Patents Issued in June 9, 2020
  • Patent number: 10676287
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction includes an engagement plate for positive engagement with the case. The engagement plate has a planar face and a vacuum source for vacuum attachment to a case outer surface face. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for moving the plate in the transport direction and for rotating the plate a selected angle from the transport direction. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for transporting a case along a conveyor moving in a transport direction are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jon Paul Laskis, Robert C. Beesley, Joshua Riddle
  • Patent number: 10676288
    Abstract: This application discloses a feeding device for a crucible, belonging to the field of display technology. The feeding device includes: a base, a robot arm and a bottle holder. The base is movably connected to one end of the robot arm, the one end of the robot arm can move linearly on the base, a motion trajectory of the robot arm is parallel to a lengthwise direction of the crucible. The bottle holder is disposed at the other end of the robot arm and the bottle holder is rotatable at the other end. This application can protect operator's health, improve production efficiency and reduce production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Luo, Haidong Wu, Kening Zheng
  • Patent number: 10676289
    Abstract: An automatic station for picking up articles which can be used in a machine for packaging articles, which achieves a greater efficiency, relative to the prior art stations, in terms of percentage of the articles picked up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CT PACK S.R.L.
    Inventors: Daniele Davi, Gabriele Canini
  • Patent number: 10676290
    Abstract: A sorter for agricultural items comprising a main frame with a circular horizontal plate having an outer edge cam surface. A circular sub-frame is mounted for rotation about the plate's vertical axis, in parallel relation to the plate. The sub-frame includes plural item cups pivotally mounted on its periphery. The cam surface tilts the cups from a raised loading position, to a horizontal viewing position, to a lowered ejection position. A loading zone includes means for loading an individual item into a respective cup. A viewing zone has camera means for optically viewing individual items as each rolls through the cup, producing an output signal corresponding to reflectivity characteristics. Computer means compares the output signal to predetermined values and produces a corresponding ejection signal. A re-direction zone includes plural ejectors, whereby a selected one of the ejectors ejects the item out its cup in response to an ejection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Woodside Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Paul Cadwell, William Ray Wages
  • Patent number: 10676291
    Abstract: A plenum of distributing a flow of air from an air source includes ports extending from a face element of a body. The ports are configured to direct the flow of air out of the plenum, and the ports are arranged on the face element in a first row having first length, a second row having a second length, and a third row having a third length. The first row is positioned proximate to the top element, the third row is positioned proximate to the bottom element, and the second row is positioned between the first row and the third row. In addition, the second length is greater than the first length and the third length, and a shape of the face element is configured to accommodate the first length of the first row, the second length of the second row, and the third length of the third row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ka Po Catherine Hui, Martin J. Roberge, Joël Jean-Claude Denis, Owen Robert Carlton, Dennis George Thompson
  • Patent number: 10676292
    Abstract: A compact palletizer including a skeleton, stretch wrap system, and a subassembly. Components of the skeleton are constructed of aluminum, which provides advantages over the prior art in terms of strength, rigidity, weight, and cost. The aluminum may be pre-tensioned or prestressed to provide these advantages. The subassembly is preferably mounted to the side of the skeleton. The compact palletizer is readily portable, and robotic elements of the compact palletizer do not need to be reprogrammed after transport, so installation time is substantially reduced compared with prior art palletizers. A compact stretch wrap system further allows for wrapping palletized products within the compact palletizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ROI INDUSTRIES GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Saylor
  • Patent number: 10676294
    Abstract: A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing paddles to sweep particulate matter across a floor may comprise a sweep assembly including at least two units connectable together. The assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnected paddles, a power unit configured to the paddles, a drive unit configured to move the sweep assembly with respect to a surface of the bin below the sweep assembly. In some embodiments, a traction enhancement structure may increase traction of the drive unit on the floor. In some embodiments, a pivot unit is configured to permit a degree of pivotability of the axes of the units with respect to each other, and may be combined with a drive unit. In some embodiments, the power unit includes a rotary electrical power transfer structure configured to transfer electrical power to the power unit when rotating in the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Sioux Steel Company
    Inventors: Joe Harrenstein, Brian Schuelke, Leroy B. Stumpe, Eric Schuld
  • Patent number: 10676295
    Abstract: Monitoring and alerting systems for detecting hazardous conditions at loading docks are disclosed. An example monitoring and alerting system includes a first sensor system to monitor a location of a first brace of a first dock station of the loading dock. The first brace being positionable in a first stored position, a first operative position, and a first transition position, where the first transition position is between the first stored position and the first operative position. A second sensor system is to monitor a location of a second brace of a second dock station of the loading dock adjacent the first dock station. The second brace is positionable in a second stored position, a second operative position, and a second transition position, where the second transition position is between the second stored position and the second operative position. A first signaling device at the first dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Manone, Matthew Sveum
  • Patent number: 10676296
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure a system for capturing proppant dust particles when positioned at a fracking operation site including a proppant delivery assembly to receive one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system dispenses the proppant from the one or more containers and delivers the proppant to other fracking operation equipment. Moreover, the system includes a dust collection assembly positioned proximate and associated with the proppant delivery assembly to capture dust particles released by movement and settling of the proppant when being dispensed and delivered by the proppant delivery assembly. The dust collection assembly is positioned to direct an air flow in a flow path overlying the dust particles to capture the dust particles and move the dust particles away from the proppant thereby reducing risk of dust exposure to fracking operation site personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Oren, Marty Boros, Pete Berveiler, Dave Hansen, Colin Campbell, Mike Edwards, Thomas Massalone
  • Patent number: 10676297
    Abstract: A medium transfer device includes a swinging member, a hopper in which a setting plate on which a plurality of mediums are placed such that the mediums are moved toward the swinging member by gravitation, and a driving unit configured to swing the swinging member such that the mediums are shaken by the swinging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: PFU LIMITED
    Inventor: Shogo Yoshita
  • Patent number: 10676298
    Abstract: A reloading supply system includes a loading cart (100) and a machine (200). The loading cart has a first material tray (120) that includes a first combed surface (122) configured to retain a supply material in the first material tray. The machine has a second material tray (220) that includes a second combed surface (222) configured to retain the supply material in the second material tray after the supply material is transferred from the first material tray of the loading cart to the second material tray of the machine. Teeth (124) of the first combed surface are configured to pass by teeth (224) of the second combed surface. The first combed surface and the second combed surface are configured such that the supply material in the first material tray is transferred to the second material tray as the teeth of the first combed surface pass by the teeth of the second combed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Thomas P. Orsini, Daniel N. LaFrance, Christopher C. Hamlin, Russell T. Christman
  • Patent number: 10676299
    Abstract: A system for robotic sorting includes a bin system comprising a plurality of bins for holding items to be sorted, where each bin is configured to hold more than one of the items. The system further includes an item handling system configured to travel to each of the plurality of bins. The item handling system utilizes a vacuum force to remove an item held in one of the plurality of bins. The item handling system further utilizes one or more curvature generation devices to enable card manipulation. Additionally, the system includes a drive system coupled to the item handling system. The drive system is configured to move and position the item handling system over each of the plurality of bins. The system also includes a control system coupled to the drive system and the item handling system. The control system controls movement of the item handling system and the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Roca Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Lawlor, Nohtal Partansky, Cassio Elias Dos Santos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10676300
    Abstract: The sheet feeding apparatus includes an encoder configured to output a signal according to the rotation state of a retard roller, a feed motor configured to drive a pick-up roller, and a control unit configured to control the feed motor, make the pick-up roller feed a first sheet, and change the timing at which the pick-up roller is made to feed a second sheet following the first sheet, based on a signal output from the encoder after the trailing edge of the first sheet passes a separation nip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keita Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10676301
    Abstract: A material roll includes a core made from expanded metal, and a first sheet of material wound a plurality of times over the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: WALLNER EXPAC, INC.
    Inventor: Michael H. Wallner
  • Patent number: 10676302
    Abstract: A stub plucking device includes a transfer mechanism, a grasping mechanism, and a sensing mechanism. The grasping mechanism is driven by the transfer mechanism to move toward or away from a reel. The grasping mechanism includes a connector mounting a movable clasp, a fixed clasp, and a grasping driving member. The grasping driving member drives the movable clasp to move toward the fixed clasp to grasp an end stub of the reel. The sensing mechanism senses whether a contact force between the fixed clasp and the reel has reached a predetermined force. When the sensing mechanism senses that the contact force between the fixed clasp and the reel has reached the predetermined force, the transfer mechanism drives the grasping mechanism to move a predetermined distance away from the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xi-Hang Li, Eddy Liu, Jun Chen
  • Patent number: 10676303
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for supplying, staging, and/or handling, and/or for replacing rolls (12, 20) with flat material and/or film material wound thereonto and serving as packaging material (22) for packaging piece goods, bundles, or the like sets of articles. Depleted rolls (20) are removed from at least one installation position (EB1, EB2) of a packaging machine (14), and new rolls (12) are mounted into the particular installation position (EB1, EB2), with new rolls (12) being staged to the packaging machine (14) in a specified feeder device. Each of the installation positions (EB1, EB2) of the packaging machine (14) includes at least one rotatable receiving mandrel (70) for the rotatable reception and holding of the rolls (12). The at least one receiving mandrel (70) is shiftable in its axial direction upon removing a depleted roll (20) and/or upon mounting of a new roll (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Irmengard Prankl, Herbert Spindler, Thomas Wimmer, Juergen Werner
  • Patent number: 10676304
    Abstract: A clasp is configured to engage an end of a tube. The clasp has a shaft that is insertable into a tube. The clasp includes a housing with clamping blocks that are spaced circumferentially around the shaft. The clamping blocks are moveable between a disengaged position in which the clamping blocks are spaced radially outwardly from the shaft at a distance sufficient such that a tube is insertable between the shaft and the clamping blocks, and an engaged position in which the clamping blocks are positioned radially inward of the disengaged position toward the shaft and are configured to press a tube disposed between the blocks and the shaft against the shaft. The clasp has at least one actuator engageable with at least one clamping block of the plurality of clamping blocks to move the at least one clamping block between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: PAPER CONVERTING MACHINE COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael E. Techlin
  • Patent number: 10676305
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade configured to cut a sheet that is conveyed along a sheet conveyance path, a scrap path through which scrap generated when the sheet is cut by the blade passes, a guide member configured to guide the sheet conveyed, and a blowing unit configured to blow air such that the air crosses the sheet conveyance path from a side opposite the scrap path with the sheet conveyance path therebetween, wherein the blowing unit blows air such that the air flows along the guide member positioned at a second position at which the scrap is allowed to enter the scrap path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeo Doi
  • Patent number: 10676306
    Abstract: A sheet discharge device of the present invention includes discharge rollers configured to transport a sheet in a predetermined transport direction and to discharge the sheet to a discharge tray, and an upper discharge tray disposed above the discharge tray with a space being interposed therebetween. A bottom face of the upper discharge tray that faces the discharge tray includes a guide rib extending in an oblique direction inclined relative to the transport direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Yoneda, Masahiko Fujita, Masaharu Kimura, Noriaki Taguchi, Yuji Sawa
  • Patent number: 10676307
    Abstract: A tape cutting device includes a device frame adapted to ride along a tape roll. A blade housing may be carried by the device frame. The blade housing may have a pair of spaced-apart tape roll guides and a blade space between the tape roll guides. A blade actuating panel may be pivotally carried by the device frame. A tape cutting blade having a tape cutting edge may be carried by the blade actuating panel. The tape cutting blade may be selectively deployable between a retracted blade position in the blade space and an extended blade position with respect to the blade space in which the tape cutting blade engages the tape roll responsive to pivoting of the blade actuating panel on the device frame. A retaining mechanism may be carried by the tape cutting unit. The retaining mechanism may be adapted to secure the tape cutting unit on the tape roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Lee G. Mallahan, III
  • Patent number: 10676308
    Abstract: Each of a first rotary blade and a second rotary blade includes a rough surface portion and a smooth surface portion. The rough surface portion has a predetermined width from a blade edge at its circumferential edge portion and has an arithmetical mean roughness of greater than 0.5. The smooth surface portion is provided radially inward of the rough surface portion and has an arithmetical mean roughness less than the arithmetical mean roughness of the rough surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Sakurai
  • Patent number: 10676309
    Abstract: A cash box has a storage area for storing several notes of value and a counterpressure unit, which delimits the storage area and is movable between first and second positions. The cash box includes a sensor unit with at least one sensor element, the sensor unit emitting a sensor signal that is dependent on the position of the sensor element. The counterpressure unit has a recess for receiving at least a part of the sensor element. The sensor element and the recess are arranged such that the sensor element is only received whenever the counterpressure unit is in the first position and no note of value is present between the sensor element and the recess. The cash box has a control unit which determines on the basis of the sensor signal of the sensor unit and the position of the counterpressure unit whether the cash box is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International, GmbH
    Inventor: Elmar Berendes
  • Patent number: 10676310
    Abstract: An electrical wire dispenser includes a support member having a first distal end and a second distal end, a base member extending from the first distal end of the support member, the base member having a first distal end, a second distal end, and a bottom surface. The electrical wire dispenser further includes a first support member support leg coupled with the support member, a second support member support leg coupled with the support member, and a plurality of rods coupled with the support member. The electrical wire dispenser is moveable between an expanded first position particularly suitable for dispensing electrical wire from spools and a collapsed second position particularly suitable for transporting the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Arsenio Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10676311
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a device for manufacturing a partial split-fiber fiber bundle and a partial split-fiber fiber bundle obtained are characterized by piercing a fiber splitting means provided with a plurality of protruding parts into a fiber bundle formed from a plurality of single fibers while making the fiber bundle travel along the longitudinal direction thereof and creating a split-fiber processed part, forming entangled parts where single fibers are interlaced at contact parts with the protruding parts in at least one split-fiber processed part, thereafter pulling the fiber splitting means out of the fiber bundle, and after passing through an entanglement accumulation part including the entangled parts, once again piercing the fiber splitting means into the fiber bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kawahara, Tamotsu Suzuki, Katsuhiro Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 10676312
    Abstract: The conceived invention provides both a film applicator and a method for placing a continuous film sleeve around a hose, or a grouping of a plurality of hoses. The sleeve thickness is approximately ½ mil to 20 mils thick, which is suitable for cleanliness protection and reducing the possibility of ripping when the hoses are dragged across a floor. The embodied invention includes a plastic sleeve payout tube, that surrounds and encompasses the hose/hoses. The hoses are routed through the sleeve payout tube when they are hauled into a building to be cleaned. The payout tube stores a compacted length of an enclosing plastic sleeve, and the sleeve pays off as the hoses are dragged into the facility to be cleaned. The initial attachment of the plastic sleeve and hoses is by use of an adhesive tape or an outer clamping strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Garrett M. Gordon
  • Patent number: 10676313
    Abstract: A multi-step reel includes a first hub flange having a first arbor hole and a first platform area located outwardly from the first arbor hole. The first platform area has at least a first and second hub platform, each having a first and second depth dimension, respectively. A first outer flange area extends outwardly from the first platform area. A second hub flange has the identical elements as the first hub flange. One of the first and a second hub platforms of the first hub flange may be positioned adjacent to one of the first and second hub platforms of the second hub flange, defining a width dimension. A locking mechanism may be used to secure the first and second hub flanges together. One or more clips may be used to maintain the desired width dimension between the first and second outer flanges areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Advantek, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Kavanaugh, Raymond J. Bloom, Todd Oliverius
  • Patent number: 10676314
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for allocating elevators of an elevator group to landing calls given in the elevator group, the elevator group having a control unit having a destination call control, which elevator control unit is connected to determining means for the prevailing traffic condition in the elevator group. Further the control unit comprises at least a first and second operating mode which are selected according to the prevailing traffic condition, wherein the first operating mode uses immediate call allocation of the elevators which includes the display of the allocated elevator on a destination operating panel immediately after having issued a landing call and wherein the second mode comprises the allocation of an elevator to a landing call before the arrival of the allocated elevator call to the landing where the landing call has been issued. The invention allows an adaption of destination control to different traffic situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Maarten Van Dijk, Manfred Van Der Heijden
  • Patent number: 10676315
    Abstract: An elevator system is provided and includes at least one car; driving elements, each of the driving elements being configured to drive a corresponding car from a waiting area from which at least one passenger boards the corresponding car; at least one sensor configured to identify a presence of more than one passenger intending to board a car and in the waiting area and configured to determine a characteristic of the more than one passenger; and a controller configured to drive more than one car to the waiting area when a capacity of the corresponding car is less than the characteristic of the more than one passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Emily Baldi
  • Patent number: 10676316
    Abstract: A method for dynamically adjusting a levelling speed limit of an elevator car during a levelling operation includes obtaining an indication that the elevator car is detected to arrive to a zone; obtaining at least one value indicating the speed of the elevator car, in response to detecting that the elevator car arrives to the zone; and dynamically adjusting the levelling speed limit of the elevator car based on the speed of the elevator car. An elevator control unit and a system are provided to perform at least partly the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juha-Matti Aitamurto, Antti Hovi, Ari Jussila, Ari Kattainen
  • Patent number: 10676317
    Abstract: A method for operating an elevator system, which may include at least two cars that can move independently of one another within a common elevator shaft, may involve determining with an elevator controller to cause a first car of the at least two cars to perform a transportation process from a start stopping point to a destination stopping point. The elevator controller may determine a starting time and travel parameters according to which the first car carries out the transportation process from the start stopping point to the destination stopping point. The starting time and the travel parameters may be determined by taking into account state parameters of a second car of the at least two cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Jörg Müller, Stefan Gerstenmeyer
  • Patent number: 10676318
    Abstract: A control system of an elevator can be communicated with by a mobile control device to execute a maintenance and/or installation for the elevator. The control system includes a receiving element for receiving a request to establish a communication connection from the mobile control device, at least one processor to perform a first identification whether the mobile control device is authorized to communicate with the elevator, the at least one processor to perform a second identification whether a user of the mobile control device is authorized for using this mobile control device and/or for servicing this elevator, the at least one processor for matching a right of access of the mobile control device to the elevator depending on results of the first and the second identification, and a communication element to establish the requested communication connection according the matched right of access of the mobile control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: INVENTIO AG
    Inventors: Elena Cortona, Frankie Schmid
  • Patent number: 10676319
    Abstract: A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes a tension member extending along a length of the belt, the tension member including a plurality of fibers bonded in a first polymer matrix, the plurality of fibers extending parallel to and discontinuous along a length of the belt and arranged with one or more lengthwise extending gaps between lengthwise adjacent fibers. A jacket substantially retains the tension member. A method of forming a tension member for an elevator system belt includes arranging a plurality of fibers into a fiber bundle. The plurality of fibers extend parallel to a length of the belt and have one or more lengthwise extending gaps between lengthwise extending fibers. The plurality of fibers is bonded to a first polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark R. Gurvich, Wenping Zhao, John P. Wesson
  • Patent number: 10676320
    Abstract: In an elevator rope, an inner layer rope includes a fiber core that includes a. bundle of fibers; a plurality of inner layer rope strands that each include a plurality of steel wires are disposed around an outer circumference of the fiber core; and a resin inner layer rope coating body that is coated around an outer circumference of the fiber core and a layer of the inner layer rope strands. A plurality of outer layer strands each including a plurality of steel wires are disposed around an outer circumference of the inner layer rope coating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Mitsui
  • Patent number: 10676321
    Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance safety apparatus for an elevator system and a method for operating the same, and belongs to the technical field of elevators. The maintenance safety apparatus of the present invention comprises a safety switch, a door lock device, a linkage control assembly and a linkage locking assembly. The maintenance safety apparatus of the present invention is very simple to operate and is capable of ensuring the safety of the staff entering a hoistway for performing maintenance operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Bin Wang
  • Patent number: 10676322
    Abstract: Provided is a drip-proof device for a passenger conveyer, which is capable of improving working efficiency of maintenance work performed in a machine room. The drip-proof device for a passenger conveyor includes gutters, which are provided to a floor plate for opening and closing an opening portion of a machine room, and are each configured to receive water passing through a gap between wall surfaces of the opening portion and the floor plate, and a gutter displacement device configured to displace the gutters. Each of the gutters is displaced between a water-receiving position for receiving the water passing through the gap and a receiving position for allowing removal of the floor plate through the opening portion. The gutter displacement device includes a rotary member configured to rotate through an operation of the rotary member- and rods configured to displace the gutters through the rotation of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10676323
    Abstract: A flue mounted hoist includes an anchor section for anchoring within a flue hole, and an extendable arm. A winch is provided at the end of the extendable arm for attachment to a boiler. The flue mounted hoist allows safe lifting and installation of a wall-mounted boiler by a single person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: CLEVATECH LTD
    Inventors: Simon Downie, Carl Nesbit
  • Patent number: 10676324
    Abstract: A common connection apparatus for coupling a power tool to an extensible arm and a power supply, the apparatus including a tool support base designed to support a tool, and a power supply support base designed to be affixed to the end of the extensible arm. The tool support base and the power supply support base each include a plurality of power connectors, positioned for engagement when the bases are aligned. The tool support base also has an alignment stab, which is received within a channel of the power supply support base. A plurality of pins are further positioned on the tool support base, to be received in apertures of the power supply support base. By this configuration, the bases may be aligned and engaged, facilitating the transmission of power from the machinery to which the arm is affixed, to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas A Weeks
  • Patent number: 10676325
    Abstract: The hoist track adapter is configured for use with a hoist. The hoist track adapter is configured for use with an I-beam. The hoist track adapter attaches the hoist to the I-beam. The hoist track adapter enables the hoist to move along the track formed by the I-beam while the hoist is under load. The hoist track adapter comprises a cross beam, a plurality of beam trolleys, a plurality of brackets, and a plurality of bolts and nuts. The plurality of bolts and nuts: 1) attach the plurality of beam trolleys to the cross beam; and, 2) attach the plurality of brackets to the cross beam. The plurality of beam trolleys attaches the cross beam to the I-beam. The plurality of brackets attaches the cross beam to the hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Willie Dell
  • Patent number: 10676326
    Abstract: A method for installing a rotor blade on a wind turbine, the rotor blade comprising a blade root for fastening the rotor blade to a hub, a blade tip facing away from the blade root, and a longitudinal axis running from the blade root to the blade tip, and the method comprising the steps of: hoisting the rotor blade using a crane, recording measurement data relating to the position and/or orientation of the rotor blade using at least one measuring means during the hoisting, and transmitting the measurement data to at least one monitoring station for monitoring the hoisting and/or to at least one control facility for controlling the position and/or orientation of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Coners, Fiona Laoda
  • Patent number: 10676327
    Abstract: A method for damping rotational oscillations of a load-handling element of a lifting device is created, wherein at least one controller parameter is determined by a rotational oscillation model of the load-handling element as a function of the lifting height (lH) and wherein, to damp the rotational oscillation of the load-handling element at any lifting height (lH), the at least one controller parameter is adapted to the lifting height (lH).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: B&R INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Staudecker, Thomas J. Frauscher, Ralf Skotschek
  • Patent number: 10676328
    Abstract: A method for controlling a boom of a crane includes saving, in a memory, data representing a maximum horizontal working distance for a load on a hook of a boom, saving, in the memory, boom data representing the position of the boom, calculating a minimum vector between the position of the hook and the maximum horizontal working distance, and controlling, by the computing device, movement of the boom to prevent the vector from reaching a zero magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Benton, Stephen J. Schoonmaker
  • Patent number: 10676329
    Abstract: A balanced cantilevered feeding apparatus for coupling with a jib, and a complementary method for its operation, configured to facilitate depositing and removing of a load through an opening in a building. The apparatus includes two spaced apart upright hoisting assemblies disposed on the jib, and a fly beam hoisted, balanced, and selectively positioned along a lateral axis by the two hoisting assemblies. A load securing member is mounted on a cantilevered extension portion of the fly beam, wherein the member extends beyond one of the two hoisting assemblies toward the building, and a counterweight is connected to the fly beam in the vicinity of another of the two hoisting assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Aviv Carmel
  • Patent number: 10676331
    Abstract: A test unit (412) has an aerial drone (414) which deploys an NDE scanner (416) on a metal surface of the EUT (26) from an aerial drone (414). The test unit (412) has a winch (424) with a winch drive motor (504) and a drive pulley (520) for dispensing and retrieving a deployment tether (418). The winch (424) also includes a reel motor (502) and a reel (496) on which the deployment tether (418) is spooled. The winch drive motor (504) and the reel motor (502) are synchronized to provide a take-up loop (546) formed of the deployment tether (418) which extends between the drive pulley (520) and the reel (496). A take-up arm (512) is connected between the take-up loop (546) and a position sensor (514) for determining the length (544) of the take-up loop (546). The deployment tether (418) is preferably provided by a cogged drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ScanTech Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Alan Dorsey
  • Patent number: 10676332
    Abstract: A plurality of portable lifts are dynamically configured to form a lift system for raising and lowering of vehicle. Each portable lift is added to the lift system and communicates wirelessly with a centralized control module. Some systems guide the user through a sequenced association of lifts in particular relative positions around the vehicle, while others use automatic position-detection techniques to determine those relative positions without explicit user input. Some systems allow definition of subsystems that can be operated together. Flexible controls may selectively allow operation of individual lifts, pairs or subsystems of lifts, or the full system at once. Controls on each lift may communicate commands for other lifts by way of the centralized control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Vehicle Service Group, LLC
    Inventors: Robert William Elliott, Darian Smith, Kevin S. Katerberg, Austin Deuerling, Doug Spiller, Doug Brown
  • Patent number: 10676333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile lifting column for lifting a vehicle, and system and method therefor. The lifting system according to the invention includes: a frame with a moveable carrier configured for carrying the vehicle; a drive which acts on the carrier and is configured for raising and/or lowering the carrier relative to the frame; a displacement mechanism configured for positioning the lifting column; and a controller configured for controlling movement of the carrier, wherein the displacement mechanism has a displacement frame including a housing, a wheel that can be moved relative to this frame between a displacement and a stationary position, a counter force element, and a steering handle that is operatively coupled to the wheel with a linkage mechanism that is configured for moving the wheel relative to this frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Stertil B.V.
    Inventor: Jurjen Jan De Jong
  • Patent number: 10676334
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerial work platform including: a frame (1) mounted on wheels (4, 5); a work platform (3) mounted on a lifting mechanism (2); two side bars (10) arranged under the frame and movable relative to said frame between: either a raised position, and/or a lowered position in which said bars extend past the frame toward the ground; and an actuator (30) assigned solely to actuating the two bars to move said bars between these two positions, the actuator having two opposite ends by means of which said actuator moves the two bars by varying the distance between the two ends. The actuator moves each of the two bars by means of another of the two ends and is maintained only by the two ends. This actuation device is particularly simple, compact, and cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: HAULOTTE GROUP
    Inventor: Emmanuel Pithoud
  • Patent number: 10676335
    Abstract: A fluid funnel includes an open-topped mouth for receiving DEF or other liquids from a jug or other source; an elongated hollow stem depending from the mouth for directing the fluids from the mouth into a DEF tank or other fluid receptacle; and a tapered throat that joins the mouth and stem. The funnel more effectively direct fluids into a tank, even when the funnel is tilted; inhibits fluids from backing-up into the mouth and/or spilling out of the funnel; prevents displaced air from bubbling up through fluids in the mouth; and more firmly engages and seats within a tank port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Vicki Sickler, David D. McCormick
  • Patent number: 10676336
    Abstract: A beverage supplying device comprising: a touch panel for receiving an operation for selecting a main syrup constituting a main beverage, and a topping syrup added as flavoring to the main beverage; a second syrup solenoid valve for opening and closing a passage for supplying the topping syrup that is stored under pressure in a syrup tank; a second syrup pump for intermittently supplying the topping syrup while the second syrup solenoid valve is open, the second syrup pump being provided to the passage for supplying the topping syrup between the syrup tank and the second syrup solenoid valve; and a nozzle for producing the main beverage by mixing the main syrup with water or carbonated water at a prescribed ratio, and producing a beverage by mixing the topping syrup with the main beverage without diluting the topping syrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Makino, Akira Goitsuka, Fumihiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10676337
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus including at least one multiple lever-switching assembly where the lever assembly has a plurality of levers and valves configured to dispense fluids, flavorings, syrups, and optionally pressurized gas through one or more channels in each of the assemblies. The levers are part of a mechanical hydraulic system, that is not reliant on electrical connections to control or regulate the dispensing of fluids. Each set of levers can operate independently or in combination with other levers on the assembly, and can further actuate individual valves or more than one valve within the body of each assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Automatic Bar Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hecht
  • Patent number: 10676338
    Abstract: A water spout sanitary cover is provided. The cover is disposable and is configured to fit over a portion of the water spout to provide a sanitary layer. The cover may prevent microbial transfer between the spout, water, and a vessel being filled with water. The cover is disposable, and replaceable, and may be provided in a stacked dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Dianna Ploss