Patents Issued in July 3, 2018
  • Patent number: 10012307
    Abstract: A shifter assembly includes a shift lever, a base, a coupling member having a toothed member and pivotably coupling the shift lever to the base, and a speed sensitive damping arrangement housed in the base. The damping arrangement includes a housing associated with the base and defining an internal cavity, a shaft disposed in the cavity and having an end extending from the housing, and a gear coupled to the shaft end extending from the housing and configured for rotation therewith, where the gear is meshingly engaged with the toothed member of the coupling member such that pivotable movement of the coupling member rotates the gear and the shaft. The gear is configured to rotate faster than the shift lever such that damping to movement of the shift lever provided by the damping arrangement is proportional to a square of a speed of movement of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Jay T TenBrink, Michael Perecki
  • Patent number: 10012308
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an electric oil pump (EOP) includes a controller calculating first revolutions per minute (RPM), second RPM and third RPM, the first RPM being EOP RPM required for control of a brake in a transmission, the second RPM being EOP RPM required for cooling of a plurality of motors, and the third RPM being EOP RPM required for lubrication of the plurality of motors, the controller comparing the second RPM with the third RPM and driving the EOP at an RPM obtained by adding the first RPM to the greater of the second RPM and the third RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Lok Song, June Ho Lee, Jong Hyun Kim, Young Chul Kim, Hak Sung Lee, Seung Jae Kang, Gyeong Cheol Kim, Kyoung Joo Kim, Yoh Han Kim
  • Patent number: 10012309
    Abstract: An electronic control unit is configured to, when the electronic control unit determines that any one of a first condition and a second condition is satisfied, preferentially execute lower limit speed ratio control. The first condition is a condition that, after the electronic control unit starts shift prohibition control, a wheel lock has occurred before a condition for cancelling the shift prohibition control is satisfied. The second condition is a condition that, after the electronic control unit starts the lower limit speed ratio control, a wheel spin has occurred before a condition for cancelling the lower limit speed ratio control is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta Kumazaki, Kazuyuki Shiiba, Tooru Matsubara, Hideharu Nohara, Masayuki Baba
  • Patent number: 10012310
    Abstract: A hydraulic control unit for an automatic transmission has a mechanically-operated oil pump (6), an electrically-operated oil pump (106) actuated while an engine (2) is automatically shut down, and a hydraulic pressure circuit (100) which controls supply of hydraulic pressure to a frictional engagement element (40, 60) to be engaged, in the automatic transmission, at a vehicle's start. In the hydraulic pressure circuit, discharge oil from the electrically-operated oil pump is drained from a predetermined drain portion (154) when a selector valve (120) is in the first state (in which the mechanically-operated oil pump is a source of the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the frictional engagement element), whereas less discharge oil is drained from the drain portion, compared to the first state, when the selector valve (120) is in the second state (in which the electrically-operated oil pump is the source of the supply of the hydraulic pressure).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koshiro Saji, Shinya Kamada
  • Patent number: 10012311
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a reverse, a low gear ratio, and a high gear ratio during default conditions where the transmission loses electronic control. The hydraulic control system also provides neutral locked turbine capability that engages clutches to lock the transmission input shaft in order to generate heat. The hydraulic control system includes a manual valve, a default enable valve, a default select valve, and a plurality of clutch regulation valves. The neutral locked turbine capability may be engaged when the manual valve is in either a park or neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian W. Whitmarsh
  • Patent number: 10012312
    Abstract: A speed change apparatus includes a transmission, a change mechanism configured to move a gear or gears so as to change gear position, a force accumulation mechanism which includes a shift spindle and a force accumulation spring. The shift spindle is provided, in a rotatable manner, with a master arm configured to operate the change mechanism. A return spring is configured to bias the master arm toward a neutral position. A sub return spring, separate from the return spring and which directly biases the shift spindle toward the neutral position, is provided between the shift spindle and a case member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Adachi, Junya Ono
  • Patent number: 10012313
    Abstract: A seal arrangement includes an annular energizer backing an annual seal. The seal is disposed about a central axis and has a first seal surface extending in a radial direction, a second seal surface extending in an axial direction, and a back side opposite at least one of the first and second seal surfaces. The annular energizer is made of a resilient compressible material configured to engage the back side of the seal. The seal and the energizer are arranged concentrically about the central axis, and the energizer engages the seal asymmetrically with respect to a radial plane extending through an axial center of the seal to apply a biasing force to the seal biasing the first seal surface in a first radial direction and biasing the second seal surface in a first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Kevin M. Allen
  • Patent number: 10012314
    Abstract: A U-shaped cup seal comprises an inner wall, an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall, a base connecting the inner wall and the outer wall, a first and having a tab, and a tab receiving second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GL&V Sweden AB
    Inventors: Roger B. Becker, Bengt Eriksson, Ann-Christine Eriksson-Patey
  • Patent number: 10012315
    Abstract: A seal assembly is disclosed. A seal assembly may comprise a seal carrier, a compliant structure comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the seal carrier, and/or a support structure coupled to the second end. The seal carrier may be integral with the compliant structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Barger, Adam G. Smedresman
  • Patent number: 10012316
    Abstract: A slide valve comprises: a casing having a pair of facing flow channels; a slide plate inserted into and removed from a space between the flow channels; and an annular sealing body slidingly moving in a facing direction of the flow channels inside the casing and coming into contact with the slide plate inserted between the flow channels to bring the slide valve into a closed state. A first sealing member sealing a gap between the sealing body and the inner peripheral wall surface is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the annular sealing body and a second sealing member sealing a gap between the sealing body and the outer peripheral wall surface is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the annular sealing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro Taguchi, Masahito Kogame
  • Patent number: 10012317
    Abstract: An isolation valve includes a dead chamber, including a body with a fluid-passing conduit, a device for obturating the fluid passage in the conduit, which may be actuated between a fluid-passing position and a position for obturating the fluid passage in the conduit. In its obturation position, the obturation device forms a dead chamber. A wall of the obturation device comprises a through-hole, in which is positioned a device for decompression of the dead chamber. A hydrocarbon transport facility includes at least two pipes connected through such an isolation valve with a dead chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Total Marketing Services
    Inventor: Xavier Sucher
  • Patent number: 10012318
    Abstract: A shuttle valve has a valve body including a first valve seat defining a first fluid inlet, a second valve seat defining a second fluid inlet, and a center portion that is connected to the valve seats, the center portion defining a fluid outlet and a bore. A moveable member is moveable within the bore between a first position against the first valve seat and a second position against the second valve seat to control the flow of fluid from either of the first or second inlet to the outlet. The moveable member may be configured to have a unitary construction formed of a single component, by which a unitary shell defines a substantially hollow interior. The moveable member has a hollow interior and a weep hole for equalizing pressure between the hollow interior and exterior of the moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Michael Morgan, Kevin Lawrence Bresnahan, Tyler James Kooser
  • Patent number: 10012319
    Abstract: A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55, 57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasibly engageable with a valve base (72). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William D. Chandler, Jr., Aaron R. Wolfe, Cody A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 10012320
    Abstract: A hot and cold water switching valve includes a valve body, a switching valve element, a switch valve element and a thermal sensing valve element, wherein the valve body has an inflow channel, a recovery channel and an outflow channel; one end of the three channels is communicated in the valve body; the switching valve element is provided in such a position where the three channels are communicated with each other and used for switching the outflow mode; the switch valve element is provided in the outflow channel and used for opening or closing the outflow, and the thermal sensing valve element is provided in the recovery channel and used for closing the channel when the water temperature is higher than the set temperature; and a sprinkler used for automatic outflow of cold water, comprising a sprinkler body and the above-mentioned hot and cold water switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: KYLIN SANITARY TECHNOLOGY (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyle William Cutler, Qingshuang Li, Hui Huang, Boqing Wu
  • Patent number: 10012321
    Abstract: A cylindrical valve assembly, including: a housing defining a fluid flow channel there through; a cylindrical core disposed within the housing and defining a fluid flow channel there through; and at least one cylindrical valve door disposed between the housing and the cylindrical core; wherein, when the at least one cylindrical valve door is actuated, the fluid flow channels through the housing and the cylindrical core are one of opened and closed; and wherein the at least one cylindrical valve door does not protrude into any portion of the interior of the cylindrical core when actuated. Preferably, the at least one cylindrical valve door includes a pair of cylindrical valve doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Valentin Postevka
  • Patent number: 10012322
    Abstract: A check valve (300) that opens and closes by causing a valve element (130) to come into contact with and separate from a valve seat (104) and thereby controls a flow of fluid that flows in through an inlet (101) and flows out through an outlet (102), having a guide portion (135) that has a fluid guide surface provided at a downside thereof, wherein the valve seat (104) has a first valve seat and a second valve seat, and the valve element (130) has a first valve portion (131) that is to be seated on the first valve seat, a second valve portion (132) that is to be seated on the second valve seat, and a pressure receiving surface (134) that extends between the first valve portion (131) and the second valve portion (132) in such a manner that a distance between the pressure receiving surface (134) and the first valve seat gradually reduces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Mori, Shinji Nishida
  • Patent number: 10012323
    Abstract: An automatic adjustable overpressure and manual exhaust valve for diving dry-suits, the valve having a base member with an opening, connected to the dry-suit inner volume, surrounded by an annular sealing surface, an autonomous closing member positioned between the sealing surface and a load transfer member subjected to the load of a pressure setting spring. The valve has a manual control member, axially movable perpendicularly to the opening and interacting with the load transfer member during the manual exhaust phase achieved by the axial movement, towards the dry-suit, of the control member so as to cause the detachment of the load transfer member from the closing member and therefore the removal of the load of the setting spring from the same closing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Rita Stradella
  • Patent number: 10012324
    Abstract: A flow control valve including a main valve and a pilot valve for controlling a piston of the main valve. The pilot valve is controlled in part with relatively high pressure fluid ported from a high pressure port and relatively low pressure fluid ported from a low pressure port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Griswold Controls, LLC
    Inventor: Stefan I. Tuineag
  • Patent number: 10012325
    Abstract: A valve, and tubular cage component for a valve, in which the tubular cage is formed such that at least a ported portion between the ends of the cage includes a tubular outer cage member formed from a metal material, and a tubular inner cage member formed from a wear resistant material. The inner cage member and the outer cage member are concentrically aligned and have a length to span at least the ported portion. Some or all of the flow ports in the ported portion include a port insert which includes a port sleeve formed from a wear resistant material such that the port sleeve extends at least over the metal material of the outer cage member at the flow port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Bohaychuk, Daniel Harlen Williams, Cody Ryan Reynolds, Anwar Abdul Sleiman
  • Patent number: 10012326
    Abstract: A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The trim assembly includes a cage having a plurality of openings that characterize fluid flowing through the cage and a plurality of chevrons surrounding each opening that suppress noise generated by the plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Allen C. Fagerlund, Daniel J. Eilers
  • Patent number: 10012327
    Abstract: A cage valve, flow trim components, and method for signalling erosion of flow trim. The valve is of the type having flow trim arranged across an inlet bore and aligned with an outlet bore, and including a stationary tubular cage and an internal or external flow control member such as a plug or flow collar slidable along the side wall of the cage to cover or uncover flow ports in the side wall. The flow control member includes an end plate which closes an upstream end of the cage. A cavity is formed in the flow control member upstream of the end plate. A transmitter, such as a proximity beacon, positioned in the cavity transmits a first signal indicative of intact flow trim when no fluid is in the beacon cavity and transmits a zero value signal or no signal indicative of eroded flow trim when fluid enters the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Bohaychuk, Douglas A. Finlayson
  • Patent number: 10012328
    Abstract: A pipeline including an accessory such as a flowline end termination or an in-line tee is lowered to the seabed and a mudmat foundation is subsequently lowered toward the seabed for subsea docking with the accessory to provide a permanent foundation support for the accessory. Once docked and with a mudmat of the foundation landed on the seabed, weight loads of the accessory structure and the attached pipe are transferred to the mudmat to provide a permanent foundation for the accessory structure. Before and during installation of the mudmat foundation, the pipe may be allowed to become embedded in the seabed. Temporary interim support such as buoyancy may be provided to the accessory to limit embedment into the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Acergy France SAS
    Inventors: Leire Ayestaran Basagoitia, Brice Viellard, Florent Menet
  • Patent number: 10012329
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a pipeline bracket with a lug sleeve and link, wherein the link is configured to couple with the lug sleeve and a tie-down strap via removable bolts. The tie-down strap may be configured to distribute the forces caused by movement of the pipeline to the pipeline bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LDS LAND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
    Inventors: Garrie Stephen Cox, Neale Johannesson
  • Patent number: 10012330
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cable routing, such as within vehicles or structures. In certain examples, a cable holder is disclosed that includes one or more loop members with an interior groove and a rotatable cable holding member disposed within the interior groove. The rotatable cable holding member can be configured to rotate to decrease bends and/or stresses within the cable that the rotatable cable holding member is holding. Additionally, the rotatable cable holding member can be configured so that the cable held is perpendicular to the support for the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel S. Thomas, Jeffrey R. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 10012331
    Abstract: A bendable support insert includes a coiled based portion and a malleable elongated portion. The malleable elongated portion is perpendicularly connected to the coiled based portion from an end. The bendable support insert is sized to be applicable for existing flexible conduit tubing so that an adapting device is able to internally connect the bendable support insert within the flexible conduit tubing. The insertion and placement of the bendable support insert permits the flexible conduit tubing to be configured according desired layout. Additionally, the bendable support insert maintains the user-define configuration throughout the lifespan of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: J. Gregory Kornbacher, III
  • Patent number: 10012332
    Abstract: A tubular threaded joint has a pin and a box. Each having a contact surface comprising a threaded portion and an unthreaded metal contact portion including a seal portion and a shoulder portion. A solid lubricating coating having a relatively high Knoop hardness is formed on a portion including the shoulder portion of the contact surface, such as the unthreaded metal contact portion including the shoulder portion and the seal portion, of at least one of the pin and the box. A solid lubricating coating having a relatively low Knoop hardness is formed at least on the remaining portion of the contact surface, such as the threaded portion. The threaded joint has excellent galling resistance, gas tightness, and rust preventing properties. The joint does not readily undergo yielding of shoulder portions even when made up with a high torque, thereby making it possible to perform makeup in a stable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION, VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE
    Inventor: Kunio Goto
  • Patent number: 10012333
    Abstract: A fluid conditioning assembly includes a fluid conditioning device defining a passage and having a first end and a second end. A control element is supported within the passage. At least the first end includes an integral radially outwardly directed flange. The integral radially outwardly directed flange is configured to be operatively and releasably coupled to a first radially outwardly directed flange of a first duct section. A technician may release the fluid conditioning device from the first duct section to remove the fluid conditioning device from the ventilation duct system for accessing the control element of the fluid conditioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Langdon Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Patent number: 10012334
    Abstract: An attachment structure for a pressure detector that is such that the pressure detector is attached in an airtight manner within an insertion hole of an attachment tool main body attached to a mechanical device or pipelines, with a pipe, a gasket presser, a gasket, a split ring, and a bonnet. The configuration is such that the gasket presser and the split ring are inserted into the insertion hole of the attachment tool main body, the bonnet is inserted into the insertion hole, the bonnet is fastened to the attachment tool main body side, the gasket presser and the gasket are pressed by the split ring, and sealing portions are formed between the bottom surface of the insertion hole and one end surface of the gasket and between the tip end surface of the gasket restraint and the other end surface of the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryousuke Dohi, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda, Masaki Fukasawa, Katsumi Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 10012335
    Abstract: A quick connection arrangement is for detachably connecting a medium line by way of a (SAE) connecting piece, comprising a housing having an opening for receiving the medium line, and a connecting piece opening for receiving the (SAE) connecting piece, so that between the medium line and the (SAE) connecting piece, a medium can be guided through the housing. The quick connection arrangement further comprises a locking body for locking the (SAE) connecting piece in the connecting piece opening, which is essentially arranged inside the connecting piece opening and provided with at least two, essentially radially acting locking elements for locking the (SAE) connecting piece in the connecting piece opening in a longitudinal direction (A). The locking body is further provided with at least two, essentially radially acting unlocking elements, configured to make it possible to undo the locking of the (SAE) connecting piece by the locking elements when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ContiTech Schlauch GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Dude
  • Patent number: 10012336
    Abstract: Connector assembly, and/or motor-vehicle connector assembly, with at least one connector and at least one media line connected to the connector. The media line is electrically heated, a heat-conducting element being arranged in the transition region between connector and media line. The heat-conducting element extends with a first heat-conducting section into the media line and with a second heat-conducting section into the connector. By means of the electric heating of the media line, the heat-conducting element is heated, and/or indirectly heated, and in particular is heated and/or indirectly heated as far as the region of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TI Automotive (Fuldabrück) GmbH
    Inventors: Andre Häckel, Gerd Fischbach, Iris Barthel, Kay Bube, Michael Weissing
  • Patent number: 10012337
    Abstract: A protective cap assembly for hydraulic ports of a component includes a plurality of caps, each cap of the plurality of caps installable over a hydraulic port of the component, and a web interconnecting the plurality of caps. A hydraulic system component includes a plurality of hydraulic ports configured for a fluid flow therethrough and a protective cap assembly for the plurality of hydraulic ports. The protective cap assembly includes a plurality of caps, each cap of the plurality of caps installable over a hydraulic port of the component and a web interconnecting the plurality of caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jon Francis Kull
  • Patent number: 10012338
    Abstract: A drain cover comprises a grate having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge defining a space having an axis substantially normal to the peripheral edge and at least one cross piece extending within the space at substantially right angles to the axis of the space. A front tab with a front tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The front tapering slot receives the edge of a pipe. A rear tab with a rear tapering slot is formed on the lower surface. The rear tapering slot also receives the edge of a pipe. A securing screw is proved for securing the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: John M Kincheloe
  • Patent number: 10012339
    Abstract: A system for removing structural liners (whether cured-in-place liners or cement-mortar liners) from a dry conduit is disclosed. The system uses a set of cutters of progressively larger diameters, front and rear supports designed for this purpose, and a drive means for driving the system down the conduit where the structural liner is to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FER-PAL CONSTRUCTION, LTD.
    Inventors: Kendrick Shaun McKaigue, Vadim Kosseniouk
  • Patent number: 10012340
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a pig ramp for receiving and supporting a pig in a pig receiver includes a frame portion having an inner diameter, the inner diameter of the ring being larger than an outer diameter of a pig. The pig ramp also includes one or more ramp segments extending longitudinally away from the frame portion, the one or more ramp segments being coupled to a back side of the frame portion at a lower portion and positioned to receive and support the pig when positioned thereon to elevate the pig above a bottom of a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Danny Lee Dray, Bryan Anthony Crowe, David Abraham Fitch, William Lee Sprowls, John Charles Mollenkopf, Dustin Michael Howell
  • Patent number: 10012341
    Abstract: A universal precast base system formed from a plurality of interlocking frames, each frame includes at least two channel elements and at least one side element. A channel extends along the channel elements and is open on each end. The external surface of the side element includes an interlocking edge for mating adjacent frames together. Channels of adjacent frames connect to form a continuous channel for receiving vertical wall panels therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lined Products LLC
    Inventors: Edward Fitzpatrick Shea, Linda Suzanne Shea, Dave Vernon Caylor
  • Patent number: 10012342
    Abstract: The utility model relates to an integrated selfie stick. The selfie stick comprises a long-cylinder handle shell, an extendable stick fixed on the handle shell, a clamping device which can be folded relative to the extendable stick and a folding device for connecting an active end of the extendable stick and the clamping device, wherein a cavity for accommodating the clamping device is left between an inner wall of the handle shell and an outer wall of the extendable stick; and when the selfie stick is in a pack-up state, the clamping device is folded on the extendable stick, the active end of the extendable stick is retracted back to the handle shell, and the clamping device is placed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Yongbin Chen
  • Patent number: 10012343
    Abstract: A pallet stacking board comprising a laminate structure is provided in which a non-woven polypropylene geotextile fabric material is used to create a suitably shaped bag in which a rigid or semi-rigid polyurethane material is injected, and allowed to react and cure. The upper and lower exterior surfaces of the pallet stacking board are coated with a non-slip material which is preferably provided by a polyurethane coating material so as to provide a textured finish. The pallet stacking boards provide desirable non-slip properties while being readily manufactured using automated procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: RIVER ROCK INDUSTRIES CORP.
    Inventors: Rodney B. N. Johnson, Andrew C. Udeschini
  • Patent number: 10012344
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable column which is formed from at least three linked sections. The linked sections include a plurality of individual sections linked end to end. As the linked sections are extended, each of the individual sections engage adjacent individual sections to form a column. As the linked sections are retracted, each of the individual sections disengage from the adjacent individual sections and the column may be retracted for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Tower Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Colman, John Norris
  • Patent number: 10012345
    Abstract: An adapter that integrates an icemaker with a beverage dispenser includes a base defining a passage therethrough and at least a first bracket. The base includes a first rail and a second rail, and a top of the base may support thereon at least a portion of the icemaker. The first bracket includes a first rail engagement member engageable with the first rail and a second rail engagement member engageable with the second rail. The bracket inserts within the passage of the base such that the first rail element member engages the first rail and the second rail engagement member engages the second rail. The bracket is movable along the first and second rails to accommodate icemakers having different dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Derby, Kevin R. Long, Bradley R. Glidden, Michael Angelica
  • Patent number: 10012346
    Abstract: A clip for selectively gripping objects includes a first body member having a forward portion, a rearward portion and a middle portion disposed between the forward and rearward portions. The first body member includes an exteriorly facing surface and an interiorly facing surface, with the forward portion including an interiorly facing gripping jaw, and the middle portion including a strengthening member. A second body member includes a forward portion, a rearward portion, and a middle portion disposed between the forward and rearward portion. Second body member also includes an exteriorly facing surface and an interiorly facing surface, a forward portion that includes an interiorly facing gripping jaw, and a middle portion that includes a strengthening member. A biasing member urges the gripping jaws of the first and second body members into engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Killion
  • Patent number: 10012348
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated panel (VIP) and a method of manufacturing a VIP includes a rigid core material having high insulation and low conductivity properties. The rigid core may be made of an inorganic material that effectively mimics a porous silica core material. The core material includes large particles of an inorganic material having a diameter in a range of 10 ?m to 50 ?m. A portion of these large particles may be ground into small particles having a diameter of less than 1 ?m. The small particles are mixed with a portion of the large particles to form a core material which is then mixed with a fiber skeleton and compacted under vacuum along with a fibrous skeleton for structure. The resulting structure provides a porosity ranging from 10 nm to 1 ?m in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Suman Sinha Ray, Ajith Rao
  • Patent number: 10012349
    Abstract: An LNG filling apparatus that can safely fill LNG in LNG vehicles. A filling apparatus 1 for filling LNG in an in-vehicle tank, the apparatus 1 having a housing 2, a recovery hose 41 and a filling hose 51 separately led from the housing, a recovery mechanism 4 for recovering a natural gas from the in-vehicle tank via the recovery hose, and a filling mechanism 5 for filling LNG to the in-vehicle tank via the filling hose. Separately leading the recovery hose and the filling hose from the housing with these hoses in close proximity to each other allows a range capable of filling that is the overlap range between a connectable range of the recovery hose and a connectable range of the filling hose to be enlarged. A single hose led from the housing can be used for both of the recovery of the natural gas and the filling of the LNG, which prevents tangle of hoses with each other, and enables to fill the LNG in the in-vehicle tank safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TATSUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazushi Takahashi, Tsuyoshi Koike, Takeshi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 10012350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating and feeding natural gas from a tank for storing liquefied gas storage to an apparatus for generating power, and to a burner of an apparatus for generating power in a ship, said method comprising the following consecutive steps: supplying power to the apparatus for generating power, during which step natural gas is fed through a phase separator that returns a heavy fraction of the natural gas containing the hydrocarbons having the longest carbon chains to the tank as condensate and feeding a light fraction of the natural gas containing the hydrocarbons having the shortest carbon chains to the apparatus for generating power; and then recovering the heavy fraction of the natural gas, during which step natural gas is carried from the tank to the burner, bypassing said phase separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GAZTRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ
    Inventors: Pierre Le Bruchec, Anaïs Denier-Guenegou, Loïc Guernec, Laurent Spittael, David Beauvais, Jérôme Huchet, Abdoulaye Diouf
  • Patent number: 10012351
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a lamp housing formed of a pair of housing members connected to each other in a horizontal direction. A printed circuit board (PCB) is detachably connected to an inside of the lamp housing, and includes at least one LED mounted to one surface of the PCB. A power supply unit (PSU) is electrically connected with the PCB in the lamp housing to supply power to the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 10012352
    Abstract: A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket includes a channel configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing. The channel defines an aperture configured to accept either a hinge or a latch of the door assembly, and the channel defines a latch surface. The door assembly includes a hinge configured to interface with the adaptor bracket, a latch configured to engage the latch surface of the adaptor bracket to hold the door assembly in a closed position, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Scribante, Matthew S. Tlachac, Scott A. Green, Brandon J. King
  • Patent number: 10012353
    Abstract: A two-component luminaire for illuminating an architectural space includes a housing with a panel that faces the architectural space. A peripheral edge of the housing, having first and second edge segments, forms an output aperture that faces the architectural space. A plane bisecting the output aperture defines a boundary between an indirect lighting region and a direct lighting region. The luminaire includes a primary optical subsystem arranged within the housing so as to be hidden from the direct lighting region by the first panel section, and configured to generate and emit light, through the output aperture, solely into the indirect lighting region, and a secondary optical subsystem, disposed within the housing and configured to generate and emit light through the output aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Carl Gould, Peter K. Nelson, Chris Sorensen, Chris Slaughter, Kevin F. Leadford
  • Patent number: 10012354
    Abstract: A direct troffer-style fixture for solid state light sources for use in these fixtures. Embodiments of the present invention provide a direct troffer-style fixture that is particularly well-suited for retrofit structures. The fixture comprises a retrofit troffer assembly that is removably attached within a T grid or pan structure. The retrofit fixture can be installed in two pieces: a first including a lens structure, a back reflector and 2 end reflectors; and the second component including a second portion of the back reflector. An interior space created by the lens structure houses light emitters and in some embodiments, a light engine and/or additional electronics. One or both of the end reflectors may be movable, slidable and/or rotatable, to accommodate installation. The back reflector covers most of the interior surfaces of the troffer fixture to direct more light out of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Randy Bernard, Gary Trott, Nathan Snell, William L. Dungan
  • Patent number: 10012355
    Abstract: A light fixture is configured for use in either retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture or for use in new construction. The light fixture includes a self-supporting adaptor bracket configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system and further configured to optionally receive a housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The light fixture further includes a door assembly including a latch configured to engage a latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with a slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scribante, Scott A. Green, Marc Meade, Therese Bartz, Matthew S. Tlachac, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Patent number: 10012356
    Abstract: Light-redirecting optical system for building fenestrations, such as glass doors and windows, storefront glazing systems, and curtain walls, that can collect and redirect daylight into the interior of a building. The light-redirecting optical system includes an outward-facing light-redirecting optical surface and an inward-facing light-redirecting surface. The outward-facing light-redirecting optical surface collects and redirects daylight mostly upward toward the inward-facing light-redirecting surface. The inward-facing light-redirecting surface receives the redirected daylight and further redirects it into the interior environment at pre-determined angles; so that all specular rays of light are at or above the horizon for a wide range of incident angles of daylight striking the outward-facing light-redirecting optical surface. The light-redirecting optical surfaces can be fabricated on a film or flexible substrate that may be directly applied to glass, acrylic, or other glazing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LightLouver LLC
    Inventors: Zachary L. Rogers, Michael J Holtz
  • Patent number: 10012357
    Abstract: An LED headlight includes a lens, a heat sink, at least one LED module and a shelter. The lens includes a focal length and a focal plane, wherein the focal plane extends from a focal point of the lens and is perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. The heat sink is arranged along the optical axis of the lens, and a distance between the heat sink and the lens is greater than a distance between the focal point and the lens. The at least one LED module is arranged along the optical axis of the lens and in contact with the heat sink, a distance between the LED module and the lens is greater than the distance between the focal point and the lens. The shelter is arranged along the focal plane and configured to block light emitted from the LED module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LEXTAR ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shih-Kai Lin, Yu-Min Lin