Patents Issued in August 21, 2018
  • Patent number: 10052872
    Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus is provided, including a liquid discharge head including: an upper substrate, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, an intermediate substrate, a lower substrate and a plurality of individual traces arranged on the upper substrate and extending toward the contacts arranged on the one end side in the second direction from the plurality of piezoelectric elements respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyohei Naito, Shohei Koide, Jiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10052873
    Abstract: An inkjet apparatus capable of achieving a good withstand voltage in a movable part of a piezoelectric element is provided. An inkjet apparatus is provided, wherein the inkjet apparatus comprises: an actuator substrate, partitioning a cavity for accumulating ink; a vibrating film, supported by the actuator substrate and partitioning the cavity; and a piezoelectric element, on the vibrating film, and comprising an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a piezoelectric film between the upper electrode and the lower electrode; wherein the piezoelectric film extends along a space covering the whole cavity; and the upper electrode is constrained in an inner space of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kinya Ashikaga, Kunio Iida
  • Patent number: 10052874
    Abstract: A method for forming an ink jet printhead comprises processing an epoxy adhesive such that negative effects from physical contact with particular inks are reduced or eliminated. Conventional adhesives processed using conventional techniques are known to gain weight and squeeze out when exposed to certain inks such as ultraviolet inks, solid inks, and aqueous inks. An embodiment of the present teachings can include processing of a particular adhesive such that the resulting epoxy adhesive is suitable for printhead applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yanjia Zuo, Mandakini Kanungo, Hong Zhao, Pratima Gattu Naga Rao, Mark A. Cellura, Santokh S. Badesha, John R. Andrews
  • Patent number: 10052875
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for making a funnel-shaped nozzle in a substrate. The process can include forming a first opening having a first width in a top layer of a substrate, forming a patterned layer of photoresist on the top surface of the substrate, the patterned layer of photoresist including a second opening, the second opening having a second width larger than the first width, reflowing the patterned layer of photoresist to form curved side surfaces terminating on the top surface of the substrate, etching a second layer of the substrate through the first opening in the top layer of the substrate to form a straight-walled recess, the straight-walled recess having the first width and a side surface substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory DeBrabander, Mark Nepomnishy
  • Patent number: 10052876
    Abstract: A recording apparatus comprising a container to store a sheet of recording medium; a conveyer configured to convey the recording medium in the container; a main tank receiving portion configured to receive a main tank for storing liquid; a sub tank configured to store liquid supplied from the main tank; and a recording head including an ejection surface where ejection openings for ejecting liquid supplied from the sub tank are formed. Each of three projected areas which are an area of the main tank receiving portion, an area of the sub tank, and an area of the recording head, each projected to a virtual plane parallel to a surface of the recording medium contained in the container from a first direction orthogonal to the virtual plane, at least partially overlaps a container projected area which is an area of the container projected to the virtual plane from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichi Hirata, Motohiro Tsuboi
  • Patent number: 10052877
    Abstract: An ink ejection device includes a head section having a plurality of nozzles and ejecting a plurality of types of inks through the nozzles, and an ink supply section supplying the plurality of types of inks to the head section. The head section has a plurality of supply ports which are arranged in a scanning direction and to which the plurality of types of inks are supplied. The ink supply section includes a plurality of ink chambers which respectively contain the plurality of types of inks and are disposed to overlap one another in the up-down direction, a plurality of connection passages connecting the plurality of supply ports to the plurality of ink chambers containing the inks to be supplied to the supply ports, and a plurality of air discharge passages respectively connected to the plurality of ink chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Kamo
  • Patent number: 10052878
    Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable or detachable element of a continuous inkjet printer, (CIJ), comprising: the controller of the printer generating and dispatching a 1st item of random information to an authentication circuit of the element; encrypting the 1st item of random information by the authentication circuit using a 1st encryption algorithm and a 1st secret key to form a 1st item of encrypted random information; dispatching the 1st item of encrypted random information to the controller; encrypting the 1st item of random information by the controller using a 2nd encryption algorithm and a 2nd secret key to form a 2nd item of encrypted random information; and comparing the 1st item of encrypted random information with the 2nd encrypted item of random information. If the consumable element is authenticated, a shared key part of a 3rd key is dispatched by the consumable or detachable element to the CIJ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: DOVER EUROPE SÀRL
    Inventor: Damien Bonneton
  • Patent number: 10052879
    Abstract: There is provided a tank including: a wall defining a liquid storage chamber, the wall including: an upper wall defining an upper end of the liquid storage chamber, a lower wall defining a lower end of the liquid storage chamber, and an erected wall between the upper wall and the lower wall and through which the liquid inside the liquid storage chamber is visible from outside of the tank; an inlet penetrating through the upper wall or the erected wall; and an outlet, wherein the lower wall includes an upper stage wall making contact with the erected wall; a lower stage wall located at a position separated and away from the erected wall and below the upper stage wall; and a connecting wall connecting the upper and lower stage walls; and the outlet is disposed below the upper stage wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akinori Igarashi
  • Patent number: 10052880
    Abstract: In an example, a valve for a printing fluid supply system is disclosed. In this example, the valve includes two rigid shells to provide connections to a first printing fluid supply cartridge, a second printing fluid supply cartridge and a printhead. Further, the valve includes a diaphragm with sealing elements disposed between the two rigid shells to selectively couple one of the first printing fluid supply cartridge and the second printing fluid supply cartridge to the printhead and seal other printing fluid supply cartridge using the sealing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alfonso Cameno Salinas, Joaquim Brugue Garvi, Jose Antonio Lopez Abancens, Rafael Ulacia Portoles
  • Patent number: 10052881
    Abstract: An air priming system is described that can prime printer fluid of one or more printer fluid tanks of a printer. The air priming system includes multiple priming units that are coupled together so as to be rotated or otherwise adjusted together to be paced into one of a plurality of priming stages. In each of the plurality of priming stages, air flow is either allowed or blocked through specific priming units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sing-Yan Wan, Michelle Mae Marinito
  • Patent number: 10052882
    Abstract: A print control apparatus which controls ejection of fluid from a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in lines, and movement of the nozzle array in a direction intersecting a direction in which the nozzles are arranged in lines, in which the ejection of the fluid to the continued regions is performed by a plurality of movements of the nozzle array when an ejection amount of the fluid to continued regions in one movement of the nozzle array exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masato Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10052883
    Abstract: A mobile printing system including a handheld printing device including at least two navigation sensors, a transmitter, a processor, and a print nozzle, and a distance sensing module including at least two distance sensors, the distance sensing module to be mountable to a print media at a distance from the handheld printing device, the distance sensing module to sense positional data of the handheld printing device, wherein the processor determines current, past, and anticipated positions of the handheld printing device based on positional data information received from the distance sensing module and navigation information received from the at least two navigation sensors and controls the handheld printing device to cause print fluid to be dispensed according to a print request and the anticipated positions of the handheld printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Andy Liao, Vijaykumar Nayak, John T. Brassil
  • Patent number: 10052884
    Abstract: A label issuing apparatus of an embodiment includes a print unit that prints commodity information on a linerless label, a feeding unit that feeds the linerless label, a cutting unit that detaches the linerless label as a label piece, and a temporary adhesion unit that holds the label piece, and superimposes an upstream end portion in a feeding direction of the held label piece on a downstream end portion in a feeding direction of a subsequent label, the subsequent label being the linerless label next fed by the feeding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Komai, Osamu Hiraiwa, Suguru Doiguchi
  • Patent number: 10052885
    Abstract: A method and machine arrangement for sequential processing of sheet-like substrates are disclosed. At least one of a front side and a rear side of the substrates is processed in a production line one after another. A printing ink or another type of ink is applied in at least one non-impact printing device on the respective side of the substrates. The printing ink or the other type of ink is dried. A dispersion coating or a coating cured by UV radiation is then applied onto the respective side of the substrates. The dispersion coating or the coating cured by UV radiation is dried and the substrates are fed to a mechanical processing device for carrying out a further mechanical processing of the substrates. The further mechanical processing is performed by at least one of punching, inserting grooves, separating parts and by breaking out panels from their respective composite in the respective substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer AG
    Inventors: Arndt Jentzsch, Christian Ziegenbalg, Bernd Patzelt, Hartmut Nickell, Martin Riese, Stefan Singer, Michael Koch, Carsten Reinsch
  • Patent number: 10052886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for arranging sheets in an overlapping position in a transfer unit arranged between a first processing station and a second processing station following the first processing station in a transport direction of the sheets. The sheets to be overlapped are transported from the first processing station to the transfer unit, in a transport plane and each individually lying behind one another. A respective rear, in the transport direction, edge of the sheets coming from the first processing station, is raised relative to the transport plane exclusively by the use of blown air, and a second subsequent sheet is slid under the rear edge of the respective preceding first sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer AG
    Inventors: Carsten Reinsch, Michael Koch, Michael Beyer, Roger Püschel, Christian Ziegenbalg, Bernd Patzelt, Hartmut Nickell, Martin Riese, Stefan Singer
  • Patent number: 10052887
    Abstract: Serpentine microwave dryers and a method of fabricating same are disclosed. The serpentine microwave dryers utilize microwave waveguides that includes passages through a short axis of the microwave waveguides that are sized to pass a continuous-form print medium. A long axis of the microwave waveguides are positioned across a width of a media path of the continuous-from print medium. Electromagnetic energy transported along the microwave waveguides is used to dry wet colorants applied to the continuous-form print medium. At least one of the microwave waveguides has an offset from other microwave waveguides that is perpendicular to the media path of the continuous-form print medium. The offset reduces an attenuation of the electromagnetic energy in microwave waveguide(s) that are offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew David Norte
  • Patent number: 10052888
    Abstract: A printer includes an ultraviolet (UV) curing device having UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) to cure UV curable inks ejected onto a surface after the surface travels past a plurality of printheads in the printer. A UV detector having UV sensors is positioned opposite the UV curing device so the UV sensors and UV LEDs are opposite one another in a one-to-one correspondence. A controller operates the UV curing device to direct UV light into the UV detector and receives electrical signals generated by the UV sensors. The controller compares these electrical signals to a predetermined threshold to identify defective LEDs in the UV curing device. The controller then determines how to move the UV curing device across the path of the surface to irradiate areas of the surface previously opposite the defective UV LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony S. Condello, Jack T. LeStrange, Xin Yang, Mandakini Kanungo, Peter J. Knausdorf
  • Patent number: 10052889
    Abstract: A method is provided for imaging fibrous polyamide flooring material. Images are formed on fibrous polyamide flooring material having vivid color and color saturations by piezoelectric digital means without going through washing process or discharging hazardous chemicals. The energy-saving and environmentally friendly method can produce high resolution product with durability and longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: HANGZHOU HONGYING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ning Yang
  • Patent number: 10052890
    Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes printing a target on a medium and defining at least one intended cutting line on the medium. The target includes at least one graphical element which defines at least one reference distance measure. The target is centered at the intended cutting line or has a defined distance to the intended cutting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Joan Solans, Charlie Yang, James Dowling
  • Patent number: 10052891
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique that simplifies operations for making appropriate print settings. Accordingly, a terminal apparatus serving as an information processing apparatus according to the present invention acquires, from a printing apparatus, information indicating the sheet type and size of the sheets set in each paper feed tray. Then, the terminal apparatus determines whether the acquired information includes a sheet type that matches a sheet type suitable for an attribute of information selected by a user as a print target. If it is determined that the information includes a sheet type that matches the suitable sheet type, the terminal apparatus generates print data including information designating a paper feed tray containing sheets of the matching sheet type, and transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Ito, Mitsuru Konji
  • Patent number: 10052892
    Abstract: Power required for a printing operation can be supplied while supplying power to a connected external device. A printer 1 connects to a smart device 2, and has: a power circuit 14; a USB interface 15 capable of supplying power to the smart device while communicating by wire with the smart device 2; a print unit 16 that prints; and a controller 11 that controls the print unit 16 to print in a power conservation mode when information instructing printing by the print unit 16 is received by the interface 15 from the smart device 2 while supplying power from the power circuit 14 to the smart device 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Satake
  • Patent number: 10052893
    Abstract: A printing unit includes: a line feed plate moving with a carriage in a line feed operation area; and guide members provided on a unit frame, engaging with the line feed plate, and guiding the carriage and the line feed plate toward one side in a left-right direction as the carriage and the line feed plate move toward one side in a front-back direction in the line feed operation area. Each guide member includes: a line feed guide extending toward one side in the left-right direction as it goes toward one side in the front-back direction and guiding the carriage toward one side in the left-right direction as the carriage moves toward one side in the front-back direction in the line feed operation area; and regulating sections continuing at least to one end in the front-back direction of the line feed guide and regulating the movement of the carriage in the left-right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Koji Ehara
  • Patent number: 10052894
    Abstract: An assembly of a large format media handling system, including a planar longitudinal cross structure; and a support structure, the support structure including two side supports comprising a number of fixed references and at least one adjustable reference, wherein the side supports are supported by the longitudinal cross structure at said references; wherein the at least one adjustable reference is formed by a wedge element slidably attached to the support structure; and the side supports are fixed to the planar longitudinal cross structure wherein the cross structure is in contact with all of the references.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ricardo Sanchis Estruch, Joaquim Brugue Garvi, Pol Morral
  • Patent number: 10052895
    Abstract: An example disclosed media processing device includes a housing defining a media receiving area configured to receive the media; a first media support arm extending from the housing proximate the media receiving area for engaging a first end of the media, wherein the first media support arm is biased to slidably translate along the housing to provide a holding force to the first side of the media, wherein the first media support arm includes a first locking element; a media cover configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the media cover including a second locking element, wherein the first locking element of the first media support arm is configured to engage the second locking element of the media cover when the media cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Preliasco, Roy P. Lyman
  • Patent number: 10052896
    Abstract: There is provided a recording apparatus which includes a transporting belt on which a recording medium and which transports the recording medium and performs efficient cleaning of the transporting belt without an excess cleaning. The recording apparatus (printing apparatus) includes a recording section performing recording by applying liquid (ink) to a recording medium (fabric), a transporting belt transporting the recording medium, and a cleaning section having a plurality of cleaning units cleaning the transporting belt. A cleaning unit which is selected in accordance with a cleaning requirement level operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10052897
    Abstract: Examples of a printing device, a method for use in a printing device, and a machine readable non-transitory storage medium including instructions relating to a printing device that are executable by a processor are disclosed herein. An example of the machine readable non-transitory storage medium includes instructions relating to a printing device that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: segment data for an image into a plurality of positions, analyze performance data regarding an actual portion of the image formed by each of a plurality of print heads, arrange the segmented image data for each portion of the image based on the performance data for each of the print heads, and transmit the arranged image data to each of the print heads so that each print head forms a correct portion of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Javier Gonzalez Bruno, David Sala Porta, David Soriano Fosas, Vicente Granados Asensio, Jose Francisco Bravo de Vega
  • Patent number: 10052898
    Abstract: A locating pin that is configured to be connected to a dockable member in a printer includes a shaft, first and second ends, and a conical member. The first end has a surface forming a partial ellipsoid and the conical member has a base aligned with the surface of the first end and a tip extending from the surface of the first end. The shaft is configured to engage the dockable member along a portion of the shaft between the second end and the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen B. Williams, Joseph M. Ferrara, Jr., Annie Liu
  • Patent number: 10052899
    Abstract: The electronic seal device is a document stamp which includes a fingerprint reader (for authenticating the user) and a camera for recording the document being sealed/stamped. The device includes memory and communication ports. An electronic tablet may be used in the computer programming process wherein the seal device may be connected to the computer to determine the functions of the document stamp and the number of times that the stamp has been used to seal documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Jarrah Almutairi
  • Patent number: 10052900
    Abstract: A method for printing and extracting of a barcode for an object includes dividing a barcode into disjointed regions and assigning the disjointed regions to different locations on an object. The disjointed regions are printed on the object at the different locations wherein the disjointed regions are printed visibly or invisibly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Kamijo, Masaharu Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10052901
    Abstract: Microwave dryers that utilize multi-path and/or space saving configurations are disclosed. In a multi-path configuration, a print medium makes two or more passes through the passage(s) of microwave waveguide(s) in a microwave dryer, thereby increasing the exposure time of the print medium to electromagnetic energy within the waveguide(s). In a space saving configuration, the print medium takes a non-linear path through the microwave dryer, thereby reducing a footprint of the microwave dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew David Norte
  • Patent number: 10052902
    Abstract: A system comprising a book mark, reading ring and finger sock configured to be inserted between the pages of a book to mark a page further includes a slidable marker to indicate a particular line a user has last read. The book mark also comprises a tractable portion that is configured to removable adhere to a page of a book. The reading ring and finger sock are worn on a user's finger or thumb and is made of resilient material to assist in turning the pages of a book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Berris-Dale Joseph
  • Patent number: 10052903
    Abstract: A method is provided for freezing the orientation of orientable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles by irradiation hardening the coating layer comprising the orientable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles through the substrate carrying the coating layer. This method can be used in the protection of security documents, such as for example banknotes and identity documents, against counterfeit and illegal reproduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SA
    Inventors: Evgeny Loginov, Mathieu Schmid, Claude-Alain Despland, Pierre Degott
  • Patent number: 10052904
    Abstract: A flexible security document is provided which contains an authentication device including: a) source of electrical potential (5), the source including a piezoelectric polymeric material including at least one terpolymer of vinylidene fluoride (VDF), trifluoroethylene (TrFE) and a halogenated ethylene based monomer containing at least one non-fluorine halogen atom, the source of electrical potential being activated by mechanical deformation; b) reporter element (3) including a material capable of switching electrically between a first state and a second state, the difference between the first state and the second state being able to be perceived by an unaided human; and c) conducting elements (8) electrically connecting the source of electrical potential and the reporter element to produce an electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: NOTE PRINTING AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Wayne Kevin Jackson, Francois Bauer
  • Patent number: 10052905
    Abstract: A binder clip to deliver method of carrying stack of papers can be further implemented outside its application zone, with the redesign of the previous annexed wings and clip body of U.S. Pat. No. 9,199,506 introduces the Multi-Use Binder Clip with moveable protruded structures; that suspends along the folded edges of the clip body with incision cuts at the contour center plane and clip body sides; which protruded structure is formed by shaping a nominal diameter wire derives two half loops and one full loop wire components, lengths at each sides, shape, angle, and bend counter to each other, hinges to the clip body along with prior art grip handles; where the redesigned binder clip provides many more applicable functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen Sophorn Lim
  • Patent number: 10052906
    Abstract: A multicolor writing instrument with an automatic return function includes a lower housing having a hollow cylindrical shape; an upper housing connected to an upper portion of the lower housing and formed with locking steps; a clip member hingedly provided on the upper housing so as to be movable about a hinge shaft; a coil spring resiliently installed between the clip member and the upper housing; pen cores filled with at least two different color inks; knobs having ends fitted into the respective pen cores; return springs resiliently installed between the pen cores and the knobs; and a return member formed integrally with the clip member on one side of the hinge shaft and toward the respective knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Kwang Ju Cheon
  • Patent number: 10052907
    Abstract: A writing instrument has a detachable clip member with a pliable clip rod. A first clip end member is connected to one end of the pliable clip and has a magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to a barrel of the writing instrument. A second clip end member is connected to the second rod end and is adapted to be removably and operably connected to the one end of the writing instrument. The second clip end member is also adapted to be magnetically coupled to the first clip end member. The detachable clip member can be moved between at least three positions selected from the group consisting of a resting position, a clasping position, a free-end fidgeting position, a closed-end fidgeting position, and a detached fidgeting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Kent David Lyon, Jym Daniel
  • Patent number: 10052908
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle wheel made of a fiber composite material, including a rim, a plurality of spokes, and a center, wherein the spokes each have a first and second spoke section extending between the rim and the center, wherein the first and second rim section have a curved shape in a laminated state and the two rim sections extend straight in a pretensioned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SCOTT Sports SA
    Inventor: Timothy Habermacher
  • Patent number: 10052909
    Abstract: A wheel assembly including a cover portion permanently attached to a wheel. The wheel includes a wheel central hub portion, a wheel outer peripheral rim portion, a plurality of wheel spoke portions extending between the wheel central hub portion and the wheel outer peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of wheel turbine openings disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wheel spoke portions. A cover portion is configured to overlie a portion of the wheel portion. The cover portion is configured to overlie one or more of the wheel central hub portion; the plurality of wheel spoke portions, and the plurality of turbine openings or the wheel outer periphery. An adhesive is disposed between an outboard surface of the wheel and the inboard surface of the cover portion to permanently secure the cover portion to the wheel portion. When the cover portion is secured to the wheel, substantial portions of the plurality of wheel spokes, the wheel central hub, or wheel outer periphery remain exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Stratton, Brian Lutt, Brian Wrase, Kevin Chinavare, Mark Nowicki
  • Patent number: 10052910
    Abstract: A wheel for a roller coaster or other amusement ride vehicle includes a self-contained illumination system. The wheel comprises a hub through which an axle is disposed, a web extending from the hub and including a plurality of apertures, and an annular seat at a periphery of the web for receiving a tire thereon, the annular seat cooperating with the hub and the web to define an annular cavity. A PCB is disposed in the annular cavity and has a plurality of LEDs aligned with the plurality of apertures on the web. A permanent magnet generator within the wheel powers the PCB and the LEDS, the generator completely confined to the interior of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: UREMET CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark G. Moore
  • Patent number: 10052911
    Abstract: A bicycle rim has rim a pair of rim flanges that defines a tire channel. A rim strip extends across the tire channel. The rim strip includes a pair of flange bumpers configured to cover the rim flanges. The flange bumpers each define a flange channel in which one of the rim flanges is received. A pair of safety humps define corresponding tire seating sections where a tire is seated when inflated. The rim strip further includes a drop seal that seals with the beads of the tire to facilitate seating of the tire during inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ENVE Composites, LLC
    Inventor: Brett Satterthwaite
  • Patent number: 10052912
    Abstract: A hub-bearing assembly having an axis of rotation and provided with a bearing outer ring and a bearing inner ring that define between them an interspace. The outer ring having a shaped groove and the inner ring being provided with a flange that is transverse to the axis of rotation; a sealing device, which is interposed between the outer ring and the inner ring to prevent the entry of impurities into the hub-bearing assembly through the interspace, being provided with a protective cover mounted on the flange to rotate with the inner ring, and extends around the outer ring to close off the interspace from the exterior of the interspace, and has a free terminal edge arranged to snap into the shaped groove to define an annular outlet that is placed inside the shaped groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Daniele Duch
  • Patent number: 10052913
    Abstract: A wheel end assembly that has a spindle, a hub, a tone ring, and a seal assembly. The tone ring may be mounted to the hub and may have a tone ring opening that may extend around the spindle. The seal assembly may be disposed in the tone ring opening and may extend from the spindle to the tone ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Sinka, Kou Yang, James Hamblin
  • Patent number: 10052914
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for changing tires. A tire-changing device can comprise a frame and a tire holder. The frame can comprise a U-shaped frame and an L-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame can comprise a base and a pair of shafts. Each of the shafts can be connected at both ends of the base. The L-shaped frame can comprise a short beam and a long beam. One end of the short beam can be attached at the bottom of the long beam. The other end of the short beam can be connected at the middle portion of the base. The tire holder can be attachable with the L-shaped frame. The tire holder can comprise a base plate, a plurality of prongs, and an L-shaped connector. The base plate can comprise a disc and a plurality of blades. The disc can be placed at the center of the blades. Each of the prongs can be attached at the top edge portion of each of the blades. The L-shaped connector can comprise a vertical member and a horizontal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Dion Shondal Clanton
  • Patent number: 10052915
    Abstract: A releasable wheel assembly includes a bracket having multiple bosses, each boss including a hole that receives an axle. A pair of wheels are mounted on the axle and a pair of locking caps fit over respective ends of the axle, the locking caps each including a clip for engaging the axle at a circumferential groove to prevent movement of the locking cap along the axle. The wheel assembly can be mounted to a carry bag or other storage unit by mounting the bracket to the storage unit, where the wheels and axle can be easily removed from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 10052916
    Abstract: In a tire 2, a difference Fs (((Dd?De)/W)×100) in an amount of protrusion is greater than ?0.4 and less than 0.5. A sum Fa (((Dd+De)/W)×100) of amounts of protrusions for a sidewall 6 satisfies mathematical expressions (3) and (4) in which an aspect ratio A is used, and a difference Gs (((Da?Dh)/W)×100) in an amount of protrusion for a tread 4 satisfies mathematical expressions (6) and (7). 0.02626×A?1.8615<Fa??(3) Fa<0.02626×A?0.6615??(4) ?0.010819×A?0.084658<Gs??(6) Gs<?0.010819×A+0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo Asano, Shintaro Tomita, Susumu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10052917
    Abstract: Heel-and-toe wear can be suppressed while securing snow performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiro Kawakita
  • Patent number: 10052918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire having a pair of spaced apart bead components, a connecting carcass between the bead components, a pair of sidewalls overlying the carcass, and a rubber chafer portion adjacent to each of the sidewalls and positioned around at least a portion of each of the bead components and intended for contacting a rigid rim of a wheel, the rubber chafer portion comprising a radially innermost toe guard and a chafer adjacent to a radially outer end of the toe guard; wherein the ratio of a modulus of the toe guard to a modulus of the chafer is in the range of 3 to 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Claude Schweitzer, Jean-Louis Marie Félicien Thomas, Evangelia Konstantaki, François Philippe Depouhon, Kundan Kumar
  • Patent number: 10052919
    Abstract: A tire includes at least one body defining a plurality of body ply layers, and a toroidal element located between the body ply layers. The toroidal element includes inner and outer regions formed by the body ply layers, and a central region formed by an inner rubber component located between the body ply layers. At least a portion of the central region is more elastic than the inner and outer regions. The toroidal element includes a first sidewall portion extending along at least a portion of the first sidewall region of the tire, and a second sidewall portion extending along at least a portion of the second sidewall region of the tire. The toroidal element is pre-stressed such that the first sidewall portion of the toroidal element exerts a first axially outward force, and such that the second sidewall portion of the toroidal element exerts a second axially outward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Asper, Sharon Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 10052920
    Abstract: A tire air pressure deflation system comprising an air delivery system having gas communication with at least one vehicle tire, the air delivery system maintaining the desired tire pressure, and an adjustable air control system adapted to control the air pressure maintained in the air delivery system and supply or expel the air from the tire, the air control system having a starting pressure setting, and a finishing pressure setting lower than the starting pressure setting, the finishing pressure setting having an active pressure setting lower than the finishing pressure setting. Upon activation of the tire air pressure deflation system, the tire deflates to the active pressure setting and the air control system deactivates upon reaching the finishing pressure setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: AGRIBRINK HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Jake Kraayenbrink, Steve Bailey, Maurice Veldhuis
  • Patent number: 10052921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for locating the installation position of at least two wheels (2a-2d) on a vehicle (1). A first radio signal of a first first sensor (4a) which is mounted on a wheel and a second radio signal of a second first sensor (4b) which is mounted on another wheel of the at least two wheels are received. Furthermore, a first measurement value of a first second sensor, which measures an angular position of a first wheel, is received, and a second measurement value of a second second sensor (5c), which measures an angular position of a second wheel of the at least two wheels, is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Bettecken, Thomas Skotnitzki