Patents Issued in July 2, 2019
  • Patent number: 10337503
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for removing or installing a main shaft and attached main bearing assembly of a wind turbine from a bedplate. The method and system use rigging and specialized tooling and procedures to perform the method in the field with the machine head remaining atop the tower or removed from the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darrick Adam Vanderwalker, Jonathan Paul Signore, Gregory Clarence Thomas, Rodney Robert Redd, II, Kevin Tyler Eherts, Hunter Ryan Anderson
  • Patent number: 10337504
    Abstract: Solar chimney and method for generating power by the solar chimney are provided. The solar chimney includes a chimney; a heat absorbing surface; a transparent cover located above the surface and forming an air pathway with the surface to the entrance to the chimney; one or more integrated turbine-generators at or before the entrance to the chimney for producing electrical power; and a focusing lens focusing solar radiation on a heat exchanging element to heat air at or just before the entrance to the chimney as it flows to the one or more turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Fahad Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiman
  • Patent number: 10337505
    Abstract: A wax filled actuator includes a piston in direct contact with the thermally responsive wax material. A cup containing the wax is mechanically secured to a guide that receives and controls axial movement of the piston in response to expansion and contraction of the wax. A seal between the cup and guide prevents leakage of the wax. Another seal surrounds the piston and prevents leakage of the wax around the piston. In a disclosed embodiment, the piston has a cylindrical, polished outside surface that aids in preventing adhesion of the wax to the piston. In a disclosed embodiment, the seal surrounding the piston is a radially compressed annular elastomeric member. The seal surrounding the piston may be disposed between flat, annular wipers. The seal and wipers may be axially retained between the guide and a washer trapped between the cup and guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Rostra Vernatherm, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Lamb, Kenneth Lionello, Alberto D. Medina Santamaria
  • Patent number: 10337507
    Abstract: A reciprocating compressor includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head, and a bypass unloader valve assembly. The cylinder block has a cylinder disposed therein. The cylinder head is secured to the cylinder block overlying the cylinder and has a suction plenum and a discharge plenum in selective fluid communication with the cylinder. The bypass unloader valve assembly is in operable communication with the cylinder head and is responsive to control signals to rapid cycle to allow for fluid communication of a refrigerant between the discharge plenum and the suction plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
  • Patent number: 10337508
    Abstract: A pump including a housing defining a plurality of inlet bores. A first interior wall is arranged to at least partially define a first of the plurality of inlet bores. The first interior wall has a contour in a cross section taken normal to the plunger axes. The first interior wall is at least partially defined by the revolution of the contour about a first inlet axis that is normal to and intersects a first of the plurality of plunger axes. The contour includes a cylindrical portion arranged parallel to the first inlet axis, a planar portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first inlet axis and spaced a first distance from the plunger axis, and a convex bulge portion extending from the cylindrical portion and spaced a second distance from the plunger axis. The contour further includes a V-shaped groove portion extending from the convex bulge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GARDNER DENVER PETROLEUM PUMPS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Cary, Vadim Kachkovskiy
  • Patent number: 10337509
    Abstract: Provided is an internal gear pump. The shape of any one of a plurality of external teeth and a plurality of internal teeth of the pump is formed on the basis of formulae (1)-(5). r=ro?dr·cos ?,??Formula (1): Px=(ro?dr)+1/4dr{1?cos(2?)},??Formula (2): Py=1/4dr{?2?+sin(2?)},??Formula (3): Qx=Px?r·cos ?,??Formula (4): Qy=Py+r·sin ???Formula (5):.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOOKI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Noritaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10337510
    Abstract: Oil pumps having wear-resistant coatings applied thereto and methods of applying the coatings are disclosed. The oil pump may include an aluminum housing that defines a cavity. A steel rotor may be disposed within the cavity and configured to rotate therein such that a portion of the steel rotor contacts the aluminum housing. A metal coating (e.g., steel) may cover at least a portion of the aluminum housing in a region that is configured to be contacted by the steel rotor. An integrated oil pump and engine cover is disclosed including an aluminum body having a peripheral wall defining a cavity. The peripheral wall may form a portion of the oil pump housing and the cavity may receive a steel rotor. A wear-resistant coating (e.g., steel) may cover at least a portion of the peripheral wall in a region that is configured to be contacted by the steel rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Clifford E. Maki, Antony George Schepak, James Maurice Boileau
  • Patent number: 10337511
    Abstract: A hydraulic conveying device for an internal combustion engine may include a pendulum slide pump including an inner rotor drivingly connected to an outer rotor via a plurality of pendulum slides. A hydraulic actuation device may change an eccentricity between the inner rotor and the outer rotor via an actuation member. The actuation member may be prestressed by a spring device. The actuation device may further include a first pressure-setting chamber and a second pressure-setting chamber for adjusting the actuation member. At least one of the first pressure-setting chamber and the second pressure-setting chamber may be connected via a control valve to a pressure side of the pendulum slide pump. A hydraulic line may connect the pendulum slide cell pump downstream to a hydraulic medium filter. The control valve may be connected to the hydraulic line upstream of the hydraulic medium filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Dodel, Marco Kirchner, Michael Langer, Christian Richter
  • Patent number: 10337512
    Abstract: An internal gear pump (100) comprises: a rotor/torque ring comprising an internally lobed (140) rotor (130) and a torque ring (120) extending beyond at least a first end (134) of the rotor; an externally lobed (160) idler (150) encircled by the rotor; a hollow shaft (190) supporting the idler; a pressure relief element (200) positioned to shift between a first condition and a second condition; and a spring (210) biasing the pressure relief element toward the first condition from the second condition. The torque ring has at least one pressure relief port (240A, 240B) positioned so that: in the first condition, the pressure relief element blocks a path from an interior volume (235) of the pump to the pressure relief port; and in the second condition, relative to the first condition the pressure relief element does not block the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Russell G. Lewis, James S. Brissenden
  • Patent number: 10337513
    Abstract: A liquid pump has a housing with a suction connection, a pressure connection and a electric motor for rotationally driving a conveying device that has a suction inlet and pressure outlet which communicate with the suction connection and the pressure connection respectively. An electronic power unit for the electric motor is adjacent to the motor and extends transversely to the axis of rotation and is on the rear side of the partition wall of the housing. The suction inlet is arranged at a height smaller than an inner radius of an annular gap between the stator and rotor, whereas a rotor passage extends at a constant height, so that a liquid inducted by way of the suction connection is guided in part via the annular gap and undergoes a deflection at the partition wall, cooling the latter before it passes through the rotor passage to the suction inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Reul, Markus Dirauf
  • Patent number: 10337514
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high-strength thermally insulative partition assembly (e.g., muffler plate) for use in a scroll compressor. The assembly includes at least one metal plate and an insulating region. The insulating region may have at least one insulating material or may be a low-pressure or vacuum chamber. The partition assembly serves to minimize heat transfer between a low-pressure refrigerant on the low-pressure, suction side and a high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant on the high-pressure, discharge side of the compressor. The insulating region may be sandwiched between multiple metal plates. The insulating region may be coated on the metal plate. The insulating region may also be a preformed component or mask that is coupled to the metal plate via a mechanical interlock system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yogesh S. Mahure, Pavankumar Pralhad Jorwekar, Pankaj Ahire, Rohan R. Prabhu
  • Patent number: 10337515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle compressor without operating fluid in the working space with a 2-tooth spindle rotor and a 3-tooth spindle rotor in a surrounding compressor housing-and preferably non-parallel rotation axes of the two spindle rotors, in particular for use in compression refrigeration machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventors: Ralf Steffens, Steffen Klein
  • Patent number: 10337516
    Abstract: A multi-stage, self-priming centrifugal pump assembly includes at least two pump stages (4) which are consecutive in a main flow direction (32), and a backflow channel (13) which lies parallel to at least one a pump stage (4). The backflow channel (13) runs out downstream of the first or a further pump stage (4), in the main flow direction (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Bjarne Vinther Toft, Aage Bruhn
  • Patent number: 10337517
    Abstract: An improved vacuum pump mechanism is described in which an intersecting solid or perforated element is arranged to intersect a channel member. Relative movement of the intersecting solid or perforated element and channel member causes gas molecules to be urged from inlet to an outlet of the pump. Gas molecules are constrained within the channel member and interaction of the gas molecules with the flat and smooth surfaces of the intersecting solid or perforated member influence momentum of the gas molecules so that they are directed towards the outlet. In one embodiment, the channel member is formed as a helix and the intersecting solid or perforated elements are disk-shaped. An alternative embodiment is provided having the channel member configured as a spiral and the perforated elements as cylindrical skirts. The pump provides significant improvements in pump capacity, reduced power consumption and size of pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Paul Schofield, Ian David Stones, Stephen Dowdeswell
  • Patent number: 10337518
    Abstract: A variable turbine geometry turbine turbocharger (1) includes a vane pack (50) disposed in the exhaust gas path upstream of the turbine wheel (12). The vane pack (50) includes vanes (30) that are rotatably supported between a pair of vane rings (34) and configured to adjustably control the flow of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel (12). In addition, a retainer (60, 160) secures the vane pack (50) to the bearing housing (16) in such a way that the vane pack (50) is mechanically decoupled from the turbine housing (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew King, Elias Morgan
  • Patent number: 10337519
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a compressor of a turbomachine, in which, when viewed in the direction of a main flow, a slowly dropping degree of reaction being raised in one compressor area more quickly than previously dropped and the raised degree of reaction then being reduced again in a subsequent compressor area more slowly that it was previously raised, a compressor of a turbomachine including at least one degree of reaction rising more quickly in one compressor area in comparison to adjacent compressor areas with respectively a dropping degree of reaction, whereby a sawtooth-shaped curve of the degree of reaction results, and a turbomachine including a compressor of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Sergio Elorza Gomez, Tim Schneider
  • Patent number: 10337520
    Abstract: A fluid energy machine having a rotor, with a casing that separates an interior from an exterior, having at least one shaft seal for sealing a gap between the rotor and casing. The shaft seal is a tandem dry gas seal, having an inner and outer seal. The outer seal has a first sealing gas feed, which opens into the gap axially between the outer and inner seal. The shaft seal has a primary discharge between the inner and outer seal, which extracts primary discharge fluid from the gap. The first sealing gas feed has a first control member for controlling the flow rate of the sealing gas. The primary discharge has a second control member for controlling the flow rate of a primary discharge fluid. The first and second control members are matched such that the first pressure is adjusted to a first pressure setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludger Alfes
  • Patent number: 10337521
    Abstract: A fan blade for a turbofan gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fan blade includes a body having a pressure side and a suction side. The body also includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a distal tip and a base that is coupled to a hub. The suction side of the body includes at least one cavity for purposes of reducing the weight of the fan blade. The at least one body is surrounded by a slot that extends outwardly away from the cavity. A lip that extends inwardly towards the body further defines the slot. A cover is provided that overlays the cavity and includes a peripheral edge that is received in the slot and that is at least partially covered by the lip for a robust connection between the fan blade body and the cavity cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Charles H. Roche
  • Patent number: 10337522
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor includes: a compressor housing; an impeller wheel for compressing intake air, disposed inside the compressor housing; a parallel flow generating unit for rectifying the intake air flowing in via an intake port to be parallel to the direction of a rotation shaft; and a recirculation channel for returning a part of the intake air in an outer circumferential section of the impeller wheel to an upstream side of the impeller wheel. The parallel flow generating unit includes a parallel flow generating part including a plurality of guide vanes and a central intake-air flowing section which is a space surrounded by the parallel flow generating part. An intake-air outflow direction from an upstream opening is oriented toward the parallel flow generating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventors: Byeongil An, Hiroshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10337523
    Abstract: An air blower comprises an outer housing and an inner shell body. The outer housing is formed with at least one first suction inlet and at least one second suction inlet, a first high-pressure generation part having a first fan for forming a first high-speed airflow and a first discharge outlet are formed between the outer housing and the inner shell body, and a first airflow passage is defined by the first suction inlet, the first high-pressure generation part and the first discharge outlet; and the inner shell body includes a second high-pressure generation part having a second first fan for forming a second high-speed airflow, the front end of the inner shell body is formed with a second discharge outlet, and a second airflow passage spaced from the first airflow passage is defined by the second suction inlet, the second high-pressure generation part and the second discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Shu-Hsien Chou
  • Patent number: 10337524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade row group arrangeable in a main flow path of a fluid-flow machine and including N adjacent member blade rows firmly arranged relative to one another in both the meridional direction (m) and the circumferential direction (u), with the number N of the member blade rows being greater than/equal to 2 and (i) designating the running index with values between 1 and N. Here, a front member blade row with front blades (i) having a leading edge and a trailing edge as well as a rear member blade row with rear blades (i+1) having a leading edge and a trailing edge are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Volker Guemmer
  • Patent number: 10337525
    Abstract: An axial cooling fan for a vehicle includes an electrically powered motor operable to rotate fan blades to move air to cool a component or accessory of the vehicle. A stator is at the motor and has a plurality of struts that fixedly support the motor at the vehicle. The struts of the stator include leading edge surfaces that generally face air that is flowing towards the struts and past the struts and stator, such as when the motor is powered to rotate the fan blades. The leading edge surfaces of the struts comprise an aerodynamic design or pattern or structure established thereat, such as a toothed pattern or structure at the leading edge surfaces of the struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Brian Havel
  • Patent number: 10337526
    Abstract: A blower includes a fan for generating an air flow, a motor for driving the fan to rotate about a central axis, a battery pack for supplying power to the motor, an air duct portion including an air duct, the air duct extending long the central axis, a coupling portion for coupling with the battery pack, and a connection portion for connecting the air duct portion with the coupling portion. The fan is received in the air duct. The air duct includes an air duct inlet and an air duct outlet which are respectively located at the two ends of the air duct. The air duct inlet is located between the air duct outlet and the coupling portion. The connection portion is provided with an air intake space located between the air duct inlet and the coupling portion. The air intake space is opened in a radial direction of the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: CHERVON (HK) LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiandian Shao, Toshinari Yamaoka, Fangjie Nie, Jianpeng Guo
  • Patent number: 10337527
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbomachine blade comprising a vane. The vane comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure face and a suction face spaced apart from each other and connecting the leading edge to the trailing edge. The vane further comprises at least one internal cavity between the pressure face and the suction face, wherein air is intended to flow. The vane comprises intersecting transverse partitions, downstream of the cavity, so that air can flow from the cavity in the direction of the trailing edge between the intersecting partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Stéphane Mahias, Olivier Chantoiseau, Laurent Gilles Dezouche
  • Patent number: 10337528
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include fan systems for moving air within a room. In some embodiments, the fan systems described herein can be attached to a base that can be mounted on a ceiling, wall, or other building structure. In some embodiments, a single fan may be attached to a first base at a first location for a period of time, and subsequently detached from the first base and attached to another base at another location. In some embodiments, the fan system includes a rechargeable battery, so that the base does not need to be connected to or associated with a power source in order for the fan to operate. Some embodiments of the invention include modular charging systems for electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Anthony Rivera
  • Patent number: 10337529
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a compressor of a turbocharger of an engine. In one example, a compressor may include a flow passage and a resonance chamber surrounding the flow passage, with the flow passage fluidly coupled with the resonance chamber by a recirculation passage, a bleed passage, and a plurality of apertures positioned between the recirculation passage and the bleed passage. Flowing fluid from the resonance chamber, through the apertures, and into the flow passage may reduce a noise level of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ahsanul Karim, Chris David Tiernan, Keith D. Miazgowicz, Timothy J. Knott, Anthony Morelli
  • Patent number: 10337530
    Abstract: A fan shroud assembly (10) includes a fan shroud (14) having a boss (54) formed thereon, and a shield (22) having an aperture (58) and at least one slot (62) communicating with the aperture to allow deflection of the shield in a region adjacent the aperture. The aperture is smaller than the boss such that the aperture receives the boss with an interference fit, causing deflection of the shield, to secure the shield on the fan shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Todd King, Andrew Leighton
  • Patent number: 10337531
    Abstract: A diffusion pump is provided that includes a housing and a boiling chamber connected to the housing. The boiling chamber has a heating element. The housing has a nozzle that is connected to the boiling chamber. The housing also has a condenser is arranged at an internal surface, where the condenser has a cooling system. The boiling chamber is thermally isolated from the condenser by an isolator. The cooling system is at least partially a water cooling system and is connected to the heating element via a heat pump such that heat from the condenser is supplied to the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: LEYBOLD GMBH
    Inventor: Hans-Werner Schweizer
  • Patent number: 10337532
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may include a source of pressurized fluid; a tank; a hydraulic actuator including a first chamber and a second chamber; a first independent metering valve disposed between and fluidly connected to the source, the tank, and the first chamber of the hydraulic actuator; and a second independent metering valve disposed between and fluidly connected to the source, the tank, and the second chamber of the hydraulic actuator. Each of the first independent metering valve and the second independent metering valve may include a spool and a valve actuator disposed on one side of the spool. The valve actuator may include a push coil, a pull coil, and a force feedback mechanism configured to balance a force of the push coil and the pull coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Aleksandar Egelja, Justin Speichinger, Shuhei Orimoto, Tetsuya Yoshino, Hideki Nakajima, Shogo Tada, Aleem Junaidi, Bryan Johnson, Matthew Beschorner
  • Patent number: 10337533
    Abstract: An connecting structure of an electromagnetic valve includes: a first connecting structure body that prohibits a relative movement between a hydraulic pressure circuit body and an electromagnetic valve in an axis line direction; a second connecting structure body that prohibits a relative movement therebetween in a plane orthogonal to the axis line direction; a third connecting structure body that prohibits a relative rotation about the axis therebetween; and a connection body that is prohibited from moving relatively to the hydraulic pressure circuit body, wherein the first connecting structure body includes a first target connection tool that is provided in an accommodation body and a first connection tool that locks the first target connection tool in the axis line direction at a wall portion constituting an accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keisuke Ozawa
  • Patent number: 10337534
    Abstract: A vehicle pressure medium device in which a pressure medium flows, has a multilayer design which has at least two mutually contacting layers. A groove-shaped recess is arranged between a first chamber into which a first flow opening opens and a second chamber into which a second flow opening opens when viewed on a plane parallel to the layers. The groove-shaped recess has at least one opening for a fluidic connection between the first chamber and the second chamber on a plane parallel to the layers. A group of molded seals is provided for mounting between the two layers. A fluidic connection is either produced between the first chamber and the second chamber or not depending on the molded seals which are mounted between the two layers and each of which is selected from the group of molded seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Kuhlen, Karsten Schnittger, Andreas Leinung
  • Patent number: 10337535
    Abstract: A hydraulic system (1) is provided comprising a pressure source (2), an output (3), and a pressure booster (6) arranged between the pressure source (2) and the output (3). The operational possibilities of such a system should be extended. To this end inactivating means are provided inactivating or activating said pressure booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MiniBooster Hydraulics A/S
    Inventors: Jan Maiboll Buhl, Jorgen Mads Clausen, Christen Espersen, Leif Hansen, Jacob Madsen, Brian Petersen, Svend Erik Thomsen, Jorgen P. Todsen
  • Patent number: 10337536
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a shape controller controls the shape of a bladder as the bladder inflates. The shape controller includes a first set of regions and a second set of regions. The second set of regions is more flexible than the first set of regions. The shape controller is embedded within, or adjacent to, a wall of the bladder. When the bladder is inflated, the overall shape of the bladder bends in areas adjacent to the more flexible regions of the shape controller. For example, the shape controller may comprise paper and the more flexible regions may comprise creases in the paper. Or, for example, the more flexible regions may comprise notches or indentations. In some implementations of this invention, a multi-state shape display changes shape as it inflates, with additional bumps forming as pressure in the display increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ryuma Niiyama, Lining Yao, Jifei Ou, Sean Follmer, Hiroshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 10337537
    Abstract: A system for determining a health status of a tank is provided. The system includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor coupled to a hydraulic actuator, a breather valve, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a temperature and a volume of a fluid within the tank from the temperature sensor and the sensor coupled to the hydraulic actuator respectively. The controller is configured to determine an estimated pressure of the fluid within the tank based on the received signals and a breather performance curve. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid within the tank and compare it with the estimated pressure. The controller is also configured to determine the health status of the tank and to actuate one or more of an operator console display unit and the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Brinkman, Richard Andrew Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10337538
    Abstract: A shovel includes a first pump 14L; a second pump 14R; a hydraulic swing motor 21; a pump/motor 14A configured to generate an engine-assist torque in response to hydraulic oil from the hydraulic swing motor 21 during swing deceleration; an accumulator 80 configured to accumulate the hydraulic oil flowing out of the hydraulic swing motor 21 during swing deceleration; a regeneration valve 22G configured to switch open/close of transfer from a discharge port 21L to the pump/motor 14A and the accumulator 80; and a controller configured to control the regeneration valve 22G. During swing deceleration, the controller adjusts an open area of the regeneration valve 22G in such a way that a swing flowing-out pressure becomes a swing braking target pressure, and causes the hydraulic oil flowing out of the hydraulic swing motor 21 to flow into the pump/motor 14A and the accumulator 80 at the same pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Eisuke Matsuzaki, Hiroshi Ishiyama, Koichiro Tsukane
  • Patent number: 10337539
    Abstract: An apparatus and system provide drag reduction and energy efficiency for a transport vehicle. Cover sections of transport vehicles are formed to include solar panels comprising photovoltaic cells and dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator arrays. The vehicle cover also generates electricity to charge onboard battery racks. The cover sections are integral with and shaped to conform with areas such as a trunk lid or roof. Fiber Bragg grating sensors are placed to detect formation of a separation layer. Plasma actuator arrays are actuated either to inhibit formation of the separation layer or to create span-wise waves to reduce skin drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Naseem Z Shah
  • Patent number: 10337540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade oscillation preventer comprising an aperture and a sleeve and having a peripheral extent and a longitudinal extent, the preventer being configured for removable application over a wind turbine blade and configured to extend longitudinally thereover and peripherally thereabout; the preventer having a non-aerodynamic exterior surface which exhibits a rough surface capable of disrupting smooth or laminar airflow over a substantial portion of the longitudinal and peripheral extent of the sleeve when the preventer is in place on a wind turbine blade. The preventer further comprises a smooth interior surface extending along a substantial portion of the longitudinal extent of the sleeve. The invention also relates to a method of application of a blade oscillation preventer over wind turbine blades which comprise serrations at a trailing edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Steve Wardropper, Adrian Edwards, Arran Wood
  • Patent number: 10337541
    Abstract: A device for securing an element on a pipe, the device comprising: a compensating member made from elastic material, and two strands that each extend between a first end secured to the compensating member and a second free end; where the strands are able, by junction of the second ends, to form a strap provided to secure the element to the pipe. The compensating member is, on the one hand, stretchable when the device is tightened around the pipe and, on the other hand, gradually shrinkable over time to keep the strap taut when the pipe shrinks. The device may be incorporated in an assembly including an element provided to be secured to the pipe with the device. The assembly may be incorporated in an installation including a pipe. In addition, a method for implementing such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Hervé Courbis
  • Patent number: 10337542
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for retaining a foldable curtain in a stowed position. A curtain retention bracket comprises a U-shaped chambered body having high torsional stiffness and a clasp comprising a flexible strap. The clasp has one end configured to be pivotably coupled to one arm of the U-shaped chambered body and another end configured to be latchable onto the other arm of the U-shaped chambered body. The clasp can be easily opened and closed manually using one hand. The geometry of the clasp is such that forces exerted on it by the stowed curtain cause it to pull tighter closed. The U-shaped chambered body may be produced using an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sean R. Hesslewood, Heidi L. Larson
  • Patent number: 10337543
    Abstract: An adaptor is secured to a first object. The adaptor includes an anchoring part and an adjustment part. The anchoring part includes a distally facing anchoring surface and a proximally facing first control surface. The adjustment part has a distally facing second control surface positioned to abut against the first control surface. The first control surface or the second control surface or both is/are helical. Thereby a relative z position of the adjustment part with respect to the anchoring part is defined by the relative orientation of the adjustment part with respect to the common axis while the second control surface abuts against the first control surface. This is used to adjust the z position of the adjustment part relative to the first object, in connection with the orientation of the adjustment part being defined and possibly fixed by the function of the adaptor/the adjustment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MULTIMATERIAL-WELDING AG
    Inventors: Joakim Kvist, Philipp Bernhard, Martin Sigrist, Laurent Torriani, Mario Weiss, Hannes Merz, Antonino Lanci, Samuel Malzach, Nicholas Aldersley
  • Patent number: 10337544
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a screw connection comprising a support component, an additional component and a screw to fasten the support component to the additional component. The support component has a tube made of thermoplastic foam to accommodate the screw in a friction and positive fit. The screw has a blunt-edged thread, enabling the screw to compress the foam in the tube as it is driven in. The ratio of the inner diameter of the tube to the diameter of the screw depends on the degree of foaming of the tube and decreases as the degree of foaming increases. In comparison to conventional screws, the threads of the screw of the present disclosure penetrate less deeply into the foam or they displace it, preventing damage to the tube while enabling a tight fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Tanja Reithmaier, Norbert Simon, Leonard Dobos, Gregor Hoedl, Johann Petermaier
  • Patent number: 10337545
    Abstract: A tolerance compensating device includes a body having a fastener receiver. A first set of tabs and a second set of tabs are provided around the fastener receiver. The first set of tabs include a first locator feature and the second set of tabs include a second locator feature wherein the first locator feature differs from the second locator feature. An assembly including the tolerance compensating device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Ramirez de Santiago, Jose Enrique Gallardo Almiray
  • Patent number: 10337546
    Abstract: An insert assembly inserted in a gap region provided in a panel to fill the gap region, the insert assembly including a body unit covering the gap region not to be exposed to the outside, an insert unit extended from the body unit and inserted in the gap region, and a hook unit extended a preset distance from the insert unit toward the body unit, the hook unit comprising one end connected to the insert unit and the other end provided as a free end, wherein the body unit, the insert unit and the hook unit are integrally formed with each other as one body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyoseong Gwag, Minchul Kim
  • Patent number: 10337547
    Abstract: An outrigger clamp to couple together two or more nestable tubes. The clamp can include a guide for retaining filament. The guide can rotate about an axis based on the forces applied to the outrigger to better align the filament and guides, and therefore align the forces applied to the outrigger and filament. The retainer can be, for example, one or more rollers that help prevent the filament from becoming creased or kinked during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GEM Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Stewart Onorato, Jason Sarnowski, Erle Matthew Bridgewater
  • Patent number: 10337548
    Abstract: A crack-proof screw includes a thread formed around a shank. A helical notch continuously and helically extends along the shank and is indented into the shank and the thread. The helical notch is proximal to but spaced apart from a tip of the shank. The notch is trapezoidal in cross section, and has a notch bottom, an open end opening at an outer peripheral surface of the shank oppositely of the notch bottom, and two opposite notch walls extending divergingly from the notch bottom to the open end. The open end is larger in width than the notch bottom. A method of making the screw is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Kwantex Research Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 10337549
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a nut and tie rod assembly which includes a composite material tie rod defining a main shaft with an exterior surface. The tie rod is formed from reinforcing fibers encapsulated within a matrix material, and at least a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft defines an engagement structure. The assembly also includes at least one nut which includes an internal cavity with an interior surface defining an engagement structure which is complimentary to the engagement structure defined on the exterior surface of the shaft of the tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignees: Pultron Composites Limited, Bellingham Marine Industries
    Inventors: Martijn Bakker, Peter Granville Holdsworth, Peter Louis Renshaw
  • Patent number: 10337550
    Abstract: A cage nut fastener, capable of installation against a frame member without the aid of tools, includes a spring cage and a nut retained within a space defined by the spring cage and prevented from rotation therein. The spring cage includes a back wall with a wall aperture therethrough, a cage arm extending in a forward direction from a side of the back wall, and a lever arm disposed at a side of the back wall that is opposite the cage arm. The nut includes a nut aperture therethrough that is generally aligned with the wall aperture of the back wall. The lever arm includes an extension portion that extends in a rearward direction behind the back wall of the spring cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jared Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 10337551
    Abstract: A thread repair insert system having a cylindrical body that extends from an upper end to a lower end and includes a threaded exterior surface and a hollow interior having a threaded interior surface. The lower end of the cylindrical body includes a cutting section that includes a plurality of notches that separate threaded sections. The threaded sections include a cutting edge followed in the direction of rotation by a trailing edge. The lower end also tapers or narrows slightly such that the threaded sections transition from partial threads to full threads as they extend upward. As the thread repair insert is rotated into an opening in parent material, the cutting edge cuts material which is forced between the threads of the threaded sections. As the threaded sections transition from partial threads to full threads in the threaded sections, threads are roll-formed in the parent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: GARD SPECIALISTS CO., INC.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Foerster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10337552
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a washer capable of improving a material yield is provided. The method includes: a preparation step of preparing a longitudinal member which includes an upper corrugated portion and a lower corrugated portion including crest portions formed on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface and valley portions continuous to the crest portions in the right-left direction; and a deformation step of deforming the longitudinal member such that the upper surface and the lower surface are arcuate as viewed in the direction from the front to the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirokazu Ochiai
  • Patent number: 10337553
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for securing a transmission shifter cable includes an outer frame and an inner frame disposed at least partially within the outer frame and axially movable relative to the outer frame. The attachment assembly further includes an attachment block disposed at least partially within the inner frame and axially movable relative to the inner frame. An axial displacement of the attachment block secures the inner frame to the outer frame to inhibit axial movement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nikunj Syngal, Dennis Bashur