Patents Issued in November 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 10132569
    Abstract: A hybrid fluid cooler or tower that provides enhanced cooler performance by improving air and water distribution to the indirect heat exchange section by utilizing extended flow nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SPX Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Eldon F. Mockry
  • Patent number: 10132570
    Abstract: A heat exchanger having a primary flow path arranged to contain a first heat exchanging medium. A secondary flow path arranged to contain a secondary heat exchanging medium, wherein the primary flow path surrounds the secondary flow path for exchanging heat between the two paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Frederick Mark Webb
  • Patent number: 10132571
    Abstract: A knockdown heat dissipation unit includes at least one combination body and multiple heat pipes. The combination body has two opposite connection sections. The heat pipes are respectively connected with the connection sections of the combination body to form a large area of thermal contact face. According to the structural design of the knockdown heat dissipation unit, the number of the heat pipes can be increased or reduced according to the heat dissipation requirement of a user. Also, the number of the heat pipes can be flexibly adjusted according to the size of a heat source to enhance the heat dissipation effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Han Yu, Chung-Hua Liao, Wen-Jui Chuang
  • Patent number: 10132572
    Abstract: A heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger has a plurality of first flattened tubes communicating at different heights with an individual space including a flow channel through which refrigerant is spouted upward when installation is in a first attitude. The second heat exchanger has a plurality of second flattened tubes communicating at different heights with an individual space including a flow channel through which refrigerant is spouted upward when installation is in the first attitude. The first heat exchanger is disposed so that refrigerant is spouted upward in a flow channel of the individual space also in the case of installation in a second attitude, and the second heat exchanger is disposed so that refrigerant is spouted upward in a flow channel of the individual space also in the case of installation in the second attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Sakamaki, Yoshio Oritani, Shun Yoshioka, Tomoya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10132573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, said exchanger including a bundle of tubes (2), which enables an exchange of heat between a refrigerant circulating in said tubes (2) and an external airflow, and a first collector (4), said exchanger being configured so as to establish the serial circulation of the refrigerant among a first portion of said tubes (2) leading into a first portion (4a) of said first collector, said first collector (4), and a second portion of said tubes (2) leading into a second portion (4b) of said first collector (4). According to the invention, said first collector (4) includes a partition (12) configured to disrupt the circulation of the fluid between the first and second portions of said tubes (2). The invention is specifically for electric and/or hybrid motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Isabelle Citti, Jugurtha Benouali, Regis Beauvis
  • Patent number: 10132574
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to rotary heat exchangers configured to transfer heat to a heat transfer medium flowing in substantially axial direction within the heat exchangers. Exemplary heat exchangers include a heat conducting structure which is configured to be in thermal contact with a thermal load or a thermal sink, and a heat transfer structure rotatably coupled to the heat conducting structure to form a gap region between the heat conducting structure and the heat transfer structure, the heat transfer structure being configured to rotate during operation of the device and flow a heat transfer medium in a substantially axial direction through the heat transfer structure. In example devices heat may be transferred across the gap region from a heated axial flow of the heat transfer medium to a cool stationary heat conducting structure, or from a heated stationary conducting structure to a cool axial flow of the heat transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Koplow
  • Patent number: 10132575
    Abstract: The heat conduction member comprises a laminate formed by laminating a resin layer and a metal layer. The resin layer is formed from a thermally conductive resin material. The thickness of the laminate is smaller at the peripheral edge of the laminate than in the center portion of the laminate, and the thickness of the laminate is greater in the intermediate portion of the laminate than in the center portion of the laminate. An inclined surface is formed on the laminate so as to form a falling gradient from the intermediate portion toward the peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: KITAGAWA INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Mizuno, Hideo Yumi
  • Patent number: 10132576
    Abstract: A method for operating a heat exchanger, through which a heat transfer medium flows on a primary side, entering the heat exchanger with a first temperature and exiting the heat exchanger with a second temperature. The heat transfer medium emits on a secondary side a heat flow to a secondary medium flowing through the heat exchanger in the case of heating or, in the case of cooling, absorbs a heat flow from the secondary medium which enters the heat exchanger with a third temperature and exits the heat exchanger again with a fourth temperature. The heat exchanger is capable of transferring a maximum heat flow. At least three of the four temperatures are measured and the respective saturation level of the heat exchanger is determined from these measured temperatures and is used for controlling the operation of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BELIMO HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Markus Friedl, Marc Thuillard
  • Patent number: 10132577
    Abstract: An adiabatic condenser or fluid cooler is provided. A condensing or fluid cooling coil is provided. An adiabatic pad is provided wherein water can be used to cool the ambient air before entering or impacting the condensing or fluid cooling coil. Controls are provided that can adjust or eliminate the amount of water flowing over the adiabatic pad. The adiabatic pad may also be physically moved to allow ambient air to directly impact the condensing or fluid cooling coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BALTIMORE AIRCOIL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Martell, Adam Sheer, Philip Hollander, Preston Blay, David Andrew Aaron
  • Patent number: 10132578
    Abstract: A baffled ram accelerator system includes a ram accelerator tube with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of baffles disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of baffles forms a sequential series of propellant chambers along the longitudinal axis of the ram accelerator tube. An accelerator gun is also disposed on an input end of the ram accelerator tube, and the accelerator gun is positioned to fire a projectile into the ram accelerator tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Carl Knowlen, Adam P. Bruckner, Andrew J. Higgins, Viggo Hansen
  • Patent number: 10132579
    Abstract: Components of a firearm having a bolt with locking lugs improve shooting accuracy, due to increased coaxial alignment between the bolt, the cartridge, the receiver, and/or the barrel of a firearm. The receiver inner surface is shaped for lug-cleaning and for close tolerance/mating with the lugs only in the locked position and also with a non-threaded, axial surface of the barrel. Thus, the mating surfaces that are instrumental and/or that mainly control coaxial alignment of the receiver, bolt, and barrel are located between the lug stops and the threaded end of the receiver. The lugs may be axially curved or otherwise axially non-linear to tolerate dirt and other debris in a field environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald Andrew Foster
  • Patent number: 10132580
    Abstract: A forward assist assembly movable between a standby position and an engaged position in a forward assist bore of a firearm. The assembly includes a button and an single-piece pawl. The single-piece pawl includes an integrally-formed pivot boss supporting the pawl in the button for pivotal movement with respect to the button. The pivot boss also transfers a linear actuation force from the button to the pawl to move the assembly into the engaged position. The single-piece pawl also includes an integrally-formed finger having an engagement surface for engaging a ratchet tooth on the bolt carrier in the engaged position. The single-piece pawl also includes an integrally-formed retaining surface to retain the forward assist assembly in the standby position in the forward assist bore. The single-piece pawl also includes an integrally-formed stop surface to abut a portion of the button in the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bravo Company MFG, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Kincel, Jeffrey J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10132581
    Abstract: Belt/Metallic Link Chain Loaded Ammunition Feeder in a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). The feeder includes a feeding mechanism for routing chained ammunition from ammunition reservoir means towards the weapon's bullets entrance opening. The feeding mechanism has a first chute assembly for routing chained ammunition from the ammunition reservoir means towards the region of the RCWS's elevating/lowering axis, and a second chute assembly for continuing routing the chained ammunition from the region of the elevating/lowering axis towards the entry opening of the bullets entrance of the weapon. The chained ammunition traverses over the elevating/lowering axis region by passing from the first chute assembly to the second chute assembly. The first chute assembly remains static and the second chute assembly is dynamic and propelled together with the mounting bracket assembly around the elevating/lowering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimon Chachamian, Ran Hamish
  • Patent number: 10132582
    Abstract: A reloading system and method for reloading cartridges into an ammunition magazine. The reloading system has a storage container for holding a supply of cartridges. The internal chamber supplies a set number of cartridges to a loading chamber. A first spring-loaded plunger extends into the loading chamber from a first end. The first spring loaded plunger biases the set number of cartridges in the loading chamber toward the second end. A magazine receptacle is offset from the second end of the loading chamber. A second spring loaded plunger is provided that extends into the loading chamber proximate the second end. The second spring loaded plunger advances one of the cartridges from the loading chamber into the ammunition magazine that is engaged with the magazine receptacle. A new cartridge is loaded each time the second spring loaded plunger is manually advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Junsheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 10132583
    Abstract: A universal chassis for a firearm includes sidewalls. The sidewalls define a trigger well that is configured to receive a trigger mechanism. One of the sidewalls may define a cutout adjacent the trigger well. The chassis is configured to interchangeably receive a bolt action and a barrel for a shotgun, a muzzle loader, and a rifle. The cutout is sized and dimensioned to receive a lever arm of the bolt action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Drake Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Drake
  • Patent number: 10132584
    Abstract: Described herein is a firearm magazine release lock that permanently fixes a magazine to a firearm. This device requires disassembly of the firearm action and disengagement of this device with a special tool prior to release of the magazine. The device comprises a retractable detent extending from a magazine catch that prevents simple removal of a magazine. This device requires disassembly of the firearm action and disengagement of this device with a special tool prior to release of the magazine. In some embodiments the device couples to a security bolt to prevent removal of the device from the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: TORQUE PRECISION, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Abbott, Robert Gager
  • Patent number: 10132585
    Abstract: A trigger guard safety device for movement of a trigger of a weapon is provided. The trigger guard safety device is unobtrusive and molded to fit around the trigger guard of a weapon such that the trigger guard safety device physically prevents access to and depression of the trigger. The trigger guard safety device is of unitary construction and comprises sides, bottom, and depressions formed in the sides. When secured in place, the trigger guard safety device provides for safe transportation of a loaded weapon while allowing quick discharge of the weapon when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Triggersafe LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Dewayne Harper, James Joseph Gray
  • Patent number: 10132586
    Abstract: An encasement that is designed to hold a trigger and the trip mechanism directly on the firing pin. In this invention, the trip mechanism consists of a trigger, a tripper, which is in contact with the trigger and a trip, which is attached to the tripper and is designed to pivot when firing the firearm. An adjustment pin is provided to set the tension on the trigger and tripper so that a minimum force is required to hold the assembly in the cocked position, ready for firing. The length and shape of the tripper as well as the encasement body are all designed based on the type of firearm that the action is installed. This is to allow the trip to fit against the firing pin as a sear would. The encasement must also be designed to fit into the existing structure of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Roy Hoekema
  • Patent number: 10132587
    Abstract: A rotating bolt firearm may be configured to fire a .308 cartridge. However, the firearm may have a reduced weight in comparison to standard .308 rifles. The firearm may have many components typically used in a .223 rifle. The firearm may include a barrel extension with an extractor gap, which allows a .308 bolt to fit within a .223 sized barrel extension. The firearm may comprise an elongated magazine well in comparison to a .223 mil-spec rifle. The firearm may weigh less than 6.8 pounds with a 16 inch barrel, or less than 6.3 pounds with a 10.5 inch barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PATRIOT ORDNANCE FACTORY, INC.
    Inventor: Frank L. DeSomma
  • Patent number: 10132588
    Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an accessory to the muzzle end of a firearm includes an accessory such as a silencer or sound suppressor, a muzzle adapter, and a multi-functional assembly, disassembly and locking device that locks the muzzle adapter onto the body of the suppressor. An end of the device is also configured to mate with the muzzle adapter to provide torque to selectively assemble or disassemble the muzzle adapter to the suppressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DAVINCI ARMS LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Salvador
  • Patent number: 10132589
    Abstract: An ambidextrous compact firearm is disclosed. The firearm provides for ambidextrous use by providing two interchangeable receiving wells that are arranged and configured to interchangeably receive a releasably attachable magazine and a releasably attachable fire control group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: John Carnan Anderson
  • Patent number: 10132590
    Abstract: Systems described here include assemblies used for damping vibration. Some embodiments include an exo-skeleton with two openings, two inner cores mounted inside the exo-skeleton, two independent fasteners, each with an attachment end and a flange end. In some embodiments, the two independent fastener flange ends are mounted inside the exo-skeleton, each in one of the inner cores, and the two independent fastener attachment ends extending out of their respective opening of the exo-skeleton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: LEVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Leven, Erick J. Hall
  • Patent number: 10132591
    Abstract: A magazine that includes a pre-pack and a gas regulator system, with the pre-pack including a gas canister and non-lethal projectiles in addition to a drive mechanism for introducing non-lethal projectiles into gun chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Unit Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Sandgren, Juan D. Tobón, Nathaniel Jacob Leon, Christopher Blodgett, Daniel Luby, Charles Miller
  • Patent number: 10132592
    Abstract: A burst device of a toy gun (8) with a mechanical box (800) includes a sliding mechanism (10), a pressing mechanism (20) and a stop part (30). The sliding mechanism (10) includes a sliding part (11), a rod (12) and an elastic member (13) and has linear teeth (111); the pressing mechanism (20) is installed to the sliding mechanism (10) and includes a pressing plate (21) and a pressing part (22), and the pressing part (22) has a latch block (221) for sliding the sliding part (11) with respect to the rod (12); the stop part (30) is pivotally coupled to the mechanical box (800) and configured to be corresponsive to the sliding part (11) and has a stopper (31) for stopping any tooth (111) after the latch block (221) stops pushing the tooth (111), so as to achieve high reliability and stability of a burst action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Ho-Sheng Wei
  • Patent number: 10132593
    Abstract: An optical device has a post and a reference. A knob is rotatably connected to the optical device and has see-though portions and a gear pivotably disposed therein. The gear has a ring engagement member and a receiver for receiving the post and an inner ring is disposed within the housing. The inner ring includes a first indicia and second indicia. The first indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a first position. The second indicia are aligned with the plurality of see-through portions when the gear is in a second position. Each of the first and second indicia is associated with a single specific rotated position of the housing relative to the reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BURRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Travis White, Seth Alan Feinberg, Matthew David Joyner
  • Patent number: 10132594
    Abstract: A bi-reticle sight includes a main body, a first reticle, a second reticle and a sensor. The first reticle is configured to move along with the main body. The second reticle is configured to move relative to the first reticle. The sensor is configured to detect the main body to determine whether the main body is in a standard attitude. Wherein the first reticle coincides with the second reticle when the main body is in the standard attitude, the second reticle is moved relative to the first reticle to a position corresponding to the standard attitude when the main body is not in the standard attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventor: Hung-Chi Chou
  • Patent number: 10132595
    Abstract: A crossbow sighter is used to align the sight used on a crossbow to the axis of the groove on the crossbow. In this manner, the cross bow bolt will strike close to, or at, the location sighted by the sight. The crossbow sighter fits into the groove and has a body with a length that extends past the bow string when the bow string is in its fully relaxed position. The bow string rests against the body and applies cross-axial pressure to the crossbow sighter and helps retain it in the groove while aligning the crossbow sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Larry E. Moore
  • Patent number: 10132596
    Abstract: A firearm mount comprises a platform, first and second pairs of columns extending therefrom, and first and second sidewalls spanning the first and second pairs of columns, respectively. The first sidewall defining a bore and the second sidewall defining an arcuate portion, wherein the bore and the arcuate portion are collinear along a plane. A bridge spans the first and second sidewalls, such that the bridge is positioned between the plane and the platform. The mount further comprises a fastener and a plate, wherein the plate comprises a tubular portion having an open end, the tubular portion extending from the plate and through the arcuate portion when the fastener extends through the bore and fastens to the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Philippe Bartoszewicz
  • Patent number: 10132597
    Abstract: The present invention provides structural insulated panels which may afford protection from blast and ballistics events. The inventive structural insulated panel comprises a metal sheet, a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam and a polycarbonate sheet, film or laminate. Due to the materials of their construction, the inventive panels are light weight and a plurality of such panels may be quickly and easily assembled into sturdy, insulated, temporary or permanent shelters for protection in a variety of situations and environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PLASKOLITE MASSACHUSETTS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Pyles, Kerry Ingold
  • Patent number: 10132598
    Abstract: A ballistic protection structure has a first ballistic layer made of a textile of synthetic fibers and a second ballistic layer comprising a first holding element on which slender metallic structures in the form of flat sheets and/or straight filiform elements are restrained. The metallic structures are restrained at different points of the first holding element and protrude therefrom generally perpendicularly. The free ends of the slender metallic structures are restrained to the first textile layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignees: SAES GETTERS S.P.A., GRUPPO ROLD S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Citro, Giorgio Vergani, Paolo Barbatelli
  • Patent number: 10132599
    Abstract: A target assembly having a target body and a drive element coupled to the target body, whereby the drive element can be configured for impacting an upper portion of a support element to impactingly drive a lower portion of the support element into a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Steel Ops Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Scott Trimbath
  • Patent number: 10132600
    Abstract: A collapsible target is disclosed. The target comprises a frame that is collapsible from an open, unfolded configuration, to a closed, folded configuration. A fabric housing is mounted on the frame using a series of capped connectors and grommets. The housing comprises a plurality of panels joined together to from an inner compartment. The front panel of the compartment is formed with a window. A target assembly comprising a self-resetting spinner and a base is mounted in the compartment behind the window. The spinner may be mounted on an illuminated axle. The base is dimensioned for alternately holding a breakable clay target. The target is highly portable and easy to setup and take down. The target may be conveniently stored in a bag when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAUNDERS ARCHERY COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles A. Saunders, Brett A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 10132601
    Abstract: Modular cartridges are disclosed that can be initially assembled, disassembled, and reprocessed by hand. The cartridge case is suitable for use with a variety of projectile designs and weights and for use with a range of propellant amounts and primer types. The variety of projectiles and range of propelling forces permits the present invention to provide cartridges for all types of uses, including indoor and outdoor target shooting, training, non-lethal self-protection, and lethal uses. The cartridges include a case, a projectile, a primer, and a selectable amount of propellant (if any), and primer housing insert? and which is configured to be releasably attached to the striking end of the case and to contain the primer and the desired amount of propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: William Joseph Nemec
  • Patent number: 10132602
    Abstract: A munition includes a composite case, a blast cone housed by the composite case, a grenade aft of the blast cone and housed by the composite case, a first attenuator forward of the blast cone, and a second attenuator aft of the blast cone and forward of the grenade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas McGuire, Roderick Daebelliehn, Gregory Martin
  • Patent number: 10132603
    Abstract: A projectile device is disclosed for firing at a target. The projectile device includes a shroud, the shroud having a forward end and a rearward end. The shroud defines a channel which extends through the shroud between the forward end and the rearward end of the shroud. An insert is releasably secured to the shroud such that after the forward end of the shroud strikes the target, the insert is released from the shroud for increasing penetration of the shroud through the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Darren J Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10132604
    Abstract: A cap for an explosive water charge includes a top surface and a generally cylindrical portion extending downwardly from the top surface. On the outer surface of the generally cylindrical portion are rings and cantilevered, pointed rectangles that enable a water tight fit in the neck of a drinking bottle. The cap is configured to hold a detonator, such as a blasting cap, and two different sizes of tubes of energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Keith Chamberlain, Lee Foltz, Angel Diaz
  • Patent number: 10132605
    Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Collin J. Nelson, David Andrew Wortelboer, Kyle C. Anderson, Abhijeet A. Khangar, Jonathan F. Vitas
  • Patent number: 10132606
    Abstract: A tape measure having a housing, a marking device for applying a mark to a surface to be marked, and a carriage member connected to a constant force spring for advancing a marking substance against a marking wheel configured for applying a mark to a surface to be measured and marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 10132607
    Abstract: A device configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depths of holes for placement of bone screws and fastener for bone implant fixation procedures. The device includes a combination of a bone probe for physical examination of a hole drilled in a bone and a depth gauge member for determining a depth of the hole and providing digital measurement of the depth via a display on the instrument and/or via a wireless exchange of measurement data to a remote computing device, such as a tablet or smartphone. The device may further be connected to a separate neuromonitoring device and be used for nerve sensing and/or nerve stimulation by way of the bone probe. For example, the bone probe may include a conductive material such that the distal probe tip acts as an extension of the neuromonitoring device and may be used to sense and/or stimulate nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: EDGe Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Rioux, Christopher Wilson, Victor Simoes, Tyler Wanke
  • Patent number: 10132608
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a device for actuating one or several elements to be actuated of a structure, with the actuating device comprising one or several actuators, characterised in that it comprises the following successive steps: (b1) placing the structure, in particular the element or elements to be actuated of the structure, in a predetermined reference position, (b2) activating a calculation unit to automatically calibrate the actuator or actuators of the actuating device, with the calculation unit able to determine, for the actuator or actuators, the minimum and maximum end stops that define its or their authorised range of movement using the predetermined reference position of the structure, taken as the origin position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PGA ELECTRONIC
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Piaulet, Sebastien Bizien, Alain Berthouloux
  • Patent number: 10132609
    Abstract: A system and methods for quantitative optical phase imaging of a sample. First second replica field of an image field are generated, characterized by a respective optical phase, cross-polarized and shifted in a shift direction transverse to a normal to the surface of the sample. The replica fields are Fourier transformed, the second replica field is retarded by four successive phase shifts, and, after inverse Fourier transforming, the first and second replica fields pass through an analyzer polarizer and superposing the first and second replica fields on a detector array to create four successive detector signals. The four successive detector signals are solved to derive a gradient of the optical phase of the image field, which may be integrated to obtain a quantitative phase image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Gabriel Popescu, Mikhail Eugene Kandel, Tan Huu Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10132610
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical integration technologies, designs, systems and methods directed toward Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and other interferometric optical sensor, ranging, and imaging systems wherein such systems, methods and structures employ tunable optical sources, coherent detection and other structures on a single or multichip monolithic integration. In contrast to contemporary, prior-art OCT systems and structures that employ simple, miniature optical bench technology using small optical components positioned on a substrate, systems and methods according to the present disclosure employ one or more photonic integrated circuits (PICs), use swept-source techniques, and employ a widely tunable optical source(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Swanson
  • Patent number: 10132611
    Abstract: A method and system for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of a surface is provided. The method includes providing the scanner configured to emit a light from the light source and reflect the light onto the surface, the scanner further being configured to determine with a processor a three-dimensional coordinate of a point on the surface based at least in part on a first and second angle measuring device and a reflection of the light from the surface. An image is acquired of the surface with a camera and a feature is identified. A first area is identified having a high information content and a first arc segment is determined. The surface is scanned by rotating a motor at a first speed during the first arc segment and at a second speed during a second arc segment, the second speed being greater than the first speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Steffey, Reinhard Becker, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Jurgen Gittinger
  • Patent number: 10132612
    Abstract: A method and assembly for determining the thickness of layers of a sample stack influencing the intensity of reflected light from a light source. The thickness is determined from the intensity detected by an array detector with a plurality of detector elements in lines and columns. The detector comprises a plurality of sections in the form of parallel stripes, the stripes detecting the light reflected by the sample stack of layers simultaneously. Light of one selected wavelength range only is detected by each of the plurality of sections of the detector. The image of the sample stack on the detector or of the parallel stripes is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the parallel stripes such that each point of the sample stack is detected at least once in each of the different wavelength ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: HSEB Dresden GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Srocka, Stanislas Flon
  • Patent number: 10132613
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises: an image acquisition unit that acquires a captured image of a target object onto which a pattern is projected; a distance acquisition unit that acquires, based on the image, a plurality of distance values, each indicating a distance to the target object; a determination unit that determines whether each of the acquired distance values is noise generated by multiple reflection of the pattern; a first processing unit that performs first processing, using distance values obtained by removing a distance value that is determined to be the noise from the plurality of distance values; and a second processing unit that performs second processing, using the plurality of distance values that are acquired by the distance acquisition unit and from which the distance value determined to be the noise has not been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshikawa, Shinji Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 10132614
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes multiple optical waveguides configured in the fiber. An interferometric measurement system mitigates or compensates for the errors imposed by differences in a shape sensing optical fiber's response to temperature and strain. A 3-D shape and/or position are calculated from a set of distributed strain measurements acquired for a multi-core optical shape sensing fiber that compensates for these non-linear errors using one or more additional cores in the multicore fiber that react differently to temperature changes than the existing cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Froggatt, Dawn K. Gifford, Stephen T. Kreger, Alexander K. Sang, Jeffrey T. Lacroix, Eric E. Sanborn
  • Patent number: 10132615
    Abstract: Data acquisition devices for analyzing reference objects and systems for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. A data acquisition device has a longitudinal axis and includes a lens assembly and an image capture device in communication with the lens assembly for receiving and processing light from the lens assembly to generate images. The data acquisition device further includes a light source and a light tube coupled at a rear end to the light source. The light tube extends along the longitudinal axis between a front end and the rear end, and is operable to transport light from the light source therethrough and emit the light from the front end. The data acquisition device further includes an actuator operable to activate the image capture device and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Lee Burnside, Gregory Lee Hovis, William Farris Ranson
  • Patent number: 10132616
    Abstract: Using the same image sensor to capture both a two-dimensional (2D) image of a three-dimensional (3D) object and 3D depth measurements for the object. A laser point-scans the surface of the object with light spots, which are detected by a pixel array in the image sensor to generate the 3D depth profile of the object using triangulation. Each row of pixels in the pixel array forms an epipolar line of the corresponding laser scan line. Timestamping provides a correspondence between the pixel location of a captured light spot and the respective scan angle of the laser to remove any ambiguity in triangulation. An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) in the image sensor generates a multi-bit output in the 2D mode and a binary output in the 3D mode to generate timestamps. Strong ambient light is rejected by switching the image sensor to a 3D logarithmic mode from a 3D linear mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yibing Michelle Wang
  • Patent number: 10132617
    Abstract: A method for measuring geometric surface characteristics of a flange surface positioned at an end of a tubular object, such as sections of a wind power generation tower. Also, a corresponding system. The method includes optically measuring, in each of a plurality of rotational positions of the tubular object, a set of measurement points at the surface of the flange, each set of measurement points being arranged in a sector along an arc at a first distance from the central axis of the tubular object, and being separated in a circumference direction of the flange, wherein said sectors are at least partly overlapping, so that at least two measurement points of each set essentially correspond to measurement points of at least one other set of measurement points, and wherein the arcs together extend over the entire circumference of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: EASY-LASER AB
    Inventor: Leif Törngren
  • Patent number: 10132618
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inspecting a crankshaft, which enables accurate detection of defects which occur partially in the crankshaft, such as underfills and dent flaws, by discriminating these defects from bending and torsion over an entire length of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshito Isei, Toshiyuki Oyama, Ryota Ohashi