Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 9951861
    Abstract: An automatic transmission uses 6 shift elements applied in combinations of four to establish ten forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The automatic transmission uses a hydraulic control system to control engagement of the six elements, control engagement of a torque converter bypass clutch, control engagement of a parking pawl, and to provide fluid for a hydrodynamic torque converter and for lubrication. The parking pawl is disengaged in response to engagement of two of the six shift elements and remains disengaged in response to engagement of other shift elements. A single valve controls several different functions associated with the two-pass torque converter. Pressurized fluid is provided by a variable displacement engine driven pump and also by an electric pump. A priority valve reduces lubrication flow when other fluid demands are high as indicated by the pump displacement control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Derek Kinch
  • Patent number: 9951862
    Abstract: A drive device includes a gear having a hole; a shaft that passes through the hole; and a grease composition that is held in a clearance between the shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the hole. The gear rotates on a peripheral surface of the shaft. At least one of the gear and the shaft is made of a resin. The clearance is in a range of 10 to 110 ?m. The grease composition contains a hydrocarbon base oil and lithium soap serving as a thickener. A weight ratio of the hydrocarbon base oil to the lithium soap is in a range of 94.5:5.5 to 96.0:4.0. A consistency of the grease composition is in a range of 360 to 400.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kabata, Kumiko Seo, Masahiro Ishida, Naoki Matsuda, Teruyoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9951863
    Abstract: A controller is configured to determine a current gear ratio step determined on the basis of gear ratio calculation Rg to be actual gear ratio of revolution Nm of main shaft 3a and revolution Nc of counter shaft 3b as well as gear ratio map for defining gear ratio variable allowance range for each of gear ratio steps. When making a decision of status of the determined current gear ratio step, the controller is configured to make delay timer get started when the gear ratio calculation Rg goes within the gear ratio variable allowance range of next step and halt to make a decision of the current gear ratio step while the delay timer is activated. The controller is also configured to make a decision of the status of the current gear ratio step after a predetermined delayed time Tn*(n=1, 2, . . . ) is elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Iwasaki, Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Hiroyuki Yoneyama, Akira Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9951864
    Abstract: This invention provides a control apparatus for an automatic transmission, which includes a plurality of engaging mechanisms. The plurality of engaging mechanisms includes a mechanical engaging mechanism configured to function as a brake. The mechanical engaging mechanism can be switched between a first state in which rotation of a rotational element is restricted only in one direction and a second state in which the rotation is restricted in both directions. When switching from the first state to the second state, the control apparatus executes engagement control to set a plurality of hydraulic friction engaging mechanisms in an engaging state. Control to set a predetermined hydraulic friction engaging mechanism in a half-engaging state and brake an output member can be executed in parallel to the engagement control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuya Tachibanada, Yutaka Ishikawa, Aaron Hoover
  • Patent number: 9951865
    Abstract: An automatic transmission of this invention includes a plurality of engaging mechanisms, and the plurality of engaging mechanisms include a mechanical engaging mechanism that functions as a brake. The mechanical engaging mechanism can switch a rotational element between a first state in which rotation is restricted only in one direction and a second state in which rotation is restricted in both directions. When switching from the first state to the second state, engagement control is started in advance for at least one of the plurality of engaging mechanisms to be set in an engaging state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuya Tachibanada, Yutaka Ishikawa, Aaron Hoover
  • Patent number: 9951866
    Abstract: A shift apparatus mounted on a vehicle includes: a shift switching member including valley sections according to a shift position; a positioning member provided to establish the shift position in a state of being fitted into any of the valley sections; an actuator for driving the shift switching member; and a driving force transmission mechanism including a driving-side member on an actuator side and a driven-side member on a shift switching member side, and rotating the shift switching member, wherein the driving-side and driven-side members are able to relatively rotate in an engaged state by a predetermined amount of backlash, and a position of a valley bottom of the valley section is configured to be learned, based on a difference between rotational angles on the actuator side and the shift switching member side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinya Kuwahara, Yutaka Uchida, Shinya Horii
  • Patent number: 9951867
    Abstract: A piston damper has a cylinder including an attachment portion; a piston reciprocatingly disposed inside the cylinder; and a rod including an attachment portion that is moved synchronously with the piston. Each of the attachment portions of the cylinder and the rod is adapted to connect to different one of a first member and a second member to damp a movement of the other member relative to one member among both the members. At least one of the attachment portion of the cylinder and the attachment portion of the rod is formed with a fitting hole, and the attachment portion is axially supported in a fitted state between the fitting hole and an axis relative to at least one of the first member and the second member, and includes an urging device absorbing looseness of the fitting hole relative to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Akinori Harada
  • Patent number: 9951868
    Abstract: A piston ring for an internal combustion engine or for a compressor, in particular a piston ring includes an exterior running surface (3), two flanks (5, 6), and an interior circumferential surface (7); the running surface (3) has a profiled section with a groove (2), the groove (2) being located between an upper portion (3?) of the running surface and a lower portion (3?) of the running surface in relation to the cross-section of the piston ring (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Friedberg
    Inventor: Markus Mahl
  • Patent number: 9951869
    Abstract: A sealing ring for connecting a belled end of a female pipe to a spigot end of a male pipe is disclosed. The sealing ring includes a sealing portion joined to a restraining portion. Preferably the sealing portion is made of an elastomeric material and the reinforcing portion is made of a polymer and does not include a metal reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: TRELLEBORG PIPE SEALS LELYSTAD BV
    Inventors: Bernal Lopez-Chaves, Alan Guzowski
  • Patent number: 9951870
    Abstract: A wiper for the sealing arrangement of a cylinder arrangement having a cylinder and a piston rod, having a support lip facing in the direction of the space that is to be sealed off, and a wiper lip facing towards the surroundings, as well as a holding element from which the support lip and the wiper lip protrude, wherein the free end of the wiper lip is bent in the direction of the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Kristian Mueller-Niehuus, Hans-Werner Guenther
  • Patent number: 9951871
    Abstract: A brush seal assembly may seal a gap between a diaphragm and a rotor of a turbine. The brush seal assembly includes a brush, one end of which is inserted in a rotor facing surface of a diaphragm while the other end thereof protrudes toward a rotor, and a support strip spaced apart from one side of the brush so that one side end portion of the support strip is fixed and the other side end portion thereof supports one side of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DOOSAN Heavy Industries Construction CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Dan Hasnedl
  • Patent number: 9951872
    Abstract: A mechanical face seal includes a seal ring, the seal ring including an inner circumferential surface, an outer circumferential surface, and a generally annular body extending between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces. An annular flange projects radially from the annular body to an outer perimeter of the flange and a sealing band is on the annular flange. A slot may extend radially into the seal ring from the inner circumferential surface of the seal ring. A cooling channel may be in and extend generally circumferentially through at least one of the annular body and annular flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Arthur Thorson, Dennis Michael Turczyn, Thierry Andre Marchione
  • Patent number: 9951873
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a sliding part is provided with a mechanism to generate dynamic pressure by means of relative sliding of a pair of sealing faces of the sliding part, which is characterized in that one sealing face is provided with a land 10 for generating dynamic pressure facing the high-pressure fluid side and a seal area 11 facing the low-pressure fluid side, wherein the land 10 and seal area 11 are positioned away from each other in the radial direction and the areas of the sealing face other than the land 10 and seal area 11 are formed lower than these areas to constitute fluid communication paths 12. The fluid entering the grooves for generating dynamic pressure formed on the sealing face is allowed to circulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Inoue, Takeshi Hosoe, Yuta Negishi, Yuichiro Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 9951874
    Abstract: A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of mounting portions extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room, and a cavity is formed between the seal and the aperture to allow room to route wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Lifetime Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin E Kseizopolski
  • Patent number: 9951875
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve body central axis. A valve actuator is operably connected to the valve body and is located such that a central axis of the valve actuator is nonparallel to the valve body central axis. A strut extends from the valve body to the valve actuator to support the valve actuator in a fixed relationship to the valve body. A pneumatically-actuated butterfly valve includes a valve body having a valve body central axis and a valve disc. A pneumatic actuator is located such that its central axis is nonparallel to the valve body central axis. The actuator includes a piston disposed in a cylinder, the piston operably connected to the valve disc. A strut extends from the valve body to support the actuator in a fixed relationship to the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis P. Marocchini, Scott L. Lothian
  • Patent number: 9951876
    Abstract: A double eccentric valve includes a valve seat having a seat surface, a valve element having a sealing surface, a passage in which the valve seat and the valve element are arranged, and a rotary shaft which rotates the valve element attached to an attaching part of the rotary shaft. With respect to the valve element and the valve hole, a main axis of the rotary shaft is doubly eccentric in a passage direction and a direction perpendicular to the passage. By rotation about the main axis, the valve element moves between a fully closed position where the sealing surface contacts the seat surface and a fully open position where the sealing surface is furthest away from the seat surface. A second axis of the attaching part extends parallel to the main axis and eccentrically in a radial direction of the rotary shaft from the main axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Asanuma, Sunao Kitamura, Hiroshi Misumi
  • Patent number: 9951877
    Abstract: A system including a valve trim having a plurality of flow paths, wherein each flow path of the plurality of flow paths includes a series of stages, and a plurality of expansion zones disposed in series with the series or stages, wherein each expansion zone of the plurality of expansion zones is disposed between a sequential set of adjacent upstream and downstream stages of the series of stages, wherein each expansion zone of the plurality of expansion zones is configured to flow a fluid in a direction that is generally transverse to directions of flow in both the adjacent-upstream stage and the adjacent-downstream stage, and wherein each expansion zone of the plurality of expansion zones is in line with one of the adjacent-upstream stage or the adjacent-downstream stage and offset from a different one of the corresponding adjacent-upstream stage or the adjacent-downstream stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Grace, Martin O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9951878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostat valve for a combustion engine, comprising a housing which comprises several connections, and comprising a hollow valve body which comprises a shell surface which is ball-shaped at least sectionally, which valve body is mounted in the housing rotatable about a rotational axis by a rotational drive, wherein the valve body comprises at least one main opening and at least one control opening, wherein at least the control opening is limited by the shell surface and can be selectively brought into overlap with one of the connections of the housing by rotating the valve body, wherein the shell surface comprises at least one deepening in relation to the surrounding surface of the shell surface adjacent to the at least one control opening limited by the shell surface, wherein the deepening is provided such that upon rotation of the valve body, in order to bring the at least one control opening into overlap with one of the connections of the housing, fluid can flow through the deep
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Carsten Heldberg
  • Patent number: 9951879
    Abstract: A valve includes a lower valve housing, a diaphragm, and an upper valve housing. A top surface of a piezoelectric pump is bonded to a bottom surface of the lower valve housing. A circular hole portion is provided in a central portion of a region of the diaphragm that opposes a projecting portion of the lower valve housing. The diaphragm is bonded to the upper valve housing and the lower valve housing, and a divided interior of a valve housing configures a first lower valve chamber, a second lower valve chamber, a first upper valve chamber, and a second upper valve chamber. A groove is located in a wall portion of the upper valve housing that opposes the diaphragm in the first upper valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kotani, Takenobu Maeda, Atsuhiko Hirata
  • Patent number: 9951880
    Abstract: A faucet including a molded waterway assembly having a plurality of tubes overmolded within a valve interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignees: Delta Faucet Company, Mercury Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Judson Thomas, Alfred Charles Nelson, Derek Allen Brown, Joshua R. Barber, Thomas C. Pinette
  • Patent number: 9951881
    Abstract: A solenoid operated unit for detecting and bleeding undesired liquid present in desired liquid of different resistivity and specific gravity, the two liquids being immiscible with each other; with an electrical arrangement having a pair of parallel sensor pins and a pair of serial sensor pins. A dual function diaphragm ensures suitability for use with contaminated fluids. A pressure equalization outlet ensures smooth and speedy bleeding of undesired liquid. A modular mechanical sensor, when provided, provides redundancy such that desired fluid is not drained in situations of any electro-mechanical failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROTEX AUTOMATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Nirav R Shah
  • Patent number: 9951882
    Abstract: Provided is a cap for a handwheel that opens and closes a valve, capable of being readily attached to the handwheel without requiring a large space around the handwheel. The cap has easily switchable two working modes: One is a co-rotation mode where the cap is capable of rotating with the handwheel and the other is an independent rotation mode where the cap is capable of rotating independently of the handwheel. The cap has an internal casing to be securely fitted to the handwheel; an external casing being rotatable around its axis and having the internal casing in an interior thereof; a clutch for connecting the external casing with the internal casing and for disconnecting the former from the latter; and a maintaining member for keeping the external casing rotatable independently of the internal casing when they are disconnected by the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Yusuke Iwanaga, Hidenobu Sato, Takahiro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9951883
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method of measuring a coil current of a hydraulic valve. The apparatus includes a first coil current measurement unit configured to receive a first coil current control signal from a coil current control device during an ON operating section of the hydraulic valve in operating sections of the hydraulic valve operated by receiving power of a battery, and measure a first coil current value flowing through a coil of the hydraulic valve using a first switching element to be switched ON, and a second coil current measurement unit configured to receive a second coil current control signal from the coil current control device during an OFF operating section of the hydraulic valve in the operating sections of the hydraulic valve operated by receiving power of the battery, and measure a second coil current value flowing through the coil of the hydraulic valve using a second switching element to be switched ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jung-Wook Seo, Kwan-Seek Kim, Chang-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9951884
    Abstract: A temperature control valve includes a main body, a metal valve assembly and a thermoelectric chip unit. The main body has a first inlet and a first outlet. The metal valve assembly is movably disposed in the main body and includes inlet and outlet ends, the metal valve assembly has a closed end engaged with the main body and an operating end operable from outside of the main body to operate the metal valve assembly, and the operating end is operated to control the first inlet, the first outlet, the inlet end and the outlet end to communicate or non-communicate with one another. The thermoelectric chip unit has a first end abutting against the closed end and a second end and is disposed on the main body, one of the first and second ends is a cold end, and the other is a hot end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HUO JHIH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Feng Liang, Chun-Lin Yeh, Ching-Lung Lai
  • Patent number: 9951885
    Abstract: A pipe pulling technique where an adaptor is attached to the end of the pipe prior to the pipe being pulled underground, for example through a drilled hole. Attaching the adaptor to the pipe end prior to the pipe being pulled underground is faster and reduces danger to workers compared to the conventional process of attaching the adaptor to the end of the pipe after the pipe has been pulled underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: BOREHEAD, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Ziola, Aaron Faken, Jason Lavalley, Jesse Kilde
  • Patent number: 9951886
    Abstract: An arrangement for retrieving a laydown head to a surface vessel from a pipeline end section that is secured to a pipeline termination skid at the seabed. The arrangement is detachably mountable to the pipeline termination skid and comprises a base frame configured to bear against the pipeline termination skid when the arrangement is mounted to the pipeline termination skid; and one or more rigid supporting units provided on the base frame for supporting the laydown head from below, each supporting unit comprising an upwardly directed seat for receiving the laydown head and an actuating device for moving the seat in the vertical direction. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to a system comprising such an arrangement and a pipeline termination skid, and a method for retrieving a laydown head by means of such an arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Curt Lejon, Halvard Eneberg
  • Patent number: 9951887
    Abstract: A pipe clamp wedge is disclosed that can be used with an existing pipe clamp anchor to secure a brake line pipe to a rail car. The wedge has a cradle portion having a concave side receiving the pipe, and a convex wedge side opposite the concave side. The cradle portion has a height increasing in a longitudinal direction, and a pair of opposed channels on lateral sides of the wedge are adapted to receive tabs on the pipe anchor. A pair of tabs on the wedge extends in the opposite direction from the tabs on the pipe anchor on either side of the cradle portion. Thus, the wedge can be slid onto the anchor, tightening around the pipe as the wedge moves in the longitudinal direction onto the anchor, and the wedge is dimensioned so that when the wedge cannot move further, the tabs on the wedge extend beyond the pipe anchor and may be bent up (toward the railcar) to secure the wedge. The parts of the combination are adapted so that sliding the pipe onto the anchor and bending the tabs may be done with a hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: STRATO, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Foxx, Zhen Liu, Jennifer Mak, Larry Hixon
  • Patent number: 9951888
    Abstract: A line separating/management device for an agricultural system includes multiple recesses that each receive a respective line and each is formed on a peripheral edge of a body of the line separating/management device. The line separating/management device also includes an opening extending through the body along a longitudinal axis of the line separating/management device, wherein the body surrounds the opening along a circumferential axis of the line separating/management device, wherein the opening receives another line. The line separating/management device further includes a fastening structure having a concave surface formed on the peripheral edge of the body, wherein the fastening structure receives a fastener to secure a further line to the concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Cale Nolan Boriack
  • Patent number: 9951889
    Abstract: A cable tie system has a cable tie member and a cable retaining member. The cable tie member has a base with an inner facing surface and an outer facing surface, a pair of cable tie strips connected to the base and projecting outward from the inner facing surface, and a locking member connected to the base and projecting outward from outer facing surface. The cable retaining member has a retainer housing with a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of tie strip receiving passageways complimentary to the cable tie strips, a resilient tie strip engaging arm positioned in each tie strip receiving passageway and in releasable contact with one of the cable tie strips when the cable tie strips are positioned in the tie strip receiving passageways, and a release member connected to an end of each resilient tie strip engaging arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Ltd
    Inventors: Martyn Reed, Roy MacNaughton
  • Patent number: 9951890
    Abstract: A sealing member for sealing over an aperture in a surface. The member comprises a flange formed from a resilient material for sealing against the surface around the aperture in the surface. A strengthening member supports the flange. A retaining portion formed from the resilient material is provided on an outside surface of the strengthening member to secure the strengthening member to the flange. The retaining portion is integrally formed with the flange via a through hole in the strengthening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Lake Products Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Leo Haynes, Christopher Charles Morrow, Gabriel Ioan Giurgiu
  • Patent number: 9951891
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for making a multilayer composite pipe. The multilayer composite pipe comprises an innermost layer (2) made of plastic. The pipe has a seamless metal layer (4) or a metal layer (4) having an axial, non-overlapping seam. The outer surface of the metal layer is treated for changing its outer appearance. There-after a transparent outermost layer (8) is provided on the outer surface of the metal layer. The structure of the pipe is such that the pipe can be permanently bent to certain angles without significant spring back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Ralf Winterstein, Stephan Muller
  • Patent number: 9951892
    Abstract: A polyamide resin composition is provided which contains an anti-aging agent together with a deterioration inhibitor, such as a metal compound or a silica-based inorganic compound, for preventing deterioration caused by, for example, an acid component or a halogen component contained in a refrigerant or an oil, and which satisfactorily produces an anti-aging effect expected by adding the anti-aging agent. For producing a polyamide resin composition containing an (a) polyamide resin, a (b) polyolefin-based elastomer, at least one (c) deterioration inhibitor selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, oxides and basic salts of divalent or trivalent metals, and silica-based inorganic compounds, and a (d) anti-aging agent, a mixture prepared by mixing and kneading the (c) deterioration inhibitor and (b) polyolefin-based elastomer and a mixture prepared by mixing and kneading the (a) polyamide resin and the (d) anti-aging agent are mixed and kneaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Kawai
  • Patent number: 9951893
    Abstract: A flexible pipe comprising a tubular layer comprising a polymer that is crosslinked to a greater degree at an outer region of the tubular layer than at an inner region of the tubular layer, wherein the outer region is defined by the outer surface of the tubular layer to a depth of 5% of the total thickness of the tubular layer and the inner region is defined by the inner surface of the tubular layer to a depth of 5% of the total thickness of the tubular layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Laycock, James Latto
  • Patent number: 9951894
    Abstract: A pipe component with an outer pipe element and at least one inner pipe element arranged inside the outer pipe element is provided. The outer pipe element is formed as a flexible pipe element with a plurality of projections, in particular corrugations, and/or at least one corrugated portion. On at least one point the outer pipe element and the at least one inner pipe element each have a projection pointing to the outside in a radial direction, wherein the outside of the projection of the at least one inner pipe element at least partly flatly rests against the inside of the projection of the outer pipe element or of another inner pipe element, so that by means of the projections a connection exists between the at least one inner pipe element and the outer pipe element. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing a pipe component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Senior IP GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Zeisberg, Stephan Hillebrand
  • Patent number: 9951895
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting tubular assemblies includes a base member defining a first bore configured to receive a tube therein. A retaining band defines a second bore for receiving a portion of the base member. The retaining band defines an engagement feature on a radially outward surface configured to engage a locking mechanism of a fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Petrarca, Richard M. Murphy, Jose Cardiel, Brittany Zabinski
  • Patent number: 9951896
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for coupling a first pipe to a second pipe comprises: a body; a first flange and a second flange; and a gasket. The body, first flange, second flange, and gasket are dimensioned to have an assembled condition. The gasket, first flange, and second flange are coaxial. The gasket is axially sandwiched between an inboard face of the first flange and an inboard face of the second flange. The body encircles the gasket, first flange, and second flange and has a first portion axially outboard of the first flange and a second portion axially outboard of the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Central Plastics LLC
    Inventor: Harvey E. Svetlik
  • Patent number: 9951897
    Abstract: An elastic seal element seals a fluid passage between a first component and a second component from the surroundings, the fluid passage passing through the seal element. The seal element has a first bead, which provides a sealing line to sealingly contact the first component around the fluid passage. The seal element further has a second bead, which provides a second sealing line to sealingly contact the second component around the fluid passage. The seal element has a tubular shape, a tubular casing extending between the first bead at the first end of the seal element and the second bead at the second end of the seal element, wherein the tubular casing allows a transversal offset of the second bead relative to the first bead to seal the fluid passage by the seal element even when the second component is offset transversely relative to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Diekmeyer, Yves Hansen, Joachim Hein, Dirk Hillbring, Hauke Kraus
  • Patent number: 9951898
    Abstract: An anti-tangling coupling device has an inner portion which is rotatably engaged with an outer portion. Fluid containment devices such as hoses can be coupled at either end of the device. One hose is secured to the inner portion while a second hose is secured to the outer portion, with the hoses being positioned at opposite ends of each other. Fluid communication is maintained throughout the inner portion and the outer portion, allowing water to flow between hoses coupled with the device. The rotational engagement is achieved by a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly including an inner race, and outer race, and ball bearings secured in cages. The ball bearings are capable of rotational movement (imparted from contact with the first race and second race), but are prevented from translational movement by a cage. As a result the likelihood of tangling between coupled hoses is greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin V Booher, Sr., Paul J Brown
  • Patent number: 9951899
    Abstract: An aseptic fluid connector having a male connector and a female connector engageable to aseptically transfer fluid therethrough. The male connector includes a closure and a piercing member comprising a hollow shaft for receiving fluid therein, a tip, and at least one port in fluid communication with the interior of the hollow shaft for passage of the fluid therethrough. The closure and/or the shaft is movable between (i) a first position wherein the closure closes the port(s), and (ii) a second position opening the port(s). The female connector includes a pierceable septum. The male and female connector are engageable such that the piercing member pierces the pierceable septum. Only when the pierceable member has fully penetrated the pierceable septum can the closure and/or the shaft move from the first position, to the second position to aseptically transfer fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DR. PY INSTITUTE, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Jean-Abraham Py
  • Patent number: 9951900
    Abstract: An external seal for sealing against an elbow fitting of a fluid line has an elbow clamp and a seal. The elbow clamp has a first part that is sized and shaped to engage the outer radiused curve of the elbow fitting, and a second part that engages the inner radiused curve of the elbow fitting. The first part defines a tool opening and a tool engagement profile sealingly engages a valve in axial alignment with the tool opening. A clamping member brings the first part into engagement with the outer radiused curve of the elbow fitting. The seal is adjacent to the first part of the elbow clamp in line with the tool opening and seals around the tool opening between the elbow clamp and the elbow fitting when the clamping force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ivan Mazur
  • Patent number: 9951901
    Abstract: A rapid pipe freezing method including a process of wrapping the pipe with a cooling coil along the outer circumference surface of the pipe rapidly is disclosed. The method includes bending the cooling coil not to be blocked by itself so that a refrigerant flow through the inside thereof and arranging the cooling coil to form a freezing area, fixing the cooling coil to fix the cooling coil on one surface of the cover sheet such that at least one part of the freezing area may be overlapped with the cover sheet, installing the cover sheet wrapping the outer circumference surface of the pipe with the cover sheet such that the cooling coil of the freezing area may face the outer circumference surface of the pipe, and flowing a refrigerant by connecting a refrigerant cooling device to the one end of the cooling coil and the other end of the same and flowing a refrigerant through the inside of the cooling coil to freeze the inside of the pipe where the freezing area is overlapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ikho Shin
  • Patent number: 9951902
    Abstract: A support frame assembly comprises a base and an object support member having a first position and a second position. The support frame assembly may also include a plurality of pivot arms operatively connected to the base and the object support member. At least one of the pivot arms may have an actuator for moving the object support member form the first position to the second position. The support frame assembly may also include an adjustment member operatively connected to one of the plurality of pivot arms to adjust a position of the object support member relative to the base for self-alignment between an object such as a tubular member and a drill head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Terra Sonic International, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin L. Sprout, James R. Savinkoff
  • Patent number: 9951903
    Abstract: A digital display mounting and lift bracket can be employed to mount a display device to a wall or other surface or within an enclosure. The bracket can be configured to pivot between an open and a closed position. When the bracket is in the open position, a display device will be lifted upwardly thereby facilitating access to the rear surface of the display device. The bracket can then be returned to the closed position in which the display device will be properly oriented for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Michael S. Barnes
  • Patent number: 9951904
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp attachable to a support rail of a hospital bed, for example. The clamp includes a body, first and second arms coupled to the body, wherein the first and second arms are moveable towards and away from one another. The clamp further includes at least one seat clamp member pivotably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms. The clamp is attached to the support rail when the at least one seat clamp member contacts the support rail and the first and second arms are in a clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Perez, John R. Fossez, Paul Shiels
  • Patent number: 9951905
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas storage and dispensing system having descending pressure bulk storage banks in fluid communication with a supply source for CNG and high pressure storage banks in fluid communication with the descending pressure bulk storage bank, both banks being in fluid communication with fuel dispensers, wherein the delivery pressure of the CNG during simultaneous refueling of CNG powered vehicles is equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HOLYSTONE USA, LLC
    Inventor: R. Keith Barker
  • Patent number: 9951906
    Abstract: In a heater for a liquefied stream, a first heat transfer zone has a box stretching longitudinally along an axis. A first heat transfer surface is arranged inside the box, across which a first indirect heat exchanging contact is established between a liquefied stream that is to be heated and a heat transfer fluid. A second heat transfer zone is located gravitationally lower and includes a second heat transfer surface across which the heat transfer fluid is brought in a second indirect heat exchanging contact with the ambient. A downcomer fluidly connects the first heat transfer zone with the second heat transfer zone and has a first transverse portion and a first downward portion that are fluidly connected to each other via a connecting elbow portion. The connecting elbow portion, when viewed in a vertical projection on a horizontal plane, is located external to the box compared to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Roderick Kempes, Robert Lansink, Gregory Martin Parry Perkins, Leendert Johannes Arie Zoetemeijer
  • Patent number: 9951907
    Abstract: A cryogenic system to remove energy includes a heat engine to store content at a predetermined temperature; one or more fans to deliver air flow through the heat engine; a cryogenic storage unit to store cryogen and having one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine; one or more reuse pipes coupled to one or more insulated pipes to send a portion of cryogen gas flow back to the cryogenic storage for reuse; a controller to maintain the predetermined temperature; and an on-board power generator to supply operating power to the controller and the one or more fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Reflect Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd Bowdish, William Moon
  • Patent number: 9951908
    Abstract: Methods of, and apparatus for, storing and transporting a hazardous fluid, such as a combustible fuel, include methods and means, respectively, for: (a) treating the fluid to reduce its hazardous condition; (b) storing and/or transporting the treated fluid in such a manner that the risk of its hazardous condition remains reduced; (c) thereafter retreating the fluid to restore it to its original hazardous condition so that the fluid may be used in its restored condition. The hazardous fluid may be treated by adding a substance to, or removing a substance from, the fluid, or by changing the state of the fluid. For example, if the fluid is a fuel, it may be treated by cooling it to near or below its freezing temperature to reduce its combustibility, volatility, explosivity and/or ease of ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Matos
  • Patent number: 9951909
    Abstract: A LED lamp includes an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure and a base. A LED assembly comprising at least one LED is located in the enclosure and is operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. A heat sink comprises a heat dissipating portion that is at least partially exposed to the ambient environment and a heat conducting portion that is thermally coupled to the at least one LED. The heat sink is connected to the base by a snap fit connector comprising a deformable first member on one of the base or heat sink engaging a second member on the other one of the heat sink and the base. A retention member holds the first member in engagement with the second member. A seal is positioned between the heat sink and the base, the seal being compressed between the heat sink and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt Progl, David Power, Bart P. Reier
  • Patent number: 9951910
    Abstract: A LED lamp includes an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure and a base. A LED assembly includes at least one LED, where the LED is located in the enclosure and is operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. An electronics board is in the electrical path and is coupled to the base by an electrical interconnect comprising at least one base-side contact that is biased into engagement with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart P. Reier