Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
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Patent number: 9945456Abstract: A continuously variable transmissions (CVT), includes a main axle adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. An axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Power roller-leg assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. A hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Jon M Nichols, Daniel J Dawe, Oronde J Armstrong
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Patent number: 9945457Abstract: A linear rotary mechanism includes: a pair of elongated guide rails in parallel to each other: a linear motor having a tubular primary side slidably disposed on the guide rails and a shaft-shaped secondary side coaxially extending into an internal hole of the tubular primary side, the shaft-shaped secondary side being axially linearly reciprocally movable along the tubular primary side; and a rotary motor fixedly disposed on the guide rails and connected with one end of the shaft-shaped secondary side. Accordingly, the rotary motor is linearly reciprocally movable along the tubular primary side in synchronism with the shaft-shaped secondary side and the guide rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: HIWIN MIKROSYSTEM CORP.Inventors: Kou-I Szu, Yu-Jung Chang, Chih-Kai Fan, Ying-Jung Chen
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Patent number: 9945458Abstract: A motion producing device comprising an output member with a contact surface and a reference member. An actuator member is attached to the reference member, the actuator member having a traction surface and comprising actuator zones, each actuator zone being energizable to move a corresponding portion of the traction surface to change a contact state of the traction surface with the contact surface depending on an energized state of the actuator zone. An energy source is operatively coupled to the actuator zones for sequentially changing the energized state of the actuator zones. The actuator member provides a torque transmission path between the reference member and the output member.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Genesis Robotics LLPInventor: James Brent Klassen
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Patent number: 9945459Abstract: A switch structure includes a lever operable by a user, a body coupled to the lever, a support formed in the lever, a pusher supported by the support, a detent surface formed in the body to produce a click when the lever is operated, and a spring that pushes the pusher against the detent surface. The pusher includes two slide surfaces, which slide on the lever and the body, and a groove, which draws grease from one of the two slide surfaces where the grease is applied to another one of the two slide surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventor: Motoya Takeuchi
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Patent number: 9945460Abstract: A torque limiter comprising: a ramp roller, said ramp roller comprising: an input ramp roller element arranged to be driven by an input torque and having a first ramp surface; an output ramp roller element arranged to drive an output torque shaft and having a second ramp surface; ramp roller balls disposed between the first ramp surface and the second ramp surface; wherein said output ramp roller element is axially and resiliently compressible and wherein an overtorque condition causes axial compression of said output ramp roller element. This arrangement removes all axially sliding friction surfaces from the torque limiter so that the torque bandwidth is reduced, allowing manufacturers to design structures more optimally.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventor: Stephen H. Davies
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Patent number: 9945461Abstract: A parallel shift transmission of a motor vehicle comprising splitter and range groups. At least the splitter group is split into two parallel transmission branches having countershafts. One branch can be actuated by a power-shift element to transfer rotation of a drive shaft to a countershaft, via a stepped transmission ratio of the splitter group according to the actuation of one of the transmission branches and then converting and transmitting the rotation, via one of a plurality of range transmission ratios of the range group, to an output shaft. In order to reverse rotation, parallel countershafts can be coupled by individual gearwheel pairs by actuation of associated switching elements such that one countershaft, at the output side of the splitter group in the flow of power flow from the drive to the output shaft, is connected to the other countershaft at a drive side of the range group.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Reisch, Stefan Beck, Martin Fellmann
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Patent number: 9945462Abstract: A hydrostatic assembly employing a 1st hydraulic piston drive unit is described in which the output is increased without using additional servo assemblies by incorporating a 2nd hydraulic piston drive unit, coupling the drive shafts of both drive units together, and employing a common means to simultaneously adjust displacement of both the 1st and 2nd hydraulic piston drive units. In such embodiments, coupling the drive shafts together such that the 1st hydraulic piston drive unit is rotationally offset with respect to the 2nd hydraulic piston drive allows for a reduction in the amplitude of pressure pulsations associated with the hydrostatic assembly output, thereby smoothing out operation and improving durability.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Kinetics Drive Solutions Inc.Inventors: Per-Ola Vallebrant, Stefan Haellgren, John Czepak, Gerald Dyck
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Patent number: 9945463Abstract: A torque converter, including: an axis of rotation; a cover arranged to receive torque from an engine and including a first indentation; an impeller shell fixedly secured to the cover; at least one impeller blade fixedly secured to the impeller shell; a turbine including a turbine shell and at least one turbine blade fixedly secured to the turbine shell; and a lock-up clutch including a first carrier plate fixedly secured to the cover and including a first protrusion disposed in the first indentation and a clutch plate non-rotatably connected to the first carrier plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Long He
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Patent number: 9945464Abstract: A transmission apparatus D that can avoid size-up of a starter through reduction of load torque required at the time of start-up of an engine, includes a traveling transmission device D1 configured to transmit power outputted from an engine 3a via a forward/reverse switching mechanism 50 acting also as a main clutch mechanism, a hydrostatic stepless speed changer mechanism 20 acting as a main speed changer mechanism, a planetary gear mechanism 40 and an auxiliary speed changer mechanism 60 to traveling components such as front wheels 1, rear wheels 2, etc., and an implement transmission device D2 configured to transmit the power outputted from the engine 3a via an implement clutch 70, an implement speed changer mechanism 71, and a PTO shaft 7 to an implement.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Yuji Hirase, Hidetoshi Hana, Tsuyoshi Gono
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Patent number: 9945465Abstract: The invention relates to a differential gear for a drive axle of a motor vehicle, having a driven differential case (12), which has effect on a carrier (24), particularly on a driving pin, via a coupling block (26) that is guided in a rotationally fixed but axially movable manner, on which carrier (24) planetary wheels (22) are mounted which interlock with outputting output wheels (20), wherein the output wheels (20) output on output shafts (16, 18) on both sides, and having a torque-dependent locking device for shifting the driving torque by means of at least one coupling device (28) integrated in the differential case (12), which coupling device (28) can additionally be actuated via at least one actuator (34; 44), independently of the driving torque. According to the invention, the at least one actuator (34; 44) is arranged in the region of at least one of the output shafts (16, 18) and has effect on the coupling device (28) by means of at least one transfer means (38, 40).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Christian Meixner, Karin Vogtherr
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Patent number: 9945466Abstract: An active differential for the controlled distribution of a drive torque generated by a drive motor to two output shafts includes a planetary gear train configured to couple the two drive shafts to a drive shaft of the drive motor, and a distributor motor including a distributor shaft. The distributor motor produces a torque, with a distribution of a drive torque to the two output shafts being dependent on the torque produced by the distributor motor. The distributor shaft and the planetary gear train are coupled by a coupling device which is configured to separate the distributor shaft from the planetary gear train when an operating parameter of the active differential exceeds a predetermined limit value. The operating parameter can hereby be an output torque difference between torques transmitted from the output shafts to the planetary gear train or a time derivative of the output torque difference.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Udo Pinschmidt, Thomas Schels, Maximilian Wolf
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Patent number: 9945467Abstract: A differential gearing for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive gear, by means of which torque can be introduced into the gearing, a first output element and a second output element, by means of which the torque can be output from the gearing, a differential housing attached to the drive gear in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the drive gear and the differential housing together form a differential cage for transmitting torque from the drive gear to the first output element, wherein the first output element is arranged in such a way that the first output element can be rotated in relation to the differential cage, and a first rolling-element bearing for supporting the differential hosing on a housing, wherein a bearing shell of a second rolling-element bearing is directly attached to the drive gear in a rotationally fixed manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Harald Martini, Thorsten Biermann
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Patent number: 9945468Abstract: A harmonic drive includes: an input shaft connected to a first element that is one of a wave generator, a flex spline, or a circular spline; a drive housing connected to the input shaft via a bearing; a load cell that is installed in any one of the drive housing, the input shaft, or the wave generator and measures an axial load that occurs and is translated from the wave generator to the input shaft or the drive housing via the input shaft; and a processor that reversely calculates output torque, which is output from a second element that is one of the two elements other than the first element, from the axial load measured by the load cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jun Hwan Park
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Patent number: 9945469Abstract: A straight bevel gear having a gear body that includes a first set of gear teeth and at least one web. The set of gear teeth may have a spherical involute configuration. The web may extend between adjacent members of the set of gear teeth such that the web may be completely and continuously curved in multiple directions.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Wagner Hirao, Silvio Masaaki Yamada
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Patent number: 9945470Abstract: A mining shovel includes a boom and a transmission unit coupled to the boom. The transmission unit includes an outer housing, an internal motor housing disposed within the outer housing, and a venting system coupled to the outer housing to direct air through both the outer housing and the internal motor housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Fischer, Nicholas Dame
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Patent number: 9945471Abstract: A lubricating apparatus of the present invention is applied to a transmission having a plurality of rotating shafts, and includes a first rotating shaft having a first oil passage, a second rotating shaft, and an impeller fixed to an axial end of the first rotating shaft. The impeller is arranged in a first oil storage chamber communicated with an outlet of the first oil passage. The impeller rotates with the first rotating shaft to scatter oil, and supplies the oil to the second rotating shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seiji Itoo, Ayumi Hamada, Shigeru Nishimura
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Patent number: 9945472Abstract: A lubricating structure for a transmission includes: a case that includes a center support fixation portion that extends from the inner peripheral surface toward the radially inner side, and that houses the transmission on the first side of the center support fixation portion in the axial direction of the transmission; a center support that is press-fitted into the center support fixation portion, that rotatably supports an input shaft of the transmission, and that rotatably supports a clutch drum of the transmission; a bearing provided between the clutch drum and the center support in the axial direction; an oil reservoir portion formed on the center support on the second side of the center support fixation portion in the axial direction to open on the upper side in the vertical direction, the second side being opposite to the first side; and an oil passage formed in the center support, one end of the oil passage opening in the oil reservoir portion, and the other end of the oil passage opening in a space beType: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuki Yamada, Junji Matsushita, Takeshi Horie, Keita Imai, Koichi Okuda, Hidehiko Bansyoya, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tooru Matsubara, Kuniaki Ishii
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Patent number: 9945473Abstract: A kick-down element for a vehicle, complete with a housing, an actuator that is fastened in the housing such that it can be moved axially and a force surge element that can be moved axially in the actuator and which is axially loaded by an elastic element. There is a plate-shaped protruding part on at least one housing panel, which runs perpendicular to the movement direction and the upper end of which runs diagonally downward. The force step element interacts with at least one roller, which is located between the protruding part and a wedgeshaped (9) of the force surge element in a resting position. The kick-down element is intended to allow for a relatively long travel path for the actuator in the most compact design possible. This is achieved by keeping the roller attached to a lower end of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.Inventor: Claus Viethen
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Patent number: 9945474Abstract: A system for controlling shifting includes an engine, a driven member, and a shiftable transmission including an input shaft coupled to the engine and an output shaft coupled to the driven member. The system further includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring parameters of at least one of the engine, the driven member, or the transmission, a torque converter disposed between the engine and the input shaft, and an electronic control unit including a processor and a memory. The electronic control unit is operable to receive sensed parameters from the plurality of sensors, determine a torque ratio across the torque converter based on the sensed parameters, determine a speed ratio associated with the torque ratio, determine a rotational speed of the input shaft based on the speed ratio and the sensed parameters, and make a shifting decision based on the rotational speed of the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventor: Peter Melton
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Patent number: 9945475Abstract: A vehicle includes an accelerator pedal moveable across a plurality of predefined positions and a controller programmed to, responsive to the pedal reaching a tip-in position, command a downshift to a downshift gear from an initial gear. A difference between the initial and downshift gears exceeds a number of predefined positions crossed upon moving to the tip-in position when a rate of change of pedal position exceeds a predefined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Markian Oleh Diakiw, Leonidas Kiliaris, Philip Joseph Wiethe, Kurt Howard Nickerson, Brian Michael O'Neil, Cory Benson LaRoche
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Patent number: 9945476Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes a torque converter including a lockup clutch, and a lockup controller configured to controllably move the lockup clutch from a released state in an engagement direction when the vehicle has just started. The apparatus further includes a rolling-down sensor configured to sense whether or not the vehicle that has just started has rolled down, and a lockup retarder configured to retard the movement of the lockup clutch in the engagement direction if the vehicle is sensed to have rolled down.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Tadashi Saito, Yasunari Nakayama
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Patent number: 9945477Abstract: A shift drum angle detecting device for a transmission includes shift forks, a shift drum, a first sensor shaft, a first angle sensor, a speed increasing mechanism, and a second angle sensor. The first angle sensor is to detect a rotational angle of the first sensor shaft to output a first output value based on the rotational angle. The speed increasing mechanism includes a speed increasing drive member, a speed increasing driven member, and a second sensor shaft. The second angle sensor is provided to the second sensor shaft to detect a rotational angle of the second sensor shaft and to output a second output value based on the rotational angle. A rotational angle of the shift drum is to be detected based on the first output value output from the first angle sensor and the second output value output from the second angle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuhiko Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshihisa Kanno, Hiroshi Takamoto, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki
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Patent number: 9945478Abstract: A control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission with a sub transmission includes a primary solenoid valve installed at an oil passage in a midway position between a mechanical oil pump and a primary pulley and configured to control a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to the primary pulley. The control apparatus further includes a transmission controller which outputs a primary current command value to a primary solenoid valve. The transmission controller outputs the primary current command value which previously closed the oil passage between the mechanical oil pump and the primary pulley to the primary solenoid valve before a rise in an engine revolution number due to at least a re-start of the engine, when a coast stop control/an idle stop control is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Tomohiro Utagawa, Takashi Eguchi
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Patent number: 9945479Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle at different altitudes. The vehicle has an engine, a throttle valve and a throttle operator. A continuously variable transmission has a driving pulley connected to the engine, a driven pulley, and a belt operatively connecting therebetween. A ground engaging member is operatively connected to the driven pulley. A piston is connected to the driving pulley. A control unit controls actuation of the piston and the piston force. The method includes determining an altitude and/or an atmospheric pressure, a driven pulley speed, and at least one of the throttle operator position and the throttle valve position. The piston is selectively actuated based on the altitude and/or the atmospheric pressure. The piston force is controlled based on the driven pulley speed, and at least one of: the throttle operator position and the throttle valve position. Vehicles and other methods of operation thereof are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Guenther Roland, Christian Stiebinger
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Patent number: 9945480Abstract: A piston assembly comprises a piston body, a connecting rod, and a wrist pin. The piston body includes a pair of first cross bores presenting a piston sliding surface. The connecting rod includes a second cross bore presenting a rod sliding surface which is axially aligned with the first cross bores of the piston body. A wrist pin is disposed in the aligned cross bores and couples the piston body to the connecting rod. The wrist pin also presents a pin sliding surface facing the rod sliding surface and the piston sliding surfaces. A coating is applied to at least one of the sliding surfaces, such as by dipping, brushing, atomizing, spraying, printing, or screen printing. The coating includes a polymer matrix, such as polyamide imide (PAI), and hard particles, such as Fe2O3, disposed throughout the polymer matrix. The hard particles have a hardness of at least 600 HV/0.5.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Federal-Mogul LLCInventors: Troy Kantola, Andrew J. Miller, Steven Krause, Achim Adam, Joachim Schlueter
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Patent number: 9945481Abstract: A piston ring including a base coating, for example a chromium-based material with an intentionally etched crack network is provided. The cracks of the base coating are filled with a sliding material, which is expected to improve scuff resistance. The sliding material includes polyamideimide (PAI) and Fe2O3. The sliding material can also include solid lubricant and hard materials. Alternatively, the base coating is formed of diamond-like carbon and applied to the piston ring by physical vapor deposition (PVD). In this case, the base coating includes protuberances or bumps, and the sliding material is disposed between protuberances of the base coating.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Federal-Mogul LLCInventors: James R. Toth, Matt Pedigo, Troy Kantola
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Patent number: 9945482Abstract: A seal for sealing between a first member and a second member, including a first annular insert and a second annular insert axially spaced from the first annular insert. An elastomeric body includes a first portion over-molded on the first annular insert and a second portion over-molded on the second annular insert and an intermediate web extending between the first and second portions. The first and second portions including an annular flap extending from the first and second annular inserts that in an un-installed condition, extend radially relative to the first and second annular inserts and in an installed position are adapted to be compressed between the annular inserts and a surface of the first and second members.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General PartnershipInventor: John B. Wagner
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Patent number: 9945483Abstract: A system includes a first surface, a second surface, and a sealing system operable to provide an aerodynamic seal between the first surface and the second surface. The second surface may be a surface to be sealed. The sealing system includes a first member and a base. The first member includes a first portion and a bulb coupled to the first portion. The first portion has one or more projections and is adapted to couple the first member to the first surface. The base includes a plurality of feet, a plurality of arms, and an arched portion. The plurality of feet are adapted to be positioned against the second surface. The plurality of arms are adapted to accept the bulb. The arched portion forms a preloaded seal adapted to seal against the second surface when air pressure is exerted against a side of the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Kent W. Benner, Roland A. Creswell, James K. Lash, William Alfred Thomas, Jr.
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Patent number: 9945484Abstract: A seal strip (60A, 60B, 60C, 60F, 60G, 60H, 60J) with an imperforate width-spanning portion (64) first and second rounded edges (65, 66) and one or more strip-thickening elements (67, 68, 74, 76, 82, 84, 90, 91) between the rounded edges. The strip-thickening elements may have transverse slots (80, 86, 88, 93L, 93R, 72, 78) for increased flexibility of the strip. The strip-thickening elements may also have perforations (92) or gaps (69) to admit coolant and/or to reduce weight. Folded embodiments (60A, 60B) may have dimples (70) on the width-spanning portion (64) to limit bending of the folded portions (67, 68, 74, 76). The seal may be slidably mounted in opposed slots (58A, 58B) in respective adjacent turbine components (54A, 54B), filling a width (W) of the slots, and a side of the seal may be cooled by compressed air (48).Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Frank Moehrle, Andrew R. Narcus, John Carella, Jean-Max Millon Sainte-Claire
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Patent number: 9945485Abstract: A seal assembly includes a seal body having a space formed therein; a seal carrier held within the space, the seal carrier being selectively positionable between a sealing position and a rotation position by moving along a carrying path; at least one seal carried by the seal carrier; and a hermetic seal held within the space out of the carrying path of the seal carrier, the hermetic seal being configured to be abraded away by a rotating element that the hermetic seal is pressing against.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions US, Inc.Inventors: Timothy F. Miller, Christopher Berg
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Patent number: 9945486Abstract: A valve assembly having a valve housing, the valve housing defining a passageway. A flapper valve arranged within the passageway is coupled to a rotatable valve shaft. A flexible wall, sealed along opposed edges to the valve housing, is controllable to at least two positions. The first position seals against the flapper valve and the second position releases the flapper valve allowing for ready movement of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Gordon Hill
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Patent number: 9945487Abstract: A check valve including a valve body and a flapper assembly, the valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, an interior cavity, and a port in the interior cavity; the flapper assembly movable between an open position, providing fluid communication between the inlet and outlet, and a closed position, isolating the inlet from the outlet, the flapper assembly including a resilient body and a spring assembly, the spring assembly configured to bias the flap portion of the resilient body towards the closed position, the spring assembly including a spring and a backing plate mounted on opposite surfaces of the resilient body and configured to increase the stiffness of the intermediate portion of the resilient body.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Mueller International, LLCInventors: Ashraf Abouelleil, Julian Ramirez, Purushottam Savalia
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Patent number: 9945488Abstract: A valve actuation apparatus is provided. The apparatus may comprise a mechanical activation device, a primer, an explosive cord, and a gas-generating device. The valve actuation apparatus may actuate a valve system, which opens a valve and allows airflow to inflate an inflatable emergency evacuation slide for an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventor: James Baglini, Jr.
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Patent number: 9945489Abstract: A safety valve mounted on a container and configured to release gas in a container in the case where the temperature rises, in which the safety is secured and a cost reduction is achieved. A movable body 12 includes a shaft portion 21 on which a compression coil spring 13 is fitted and a flange portion 22 configured to come into contact with a fusible alloy 11 by being urged by the compression coil spring 13. The flange portion 22 of the movable body 12 is provided with through holes 35 configured to discharge the fused fusible alloy 11 into a compression coil spring arrangement space 30.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunihiko Daido, Masashi Matsuoka, Akira Yamashita, Shusuke Inagi
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Patent number: 9945490Abstract: SMA valve for controlling pressurized air supply to an air cell in comprising: a valve housing; a valve element (4) which is moveably suspended with respect to a mounting plate (30) in the housing between a closed position and an open position of the valve; a spring element adapted to exert a bias force on the valve element (4) to the closed position; a SMA wire (1) arranged such that shortening of the SMA wire upon exceeding its threshold temperature pulls the valve element to the closed position; a conductor (20) arranged on the valve element (4) in contact with the SMA wire (1) and arranged such that it comes into contact with a conducting surface (34) on the mounting plate (30) to close an electrical circuit when the valve element reaches its open position; a control unit arranged to supply electrical power to the SMA wire and to detect closure of the electrical circuit, and arranged to reduce the electrical power supply to the SMA wire when detecting closure of the electrical circuit, characterized in thType: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE ABInventors: Frank Dankbaar, Anders Grönhage
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Patent number: 9945491Abstract: A device for actuating a valve, comprising a casing, said casing exhibiting a transparent region and said casing preferentially having been formed from an upper part and a lower part, a transmission assembly, an electric motor and a base board for attaching electrical components, wherein LEDs or a multicolor LED and an optical waveguide have been arranged in the casing, preferentially on the base board, the position or another function of the valve being indicated by the LEDs lighting up, and the optical waveguide collimating and focusing the light of the LEDs for the purpose of indicating the position or malfunction.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AGInventors: Juergen Stumpp, Stefan Buergi
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Patent number: 9945492Abstract: A solenoid assembly for providing control over fluid pressure distribution in a transmission, where the solenoid assembly includes a sleeve, a valve portion substantially contained within the sleeve, an armature located within the sleeve, a plunger connected to the armature and in contact with the valve, and a housing located within the sleeve in proximity to the armature. The armature is moveable relative to the sleeve and the housing, and the valve portion includes a valve, where the movement of the valve is controlled by the movement of the armature. The valve is biased towards an open position to provide a fluid pressure balance between multiple ports.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Marc Timmermans, Eddy Wilgenhof, Marie-Noelle Gris, An Huyghe, Peter Steylaerts, Koen Vermolen, Johan Van De Plas
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Patent number: 9945493Abstract: An electromagnetic valve includes a valve compartment inside an end tubular portion of a housing, a valve element provided in the valve compartment and movable to open or close a valve port, a guide member slidably supporting the valve element, a shaft contacting an end of the valve element to move the valve element, and a pressure release passage extending through a part of the end of the valve element which does not contact the shaft. An inner compartment of the valve element communicates with the valve port through the pressure release passage in a closed state of the valve element.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: HAMANAKODENSO CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoaki Warashina, Takao Ishida, Masashi Sugano
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Patent number: 9945494Abstract: A pneumatic system for operating a hydraulic valve is provided. The system may include: a first piston set; a first connector attached to the first piston operably connecting the first piston; a first spring biasing the first piston to move in an axial direction; a second port in the first housing; a second piston set with in a second cavity defined by a second housing; a second connector attached to the second piston, a second spring biasing the second piston to move in an axial direction; a first port in the second housing; and a second port in the second housing configured to provide fluid communication with in the second cavity at a second end of the second piston.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SPX Flow, Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Landrum
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Patent number: 9945495Abstract: A reprogrammable testing circuit for testing different types of valves may obtain a direction limit for a valve; obtain a test direction input for the valve; determine whether the direction limit of the valve has been reached or when there is an attempt to exceed it based on a current position of the valve, the test direction input, a valve test procedure; run a customized test on the valve in a direction of the direction input based on determining that the direction limit has not been reached; actively comparing the current position of the valve with the direction limit while running the customized test; and discontinue the customized test when the current position of the valve reaches the direction limit.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Tarek Abudawood, Mohammad Essam Bajowda, Saad Dhaffer Aldosary, Mohammad Hamed Alharbi
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Patent number: 9945496Abstract: Structure of control valve body of automatic transmission has valve body enclosures having channels on opposing surfaces thereof; a separate plate sandwiched between the valve body enclosures for defining oil passages on both sides of the separate plate; and an orifice provided at the separate plate. The oil passages on both sides of the separate plate, which are upstream and downstream side oil passages located on upstream and downstream sides of the separate plate, communicate with each other through the orifice. Depth h, in a part facing to the orifice, of the channel corresponding to the downstream side oil passage is set to be shallower than depth of the channel corresponding to the upstream side oil passage, and the depth h of the channel in the part facing to the orifice and a diameter d of the orifice are set so as to satisfy relationship of h?3d.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Masaru Shimada, Hideki Ishii, Masato Urushibata, Akio Nonomura, Kenji Matsumoto, Hideki Nakazawa
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Patent number: 9945498Abstract: A medical device assembly including a first member having a first abutment, a second member rotatably connected to the first member and having a second abutment, and an idler member having third abutment and a fourth abutment. The first member is rotatably fixed to the second member. The idler member is free to rotate relative to the first member and the second member until the first abutment abuts the third abutment and until the second abutment abuts the fourth abutment. The first member, the second member and the idler member all rotate relative to each other about a single axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATIONInventors: Wojciech K. Timoszyk, James Dulin Reavill
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Patent number: 9945499Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an interlocking pipe obtained by easily and precisely shaping a pipe with a circular cross section or with the edges of the cross section nearly forming a circle in a non-loose manner, so as to provide excellent machining performance when the interlocking pipe is cut off and provide excellent operation efficiency for the apparatus itself. A metal band plate is helically wound onto a core member with a circular cross section or with the edges of the cross section nearly forming a circle. Clamping device is freely assembled at a front end of the code member in a detachable and switchable manner, and synchronously rotate in accordance with instructions from a main computing-controlling member, so as to prevent the metal band plate from being loosened, thereby to manufacture the interlocking pipe efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SHOWA RASENKAN SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD.Inventors: Norifusa Suzuki, Ryouichi Fukabori
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Patent number: 9945500Abstract: A flexible pipe suitable for transporting fresh water is described. The pipe has a circular cross-section when it is pressurized and which can collapse in on itself. The pipe has an outer diameter of between 1 and 7 meters and a length of between 200 and 3000 meters and includes an envelope which is sealed from the transported liquid, and at least two peripheral reinforcing elements increasing the mechanical resistance of the pipe to a positive differential pressure so that the pipe can support a positive differential pressure of between 1 and at least 10×105 Pa without bursting or cracking.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: BBLM ASSOCIESInventors: Frank Daveloose, Claude Lebelle, Gilbert Mayor de Montricher
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Patent number: 9945501Abstract: A plug unit and system for connecting capillary tubes, especially for high-performance liquid chromatography, with a plug capillary tube projecting through a hole of a plug housing, which is detachably connectable to a bushing unit. The plug capillary tube front end projects into a capillary tube receptacle in the bushing unit with its end face essentially aligned opposite a front end of a bushing capillary tube or a bushing capillary tube opening of the bushing unit, the end face of which is butted against. The plug housing applies a force, with its end face facing the plug capillary tube end, directly or indirectly on an annular sealing element surrounding the plug capillary tube in the region of the front end of the plug capillary tube such that the front end of the plug capillary tube is sealed through deformation of the sealing element against the capillary tube receptacle opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: DIONEX SOFTRON GMBHInventors: Hermann Hochgraeber, Adolf Satzinger
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Patent number: 9945502Abstract: The coupling having hammer ears is a cam and groove coupling wherein the female portion of the coupling is fitted with a collar formed with hammer ears that provide a location designed to safely receive hammer blows without otherwise damaging the cam and groove coupling. The coupling having hammer ears includes the female connection of a cam and groove coupling and a collar.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventor: Jocelyne LaJoie
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Patent number: 9945503Abstract: A rotate-to-press inflation adaptor is provided for use with an English valve and includes a valve connector having a side surface recessed inwardly to form a positioning cavity having an inside surface in which slide channels are formed and two opposite ends respectively forming a valve opening and a coupler opening in communication with the positioning cavity. The coupler includes an air charging hole extending axially therethrough and an outer surface on which an external thread and two slide blocks are formed for being slidably received in the slide channels for reciprocal movement. The rotary knob has a through hole in which an internal thread is formed and the knob body is fit over and combinable with the valve connector in a rotatable manner with the internal and external threads engaging each other. An air tube is connected to the coupler.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: BETO ENGINEERING AND MARKETING CO., LTD.Inventor: Lopin Wang
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Patent number: 9945504Abstract: The invention relates to a lining element (10) for the rehabilitation of a pipeline, having a carrier layer (16) consisting of an expandable, resin-absorbent material which, in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the carrier layer (16), has a first expansion rigidity, and a stiffening structure (24) which, in the longitudinal direction (L1, L2) of the carrier layer (16), has a second expansion rigidity, wherein the first expansion rigidity is lower than the second expansion rigidity and wherein the stiffening structure (24) is incorporated into the carrier layer (16).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Trelleborg Pipe Seals Duisburg GmbHInventor: Andreas Bichler
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Patent number: 9945505Abstract: Apparatus and methods for lining a pipe line having a first pipe section in communication with a second pipe section where the first pipe section has an inside diameter greater than an inside diameter of the second pipe section. A transition tube having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the second pipe section and a length substantially equal to or greater than the length of the first pipe section is inverted into the pipe line along with a liner. A resinous material applied to the liner cures and hardens the liner after inversion. The transition tube creates a surface against which the liner can be compressed to help prevent the liner from being overstretched in the wider first pipe section.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: LMK Technologies, LLCInventor: Larry W. Kiest
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Patent number: 9945506Abstract: A seismic slip joint may include a fixed sealing surface, a moveable sealing surface, and a solenoid device. The moveable sealing surface is configured to engage the fixed sealing surface to form a sealing interface during a deactivated state. The sealing interface may be a juncture that precludes passage of a fluid therethrough. The solenoid device is configured to switch between the deactivated state and an activated state. The solenoid device may include a piston and a spring structure. The piston is connected to the moveable sealing surface. The spring structure exerts a force on the piston so as to press the moveable sealing surface against the fixed sealing surface to form the sealing interface during the deactivated state. The piston may be configured to compress the spring structure and retract during the activated state so as to separate the moveable sealing surface from the fixed sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: GE—Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Eric P. Loewen, Scott Pfeffer, Maria E. Pfeffer