge cloth-like porous structure made of regenerated cellulose, viscose or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Johan Malmquist, Kjell Karlsson, Conny Andersson
  • Patent number: 9938666
    Abstract: A unitary deflection member. The unitary deflection member can have a backside defining an X-Y plane and a thickness in a Z-direction. The unitary deflection member can also have a reinforcing member and a plurality of protuberances positioned on the reinforcing member. Each protuberance can have a three-dimensional shape such that any cross-sectional area of the protuberance parallel to the X-Y plane can have an equal or greater area than any cross-sectional area of the protuberance being a greater distance from the X-Y plane in the Z-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Allen Manifold, John Leslie Brent, Jr., James Michael Singer
  • Patent number: 9938667
    Abstract: A security document (1) comprises a paper document substrate (11) and a security element (2) embedded in said document substrate (11). The security element comprises an element substrate (21) and a material (22) sensitive to laser light. The method comprises the step of directing laser light (41) onto the document substrate (11) so as to alter said material (22), so as to provide said security element (2) with a detectable marking (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: FÁBRICA NACIONAL DE MONEDA Y TIMBRE-REAL CASA DE LA MONEDA
    Inventors: Antonio Olmos, Maurizio Lazzerini, Vicente Garcia Juez
  • Patent number: 9938668
    Abstract: This invention relates to an anchoring device for use in retaining a railway rail fastening clip, the device comprising a stem for embedding in a rail support member, a head extending from the stem and comprising a generally hook-shaped portion for extending over a portion of the clip to effect retention and terminating at an end apart from the stem, and wherein in use, said end terminates at a sealing plate for bridging the end of the hook-shaped portion and the stem. An associated anchoring device assembly and railway rail fastening assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PANDROL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Steven Harkness, Brenton Keast, Pierre Barthram, Jozef Nevidal
  • Patent number: 9938669
    Abstract: A regulator moldboard and grader blade assembly includes a moldboard having at least one transversely extending pin, the pin having a notch with a surface inclined toward the moldboard. At least one grader blade has at least one mounting opening having a flared surface complementary to the notch so that the blade is hangable on the pin so that the notch draws the blade against the moldboard as a fastener tightens the blade to the moldboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: NORDCO INC.
    Inventors: James William Boyd, David A. Spence, Justin Jerome Pipol, Michael David Thompson
  • Patent number: 9938670
    Abstract: A permeable paving system having a base layer and a paving layer, in which the base layer is made of a plurality of substantially hollow structural modules having a rigid bottom wall and a substantially parallel to a rigid top wall retained in a fixed space relationship from each other by a plurality of spacers, in which the structural module has a plurality of side walls extending between the perimeters of the top wall and the bottom wall, in which the top and bottom walls have apertures to allow movement of fluids into and out of the structural modules, and in which the top wall has a plurality of guide lines configured for alignment of paving material, and/or as a guide for cutting the structural module. Alternatively, instead of guide lines, there may be string line posts connectable to an element of the permeable paving system configured to extend above the top wall of said structural module and configured for establishing elevations of paving materials, and/or alignment of paving materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Charles R. White
  • Patent number: 9938671
    Abstract: A transformed continuously reinforced concrete pavement structure using a short reinforcing bar and crack induction. The structure includes a crack induction part combined with short reinforcing bars spaced apart from each other. The short reinforcing bars replace continuous reinforcing bars in a concrete pavement layer of a continuously reinforced concrete pavement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COOPERATION GROUP OF KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY, DAGIL E&C
    Inventors: Seong Min Kim, Young Kyo Cho, Jun Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9938672
    Abstract: A vibration isolator comprising a first attachment plate defining a first central bore, a second attachment plate defining a second central bore, and a resilient member disposed between the first and second attachment plates, wherein the resilient member defines a third central bore and the first, second and third central bores are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan Beckhusen
  • Patent number: 9938673
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a paving machine including a tractor, a screed assembly coupled to the tractor, and an auger coupled to the tractor and disposed between the tractor and the screed assembly. The paving machine includes an actuator coupled to the auger and the tractor. The actuator is configured to move the auger relative to a ground surface. The paving machine includes a sensor coupled to the tractor and configured to detect an obstruction on the ground surface. The paving machine includes a controller in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor assembly indicative of the obstruction. The controller is further configured to control the actuator to raise the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Ellwein
  • Patent number: 9938674
    Abstract: A control system for a cold planer having a milling is disclosed. The control system may include a depth sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a milling depth below a work surface, a speed sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a ground speed of the cold planer, and a profile detection device mountable to the cold planer at a location forward of the milling drum. The profile detection device may be configured to generate a third signal indicative of a width profile of the surface. The control system may further include a controller in communication with the profile detection device, the depth sensor, and the speed sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a volume of a milled material based on the first, second, and third signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Engelmann, Conwell K. Rife, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9938675
    Abstract: In a self-propelled cold milling machine, in particular cold milling machine, for working ground surfaces, with a milling drum supported at a machine frame, no less than one conveying device arranged at the machine frame which accepts the milled-off material from the milling drum and discharges said milled-off material, in conveying direction, at a discharge end along a parabolic trajectory onto a point of discharge, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: that the conveying device comprises a shielding device at the discharge end, where said shielding device shields the material milled off and leaving the conveying device without influencing the parabolic trajectory on a part of the path to the point of discharge at least by means of lateral sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Ley, Philip Verhaelen, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 9938676
    Abstract: In a bridge expansion joint, a pair of lower plates is disposed between one bridge deck section and the other bridge deck section with leaving a predetermined interval. An upper plate is respectively disposed on an upper surface of the lower plate, in which the width of the upper plate in the horizontal direction is smaller than that of the lower plate. A load supporting means is disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate. The load supporting means comprises a pair of link members or a pair of finger members. A reinforced plate is disposed between the load supporting means and the lower plate, in which an inclined plane is respectively provided at both sides of the reinforced plate so that the reinforced plate has a narrow top and wide bottom-shaped section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Ja Hwa Koo
  • Patent number: 9938677
    Abstract: The invention relates to an impact-resistant and energy-absorbing item of street furniture comprising only a post, a base plate and an energy-absorbing element, wherein the post and the base plate are shaped in such a manner that, when the post is loaded by an external force F just above the base plate, an obliquely, downwardly directed sliding movement of the post relative to the base plate is obtained, which is damped by the energy-absorbing element, not only in the lengthwise direction n of the street furniture, but also in the direction perpendicular to that lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Impact Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Wolters
  • Patent number: 9938678
    Abstract: A plow blade wear member having a slower wear rate than known blade wear members, and having a reduced tendency to partially break off, fracture, chip, or become otherwise damaged when the blade wear member engages a discontinuity in a travel surface. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the blade wear member is formed or cut from a used airplane tire. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the blade wear member is formed or cut from a used fiber reinforced airplane tire having a relatively large outer circumference to provide the desired radius of curvature, the desired thickness, and the desired strength for the blade wear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lakin General Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis G. Lakin, Kenneth A. Lakin
  • Patent number: 9938679
    Abstract: A method of installing a dock includes providing first and second dock sections, each having a bottom transport member, and a dock support that supports the dock section when installed. The first dock section is installed adjacent to a shoreline. The dock lifting device of a dock cart is attached to the second dock section and the lifting device of the dock cart lifts the first end of the second dock section such that the second dock section is supported by the bottom transport member and the cart transport member. The cart moves the second dock section along the first dock section until the first end of the second dock section is adjacent to the second end of the first dock section. The lifting device then lowers the first end of the second dock section to be level with the second end of the first dock section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Real Garant
  • Patent number: 9938680
    Abstract: A fitting, for use in making a fluid connection with a pipe, generally includes a saddle adapted to couple the fitting to the pipe, and a tap integrally formed with the saddle and extending generally away from saddle. The tap is configured to press-fit into the pipe for establishing the fluid connection between the fitting and the pipe. The fitting also includes a passageway defined by the saddle and the tap, for receiving fluid from the pipe and into the fitting via the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Duane K. Smith, Thomas A. King, Scott L. Blankley
  • Patent number: 9938681
    Abstract: A floating oil containment boom is comprised of boom sections connected end to end. Each boom section is of a tubular member or pipe section. The pipe or tubular member is buoyant, either closed at its ends and/or filled with foam or other buoyant material. Plates extend above and below the tubular member or pipe section for each section of boom. A specially configured connecter joins each boom section to the other, the connecter extending above and below the pipe or tubular member. An elastomeric block forms an interface between connectors on each boom section while simultaneously sealing the area between boom sections to flow of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Weldon Taquino
  • Patent number: 9938682
    Abstract: A system, device, and method quantitatively measure average concentrations of target constituents (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) in an ambient fluid (e.g., groundwater, surface water, air, etc.) over an extended period of time. The system uses a passive device having an outer equilibration chamber and an inner kinetic sampler. The device is placed in an ambient fluid for a specified period of time, wherein the target constituent(s) rapidly diffuse through a high-permeability membrane into the fluid-filled equilibration chamber. From there, the target constituents are taken up by an uptake rate the kinetic sampler that is configured to be less than an equilibration rate of the equilibration chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GSI Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. McHugh, Lisa J. Molofsky, David T. Adamson, Charles J. Newell
  • Patent number: 9938683
    Abstract: A tamp having replaceable tamp plates which, when operatively coupled to a tamp handle, can rotate relative to the tamp handle, or a longitudinal axis of the tamp handle, when in use to better allow a tamp plate surface to conform to the material being tamped, while allowing the handle to be more easily maintained in an orientation desired by the user and while reducing or absorbing shock. The tamp may also include “dead blow” material such as steel shot or the like to improve the inertia, efficiency and impact of the tamp as it is being utilized, while reducing recoil effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Beacon Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Myrland, Jeffrey Claire Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9938684
    Abstract: There is provided a guide assembly for guiding a cylindrical casing used in forming a sheathing wall in a ground. The guide assembly includes: a first guide-body having first inner and outer vertical faces and first top and bottom horizontal faces extending in a length-direction thereof; a second guide-body having second inner and outer vertical faces and top and bottom horizontal faces extending in a length-direction thereof, wherein the second inner face faces away the first inner face; at least one first coupling unit configured to couple the first and second guide-bodies to each other at the first and second top faces thereof; and at least one second coupling unit configured to couple the first and second guide-bodies to each other at lower positions of the first and second inner faces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Han Ju Kang
  • Patent number: 9938685
    Abstract: A foundation system for a tower, such as a wind turbine, includes a central hub assembly, a plurality of post-tensioned concrete beams, and an anchoring system associated with each beam. In use the foundation system is arranged so that the bottom surfaces of the concrete beams bear on soil and the anchoring is disposed within the soil. The beams can be inverted bulb-T beams having post-tensioning cables inserted there-through and cooperating with an oppositely disposed related beam. The central hub assembly can include a plurality of stacked disk elements or steel frame elements that are post-tensioned together to form a single hub structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: RUTE FOUNDATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Krause
  • Patent number: 9938686
    Abstract: A lockable manhole cover includes, for example, a manhole cover installable in an opening in a manhole frame, a locking member attached via a pin and slot arrangement beneath the manhole cover, and a lever pivotally attached to the manhole cover. A lower end portion of the lever is operably engageable with the locking member to move the locking member relative to the manhole cover. The lever is disposable in a lowered position so that an end portion of the locking member is operably engageable with a portion of the manhole frame for use in inhibiting removal of the lockable manhole cover from the manhole frame. The lever is disposable in a raised position so that the end portion of the locking member is operably disengageable with the portion of the manhole frame to allow removal or installation of the lockable manhole cover from or in the manhole frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Utility Designs of New York LLC
    Inventors: Anthony F. Mitola, Lawrence E. Jordan, Michael O'Donnell, Joseph Vainauskas
  • Patent number: 9938687
    Abstract: An arm assembly for a work vehicle includes an arm configured to rotatably couple to a chassis of the work vehicle. The arm includes a substantially vertical portion, and the substantially vertical portion is configured to support an implement. The arm assembly also includes a lift actuator coupled to the arm and configured to couple to the chassis of the work vehicle. The lift actuator is configured to rotate the arm relative to the chassis to control a position of the implement along a vertical axis. In addition, the arm assembly includes a support actuator configured to couple to the chassis. The support actuator is configured to engage the substantially vertical portion of the arm to support the arm against a horizontal load applied to the arm by the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Richard Carter Eckrote
  • Patent number: 9938688
    Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with a mobile machine having a work tool. The excavation system may have a speed sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a travel speed of the mobile machine, and at least one load sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of loading of the work tool. The excavation system may also have a controller configured to record values of the first signal during travel of the mobile machine toward a material, and to detect engagement of the work tool with the material based on the second signal. After engagement of the work tool with the material is detected, the controller may be further configured to determine an edge location of the material passed through by the work tool based on values of the first signal recorded prior to engagement detection of the work tool with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Graham Fletcher, Daniel Aaron Jones, Ricky Kam Ho Chow, Ranishka De Silva Hewavisenthi
  • Patent number: 9938689
    Abstract: A coordinated control method and system for a work vehicle having a primary implement and a secondary implement and one or more controllers. The controller(s) receive a primary implement position input, which is used to generate a primary implement control command to drive one or more primary actuators to position the primary implement. The controller(s) generate a secondary implement control command that is coordinated with the primary implement position input to drive one or more secondary actuators to position the secondary implement in a relative orientation with respect to an orientation of the primary implement resulting from the primary implement control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Keith N. Chaston, Lance R. Sherlock, Nathan J. Horstman, David A. Veasy
  • Patent number: 9938690
    Abstract: Provided is a working machine capable of accurately detecting a contaminant in grease contained in a slewing mechanism. The working machine includes a lower travelling body, an upper slewing body, and the slewing mechanism. The slewing mechanism includes: a ring gear fixed to the lower travelling body and having inner teeth; a pinion disposed on the upper slewing body and rotated in mesh with the inner teeth of the ring gear; and a grease bath disposed along an inner circumference of the ring gear for storing grease. The upper slewing body includes a sensor for detecting a contaminant having a potential for contaminating and deteriorating the grease, and a sensor supporting member supporting the sensor at a position that allows the sensor to revolve while being immersed in the grease in the grease bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Terauchi, Yasutaka Omoto
  • Patent number: 9938691
    Abstract: Delivery ports of a closed circuit hydraulic pump are connected to a head-side chamber and a rod-side chamber of an arm/boom cylinder. A switching valve is arranged between the head-side chamber and a delivery port of an open circuit hydraulic pump. A proportional control valve is arranged between the head-side chamber and a hydraulic fluid tank. At times of cylinder extension, both of the closed and open circuit hydraulic pumps and the switching valve are controlled so that the delivery flows from the closed and open circuit hydraulic pumps are sent to the head-side chamber. At times of cylinder retraction, the closed circuit hydraulic pump and the proportional control valve are controlled so that part of an outward flow from the head-side chamber is returned to the closed circuit hydraulic pump and other part of the outward flow is returned to the hydraulic fluid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Hiraku
  • Patent number: 9938692
    Abstract: A payload weight of a load of material carried by an implement of a machine may be estimated taking into account angular acceleration of the payload. A lift cylinder pressure differential and a lift arm angular acceleration may be determined as the implement is raised through a weigh range. An angular acceleration compensation factor may be determined from the lift arm angular acceleration, and a compensated differential pressure may be calculated by multiplying the lift cylinder pressure differential by the angular acceleration compensation factor. The estimated payload weight may then be determined based on the compensated pressure differential and a head end cross-sectional area of the lift cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Shatters, Eric W. Cler
  • Patent number: 9938693
    Abstract: A tracking system for a work tool is disclosed. The tracking system may include a tracking device coupled to the work tool and configured to transmit a work tool identification signal and a scanning device configured to scan and detect the work tool identification signal within the area around the scanning device and the tracking device. A location identification module and a communication module may be coupled to the scanning device and configured to receive the work tool identification signal, generate a work tool location signal including a location indicator and an identification of the work tool, add a date and time stamp to the work tool location signal and transmit the work tool location signal to an asset location center. The tracking system may further include a controller configured to receive and save the work tool location signal with the date and time stamp into an asset location database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Reed, Bradley F. Bergerhouse
  • Patent number: 9938694
    Abstract: A control device for a work machine is a device for controlling a working unit of a work machine to excavate an object to be excavated. The control device includes a control unit for controlling the working unit to prevent a working implement of the working unit from crossing a predetermined target profile, and a switching unit for defining the target profile as an offset profile separated by a predetermined distance from a target excavation profile that is a target profile for finishing of the object to be excavated or the target excavation profile, based on an attitude of the working implement relative to the target excavation profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Matsuyama, Yuki Shimano, Masashi Ichihara, Yoshiki Kami
  • Patent number: 9938695
    Abstract: A shroud for a work tool is disclosed. The shroud may have a tip portion. The tip portion may have a tip extending from a shroud proximal end to a tip end disposed between the shroud proximal end and a shroud distal end. The tip portion may further have an upper leg extending from the tip end to an upper leg distal end. The tip portion may also have a lower leg extending from the tip end to a lower leg distal end. The lower leg may be spaced apart from the upper leg to form an opening between the upper leg and the lower leg. The shroud may have an attachment portion attached to the upper leg. The attachment portion may extend from adjacent the tip end to the shroud distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan R. Bjerke, Thomas M. Congdon
  • Patent number: 9938696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock for releasable locking of an excavating tooth to a wearing-part holder in a wearing-part system, where the excavating tooth and the wearing-part holder together define a lock opening for receiving the lock, where the lock comprises a threaded conical screw and a first thread half designed with a first thread bed, where the first thread half and a second thread half, designed with a second thread bed, are mounted in the lock opening, where the first thread half and the second thread half, with the thread beds directed towards each other, together define an opening for threaded fastening of the threaded conical screw, such that rotation of the threaded screw moves the threaded screw along the thread beds in the axial direction of the screw into the lock opening, locking the lock when the first thread half is moved towards the excavating tooth and the second thread half is moved towards the wearing-part holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: COMBI WEAR PARTS AB
    Inventors: Per Quarfordt, Adnan Gabela
  • Patent number: 9938697
    Abstract: A water generation system for improvement of water shortage environments is provided as a water generation system that is constructed as a surface pavement in a water shortage area and generally includes a sand layer, which is covered with a moisture locking cloth, a grading layer laid on the moisture locking cloth, and a water pervious layer arranged on the grading layer. The water pervious layer includes a plurality of hollow water penetration tubes vertically arranged above the grading layer. The water penetration tubes each have a tubular wall in which through apertures are formed. The water penetration tube has an outer circumference over which a tubular sleeve having an opening facing downward is fit such that an interlayer space is formed between the tubular sleeve and the tubular wall of the water penetration tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Jui-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9938698
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a fluid leak detection and shutdown for a fluid distribution system having a total system flow rate. The apparatus includes a solenoid shutoff valve having a normally open state and an activated closed state with a flow capacity matched to the total fluid distribution system flow rate. The apparatus also has a primary fluid flow line and a smaller capacity secondary fluid flow line. The apparatus includes a flow sensor in fluid communication with the secondary fluid flow line, wherein the flow sensor has a perceptible output and a flow rate capacity less than the solenoid shutoff flow capacity. Operationally, the flow sensor receives a portion of the solenoid shutoff valve flow capacity in priority over the primary fluid flow line, allowing the flow sensor to detect minimal flow rates and using the perceptible output to activate the solenoid shutoff valve into the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Duane Guy, John Elm
  • Patent number: 9938699
    Abstract: Breaker straps, preferably made of steel, include holes that line up with the holes in breaker rings, to keep the breaker rings in place on a fire hydrant. A collision kit includes breaker straps, the breaker rings, a coupling, and coupling pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Kennedy Valve Company
    Inventor: Paul Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9938700
    Abstract: A cold water delivery system is described that can consistently provide cold water at a desired temperature over repetitive and large draws from the outlet of the system. The cold water system can provide multiple pathways for the water to travel from a source, or inlet, to the outlet. A cooling system can be provided that cools a plurality of reservoirs of water. The reservoirs can maintain cold water at different temperatures. A control system controls the cooling system to maintain the temperature of the water in the reservoirs. The control system can also control one or more mixing valves to determine the volume of water from each of the reservoirs and the water inlet that reaches the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Damon D. Shaw, Franco Savoni, Russ Hansen, Evan A. Fulford, Joel E. Leiser
  • Patent number: 9938701
    Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability are presented. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. The dual flush mechanism can include a basket structure. A gasket can be attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket can form a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 9938702
    Abstract: A water tank-less toilet flushing system includes a toilet bowl and a control system which includes a flush valve located higher than a top surface of the toilet bowl and a check valve operatively linked to the flush valve. When the flush valve is opened, the check valve is closed due to a water pressure for enabling the water to flush the toilet bowl. When the flush valve is closed, the check valve is opened for communicating an interior of the flush valve with an ambient atmosphere to prevent water in the toilet bowl to be backflow to the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MEGMEET Electric Co., Ltd. Of Shenzhen
    Inventors: Yong Liu, Pugen Lin, Yingjun Zhao, Zhaoyuan Zeng, Zhanfeng Liu
  • Patent number: 9938703
    Abstract: A drain valve device based on capacitive sensing for a water tank of a toilet includes a drain valve disposed in the water tank of the toilet to control the water tank to drain water; a capacitive sensing control module that opens the drain valve; and an assembly fixture used to connect the capacitive sensing control module to the drain valve to make the capacitive control module and the drain valve form an integration. The assembly fixture connects the capacitive sensing control module and the drain vale to form the integration, so that during assembly of the drain valve, the capacitive sensing control module is affixed to the toilet water tank at the same time. Thus, assembly is simple and convenient, and there is no need to dispose an assembly hole in the water tank cover so the structure is simpler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Dong Peng, Xingyi Yu